(Nice, December 29, 2023) – OGC Nice has parted ways with its coach, Franck Haise, and appointed Claude Puel as his replacement, marking a swift end to a turbulent period for teh Ligue 1 club. The move comes amid a deep sporting crisis and strained relations between Haise and the team’s supporters.
the dismissal of Haise, after less than a season, signals a notable reset for Nice as they aim to salvage thier season and fulfill the ambitions of their owner, Ineos.
Key takeaways
Table of Contents
- Franck Haise and OGC Nice have mutually agreed to part ways.
- Claude Puel, a former manager of the club, has been appointed as Haise’s replacement.
- The decision follows a series of poor results, disagreements over recruitment, and a fractured relationship between the coach and players.
- A reported attempt by Haise to resign was initially stalled by the club’s ownership group,Ineos.
The situation deteriorated rapidly after Nice’s elimination from the Champions League in August, losing to Benfica (0-2, 2-0), according to reporting from RMC Sport. Injuries to key players like Morgan Sanson,Dante,and Boudaoui,coupled with the departure of players such as Guessand,bulka,Rosario,and Laborde,left Haise feeling the squad was inadequately reinforced.
Disagreements Regarding Recruitment
Nice struggled domestically, currently sitting 13th in the league, and endured an 18-game winless streak. Haise reportedly expressed frustration with Ineos’s perceived lack of investment in the team, stating the squad was “too light,” but still approved the signings of players recommended by sporting director Florian Maurice.The acquisition of Salis Abdul-Samed, in particular, was a point of contention, with Haise wanting the player despite reservations from the sporting director.
Not Gentle with the Players
Haise’s direct approach extended to his interactions with the players, frequently criticizing their performances in press conferences. He demanded a higher level of commitment and intensity, stating, “I’ve been talking about high standards since I’ve been hear… Stop falling! And then when we start playing, we have to continue.” He also challenged the team’s mentality, questioning their willingness to take duty and urging them to “leave your ego behind.” These comments reportedly strained relationships within the locker room, with some viewing Haise’s public criticism as a tactic to improve his own image.
Resignation Proposal, Backpedaling and Heavy Uncertainty
Tensions reached a breaking point following an incident with supporters after a match in Lorient on November 30, which led to attacks and incidents. Haise then considered resigning,and a financial agreement was reportedly reached with his representatives,tho it did not cover his full contract. Though, the deal was delayed by Ineos, and haise ultimately remained in his position, in part due to Florian Maurice’s reluctance to depart. Club president Fabrice Bocquet had previously considered replacing Haise and had Puel in mind, but was constrained by Ineos’s reluctance to pay compensation and his prior commitment to Haise.
Why It Matters
The swift dismissal of Haise underscores the high expectations and financial backing of Ineos,the club’s owner. While Ineos has invested in other sporting ventures, including cycling and sailing, their foray into football with Nice has been marked by instability.The appointment of puel, a familiar face at the club, represents an attempt to restore stability and ambition. However, Puel faces a significant challenge in revitalizing a team that has struggled for form and unity, and in navigating the complex dynamics between the ownership, management, and players. The situation at Nice highlights the pressures faced by managers in modern football, particularly at clubs with enterprising owners and demanding supporters.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by RMC Sport and added self-reliant analysis and context.
