OGC Nice manager Patrick Vieira was at the press conference in the Eden Arena on the eve of the game opposing Slavia Prague and the Gym (Europa League Matchday 3, kick off at 18:55 CET).

Patrick, what are your thoughts on Slavia Prague, tomorrow’s opponents?

Because of their past Slavia are one of Europe’s biggest teams. They’ve always been around and have always done well in European cup competitions. They’re a club who’ve had famous players and when you look at what they’ve achieved, you realise that they’ve done very well. Slavia are a team with a definite identity, they’re a very tight-knit group and they get forward quickly. In terms of its intensity and aggression the Czech championship is similar to Ligue 1. It’s got some very good teams that are used to playing in Europe. Slavia are a very competitive side for high-level football and they also have experience of playing in European games.

Multiple Slavia players have tested positive for Covid-19. Do you think that will have an influence on tomorrow’s game?

Slavia have a squad that can afford to have a few absentees without affecting the quality and strength of the team. It hasn’t changed anything in terms of our preparation and our game plan. We’re expecting a tough game whoever plays, and we’ll need to be at our best to get a result out of the game.

Is this already a crucial game in your Europa League campaign?

It’s an important game, but it’s not decisive because of the amount of points that are still left to play for. We want to do well, and we need to play well as a team. What’s important is to play in the right fashion, with intensity and aggression, fighting for every ball. But tomorrow, whether we win or lose won’t necessarily affect whether we qualify for the next stage or not.

Dante’s long-term injury means you’re missing your captain.

Pierre Lees-Melou will captain the side. That’s no surprise, because I’ve always depended on him since I’ve been at the club. Because of his hard work and professionalism, he’s one of the side’s natural leaders. He’ll have the armband, but Morgan Schneiderlin and Walter Benitez will also have to take more responsibility. Dante is our leader and we’ve lost a very strong-minded man, both on and off the pitch. I expect all of the players to take more responsibility and because of that, we’ll be stronger as a team.

Does Dante’s absence force you to change your defensive system?

We have the ability to change, yes. I still haven’t decided, though, and it depends on how Stanley Nsoki feels in training tonight, and whether or not he can play tomorrow. Both options (either two or three centre backs) are on the cards and I’ll decide tomorrow depending on who’s available.

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