Claude Puel says Lens under pressure ahead of Coupe de France final

OGC Nice coach Claude Puel stated that the burden of expectation rests on RC Lens ahead of the Coupe de France final scheduled for Friday 22 May at 21:00. The comment was made on the eve of the match. "It would be a mistake not to win against us," Puel said, underlining that the responsibility lies with the Lens side. He emphasized that Nice will not be the ones feeling the pressure. Puel indicated that his squad is focused on preparation rather than external expectations. He expressed confidence that Nice can perform without the weight of being the underdogs. The final will see OGC Nice face RC Lens in the decisive domestic cup showdown. Both clubs have reached the match after progressing through earlier rounds of the competition. The winner of the encounter will claim the Coupe de France trophy, a prestigious accolade in French football. The match is set to determine the season's cup champion. Friday evening will decide which side lifts the cup, with both teams aware of the stakes involved. The contest promises a high‑intensity finish to the French football calendar.