Metz vs Toulouse preview - Dignity and pride key for Cartier

Albert Cartier has vowed Metz will stare down Ligue 1 relegation and "finish the season with dignity and pride".

Manager Cartier has challenged Metz to secure their first league victory of 2015 when hosting relegation rivals Toulouse on Saturday.

The Metz boss has not given up hope of a great escape, but the club are already planning for the worst, sitting bottom of the pile with 23 points from 30 matches.

Metz need to claw back at least 10 points to climb out of the relegation zone, and Cartier admitted any near-miraculous escape must start now.

"The first objective is to secure victory, a first victory in 2015," Cartier told reporters.

"It's important for us to finish the season on a positive note.

"But good performances and excellent attitudes are not enough - we need the three points.

"We want to finish the season with dignity and pride.

"Performances have not been up to scratch, we are not looking for excuses but over the last five remaining games at home we want to show our fans that we are worthy no matter what - and that Metz has a future.

"We are refusing to give up or to take refuge in mediocrity and grief."

Toulouse launched a near-immediate response to the sacking of boss Alain Casanova by pulling off a 2-1 victory over Bordeaux.

New manager Dominique Arribage's arrival had the desired short-term impact, but Toulouse are still two points shy of Lorient, who sit just above the drop-zone.

Argentinian forward Oscar Trejo believes new manager Arribage has helped to unburden Toulouse by allowing the players extra freedom of expression on the pitch.

"We have every chance of staying up," he told Toulouse's official club website.

"We needed that win (against Bordeaux) and we have to keep going and keep concentrating now.

"The coach gives us a lot of freedom offensively and allows us to push things forward."