In 2023, Nice Volley Ball experienced a mixed year. The Eagles played their first Coupe de France final last April. However, the team from Nice also saw disappointing results in the championship.
If one had to highlight a performance by Nice Volley Ball in 2023, it would surely be the club’s first-ever Coupe de France final. After a very good run, the Eagles logically succumbed in the final to the favorites, Tours (0-3). This journey seems to be the only bright spot in terms of good results for the year from Nice.
Disappointing performances in the championship
The first part of the year was already complicated for the Eagles. Besides this good run in the Coupe de France, Rafael Redwitz’s men ended in a disappointing second-to-last place in the championship. The team from Nice struggled all season to stay in Ligue A.
The off-season was eventful for the Eagles. The roster saw many changes, as did the coach. Rafael Redwitz left his position at the end of the season, making way for Éric Montagnon on the sidelines. The former professional volleyball player was ambitious upon his arrival at the club.
A new difficult season
Starting this new season, Nice Volley Ball wanted to leave behind its poor championship results. Unfortunately, the Eagles’ first part of the season was quite challenging. Only three victories against nine defeats in twelve matches, including a loss on the field of the bottom-ranked team, Narbonne (1-3).
At mid-season, the team from Nice ranks 12th out of 14 in the Marmara Spike League. The Eagles are only two points ahead of the last place, which means relegation to Pro B at the end of the season. On the bench, Éric Montagnon resigned after the poor start to the season by the team from Nice. His assistant, Fabrice Chalendar, took his place at the head of Nice Volley Club.
2024 does not promise to be restful for Nice Volley Ball. Last Thursday, the Commission for Aid and Control of Professional Clubs decided to take a provisional administrative relegation measure against the club, as well as wage cap supervision for the 2023/2024 season. Issues off the field that the Eagles will have to resolve by the end of the season.
Nice Volley Ball will play one last match in 2023, next Saturday, December 30. The Eagles will head to the capital to challenge Paris as part of the 13th day of the Marmara Spike League. Kickoff is at 8 PM.
