This Wednesday, the president of OGC Nice, Jean-Pierre Rivère, faced the press for a season review. Satisfied with the 11th place, he confirmed Claude Puel in his position and has new hopes for the next season with the arrival of some players in the coming days, including Hatem Ben Arfa.
The 11th place
“Finishing eleventh is a true reward for the passionate individuals who work in this club despite so many opposing factors.”
Claude Puel
“It’s very simple, he will be here next season. We have a very interesting coach who is doing considerable foundational work in the club. There was no reason to imagine that we wouldn’t spend another year together. Claude is the man we needed. I have never doubted him, even though there were disagreements on a specific topic (that of Grégoire Puel, editor’s note).”
Incidents with the supporters
“There is a negative environment, a lack of affection. A lot has happened. Too much for them (the supporters). For us. I must meet them; the goal is to restore calm to this club and its surroundings. We are all going to work together—because it will be a collective effort—to ensure that we all enjoy ourselves together again, and that this club regains the calm that it has lacked this year.”
Lack of home victories
“The pressure did not allow the young players to express themselves at their best at the Allianz Riviera. We still lack the stability to completely manage a match.”
The transfer window
“For Ben Arfa, there are one or two small details to resolve. He will be from Nice next season. He is a characterful guy; he has always kept his word. He refused very good offers, he did not give in to temptations and stayed true to his commitments. For Carlos Eduardo, he has a deep desire to stay here, his agent too, and so do we. The last obstacle is Porto. Jean-Michael Seri is a very good player sought after by big clubs. It is very likely he will join us. A right-back? Yes, it’s a priority, we have several options, it will happen.”
The OGC Nice project
“We all make mistakes, we made some too. Our project involves youth. In terms of communication, we might have made a mistake. Young players need guidance; our leaders were often absent this season.”
The squad
“We will face offers for Jordan (Amavi) but we will not move unless the offer is substantial. As for Nampalys Mendy, we will see. We are keeping our commitments. Today, our financial balance is stable, no longer needing to sell players to close the accounts.”
Grégoire Puel
“In January, he had offers that he refused. The goal is for him to play elsewhere. It has not been an easy experience for him, and regardless of Paulin’s (his brother, striker for the CFA with some professional appearances) quality, it is preferable he does not go through the same situation as Grégoire.”
His involvement with the club
“With age, we perhaps make fewer concessions. In football, balance is fragile. I always think about the club’s interest. OGC Nice is an institution. The pleasure has disappeared for some time, but I do not regret anything.”
The staff
“The entire staff will be retained. I have never thought about a sporting director.”
The training center
“The project is not at all at a standstill. The building permit is approved. We are now considering the financing.”
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