A week after the victory in Marseille, it’s time for a new derby against Bastia. OGC Nice presents itself reinvigorated, against an opponent at a standstill. The stakes of this match remain the survival with the prospect of beating a historic rival.
Two injured teams face off tonight in a derby that has lost its sporting aspect over the course of the season. Nice and Bastia know the same problems. Effective at home, both teams fail to earn points away from their base.
The issue is due to squads hit by injuries and suspensions. The tactical choices of both coaches have also not always been the most judicious. In the standings, Nice remains three points behind the Corsican team, credited with a forfeit victory against Nantes.
In play, the issues remain the same. The lack of animation and mentality is evident on both sides. Used to the 4-2-3-1 since the beginning of the season, Frédéric Hantz had to resolve to modify his system incompatible with his players’ qualities. For a few matches now, the 3-5-2 has appeared. A paying choice away since Bastia remains on a victory in Toulouse and a draw in Lorient. Yet, there are these three home defeats against Paris, Saint Etienne, and Monaco. Defeats that left a bitter taste on the Corsican side. The players’ attitude was notably pointed out by the supporters.
The Niçois are therefore warned. They will face a mentally fragile team that has little left to play for. After the success at the Vélodrome, a confirmation is expected. Fabrice Abriel immediately emphasized this match at the end of the encounter in Marseille. A testament to the determination of Claude Puel’s team.
This week, no player was unaware of the importance of this derby. A match primarily for the supporters but so important in the cohesion of a group. Even if this game does not have vital importance, a win would save the appearances of a disappointing season in many respects. In front of more than 20,000 spectators, the Gym must not disappoint a crowd often deprived of emotions and thrills.
