The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130 coach has asked his players to stay focused as Les Gones prepare to take on
Montpellier with Trophee des Champions on the line
The two sides are set to face each other in the traditional season curtain-raiser at New York’s Red Bull Arena on Saturday, and the Lyon coach has set his sights on winning that game in order to gain momentum for the rest of the season.
Lyon’s Ligue 1 campaign last season was less than convincing as they failed to finish in the podium position. Despite only managing to finish fourth, OL managed to win the prestigious Coupe de http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899. And, Remi Garde feels that Coupe de France success could
prove vital in their quest for the Ligue 1 crown next season.
While talking to reporters, the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 player stated that winning trophies is very important as it gives a psychological edge to the club over other teams.
"It is very important to win trophies. I sensed that last year after winning the French Cup. It wasn't the league that we won, but it was still a very important step for us," the coach told reporters ahead of the game against the reigning French champions.
Remi Garde stated that many people are regarding Trophee des Champions as a match of little importance. However, the Frenchman said that winning this game is as important as winning Coupe de France as it will set the tone for them for the up-coming season.
"I put this game in a similar sort of category in terms of gaining momentum for the rest of the season and it will help launch our 2012/2013 Ligue 1 campaign in a positive manner.”
The former Arsenal player said that winning the match against Montpellier will add to Lyon’s list of honours and he and his players are really looking forward to that game.
"It is only a match that will be played over 90 minutes but it is an extra thing that we can add to our list of honours."
Olympique Lyonnais will kick-start their 2012/2013 Ligue 1 campaign on August 11, when they face Stade Rennais at Route de Lorient.
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