Crucified by Lorient in the last seconds of the match, OGC Nice had to concede defeat once again on their home turf this season. The 16th overall defeat and, more importantly, the 6th at home contributed to a disappointing record that outlines a failed season. A memory to hold on to in order to bounce back next season.
Goals by Sunu and Aboubakar in stoppage time definitively buried a Nice team that was lethargic throughout the match. This was due to ball possession that too often proved sterile. A game leaning towards lateral play, stereotyped, hence easy for the opponent to read. Lorient took advantage of this with their short passing game and ability to quickly push forward.
Nice’s attackers, with limited supply, found themselves isolated in a complicated scheme. With this defeat, Nice continues its fourth match without a win. But, more importantly, they face psychological difficulties. The future is not built on failure, a negative cycle that weighs down a team. The integration of both veteran and younger players is currently not happening on the field.
Between players eager to leave the club and others desperately wanting to secure their spots, cohesion is struggling. To get a clearer picture, the young players will have to wait until the end of the season and the traditional footballers’ shuffle.
The future of Claude Puel also seems uncertain. A situation that burdens a group already lacking confidence. The best news is the upcoming match and a short trip to Monaco. Even if, on paper, the princes are superior to the eagles, a derby is always a unique match. It provides an opportunity to excel, to transcend oneself for the thousands of supporters who will come to cheer the red and black in the stands of Louis II.
The mantra must be: “Forget this rough patch and bet everything on this encounter.”
The people of Nice are only waiting for this.
Photo credit and more information on www.ogcnice.com
