The infirmary knows no break this season. The long-time residents (Sanson / Moffi / Mendy) have seen the arrival of internationals affected with their selection in recent days. Ali Abdi, Jonathan Clauss and Youssouf Ndayishimiye all returned to Nice weakened. “All three will most likely be unavailable against Strasbourg,” said Franck Haise this Friday. “Orakpo is also unavailable due to tendonitis,” specifies the coach. “We do not control everything, especially for those who return injured from their selection. We know it's a very busy season. We are thinking about the protocols to put in place. On hydration, diet. We try to do the best possible“Ndombele and Abdelmonem were preserved during the break and only resumed training this Friday.”I hope they will be available on Sunday.“
The four-man defense to start?
In the other direction, midfielder Hicham Boudaoui has returned to the field in recent days and seems to have recovered from his knee injury contracted against Monaco (2-1). “Hicham was able to do the full week with us.“The Algerian should be present against Strasbourg. In what system? The absences of Clauss and Abdi deprive the coach of pistons which correspond to the 3-4-3 and the change to four behind against Losc allowed the Gym to show a best face.”This week we were able to work on different systems, yes. To end a match or start it. With the sequence of matches we will need different options.“The return to form of Sofiane Diop can also count when choosing the system.”He is an offensive player. He understands the game. He can play as a double pivot in the middle. But he can play in different positions. I know he prefers higher.“
Sofiane Diop: “I’m hungry for balloons”
The Gym number 10 has come a long way after his foot injury and his goal against Lille confirms this rebirth. “I feel great. I didn't think the sensations would return so quickly. I rediscovered the sensations of Monaco. It's like before. This step made me grow a lot. I'm taking full advantage of being on the field. Since my arrival I have had a lot of physical problems. This foot injury caused me a lot of harm because I weakened my bone during a match in Lyon and I had other after-effects on the other foot. Today I know that my teammates will help me perform. I'm hungry for balls but I also have to channel it. The coach told me that I had to be patient. There are steps to take. This is the story of this season. There are injuries, players returning. We have the squad to perform. I have other qualities than Cho, Boga or Guessand, I am less into percussion. I can make the connection with the attack. I have fewer marks in the double pivot in the middle. But I am capable of playing in that position. I ask Tanguy or Pablo for advice. I have technical qualities that can allow me to get out of complicated situations. “
Young people in the spotlight
This match against Strasbourg will honor the Nice team this Sunday as part of the club's 120th anniversary celebrations. Cubilier, Bosetti and Bocchi are notably invited to represent this Nice team which has always helped to bring out talents. The nursery nevertheless seems in disarray today even if Franck Haise is taking advantage of these international breaks to see young people and assess their potential. “I've been seeing a lot of young players for four and a half months. The problem is that the reserve team plays in D5 so the good young people play mainly with the U19s. We see that things are progressing. But going from U19 to Ligue 1 there is a significant gap. During the week I will have to take some of them so that they can experience the high-level matches.“
For this third in a row at the Allianz Riviera, after Twente (2-2) and Lille (2-2), less than 20,000 tickets were sold despite the attractive prices offered by the Gym. A meeting at the end of the 12th day of Ligue 1 which can also serve as a showcase for this OGC Nice which is more spectacular on the pitch (3rd attack in Ligue 1). So everyone at the stadium on Sunday!
