Cohen dreams of Europe at Nice… fans want to slow down

OGC Nice is struggling to kick off the Ligue 1 season, with two points from their first three matches. Despite a late transfer push and three serious injuries over the summer, president Maurice Cohen believes the club should not lower expectations. He says the team can target European football and points specifically to the seventh place as a realistic, “European” route.

President’s Europe bet

On RMC Sport, Cohen—speaking on BFM Nice’s Kop Aiglons show—made it clear he wants the club to “look ahead”, even if he stopped short of promising the Champions League. His message is ambition without panic, and he asks the players to adopt the same mindset.

The stance inside the coaching staff is more cautious. Head coach Olivier Pantaloni acknowledges the president’s comments but insists on taking things step by step, saying the team will work calmly and meet deadlines one by one while trying to improve quickly. The gap between the two viewpoints comes after the start that leaves Nice with two draws and a loss, and a campaign shaped by a major squad reset.

Fans: don’t burn the stages

Supporters, meanwhile, are not ready for talk of Europe. The article says around a thousand fans gathered in the city centre to meet the new signings, and several voices argue the priority is safety first. One supporter says he wants to wait ten matches before judging, adding that Europe talk should stop for now and that mid-table—or at least a comfortable stay—would be ideal. Another agrees Nice is still rebuilding, stressing that cohesion and the new coach’s work need time.

Solange, president of the Supporters’ Club, echoes the optimism but admits Europe may be too much this season, pointing out that feeling closer to the fans and seeing players committed to the comeback—she cites Élye Wahi’s drive to return—are the positives they value.

Next, Nice are looking for their first win of the campaign, with a trip to Auxerre this Saturday, according to the same report.