Nice-Real Sociedad: first shock for the Niçois in the Europa League

Europa League, new version, here we go. Based on the same format as the Champions League, the “small” European Cup starts this Wednesday in the four corners of the Old Continent and one clash particularly interests us: the one between OGC Nice and Real Sociedad (9 p.m.) at the Allianz-Riviera, for the first of the eight days of the League phase. In the same stadium as the spanking inflicted on ASSE (8-0) on Friday, the Niçois want to capitalize on their fiery attack and their youth to start their European campaign well.

For his first time in Europe with the Aiglons, Franck Haise must do without the attacking type that qualified Nice for the Europa League last season. In addition to the long absences of Terem Moffi (cruciate ligaments in a knee) and Gaëtan Laborde (fractured foot), Jérémie Boga was also out on Thursday, the victim of a big blow to the shin in training. However, the former Lens coach has a young, carefree and talented attacking guard.

Against Saint-Étienne, he had teamed up the “old” Evan Guessand (23 years old), born in 2001, with two will-o’-the-wisps born in 2004: the French international hopeful Mohamed-Ali Cho, 20 years old, and the already German international Youssoufa Moukoko, 19 years old. Between the three of them, they scored four of the eight goals and gave two of the three assists recorded. A turning point for a club with low offensive efficiency at the start of the season.

Mohamed-Ali Cho uncertain

“I’m happy that we were so effective, because it gives confidence to the players, and in the work done, insisted Haise after the match. We saw great actions, great movements, and a team active until the end.” Not fooled, he knows the fragility of this confidence, especially among the youngsters and calls on everyone to show humility before the reception of Real Sociedad, from where Cho arrived last January for 10 million euros.

Cho, meanwhile, injured the heel of his right foot in training on Monday and “is uncertain,” Haise said at a press conference. “He will not train outdoors. We will take stock tomorrow morning (Wednesday). The evolution has been positive in 24 hours. But will it be enough? I don’t know.”

On Wednesday, the opponent of the Niçois will be captained by Mikel Oyarzabal, who gave the Roja victory in the final of the last Euro against England. Even if the club from San Sebastian lost this summer its internationals Robin Le Normand (Atlético Madrid) and Mikel Merino (Arsenal), and its debut in the championship is difficult (one victory, two draws, four defeats), the test will be important for these young Niçois.