48 hours before the championship match against Nîmes, Youcef Atal and Patrick Vieira took part in the traditional pre-match press conference. It was an opportunity for the fullback to reflect on his sensational start to the season and for the coach to provide an update on the transfer market.
A little after 1 p.m., Y. Atal appears before the journalists. With a smile on his face, as usual, the 22-year-old defender reflects on his first six months in Nice. “The team gets along well, I feel comfortable here,” he states simply. Having delivered an excellent first half of the season, the little Algerian gem is dazzling Ligue 1 with his stellar performances.
A very promising level of play that doesn’t seem to surprise the young eaglet: “I am motivated, focused, and I aim to improve every day.” The attacking runs down the right flank and the boundless energy of the Nice fullback paid off against Nîmes Olympique.
Indeed, Youcef Atal was the sole scorer of the match, a fact he did not fail to remind just two days before the return match at home. Asked about Mario Balotelli’s departure, he states: “He was a good guy, he created a lively atmosphere, but that’s football, we wish him all the best.”
Patrick Vieira couldn’t avoid the topic either. He then takes his turn in the press room, appearing rather relaxed and discussing the Italian striker’s case openly and frankly. “It was the best solution for him and for the club, even if it didn’t work out between us, everyone has their responsibilities. We turn the page and wish him good luck.”
However, when asked about Mario Balotelli’s replacement, Patrick Vieira is more evasive, awkwardly brushing aside the persistent rumor about Valère Germain’s arrival. A week before the end of the transfer window, the Gym’s coach admits having had a conversation with one of the main shareholders over the phone and that new signings should arrive on the Côte d’Azur.
In the meantime, the club’s infirmary is slowly emptying, with Myziane Maolida, Bassem Srarfi, and Pierre Lees-Melou having returned to team training and expected to be in the squad to face the Crocodiles. Good news for the Nice coach, who anticipates a tough match against a “hard-working” team.
Undefeated at home in Ligue 1 since the 0-1 derby defeat against Marseille (October 2018), OGC Nice will be eager to continue this impressive streak and thus move closer to the European spots.
Yassine Said Hassane
