Legends
Antoine Kombouaré: PSG's Bete Noire
Popularly known in Paris as "Casque d'Or" (The Golden Helmet), Antoine Kombouaré was an influential player for Paris Saint-Germain. But as a manager, he has managed to be a thorn in the side of his former club on more than one occasion -- here's a closer look at some of them ahead of his FC Nantes side taking on the Ligue 1 McDonald's champions.
The Reunion-born Kombouaré got his start with Nantes, but his star was well and truly made in the French capital. After joining Les Parisiens in 1990, he would win the Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and memorably help the team reach the semifinals of the Champions League, playing as captain as they upset a vaunted Barcelona team. A long career as a manager would follow, including a spell on the sidelines at the Parc des Princes, but despite taking charge of a number of lesser-heralded sides, Kombouaré has been able to shock the capital side at nearly all of his previous stops. Ahead of tomorrow's clash, here are some of his more memorable encounters:
Ligue 1, 2008/2009: Valenciennes FC 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain
After struggling in his first job with RC Strasbourg, Kombouaré first made a name for himself with Valenciennes, a modest side from the northern reaches of France. In ten matches in charge at the Stade du Hainaut, Kombouaré lost just twice to the capital side, and this match, played as part of the penultimate round of matches, was particularly costly, as it saw them slip out of the European places. Johan Audel was decisive with a goal and an assist, and less than a month later, Kombouaré was appointed manger of his former club.
Ligue 1 2016/2017: EA guingamp 2-1 Paris saint-germain
While AS Monaco would finish this season as runaway champions, the fact that Unai Emery's side could be fallible was clear in this December encounter. An impressive veteran side led by captain Jimmy Briand would finish comfortably mid-table this season -- their best season in two decades, and one of their top results was this comprehensive home win over PSG, then battling the likes of OGC Nice and the Monégasques for the title.
Ligue 1 2020/2021: Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 FC Nantes
In one of the most dramatic title races in recent memory, this result also cost Paris Saint-Germain dearly. Kombouaré had been brought in to his former club Nantes as a firefighter, having been appointed just weeks earlier. Nantes came into this match 18th, while the holders were second, and despite an opening goal from Julian Draxler, the visitors showed gumption to battle back, with Randal Kolo Muani netting a goal and an assist. PSG would miss out on the title by a single point, and Nantes would avoid the drop by beating another of Kombouaré's former sides, Toulouse FC, in the playoffs.
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