In the January transfer window, Montpellier Herault did not delve into the market despite the absence of Younes Belhanda for the African Cup of Nations. President, Loulou Nicollin now talks about the reasons behind this
The 2011/2012 Ligue 1 campaign has been an epic journey for Ligue 1 side Montpellier Herault. La Paillade are currently in second place in the Ligue 1 standings and chase leaders, Paris Saint-Germain by a solitary point.
However, Montpellier could have been in a different situation in January. The likes of Younes Belhanda, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Souleymane-Camara-c33845 and El Kaoutari had left in January to represent their respective nations in the African Cup of Nations.
The departure of the aforementioned players was a big loss for La Paillade and many fans were eying replacements in the transfer market. However, despite being depleted, Rene Girard and Louis Nicollin chose not to splash any cash on new arrivals and put
their faith on the players that were available.
“We have not done well by recruiting this winter. We have seen that our youth was worth it. I am not disappointed nor surprised. Stambouli and Cabella were present and there were others too,” says Nicollin.
The Frenchman’s decision for being quiet in the transfer window turned out to be a good one as La Paillade won all games they played in January which included two Ligue 1 games and two Coupe de http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 games.
Montpellier are also in with a shot of playing in the UEFA Champions League next season and will be looking to carry on from where they left last weekend when they beat Ajaccio 3-0 at home.
Olivier Giroud’s goalscoring form has been the main reason behind his side’s rapid rise in the league. The striker is attracting a lot of interest from European sides and Nicollin admits that he might lose his main man.
“Giroud, maybe he will leave, or he might stay. I rely on my recruitment cell,” said Nicollin which means that he will be looking for a replacement behind closed doors.
However, the president has also shown a lot of support for the striker and says that he will make sure that his striker plays in the European Championships this summer which is a great gesture from a man who has done well for a side that has started asserting
its authority in France.
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