OGC Nice have introduced a series of stringent new rules for their players following the return of Roger Ricort as sporting director, according to reports in L’Équipe. Ricort, back at the club 17 years after his first spell, has implemented measures intended to tighten discipline within the squad.
The new regulations include a ban on players speaking English to each other, a mandatory daily clock-in system to record arrival times for training, and a requirement for the entire squad to eat lunch together. Ricort is also conducting daily individual meetings with each member of the first-team panel.
These changes come amid a period of adjustment for Nice, with owners INEOS reportedly aiming to reduce spending by €70 million on wages and transfers during the current transfer window. This suggests a significant overhaul of the playing squad is anticipated, with Terem Moffi and Kevin Carlos identified as potential departures.
The financial constraints may impact the team’s performance next season, potentially lowering expectations for manager Olivier Pantaloni’s side. The club is bracing for a busy summer as they look to reshape the squad within the new budgetary guidelines.
Ricort’s appointment signals a clear shift in approach at Nice, prioritizing discipline and collective responsibility. The impact of these measures on team morale and performance remains to be seen, but the club is clearly aiming for a more focused and unified environment. The changes are intended to bring a more structured approach to the club as they navigate a period of financial adjustment.
