Exciting in play since the beginning of the season, the Nice team has only taken 5 points in the first four matchdays. A mediocre record, especially considering that Nice faced two newly promoted teams. However, calm is maintained, now they just need to add some points, perhaps starting tonight against Guingamp?
“I think good times are coming for OGC Nice.” Valère Germain knows it; this eleventh place in Ligue 1 is deceptive. Injuries or youthful mistakes (such as at Troyes) have cost them points at the start of the season.
The challenges posed to Claude Puel’s men have also been tougher than they appeared on paper. The trip to Angers, in particular, proved very perilous against a team that garnered 8 points in August to place fourth in the league before the break. So far, Guingamp has been much less effective, yet they present relatively similar arguments. A solid team block capable of being very sturdy and an interesting offensive sector. The attack was completely revamped this summer following the departures of Mandanne and Beauvue, but the arrivals of Benezet, Privat, and then Briand suggest a promising performance.
“What’s missing to win, coach?”
Victorious at home against a completely disorganized OM, En Avant Guingamp has nevertheless seemed to struggle away. At Nantes and Bastia, the Breton club remained silent in attack and even conceded many chances in Corsica, resulting in a 3-0 defeat.
These results might foreshadow a challenging trip to Nice. Ultimately, if the Riviera club doesn’t have more points today, it’s probably due to a lack of habit in winning. Wins attract wins, and the team hasn’t had the chance to start a series so far. Angers prevented the “Aiglons” from confirming their victory against Caen. With Bodmer returning from injury, the signings of Pereira and Le Bihan in the group, the red and blacks are presenting with a slightly reinforced squad. And if the attacking trio of Ben Arfa, Germain, and Pléa shines as brightly as in their recent outings, the team has every chance to win. And to climb up the standings.
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