Montpellier are turning Ligue 1 on its head, competing on a par with their far more expensively assembled rivals Paris St Germain.
La Pallaide’s rise has been remarkable. This is a team who were playing in the second tier three years ago, but under Réné Girard their rise has been nothing short of incredible. They stabilised in their first season in Ligue 1, relying mostly on a solid defence to propel them forward. They even managed to qualify for the Europa League.
In their second season in Ligue 1, they again peformed above their standing, and again, it was thanks to their defence. In fact, no team scored fewer than Montpellier, with the exception of Arles Avignon. And Arles were busy completing one of the most incompetent seasons in Ligue 1 history, never threatening to even look like a side who may have a hope of surviving in the league.
So it may come as a surprise that after a season when Lille won the league, traditional power Lyon fired their underperforming manager, Marseille continued to strengthen and Paris St Germain went on Europe’s biggest spending spree, that it would be the southern outfit who have scored more goals than any of their rivals. Indeed Montpellier sit second in Ligue 1, a point behind Paris St Germain, whom they outplayed last weekend at the Parc des Princes and were massively unfortunate not to beat and go top.
Their form owes much to that of Olivier Giroud. Here is a striker of the highest quality. Signed from Tours years ago, he scored a few goals last season but there were few signs he was about to become the most feared striker in France. But this season he has been nothing short of sensational. The top scorer in France, he has become the modern centre forward. Happy playing on his own with his back to goal or with the ball played in front of him, a good header and able to create, Giroud can do everything. Indeed he has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest names, and if Arsenal lose Robin van Persie he is precisely the type of player who could take his place. A fierce left foot is one most of Europe’s big teams would want in their side.
Giroud has been ably assisted by former Portsmouth man John Utaka, as well as the creativity of Younes Belhanda, the young Moroccan international, and Jamel Saihi. This is a team built on a solid defence and sturdy midfield. Indeed they tend to use the more defensively minded Joris Marveaux and Marco Estrada to retain shape and solidity and provide the platform on which their forwards can thrive.
This is a team doing remarkable things in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. But next season the Champions League could be coming to the south coast of France, and not to Monaco or Marseille for once. Montpellier are the new team on the block. And they may even upset their more chic Parisian rivals at the season’s end.
