A first match as coach of FC Nantes and a first victory. 2 goals to 1 for the Canaries against Nice. Great pride for Antoine Kombouaré, who regained his place as coach of the yellows and greens on March 17.
It was a return awaited by FC Nantes and its players. For his first match as coach, Antoine Kombouaré secured a first victory, 2 goals to 1 for the Canaries against Nice on Sunday. “Lots of pride”, for the Caledonian, faced with the behavior of his players “who had a great match”. “I feel joy, because it was not a foregone conclusion to come and win in Nice”, adds the coach.
“The players showed an impeccable state of mind. The victory was deserved. We had a great match”, continues Antoine Kombouaré. The Caledonian resumed his position as club coach on March 17. He succeeds Jocelyn Gourvennec.
“Emotionally, it was very hard for me”, reveals the coach. “The players were monstrous in the first half. The team did not explode afterwards, despite Nice’s equalizer. In difficulty, we know that they are capable of playing for each other. This is an extraordinary collective performance”, welcomes Antoine Kombouaré.
A great victory which is only the beginning for the Canaries coach. “I congratulated them (…) but it’s only the beginning. This is not why maintaining [en ligue 1] is acquired”.
The opportunity to once again appreciate the adrenaline of competition for the Caledonian, “after ten months on vacation”. The former club defender was coach of the Canaries from February 2021 to May 2023. He took Nantes to the final of the Coupe de France and the round of 16 of the Europa League.
Good results difficult to maintain after his departure, with a 2024 season so far very complicated for the young and green players. Nantes lost seven games at the start of the year. Kombouaré’s return was therefore expected and he did not disappoint. “I liked the idea of helping my favorite club to survive. With a group of which 17 of the 23 players were with me last season”, concludes Antoine Kombouaré.
