A victory, albeit narrow, against Rennes (2-1) is the best thing that could have happened for the Eagles who will travel to Cyprus to face Apollon Limassol in the first leg of the Europa League playoff before hosting the Cypriots for the return match next Thursday, the 29th, at the Stade du Ray.
Claude Puel and his protégés will arrive in Cyprus tomorrow for a training session scheduled at the GSP Stadium at 8 PM, right after the traditional pre-match press conference. Not much is known about Apollon Limassol, who won the Cyprus Cup last year and just lost their first official match in the Super Cup against Apoel Nicosia (1-0) on Saturday night.
In the league, Limassol finished their 2012-2013 season in a less than glorious 6th place in the first phase of qualification in a championship of 14 teams, and eventually finished 6th in the ranking group behind the other club from Limassol, AEL. A season that will not go down in the annals of the Cypriot club.
There is no doubt that coach Christakis Christoforou’s men will try their best not to become the sacrificial lambs next week in a Ray that is likely to become a real red and black cauldron. Therefore, care is needed to avoid overconfidence for the Eagles, who will need to minimize damage to ensure a less stressful return.
The Nice Squad
Claude Puel has selected 19 players for the trip to Cyprus in the Europa League (Thursday at 8 PM). Bruins and Grégoire Puel are injured, while Christian Brüls will serve the first of his three-match suspension.
Goalkeepers: Ospina, Hassen
Defenders: Amavi, Genevois, Gomis, Kolodziejczak, Palun, Rougeaux
Midfielders: Abriel, Constant, Eysseric, Digard, Mendy, Pied, Traoré
Forwards: Bahoken, Bauthéac, Bosetti, Cvitanich
Absent
Bruins, Dao Castellana, Maupay, Pejcinovic, Pentecost, Puel, Veronese (injured), Brüls (suspended), Astier, Dada, Delle, Fofana, Guie Guie, M’Bow (coach’s decision)
