Nice vs Lille OSC preview
Posted Wednesday, September 24, 2014 by PA
Lille manager Rene Girard has admitted fatigue may be starting to creep into his side, but is adamant that they must not use it as an excuse for under-performing.
Les Dogues are the only unbeaten side in Ligue 1 this season, with three wins and as many draws, but the rigours of domestic and European competitions may be taking their toll.
Their next game at Nice will be their 12th match of the campaign, with Wednesday's opponents playing just their seventh.
And, while Girard has attempted to rotate his squad in a bid to keep his players fresh, he is aware that their exertions may be catching up with them, especially with some players having also played international fixtures.
"Tiredness, yes there is an inevitably of that. Not to mention the international players who play in the national team," he said at his pre-match press conference.
"(But) we have the chance to play in Europe. For now we are having a more than adequate championship.
"We're not going to whine about fatigue."
Lille will be without club captain Rio Mavuba due to a hamstring injury that will keep him out for between three and four weeks, while his fellow midfielder Marvin Martin will miss the clash at the Allianz Riviera due to suspension.
With two key midfielders out, Girard, who will be hoping Lille can claim their first win in three after draws with FK Krasnodar in the Europa League and Montpellier over the weekend, will not be taking Nice lightly.
"Nice are a team that has undergone a facelift. They have a lot of energy and dynamism. It will be a tough game," he said.
Nice currently sit 17th in the standings, albeit only five points adrift of their fourth-spotted opponents, yet president Jean-Pierre Rivere has demanded improvement, having been angered by a 2-1 loss at Nantes over the weekend, their third defeat in four.
"We are capable of much better," he said. "We have to fix this. I expect a reaction."
The match against Lille and then the weekend's fixture against Monaco may prove crucial for Claude Puel's side.
"These are two big games, that's all it takes to return to the right side," Rivere added.
"Unfortunately - or fortunately - these two games will not decide the season. But this week is important."
- Tag:
- Lille
- Nice
- Rene Girard
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