Nice-Première: Like OGC Nice, Troyes still hasn’t won. Can you tell us about the start of the season for Estac and explain why the Aubois are struggling to start their matches well?
Edin: It’s true that, in terms of points, our start to the season is sluggish, very sluggish. But in terms of play, we have nothing to envy from the other teams, quite the contrary… It’s also true that we have difficulties getting into our matches (conceding a lot of goals in the first few minutes of the first half), probably due to concentration issues and individual mistakes.
NP: Introduce us to the new signings from Troyes (Barbosa, Ferreira, Gigliotti, Lachuer, Weldon, Saganowski). What do you expect from them and what have they brought to the team since the start of the season?
Edin: First of all, we managed to keep the loaned players who were starters (except Grax, but we hope Gigliotti will be able to replace him, and he shows promise), which is a good starting point. After that, some new recruits have blended in seamlessly (I’m thinking of Lachuer); others are struggling more, especially due to a lack of physical condition (Saganowski, Ferreira). But above all, Estac is a collective.
NP: What do you think of Florian Boucansaud who only stayed a few days in Nice and seems to have found his place in Champagne?
Edin: Florian Boucansaud did very well in Troyes, he was a key part of our defense: good positioning, excellent headers, exceptional tackles. This season, he is not a starter at the moment, as the coach prefers the Faye – Kouassi duo in central defense. But I have no doubt he will regain his place.
NP: You are one of the members of the Magic Blue Boys and one of the leaders of this group of supporters. How do you view the Troyes fans and the stadium? Give us a little introduction to the Magic Blue Boys?
Edin: The stadium is beautiful and modern (with a capacity of 21,000 seats). As for the fans, they’re cold, demanding, and hard to rile up… They need a spectacle on the field to get heated in the stands. The MBB have been around since 1997, currently with 30 to 40 active members, mostly focused on Ultras. We are located in the South stand, upstairs, right in the center. As for our activities, the photos speak for themselves.
NP: What does OGC Nice evoke for you, the club and its supporters?
Edin: OGCN first evokes a tough, physical team, but also talented with players like Koné or Ederson. As for the supporters, they are passionate and fiery, and that’s wonderful!
NP: Who do you think will be the player to watch among the Aiglons?
Edin: Ederson, without a doubt. (Editor’s note: Ederson has a sprain on his left knee).
NP: Are you surprised to see Nice at the bottom?
Edin: Yes, given the quality players Nice has, and also the coach who is talented and has character.
NP: A word for the Nice supporters?
Edin: A little hello to the Nice fans who spent the post-match of Troyes – Nice with us last season, they’ll know who they are.
NP: Finally, a prediction for the match and the season for both clubs.
Edin: 2-1 for Estac, and both clubs will remain in L1.
Link to the Magic Blue Boys website: www.magicblueboys.com
