Andy Delort takes a hard look at himself

Andy Delort pushed to leave Nice at all costs. His first season with Les Aiglons last year had nonetheless been a success, with 16 Ligue 1 goals, including a hat-trick on the final day that sent the Azurians into Europe. But over broken promises, relations between the Algerian striker and the club's board broke down. In January he finally packed his bags for Nantes. Unfortunately, the union between the Fennec and the Canaris is not yet bearing fruit.

Delort has so far found the back of the net only twice in nine appearances, in all competitions. That is enough to draw fierce criticism from some Nantes supporters. The 31-year-old is not hiding from it. He knows he has yet to live up to expectations, as the second-highest-paid player in the Nantes squad.

“It hurts me not to score”

“Let's not kid ourselves, it's average. Physically, the season has been difficult for me. I was rarely injured before now, but I had a knee sprain, then there was the break in January. That's not usual for me. Obviously, I would have preferred to do better in my first months at Nantes. But anyway, we're heading into the final sprint, there are two months of the season left and I hope to make a difference,” Delort promises.

The Algerian is already hoping to find the net at home. Nantes host Reims this Sunday. “It's true that I'm waiting for my first goal from open play, especially at La Beaujoire. I'm not worried, it will come. There are always spells with a bit less confidence. I play with my heart, with and for the fans. That's why it hurts me not to score. (...) Today, I'm putting games together and feeling better and better. I'm longing for that first goal in front of my own fans, and to get the stadium buzzing,” says the 2019 African champion, picturing it.

Yacine DIENG