The captain spoke in the mixed zone after the 3–1 defeat to Lens in the Coupe de France final on Friday evening, focusing on the positives as the team turns toward the objective of avoiding relegation.

Dante, Nice showed up on Friday night despite the final result…

That’s true, and that’s one of the positives. We rediscovered this team that brings the right ingredients to compete in football matches. I really liked our team tonight. We didn’t play with fear like we had been doing in recent weeks because of the relegation battle. We gained a lot of confidence ahead of the next two matches, which are crucial. We are 100% focused on them because everyone has to take responsibility. We’re going to stay united until the end. Our supporters told us they are behind us and they left us with a positive message. That’s very important. We’re together, and we’ll go there on Tuesday (to Saint-Étienne) with the support of the whole club and everyone around us.

We saw you with the supporters after the match. What was the message?

That it’s possible, that they’re with us, and that we have to fight until the end like we did today. Again, that was positive. It feels good for the players. But first of all, I have to point out that our team played with enthusiasm, courage, personality and character. That’s pleasing. People say that in a final, you shouldn’t just play it, you have to win it. But I don’t completely agree. First, you have to play it. And we did.

What was missing? Were Lens simply too strong?

When I look at the chances we created, I tell myself I haven’t seen our team create this many opportunities in six months. Maybe I’m wrong, but we hit the crossbar, the post… We had a lot of chances to score. Even in our overall play, there was quality. Some players had more confidence to receive the ball, and that’s positive. In the end, what we lacked was being more decisive in both penalty areas.

Does this match sum up the season — you do a lot of good things, but it never quite turns your way?

Yes, exactly. That’s football, you have to persevere. When things aren’t going well, you still have to be there and do what’s needed. I think we lost confidence and even courage. Today, we showed who we are, so we’re sad because the supporters came from Nice, some by bus. Some of them even spent money they didn’t really have. We’re grateful to them. I have to thank them for their support, even after the match. That’s the best path forward for the next two games. We stay together, and they should know that we understand the situation, how serious it is and how important these matches are. We’re going to give everything to keep the club in Ligue 1. That’s our responsibility.

A word about Djibril Coulibaly, who impressed again and scored in only his third start of the season. Is he a symbol of what Nice can build on next season?

Yes, he’s a young player developed by the club, with strong values, and he listens and works hard. This was only his third start because he had some injuries from time to time, but he’s a player with quality, heart and personality. So yes, the club should be able to count on him for the future.

Earlier this season you said, “If the knee gives out, it gives out.” How are you feeling physically after playing two matches in a row with two more still to come?

I’m feeling very good. Now I just need to recover physically so I can help my teammates. After that, I don’t know what the coach will decide for the next two matches, but there’s no problem on my side. On Tuesday and Friday, we need to arrive not as 11 players, but as 25. Even the players in the stands have to be with us and bring positive energy and enthusiasm. That’s what we need. Who plays and who doesn’t, we don’t care. I’ll be ready 100%. There are plenty of times when I have pain here and there, but it doesn’t matter. I’m here to give everything for my teammates and for the club. There’s no way we can leave this club in a worse place than where we found it.

More than sadness, does this match give you strength?

Yes, we have to turn this sadness into motivation. That’s why I stayed until the end, out of respect for the opponent and for the competition. But also because we want to smile again by securing our survival.

Was the turning point hitting the bar when it was 2–1?

Yes, you’re right. At 2–2, the match changes completely. There were still 20–25 minutes left, and we would have had momentum. It would have given us a huge boost of energy. It’s a shame. Like you said, we were so close… It reflects our season. Small details matter when you concede or fail to score. But I still have to say the players were fully committed. Not to show themselves individually, but for the club. We met yesterday to say things openly to each other. Everything is clearer now. The players showed a lot of values and the right ingredients needed to win a final.

 

---

Evan Garcia, Hugo Burg, Icon Sports et Many