Ligue 1: FC Nantes relegated to Ligue 2 after thirteen consecutive seasons in the elite

On Friday, May 8th at Bollaert, Nantes faced a crucial match for the 33rd day of Ligue 1. Nantes needed a win to stay in the elite league against Lens. However, the Canaries lost to the Sang et Or (1-0) and have been relegated to Ligue 2. Lens, on the other hand, secures their place in the Champions League next season. Following a late goal (82nd minute) by Mezian Mesloub, Lens reduces their gap to PSG to three points, who will play against Brest on Sunday.

Lens and PSG will face each other on Wednesday, May 13th in a rescheduled match from the 29th day that promises to be decisive.

Nantes’ relegation to Ligue 2 was almost inevitable due to poor sport management, despite a recent victory (3-0) against Marseille. The arrival of coach Vahid Halilhodzic in March briefly improved the situation, but Nantes has been in the relegation zone since the 14th day of the league. The decision to engage Luis Castro as a coach, known for his success with Dunkerque in Ligue 2, turned out to be a disaster, leading to a series of setbacks and eventual relegation.

The choice of Waldemar Kita to appoint Ahmed Kantari as coach also failed, resulting in a string of defeats in a short period. The historic football club, Nantes, with eight titles, descends to a lower tier for the third time in the 21st century. Despite some successes, such as reaching the 7th and 9th positions, Nantes has faced turbulent times with a revolving door of coaches under Kita’s leadership, lacking sporting coherence.

Kita, feeling misunderstood, expressed frustration for not being recognized for his football knowledge, blaming his lack of intervention this season for Nantes’ downfall. The discontent among supporters has grown, critiquing the lack of a sports director or a clear recruitment strategy, and questioning the role of Kita’s son as the club’s general director.

As the financial backbone of the club for years, Kita’s future actions will determine the fate of Nantes. Despite injecting 45 million euros this season, a more critical assessment of his leadership is needed to prevent a bleak future for Nantes.