Florian Maurice discussed the ins and outs of Nice's summer transfer action in an interview with Nice-Matin and L'Equipe the day after the transfer window closed. Excerpts.

A CLEAR SPORTING AND ECONOMIC VISION

Emphasising that "a transfer window must be judged as a whole", Florian Maurice insisted that OGC Nice's strategy, guided by a clear sporting and economic vision, "has not changed. The club must return to balance and therefore exercise a certain degree of rigour".

The sporting director reiterated the principle that guided every decision made this summer: the best interests of the club. "Economically speaking, we are obliged to make sales, even though this year we have still made some interesting investments [€30 million]. When you look at what is happening to French clubs [given the TV rights crisis], how is it possible that some of them can spend so lavishly? There is financial fair play and lots of other things that have to be taken into account. We're being prudent."

 

UNCHANGED OBJECTIVES

"Economically, we're not on the same scale [as Rennes or Strasbourg], we're aware of that. That didn't stop us from finishing ahead of those clubs last year. We have the weapons to fight. This squad has the means to compete both in Europe, even though we got a difficult draw, and in the league. The objective is to perform well and qualify for Europe. There are six places, potentially a seventh."

 

TOTAL ALIGNMENT

"The important thing is that the transfer window was handled by all parties, particularly the sporting side, with a unified approach. I told you when I arrived that I am aware of what is happening within the club today. But that didn't stop us from doing what we did recently. We mustn't forget the elements from the past either. I am convinced that we are fortunate to have a truly healthy environment at the club."

 

POSITIONS DOUBLED, EVEN TRIPLED

"We have a very, very large squad. Last year, we went through a difficult period due to absences, with players who weren't supposed to play but ended up playing... It's not about protecting ourselves, but we've created a group that will allow us to compete in all three competitions."

This density will encourage healthy and beneficial competition: "This group needs competition to achieve things individually and then collectively. It will improve the quality of training, push everyone to perform better... If you don't perform, there are others who will. And you won't play. That's part of top-level sport."

"When I look at the squad, I don't think it's disastrous - quite the contrary. With everyone at 100% physically, mentally and technically, the squad is strong and complete, with two or even three players for each position."

 

REFUSING TO OVERPAY

"We've worked on various cases with profiles like Evann Guessand. These days, that's expensive. In fact, the reason Evann was sold for so much is because players like him are hard to find. We looked at several cases like that, but for various reasons, it didn't work out. The competition was stronger than us."

 

REPLACING GUESSAND AND LABORDE

"We lost Evann Guessand and Gaëtan Laborde, who provided a lot of goal threat. But we have Terem Moffi who, apart from his injury [cruciate ligament rupture], is a guy who scores between 15 and 20 goals per season. We went and got Kevin Carlos, who scored 14 and 15 goals in the last two years [with Basel]. We've strengthened the team in the best possible way. With Kevin (Carlos), Terem (Moffi), Jérémie (Boga), Sofiane (Diop), Isak (Jansson) and Momo Cho, I don't think the coach has any fewer options than last year."

 

RECRUITING YOUNG PLAYERS

"We don't trade players. When I go looking for a player, my first objective is that he perform well. Then, of course, at 21, 22, 23 years old, these are still players who aren't necessarily ready to play right away."

 

"BOUANANI? AN OFFER WE COULDN'T REFUSE"

Badredine Bouanani's departure "wasn't planned," explained Maurice. "Bad is a hugely talented player who finished last season very well, before putting in some more mixed performances. We thought about it, and it was an offer we couldn't refuse."

 

"CLAUSS IS IMPORTANT"

"For Clauss, discussions were held but did not come to fruition. He is under contract. The idea was absolutely not to let him go. For us, he is an important player. I can understand that he is attracted to another club, but we also have to defend our interests. Yes, we opened the door by saying, 'Look, depending on what happens, you could potentially leave'. But when we're too far from an agreement, it's impossible. What message would we have sent by losing Jonathan Clauss as well?"

 

ADAPTING TO ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES

"Frankly, it hasn't been a pleasant transfer window. We're talking about these leads [Konigsdorfer, Camara], but there were others that didn't necessarily come to fruition. We had imagined bringing in a 32-year-old defender to bring stability at the back. Unfortunately, the conditions weren't right. You have to be able to adapt, and I think we've been able to do that. We still have a team that will hold its own. I haven't followed the transfer window for all the Ligue 1 clubs, but I think it's been difficult for everyone."

 

NEW SIGNINGS TO BE EVALUATED OVER TIME

"When you take on a player who comes from a slightly lower league, it takes some time for them to adapt. Obviously, Jansson needs to do better. I think he has the qualities to do so. He needs to benefit from a team that is in a better mood. I don't think he's 100% either."

 

TOO EARLY TO ASSESS

"The initial results are not what we expected. But it's very difficult to assess the situation at this point in time. We'll be able to take stock later, even though I'm expecting better, and not just from the new signings. We know very well that for some players, especially those who have come from abroad, it can take a little time. Obviously, there are new players who have just arrived and are perhaps playing sooner than they could have imagined. Everyone needs to get back to 100%."

For the Nice sporting director, the summer injuries are distorting the overall picture, ruling out any idea of a team in a "construction phase'’. The picture will become clearer in the coming weeks, with the successive returns of many players who were unable to start the season - and the need to find cohesion between the new and old Aiglons.

 

THE NEED FOR SENIOR PLAYERS TO SUPPORT THE NEW RECRUITS

With Youssouf and Abdelmonem sidelined in the first part of the season, two young players have come in to strengthen the defence: Kojo Oppong and Juma Bah. However, certain circumstances have not helped their integration: "We thought they would be supported by Moise [Bombito] and Dante [who were then injured this summer]. We could have imagined that these young players would have better conditions in which to find their best form. But still, I think they're doing pretty well."

 

CHARACTER TO REGAIN MOMENTUM

"Right now, mentally, we're not there yet. I think we need to take a step forward in that regard, to put a lot more commitment into what we do, on a daily basis. I'm convinced we'll get there."

With the arrival of Charles Vanhoutte, "the idea is to have another midfielder with slightly different characteristics and character. Things we're lacking today. Beyond the purely technical and tactical aspects, he is a player who will bring a lot to the team with his motivation and work ethic. He has a certain amount of experience. Like Tiago Gouveia [Benfica], he has played for clubs that are used to winning or always being at the very highest level. We needed to add these little things to the dressing room to bring everyone together and regain momentum. We need players who are committed on a daily basis. I'm not saying that everyone isn't committed, but we need to revive that a little bit."

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