Patrick Vieira has made a precarious start to life as Nice manager after his star striker Alassane Plea failed to report for the first day of pre-season training.
Vieira, 42, took the reigns at the French club after his predecessor Lucien Favre left the Allianz Riviera for Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.
The former Arsenal captain was due to take charge of his first training session as Nice manager on Monday but was forced to begin his formative preparations without the club’s lethal goalscorer.
Speaking to reporters, according to Sky Sports, Vieira confirmed speculation of Plea’s absence from training.
“We were supposed to have all the players [available]. Unfortunately, those weren’t there,” Vieira said.
“We are trying to get to the bottom of it.
“We were expecting him [Plea] today but he wasn’t here and it wasn’t foreseen. My wish is to keep the players who want to be part of the project.”
French publication L’Equipe reported that Plea had a complication with his airline ticket, but rumours have intensified in recent days that the striker is set to complete a move to the Premier League, with West Ham and Tottenham both mooted destinations.
Another absentee was Mario Balotelli, who is officially out of contract with Les Aiglons, but the Italian marksman is yet to decide where his future lies.
Vieira took charge of the club last month after spending two seasons with New York City FC in Major League Soccer.
Problems for Patrick
Should both strikers part company with Nice, Vieira will face a daunting task in securing replacements capable of replicating the goalscoring exploits of both Plea and Balotelli from last season.
Balotelli netted 18 league goals for the club, while his colleague Plea struck home 16, meaning the strikers contributed to 64% of the goals scored by the club in Ligue 1 last term.
The next-highest scorer at the club was Pierre Lees-Melou, who only mustered five the entire campaign, while Plea was also the club’s third highest provider, registering five assists.
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