Nice changes course without delay. The Azuréen football club parts ways with Franck Haise and entrusts the bench to Claude Puel, a familiar figure at Allianz Riviera. Starting Monday, the new coach will lead the restart with Julien Sablé as assistant. The new technical management, led by the duo Jean‑Pierre Rivère – Maurice Cohen, has confirmed this replacement to revive a group settled in 13th place in Ligue 1. Clear heading, tight schedule, maximum pressure.
The timing is explained by the sporting urgency and a stated desire to re-anchor OGC in the strong standards of French football. The team resumes training at the training center starting Monday, before a first test on Saturday at 7 p.m. against Strasbourg (7th). Immediate goal: restore control, reactivate offensive circuits, and rebuild trust. And now? Time for the Puel method, a mix of rigor, demand, and a fine reading of matches.
Ligue 1 in Nice: Haise leaves, Puel returns for a revival clash
The club ended its collaboration with Franck Haise by mutual agreement with the new governance. The message is clear: stop the spiral before the season weakens. This decision comes at a pivotal moment, between restart and hosting a strong opponent.
Claude Puel returns to OGC Nice, where he served between 2012 and 2016. He arrives with Julien Sablé, current coach of the Elite group, who will shift to assistant. The organization will be operational from Monday’s session to gain time on preparation.
For now, the focus will be on midfield density, pressing coordination, and offensive transition. This rapid reorientation must secure vital points in Ligue 1, while reinstating simple benchmarks.
Why change now: context, governance, and sporting logic
13th place weighs heavily and the recent trend has been worrying. The technical management decided to avoid the ranking becoming a burden. This choice, taken deliberately, fits a cold reading of performance indicators and the state of the locker room.
The duo Rivère – Cohen pursues an action line: reduce the gap between potential and output. Furthermore, the arrival of Claude Puel is explained by his knowledge of the place, his mastery of crisis cycles, and his expertise in sport management. The message sent to the players is twofold: demand and clarity.
Beyond the urgency, the strategy aims to build a robust base for the rest of the schedule. A quick revival avoids distrust and repositions OGC in the mid-table battle.
With this framework set, a first real test arrives this weekend, forcing a focus on essentials in training content.
Puel–Sablé Plan: express week and sport management priorities
The new staff first wants to structure the team block. Then, it aims to reintroduce simple principles: density between lines, useful width, clear transitions. Finally, it intends to empower the leaders to accelerate group adherence.
To make the action readable, a tight roadmap is set from the restart. It coordinates physical load, video work, and position-specific drills. Thus, each session will have a single measurable goal.
- Stabilize the defense through a compact axis and reduced distances.
- Shorten ball exits with a reliable central relay.
- Reactivate the flanks with coordinated runs and crosses to the far post.
- Involve the Elite group: targeted minutes for 2‑3 ready youngsters.
- Clarify the hierarchy on set pieces on both sides.
To frame this revival, here is an operational schedule until Strasbourg. It illustrates the method and roles.
| Day | Priority Objective | Content | Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Express diagnosis | Unit meetings, field tests, key video sequences | Claude Puel / Data analyst |
| Tuesday | Midfield block | Line distances, triggered pressing, short exits | Julien Sablé |
| Wednesday | Transitions | High recovery, quick attacks, finishing | Offensive staff |
| Thursday | Set pieces | Fixed roles, routines, mixed marking on corners | Assistants |
| Friday | General rehearsal | 60’ opposition, scoring scenarios, managing low tempo | Puel |
| Saturday | Match vs Strasbourg | Targeted briefing, flank focus, 10’ set-plays | Full staff |
This roadmap provides a concrete framework and a measurable heading until kickoff.
Benchmarks of the Puel era in Nice: what the past says about the present
Between 2012 and 2016, Claude Puel repositioned OGC on the map by relying on technical profiles and a strict framework. Reference seasons marked the period, notably with a European qualification and the emergence of striking talents.
This local experience counts today: the coach knows the house, the public, and the pace of the Côte d’Azur. Therefore, he can make quick decisions without too long an observation phase. The memory of the place can win points.
This reminder of past experience serves as psychological support for the locker room: the idea of returning to known standards reassures and mobilizes.
Impact in Ligue 1 and French football: message and effects
This choice sends a strong signal to Ligue 1: Nice refuses stagnation. The return of an experienced technician underlines the importance of experience in a league where every detail counts. By extension, the competition adapts.
In terms of sport management, the decision reaffirms the weight of governance and responsibility for results. Moreover, installing an assistant from the Elite group creates a direct link with the youth setup. This coherence strengthens squad depth.
Beyond that, OGC reposition themselves in the top 10 debate, with a tricky schedule. The revival must be quick to convert the new staff effect into real points, otherwise momentum fades.
In this context, every micro-detail will count: managed highlights, set pieces, and accuracy of substitutions.
First test at Allianz Riviera: Nice–Strasbourg, a duel to reassure
Saturday at 7 p.m., Nice hosts Strasbourg. The game plan should favor a flexible 4-2-3-1, with active flanks and a secure central relay. Claude Puel’s first choices will set the tone.
Opposite, Strasbourg likes vertical play. Thus, managing depth and second balls will be decisive. It will be a battle of space occupation as much as a mental test for OGC.
The public expects a strong signal and clear benchmarks. A win would open a window of air and instantly legitimize the new era.
Who replaces Franck Haise on the Nice bench?
Claude Puel takes command of OGC Nice, with Julien Sablé as assistant, starting from the resumption of training.
Why is this coaching change happening now?
13th place in Ligue 1 and a fragile momentum pushed the technical management to implement an immediate replacement to revive the season.
When will the first Puel era match be played?
Saturday at 7 p.m., Nice hosts Strasbourg. This match will serve as the first benchmark for the Puel method.
What is Julien Sablé’s role?
Assistant to Claude Puel, he provides the bridge with the Elite group and participates in implementing training content.
What does this change mean for French football?
The return of an experienced technician at the head of an ambitious football club illustrates the importance of sport management in Ligue 1 and raises the level of competition.