After its stunning victory in the last minutes (3-2) against Lyon on Sunday in the league, Nice (3rd) replay Wednesday evening (9 p.m.) in Troyes and behind closed doors its late match against Marseille (4th). A meeting stopped last August after the invasion of the ground and a general fight at the Allianz Riviera. In the event of victory, Wednesday evening, the OGCN could become the new dolphin of the PSG. But coach Christophe Galtier wants to keep a cool head.
Is this the most important game of the season?
No, but it would be a lie to say that this is a match like any other. There is the history. It is an important match compared to the situation of the two teams in the standings. A match against OM is always special. We have to be at our best to compete.
What type of meeting do you expect on neutral ground behind closed doors?
There is the sequence of matches, but this sequence is especially for Olympique de Marseille who had a European match last week and now this meeting in addition. We thank the club and the city of Troyes for receiving us. Not many of them wanted to. We are going to play on good ground. It’s an extra trip for both teams, it causes fatigue but also costs. It was decided so and we must comply with this decision. The environment will be the one we experienced the previous season with an empty stadium but adversity on the pitch, facing a very playful team that puts rhythm and intensity.
“We’re going to win”
Is there a scent of revenge?
It is not revenge. Nothing had happened between the players. But yes, on August 22, we had more chances to win than Marseille. We have been sanctioned, we are looking forward. We go there to win, not to get revenge. These points are important. If we manage to win them we will be in a very pleasant and very comfortable position.
Do you feel like playing them at the right time after Lyon’s favorable scenario on Sunday?
It is obvious that to win in these conditions is to prove that a match is never over. But we have been roughed up and this should serve as a lesson to us. We need to be more efficient.
How did you analyze the entry into play of Youcef Atal?
Obviously it was very beneficial, like the other changes. The entrants must be an added value and not an additional participation in stats. I saw the Youcef that Ligue 1 knew again and since the start of the season we had rarely seen him express himself in this way. Maybe it was a little blockage or worry about any injuries he might have had. I think this entry will do him good on a mental level.
A point on the workforce?
Andy Delort will not be there (not qualified), Robson Bambu is being treated, Calvin Stengs (injured in the thigh) will also be forfeited. Justin Kluivert follows his re-athletic program.
If you win, you are second in the championship. Did you plan to be there after eleven days?
No, the management had not set any goals for me. I hope they are happy with the sporting situation. I see many, many areas for improvement.