OGC Nice’s left back, Jordan Amavi, has experienced a meteoric rise since last August and secured a starting position after Timothée Kolodziejczak’s departure. He is one of the three Nice players to have played every minute since the beginning of the season. For Nice Premium, he reviews the first nine matches, thanks the supporters, and sets a goal for the rest of the season.
Nice Premium: How do you assess your start to the season on a personal level and that of the club?
Jordan Amavi: The start was rather good against Toulouse (3-2 win) and Lorient (0-0 draw), but after that, the two defeats hurt us. Since then, we have recovered, except for the defeat at Nantes (2-1). Overall, it’s satisfying. Personally, I am happy with my performances.
N.P.: You have played all the matches since the start of the season; is that satisfying?
J.A.: Of course, although physically, I’m not used to playing so many consecutive matches. We train well to recover as best as possible.
N.P.: What is the club’s objective for this season and this group of young players and veterans?
J.A.: We want to finish as high as possible, win as many matches as we can. We need to erase last season, which was complicated (17th place). Our supporters deserve a great season.
N.P.: Today, OGC Nice is 11th with 15 points, just 3 points behind PSG, who are in 3rd place. Is this satisfying?
J.A.: It’s good, but we must not get carried away. We need to win as many matches as possible, and we’ll tally up at the end of the season.
N.P.: After the Nantes match, the supporters put some pressure on the club. How did you feel about that?
J.A.: It’s normal, I understand them. The supporters want to see good play and victories. In Nantes, we weren’t there, but since then we reacted well against Lille (1-0 win), in Monaco (1-0 win), and even against Montpellier (1-1 draw).
N.P.: You were selected for the France Under-21 team last August but not this time for the playoff against Sweden. Is it a disappointment?
J.A.: No, I don’t see it as a disappointment. Being called up to the French team is a reward. It’s up to me to work harder, perform better in matches, and the coach will make his choices.
N.P.: What is your goal for the rest of the season?
J.A.: To score a goal, hopefully in front of our supporters. I would like to be decisive and, of course, play as many matches as possible.
N.P.: A word for the Nice fans, the true 12th man in every home game…
J.A.: There are no words, they are fantastic. They are always present whether at the training center or the stadium.
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