For this third chapter of Ligue 1, OGC Nice hosts Le Mans this Saturday (8:45 PM), just promoted from Ligue 2. A match that is particularly significant in more than one way for the Eagles, still seeking their first victory, but also marked by the commemoration of ten years since the July 14, 2016 attack.
After a transfer window judged globally successful, Olivier Pantaloni must now manage the progressive integration of his latest recruits. Most should be in the squad, the question remains whether they will get playing time. “We don’t want to make mistakes, we’re going to evaluate each player’s potential with the medical staff,” explains the Nice coach. Yesterday, two new outgoing loans were completed, with Matsounga to Virton and Victor Orakpo to Gençlerbirliği.
On Axel Witsel, who appeared for the first time against Paris FC, the assessment is encouraging: “I think he’s a very intelligent player on the pitch, he has good positioning sense, technical accuracy, he facilitates the ball distribution. He doesn’t yet have the pace he should have, but we’re very satisfied with what he brings.”
Regarding Elye Wahi, Olivier Pantaloni is still hesitant about giving him a starting place: “Is it risky to have him start? Or does coming off the bench allow him to express himself better? We’re going to try to make the best possible choice.”
Rebalancing the game to regain effectiveness
After a draw and a defeat in two matches, there’s no reason for alarm for Olivier Pantaloni. The coach acknowledges that lapses in concentration are costly, but he doesn’t want to “be alarmist at the start of the season.” However, he refuses any talk of leniency: “These are professional players, they need to learn quickly. We’re not going to make excuses for ourselves.“
On the offensive front, the Nice coach points to a problem of distribution on the pitch rather than a lack of effectiveness: “We have a predominance of play on the right. We shouldn’t let that push us to bring too many players from just one side.” On this point, he says he’s satisfied with the recruitment of Niels Nkounkou, who, unlike Melvin Bard, could be the key to this rebalancing. “He’s going to bring us more presence on the left flank, like Clauss does,” rejoices Olivier Pantaloni.
The tribute at the heart of the evening
Beyond the sporting aspect, hosting Le Mans marks the return of fans to the Allianz Riviera for the commemoration of ten years since the July 14, 2016 attack. A ceremony of remembrance will be organized on the pitch before kick-off, in the presence of families of victims and first responders mobilized that night. During the warm-up, a shirt bearing the Heart of the Victims will be worn by both teams.
The Gym has also unveiled its third kit, which pays tribute to the victims and will be worn by the Eagles. After the match, these kits will be auctioned off for the benefit of victim support associations.
Antoine Mendy, who grew up in Nice, wants to mobilize the locker room: “We’re going to do everything to remember this evening as a symbol of pride in representing Nice.” A moment that the coach also wants to turn into collective motivation: “It will be even more important in our eyes, it should give us the strength to go get our first victory.“
Le Mans, a promoted team not to be underestimated
Having risen directly from National to Ligue 1 in the space of two seasons without really changing the squad, Le Mans is having a very encouraging start to the season. Even if it doesn’t show in the standings, their ambitions in play are very much there and have allowed Patrick Videira’s men to hold Brest to a draw and cause real problems for Stade Rennais.
The Manceaux therefore approach this away match with certainties, according to Olivier Pantaloni: “It’s a generous team in their efforts, which has assets in the offensive plan, notably on their transition. They have a lot of verticality and play without any complex. We’ll need to be careful,” he analyzes.
Jérémie Pignard will referee this match, kick-off will be Saturday at 8:45 PM, at the Allianz Riviera.
Probable lineups
OGC Nice: Diouf – Abdelmonem, Ndayishimiye, Mandza – Clauss (C), Witsel, Coulibaly, Nkounkou – Hein, Wahi, Diop
Le Mans FC: Hatfout – Boissé, Eyoum, Voyer – Buades, Bourabaa, Lauray (C), Bretelle, Calodat – Gueye, Mafouta.
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