In this second part of the interview with Nice Premium, Niklas Hult reflects on his beginnings in the red and black jersey. The Swede would like to return to his national team in the coming months and does not forget the Nice supporters, whom he describes as the true “12th man”.
Nice Premium: What is your personal goal this season?
Niklas Hult: I want to play as much as possible and improve in all areas. What’s important is to help the team win matches and earn points. For my first season here, I know that I will learn a lot from the coach and the players I interact with daily.
N.P.: How do you evaluate your first month of competition wearing the OGC Nice jersey?
N.H.: So far, everything is going well. I am playing in a more central position (alongside Valentin Eysseric, editor’s note), whereas in Sweden, I played on the left side, so I have to adapt. I like this new role because I touch the ball more and play higher up. Our first two matches were good (1 win, 1 draw), but it has been more difficult in the last two matches with losses against good Ligue 1 teams (1-3 against Bordeaux, 0-4 against Marseille, editor’s note).
N.P.: Do you already feel any progress in your game, in your approach to football?
N.H.: Of course, you progress even more in a new country. I feel a difference as a football player but also as a man.
N.P.: What do you think about Ligue 1?
N.H.: It is a good championship with good teams and a fairly homogeneous level. There are some very great players in Ligue 1. In terms of play, I find that it is faster than in the Swedish league.
N.P.: Is returning to the Swedish national team (4 caps) a short-term goal?
N.H.: Yes, for me it’s a goal to wear the Sweden jersey again. Ligue 1 has better visibility; it’s also one of the reasons that drove me to sign here. To be selected, I have to perform well and improve my game.
N.P.: What do you think about the enthusiasm surrounding OGC Nice?
N.H.: The atmosphere is incredible, I find it amazing. I was very moved after the match against Toulouse (3-2 victory) to hear the supporters shouting my name. I’m not used to that; I come from a small club where the attendance was low, which is why I’m enjoying this atmosphere. I like spending time with the supporters after each training session, taking photos, signing cards. The supporters form the “12th man”, we need them.
N.P.: A few words for the OGC Nice fans…
N.H.: I want to thank all the Nice supporters who are very kind to me every day. And “Issa Nissa!”
