Patrick Vieira spoke to the press after the match between Amiens – Nice (1-0).

Coach, what can we take away from the match?

The second half, where we were a lot more agressive, where we made better choices and where we were better in possession. In the first, we lacked agression, we were under pressure, particularly in the first twenty minutes. That’s where you can see that lack of experience: we were in trouble and we didn’t know how to react. What we are missing was the use of the ball in the first half. We lacked a bit of courage and personality when we were coming out from the back in order to create a numerical advantage through the middle, something that we were able to do afterwards. We need to continue to work. We can always do better. The team is young and will learn from this match.

Do you think there was a lack of desire and movement?

We lacked agression with the ball, we didn’t take enough risks and unfortunately, it was difficult for us to play. Amiens are a very good side, very athletic, well organised: it was difficult physically. We will continue to work. We need to remain positive, to take another look at this second half where we did some very good things and to try to understand why we suffered like that before the break.

What did you make of the league debuts for Andy Pelmard and Maxime Pelican?

Andy showed a lot of quality. He also showed that it wasn’t perfect and that there are things to improve, but for a first match, I thought it was very interesting. Up-front, it was more difficult for Maxime, for Allan, for JV, especially when we began to play long balls. 

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