Yesterday at noon, at the OGC Nice training center, the club’s coach Patrick Vieira and its president Jean-Pierre Rivière presented their five new summer recruits. A breath of fresh air and experience for a club that is increasingly ambitious.
In less than a month, the Côte d’Azur club has brought in no fewer than five recruits to strengthen a squad that is expected to start the 2020-2021 season with 24 or 25 players. The club is mainly focusing on youth with Robson Bambu (22-year-old central defender from Sao Paulo), Flavius Daniliuc (19 years old and former Bayern Munich player), Amine Gouiri (former Lyon player, 20 years old), but also on experience with the French international Morgan Schneiderlin, 30 years old, former player of Manchester United and Everton, as well as Hassane Kamara, 26-year-old left-back, who played for Reims.
Robson Bambu: “I connected with the city, the club has big ambitions, and Dante (central defender) was important in my decision; he shared his sense of fulfillment at the club, its family atmosphere. The president gives young players the opportunity to progress, and I thank him for that.”
Hassane Kamara: “With this structured and ambitious club, I immediately had excellent impressions, I felt involved in the project. This team attacks a lot, which is part of my playing philosophy. I chose number 13 because Châteauroux denied me the number 10 in favor of 13. I’ve kept it ever since (laughs).”
Flavius Daniliuc: “Despite talks with other European clubs, the decision to join OGC Nice was obvious to me. I knew Patrick Vieira and had been following the club since Balotelli played here. Sergio Ramos is my idol, but I’m already learning a lot with my partner Dante.”
Amine Gouiri: “Being ambitious, I didn’t hesitate to join this club with an interesting project, where I quickly felt involved. I want to grow alongside this team. I am comfortable at the front of the attack, whether as a 9 or supporting the striker. Even though my cruciate ligament injury slowed my progression, I feel confident for the future.”
Morgan Schneiderlin: “I’m happy to return to the French league, or rather to truly discover it (he played 5 games with Strasbourg at the beginning of his career). The club has a lot of qualities; I want to bring experience to the young players. Coming here to Nice doesn’t close the door to the French team; I will give everything, but I know the competition in the midfield is fierce. It’s an honor to play under Patrick Vieira, who played in the same position as me, one of the greatest of his generation.”
Coach’s word: “We have set up a slow physical preparation to avoid rushing the players and prevent injuries. This week, we have stepped up in preparation for the friendly match against Lyon on Saturday. Amine Gouiri (former Lyon player) will play part of the match. Regarding the defense, the transfer window is closed.
President’s word: “The club’s project is progressing slowly but surely. We shouldn’t expect to see stars arriving at the club this summer. We don’t spend a vast amount of money but use it wisely with a quality staff. We are not aiming for 3rd place, but we want to get closer to the top of the table. The team must have character with real cohesion.”
