Football Season Guide

Nice go into the new season on the back of a remarkable campaign in which they emerged as serious title challengers in France before fading in the closing stages of the campaign. Unfortunately for the Allianz Riviera outfit, they stumbled late in the campaign because of injury issues to key players Wylan Cyprien and Alassane Plea. Much of their success or failure over the course of the new season may boil down to how effectively these players return. Furthermore, they have lost a key figure in full-back Ricardo Pereira, not to mention Younes Belhanda, with both players having their loan deals expire. Additionally, centre-back Paul Baysse left on a free transfer to Malaga. More players may follow out of the door – right-sided defender Arnaud Souquet and bustling midfielder Jean-Michael Seri have both been linked with transfers away whilst Dalbert has joined Inter. Meanwhile, the players Nice have been able to bring in thus far do not look of the same standing. Christophe Jallet is an experienced campaigner for the defence but, in the midfield, Nice will be reliant on youngsters Jean-Victor Makengo and Adrien Tameze realising their potential. Perhaps the most interesting addition in that area of the side is Pierre Lees-Mellou who was one of the revelations of the season last term with Dijon. He is taking a significant jump up in terms of the level he is playing at, however. One big positive for Nice is that they have managed to retain the services of striker Mario Balotelli, who signed a two-year deal in the summer and celebrated by scoring against Ajax in a Champions League qualifier. However, the Italy international was excellent at home last season but struggled on the road. A solution to that issue must be found. The midfield is stocked with promising players but no-one of particular experience, while in defence Dante will once again be the leader. Malang Sarr is a promising centre-back to play alongside him and Maxime Le Marchand.