Claude Puel Departs OGC Nice as Contract Expires
OGC Nice has confirmed the departure of manager Claude Puel, whose contract was not renewed after expiring at the end of the season. Puel took over in December during a club crisis and led Nice to secure league survival through a play-off win. Maurice Cohen will continue as club president, while Olivier Pantaloni is anticipated to be named as Puel's successor. The club faces ongoing uncertainty regarding its ownership despite INEOS's continued involvement.
OGC Nice has announced that Claude Puel has left his position as manager. The club confirmed that Puel's contract, which expired at the conclusion of the season, would not be renewed.
Puel had been appointed in December, replacing Franck Haise at a time when the club was experiencing a crisis. Under his management, OGC Nice ended the regular season in a relegation play-off spot. The team successfully secured its place in the league with a 4-1 victory over AS Saint-Étienne, one of Puel's former clubs.
Maurice Cohen will maintain his role as club president. Cohen initially joined in December as co-president alongside Jean-Pierre Rivere. Rivere will now assume the presidency of the OGC Nice endowment fund.
Olivier Pantaloni, who previously led FC Lorient to a midtable finish last season, is expected to replace Puel, with his official arrival potentially being confirmed today.
Despite the recent withdrawal of American investors from a potential deal, INEOS remains involved with OGC Nice, though the club's ownership situation continues to be uncertain.
(Source: Yahoo Sports Soccer)
