Together for 24 hours a day for a week, the Aiglons made the most of the trip to Divonne-les-Bains to form links with their new teammates.

For Makengo, Tameze, Lees-Melou, Clementia, Perraud and Mahou, the departure to the Ain, of course, had a slightly particular flavour. The 3 recruits and the 3 products of the academy, headed off for what was in fact, their first pre-season trip with the Nice squad.

“This week allowed everybody to get closer to each other”, explained defender Maxime Le Marchand. “A pre-season trip is just as important for those reasons, confirmed Vincent Koziello. We threw them straight in. They are like us, they like to laugh, and to play games together.”

“They are on the same wavelength”

Even though their training programme was full, the Red and Blacks made the most of the rest time to perfect their relationships off the pitch. Table tennis, pool, card games… new and old alike took on the challenge, with the experienced members of the squad overseeing proceedings. “We integrated them in the way we know how, commented Alassane Plea, who is preparing himself for his 4th season with the Gym. Our squad is young, it’s easier. From their side of things, they made the effort. They are on the same “wavelength”, it’s perfect. They are now fully integrated.”

In order to do so, the newest members of the squad had to go through the traditional and essential initiation ceremony, which involves singing. Stood on a chair, facing the squad, they also put on show their artistic talents.

Srarfi sets the room on fire

The most impressive performance came from Bassem Srarfi. An arrival during the winter transfer window, the young Tunisian (18 years old) had, until now, escaped the tradition. He caught up with success though, setting the room on fire in the Domaine de Divonne. A way of making his mark bit by bit, just days after having scored his first brace against Nyon (4-0).

Bizuté avec du retard, Bassem Srarfi a mis le feu, ce soir ! Retrouvez sa prestation dans le prochain numéro du #ZapGym ! #Divonne2017 pic.twitter.com/mcM3ibjb7M

— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) 6 juillet 2017

“That can be seen on the pitch, said Maxime Le Marchand. In terms of the games, they have been able to mould to our style. For a while now Nice has been known for a certain style of play. There were, of course, certain things to correct. The coach has made them work a lot tactically. They know what they need to do to adapt to this philosophy and bring their skills to the team. They are adapting very well.”

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