"They are stronger than us": Nice coach Franck Haise's observation after the defeat against Benfica

OGC Nice may miss out on the Champions League, and that's only logical. "They're stronger than us," admitted Nice coach Franck Haise after the 2-0 home defeat to Benfica Lisbon on Wednesday evening in the first leg of the Champions League third preliminary round.

"We have to admit that we gave the best we could in the circumstances of the moment and with the events of the match," he continued.

"We struggled to create clear chances, whereas it's easier for them," Haise added, lamenting the lack of "experienced players (after the break)."

Injured, Morgan Sanson and Dante were quickly removed. "Morgan injured his hamstring, the severity of which I don't know. For Dante, it was his left knee, which he had been putting on weight. He was in pain. It was difficult to get going again, so it was wiser to take him off."

Haise then assured that his team "was not far from 100% of what (it) could do", and that "this confirms everything we already know", notably that "there is a need for certain reinforcements".

"Obviously, when I say that, it's because we lack it against this type of opponent (Benfica played in the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season). We're building, they're used to being at the top. These matches should help us grow. We should aim for that very high level, but we're not there yet. Facing this type of opponent shows everyone how far we still have to go."

Regarding the return match next Tuesday, he said: "We know we lost 2-0 and that they are stronger than us. But we will go into battle. There is no resignation, but the hope of achieving the feat, with a capital E and a capital X."

His counterpart Bruno Lage, for his part, appreciated the "aggressiveness" of his team, which "controlled the match."