“We need points”: despite a new massacre, Michel Der Zakarian and the MHSC in search of a rebound in Reims

Arnaud Nordin (here warming up before the match against Auxerre) has recovered from his flu. Midi Libre – ALEXANDRE DIMOU

Ranked in 16th place, Michel Der Zakarian's team will be looking for a good result in Reims on Sunday, October 6 (5 p.m.). A chance to confirm the last two matches, despite a host of absences.

“Reims is not fourth by chance. It is up to us to play a good match there, to bring back points. Because we need points”, warns Michel Der Zakarian before tackling this second trip in a row on Sunday October 6 (5pm) at the Stade Delaune, a week after the frustrating defeat in Monaco (2-1).

Ranked in 16th place, that of the play-off team, with only one victory under its belt, Montpellier is somewhat in a hurry at the start of the season. “When we don't win, teams overtake us. It's going to be a battle for a while. We need to bring back points from Reims. We have won there for two years in a row. I hope there will be a third one”, insists the Montpellier coach.

Chotard : "Don't be over-motivated in front of the big teams, then relax in front of teams that are more accessible on paper"

The first victory of the season against Auxerre (3-2) and the defeat in Monaco, conceded in the last minute of the match, give way to new hope. "It's encouraging. In terms of content, the defeat in Monaco was even better than the victory against Auxerre. It's a reason for hope. We are capable of doing good things against a big Ligue 1 team, it's up to us to repeat it in front of all the teams. “We must not be over-motivated in front of the big teams, then relax in front of teams that are more accessible on paper. We must rely on these two matches,” believes midfielder Joris Chotard, who returned to competition five weeks after his calf injury.

Chotard (23 years old) was injured against Nantes (1-3) the day after the transfer window closed and his aborted transfer to Wolfsburg.

Ferri in reserve, Fayad on the wing ?

In addition to his return, Michel Der Zakarian benefits from that of young Axel Guéguin, victim of a ruptured cruciate ligament in his knee last February. The young left-hander (19 years old, 8 matches) strengthens a squad deprived by the absence of nine players. In addition to Tanguy Coulibaly and Rabby Nzingoula, suspended, Montpellier deplores the injury of six players (Jullien, Sainte-Luce, Maamma, Tamari, Issoufou) including “Kiki” Kouyaté, who underwent surgery on his right knee this Friday. The Malian central defender will be unavailable for an estimated two months.

In addition, experienced midfielder Jordan Ferri, not selected in the squad against Reims, should play with the reserves.

Forward Arnaud Nordin, who caught the flu at the start of the week, has returned to training and will be able to lead an attack without five players, including wingers. How will Der Zakarian compensate for their absence?? Probably by shifting Khalil Fayad to the left side.