France Bleu Azur: Are you ready to see another OGC Nice captain lift a trophy?
Fred Giori: Sure ! Especially a captain as exemplary as Dante. He is positive, always demanding on a daily basis and very humble. He is a very great player, who has already won many titles. And it’s true that it would be a dream to see him lift the Cup with the Nice jersey. We’re going to give it a little place on the wall at the club next to my photo (laughs)!
Do you two talk about this final and the way you approached it at the time?
Yes and I know that it is really close to his heart to be able to lift this trophy and bring it back to Nice. It would be a great gift for everyone and especially for him, given his career and what he has already achieved here. He deserves it so much. It would be amazing!
– Maxime Bacquie
Do you remember your speech before the final?
I don’t remember exactly the words I used, but I know I didn’t mean to overdo it. Simple words of encouragement. It was a match that had to be approached with serenity, without pressure. Because most of us had never played such a meeting with such a stake. .I especially have memories of these two days spent at Clairefontaire to prepare for the match. I felt a very concentrated group.
This final was like a breath of fresh air after a complicated season in the league?
Yes that’s it, very difficult season, we had known four coaches, two presidents… The club was very unstable and we knew how to remobilize for this final. Unfortunately we already knew that we were going to go down to the second division. So yes that’s the right word, this match was our breath of fresh air for us players.
What image do you retain of this evening?
When Jacques Chirac hands me the cup and I turn to my right, towards the South Brigade. All the people of Nice were there. An unforgettable moment ! We do this job for that. make people happy. And being able to bring the people of Nice together for a match like that, after the ten difficult years we had just experienced, it was very intense, very strong. And I kinda feel the same way today. After the attacks that hit our city, I think it’s a great symbol to be able to meet again at the stadium to share happiness. In any case, I feel very proud.
Communion after the game?
I especially remember the big party after the match, in a place that the club had reserved. It was gigantic! A big moment. And then, of course, the return to Nice with this gloomy weather. It was raining but from the airport to the Ray stadium there were people everywhere! With these red and black colors on the back. They were waiting for us and we had crossed Nice on an open-air bus. I have no words to describe this moment. It was very very strong.
Even more when you are from Nice and trained at OGC Nice?
I was born in Nice, I was trained in Nice, I turned professional in Nice, I was captain at the time. So yes, it’s something strong, powerful to lift a trophy, to mark the history of the club. But at the time I did not imagine the impact of this victory. 25 years later, people still talk to me about it!
The replica of the trophy is still on display at home?
Yes the miniature trophy is still on a shelf and needs to be taken care of! It’s silver and it’s fragile. I hope to be able to put a second one in a few days!
What is the secret of a successful final?
The week before the final we managed to ease the pressure. With little everyday things. We thought we had great players. We could do it. But without playing the match before. Especially not ! Afterwards, when we return to the field, we have to take the match head on and tell ourselves that we may never play the final again.
If we compare the groups of 1997 and 2022, do you see any similarities?
No, they are really two very different groups. It’s not the same time and mentalities have changed a lot. Today we have a large squad, with a lot of quality. But really, I repeat myself, above all we have an extraordinary captain. Dante is not from Nice but it is as if he were from Nice! When he speaks, he reassures, his attitude is always exemplary. He never cheats. And that is important.