Girard hails vital victory

Montpellier coach Rene Girard has spoken of the importance of getting back to winning ways after his side’s 3-1 victory over Nice.

The Ligue 1 outfit were surprise 2-1 losers at home to Olympiakos in the Champions League on Wednesday, extending their winless run to four matches in all competitions.

But goals from Souleymane Camara, John Utaka and a Renato Civelli own goal helped the French champions to their win over Nice on Saturday.

Girard said the victory was crucial for his side, who are 12th in Ligue 1 and 11 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

“It was important to score goals. I think that we played a good game. We were solid from start to finish,” he said.

“Don’t forget that we just played a Champions League game midweek. It wasn’t easy to deal with that situation.

“But the boys showed tonight that we could have more points than we have. We can have regrets but tonight those three points are really essential. It was really important for us, especially mentally.

“It was crucial to learn how to win again. It was very important.”

Girard dismissed suggestions his team were in a ‘crisis’ but said they needed to work their way up the table.

“Why do you want me to talk about a crisis? We are only in the ninth game of the season. There are only a few points separating us from the teams ahead of us. A crisis is something else though,” he said.

“Saying that, of course, we must win points to be in a stronger position, but it’s not a crisis – I watch them on TV.

“Although, I must say that even if I don’t think like that, you (the media) will always remind me that we are under pressure.”