Nice boosts its academy minutes: Mandza and Coulibaly vs Strasbourg

Nice is steering its project toward its academy, using Junior Mandza and Djibril Coulibaly as proof of concept: both are regular starters in Ligue 1. This Sunday, the club hosts Strasbourg (15:00, live on Ligue 1+), sending the message that its top young players can break through at pro level at home.

Sporting director Roger Ricort, appointed on July 1, arrived with a heavy workload in the training ground’s offices. Given the timing of his appointment, he prioritized managing departures across a large part of the squad, with exits that ranged from Terem Moffi to Melvin Bard.

Contracts and playing time

L’Équipe points to the main drivers behind the change of direction: deals secured, an increase in playing time for academy prospects, and a greater emphasis on youth training. The goal is to turn the “mini-Aiglons” into first-team regulars, backed by the two youngsters already trusted in Ligue 1.