Metz vs Lille OSC preview - Sidibe hails departing coach Girard

Posted Friday, May 22, 2015 by PA

Lille defender Djibril Sidibe has paid tribute to coach Rene Girard who takes charge of his final Les Dogues game at Metz on Saturday night.

It was announced on Tuesday that Girard will be leaving Lille in the summer, with former Sochaux boss Herve Renard tipped as his most likely successor, and the 61-year-old bows out in Lille's closing Ligue 1 game of the season.

"Rene Girard is very generous, has the spirit of winner and was always there for his players," Sidibe told the official club website.

"I learned a lot at his side and have acquired maturity and experience this season.

"But I am not worried about the Lille project.

"Whoever the coach is next season, each player must do his utmost to express qualities."

Girard was named Ligue 1 coach of the year for the second time last season after leading Les Dogues to third place and had another year left on his contract.

But Lille lie eighth this term and, barring a heavy Montpellier defeat at Bordeaux and a 10-goal swing, will finish no higher even if they beat relegated Metz.

However, Sidibe said: "It remains a game where the maximum must be done to end on a good note.

"We'll think (about next season) after the holidays "

Metz have failed to win 23 of their last 25 league matches and the omens are not good for Les Grenats as Lille are undefeated in 14 games against them in all competitions.

But Metz coach Albert Cartier told reporters after last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Monaco there was still plenty of spirit in his squad.

"Compared to our last performance (a 4-0 home defeat to Lorient) we showed a much more positive attitude," Cartier said.

"It Is important for a club like ours with our values to play like this and we also learn in matches like this."

Metz are set to be without injured quartet Romain Rocchi, Jonathan Rivierez, Sylvain Marchal and Guido Milan, and Cartier is expected to rotate his side before their return to Ligue 2 next season.

Sergei Krivets, Janis Ikaunieks and Juan Manuel Falcon are all expected to start.

Lille midfielder Idrissa Gueye should return after serving a one-match ban but Rony Lopes and Adama Traore have both departed for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.