The truths about the imbroglio between Habib Beye and FC Nantes

This winter 2024, Waldemar and Franck Kita wanted to bring new blood to the Nantes bench after a bad start to the season. Fourteenth in Ligue 1 with 14 points, the French team has a sad record of 3 wins, 5 draws and 7 defeats after 15 days spent under the orders of Antoine Kombouaré. To succeed him and breathe new life into his project, the Kita family has targeted a coach capable of breathing energy and renewal into the team. And she quickly set her sights on Habib Beye. Author of good work at Red Star, the 47-year-old technician has seen his name associated with several elite teams in recent months. Ready for the highest level of French football, he welcomed the interest from Nantes very positively.

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Beye made a strong impression during her interview

A club that interested him and within which he projected himself very clearly. This was also felt during his long interview with Waldemar and Franck Kita. Beye was the first coach who was received for a meeting. He knew how to be professional and convinced the Kita, who then asked him to put together his staff, we were told. All the lights were green. The two parties quickly agreed on the conditions of its signature. The contract has been established, validated and sent, with the time of signature. The idea was to dismiss Antoine Koumbouaré on Friday morning and to present Habib Beye immediately in the afternoon. The Kita also wanted the new coach to lead the team on Saturday in the Coupe de France against Drancy, the day after his presentation.

Which surprised Beye, who did not want to rush and who suggested that a temporary worker direct this match as he would not have been able to work with the players of the week. What the Kita finally understood. But the rest of the discussions took an unexpected turn. While everything seemed good, the file finally fell through. Indeed, when Beye began to talk about his staff, the managers let him know that they wanted him to come with someone experienced. To which Beye replied that he had confidence in his staff, which included competent people. He said he prefers to work with people he trusts and doesn't want to bring in someone he doesn't know.

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Everything was planned for his arrival

The parties had to agree in particular regarding the physical trainer. A thorny issue. Indeed, Habib Beye, who was entrusted with a six-month mission with significant budgetary constraints, directly linked to the financial repercussions of the dismissal of Antoine Kombouaré, had limited room for maneuver to constitute a technical staff in the middle of the season . Poaching trusted collaborators already involved in other clubs proved almost impossible, as did convincing other targets to accept a project marked by great uncertainty, both sporting and organizational. Despite these difficulties, several professionals enthusiastic about joining Habib Beye were approached.

This was the case of Grégory Dupont, who agreed before retracting for personal reasons. Another profile experienced in Ligue 1 was also presented by Beye. But the Kitas totally panicked when they learned of Grégory Dupont's retraction. Faced with the instability of the Nantes project, other profiles have chosen to play it safe by remaining in their current situations. Finally, only free physical trainers remained. But FC Nantes categorically refused these options and gave priority to the immediate presence of a complete staff rather than banking on the competence and leadership of a coach.

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Fatal doubts

Habib Beye, aware of the constraints, showed himself to be flexible and determined. But the coach's first doubts nevertheless arose when Nantes decided to postpone the signing after Grégory Dupont's withdrawal. This choice was perceived as a short-term vision and a lack of consideration for Habib Beye, who was cooled by the attitude of the leaders towards him and he backed down. Very disappointed, Beye could not see himself working in these conditions. He believes that he had to embark on a project with complete confidence otherwise it was not worth it. It remains to be seen which bench Habib Beye will start on.