Girard happy with late show

Montpellier coach Rene Girard says he does not care at what stage of the game his side finds the back of the net.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Couple de la Ligue semi-final against Stade Rennes, Girard said he was not concerned with his team’s tendency to score late in games.

“We are serious, rigorous and efficient (but) we do score late in the game,” said Girard.

“I don’t know what is the best time to score to please everybody.

“We scored at the 85th minutes, 90th minute. This is good. Maybe we just exhaust our opponents.

“It might be late in the game, but we need to carry on.”

Having slipped 12 points behind Ligue 1 leader Lyon as they attempt to defend their French title from last year, Girard is aware the Coupe de la Ligue may be one of the few chances his side has to earn some silverware this campaign.

And, he expects his side to subsequently fight to the last against Rennes.

“It’s a cup game, a semi-final. It’s a make-or-break game,” he said.

“There will be a winner. It’s not a league game. We will have to be good and efficient.”

“There is only one winner. The guys know it’s an important game which can make us go to Stade de France, they are really excited for the game.”