Didier Digard analysed the encounter in the press conference after OGC Nice's defeat against Brest (1-0).

How are you feeling after this defeat?
I am disappointed for the players who gave a lot, who were very invested and who are not being rewarded at the moment. It's a shame because they did put in the performance and the efforts needed to deserve better. They adapted very well to the lack of reference points that they have between themselves, which also strengthens us in the way we train. We are playing in a very coherent way and that showed in that the changes weren't noticed. Nevertheless, we could have done a little better. It's a shame.

There has been a dip in points in the league, what role does the Europa Conference league play in this?
We fought very hard to try to have some ambition or at least an objective in the league. But we were in a position where there was not much to play for. And now, the closer it gets, the more we play against teams with a lot at stake. Paris for the title last week, Brest for their survival today. They really use their weapons and that troubled us. But we should never see Europe as something that slows us down or something bad. It's a great experience and we will continue to approach it in that way.

You leave without any injuries, the afternoon wasn't a complete disaster in that sense?
No and to be totally honest, I saw some real positives in terms of what we produced, less so at the end of the encounter where we rushed things a bit and fell into their direct game. But on the whole, I thought the team was extremely coherent so there is satisfaction in that regard. And in terms of injuries, we have all of those fit that will be available for the match on Thursday. But there is still disappointment that the players weren't rewarded.

In terms of substitutions, did you plan things before the game or was it based on the performance in the first half?
We changed tactically. Ayoub (Amraoui) found himself in an offensive position and he already had a card, that's the only change that was not planned (he was replaced at half-time by Moffi, editor's note). There is only Pablo that we pushed a lot but otherwise for those who have played a lot lately, we had planned to give them a breather.

A real regret must be to concede almost the same goal as in Basel?
Yes. I can't say that they could only score that way, but it's really their style: long balls, crosses as soon as they have the chance, with great headers. We had the intention to stop the crosses. Melvin (Bard) did well at first and then he started to go backwards and unfortunately they had the space and two great players in the air...

The chances of European qualification through the league have diminished today. A lot is to play for on Thursday?
Yes. We have to face the fact that we are 10 points behind Lille who are in great form, who have played less than us, who are playing very well at the moment and who are very consistent. Even if we give everything, it is becoming too tricky. Of course, we will give everything on Thursday without overthinking it, to make sure that we make club history and live this adventure as well as we possibly can and for as long as possible.

Do you feel that your players are more focused on Europe?

I don't feel that at all, honestly. It would be quite logical and I couldn't blame them, but this squad has never made me feel it and I sense they are really focused. Everyone wants to play, to win and everyone is extremely disappointed. I can't question their state of mind at all.

Do you get the feeling that Todibo has been distracted by his first call-up to the France national side and the the news from recent days?
No, not at all. Jean-Clair is someone who starts matches. Today, to come off the bench, it's was something different. He needed to be well prepared, it was a bit different. What is preoccupying the heads is the goal against Angers but in terms of the performances, I think he is pretty quick, tough in his duels, as focused and important for the squad. So no, I don't think so. But then, he had set the bar so high too (smiles)…

Will Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Aaron Ramsey be there on Thursday?
Yes. We went to Switzerland for three days, we left yesterday for today's match which was a long trip in France… so to bring them (to Brest), it wasn't the best thing to do for them. And we had players to replace them so I didn't want to take any unnecessary risks

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