FC Nantes president Waldemar Kita has issued a public apology to the club's former manager Luis Castro, retracting previous critical comments. In a statement released by the Ligue 1 club, Kita expressed regret, stating he bore no animosity towards the Portuguese coach. "I would like to recall with clarity: I have no animosity towards Luis Castro," Kita said. "Luis Castro is a football man and a professional, and it was never my intention to denigrate him."
The apology comes after Castro, who managed Nantes from December 2022 until May 2023, indicated he was considering legal action to defend his reputation. Castro's tenure ended with Nantes finishing 16th in Ligue 1, narrowly avoiding relegation. The former Dunkerque coach had responded forcefully to Kita's initial criticisms, which were made during a media appearance where the president discussed the club's disappointing season.
In his new statement, Kita also accepted a share of responsibility for the team's struggles, framing it as a collective failure. "The sporting difficulties encountered this season are collective and involve the entire club, starting with myself as president," he acknowledged. This marks a significant shift in tone from his earlier remarks, which had placed considerable blame on the coaching staff.
Luis Castro's time at Nantes was his first major managerial role in one of Europe's top five leagues. Prior to joining Les Canaris, the 62-year-old had a extensive career primarily in Portugal and the Middle East, with notable spells at Porto's B team and Saudi club Al-Duhail. His appointment was part of Nantes's efforts to rebuild following the departure of highly successful manager Antoine Kombouaré.
The public dispute and subsequent reconciliation highlight the ongoing pressure at Nantes, a club that has experienced significant turbulence in recent years despite winning the Coupe de France in 2022. Kita, who has owned the club since 2007, has frequently been a polarizing figure due to his hands-on approach and frequent managerial changes. The club currently sits in a precarious mid-table position this season under Castro's successor, Jocelyn Gourvennec.
This episode underscores the delicate relationship between club owners and managers in modern football, where public comments can quickly escalate into formal disputes. For Nantes, moving past this controversy allows the club to focus on its immediate sporting objectives, which include securing its Ligue 1 status for another season. The resolution likely prevents a protracted legal battle that would have been a distraction for all parties involved.
