Montpellier vs St Etienne preview - Galtier urges players to refocus

St Etienne head coach Christophe Galtier has called on his players to build on the confidence gained from their stunning victory over Lyon.

Galtier's side head to Montpellier on Wednesday on the back of Sunday's 3-0 thumping of Lyon, their first win on home soil over their arch-rivals for 20 years.

After a run of five successive draws of late, the success was welcome in more ways than one, elevating St Etienne up to fifth place in Ligue One, just a point behind third-placed Lyon.

Galtier insists the euphoria created at the time from such a victory has swiftly evaporated, and now it is time for his players to refocus on the game at the Stade de la Mosson.

"The victory was much commented on and analysed by the media, but we move quickly to something else," said Galtier.

"We are on a run of matches that follow swiftly one after the other, and next is Montpellier. It is now that we must stay focused and engaged.

"The win over Lyon can at least serve as as a reference, and we must apply the same intensity for our next matches.

"But it is also a victory that should help us gain confidence, even though all was not perfect.

"If we are to stay close to the teams at the top we need to claim points from our next matches."

With the trip to Montpellier being St Etienne's fourth match in 11 days, Galtier appreciates he may have to freshen up his side.

"The last three games against Nantes, FK Qarabag (in the Europa League) and Lyon resulted in us using a lot of energy," remarked Galtier.

"It is now the squad will be tested to the limit. Against Montpellier I will try and freshen up the starting line-up as much as possible to get a good result."

Montpellier head into the game in ninth position in the league, five points behind St Etienne, and strong at home as they have won five of seven matches in front of their own fans.

After missing Saturday's 1-1 draw at Caen through injury, on-loan striker Lucas Barrios is included in a 20-man squad.

Defender Daniel Congre, who picked up an injury to his left knee in the game which saw him replaced in the 79th minute, is also available.