More than against PSG, it is in Troyes that we will see if OGC Nice, under Puel’s leadership, has truly changed its stature.
Traditionally, the Gym has shown itself capable of spectacular feats against the top teams in Ligue 1. But generally, these have been immediately followed by poor defeats, typical of the slackening that follows overexertion.
In Troyes, the red and blacks will have the opportunity to secure a fourth consecutive victory against a team that has won only once this season, having conceded 32 goals in 15 matches and is already 8 points behind the first team out of relegation. But reviving teams in great difficulty is a Nice specialty, much like poutine and socca. Montpellier, adrift in the championship before scoring 3 goals against Joris Delle, can attest to that.
However, beyond the victory against PSG and the widespread excitement that has engulfed the whole city, there is a sense that the current positive momentum driving the team is not the result of fleeting euphoria but indeed of a game plan and collective progression. This refers to the groundwork laid by Claude Puel with a squad that is one of the youngest in Ligue 1.
Arriving with a reputation as a defensive and strict coach, Puel has instead established an attacking style of play based on ball possession (Nice ranks 4th in the league in this area) and though his demands are proverbial, his management of the group is flexible.
Evident in his handling of the Anin case, who left for Le Havre for two months with the club’s support to address personal issues, and the revival of David Ospina, who had been relegated behind Joris Delle in the goalkeeping hierarchy. More generally, the joy of playing and the boldness of young players such as Eysseric, Bosetti, or Maupay are proof that their coach is not the feared authoritarian figure.
The last doubt about this team concerns the lack of control in defense, which on several occasions has cost points when the match was seemingly in hand. While progress has been clear in recent matches, against Toulouse (1-0) and in Marseille (2-2), Nice’s defenders have still often been on the verge of collapse. The absence of a specialized full-back and the inconsistency of the central defense, particularly Civelli, will be the main areas of focus if the Gym aims for more than mid-table. But just a few weeks ago, no one was asking this question.
OGC Nice does not have money, but thanks to Claude Puel, it already has rich people’s problems.
by Xavier Garcia
