Dying in the league, the Gym can straighten their heads and offer themselves a joyful parenthesis with the start this Thursday of the group stage of the Europa Conference League. Cologne and its thousands of supporters land on the Côte d’Azur for a first clash between the two headliners of this group D. For Lucien Favre, Cologne “is not favorite“but the Germans”are making a good start to the season with very dangerous wingers and forwards. The level of the Bundesliga is very high.”
Bulka or Schmeichel?
Their supporters too. The entire northern bend of the Allianz Riviera is reserved for supporters of the “goats“, nickname of FC Cologne. “Well done to them,” applauds Andy Delort, the Gym striker, who despite everything hopes for a red and black atmosphere. “I hope that the Nice public will shout louder than them. We didn’t get the results we hoped for but our supporters deserve better. We want to rediscover joy.“
Ramsey injured three weeks
This upside-down start to the season in Ligue 1 (16th with 5 points) should not weigh on the morale of the Aiglons. “You have to stay positive,” asks Favre. “It’s up to us to make things happen and no one else. The goal is to finish in the top two of the group.“With which team? The arrival of Barkley on Sunday does not offer a new solution to the Swiss since the Englishman is not qualified. And Aaron Ramsey is already injured. “Aaron will be out for three weeks. He injured his hamstrings on Sunday against Monaco. For Youcef Atal it’s less serious but he won’t be there against Cologne either.” Finally questioned about the possible rotation between Schmeichel and Bulka, Favre left the door open. “Yes it is possible. We will see”.