Back in the 1990s, Nantes was celebrated for its distinctive playing style, le jeu à la Nantaise, winning a league title and reaching a Champions League semi-final. However, the current state of the club is marred by mismanagement, as expressed by their coach Vahid Halilhodzic, who described the situation as “improvisation and incompetence at every level.” This has left the eight-time Ligue 1 champions teetering on the brink of relegation to Ligue 2.

Halilhodzic, who returned to the club in March 2023, has labeled the task of saving Nantes from relegation as a “mission almost impossible.” His pessimism reflects the damage done prior to his arrival, which cannot solely be attributed to previous managers like Luís Castro and Ahmed Kantari. Waldemar Kita, the club owner, has shifted blame onto Castro, who was dismissed after just two wins in 15 matches.

Kita's management style has been criticized as he has made 23 managerial appointments since taking over in 2007, with only two lasting more than 50 games. This season, Nantes has scored the fewest goals in the league, with only four wins, two of which occurred prior to Halilhodzic's return.

In a recent match, Valentin Rongier dealt a severe blow to Nantes, scoring an injury-time goal that secured a 2-1 victory for Rennes. With only three games remaining, Nantes is five points adrift of Auxerre, the team currently in the relegation playoff spot. Their situation is dire, as they must win at least one of their upcoming matches against Marseille and Lens, while hoping Auxerre fails to gain any points.

Halilhodzic's warnings about the club's management have echoed those of previous coaches, yet the club's fate seems sealed. As they face the likely reality of relegation, Halilhodzic is set to retire once again, leaving Nantes struggling in the aftermath of a management crisis.