OGC Nice host Le Mans this Saturday, on Matchday 3 of Ligue 1. Ahead of the game, and a first home match in front of the Rouge et Noir fans, Gym president Maurice Cohen spoke to the media.

President, you wanted to speak publicly because this Saturday’s match against Le Mans, kick-off at 20:45 CET, is an important moment in the season...

In addition to the symbolic importance of the match, ten years after the terror attack, we can wait to be back in front of our fans. It’s been more than three months. That’s a long time. We must be the only team in France that has been deprived its supporters for so long, home and away. We have to keep that in mind and advance together, because we can only be our best if we are united. Without our supporters and our partners, we can’t achieve anything. Our aim is to reconnect the team and the fans. That starts this Saturday.

There is also a lot at stake, and a sword of Damocles hanging over our head with the risk of a points deduction. What is the current situation?

We have made an appeal to the Administrative Tribunal because it’s unfair. We have already been penalised too much. We are not going to just let them do it. But despite that, it won’t be settled immediately. We know that we are under scrutiny and there won’t be any leniency towards us. And we also know that one point can change everything come the end of the season, both positively and negatively. We have worked very hard over the summer to rebuild the squad and create a new energy within the club, but now we have to fight hard, with humility, to have a good season. If it has to be us against the world, so be it. But then we have to be one, the people of Nice and the club. Be good, be smart and be united.

What do you want to say to the supporters ahead of Saturday’s game at Allianz Riviera?

First of all, that this is a joyous occasion, because it’s been three months. We need them, no matter where they are in the stands, all our fans that we talk to and engage with so that everything goes as well as possible. It will also be an emotional time, because there will be the remembrance, ten years after the terror attack. A lot of events are planned as part of the commemorations.

And finally, another essential factor, is the competition. Because all of us, no matter our role, depend on what happens on the pitch and we need to do everything we can to push the players to win. We need to pick up points. We need to bounce back. Le Gym must win on Saturday. We must all do our best to encourage the team, together. Only together can we play well and be happy.