Season Preview #11: FC Nantes

With the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season fast-approaching, we’re running through every team in the league, giving you all you need to become a Ligue 1 expert. Every day from now until the season kicks off on August 16, we’ll preview two clubs every day, breaking down their key moves and how the season is likely to unfold for them.

FC Nantes

Founded: 1943

Stadium: Stade de la Beaujoire

Nickname(s): Les Canaris, La Maison Jaune

Manager: Antoine Kombouaré (fifth season overall)
A product of the club's academy who appeared in nearly 200 matches, Kombouaré was at the helm as the team reached consecutive Coupe de France finals, winning the first in 2022, the club's first major honor in two decades. His relationship with sometimes prickly owner Waldemar Kita saw him leave the following season, only to be appointed in a "fireman" role last season, where helped the team avoid relegation. Now back for another season, he'll be a vital presence in steadying the ship

Last season: 14th, Ligue 1

Cult hero: Nicolas Pallois

Despite having hinted at retirement in 2022, having won the Coupe de France, Pallois, who will be 37 in September, continues to soldier on as one of the lynchpins of the team's defence. He may have lost a step in terms of his pace, but his leadership abilities and determination make him a valuable part of the squad, even as he's unlikely to play more than a handful of matches.

Key arrivals:

Nantes have quietly put together a very impressive summer window, not including their club record purchase of Matthis Abline, whose form in the run-in last season was decisive. Johann Lepenant was impressive for Lyon before falling out of favor under Pierre Sage, and looks an ideal partner for Pedro Chirivella in midfield, while Tino Kadewere is another former Gone who will be eager to get back to the form that saw him hit double figures in the 2020/21 season. 

Key departures:

Nantes haven't made any major sales in the summer, but some roles are still in need of replacing, with the veteran midfielder Moussa Sissoko having returned to England, and on-loan defender Eray Cömert also not having extended his stay. Samuel Moutoussamy is out of contract, and while he wasn't a regular starter, he also takes with him nearly a decade of experience in midfield.

Season Outlook:

On paper, Nantes should again survive -- their continuity and depth in many positions will surely work in their favor, but glaring holes remain in several positions. The team have no natural left-sided defender, either in a back three or a back four, and could be forced into playing three at the back or using one of Fabien Centonze or Jean-Kévin Duverne out of positions. In attack, Kombouaré seems to have too many players to strike a balance -- the cost of Abline underscores the importance of his development, but much of his brilliance last season came after Moses Simon suffered a serious injury. How does he fit into an attacking corps that already includes the Nigerian, Florent Mollet, Mostafa Mohamed, Ignatius Ganago and new signings Kadewere and Sorba Thomas? If Kombouaré can keep his forwards, survival should be a near-certainty, but one senses there are more changes to come at the Beaujoire.

Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Lafont; Amian (or Duverne), Castelletto, Zézé, Centonze; Chirivella, Lepenant; Kadewere (or Thomas), Mollet, Simon; Abline 

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