Officially secured since the last day, Nice can approach the end of the season calmly. On a trip to Evian, a team still fighting for maintenance, the Gym plays to increase its budget in the standings. Is this an opportunity to finally see a liberated and playful team?
Two days to enjoy themselves, not to distort the championship, and to gain valuable places for the budget of the next season. 15th with 42 points, Nice has the possibility to finish much higher.
First, to satisfy its supporters but also to save face for a “failed” season. The important thing is to set aside personal ambitions, not to think about holidays. The only exception is the case of goalkeeper David Ospina, released by Claude Puel after the match in Evian due to the World Cup. Tonight in Annecy, Nice will try to play the spoil-sport against a team in commando mode. Pascal Dupraz’s players must win at all costs to approach their last match against Sochaux more serenely.
Nice could have found itself in this situation if it had bad results against Reims. With the victory, the Eagles avoided many troubles. Tonight, Claude Puel might be tempted to give the young players a chance. Especially since the Riviera coach cannot count on Digard, Traoré, Bodmer, Civtanich, and Bosetti. There are also absences in Evian with De Melo and Barbosa. The price to pay at the end of the season when bodies are increasingly strained.
In this match, the winner will be the team that is the freshest physically and mentally. Essential qualities for this battle of men.
