The 2025-2026 campaign will mark the 83rd season in the history of FC Nantes. Although the club avoided relegation last year, it now seeks a calmer season under the guidance of new manager Luís Castro. To avoid repeating past mistakes, however, the iconic French side will need to overcome several key challenges.
FC Nantes: From Glory to Doubt
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FC Nantes reigned in the 80s and 90s. Over years, big mistakes changed the path of the club, bringing doubt and self-questioning. Mostly tied to bad management or tactical failure, these slips let rivals take the lead.
Some of these mistakes go back many years, but their reappearance in the recent past shows that the structural problem has not been solved. The major challenge is how to balance between financial management, recruitment, and on-field performance. In 2025, the same problems come up again as if history is moving in reverse.
Challenges of the 2025-2026 Season
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Last season, Nantes once again failed to capitalize on a crucial offensive opportunity. This context highlights the weaknesses holding the team back and sets the stage for the challenges of the new season.
Ability to Adapt to Situations
To succeed in 2025-2026, FC Nantes must demonstrate true adaptability. This requires an offensive commitment capable of unsettling opponents, quick tactical adjustments, and clear-headed decision-making in decisive moments. Supporters, meanwhile, can enjoy the season by trying their luck with keno games (French spokers in Africa : Keno Maroc) during breaks or while following the matches from home.
Team cohesion will also be crucial in attack, as it can turn a wasted chance into a decisive opportunity, potentially the difference between securing qualification or simply ensuring survival.
Ability to Show Offensive Aggression
Nantes still has trouble showing the needed aggression at critical moments. Far too often, the Canaries let precious chances escape them, like the draw against Toulouse that brought their climb screeching to a halt. Now, at this stage of the season, every little bit counts; not taking offensive risks dents the ambition of the club and raises the pressure before what may be a defining encounter, the derby against Angers.
Ability to Maintain Position and Handle Pressure
Two major objectives await Nantes in the 2025-2026 season. First, the team must hold on to a favorable spot in the league standings to remain competitive until the end. Second, the club must adopt a more assertive attacking style, as every match can become a turning point. The ability to disrupt the established hierarchy will be key to staying on course and asserting ambitions.
FC Nantes: Encouraging Prospects for 2025-2026
With the arrival of a new coach and proven reinforcements, the upcoming season looks promising for the Canaries.
The Arrival of New Coach Luís Castro
The 44-year-old Portuguese coach arrived in France in 2023, initially unknown to the wider public. After coaching some of Benfica’s best U19 talents, he was promoted to lead Ligue 2 side Dunkerque.
Since then, Castro has developed an entertaining and dynamic style of play, blending veterans and young talents, and masterminded one of French football’s most surprising stories last season. Freshly promoted and with a French Cup run that took Dunkerque to the semifinals, Waldemar Kita and FC Nantes saw in him the right figure to bring back the club’s Nantes-style game (French: jeu à la nantaise) identity.
Known for his structured approach and quick transitions, Castro’s challenge will be to instill confidence in a squad accustomed to tight, low-scoring games. His experience with youth players is likely to please the many fans.
Fresh Blood to Strengthen the Squad
Nantes has been active in the transfer market, aiming to refresh the squad for its new coach. Johann Lepenant, permanently signed from Lyon, brings energy and tenacity to the midfield, while Nigerian international Chidozie Awaziem, arriving from Colorado Rapids, strengthens the defense.
The backline has also been reinforced by Uroš Radaković from Sivasspor, while the attack gains experience with Youssef El-Arabi from APOEL Nicosia. Midfield additions include Hyeok-kyu from Celtic and Hong Hyun-seok on loan from Mainz 05. France U20 goalkeeper Alexis Mirbach (from Metz) and Amady Camara have also joined, adding valuable depth to the squad.
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