Sergio Conceição rules out Nantes’ return | OneFootball

Portuguese manager Sergio Conceição won’t inherit a struggling FC Nantes side for the second time, according to a report from Ouest-France. The former FC Porto head coach, who left the Dragons last summer after a trophy-laden tenure, was identified as a priority target by Les Canaris as a replacement for Antoine Kombouaré. Conceição led Nantes to a commendable 7th place finish in 2017, which prompted Nantes to tie him over a three-year contract. However, the former Lazio player opted to leave the Ligue 1 side for Porto.

The outlet understands that the 50-year-old manager has declined Nantes’ proposal, leaving them to square one in their quest to replace Kombouaré, whose fate feels inevitably sealed after Sunday’s 4-1 away loss to Brest. The FC Nantes head coach will be in the dugout for his side’s Coupe de France opener against fifth-tier side Drancy on Saturday.

Ouest-France add that Nantes are progressing in talks with Habib Beye. The 47-year-old former Senegal international is a free agent after resigning from his position as Red Star head coach, having led the Saint-Ouen side to Ligue 2. The former Newcastle right-back reportedly met with Nantes’ deputy CEO Franck Kita, the son of club president and owner Waldemar Kita. A still unnamed French head coach is also being considered.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval