Nancy kick off pre-season with Nicolas Saint-Ruf as captain

AS Nancy Lorraine has begun its 2026-27 pre-season preparations with one clear message: Nicolas Saint-Ruf is the new captain. At 33, the center-back took the armband in the club’s opening friendly against FC Mamer in Toul on July 4, a move that came as no surprise. Nancy currently sits 14th in Ligue 2 with 37 points from 34 games and recent form of WWDLD.

Oswald Tanchot, the new head coach, didn’t even need to deliberate. « There’s no debate. When Nico’s on the pitch, he wears the armband », Tanchot said. The decision was obvious, given Saint-Ruf’s long-standing influence in the dressing room. The defender, a Nancy lifer, brings the continuity the club sought despite the coaching change.

Leadership that goes beyond the armband

For Saint-Ruf, the captaincy isn’t just symbolic. In a Nancy side reshaped in the close season, his experience is vital. « Everyone expected it », Tanchot confirmed. The defender, used to big moments, offers stability the club needed after several departures.

His role isn’t limited to pre-match talks. On the pitch, he marshals the backline and starts attacks — two areas where Nancy struggled last term, conceding 52 goals. With 35 scored and a -17 goal difference, the side must tighten up to climb above 14th.

A season defined by rebuilding

The coaching change has reshaped the squad. Tanchot has introduced a new system, but he’s also backed the club’s natural leaders. Saint-Ruf, now, must guide this group toward loftier goals. « We’re not starting from scratch », the captain noted. The side trails league leaders Troyes by 30 points and needs quick wins to avoid another mid-table slog.

Pre-season continues with a packed schedule. The next competitive fixture is February 12, 2027, at home to Red Star FC 93, currently 4th. A chance to show progress if Nancy shores up its defense.

Saint-Ruf, meanwhile, is already embracing the role. « I’m here to help the team move forward », he said. A simple statement, but one that captures Nancy’s mindset for the new campaign.