New section on the Nice-Premium website. Every week, we will answer questions regarding OGC Nice and its season. Third series of questions this week.
1) Nice went to win in Angers (0-1) and confirmed its good start to the season. After a mixed match against Rennes, did the Aiglons show a better side on the field?
The key word is “confirmation.” The people of Nice were indeed more encouraging, even though they endured the Angers’ onslaughts at the end of the match. The starting eleven had been changed, with Cyprien, Eysseric, and Bodmer starting as the number 6. Ricardo made his return on the right instead of Souquet; by scoring in the 4th minute, Nice was able to take control of the game and manage their lead without playing with fear. That is probably also why the Gym was more reassuring.
2) The match against Lille is already scheduled for Saturday (8 PM), and Nice will be expected. What can be hoped for from this match, which will be the last before the international break?
It’s already a little showdown approaching, against our Lille friends. Despite numerous important departures and a sluggish start to the season, the Dogues remain a team that can pose quite a few problems for the Aiglons. The match promises to be interesting, especially since it will mark the return of Frédéric Antonetti to Nice.
3) The arrival of Brazilian international Dante was finally made official earlier this week. Tactically speaking, will Lucien Favre adapt to his new recruit?
It’s quite possible. A switch to a 3-5-2 formation is being mentioned, particularly thanks to the solid Baysse-Sarr partnership; a line-up to which Dante would be added. Such a scheme would allow the full-backs, Dalbert and Ricardo, to provide a genuine offensive advantage in attack situations. Pléa could be paired with another forward, and the five-man midfield would enable the recovery of a large number of balls.
4) There are still reports of two or three players arriving within a week and the end of the transfer window. What positions are targeted? The Balotelli rumor is also growing, but is it credible?
The Gym is still looking for a striker and a midfielder, preferably experienced ones. Mario Balotelli, the famous bad-boy of Italian football, is being targeted, but Lucien Favre may not be entirely in favor of his arrival due to his unpredictable nature. Nonetheless, it would be another huge coup for OGC Nice. Among other circulating names, Thorgan Hazard and Rachid Ghezzal can be mentioned.
