Maurice Cohen, the president of the Eaglets, presented yesterday to the press the former defender of Racing Club de Strasbourg in his new jersey. The Franco-Malian player has the daunting task of succeeding his friend Sammy Traoré, the mainstay of the red and black defense who will play next season at Paris St Germain.
Cédric Kanté loves challenges. By choosing to settle in Nice, he has set a course true to his ambitions. No more playing just to avoid relegation; the former captain of the Strasbourg club, demoted to Ligue 2, could not conceive of leaving the elite of French football: “In my mind, it was out of the question to play in Ligue 2. If I hadn’t been determined to leave, I might still be there. I was contractually bound with Strasbourg so I trained as seriously as possible. But we knew for two months that we were going to be relegated, and my desire was clear.” Common aspirations with the Gym, which had been following him for some years already, enabled a quick conclusion of a 3-year contract in which the club invested heavily. “In Nice, the goals are higher, it’s a good challenge.”
“A Positive Pressure”
It’s fair to say that many hopes rest on the experienced legs of a player who will celebrate his 27th birthday on July 6th. So, pressure indeed. Cédric Kanté must leave a captain’s status in his hometown team, integrate into the Nice squad on and off the field, and replace an important part of a solid and stable defense. Too much pressure? To this, he responds: “If I leave Strasbourg for a club like Nice, it’s precisely to embrace it! I know that OGCN spent quite a bit of money to bring me here, this doubles the pressure but if I come here, it’s to exceed expectations. As for fitting in, I don’t think I will have too much trouble, the Nice squad is known for having an excellent spirit.” “The pressure in Nice is positive; it will only allow me to progress,” he concludes. Maurice Cohen emphasized the player’s great willingness to integrate and the qualities sought by the club: “He was already a pillar of the Strasbourg defense. He’s a fast player with good heading ability that fits perfectly into our system of play.” Cédric Kanté could therefore be the ideal replacement for Sammy Traoré. The dice are now cast, nothing more can be done… or everything will go for the best.
