Luis Castro no longer Nantes coach, Ahmed Kantari to replace him | OneFootball

Luis Castro was dismissed by Nantes on Wednesday, Ouest-France reports, with Ahmed Kantari set to take charge for the next six months.

The decision came hours after his pre-match press conference and two days before Friday’s trip to Angers, kick-off 20:45. A formal announcement is expected on Thursday.

Kantari will be assisted by Eric Blahic, whose arrival the hierarchy resisted in May 2018 when he was linked with Jocelyn Gourvennec. Stéphane Mangione also joins, along with fitness coach Gilles Marambaud.

The 40-year-old left positive impressions at La Jonelière and several people reportedly suggested his name. The former defender has worked as a Ligue 1+ pundit since the summer and had applied to succeed Antoine Kombouaré.

Castro, 45, learned of the decision at La Beaujoire while watching a Youth League match. A discussion with deputy chief executive Franck Kita earlier in the day sealed his fate.

In his press conference, he may have indirectly targeted Kita, which may have further counted against him alongside results. Nantes are 17th with 11 points, the worst tally of the Kita era. Kantari will become the 19th head coach under Waldemar Kita.

Source: L'Équipe