Simon downplays saving Nantes coach’s job

Moses Simon’s spectacular strike against Stade Rennais may have saved FC Nantes manager Antoine Kombouaré’s job, but the Nigerian winger has dismissed the claim despite securing a vital 1-0 victory over Stade Rennes on Sunday.

Simon’s unstoppable effort, leaving veteran goalkeeper Steve Mandanda helpless, handed Nantes their first win since August and lifted the team out of the relegation zone into 13th place with 14 points.

The match wasn’t without drama.

Stade Rennais believed they had equalised from a corner shortly after Simon’s goal, but VAR intervened, ruling the effort out and keeping Nantes ahead.

The result was a breath of fresh air for Kombouaré, who had been under immense pressure following a string of poor performances.

Before the Rennais victory, Nantes had gone 10 matches without a win, drawing four and losing six.

Speculation was rife that former FC Porto boss Sérgio Conceição was being lined up to replace Kombouaré, with reports suggesting a draw or loss would seal his fate. However, Simon’s moment of brilliance seems to have postponed such plans.

When asked if he knew his goal had saved his manager’s job, Simon, who is Nantes’ top scorer in Ligue 1 with four goals, brushed it off:

 “Who said the coach was in danger? We don’t know. We won for ourselves, for the coach, our supporters, and the people of Nantes.”

Since being reappointed in March 2024, Kombouaré has struggled to replicate his success during his first spell, which included a Coupe de France triumph in 2022.

The manager will hope this victory signals a turning point, as Nantes prepare for a crucial away clash against Brest this weekend.