NANTES, France, May 20, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Nantes ended Antoine Kombouare's second spell as coach by sacking him on Tuesday despite saving them from relegation from Ligue 1, a source close to the club told AFP.

The 61-year-old, who in his first spell guided the Canaries to the 2022 French Cup, had a year left on his contract.

Although Nantes finished 13th they only preserved their place in Ligue 1 in the final match of the campaign -- a 3-0 win over already relegated Montpellier -- and were only three points clear of the relegation playoff spot.

The former PSG player and coach had become increasingly unpopular, due to the style of football he employed, even with the supporters, who for a long time were his strongest defenders.

He was already under pressure in mid-season but owing to a lack of potential replacements the board opted to retain him and shake-up his backroom staff.

Whoever replaces Kombouare at the eight-time champions, whose last title dates back to 2001, faces many challenges, not least that the club has been embroiled in a relegation battle in four of the past five seasons.