Luís Castro hits back at Nantes president's criticism amid legal threat
Former FC Nantes manager Luís Castro has publicly responded to scathing criticism from the club's president, Waldemar Kita, and hinted at potential legal action to defend his reputation. The Portuguese coach, who was dismissed by Nantes in December and swiftly appointed by La Liga side Levante, issued his rebuttal through the French newspaper Ouest-France. This comes after Kita, in a recent interview, described Castro as one of the worst coaches of his presidency and suggested managers "take presidents hostage."
Castro's camp stated they had chosen not to fuel any controversy until now but felt compelled to respond to defend the coach's professional standing. They emphasized that Castro's career path is "widely recognized by many football figures," a fact evidenced by his immediate employment after leaving Nantes. According to the statement, Castro was contacted by several clubs and began a new sporting project with Levante within ten days of his departure.
The 57-year-old manager is now tasked with a survival mission at Levante, who sit 18th in La Liga, two points from safety. Since his arrival, the Valencian club has climbed from the bottom of the table. The statement from Castro's representatives also addressed his tenure at Nantes, noting that during his time there he "presented proposals relating to the planning of the season's structure and the composition of the squad" as part of his duties, but that these were "not implemented."
Most significantly, the statement concludes by indicating that Castro is considering legal recourse. "Luís Castro reserves the right, if necessary, to act through the appropriate channels to defend his honor and his reputation," it reads. This sets the stage for a potential legal dispute between the coach and the Ligue 1 club, which is currently fighting relegation under his successor, Antoine Kombouaré.
Castro's time at Nantes was brief and tumultuous. Appointed last summer, he oversaw just four wins in 17 league matches before his dismissal, with the club mired in the relegation zone. His subsequent quick hiring by Levante demonstrates his continued standing in the European market, particularly for clubs in crisis. The public spat sheds light on the often-fractious relationship between Kita and his many coaches, with the president having made similar controversial comments about other former managers in the past.
For Nantes, the controversy is an unwelcome distraction as they prepare for a critical survival clash against Rennes this weekend. The club sits just above the relegation playoff spot, largely due to the improved form under Kombouaré. For Castro, the focus remains on securing Levante's top-flight status, while the threat of legal action against his former employer looms in the background, underscoring the bitter end to his stint in French football.
