Claude Puel and Morgan Sanson spoke to the press ahead of Nice – Lorient, which kicks off Sunday at 5:15pm. A look back at three key topics that perfectly set the scene for Matchday 23 ofLigue 1. 

A collective response to Wahi’s absence

“We know how important Elye has become,” explained Le Gym’scoach following the injury the striker suffered in Lyon. “We are all aware that with Elye no longer available, there will be opportunities for other players. But being present in attack and being efficient is everyone’s responsibility as well. It shouldn’t depend on just one player. Since my arrival, five or six different players have already scored. That’s something we need to build on and amplify. The threat must come from everywhere.”

“It really has to be a team effort,” added Sanson. “Everyone within the team needs to step up and make up for this absence. In any case, we’ll have to deal with it. We’ll have to find the solutions from within. I hope one player scores all the goals Elye won’t score. But it will be a collective response rather than an individual one.”

A season that will remain difficult “until the end” 

The defeat at the Groupama Stadium allowed Auxerre, currently in the relegation play-off spot, to close the gap to six points behind Les Aiglons. It also created collective frustration that the Nice coach intends to overcome with character.

“We have to move forward and look ahead,” he warned. “For every problem, you must find a solution. It’s not by dwelling on the past, looking backward, or playing the victim that we’ll move forward. It’s a difficult season for OGC Nice, and it will remain so until the end. We’ll fight in every match. The key is to be prepared for that, because sometimes there are moments or seasons like this. You just have to be ready to face them. And I think my players are ready.”

Speaking about the style of play, the number 8 added: “I think it’s going to be an open match against Lorient. There will be goals, I’m convinced of it. We want to take points this weekend to breathe a little easier and get closer to our objective as quickly as possible. Of course, we’re aware of the league table and we look at it after matches. We know the teams behind us will push, but once again, we’re focused on ourselves. The rest is secondary. We know we have games to win soon. The most important thing is survival.”

“At the moment, we’re facing teams on impressive runs”

Finally, both men shared their views on Lorient, who arrive at the Allianz Riviera in 9th place, just three points off the European spots.

“There’s a sense of revenge following the first encounter,” admitted Le Gym’s midfielder. “We want that revenge. It’s going to be an important match against a team in great form. We’re expecting a tough, competitive game. They’re relatively comfortable points-wise, looking up rather than down, and they’ll come without any pressure. Those kinds of teams are often hard to handle.”

“Lorient are a team that has settled into a steady rhythm for quite some time,” concluded Puel. “With the confidence from a run of good results, they can continue preparing their matches well and fine-tuning certain aspects of their game, with everyone fully engaged. When you’re taking points and going on such a run, you can focus on the details, play with confidence, and keep building momentum. Their coach, Olivier Pantaloni, and his staff are doing a very good job. The players are united. They are a dangerous team that can play football, but also operate with a low mid-block and launch quick attacks. They are very efficient. In many matches, they’ve taken the lead and, by staying solid at the back, scored a second goal to seal the game and secure the win. Since 9 November, they’ve picked up points in 13 of their last 14 matches. That’s exceptional. Right now, we’re facing teams on impressive runs. They’re good challenges.”

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