New section on the Nice-Premium website. Each week, we will answer questions concerning OGC Nice and their season. The first episode is this week.
1) Four days before the first match of the season (Sunday at 5 p.m. against Rennes at the Allianz Riviera), should we be worried about OGC Nice considering the pre-season results (0 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses)?
Friendly matches allow the team to prepare for the upcoming season. The score of these matches is often not representative of the game’s content. It should be remembered that Lucien Favre is still missing a few players to complete his squad. It seems that neither a definite starting lineup nor a specific game plan has been decided yet. And then, we recall that the Gym had a somewhat unconvincing friendly campaign (2 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw) in 2012-2013 before finishing… Fourth at the end of the season. Friendly matches have rarely been enjoyable for Gym supporters in recent years.
2) With six new arrivals (Benitez, Lusamba, Cyprien, Souquet, Donis, Dalbert) and a change on the bench (Lucien Favre replacing Claude Puel), will OGC Nice change its playing philosophy?
The format will certainly change. Last season, the game was centered around Ben Arfa. Now, there is no longer a true number 10 (perhaps Eysseric or even Cyprien) in the squad. Based on the initial friendly matches, we might see the team leaning towards a sort of 4-1-4-1 formation, with Pléa notably at the front. The possibility of seeing Mathieu Bodmer play as a number 6 has also been considered.
3) President Rivère announces a minimum of three experienced signings before the end of the transfer window, which positions should be prioritized?
Without a doubt, the central defense. We cannot sustain the season with Baysse, Gomis, Bodmer, Boscagli, Lloris, and Rougeaux. Firstly, some will leave. And physically, it’s light. We know that Dante has been targeted. Other defenders are probably being closely monitored as well. Jean-Pierre Rivère did not specify which positions would be reinforced.
4) Does the arrival of new investors change anything for the transfer window?
Jean-Pierre Rivère stated in a press conference that the investors provide a certain financial ease, unlike the recent transfer windows. The sale of Nampalys Mendy to Leicester for around 15 million euros also provided the Gym with a more comfortable financial cushion. This will notably allow the club to attract the much-awaited experienced players.
