OGC Nice have announced the appointment of Olivier Pantaloni as their new manager, effective from the start of next season. The club confirmed the 59-year-old Frenchman has signed a two-year contract with Les Aiglons, arriving after a successful spell at Lorient.
Pantaloni’s arrival follows the departure of Claude Puel, with Nice president Maurice Cohen stating the coach is the right man to build “a solid, coherent and sustainable project.” The Corsican manager expressed his pride at returning to Nice, a club he previously represented as a player between 1985 and 1988. “I am delighted to return to the South and to this club that I know well, having been a player here for a time,” Pantaloni said. “I arrive in Nice with a lot of humility, but also a lot of determination. I want to respect the club.”
Pantaloni leaves Lorient having guided them to a mid-table finish in Ligue 1 during the 2023-24 season. He had been in charge of the Brittany-based club since 2022, establishing a reputation for pragmatic and well-organized football. Prior to his time at Lorient, Pantaloni spent several years managing in the French lower leagues, gaining valuable experience in player development and tactical flexibility.
The appointment represents a return to a familiar environment for Pantaloni, who will be tasked with revitalizing a Nice squad that has experienced inconsistency in recent seasons. Nice finished ninth in Ligue 1 last term, and the club will be hoping Pantaloni can steer them towards European qualification. The move is seen as a long-term project, focusing on building a cohesive and competitive team. The club are also reportedly interested in signing Laurent Abergel, though this has not been confirmed.
Recent reports have also focused on off-field issues at Nice, with forward Elye Wahi arrested in May on suspicion of match-fixing in Ligue 1. The club will be keen to put these distractions behind them and focus on building a positive future under Pantaloni’s leadership.
