Vieira: “Too many bad decisions”

After the defeat against Caen, Patrick Vieira felt that the match illustrated his side’s lack of attacking effectiveness this season.

Patrick, what did you make of the match this evening?

Lots of frustration with the match. On the whole, it was a pretty good game, but we wasted too much in the final 30 metres. Poor choices. The missed penalty could have changed the match. I can’t criticise my players for much, I felt that they were concentrated, committed. We lacked that bit of something in front of goal, just like we have all season.

Does this match demonstrate the limitations of this OGC Nice side?

I am not sure about the limitations, but our season yes. We are able to produce good football but on the whole, we made too many bad decisions, which makes it difficult to score.

Does this defeat mean that the dream of Europe is over?

As long as it’s still possible mathematically, we have to believe, but this defeat makes it more difficult, that’s for sure. We will be back in training on Monday, with belief, in order to prepare for Guingamp as best as we can.

Can Caen’s victory be considered a miracle?

I am not sure you can use that phrase, I need to see the match again, but let’s say that three points for Caen is slightly generous. Their keeper was the man of the match, that means that we were there, but our lack of experience means that we made decisions hastily and that means bad decisions.

Is it more difficult to face a team that is fighting for survival at this stage of the season?

No, Caen arrived with a fairly clear idea of how to play - leave us the ball and play on the counter. We managed well defensively. Up-front, we caused them problems but we lacked creativity and finesse in the final 30 metres. When we needed to pass, we shot and when we needed to shoot, we tried to pass. 

What did you make of Saint-Maximin’s match?

He was very good against Montpellier. This evening, he was a little bit withdrawn, like all of our attacking players. We need to try to improve and to understand the game better. I am sure that he isn’t happy with his match. 

Do you see any progression from your side in attack?

We are creating more chances. We are crossing more than at the start of the season, we have a bit more presence but we need to work a lot more.