Key Takeaways:
- Claude Puel concluded his tenure as OGC Nice manager after his contract expired at the end of the season
- Nice secured their league status with a decisive 4-1 victory over AS Saint-Étienne under Puel’s guidance
- Maurice Cohen continues as club president amid ongoing ownership uncertainty following the withdrawal of American investors
Puel’s Tenure and Departure
OGC Nice have formally announced that Claude Puel has parted ways with the club. Puel initially took over from Franck Haise in December, at a time when the team was facing considerable difficulties. Despite his efforts, Nice experienced a challenging spell and finished the regular season in the relegation play-off position.
The club managed to retain their place in the league thanks to a convincing 4-1 triumph over AS Saint-Étienne, a side that Puel formerly managed. Nonetheless, Puel’s contract lapsed at the season’s conclusion and the club has confirmed it will not be renewed, ending his brief spell in charge.
🚨🚨 OFFICIEL ! CLAUDE PUEL 🇫🇷 N’EST PLUS L’ENTRAÎNEUR DE L’OGC NICE !!! ❤️🖤👋 pic.twitter.com/IuJJMfO2qJ
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) June 17, 2026
Club Presidency and Prospective Managerial Appointment
Maurice Cohen, who joined OGC Nice alongside Jean-Pierre Rivere in December as co-president, will continue to serve as club president. While Rivere transitions to lead the OGC Nice endowment fund, the club are expected to unveil Olivier Pantaloni, formerly at FC Lorient, as their new manager. Pantaloni guided FC Lorient to a midtable finish in the previous season, and his appointment could be confirmed as soon as later today.
| Person | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Puel | Head Coach | Departed (contract expired) |
| Maurice Cohen | President | Continuing |
| Jean-Pierre Rivere | Co-President | President of Endowment Fund |
| Olivier Pantaloni | Prospective Head Coach | Expected Appointment |
Ongoing Ownership Situation
INEOS remains involved with the club, however, the ownership landscape continues to be unsettled. Last week, American investors withdrew from a proposed deal, prolonging the period of uncertainty for Nice’s long-term future.
