Montpellier coach Rene Girard has claimed that Paris Saint-Germain’s huge summer recruitment drive has propelled them to the to forefront of the footballing world.
His side top Ligue 1 by two points after seven matches and meet fourth-place PSG in this weekend’s big clash at Stade de la Mosson on Saturday night.
“We’re playing a gala match against the centre of the world, or more precisely, the French capital,” said Girard on Friday.
“It’s a timely match against a team that has made a huge effort in terms of recruitment. We’re in the best psychological condition to play this match. And we’re the leaders, so we’ll have to deal with that too.”
Montpellier have already beaten champions Lille this season and put four unanswered goals past Rennes, which has convinced Girard that his side have nothing to fear from the league’s glamour teams.
“We’ve seen that we can cause the big guns problems, and that includes Paris,” he added. “These teams are ahead of us and are playing for the title.
“When a gentleman calls, you have to welcome him appropriately. We’ll try to make sure we’re up to the task.”
PSG’s new-look forward line of Nene, Jeremy Menez, record signing Javier Pastore and striker Kevin Gameiro have begun to establish an understanding in recent games and Girard says his defenders will have to be on their toes.
“The danger can come from anywhere,” he said. “There’s not one guy you have to watch out for, but five or six. It’s the top level.”
Despite the new status enjoyed by PSG since their takeover by Qatar Sports Investments, Montpellier’s four-goal top scorer Olivier Giroud says his side cannot afford to take to the field with an inferiority complex.
“We don’t have much to lose in this match,” said the imposing former Tours striker. “We want to be unplayable at home.
“We know that it’s a big Paris team that’s coming to the Mosson. We’ll welcome them as we should with the same willingness, solidarity, commitment and quality of play.
“There’s no reason to be afraid or to put ourselves under extra pressure just because it’s Paris.”
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