Here is Claude Puel’s reaction following Nice’s victory away at Angers on Saturday on Matchday 26 of Ligue 1 (0–2).

Coach, what’s the overriding feeling tonight (Saturday): satisfaction with the performance, or relief at being eight points clear…?

First of all, I’d like to congratulate the players on their collective response following our last home match, which didn’t reflect us at all. We worked hard this week, I could sense the players were focused, and we brought intensity and quality to our training sessions. But you have to be able to translate all that into a match, and they did that very well. We played in a new system which they adapted to well, even very well at times. It was interesting to see them manoeuvre, keep possession, and prevent Angers from having a single chance throughout the first half and for much of the second, before becoming increasingly adventurous in attack. Elye’s (Wahi) introduction made the difference, he was the ‘X-factor’. It’s the reward for all the hard work he put in to come back, but it’s also a reward for the whole squad, for those who came on and made a difference. It’s a collective victory that does us good from a short-term points perspective. It gives these players the confidence they need because there’s quality there and they’ve shown it, with an impeccable attitude.

Elye came over to you to celebrate his goal. Did you speak to him before the match?

I think we have a bit of a special relationship. I spoke to him on the phone before he arrived. Whether it’s with Elye or other players, we try to support them and give them as much as we can, together with the coaching staff. He was happy and wanted to share that with all the staff and his coach.

What did you say to each other on the phone before he arrived?

I'm not getting into that, but I think it's important, given the current situation, to be able to get back on track after a bad game, to see the team again, the group dynamic, the players' smiles in the changing rooms... It’s great! Together with the coaching staff, we’re here to support them, to give them what they need and to see them as happy as they are tonight (Saturday).

Beyond his qualities, his hunger is evident on the pitch, you get the impression he’s hungry for every ball...

I think Elye just needs a bit of help, that’s all. Despite our struggles, he’s found a place in Nice to express himself. We’re always there for him, looking at the little details he can improve on, working in front of goal... It’s good for us, for sure, but for him, it allows him to set goals for the future, maybe to make it to the national team, and perhaps with us – you never know. It’s good for him, he has so many qualities. We’re trying to get the best out of him. He’s calm and composed, and you can see that in training and on the pitch, he needs to keep it up.

You are now eight points clear of the relegation zone. Did the team feel a sense of relief at the final whistle?

I won’t hide that it was very important. This win feels good, but it’s not an end in itself, we need to win more matches. To do that, we need to be able to replicate this kind of performance against any opponent, whether they’re in the top half or the bottom half of the table. We need to be able to respond as a team and maintain that overall attitude. It was a complete match in every aspect of the game. It’s a foundation for, I hope, finding consistency and creating more opportunities to pick up points.

What was the idea behind this new system: to build confidence, to regain solidity?

To build confidence, no, we can do that in any system. Some players are a bit tired, others are injured or feel more comfortable in a different system... There are many factors to consider. We know we don’t have all our players available, so we’re trying to be effective. In terms of the overall balance, we’re trying to see what, at the moment, might be beneficial so that the players can perform to the best of their ability.

Youssouf Ndayishimiye also made his comeback. Is it a positive to have a key player like him back?

Youssouf still needs to find his rhythm and intensity... It’s always important to have players like him back, and I hope to see others return as well.

 

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