Girard: Arsenal will get a hot reception

Montpellier coach Rene Girard has urged fans to ‘turn the stadium into hell’ for Arsenal’s Champions League visit.

This will be the Ligue 1 champions’ first appearance in the European competition and they will be hoping they can perform better than their current domestic displays, if they are to challenge perennial participants Arsenal, who have made a strong start to their season.

However, Girard believes his side can turn their form around as they look forward to their opener versus Arsene Wenger’s men, and believes the supporters in the Stade de la Mosson will have a stirring effect on his side and help them try to overcome tough opposition.

“The one conviction I have is that we’ll have 30,000 supporters and not 30,000 spectators, which will be very important,” Girard told reporters.

“We’ve had some great moments over the last three years but this season we’ve had some bad moments, and we need the fans to help us turn the stadium into hell for Arsenal.

“I’m not used to letting myself get beaten. The objective today is to play an exceptional match. You don’t play Arsenal every day, especially not in the Champions League.

“We’ve had a difficult start in the championship, but as I’ve been telling the players, it’s up to us to turn things around.

“It’s a huge thing to be among the best 32 European teams. I know that everyone is wondering how we’ll avoid getting beaten tomorrow, but I’m sure that we’ll show up.”

The 42-year-old coach also had praise for his former striker, Olivier Giroud, who left the club for north London in the summer.

Girard believes the players and fans will give the Arsenal man a welcome return, but insisted that the forward’s presence would not change his side’s approach to the match.

“They have something like 20 internationals so whoever’s on the pitch will be complicated, whether it’s Olivier or another player,” Girard said.

“Olivier Giroud only left good memories. He worked hard for the club and I think the fans will welcome him as they should. But just a little hello and a little wave, and then we’ll get down to business.”