If LOSC is near the top, Nantes is in the fight to secure its place in Ligue 1 next season. And after having experienced the episode of Antoine Kombouaré's false start, the people of Nantes will try to get back into working order. Explanations.
A workforce at the end of the cycle?
Fighting to maintain its position for several seasons, FC Nantes aimed to renew its workforce during the off-season. A mission which was not really carried out, a base not having been found for players like Alban Lafont, Jean-Charles Castelletto or even Mostafa Mohamed. As a result, the players in question have not performed the same since the start of the season. Already relegated to the bench, Alban Lafont is now pushed out with the recruitment of Anthony Lopes.
A weakened coach?
This was the soap opera at the end of 2024. Very close to dismissal, Antoine Kombouaré seemed doomed even before the 32nd final of the Coupe de France against Drancy. And if the path leading to Sergio Conceicao seemed quite far-fetched, the Nantes leaders pushed negotiations to a very advanced stage with Habib Beye. After an interview deemed conclusive with the current Canal+ consultant, sources differ regarding the failure of this avenue, between the inability of the person concerned to form a staff and a last minute change of heart on the part of the family Kita. In the absence of a final agreement, Antoine Kombouaré therefore remained in post with a renewed staff.
A Simon addiction
If FC Nantes is not relegated, having a one point lead over Le Havre, the Canaries owe it largely to Moses Simon, author of 4 goals and 5 assists, more than half of the goals scored by his team (9 out of 17). While the other offensive players are struggling to make a statement, the Nigerian international is surviving, notably proving decisive against top-tier opponents like Rennes, Lens and Nice. Never as comfortable as in transition, he will certainly represent a permanent danger for the LOSC defense.
LOSC – NANTES
16th day of Ligue 1
Saturday January 4, 7 p.m.
Pierre Mauroy Stadium, Villeneuve d'Ascq
Photo credits: Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport
France
Soccer
