After a very enjoyable match, Nice wins the Mediterranean derby against Marseille (2-1). Find the reactions of the two goal scorers, Romain Genevois and Niklas Hult, as well as Eric Bauthéac and the two coaches.
Niklas Hult (OGC Nice midfielder and goal scorer):
“This is my first goal, and it is very important. I am very happy. It’s good for the team. It wasn’t an easy match, but we put in a great performance and played with heart. I am in great shape, and the team is playing very well. Thanks to all the supporters for their support.”
Romain Genevois (OGC Nice defender and goal scorer):
“We’re satisfied because we’re managing to string together victories, especially against Marseille, who are ranked well. It was very difficult tonight, but we managed to capitalize on our efforts and take the three points. We have a good spirit, we pressed high, stayed solid, and showed character because we held on with 10 men. Everyone made efforts for us to get the three points. We are getting a bit of a breather as we come back from a challenging place. My goal is important. It’s not the most beautiful, but it makes me happy. Now, we’re still in the middle of the table. We need to quickly secure our position, which is the club’s objective.”
Eric Bauthéac (OGC Nice midfielder):
“There is a lot of satisfaction. We went for this victory with guts. Especially since in the second half, we played with 10 men. It wasn’t easy, but we did it with an exemplary spirit. What made the difference was our determination. We were on every ball and pressed high. We have to congratulate the whole team tonight. I am also very happy for Niklas Hult because he wanted it for a while, and on top of that, it’s a textbook goal. We are coming off three benchmark matches, we are confident, and we need to continue.”
Claude Puel (OGC Nice coach):
“We had a good start by putting pressure and preventing them from playing. I think we deserved to score in the first half. In adversity, with 10 men, we showed solidarity. It’s legitimate to win this match because we were present in our attitude and managed the events of the game well. I am happy for the players; they are showing their qualities but can still do better. This group needs to register in regularity and still needs to step up. I savor it, but I’m also thinking about the next match in Metz.”
Marcelo Bielsa (OM coach):
“I think we did what was needed to win. The game plan was right, and the team’s intentions were too. We should have scored more goals. With 10 opportunities, I think we had everything to draw or even win. We must commend the spirit of Nice’s players, who didn’t stop playing, even at 10 against 11. The match slipped away from us, but we don’t deserve to lose.”
No Olympique de Marseille player wished to speak in the mixed zone.
Comments collected by Kevin Chifflet
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