Nantes have decided to part ways with head coach Antoine Kombouaré, according to L’Equipe. The former PSG centre-back was no longer seen as the ideal fit to lead Les Canaris into the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season. Kombouaré’s contract was set to expire in 2026, but Nantes have decided to act now after another middling season from the 8-time French champions. The Loire-Atlantique side has finished the season in 13th place, just three points ahead of 16th-placed Reims, who will face Metz in the relegation play-off in the coming days.
The outlet understands that Nantes deputy CEO Franck Kita- the son of president and owner Waldemar Kita – has met with Kombouaré to inform him that his formative club will part ways with him. It is the second time in his coaching career that Kombouaré has been let go by Nantes. After being dismissed by Nantes in 2023, the former PSG head coach returned in the dugout at La Beaujoire, last year, when Les Canaris were embroiled in a relegation battle following Jocelyn Gourvennec’s dismissal.
L’Equipe understands that Nantes intend to bid their time in looking for Kombouaré’s successor. Free agent Pierre Sage and Dunkerque head coach Luis Castro have been touted as potential suitors.
