Nice Première: OGC Nice-RC Lens, what are your thoughts on this last match of the year?
Sylvain Creis: A clash of gentlemen, on one side a team in the lower half of the table experiencing significant offensive difficulties but rarely losing at home. On the other, a team looking for revenge after a thrashing at home. All the ingredients are there to witness a great game of football, especially since for this last match of the year, both teams will want to go on vacation on a high note. Let’s just hope the stakes don’t overshadow the game. Otherwise, we might end up with a classic 0-0.
NP: In what condition will Lens present themselves on Saturday night?
SC: Fired up. After the reception of Lyon where they completely missed their mark, the Blood and Gold will want to make up for the points lost at home with an away victory. Today everyone is ready, and Francis Gillot won’t be sentimental when choosing his lineup.
NP: How did the players and the club react after the setback against Lyon?
SC: While the refereeing was questioned at halftime, it was clear by the end of the match that Lyon is at least one level above. Admittedly, there were few opportunities, but Lyon showed great realism. Lens doesn’t pay much attention to the opponent’s play and focuses on its own tactics. Whether at home or away, the team plays the same way: offensively. Despite digesting a 4-0 defeat, they won’t change their tactics at Stade du Ray.
NP: In your opinion, what is the reason Lens is in second place in Ligue 1?
SC: Undoubtedly, the group is more consistent today. After a catastrophic start to the season, the squad has bounced back. The arrival of Nenad Kovacevic has certainly contributed. He might not be eye-catching or possess great technical skills, but he doesn’t give up easily and does a lot of work to pass the ball to the nearest teammate.
Otherwise, Lens has quality players in all positions. If the left-back position was worrying at the start of the season, Marco Ramos, from L2, has become an undisputed starter. Upfront, the team can score at any moment from a well-crafted action or an individual exploit.
NP: How is OGC Nice perceived in the north of France?
SC: As a club where it’s difficult to win points away, with a very passionate atmosphere and lots of sunshine. But a defeat there would be poorly viewed by Lens fans. Last year, they almost blocked our qualification for the UEFA Cup on the last day, and this season, they seem unrecognizable.
NP: Which Nice players do you fear the most?
SC: Cyril Rool! But he will be suspended! He’s really the kind of player who is admired at our place because he never gives up. A charming and even shy person off the field but a hard worker during the match. The idol of Bollaërt, as the song goes.
Otherwise, in the absence of Florent Balmont, I would say Bakari Koné. Small and fast, he can cause a lot of problems for our defense, which is more suited to handling big-bodied opponents. This kind of edgy player can create chaos in Lens’s defense.
NP: The Nice public has often been criticized by football authorities and some politicians. What’s your opinion on this topic?
SC: Nice, Marseille, Nantes, Paris, and even Lens… There are fools everywhere. Now, one must also know how to differentiate between those who come to support their team for 90 minutes and those who are looking for trouble. Sure, Nice has often been pointed at, but this phenomenon exists everywhere. It’s probably even over-publicized today.
NP: Do you think the championship is settled and that Lyon will be champion again?
SC: Absolutely not. Lens intentionally lost on Saturday to challenge themselves further. The championship is so easy for us that we will make up these 17 points in the second half of the season and finish way ahead, as revenge for what Lyon did to us in 2002, taking the title from us on the last day of the championship…
No, I’m joking. Indeed, Lyon will be champions without any problem. Today, the championship is only interesting for the second place.
NP: If I say Panathinaïkos?
SC: A club eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2006-2007 UEFA Cup by the indomitable Blood and Gold. lol
NP: Finally, if you had to make a prediction for Saturday’s match?
SC: 3-3. Goals, celebration, and Lens still second in the championship, despite this draw, to enjoy the end-of-year holidays warmly.
Two goals by Matt Moussilou (the former Lille player) and a goal by Baky Koné in the first half. As for Lens, a goal by Dindane in the 71st minute, Cousin in the 89th, and an equalizer by Jemaâ who came in as a substitute in the 95th.
