Starting the Gym’s last two games, the man who got the assist against Nantes, Racine Coly was rewarded for his patience  with the opportunity of game time. Discrete, determined, at times amazingly sincere, the Senegalese full-back spoke with just two days to go until the trip to Toulouse (kick-off on Friday at 8.45pm).

Focus on Toulouse  

“They are on a good run, it won’t be easy. The priority is to find that continuity. It will involve desire, style and listening. By playing a good game, and staying concentrated, we managed to get a good result against Nantes (2-1), whilst just before that, at Montpellier (0-1), it was really tough. For me, everything depends on our ability to take on board and reproduce what the coach is asking of us.“

Racine, season 1

“I wasn’t able to show my qualities, so you need to be honest, it wasn’t a nice year for me. And just at that best moment, when I started to play, an injury held me back. I had to put in even more effort. What I did in Italy, I want to do here and more. I will need to work hard to get there.”  

Racine, season 2

“It was a bit difficult at the start of the season, when I wasn’t playing and I wasn’t in the squad. But I never let my head drop, (he insists) never. Even if I don’t play and am very disappointed, I give my all in training the next day, because I love this job. At the moment, I feel really good. Now, I need that match practice, because a player who wants to progress and improve needs to build up game time.”

Patrick Vieira 

“I think he is happy with me, he told me so. But he asks me to do even more, because he knows that I can. I need to progress and improve even more. The current system suits me, I like to attack and go forward. I played there for three years with Brescia, so I know how to play it. I can even manage to score goals, I scored five in my last season in Italy.”

Personal objectives

“To play 30 games a season. I will do everything I can in order to do so. I want to say to the Nice fans that this year, they are going to see the real Coly. I will give my all to show them exactly what I am capable of.”

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