Olivier Pantaloni set to be named Nice head coach | OneFootball

Barring an unlikely U-turn, Olivier Pantaloni is set to take over at Nice, with a board meeting on Tuesday expected to ratify the move, according to L'Équipe.

The 59-year-old left Lorient at the end of his contract and could be in the opposite dugout when Nice host his former club at the Allianz Riviera on the weekend of 22 August.

Talks have advanced, notably with incoming sporting director Geoffrey Moncada. He impressed during his interview and, once approved, would sign a two-year deal with the Aiglons.

The former AC Ajaccio coach appealed thanks to his results, with Lorient finishing 10th last season, and his knack for elevating young players such as Arsène Kouassi and Noah Cadiou, who emerged in Ligue 1. That quality suits a club looking to rejuvenate the squad in the current context.

He is due to arrive with one assistant, whose appointment is being finalised, while the remaining staff will come from within. Goalkeeping coach Stéphane Cassard is expected to stay, as is Cédric Varrault, who worked alongside Claude Puel last season.

Pantaloni should meet the non-internationals when pre-season begins on 8 July. He will be tasked with moulding a coherent group during a busy window, with high earners Diop, Sanson, Cho and Boudaoui among those likely to depart OGCN. The recruitment department is not set to change markedly and will operate under Moncada.

Source: L'Équipe