Possible departure of senior players, group demobilization, and fan weariness, the end of the season is being eagerly awaited at OGC Nice. But before a complete break, there is a match to play against Lyon, who are still vying for a European spot. This time, the objective is clear: Play the game thoroughly.
Important for preparing the next season, this year’s ranking will determine many things. In terms of budget, finishing 17th or 13th has a completely different impact. The difference is huge and conditions Nice’s future.
The first effects of this failed season are already being felt. Didier Digard, the captain and strongman of the group, has been offered a reduced salary due to losses caused by the poor league position. As a result, the former Parisian announced his departure at the end of the season, upset by this lack of consideration. A departure that resembles that of Renato Civelli, who left under similar conditions, with the known consequences on the defense and locker room.
Another problem, Digard is not the only one on the way out. Kolodziecjak, announced in England, is also among them. The same goes for David Ospina, who had an excellent season and whose talent may have become perhaps a bit too big for the Gym. Dario Cvitanitch could also leave, but offers have not been flooding in. The management will surely regret the amounts put on the table for the Argentine during the last summer transfer window. Not very successful this year, Super Dario also receives a substantial salary. All these negotiations do not encourage optimism. Moreover, Jean-Pierre Rivière’s desire not to invest further money in transfers suggests the Nice team should be significantly rejuvenated next year. That has become a certainty.
For now, there remains one last match to play before truly addressing these issues and tending to the sick team. Lyon is coming to Allianz Riviera, eager due to injustices and the desire to compete in the European Cup next season. If Rémi Garde watched OGC Nice’s match at Evian, he shouldn’t expect to find the same team on Saturday. This is, in any case, the opinion of many observers, more inclined to see a revenge from Claude Puel, who is still in legal proceedings with his former club for wrongful dismissal.
A match seemingly without stakes for Nice but which could well carry a particular flavor due to personal cases. To be followed closely before the start of the World Cup.
