Julien Sablé à Nice
By: Martha | January 23rd, 2009[First, I apologize for the infrequency of updates here -- I'm just too busy right now to give Nice the attention they deserve, but I'll do my best to post once or twice a week with the big news, such as it is.]
This week, that news is the arrival of defensive mid Julien Sablé (presentation video above) from Lens on a three-and-a-half year contract. He’s not young (28), but he’s tough as hell, and has a great relationship with Antonetti from their time together at ASSE, where he was captain for many years. And, even more importantly, after sitting on his butt in Lens for the past 18 months, he’s excited to prove himself, and make a difference at Nice (or, it sounds like, anywhere Antonetti happens to be hanging out).
I confess that I knew nothing about Sablé until his name started appearing in rumors last month, but reading through the forums, this move is getting a really positive reaction, primarily because of what a warrior he was at ASSE. Immediately, his main role will probably be slotting into the team for Cup matches as Nice try to survive in three competitions, but it’s generally accepted that, longer term, he’ll replace the ageless Chouf, when he either hangs it up, or physically isn’t able to keep himself in the first XI anymore (next season?).
Two pretty promising pick-ups in the winter transfer window isn’t bad at all, particularly given the prices involved (Sablé’s hasn’t been revealed, but there’s no way he cost much, considering how little-used he’s been at Lens.) — full marks to Mr. Ricort, and bonus points for the misdirection about the team’s total lack of interest in Sablé.
Two day to the (Cup) derby! I’ll try to at least post the squad list when it goes up.
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Tags: ASSE, Frédéric Antonetti, Julien Sablé, Lens, Nice Team News, OGC Nice, Roger Ricort, Saint Etienne, transfers, videoSubscribe
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AJ and I both agree he is pretty
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Ha! Yet another reason to welcome his arrival. (I do wish he’d cut his hair, though.)
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I never understood why he was on bench always at Lens. Maybe that’s why they got relegated.
Sable is a great acquisition for Nice. Perhaps not this season but next season we can expect strong performances from him.
Btw, What are the chances of Remy moving on in Winter transfer window or in summer? I heard about Atletico Madrid’s interest in him.
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Everyone interest in Remy right now, Aditya — I’ve seen repeated mentions of Atleti, Juve, Real and Fiorentina, as well as Newcastle (who never get anyone they want), and I’m sure there are rumors about other teams, as well. I’d say there’s zero chance of him leaving now — he’s got a good head on his shoulders, and both he and the club know that if he stays put, stays healthy, and keeps producing his value’s only going to increase, as will the options.
That said, I’d originally thought he’d stay for a couple seasons but, given how he’s playing now, holding onto him past June is going to be difficult, I think.
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