Evann Guessand, OGC Nice’s top scorer this season, was notably left out of the starting lineup for their recent 1-2 defeat to FC Nantes, a decision that raised questions among fans and pundits alike.
Despite his impressive form, having netted 11 goals in 28 Ligue 1 appearances, the Ivorian forward began the match on the bench, sparking curiosity about the reasoning behind his exclusion from the first XI.
OGC Nice head coach Franck Haise addressed the decision after the match, explaining that the move was part of a broader strategy to manage Guessand’s workload.
The 21-year-old striker has been a key player for Nice this season, consistently featuring in the starting lineup, which led Haise to prioritise long-term player health and performance over short-term considerations.
“I try to put the players in the best shape possible,” Haise remarked in his post-match press conference. “When we returned from the international break, the question of his starting role had already arisen.
He’s the player who played the most minutes and has been heavily relied upon. There are times when players need a breather, and we thought it was the right moment for that.”
Haise’s comments reflect a careful approach to managing a squad throughout the demanding Ligue 1 season.
With the international break having placed additional physical strain on many players, the coach recognized the need to give Guessand a rest in order to prevent fatigue from affecting his performances in the long term.
The forward was brought on in the 60th minute, a move that came too late to influence the outcome of the match, as OGC Nice struggled to recover from an early deficit.
Despite the defeat, Haise’s decision underscores a key aspect of modern football: the importance of player management, especially when a player has been heavily involved in a team’s success over an extended period.
Guessand’s omission from the starting XI did not diminish his standing as one of the team’s most vital players.
His 11 goals have been a major contribution to OGC Nice’s offensive play, and Haise’s decision to give him a rest rather than risk overexerting him suggests a long-term view of the striker’s development and wellbeing.
By carefully managing his workload, Haise aims to keep Guessand at peak performance for the challenges that lie ahead, both in Ligue 1 and beyond.
As the season progresses, the tactical decisions surrounding player rotation will continue to be vital. For Guessand, it will be important to stay fit and ready for the crucial matches ahead, as OGC Nice aims to finish the season strongly.
Haise’s decision, though questioned in the context of the loss, is ultimately about protecting the future of his star player, ensuring that he remains a central figure in the team’s ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.
