OGC Nice has ended Franck Haise’s tenure as head of the first team. The club from the French Riviera has entrusted the sporting command to Claude Puel until the end of the season. This decision was made in a context of sports and institutional crisis.
The coaching change was swiftly made official after the announcement of Franck Haise’s departure yesterday. This was a decision agreed upon with the club, as there had been doubts lingering for several weeks. This decision also involved the technical staff, with assistants Lilian Nalis and Johann Ramaré leaving the club at the same time. As expected, it is indeed Claude Puel who returns to the bench at OGC Nice.
Franck Haise spoke out to explain the reasons for the end of this collaboration: “in agreement with President Rivère and given the sporting situation, we have chosen to end my tenure as coach of OGC Nice, along with those of my assistants Lilian Nalis and Johann Ramaré.” The coach then addressed a message to the entire Nice community: “I would like to thank all the people who work every day for the club and wish the Gym, its supporters, and its environment to quickly regain a positive sporting dynamic.”
This separation occurred after a period marked by a series of negative results. The Nice team endured nine consecutive defeats in all competitions, before a victory against Saint-Étienne in the Coupe de France. In the league, the French Riviera club currently holds the thirteenth place in Ligue 1.
An assumed return for a targeted mission
In view of this sporting situation considered worrying, the management of Nice opted for a familiar face. Claude Puel (64 years old) has been appointed as the head coach until the end of the season. The coach returns to the Gym’s bench after a first stint between 2012 and 2016, during which he achieved 69 victories, 66 defeats, and 34 draws.
This return takes place in a crisis context extending beyond the pitch. The Aiglons, struggling in sports, are looking to stabilize the situation in the short term. The offered contract is for six months, with a clearly identified goal: to ensure survival in Ligue 1.
Jean-Pierre Rivère, recently reinstated as president of OGC Nice, detailed the decision: ““ we came to the conclusion that it was necessary to part ways with Franck Haise. It was done in a humane manner, very frankly, and in the club’s interest. There were several days of negotiations with his agent afterward. “
The management also explained the choice of Claude Puel: ““ we asked ourselves in a day and a half who could be the right person for the job. So I called Claude. I found someone who was quick in his thinking and who made a lot of effort on several matters. This challenge is not simple for anyone, and the timing was tight. He is the perfect coach for this kind of challenge, the one needed for this mission of survival. “
At the same time, the technical staff has been adjusted. Julien Sablé has joined the team as an assistant coach. This addition completes a structure already made up of Cédric Varrault and Stéphane Cassard.
Claude Puel justified the limited duration of his engagement: ““ I have not lacked opportunities, but I was not in need. Why [only sign for] six months? Because we are here for a mission. I could have tried to secure an extra year, but I do not know if I would want to continue. I have reached a certain freedom; I do things out of passion, not for contract years and the salaries that come with them. “
Common past and tense atmosphere
This return to the Côte d’Azur was not insignificant. Claude Puel’s previous tenure from 2012 to 2016 ended in a tense environment, despite achieving two fourth-place finishes in Ligue 1. Disagreements had then arisen between the coach and the club’s management.
Claude Puel reflected on that period: “we had a few minor clashes that can happen in a family. When I left the club, I needed to take a break because those four years had been very challenging, with a lot of work, as I was in charge of all the sports activities of the club. I was tired; it was the primary reason. We bumped into each other in Monaco a few months ago, we talked for a while. There is respect. It does not prevent there from being tensions like in any couple.”
Jean-Pierre Rivère confirmed this version: ““ if we are here today, it is because there is no story; otherwise, we would not embark on such an adventure. When we called each other in recent hours, it was evident for us. Meeting again in Monaco allowed us to clarify the past. “
On the non-sporting front, the club has also faced a period of tensions. At the end of November, incidents broke out upon the return of the bus after the match against Lorient. Supporters lashed out at players, staff, and management. Several complaints were filed. A judicial investigation was opened for ““aggravated violence, participation in a group preparing for violence or degradation, and failure to prevent an offense against physical integrity.” Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga, as well as Fabrice Bocquet, the former president, were among those involved.
Claude Puel emphasized the need to recreate a collective climate: “I know that supporters are very demanding and can express this harshly. One might think that players are not giving their all, not sweating enough for the shirt. But I believe that’s not the case. They’ve simply lost confidence and a certain lightness, becoming heavy in their expression and physically. We need to be behind them. We need cohesion. “
The sporting situation remains very fragile. The squad has been reduced, given injuries and departures to the Africa Cup of Nations. “Let’s first distance ourselves from the danger zone. We count 19 players this afternoon at training, including seven youngsters. Solutions will need to be found. “
The reception of Strasbourg, scheduled for this Saturday, January 3, at 7 PM, will mark the first test of this new era after the dark series the Gym has undergone in recent weeks in the championship.
