The 58-year-old is sad to see his side lose out on Trophee des Champions following the defeat by the hands of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130, but has praised his players for their performance in the game
The Montpellier coach believes that his side has learned a lot from the defeat against Les Gones on Saturday.
La Paillade led twice in the match but failed to defend their lead. Jeremy Briand's late equaliser took the match to penalty shootout, where Montpellier were beaten 4-2 by Remi Garde’s side.
Despite the defeat, Rene Girard was happy with his side’s showing. The Frenchman feels that the match against the reigning Coupe de France champions was the toughest test of the pre-season for his side and his players did convincingly well.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 international stated that the match has helped his side a lot in terms of preparation for the next season.
"This was good preparation. It was also a step up in terms of the other friendly matches we have played. This was certainly the hardest match we've had so far."
Girard said that players from both sides were tired and lacked concentration and the conditions were not friendly for them. The Frenchman stated that the soaring heat was the main factor behind player’s fatigue.
The Montpellier coach said that his side lowered their guards in the later stages of the match that cost them dearly in the end.
"You saw that on some of the goals where there were some lapses in concentration and the end of the game was tough because of the heat and the conditions."
Girard stated that it was a good match for MHSC and it will help them a lot in the up-coming season. The former Bordeaux player said that winning Trophee des Champions would have been great, but is still pleased with the way his players performed at
the Red Bull Arena.
"It was the sort of game you get at the start of the season between two teams that are not totally ready yet, physically," he told reporters.
Montpellier will take on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Toulouse-FC-c40751 in the opening fixture of the 2012/2013 Ligue 1 campaign at Stade de la Mosson, on August 10.
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