Farioli’s philosophy leaves shackled Nice in a slump and lacking a plan B | Luke Entwistle

Defensive tactics have served side well this season but after recent poor results maybe it is time the handbrake came off

By Luke Entwistle for Get French Football News

“When plan A doesn’t work, you need a better plan A,” said Nice manager Francesco Farioli before Sunday’s match against Toulouse. Les Aiglons’ latest defeat leaves the Italian in search of a new formula.

Nice have rarely been entertaining this season, but they have been efficient. When Farioli arrived in the summer, the defensive apparatus was already in place. Whilst Nice fell short of their objectives last season, finishing ninth in Ligue 1, only Lens had a better defensive record. A year earlier under Christophe Galtier, they had the joint-best record in the division.

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