Key Takeaways:
- Ahmed Kantari was dismissed as Nantes manager following a 0-1 home defeat to Angers SCO last weekend
- Vahid Halilhodžić, aged 73, is expected to take charge in an effort to steer the club away from relegation
- Nantes are currently second from bottom in Ligue 1 with 17 points, trailing AJ Auxerre by two points with nine matches remaining
Managerial Change at Nantes
FC Nantes have opted to terminate Ahmed Kantari’s tenure as manager, as initially reported by Ouest France. Kantari, who was brought in to succeed Luis Castro last December, had been feeling the pressure after enduring a challenging spell at the helm. The decision was prompted by the team’s 0-1 defeat to Angers SCO at home last weekend, ending a disappointing run that saw Nantes lose nine out of 12 matches across all competitions.
🚨🚨 𝗩𝗔𝗛𝗜𝗗 𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗟𝗛𝗢𝗗𝗭𝗜𝗖 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗟𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜̂𝗡𝗘𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗨 𝗙𝗖 𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗦 ! 👔💛💚
Ahmed Kantari est viré. 👋
🗞️ @lequipe pic.twitter.com/r4h0r5Xuk2
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) March 10, 2026
Halilhodžić Poised for Third Stint at the Club
Vahid Halilhodžić, aged 73, is expected to be confirmed as the club’s new manager. Halilhodžić is no stranger to Nantes, having both played for the team between 1981 and 1986 and managed Les Canaris from 2018 to 2019. He returns at a precarious time, with the objective of preventing the club from dropping into the second division.
Upcoming Fixtures and Relegation Battle
Nantes are currently entrenched in the relegation zone, occupying second-bottom spot in Ligue 1 with only 17 points from their campaign. With just nine games left to salvage their season, they are two points behind AJ Auxerre, who currently occupy the play-off position. The club faces a daunting schedule before season’s end, including fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain, Racing Club de Lens, Olympique de Marseille, and Stade Rennais.
The Challenge Ahead
With formidable opponents on the horizon and precious few matches left to turn the tide, Halilhodžić’s impending appointment represents a bold attempt by the club’s hierarchy to rescue their season. Nantes supporters will be watching closely to see if the experienced manager can repeat past successes and preserve their Ligue 1 status.
