The 2025-2026 season was a challenging one for OGC Nice, with seven defeats in eight league matches in the Europa League, a loss in the Coupe de France final, and a 16th-place finish in the championship that led to a relegation playoff against Saint-Etienne, which they won 4-1 after a 0-0 draw. The club's new director of sport, Roger Ricort, is looking to turn things around with a revamped squad.
Meanwhile, FC Lorient is also starting fresh, with new manager Alexandre Dujeux at the helm. Dujeux, who previously led Angers to promotion to Ligue 1, has taken over from Olivier Pantaloni, who left the club after two successful seasons to join OGC Nice. The two managers will face off in their respective debuts this Saturday.