Ligue 1 2025-26: Rosenior’s Strasbourg held on to draw by Nice amid Chelsea job problems

Former Leicester coach Claude Puel guided Nice to a 1-1 draw with Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on Saturday as he began his second spell in charge by ending a six-match losing streak in the league.

Argentine forward Joaquin Panichelli opened the scoring for the visitor to the Cote d’Azur within the first fifteen minutes.

New signing Elye Wahi claimed the point for the home team just ten minutes after half-time, after being loaned from Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior has been strongly linked with the Chelsea job and his current position is seventh, while Nice remains 13th.

Frenchman Puel replaced Franck Haise on the French Riviera on Monday as Nice struggled just five points above the relegation play-off spot.

The 64-year-old was in charge of Nice between 2012 and 2016, before spending two years at Leicester.

READ ALSO: Serie A 2025-26: Juventus’ title hopes damaged by 1-1 draw against Lecce

Puel has taken over a team with problems on and off the pitch, with their only win since late October a French Cup win over second-tier Saint-Etienne in December.

In November, players, staff and management clashed with 200 fans who had gathered outside the training center to express their anger at Nice’s selection as they returned from a 3-1 defeat at Lorient.

In the Allianz Riviera, Rosenior’s team led thanks to Panichelli’s try in the 13th minute, but failed to fully control the first half.

At the break, Puel brought 23-year-old Wahi off the bench and nine minutes later he leveled the score.

Former Marseille striker Wahi had three chances to claim all three points and his best chance was saved by Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders.

Earlier, Czech forward Pavel Sulc scored twice as Lyon beat Monaco 3-1 to maintain their hopes of European football next season.

Later, fourth-placed Lille will host Rennes with four points separating the two teams in the table.

Published on January 4, 2026