New Montpellier coach Rolland Courbis has admitted that his arrival does not guarantee that the former French champions will retain their Ligue 1 status at the end of the season.

La Paillade are currently five points clear of the relegation zone in 17th place in the table.

"Our future will be decided right now; the two matches before the winter break are hugely important," Ligue1.com quotes him as saying.

"I'm here to bring that little something extra, but I am no magician. Next season, we'll be looking to play the underdog role.

"We can't aim too high, but we'll look to be killjoys who can pose problems for nine sides out of every ten we face."

Courbis was appointed the Montpellier coach earlier this week on a two-and-a-half-year contract following the departure of Jean Fernandez last Thursday.