Nice Premium: What sports assessment do you draw from this season?
Alain Griguer: It’s been a great journey, very satisfying. With 14 victories, we finished close to the 8th position, which would mean reaching the finals. Without our injury problems, we surely would have made it. The goals were largely achieved. The reserve team also stood out by reaching the National 2. And the women are not to be outdone. They finished in first place and will soon find out if they’re moving up. We had a nice break in the Coupe de France, reaching the semi-finals. It’s a pity we missed the final by a bit. Maybe we suffered from the repetition of matches and a lack of experience. But there were some great games at the Palmeira hall.
NP: What will you change internally for the next championship?
AG: We will try to keep the same group. The players want to stay, so the team will be more or less identical. There will be no significant departures. Coach Léonard Baric is staying, but he needs to take an exam to confirm his diploma. I hope he gets it, otherwise, we will be in trouble. As for the budget, I have to meet with city officials to negotiate. We’d like to have a bit more, but it all depends on the importance they give to each sport. There are many clubs in Nice, and it’s up to the officials to choose. We just want to represent the 5th largest city in France the best we can.
NP: What will be the goals for this new season?
AG: It’s clearly to be in the top eight. We also want to offer a spectacle to our supporters who came in large numbers this year. Despite the repetition of matches, we’ve increased attendance. Regarding the club, we will focus on training. This year, the young players shone, compensating brilliantly for the injuries of the main players, like Benoît, who played six outstanding matches. The promotion of the reserve team will reduce the gap in level with Ligue A. It’s a good thing. Afterward, whether the young players get to play is another matter.
NP: On the administrative side, are you continuing as president?
AG: It’s very demanding, but no one is kicking me out! So I am staying. Moreover, the team pleased me this year, unlike 4-5 years ago. Now, in a club, it’s good to bring change and new blood from time to time. It will soon be time to hand over to the younger generation.
NP: Tomorrow’s final between Cannes and Tours closes the championship. Has a club particularly impressed you this year?
AG: I was surprised by Saint-Quentin, which has a very good team. Unfortunately for them, they don’t have depth on the bench. Besides Tours, all the clubs we faced seemed beatable. Regarding the final, my heart is Mediterranean, but my position as vice-president of the League obliges me to remain neutral. Logically, Tours should win.
