Nice vs Metz preview - Nice preparing to bounce back

Posted Friday, September 12, 2014 by PA

Nice coach Claude Puel believes his side can regain momentum by beating newly-promoted Metz in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Nice enjoyed a promising start to the new season, taking four points from their opening two games, but consecutive defeats - including a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Marseille - has knocked the team's confidence.

Two weeks off due to the international break has allowed Puel and his players to take stock but the Nice boss insists they must return to winning ways this weekend.

"It has worked well to have the fortnight to work with the players here. Now we have to show it in this game," Puel told the club's official website.

"The opposition have had a break as well so we have to get the wheels turning again, especially after losing our last two games.

"This game is important for us to revive momentum. We have to learn our lessons from the start of the season."

Metz were promoted to Ligue 1 after finishing 11 points clear at the top of the second tier last season.

Like Nice, Les Grenats have won just one of their opening four matches but the team's morale is high after they came from behind to record a surprise 2-1 win over Lyon last time out.

"Metz are a team that shows a lot of quality and togetherness," Puel said.

"They are well-organised and they move forward quickly - they are difficult to play against and in their last game, Lyon suffered the consequences.

"We have had time to recover from our defeat to Marseille, we've had the chance to move on and now focus on this game. We have every intention to impose our home advantage."

Metz forward Yeni Ngbakoto has made an encouraging start to the season with two goals, including a late equaliser from the penalty spot against Lyon.

"All the matches will be difficult this season and this will be even more the case on Saturday because Nice have just had a heavy defeat to Marseille," Ngbakoto told fcmetz.com.

"While we are more confident after our success against Lyon, they will be determined to bounce back, especially in front of their home fans.

"It's up to us to make them wait until the weekend after for that to happen."