The summer season barely begins that FC Nantes already finds itself in the spotlight. After the announcement of the departure of Antoine Kombouaré, it is Luis Castro, ex-coach of Dunkirk, who is expected to take the lead of the Nantes workforce. But this change of course does not come alone. Behind the scenes, a first effect of the transition is felt: the long adventure of Nicolas Pallois with the Canaries is coming to an end. And the timing owes nothing to chance.
Emblematic player, who arrived in 2016, Nicolas Pallois decided to turn the page after eight seasons of loyalty. The central defender, a real rock of Nantes defense, formalized his departure this Wednesday after his contract. In a message full of emotion, he returned to his strong memories: brassard in the arm, victory in the French Cup, European epics, but also the delicate periods to fight for maintenance. With 243 games, 6 goals and 7 assists, Pallois leaves a deep trace in the recent history of the club.
Luis Castro arrives, Pallois leaves
If the advertisement of Pallois occurs before the official confirmation of Luis Castro, the new coach did nothing to hold his veteran. Should we see a management choice? Like Luis Enrique in Paris, Castro could be tempted to favor youth and the renewal of the workforce to install his ideas. Would the first strong decision in the Castro era be to initiate a new generation, even if it means sacrificing executives? The question deserves to be asked, especially since other elements of experience could follow.
Pallois leaves Nantes, Castro did not try to remember it
The prospect of a rejuvenated workforce worries some of the supporters. For several seasons, FC Nantes has been struggling each year for maintenance, and stability is not necessarily synonymous with youth. By finishing 13th last season and by validating its maintenance until the last day, the club walks on a stiff rope. The departure of Pallois, pillar of the locker room and guarantor of the state of mind, leaves a difficult emptiness to fill and accentuates questions about the future strategy.
The site that awaits Luis Castro is huge. If he wishes to print his brand, he will quickly convince that he can build a competitive team without certain elders. The Pallois case perfectly illustrates the challenges of this new cycle: to bet on youth while preserving the identity of a club in search of stability. A delicate equation, while the specter of a new difficult season already hangs over the Beaujoire.
