News Focus
- Eric Djemba-Djemba delivers harsh criticism of FC Nantes’ relegation campaign
- Former Cameroon international urges Kita family to sell the club
- Contrasts Nantes’ struggles with praise for relegated rivals FC Metz
- Highlights broken relationship between fans and management
- Questions remain over future of head coach Vahid Halilhodžić
Former Manchester United midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba has issued a devastating critique of FC Nantes following their drop from Ligue 1, labelling their recent campaign as catastrophic and demanding sweeping changes at the club.
The ex-Cameroon international, who began his professional career with the French side, expressed deep pain over the team’s decline. He admitted that he turned down complimentary tickets for home fixtures because watching the club suffer proved too emotionally difficult.
“It was catastrophic. Catastrophic!” Djemba-Djemba stated in an exclusive interview. He observed that the bond between supporters and players has shattered over the past decade. Previously, he explained, fans and the team shared a powerful connection that lifted performances on the pitch.
Now, however, a clear divide exists between the terraces, the dressing room, and the boardroom. The 43-year-old pointed directly to club owners Waldemar and Franck Kita as central figures in the crisis. He argued that if they truly care about the institution, they must hand control to new investors rather than risk further damage.
Rebuilding will require more than simply securing promotion back to the top flight, he warned. Without fundamental structural reform, Nantes would only face another relegation battle. “Everything must be swept away,” he insisted, calling for a complete restart to establish solid foundations.
In contrast, Djemba-Djemba spoke warmly of fellow relegated side FC Metz. He praised their historic role in developing African footballers, citing legends such as Rigobert Song, Sadio Mané, and Emmanuel Adebayor who launched European careers there.
The midfielder also cast doubt over the future of current head coach Vahid Halilhodžić. With no clear plan in place and instability throughout the organisation, he questioned how the Bosnian manager could succeed in such a toxic environment.