FC Nantes have announced their decision to part ways with head coach Luis Castro. Having joined the club last June, the Portuguese failed to satisfy the club’s management, for whom last weekend’s defeat to Lens (1-2) proved to be the last straw. Currently 17th in Ligue 1 with only 11 points and two wins to their name, their worst record since 2007, Les Canaris now trail Auxerre, now in the relegation play-off spot, by one point, and Le Havre, the first team above the drop zone, by four.
“FC Nantes would like to thank Luis Castro and his staff for their professionalism and dedication on a daily basis. The club wishes them all the best for the future,” the club said in a statement released on Thursday.
Ahmed Kantari appointed to save Nantes
In an attempt to turn the situation around, Ahmed Kantari, Antoine Kombouare’s assistant at Nantes last season, has been appointed to head up the professional team. The former Moroccan international defender, who played for PSG, Brest, and Lens, among others, still has limited experience as a head coach.
Named to lead Valenciennes in December 2023, he failed to keep the club in Ligue 2, then had an up-and-down start to the 2024-25 season in third division, which ultimately led to his dismissal by management.
