Claude Puel has revealed that he turned down the chance to coach in the Champions League in order to take over at Nice.

The 50-year-old, who was sacked as manager of Lyon last year, has targeted Europa League football within the next few years but admitted that it may take a while to build with Les Aiglons.

"I was immediately captured by the project Nice was proposing," said Puel. "I want to invest myself in this club for the years to come, I want to construct something here, little by little.

"I could have gone overseas, to a big club of standing, playing in the Champions League already. I know this is a big challenge here at Nice, that it's going to be tough and we'll have to move forward without a huge budget. It will take a very long time, but that's what attracted me.

"One thing is for sure, I didn't come here to vegetate mid-table or fight against relegation every year. I wouldn't do that. I believe OGC Nice has the potential to be playing regularly in the Europa League in a few years time and, who knows, maybe even the Champions League!"

Jean-Pierre Riviere decided not to renew Rene Marsiglia's contract at the end of this season.