Gary O’Neil reflects on Strasbourg’s defeat against Nice

Strasbourg coach Gary O’Neil has spoken out about his team’s loss to Nice (0-2) in the semi-finals of the French Cup on Wednesday, calling it a “fuel” for the rest of the season, especially leading up to their European semi-final. “We were the better team tonight but football can be cruel sometimes. We were unlucky, we tried everything, we didn’t convert our chances, but we will have other opportunities,” Gary O’Neil said, referring to the upcoming Conference League semi-final against Rayo Vallecano on April 30 and May 7.

Sitting in 8th place with 43 points in the league after fielding a B team last weekend against Rennes (3-0) and now being knocked out of the French Cup, Strasbourg faces the risk of a trophy-less season. “This risk exists for everyone,” the English coach dramatized. “It’s a normal season not to win a trophy for most teams. We have faced difficulties, but this is how we learn. We will bounce back, and this defeat will give us fuel to fight.”