Former Lyon manager Claude Puel is looking forward to the challenge of reviving Nice after being unveiled as the new boss of the Ligue 1 club on a three-year contract on Thursday.
Appointed as general manager, Puel has been given the same wide-ranging powers that he enjoyed during his three seasons in charge of Lyon as he bids to help the Cote d'Azur outfit grow into a force to be reckoned with in France's top flight.
However, the move will surprise many given that Puel has been more accustomed to coaching clubs in the Champions League in recent times.
"On Wednesday I had a call from a club in England, and just after leaving Lyon a club competing in Europe contacted me," Puel said at a press conference here.
"Everyone knows the potential that Nice has. This is a project that really interested me and corresponds to what I was looking for.
"There is work to do but after a year out of the game I am full of energy."
Puel, 50, spent his entire playing career with Nice's local rivals Monaco and later became coach of the principality club, leading them to the title in 2000.
He then spent six successful seasons in charge of Lille before moving to Lyon in 2008.
However, he was fired by OL last summer after failing to win a trophy in his time at the Stade de Gerland.
Source: AFP
