Appointed sports director of OGC Nice on July 1, 2026, Roger Ricort returned to a position he had already held between 2005 and 2009. After an offseason marked by deep restructuring, the 67-year-old executive is drawing a first positive assessment of his work. Sporting recovery, new collective momentum, squad management and the club’s future: several issues remain open nonetheless.
On July 1st, OGC Nice officially announced Roger Ricort’s return to the position of sports director. An appointment that came during a period of reorganization following Florian Maurice’s departure. Initially considered for an advisory role with the president, the former Gym midfielder ultimately took on a position he already knew, following a first stint between 2005 and 2009, under Maurice Cohen’s presidency.
The mission entrusted to the Nice executive proved to be a delicate one. With Maurice Cohen, the objective was notably to reduce the wage bill, reduce an oversized squad and generate a financial surplus during the summer transfer window. All without compromising Ligue 1 survival, after a previous season concluded by a playoff against Saint-Étienne. Five months later, Roger Ricort’s discourse had changed tone. “Much better than at the break in July”, he acknowledges regarding his situation and that of the club.
The first assessment rests primarily on rebuilding a collective. The departure of 23 players necessitated significant renewal of the squad, accompanied by the arrival of new signings and a new coach. Roger Ricort believes the club already had solid organization, but that several operating principles needed to be reaffirmed. Respect for schedules, staff, supporters and the institution notably constituted one of the first areas of focus.
This reorganization appears to have resonated with the group. The sports director emphasizes the players’ commitment and the behavior observed since the start of the season. Beyond performances, the relationship between the team and the public represents an important indicator of this evolution. The communion with supporters after matches, in particular, corresponds to one of the ambitions stated upon his return: finding a team in which Nice fans can recognize themselves.
Momentum regained, but several issues to resolve
On the pitch, results have accompanied this evolution. Gym has regained positive momentum in Ligue 1, after going through a particularly difficult period a few months earlier. Roger Ricort notably stresses the importance of the victory against Lille in changing the team’s trajectory. The executive acknowledges, however, that this progress occurred sooner than expected. “I didn’t think we’d get going so quickly”, he explains.
Nevertheless, there is no question of raising ambitions without caution. The sports director reminds us that Nice was still a playoff contender four months ago and refuses to project too far into the season. Squad management and the ability to maintain this momentum will be decisive. The prospect of a possible European qualification should not lead the club to repeat the difficulties encountered during previous continental campaigns.
Behind the scenes, Roger Ricort has already begun preparing for the next transfer window. Several individual situations require decisions, notably that of Everton. The young player has qualities recognized by the sports management, but competition for his position limits his opportunities. A loan could give him playing time, while the club wants to preserve his future at Nice, with a possible contract extension.
Securing young talent is also an important issue. After the signings of Djelan Morana and Aboulaye Camara, discussions continue around Andria Svanidze. The proposed project consists of having him sign his first professional contract at 17. Roger Ricort nevertheless wishes to remind that this step is not a guarantee of success. Competition from foreign clubs for the academy’s young players reinforces the need to defend Gym’s interests.
The case of Hicham Boudaoui is also part of the uncertainties for the next transfer window. The sports director is working on various scenarios with Maurice Cohen and the coach. A meeting next week should allow defining the group’s needs and anticipating any possible moves. Coach Olivier Pantaloni’s contractual situation is also among the issues to address, with Roger Ricort feeling that the club cannot leave this matter without perspective when the coach still has more than a year and a half of contract remaining.
Finally, there remains the question of the organization’s future. The sale of the club to an investment fund could lead to new developments in governance, with the possibility of shareholder representatives arriving. Roger Ricort does not close the door to this possibility, but sets a condition for continuing his involvement. “If someone tells me ‘do this, do that’ and tells him even more, we’re leaving overnight, it’s a must”, he warns, also mentioning his relationship with Maurice Cohen.
The executive claims a particular attachment to OGC Nice and its local environment. With the president, he wishes to continue work on the club’s identity and its connection with supporters. A project that goes beyond sporting results alone and which, in his view, constitutes an essential component of the Nice project.
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