Franck Haise says that OGC Nice are in Ligue 1 relegation battle

OGC Nice slipped deeper into their crisis. After Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to FC Lorient, Franck Haise’s side slipped to 10th in Ligue 1. They are now on a run of six consecutive defeats in all competitions; two of those have come in the UEFA Europa League. Les Aiglons are bottom of the table in that competition, having lost all five of their games.

Even prior to the latest blow, Haise said that he is more concerned about looking over his shoulder than towards the European places. The former RC Lens manager has become increasingly exasperated amid the club’s demise, and he seemed resigned as he bemoaned the squad’s overall “insufficiency” during last weekend’s 5-1 defeat to local rival Olympique de Marseille.

Resigned is the word, as Haise then revealed that he offered to leave the club – but crucially not resign – after that defeat to OM. That offer was rejected by the club’s president, Fabrice Bocquet. And so Haise is now prepared to go down with his ship.

“We are fighting to stay up,” began the Nice manager on Sunday. “I can’t create a group and a team that wants to do things for each other. As soon as there is a gust of wind, it all falls down.” 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle