It will eventually become a summer chestnut tree. For the past few years, Nice has been constantly proclaiming its ambition to establish itself permanently as a cador in the French championship. So far, the Gym has only partially succeeded. Despite substantial investments in the transfer market, the club did not take off under Patrick Vieira (2018-2020) or Christophe Galtier (2021-2022). The last real period of prosperity for the Aiglons dates back, precisely, to the first term of Lucien Favre, whose return to the Côte d’Azur coaching costume was made official on Monday June 27.
L’#OGCNice is proud to announce the return of Lucien Favre!
https://t.co/0iXKIPkDQy pic.twitter.com/AGe9w5m51I
—OGC Nice (@ogcnice) June 27, 2022
Under the leadership of the Helvetian, the Azureans enthused footballing France, offering themselves a fine third place in 2016-17. With Alassane Pléa, Jean-Michael Séri or Mario Balotelli, Nice had a quality workforce. This time, the equipment available to Favre seems even better provided. The young Amine Gouiri, Khephren Thuram or Calvin Stengs remain to be polished, but their talent is beyond doubt. “I saw a lot of positive things, I will observe a lot in the next ten days.”claimed the former Borussia Dortmund coach after his first training session on Monday.
Follower of a shimmering game, Favre has plenty to do. “You always have to analyze and adapt to the evolution of football and the relationship with the players”, philosophized the Swiss. For two years, he has had time to mature his vision of football. Close to the title in his first year at Dortmund, he left BVB in December 2020. “As usual, I took a break after five years of work”, explained the coach.
The challenges surrounding his appointment are numerous. Christophe Galtier was unable to offer pleasant content other than sparingly. Despite a Coupe de France final, last year’s tenth Ligue 1 attack did not reflect Le Gym’s attacking potential. The new coach is well aware of this. “I think that in two years from now, Nice must progress and finish regularly in the top three”he said.
“And meme more! In other sports, Ineos is first”, he got carried away, in front of the amused gaze of its president Jean-Pierre Rivère. The owner of the club, particularly present in cycling, intends “raise the OGCN in the galaxy” Ineos, as confirmed by Rivère. Nice will run behind this goal without Julien Fournier, director of football whose “the future may lie elsewhere”said the president.
Still discreet on the transfer market, the club could quickly strengthen. “We will have to take a goalkeeper, that’s clear”, confirmed Favre, after the departure of the holder Walter Benitez to PSV. Qualified in the Europa League Conference, Andy Delort’s teammates will have to manage the two tables of a undoubtedly trying season. But that could be exciting, as these Riviera residents have the potential to play leading roles.