Nice coach Didier Digard has rejected criticism of Nicolas Pepe.

The on-loan Arsenal attacker battled to make an impact in last week's clash with Europa Conference League opponents Basel as he returned from injury.

Nice lost 2-1 at home as Basel reached the semifinals 4-3 on aggregate.

Digard said, "Nico showed extraordinary commitment to play the game. He even took a chance on his own form. He wanted to help the team.

"Unfortunately, he couldn't. One can forget what he has accomplished, or not see it from the outside. But he's a guy with an impressive mindset who's trying to help the team.

"Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way."