Nice confirm Olle-Nicolle departure

Nice president Gilberto Stellardo confirmed on Tuesday that Didier Olle-Nicolle has left his post as coach of the struggling French first division side.

Olle-Nicolle was absent from training on Monday, when coaches Eric Roy, Rene Marsiglia and Frederic Gioria deputised for him.

Stellardo also revealed that Roy, Marsiglia and Gioria would retain their roles until the end of the current season.

“We’re talking to him (Olle-Nicolle),” said Stellardo. “A proposal to keep him at the club in an undetermined position has been made.”

Sources close to the club claim Olle-Nicolle will reject this offer.

Olle-Nicolle, 49, came under pressure following a string of disappointing results that have left Nice, who finished ninth last season, in 17th place in the French top flight.

They were defeated 3-2 at home by Nancy on Saturday.

Olle-Nicolle is also reported to have endured strained relations with the club’s management.

Sporting director Roy, 42, is expected to become the club’s general manager.

Marsiglia currently runs the youth training centre while Gioria, who assisted former Nice coach Gerard Buscher towards the end of the 2004-05 season, coaches the youth team.