Lille OSC vs Stade Reims preview - Girard sets sights on Europe

Posted Friday, April 03, 2015 by PA

Rene Girard and Rio Mavuba insist securing European football for Lille remains their chief aim - even though both men could be elsewhere next term.

Lille's owners have already admitted financial constraints will lead to a tightening of belts next season, with star midfielder Mavuba out of contract and expected to move on.

Manager Girard claims he is yet to meet with club chiefs over ratifying his presence next term, while Mavuba has rejected reports he has already agreed a deal at Roma.

Lille host Reims in Saturday's Ligue 1 clash, looking to improve on eighth spot, with Mavuba challenging the side to "scrounge at least one place" this weekend.

"As long as there is hope of securing sixth place or higher, we must chase it thoroughly," Mavuba told reporters.

"We've got to scrounge at least one place, let's get as much as we can - it's in everyone's interests to finish well."

The 31-year-old has already moved to play down reports he will link back up with former Lille manager Rudi Garcia at Roma, a denial that leaves Arsenal and Manchester United still circling.

Wherever the France star ends up, he conceded he has lofty ambitions he expects to be equalled.

"I would not be against a foreign adventure but not anywhere; I am looking for a project that can match me," he said.

Lille must entertain 15th-placed Reims without suspended duo Florent Balmont and Marcos Lopes, who will miss two matches after his red card in the 2-0 defeat at St Etienne.

Manager Girard claimed he is happy to continue directing proceedings with little certainty beyond the end of the current campaign.

"First I will meet my officers and I'll tell you later," Girard told L'Equipe over questions on his future.

"For now I have seen no one.

"For now I remain on my first mission with a team that I must make the most efficient and professional possible."