Evian Thonon Gaillard vs Metz preview - Dupraz issues warning
Posted Friday, October 03, 2014 by PA
Evian coach Pascal Dupraz has reminded his team they are still involved in a relegation scrap despite their recent upturn in form.
Evian failed to win any of their opening six matches, but after recording successive wins against Lens and Lorient, they are now only in the Ligue 1 drop zone by virtue of goal difference.
Dupraz sensed a wave of optimism sweep through his squad following the victories, but he insists they still have a long way to go to maintain their top-flight status.
"We are still in the relegation zone," said Dupraz, who was facing calls for his resignation just a fortnight ago.
"We need more than 40 points to stay up and we only have seven after eight matches.
"I hope we will be celebrating, but only at the end of the season when we have secured our fifth season in Ligue 1."
Lens and Lorient are also battling against relegation, but this Saturday, Evian's next opponents Metz are some way up the table.
Last year's Ligue 2 champions have are fifth after recording three successive top-flight wins for the first time in 13 years.
Dupraz is expecting a difficult match against Albert Cartier's team at the Parc des Sports on Saturday evening.
"It is a huge match for us. Metz are in great form," the Evian coach told a press conference.
"They have a great team, which is better than ours and has made a better start to the season.
"They have a long history in Ligue 1, and more experience than us.
"It's no surprise that they are riding high in the league.
"It will be a tough game."
Metz suffered a blow on Thursday when winger Kevin Lejeune was ruled out with a rib injury.
He is likely to be replaced by Yeni Ngbakoto, who is available following his suspension.
Metz chairman Bernard Serin is happy with his club's strong start to the season, but he knows tougher opponents lie in wait over the coming weeks.
"We are doing a little better than what we had planned but the championship is still long," Serin told Football 365.
"We go to Saint-Etienne at the end of October before facing PSG, Marseille and Monaco, and they are the big clubs in the league."
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