The bad results keep coming and nothing seems to change at FC Nantes. If we hope that the truce will breathe new life into this team, nothing seems to be going in that direction. If the club does not return to victory this Sunday, what about the future of Kombouaré? Tribune Nantaise therefore looked at potential replacements for the latter if he were to be thanked.
Two sure values from Ligue 1 on the market
Lucien Favre et Rudi Garcia have been free since their respective departures from OGC Nice and Napoli. Given their experience, particularly in Ligue 1, we can think that they could be candidates who will interest the managers of FC Nantes.
The first, who first cut his teeth in Switzerland, before making himself known in Germany with Herta Berlin then Borussia Mochengladbach, had an excellent first stint in Nice. 3rd with the Aiglons during the 2016/17 season, he will finish in 8th place the following season. Back in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, he will be dismissed by the club during his 3rd season with the Jaune-et-Noir. Returning to Nice for the 2022/23 season, it was not very conclusive. However, now aged 67, a return to competition would be surprising, even if he has not officially retired.
Rudi Garcia is only 60 years old, seeing him take over the reins of a club would seem more logical. He who has a lot of experience in France (OL, OM, ASSE, LOSC, Dijon, Le Mans) also has a nice CV in Italy (Naples, AS Rome). After a stint in Saudi Arabia at Al-Nassr, he returned to Europe with the Neapolitans, reigning champions. However, he will be dismissed in November, after results below expectations with players who seemed lost on the pitch.
While their experience is interesting, their latest experiments haven't gone very well. Enough to discourage the Kita?
An impossible return?
Which Nantes supporter would not dream of a return of Sergio Conceição ? The Portuguese coach, free from any contract since his departure from Porto, had a good time at Nantes during the 2016/17 season. Indeed, by finishing 7th in Ligue 1, he had obtained the club's best result since the 2003/04 season.
However, after a successful stint with his long-time club, will he want to set foot back into the doldrums of Nantes? That is the question. While rumors sent him to AC Milan, OM or recently to Stade Rennais, what will Nantes' arguments be to bring him back? A return therefore seems complicated.
An option at the club?
As we saw with Pierre Aristouy, it is not impossible that the Nantes leaders will look at one of the club's coaches to replace Antoine Kombouaré. Indeed, in a financially complicated situation, recruiting from the club would not be a bad idea. Who are the internal candidates?
Like Pierre Aristouy, Stéphane Moreaucoach of the U19s, could be an option. After his exploits in the Youth League, he has significant legitimacy.
We could also think of Stéphane Ziani. Indeed, he, who has been at the club since 2017, has coached the U19s and today manages the reserves. With these two names, we could hope to see a lot of young people on the pitch.
Finally, the option Nicolas Chabot should not be neglected. Young and without much experience, he transformed the women's team up to D1 Arkema when they were initially supposed to be relegated to D3. However, the step might be too high for someone who is only 30 years old.
And you, who would you like as coach if Antoine Kombouaré leaves?
