Nice Coach Franck Haise Names Players Criticized After Europa Conference League loss
Nice, France - OGC Nice manager Franck Haise has revealed the players he singled out following a scathing post-match critique after Thursday’s 3-1 defeat to Freiburg in the Europa conference League. The outburst, initially reported by Foot Mercato, centered on a perceived lack of effort and professionalism, and has now been clarified wiht specific names.
Haise,who arrived at the club in summer 2024,reportedly delivered a dressing-down questioning the players’ commitment,stating,”you have to stop falling in the slightest duel and staying on the ground… Leave your ego aside,there are no world champions here,neither me nor them… We have to stop making a face when we are a substitute or when we go out… You are not happy but when you play you are not good.” The revelation of the targeted players comes as Nice struggles to find form both domestically and in European competition, raising questions about team morale and Haise’s ability to galvanize the squad.
According to L’Équipe, haise’s criticism focused on Sofiane Diop and Jérémie Boga, despite acknowledging occasional positive contributions from both. Melvin Bard also drew the coach’s ire for consistently losing duels, and the situation surrounding Jonathan Clauss, whose future at Nice is uncertain, further contributed to Haise’s frustration.
Notably, Haise absolved Antoine Mendy, Kevin carlos, Charles Vanhoutte, and Yéhvann Diouf of blame in his assessment of the Freiburg match. L’Équipe also suggests that the club’s generally disappointing summer transfer window and Haise’s own record in European competitions – previously with Lens and now with Nice - are contributing factors to his heightened tension. The incident underscores the pressure Haise is under to turn around Nice’s fortunes and secure a European qualification spot.
