On Saturday evening, OGC Nice lost for the fifth consecutive time to Lorient (3-0). A defeat synonymous with deep malaise exacerbated by the absence of many injured or suspended players.
Yet, Dario Cvitanich’s teammates had started the match well. Enterprising against well-organized Lorient, the Nice players had several chances but failed to convert them. The fault lies in a lack of precision in front of the goal. A more opportunistic Lorient took advantage of the Azurine’s clumsiness to open the scoring. Monnet-Paquet scored against Lucas Veronese with ease.
Nice had several opportunities to get back into the match, but Audard perfectly played his role as the last line of defense for the Bretons. Dario Cvitanich, lacking success, did not allow his team to get back into the game. Worse, weakened by the absence of many key players, Nice saw Lorient score two more times. Young Amavi scored an own goal from a deflected ball in the 71st minute, and Vincent Aboubacar sealed the score in stoppage time.
A heavy score for a depleted team. With an experimental defense composed of Amavi, Puel, Gomis, and Kolodziejczak, hope for better was difficult. For this match, it’s not concerning. But this condition has persisted for several matches. Five in total. The initial critiques should focus on the technical management, and more specifically, the physical preparation. With a full infirmary and matches piling up, the negative spiral is ruthlessly affecting the Nice collective. And then, when Dario Cvitanich doesn’t score, OGC Nice is in deep trouble. A glaring reality, accentuated by the few attacking solutions available to Claude Puel.
On Tuesday, against Monaco, the Aiglons will once again have the opportunity to reconnect with success in a derby anticipated by the supporters. A big match, a rivalry, a clash of styles, everything is set to provoke the famed jolt among Claude Puel’s men.
Provided they have the technical… and physical means!
Photo credit: www.ogcnice.com
