Montpellier HSC manager Rene Girard has said that his team's crunch Ligue 1 clash with table-toppers Paris Saint-Germain will "not change things".

The 57-year-old has guided his team to second in the league after 23 games, and sit just a point behind PSG at the summit.

"This is a match that will not fundamentally change things," said the Frenchman. "PSG may be four points ahead, but I do not look too much into it, I am down to earth.

"We have respect for them, but when you respect someone, you must also show them what you are capable of. If the players are as motivated as me, which I have no doubt of, we will take them on."

Girard added: "We are very proud to be in second place. It is extraordinary for the club, for the lads. As there is still a long stretch of the road to go, we must not relax."

Montpellier have won their last seven games in all competitions.

Written by
Michael Penkman