The Nice players understandably appeared frustrated by the defeat at the end of this first day of Ligue 1. The Monegasques, on the other hand, are aware of coming away with 3 points, far from showing the difficulties experienced by the Monegasques in the first half.
Claude Puel, coach, OGC Nice:
“I feel a lot of frustration and pain for the players who gave it their all this evening. We managed the first half-hour well, even though I would have preferred us to keep the ball a bit more after opening the scoring. We had the capacity and the skills. After that, I would say we faced a barrage of adverse conditions with the injuries to Mathieu and Simon as well as the sending-off of young Boscagli. It became very difficult under these conditions to rise to the challenge. Early in the second half, we had the chance to lead 2-0, and unfortunately, we conceded two avoidable goals. Without the scenario against us, the result should have been much better considering the effort the players put in.”
Valère Germain, forward, OGC Nice:
“We started the match well, putting in a strong first half-hour. Then there were several incidents against us. First the injuries, then the red card hurt us. It’s a shame; we would have liked to turn the match around at 11 versus 11. The second half in numerical inferiority was really difficult. Monaco held onto the ball well, and it was tough to win it back. Nevertheless, we still created some opportunities with 10 against 11. There is really a quality group and quite a few reasons to be satisfied despite the defeat. I am convinced that we will react well and have a very good season.”
Léonardo Jardim, coach, AS Monaco:
“It’s always a difficult match against OGC Nice. The Nice players started the match very intensely. On our side, the first thirty minutes were very bad. The tactical change, with the introduction of Bernardo Silva, changed the game’s dynamics. In the second half, we controlled the match. Last year, we won with 10 against 11; this year, it’s the reverse. Now we will focus on the next match at home before thinking about the Champions League playoff against Valencia.”
Jérémy Toulalan, midfielder, AS Monaco:
“We started poorly last year with a defeat; it was important to start this season better to immediately build confidence in this championship. It wasn’t easy to get into this match with the heat. It became a bit easier for us later with the numerical advantage, and in the second half, we managed to have a bit more control of the ball and many opportunities. This Nice team is better than last year; I think they’re going to have a good season. It’s a bit unfortunate for them, but overall, I think we deserve to win the match.”
Photo credit and more information at www.ogcnice.com
Romain Boisaubert.
