Smiles were in abundance at the Charles-Ehrmann Sports Park despite the rain. The victory in Bordeaux reinvigorates the Nice team, which now ranks in the top half of the Ligue 1 table. Eric Bauthéac, speaking to the press, showed ambition and optimism ahead of the clash with Marseille in four days.
Eric, how do you start a week after this success in Bordeaux (2-1) and this series of two consecutive wins?
Six points in two matches, including a challenging game in Bordeaux, today, we’re all smiles. We’re going to prepare well because a big challenge awaits on Friday (Olympique de Marseille at 8:30 pm). I think the supporters will be there as usual. It will be a great celebration against a great team. Everything is set for a beautiful match.
Facing Marseille is always special…
When we play big teams, even Paris or Lyon, we are extremely motivated. We will give it our all as usual, like we’ve been doing lately.
Beating Marseille could be a springboard toward other ambitions?
We beat Bordeaux away, but OM is a tougher opponent. They are a bit less in form at the moment, so it’s up to us to take advantage. I feel they are a bit more worn out physically, making less effort than in the first part of the season. Regarding our ambitions, we prefer to look upward. We are 10th, in our rightful place. Finishing in the top half of the table would be an excellent performance since the team is still being built.
At the end of the Bordeaux match, you mentioned mental work. Can you elaborate?
It’s a collective effort. Among the players, we communicate a lot. Everyone in the group gets along well, there is good chemistry. We often have small meetings to speak our minds. Recently, we’ve been nervous, struggling to move forward like in the first half in Bordeaux. We need to build on what we achieved in the second half to let go earlier in our matches.
The team has often been trailing this season, but you have managed to turn the situation around several times (five wins after conceding the first goal, a record in Ligue 1 this season). How can you explain this?
When we come back to level the score, it shows the team’s mental strength. Not all teams are capable of this. From the kickoff, we must push forward, create chances to build confidence. The coach talks to us a lot, and we also work with video analysis to correct these errors.
We’re seeing the Bauthéac of the first season again. Any explanation for this revival?
My performance is improving. I’ve had quite a few physical issues, notably with my knee. I had a good preparation but unfortunately got injured in the first match. I need to play a full match to feel good physically. The more I play, the better I feel. In my position, we run a lot. If you’re not at the top, it’s really difficult. I feel like I’m returning to my best level in recent weeks.
The team seems to be enjoying themselves, especially the attacking line…
Exactly. Against Bordeaux, especially in the second half, we enjoyed ourselves; we knew the balls would come. We try to play a good style of football, we are more comfortable on a good pitch like in Bordeaux. On a pitch like at Allianz, it’s difficult. We’re not a team that relies on long balls forward; we don’t have the players for that.
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