Antoine Kombouaré had a successful start to his second stint as FC Nantes manager, securing a victory in his first game back with a 2-1 win over OGC Nice on Sunday.
Kombouaré arrived last month to help Nantes avoid relegation and the victory is a step in the right direction. The three points have Nantes two points above FC Lorient, who currently occupy the relegation playoff spot.
The win over Nice also puts the veteran tactician in rare company since he and Jocelyn Gourvennec are the only managers to win their first match as Nantes' manager in the last seven years. Kombouaré also won his debut match on the sidelines for Les Canaris in 2021 with a victory over Angers SCO.
In his most recent coaching roles, Kombouaré has started each tenure with a win. This trend includes victories with Toulouse in 2019, Nantes in 2021, and Nantes once again in 2024.
Victoireeee ! ✔︎
— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) March 31, 2024
Nos Jaune et Vert ont été efficaces et empochent trois points ô combien importants pour la suite du championnat. #OnEstNantes pic.twitter.com/7mLf5GxeCq
With a win over Nice to build on, Nantes recorded only their second win of the season against a top-half club. Those two wins came against Les Aiglons, while Nantes have often struggled against a team in the top five this season.
Les Canaris clinched their second win of the season when facing a club in the top half of the table after defeating Nice with both victories coming against Les Aiglons. Nantes have faced challenges when playing against teams in the top five this season.
Kombouaré and his team are looking to kick off a winning streak this Sunday when they face Olympique Lyonnais, who are also in the top half of the table. A potential win over OL would be meaningful since the contest marks Kombouaré's 500th Ligue 1 game as a manager.
