Belhanda: We might concede eight against Arsenal

Younes Belhanda believes his Montpellier side could ‘concede eight goals’ in their Champions League meeting with Arsenal, based on current form.

The French champions have managed just one win since the start of the season and lost 3-1 to newly promoted Stade de Reims on Friday to register their third defeat in five games.

Montpellier kick-off their Champions League campaign against Arsenal on Tuesday, and the Morocco international was not shy with his prediction.

“If we play like that against Arsenal, we’ll concede eight goals,” the midfielder told reporters after the loss to Reims.

Coach Rene Girard is similarly dismayed at the champions’ recent form and echoed his midfielder’s feelings about the upcoming visit of the Gunners.

“We did everything to win the game. I am very disappointed. I don’t usually have any reason to reproach my players, but what is happening at the moment is a bit depressing,” he said.

“We did quite well in the first half. We need to waken up quickly because, if not, we are going to be in for a big fall on Tuesday.

“We are conceding silly goals. It is quite worrying. This is the first evening where I have had to ask myself some serious questions. We lost our values.

“We can be ashamed of ourselves tonight.”