Lens vs Stade Reims preview - Kombouare staying grounded

Posted Friday, August 29, 2014 by PA

Lens coach Antoine Kombouare does not care if his side only score once in every Ligue 1 match this season if it turns out to be the winning goal.

Having started the campaign with narrow defeats against Nantes and Guingamp, the top-flight newcomers earned their first win last weekend with a 1-0 result at Lyon, helping to allay fears among supporters over whether the squad is strong enough to compete at the highest level.

Kombouare also remains confident his current line-up can more than hold their own following promotion.

He told the club's official website: "This squad has always kept me smiling.

"The three points against Lyon gave us a lot of confidence but all matches will be tough as there are no easy fixtures.

"Until the last game of the season I will only be focused on staying in the top flight. The players do not need to be told that and they will stay grounded so as not to make things difficult for ourselves.

"But if we win every game 1-0 than I'm fine with that. We're creating opportunities, I'm happy with my squad and we hope to have a good game against Reims on Saturday."

Reims' start to the season has been even more alarming, with Jean-Luc Vasseur's men yet to pick up a win and conceding five goals in their last two matches.

A last-minute transfer rush looks on the cards for the club, who have been linked with Hull striker Yannick Sagbo as well as defensive pair Chris Mavinga (Rubin Kazan) and Valentin Roberge (Sunderland).

Despite their early-season woes, Kombouare insists Reims will not to be taken lightly on Saturday.

"They will have trouble digesting their (2-0) defeat against Caen last week and will come here seeking revenge," he said.

"They are a tough team to handle and, I repeat, will be desperate to fix what happened last week."