Clément Pédron, Media365, published on Saturday January 4, 2025 at 11:11 p.m.
Present at a press conference after the draw between Lille and Nantes on Saturday evening (1-1), Antoine Kombouaré, the Canaries coach, refused to speak to the media, regretting the overly affirmative articles mentioning his departure from the FCN.
Antoine Kombouaré did not deviate from his rule set recently: not to answer any questions from the press. Saturday evening, Kanak still respected its obligations following the draw between Lille and Nantes on behalf of the 16th day of Ligue 1 (1-1), namely presenting itself at a press conference. However, the Yellow and Green coach had one idea in mind when he spoke: “I'm not going to be long,” said AK. I sent a message on Thursday, I have the impression that we didn't understand. Some people called me a demagogue, so I didn't like it. The message I wanted to convey is that when we are wrong, we say it, we make a mea culpa. I will follow through with my approach. Today I don't speak. On the other hand, next week, if I'm still coach of FC Nantes, it's over, we'll move on. »
How did we get there? Last Thursday, in front of the press, Antoine Kombouaré regretted the treatment he received from the media. The latter have in recent weeks announced too affirmatively, according to him, his dismissal from FC Nantes. Still in place at the time of writing these lines, the coach therefore believes that the press must, according to him, not apologize but take responsibility for its error.
Kombouaré: “That the leaders meet other coaches? It’s normal”
Before this (express) press conference, Antoine Kombouaré also stopped at the microphone of DAZN, the broadcaster of the meeting. And the context surrounding his position was obviously mentioned. Above all, Kanak indicated that the search for his replacement by his own leaders did not worry him. “I was called a demagogue because I supposedly didn’t know the industry,” adds Kombouaré. But I know too well when you are misclassified. I even told Franck Kita (Deputy CEO) that meeting other coaches was normal. We're not going to stop him from doing his job. I train and no one tells me anything so I continue. I know they are negotiating to find a coach. […] The problem is that the written press did not mention my departure in the conditional. The press was wrong, it must say it quietly, it must take responsibility and it's over. The press doesn't want to do it, I don't show up in these conditions. »
