Garcia pleased with Lille effort

Lille coach Rudi Garcia praised his side’s work rate after their win over Nice that just about secured Champions League qualification.

Lille defeated Nice 1-0 on Wednesday and Garcia was thrilled with his players’ intensity.

“Everybody’s work-rate was good,” Garcia said.

“And even if we didn’t score this second goal, we played well enough to keep a clean sheet.

“We didn’t give them any chances.”

Lille defeated Nice thanks to a sixth-minute goal from Tulio de Melo.

Garcia’s side had several opportunities to extend their advantage but were wasteful in attack, leaving their coach frustrated with their profligacy in front of goal.

“We didn’t score the second goal, that was our problem tonight,” Garcia said.

“When you don’t score the second goal, you can give up a draw with a goal at the end of the game from a free-kick or a twist of fate.

“But we were strong enough (to hold on).”

Lille are third in Ligue 1 and nine points ahead of fourth-placed Lyon.

With three games to go, Garcia’s side can wrap up third spot, which comes with a European Champions League qualifying spot, with at least a draw in their next match against Caen.