Losing speed in the rankings, FC Nantes has been going through a deep crisis of results for almost three months. In danger, Antoine Kombouaré maintains the confidence of his leaders and seems the ideal coach for this type of situation.
Antoine Kombouaré coach of FC Nantes, Photo credit: Icon Sport
Fired from FC Nantes a year and a half ago, Antoine Kombouaré was recalled by the Nantes leaders last March. And for the second time, the French technician managed to save the Canaries from relegation to Ligue 2. A rescue mission which earned him a two-season extension, with a comfortable salary. A reward worthy of the stakes, the scale of which he seemed the only one to be able to measure.
Kombouaré, the firefighter on duty
A converted coach for almost 20 years, Antoine Kombouaré is an experienced technician. Very early in his career, he was faced with the pressure of going downhill. On the Valenciennes bench, with few resources, AK achieved the feat of keeping the team among the elite three seasons in a row. After PSG, Saudi Arabia and Lens to gain experience at all levels, Kombouaré donned the costume of a service firefighter. First in Dijon, in 2019, after a successful rescue mission. Then in Nantes, in 2021, after a victory over Toulouse in the play-offs.
If Kita gives him time…
In a critical period of eight games without a victory, FC Nantes is tense. Except Antoine Kombouaré, who knows this kind of situation too well. Serene, the technician seems to have the weapons to pilot his FC Nantes. And if Waldemar Kita still trusts him, despite the current dark streak, it is because he is aware – despite the lack of closeness between them – that his trainer is cut out for this kind of mission.
