Claudio Ranieri will not be Nantes coach next season, club president Waldemar Kita having confirmed that he and the under-contract Italian tactician have agreed to an amicable parting of the ways.
Despite his contract's being set to run for another year, Claudio Ranieri, 66, will not be Nantes' coach next season. The news was confirmed by club president Waldemar Kita on Wednesday.
Amicable
"We can't hide it any longer; last night we had a meeting with the sponsors and Claudio alluded to it, thanking everyone," explained the Franco-Polish businessman. "We would like to thank Claudio for all his hard work. It wasn't always easy. There are regrets, but that's how life is. No, we won't be parting on bad terms."
Nantes had an excellent start to the season as Ranieri's defence-minded side built on the progress made before pervious boss Sergio Conceicao moved to Porto at the end of the 2016-17 campaign. Ranieri's Canaris spent much of the season in fifth place, spurring hopes of a return to European competition - after a 14-year absence - but a winless run of five matches in April saw that ambition go up in smoke.
Gourvennec to step in?
While the Italian maestro could be set to continue his career in the EPL or back in his native Italy, Nantes have been linked with a move for former Guingamp and Bordeaux boss Jocelyn Gourvennec, 46, who played 89 matches for the Canaris (24 goals) as a midfielder between 1995 and 1998.
