Capable of playing both on the left and on the right, Jordan Lotomba is a key man in Didier Digard’s squad. As he approaches 100 appearances for OGC Nice, the 24-year-old Swiss full-back spoke to the media about his rise on the eve of the game at home to a Reims side full of confidence this Saturday at 17:00 CET.

INCREASED IMPORTANCE

“I’m in great form, as is the team. We’re putting in some really good team performances, and we’ve bounced back well. I’m using these moments to let myself loose on the pitch and to be myself. There’s a really good feeling around the place at the moment. We’re on a great run, and we need to keep it going. We’re ambitious, but we also want to stay humble, as we remember where we were before. It’s important for us to stay focused on ourselves.”

MOVING ON FROM THE WORLD CUP

“As a player, not taking part in a World Cup is always disappointing, but you have to respect the head coach’s decisions. Despite that, I was supporting my countrymen and hoping that they would go as far as possible in the tournament.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COACH AND HIS STAFF

“Didier Digard was someone that we already knew. He gives the players confidence. Personally speaking, he encourages me to push myself and, above all, to let myself loose, which is what I do. The staff and the coach have put something very significant in place. You can feel it in our mindset, with everyone helping each other out. We’re playing better, and we’re more combative. The coach is helping us out tactically and mentally, and on the pitch, we know where he’s trying to lead us. He’s also very close to us. He knows how to speak to his players.”

EXTENSIVE POWERS ON THE PITCH 

“The role that the coach is giving me? I think it’s good. He has a game plan where he wants me to sometimes be on the wing and sometimes be inside, which creates problems for my direct opponent. It really is a tactical choice that the coach handles very well. I’m happy because I’m handling it well, too. He changes things up, and he wants us to feel involved both when we have the ball and when we don’t. We’re working a lot. Personally, I’m versatile; I adapt to the system. It’s easier for me to play on the right, as my stronger foot is my right foot, but I’m there to help the team, so whichever side I’m on, it doesn’t matter!”

IN-FORM OPPONENTS REIMS

“We played against them not long ago (ed.: a 0-0 draw at Delaune on 15th January), but for me, that doesn’t change anything. We just know how they play; we haven’t forgotten about them as opponents. It’s exciting because both teams are in good form. We’re looking forward to playing that game, especially at home. We’re focusing on ourselves, and we’ll prepare for that game in the right way.”

THE 100-APPEARANCE MARK FOR LE GYM ON THE HORIZON

“It’s something to be proud of. Reaching 100 appearances is quite something (ed.: he’s currently on 97). It’s gone by so quickly that I don’t even realise it. I’m very honoured. I can’t wait to pass that milestone and get my framed shirt (laughs).”