OGC Nice meets its rival and enemy, AS Monaco, this Saturday at 2 p.m. for the Côte d’Azur derby. Both teams are feeling confident, with Nice winning against Lille (1-0) and the Monegasques winning at Montpellier (0-1). The Eagles, who suffered three defeats last season, want to cause an upset and make up for the insult.
Because a derby is never just any match, it involves rivalry, regional superiority. Because the short trip of about fifteen kilometers is never insignificant in a season. It’s an opportunity for a thousand supporters to make the journey along the seafront on scooters, armed with flares to fill the Louis-II stands, as is not often the case. For Nampalys Mendy and Valentin Eysseric, this match carries another importance, proving that their choice to join Nice was the right one and that President Rivère’s young project is solid.
Last season, Monaco had a flawless record, 3 matches, 3 victories: 0-3 at the Allianz Riviera in the league and 0-1 (a.e.t.) in the French Cup and 1-0 in the return leg of Ligue 1 in their own arena. No doubt that this afternoon, the young Nice team (average age of 23.5 years) will want to break this series and reclaim the French Riviera.
“We find it difficult to approach these away matches. Monaco, which has regained confidence with three consecutive victories, is coming up. This team is a bit less flashy than last season but is more united, focused on the collective. It’s a challenge to take up,” explained Claude Puel during a press conference this Thursday.
On Wednesday evening, OGC Nice regained their smile after a series of lackluster matches. The victory against Lille 1-0 allows Claude Puel’s men to go to Louis-II with confidence and more certainty. The defense held firm, the midfield impressed, all with an impeccable mindset. Unfortunately, Albert, excellent against Lille, is unavailable this Saturday, but the Eagles can count on the return of Didier Digard, finally at ease with his calf.
“We are confident after this fine performance against Lille. The sequence of matches (3 in 8 days) is not bad because we don’t have time to question ourselves. Against Monaco, we will have to give everything, be supportive, and not scatter,” stated “Papy” Mendy to the press.
As for Monaco, the small crisis from August is well behind them. The Jardim case is no longer relevant, the Rock is at peace with a series of three consecutive victories across all competitions. Led by the great Dimitar Berbatov, who scored twice against Nice last season, Monaco has finally launched its season. In a Louis-II stadium that should be full despite the pricing policy (€40 minimum for lateral seats), the derby promises to be intense on the pitch and, of course, in the stands.
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