Is this a crisis?
Not yet.
But we are moving towards it more and more.
Long runner-up to Paris SG, notably thanks to an (almost) intractable defense and incredible offensive realism, OGC Nice has not been able to do so since the beginning of February.
Five matches, three defeats and two draws... against opponents - except the Principality club - rather affordable on paper (Stade Brestois, AS Monaco, Olympique Lyonnais, Clermont Foot 63 and Toulouse FC).
With this sad series of five games without a victory, the Aiglons have (logically) gone down in the rankings.
They are currently fifth in Ligue 1, six points behind second place.
And they are now within gunshot of RC Lens (6th), Olympique de Marseille (7th) and Stade Rennais (8th), three of their competitors that they had managed to outrun.
Suffice to say that the reception of Montpellier Hérault SC, this Friday evening (9:00 p.m.), at the opening of the 25th day of Ligue 1, promises to be decisive for the Gym.
To discover
Calendar and results Ligue 1
Ligue 1 ranking
“The time for apologies is over”
“
The moment for apologies is over, it is the time to react, to give a strong and collective response.
The supporters responded in Toulouse and will still be present against Montpellier.
We have to find the spark again and get back on our path.
We have ten matches to reap the fruits of the many efforts of our season
,” declared Francesco Farioli this Wednesday at a press conference, in comments reported by
RMC Sport
.
Youssouf Ndayishimiye said nothing else: “
This is the most important match for us
!
», Estimates the Burundian midfielder/defender, who is one of the key elements of the Aiglons.
Read alsoLigue 1: a “monumental” naming contract with McDonald’s?
However, despite this bad patch and the pressure of the result, the people of Nice have no doubts.
At least, that's what they assure you.
“
We have no doubt, this kind of thing happens in football.
We've had a very good first six months and we've been struggling for a few weeks.
We still have our destiny in our hands and everyone is behind us.
We are not panicking
,” Youssouf Ndayishimiye told journalists.
Doubt could (however) set in this weekend in the event of (further) poor performance.
SEE ALSO -
Youssouf Ndayishimiye's cannon shot in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France
The Aiglons “need” their supporters
To get back on track, OGC Nice, criticized since the start of the season for its “defensive” inclination and its lack of offensive drive, should not change its style of play. This is what we understand, in all. case, when you listen to your coach.
“
Everything this team achieved was thanks to a lot of work and sacrifice
,” he insisted before receiving the MHSC.
Read alsoFootball: Ligue 1 wants “permanent dialogue” with those responsible for arbitration
And to return to victory, the Aiglons intend to rely on their supporters who have continued to provide them with their support since last summer.
It is no coincidence that Francesco Farioli and his men are particularly successful at home (7 wins, 4 draws, only 1 defeat, against AS Monaco).
“
Knowing that the stadium is filling up for the next match, I think it’s really something beautiful and important.
I would like to thank them once again.
We need them to take the right turn
,” explained the Italian coach.
Will this support be enough to allow the Aiglons to regain their wings?