Key Takeaways:
- Luís Castro has been dismissed as manager of FC Nantes after overseeing only 15 matches
- Ahmed Kantari has taken over managerial duties on an interim basis until the end of the season, after serving as assistant manager
- Nantes are currently level with FC Metz at the bottom of the league on 11 points
Managerial Changes at the Beaujoire
FC Nantes have ended Luís Castro’s tenure as manager after just 15 games in charge. Despite joining from USL Dunkerque, where he successfully guided the team to the Ligue 2 play-offs and reached the semi-finals of the Coupe de France last season, Castro managed to claim only two victories during his time at the helm, which has led to his early departure. He had originally replaced Antoine Kombouaré.
Le FC Nantes annonce ce jour la nomination d’Ahmed Kantari au poste d’entraîneur principal de son équipe professionnelle.
Il prend ses fonctions dès aujourd’hui, entouré de son staff, en vue du déplacement à Angers.
Le communiqué → https://t.co/aIuhxcz54T pic.twitter.com/iFnZGVmyjo
— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) December 11, 2025
Ahmed Kantari Appointed as Interim Manager
The club have swiftly moved to install Ahmed Kantari as interim manager. Kantari, previously acting as assistant manager, has now been tasked with overseeing first-team duties until the conclusion of the current campaign. Nantes confirmed in a press release on Thursday that Eric Blahic and Stéphane Mangione will support Kantari in their roles as assistants.
Nantes’ Current Situation
Kantari inherits a team with just 11 points, the joint-lowest tally in the league, matching rock-bottom FC Metz. With survival in the division at stake, Kantari’s immediate challenge will be to galvanise the squad and steer them away from the relegation zone.
| Manager | Games in Charge | Wins | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luís Castro | 15 | 2 | Sacked |
| Ahmed Kantari | 0 | 0 | Interim Manager |
