NANTES, France (AP) — Ligue 1 side Nantes fired coach Luís Castro on Thursday after just 15 games in charge.

Nantes said in a statement that Ahmed Kantari, an assistant coach last season, will take over until the end of the season.

The decision was made with the eight-time French champions languishing in 17th place in the 18-team league. Nantes is winless in six games and plays at Angers on Friday.

Castro was hired after leading second-tier Dunkerque to the French Cup semifinals last season. The Portuguese coach's side led PSG 2-0 in the semifinal match and came close to scoring a third goal before PSG rallied to win .

Dunkerque's run in the French Cup included wins over Ligue 1 sides Lille and Brest and earned Castro high praise for the way he found weaknesses against top-flight si

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