Nantes vs Toulouse preview - Casanova calls for fighting spirit

Posted Tuesday, December 02, 2014 by PA

Toulouse coach Alain Casanova has called on his players to be 'warriors' when they travel to Nantes on Tuesday as they look to turn their season around.

Casanova's side sit 13th in Ligue 1 but have lost five of their last six league games, with their last points on the road coming at St Etienne at the start of October.

That run means Toulouse now sit just three points clear of the relegation zone and Casanova has called on his players to show some steel at Nantes.

"There is a loss of trust in relation to this negative run. There is danger and we must recover quickly," he said.

"We have collective problems. The players know that. We are looking for solutions. We know the procedures and remedies to implement.

"The mindset and mentality of the group are going to be important. If we are warriors, we will get through."

Midfielder Tongo Doumbia admits the situation is a tough one for the Toulouse squad but is looking forward to getting straight back into action after the loss to Lorient at the weekend.

"We are living through difficult times but we remain united and are working with a fighting spirit," he said.

"We are all together; the players on the field and on the bench, we have become one. It's good that we get the chance to play so soon after Saturday's defeat.

Nantes have been in better form but slipped to defeat last time out at Marseille, with coach Michel Der Zakarian wanting to see his players get back to winning ways.

"This will be an important game," he said.

"We need to have a positive reaction but it will be very complicated because of Toulouse - they will be even more vigilant, more aggressive.

"It is imperative we win at home to forge ahead. We could have converted more draws if we had been more aggressive and shown more of a desire to score goals.

"We must score more goals. The concern will be resolved if we put in the commitment and precision in training."