FC Nantes president Waldemar Kita has issued a public apology to the club's former manager Luis Castro, walking back previous critical comments. In an official statement released by the club, Kita stated he holds no animosity towards the Portuguese coach, describing Castro as a football man and a professional whom he never intended to denigrate. The apology comes after Castro indicated he was considering legal action to defend his honour and reputation in response to Kita's original remarks.
Kita's statement represents a significant retraction, as the president had previously been openly critical of the coaches who led Nantes during a difficult season that sees the club perilously close to Ligue 1 relegation. In his new communiqué, Kita extended his contrition to acknowledge a collective responsibility for the team's struggles, explicitly including his own role. "The sporting difficulties experienced this season are collective and involve the entire club, starting with myself as president," he stated.
The public dispute stems from a season of profound underperformance at La Beaujoire. Luis Castro was appointed as Nantes manager in December 2023 but was dismissed in February 2024 after just eleven league matches in charge, with the team winning only twice under his guidance. His departure was part of a turbulent campaign that has seen Nantes cycle through multiple managers while battling at the bottom of the table.
Kita's initial criticism appeared to place considerable blame on the dugout, but his latest comments signal a shift in tone as the season reaches its climax. The club's statement aims to draw a line under the public feud, potentially to foster unity for a critical final push to avoid the drop. Nantes currently sit in a relegation play-off spot, just one point above the automatic relegation places with a handful of games remaining.
For Luis Castro, the apology may serve to publicly restore his reputation after a brief and unsuccessful tenure in France. The 62-year-old manager, who previously coached at Porto and Botafogo, has not commented publicly since Kita's apology was issued. The resolution likely prevents a protracted and distracting legal dispute for both parties, allowing Castro to focus on his future career opportunities and Nantes to concentrate solely on its survival fight.
