Rennes 2 NIce 2

Michel de Vacri

Nice are now in 3rd place in Ligue Un and it looks like the title race will be fought out between Monaco and PSG. Not that we fans are bitter or disappointed as our President said we would be happy to stay in the race as long as possible and to play in a European competition. We have an excellent manager in Lucien Favre, some brilliant youngsters like Plea, Cyprien, Suquet and our football is joy to watch. I know that there is so much football on television that you may not be attracted to Ligue Un on BT Sport but I can assure you that if you watch Nice you are pretty much assured a exciting game of football.

Yesterday’s game against Stade Rennes was no different. Rennes took a two goal lead and with our best forward Plea carried off and a sick Balotelli not on the bench our chances of recovery seemed hopeless. John Pargiter texted me after Nice pulled one back and I told host to lay Rennes at 3-4 odds. He put his famous tenner for me as well I was doubly pleased when Valentin Essyric strode throughout to equalise though we had our hearts in our mouths as Rennes mounted a lot of pressure in the final 10 minutes.

I have found it interesting to compare football cultures with other contributors to the Rust. Alan Tanner sent me the Fulham programme, a form of fan communication which does not exist in France, and the fanzine also unknown, but both of which gave a full and informed and in the case of the fanzine critical view of Fulham. We don’t have fans message boards nor phone-ins so the English fan has a real voice. I am not convinced this is always good as he the contributors to the fans forum use adopted names and how do you know if they are opposing fans causing mischief? At Nice we are a happy club punching above its weight and competing with the big boys. If PSG fail to win the title then the manager might well be sacked. We will want Favre to stay and finish the work in progress with the talented kids. Even more senior players like Ben Arta and Balotelli who have created problems at other clubs are happy and successful with us. So what is there to complain about?