Simon Pouplin, the number 2 goalkeeper at the start of the season, has brilliantly established himself as the first-choice keeper. Named man of the match on several occasions, he has stabilized a defense that seemed to be struggling. Meet the “ideal son-in-law,” as his teammates put it.
Opposite hand, horizontal, diving at feet. These are some of the qualities of the Nice goalkeeper, who has impressed many times and saved his team during the impressive victories against Lyon (2-1) and last week against Reims (1-0). Joining Nice on August 7th as backup to Mouez Hassen, following Joris Delle’s serious knee injury, Simon Pouplin quickly stood out with his very composed demeanor.
“Ups and Downs”
At 29 years old (30 on the upcoming May 28th), the Cholet native has experienced everything in his career: “The highs as well as the lows, they help maintain confidence,” he explains to the press. The European Cup (C3) with his training club Rennes, then abroad in Freiburg (Germany) with a promotion and a rescue, then Sochaux in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 before landing on the French Riviera nearly ten months ago. And with him, there’s no beating around the bush: “I don’t like the ‘We have nothing to lose’ rhetoric” or “I want the 45 points as soon as possible, with 100,000 spectators or none.”
The Man of “Intense Moments”
Initially the logical backup to Mouez Hassen, he was first lined up in early December for three matches, when the atmosphere around the Côte d’Azur club was becoming heavy. The result, three convincing performances, including a high-level one in Caen (a 3-2 victory on December 6th). “Among the three goalkeepers (Hassen and Delle) plus Yoann (Cardinale), there is no interference. It’s always positive feedback, we encourage each other to give our best,” analyzes the Nice goalkeeper. For the past three matches, he has reclaimed his spot in the Aiglons’ goal for two wins and one draw. If OGC Nice has regained some breathing room in the standings and a bit of serenity, he has played a significant role in it.
Simon, Nice, the South
Happy with his journey under the guidance of Claude Puel and the life he leads daily in Nice and its surroundings, Simon Pouplin wouldn’t be opposed to a contract extension mentioned in the press lately. He doesn’t hesitate to highlight the positive aspects of the club, currently so criticized: “The organization on a daily basis means we have little to manage. Everything is set up for us to succeed. It’s methodical, professional, like German efficiency. These are many little appreciated pluses.”
Smiling and relaxed throughout the interview, he concludes with some bafflement about the lifestyle in the South: “You, the people of Nice, have a horn problem. Whenever I want to take a nap in the early afternoon, there is a ruckus…” provoking laughter in the press room. From there to make the Parisian attack laugh in despair, it’s just a small step…
Photo credit and more information on www.ogcnice.com
