FC Nantes President Waldemar Kita Defends Himself Amid Criticism: ‘Some Would Have Left Long Ago Saying, "Go F*** Yourself"’"

FC Nantes president Waldemar Kita has defended his leadership amid growing criticism from fans and local media, asserting that those dissatisfied with the club’s direction would have left long ago if they truly wanted to.

Speaking in an interview with L’Équipe, Kita dismissed mounting pressure over the club’s recent performances and internal tensions, suggesting that critics lack the resolve to see through difficult periods. His remarks came as Nantes prepares for the final stretch of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, a campaign marked by inconsistent results and ongoing scrutiny of the club’s management structure.

“Some would have fled long ago, saying, ‘Go get lost, I’m leaving,’” Kita said, using a colloquial French expression to underscore his point. “But I’m still here. We’re still fighting.” The comment reflects his frustration with what he perceives as premature judgment from sections of the supporter base and media outlets.

Kita, who has owned FC Nantes since 2007, has frequently been a polarizing figure. While credited with stabilizing the club financially after years of instability, his tenure has also been marked by frequent managerial changes, strained relationships with coaching staff and public disputes over transfer strategy and squad development.

Recent reports from French outlets including SO FOOT.com, and MadeinFoot.com have highlighted Kita’s assertions that coaches “take players hostage” through tactical demands and contract negotiations, a claim he reiterated in recent interviews. He argues that modern football’s power dynamics often undermine presidential authority, particularly when coaches leverage player influence to resist club directives.

On the pitch, Nantes have struggled to maintain consistency in Ligue 1 this season. As of late April 2026, the club sits in the lower half of the table, battling to avoid relegation concerns while attempting to build momentum for a potential push toward European qualification spots — a goal that has repeatedly eluded them in recent seasons despite flashes of promise.

The club’s attacking output has been inconsistent, with reliance on individual brilliance rather than structured play drawing criticism. Defensive frailties have also been exposed in key matches, particularly against mid-table and lower-ranked opponents, raising questions about tactical cohesion and player accountability under current coaching staff.

Off the field, Kita has reiterated his long-term vision for Nantes, emphasizing youth development and financial prudence as cornerstones of the club’s identity. He has pointed to the academy’s recent graduates as evidence of progress, though integration of young players into the first team has been uneven, often limited by immediate performance pressures.

Despite the criticism, Kita maintains that stability under his ownership has prevented the kind of turmoil seen at other clubs. He contrasts Nantes’ situation with that of historically unstable franchises, arguing that continuity — even when unpopular — provides a foundation for eventual success.

The president also addressed comparisons with other Ligue 1 clubs, specifically referencing the Girondins de Bordeaux, whose recent decline he cited as a cautionary tale. “Look what happens when there’s no vision, no discipline,” Kita reportedly told MadeinFoot.com. “We don’t want that path.”

As the 2025-2026 season enters its decisive phase, Nantes’ upcoming fixtures will be critical in determining whether the club can turn its season around. Matches against direct rivals for mid-table positioning will test both the squad’s resilience and the coaching staff’s ability to implement adjustments under pressure.

For now, Kita’s stance remains defiant. He frames criticism as part of the challenge of leading a club through transition, insisting that perseverance — not popularity — defines long-term success in football management. Whether that message resonates with a fanbase growing increasingly restless remains to be seen as the season reaches its conclusion.