It was hot. The barely mowed lawn, the fans already at the fence eagerly waiting to see their favorite players, set the scene on Monday morning for the resumption of OGC Nice’s training. Nicolas Dyon, the physical trainer, led the morning session. It all started with a jog. One observation: the thirty-somethings were far from the leading pack. Then, the players touched the ball to play a game of ten passes. The first session of the 2008-2009 season ended with muscle exercises. Nothing exceptional to remember. Baky Koné felt very comfortable among his teammates, making little jokes. The return of Matt Moussilou and Souleymane Camara to the squad was noted, along with a trial for a young 19-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder Rodrigo Galante. He can play on the left or right. The young Argentine was recommended by the club’s scout in South America, Rafael Santos.
Frédéric Antonetti returned in good spirits. He joked with the journalists and, before all the microphones were turned on, declared: “This year, the goal is the title!” Then he became serious again: “The ambition is to stay up. After that, we’ll try to be the star of the league. It will all depend on the commitment of the young players, the veterans, and those who are here to bounce back.” Regarding recruitment, he expressed his satisfaction: “I got the players I wanted. We will have a game based on speed and technique.” The departures of Hugo Lloris and Ederson have been accepted: “I always said they had a ‘Champions League’ level.” Just like Baky Koné. Will he stay or will he go? The question is on everyone’s lips. But the answers are vague. Frédéric Antonetti targets Olympique de Marseille: “It doesn’t depend on Nice or Baky, but on OM. He has a release clause. He is a sure thing in the league and he has a price. When you’re OM, you need to show you want the player. They quibble over things… If he stays, I’ll be very happy.” Baky Koné hopes to quickly find out but is not very talkative on the subject: “I’m still here for now. I don’t want to talk about it. I know the two clubs are negotiating. I want to know quickly where I’ll start the season. To be continued…
This video is from the website Web TV Nice 
Other news:
Patrick Barul is trialing at Norwich (English second division).
Morison Ozokwo has extended his contract.
Lilian Laslandes’ contract has not been renewed.
Matt Moussilou and Souleymane Camara, after being loaned out, are back in Nice.
Frédéric Antonetti hopes to resolve all “cases” before July 14. “The cases” are all the players who will not have playing time.
Kafoumba Coulibaly and Chouki Ben Saada (Bastia) will be presented to the press on Thursday, which will officially confirm their arrival.
Lionel Létizi is expected to be OGC Nice’s number one goalkeeper. He will be supported by a young goalkeeper (David Ospina), a Colombian U21 international until the latter acclimates.
Cyril Jeunechamp has had the misfortune of losing his father. The Nice-Premium editorial team extends its sincere condolences to the player and his family.
