Luís Castro’s Response to Waldemar Kita
At the end of April, FC Nantes’ chairman Waldemar Kita launched a scathing attack on former coach Luís Castro. He expressed significant regret over hiring Castro, a move he claimed could lead to the downfall of two clubs in a single season. His comments highlighted doubts about Castro’s experience, specifically stating, “This coach will bring down two clubs in the same year… We never took a coach who came from Ligue 2. This guy is nearby, he’s an educator. He can’t succeed.”
Backtracking After the Outburst
These harsh words quickly required Kita to backtrack. Following his departure from Nantes in December, Castro has successfully maintained Levante’s position in La Liga. In an interview with Ouest France, Castro responded to Kita’s claims, asserting, “My opinion is that I didn’t bring any of them down. The first week at Levante, I spoke more with the owner of the club than with the owner of Nantes in my entire life.” This statement not only defends his coaching decisions but also implies that his connection with Levante was markedly stronger than with Nantes.
Luís Castro Takes His Revenge
Adding to his defense, Castro revealed his views on Kita’s lack of engagement with football: “He is a person who does not watch training… The time I spent the most time with the owner of FC Nantes, it was an evening with the supporters. We didn’t talk about football.” This remark indicates a sense of neglect from Kita regarding the footballing aspect of the club.
In a lighter tone, Castro contrasted the environments of both clubs, stating, “Those who want to talk to me come directly to see me… They don’t put things out in the press.” This statement reflects a more communicative and supportive atmosphere at Levante, in stark contrast to his experience at Nantes.
Reflections on FC Nantes
Despite the friction, Castro maintained a diplomatic approach when discussing his past club. He expressed disappointment at Nantes’ relegation to Ligue 2, stating, “The greatness of FC Nantes and the level of the supporters do not make it a Ligue 2 club at all.” His sentiments resonate with many fans who believe that the club’s rich history should place it in higher tiers of French football.
Notably, Castro acknowledged the surprise he felt regarding Nantes’ activity in the transfer market after his departure. His remarks demonstrate that he still holds an interest in the club’s trajectory despite his exit.
Positive Memories and Future Hopes
Lastly, Luís Castro reflected on his tenure at Nantes, stating he has good memories of his time there, particularly regarding the club’s supporters. He motivated them to remain hopeful and optimistic ahead of the next season, reinforcing his affinity for the club even amidst the conflict.
In conclusion, Luís Castro’s calm and composed responses to Waldemar Kita’s outbursts not only reinforce his credibility as a coach but also display his professionalism in addressing unwarranted attacks. His journey with Levante, contrasted with FC Nantes’ struggles, has placed him in a more favorable light, suggesting that the future may be brighter for him and the Granotes.