On the eve of the French Cup final against RC Lens, the Gym’s coach, Claude Puel, and captain Dante displayed a discourse focused on winning a title but also on the Ligue 1 playoffs against Saint-Étienne next week. Between tensions surrounding sanctions, significant absences and sporting pressure, OGC Nice approaches a decisive appointment at the Stade de France tomorrow evening.
A few hours before the French Cup final between OGC Nice and RC Lens, Claude Puel and Dante presented themselves to the press this afternoon. This appointment at the Stade de France comes at a complicated time for the Azurean club, now forced to play the playoffs for Ligue 1 survival against AS Saint-Étienne.
Claude Puel opened the conference with a discourse centered on preparing for this final. « We are preparing the match calmly », declared the Nice coach, despite the disappointment from the draw against Metz, which meant a playoff for survival. « Everyone at the club is impacted, we share the problems », before adding that « interesting things like this cup » also allow maintaining collective momentum. « Our only consideration is to play with full commitment. Our motivation will be to win this cup », continued the coach.
The Gym coach also returned to the sanction imposed by the Professional Football League after the pitch invasion during the match against Metz. « This sanction is very, too heavy. It is normal to have filed a complaint, we hope for a favorable outcome », Claude Puel stated regarding the two closed-door matches issued against OGC Nice.
The Nice coach also mentioned the situation of international players likely to miss the playoffs due to national team call-ups. « We have already worked on the subject, we have received favorable responses from the national teams. For us, it could concern up to nine players against three for Saint-Étienne. We will have time to fine-tune that after the French Cup », Claude Puel specified.
Dante: « the other two matches are also finals »
Present alongside Claude Puel, Dante emphasized the state of mind of the squad before this French Cup final. « I feel the squad very, very well. There is a sense of frustration among the players. But we can win a title. We are talking about a final, it is very important for the entire club », explained the Nice captain.
The Brazilian defender also reminded the importance of this event in a career. « A final, it is incredible. Do you know how many players have not had the opportunity to play a final in their career? », Dante launched to the journalists.
The captain of OGC Nice especially broadened the discourse to the upcoming matches against Saint-Étienne. « Whatever happens tomorrow, the other two matches are also finals. Our state of mind, whether we win or lose, is that we will give everything for the playoffs. Our objective: to win these three remaining finals », continued the 42-year-old player, who will play the final matches of his career in the Nice jersey.
« It is clear that if we finish with a title and with survival, I will have a lot of emotion », Dante concluded.
Five absences for the final against RC Lens
Before this appointment at the Stade de France, OGC Nice will have to deal with several significant absences. Claude Puel chose to exclude Salis Abdul Samed and Tanguy Ndombélé from the squad selected to face Lens.
According to RMC Sport, Salis Abdul Samed allegedly expressed his dissatisfaction after not coming on during the match against Metz. A reaction that led the Nice staff to make a disciplinary decision. Regarding Tanguy Ndombélé, the choice was purely sporting.
The infirmary also remains well-stocked on the Nice side. Mohamed Abdelmonem and Moïse Bombito are ruled out for the rest of the season. Everton will also miss this final due to an ankle injury.
The kickoff of this French Cup final will be given this Friday, May 22 at 9 p.m. OGC Nice will attempt to win a fourth trophy in the competition following successes in 1952, 1954 and 1997.
Enhanced security measures in Nice
Alongside this French Cup final between OGC Nice and RC Lens, the state authorities announced several security measures in Nice to oversee the broadcast of the match.
A fan zone will be set up on the Promenade du Paillon, at the level of the water mirror and the Flandres-Dunkerque crossing. Opening is planned from 6 p.m., three hours before kickoff scheduled for 9 p.m. Authorities recommend supporters arrive early and favor public transport.
The prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes also made several temporary orders. The possession, transport and use of pyrotechnic articles will be prohibited in Nice from May 22 at 3 p.m. until May 24 at noon. In several sectors of the city center, alcohol consumption on public roads, off-license alcohol sales and the use of glass or metal containers will be prohibited until the following morning.
State services will also be mobilized to oversee the travel of Nice supporters to Paris and prevent any potential incidents after the match. An Event Command Post will be activated from 4:45 p.m. at the urban supervision center of the city of Nice.
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