Nice secure late survival as Dante bows out and major rebuild awaits | OneFootball

L'Équipe reports that Nice secured Ligue 1 safety with a 4-1 win over Saint-Etienne, sealed in the final 10 minutes. The result caps a gruelling campaign and ushers in major off-field work.

They did so without their fans, who were barred from gathering near the ground in club colours.

Mohamed-Ali Cho and Melvin Bard went off at half-time injured. VAR decisions angered Nice, including a non-call before Bard's injury and a harsh penalty against Antoine Mendy. Saint-Etienne levelled in the final quarter-hour, before late interventions from Kail Boudache and Elye Wahi, likely in their last Allianz Riviera appearance, saw Nice home.

Tributes centred on captain Dante, with players and staff wearing white shirts bearing his image. The Brazilian ends a career of more than two decades, spared a first relegation before retirement.

Geoffrey Moncada, formerly of Milan, should become sporting director to succeed Florian Maurice, with developments expected on Monday. He will need to keep trimming the squad and wages, seek exits for Diop, Cho, Boudaoui and Sanson, and manage returns such as Terem Moffi, possibly Jeremie Boga.

The head coach question remains. Wahi said he hoped the current coach would be kept. Claude Puel said he had no answer on his future, spoke of adversity, praised his players' unity and reaction, and felt many would grow.

Source: L'Équipe