Gym is preparing to host one of its most anticipated autumn fixtures in Ligue 1: the reception of Olympique Lyonnais this Saturday at the Allianz Riviera. Two days before the clash, Franck Haise and Charles Vanhoutte spoke at a press conference to set the scene.
The international break offered a breather to OGC Nice, but it didn’t change the urgency to accumulate points and start a real momentum. The draw obtained on AS Monaco’s field, with ten against eleven for more than seventy minutes, left a particular feeling in the minds: that of a group who, despite hardships, knows how to fight together.
For Franck Haise, this solidarity is not just a one-off; it must become the norm. “Even in difficulty, I saw a team that held on until the end,” summed up the Nice coach, aware that this mental foundation can be decisive in a season still seeking benchmarks.
A weakened squad, unwavering determination
The Gym is approaching this fixture with reduced strength. Moïse Bombito, suffering from a serious injury, will be unavailable for several months. Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Mohamed Abdelmonhem are also out. Captain Dante remains uncertain. He participated in part of the team training sessions this week, but a final session will determine his presence in the squad.
In light of these absences, the Nice staff has chosen adaptation. The sessions during the break were reorganized around a small group, mixing regular starters, youngsters from the academy, and focused work on automatisms. Franck Haise did not hide that he had to improvise in defense, with few central defenders available, but he emphasized the group’s good attitude.
Lyon, a revived opponent
The evening’s opponent is no easy task. After a turbulent summer, Olympique Lyonnais has regained a coherence in their play and a real solidarity. The Rhone club, seeking redemption after a complicated season start, has been relying on a much more stable momentum in recent weeks.
The men from Paulo Fonsceca can play with Martín Satriano upfront or strengthen their midfield around Corentin Tolisso. This tactical flexibility makes OL hard to anticipate. “We know they can vary their play while maintaining real intensity in depth,” explained Franck Haise.
Lyon is not yet a fully complete team, but it has become a difficult formation to maneuver. With 15 points taken out of 21 possible in Ligue 1, the Lyonnais have regained confidence. This trip to the Côte d’Azur also represents an opportunity to confirm their upturn, promising a competitive, physical, and intense match.
Charles Vanhoutte, an important relay in the locker room
While Franck Haise’s speech set the main lines, that of Charles Vanhoutte highlighted a solidary and committed locker room. The Belgian midfielder, who arrived this summer, quickly established himself as a respected voice. Against Monaco, he was one of the symbols of Nice’s fighting spirit, repeatedly making efforts to keep the team block under pressure.
In the press conference, he emphasized the importance of prolonging this mindset: “When everyone gives their all, at some point, it pays off.” He claims this mentality on the pitch but also in the pivotal moments of the season. With his game volume, his tactical lucidity, and his adaptability, he could be a key player against Lyon.
Versatile, Charles Vanhoutte even mentioned the possibility of helping out defensively, if necessary. This mobile and committed profile reflects the current philosophy of the Gym: each player must be ready to step out of their comfort zone to serve the team.
An already “turning” match
The encounter against Lyon is not just a regular league game. It is a test of character, a revelation, perhaps even a turning point. Nice showed at Monaco that they knew how to fight. Now they must prove that they can follow up, impose their rhythm, and take on their ambition.
In a closely contested Ligue 1, every point counts. A win on Saturday night would send a strong message: that of a team that, even weakened, refuses to be subdued. A team that moves forward, a locker room that believes in itself. At the Allianz Riviera, the Eaglets have a golden opportunity to show that their season is finally launched.
