Déjà-vu for OGC Nice, victim of Nantes’ second new-manager bounce
OGC Nice have been left ruing the timing of FC Nantes’ managerial appointments this season. Jocelyn Gourvennec replaced Pierre Aristouy in the dugout at the Beaujoire late last year, taking charge of his first game for Les Canaris against Nice. Nantes won on that night, inflicting Les Aiglons’ first defeat of the season.
Prior to the return fixture, held at the Allianz Riviera on Sunday, Nantes rolled the dice once again, sacking Gourvennec and bringing Antoine Kombouaré, whom they sacked towards the end of last season, back into the fold. Once again, Les Canaris have enjoyed a new-manager bounce.
Matthis Abline opened the scoring in the first half. Terem Moffi then equalised from the spot midway through the second half, but just moments later, Nantes retook the lead thanks to Mostafa Mohamed, who netted from the spot. The result sees Le Gym cede further ground in the race to secure UEFA Champions League football; Nantes, meanwhile, hop out of the relegation play-off spot, easing their fears of a drop to Ligue 2.
Post-match, club captain Dante came to the defence of Nice manager Francesco Farioli, who has come in for criticism amidst a poor patch of form. “My question is going to be very frank: is the dressing room still listening to the coach,” asked a Prime Video Sport journalist. “Yes,” said Dante, who pushed further on the topic, added, “Your question is very frank, and my response is too. I think it is too easy to have a go at the coach.”
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
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