Tuesday, 18th September, 2012

Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has warned Olivier Giroud that he will not find the back of the net this evening.

Giroud returns to the club he left in the summer with new side Arsenal for a Champions League opener which is brimming with excitement. And Yanga-Mbiwa, another player who could have left the Stade de la Mosson in the transfer window, is determined to have the last laugh.

The 23-year-old knows all about Giroud’s goalscoring abilities, with the France international’s strikes having led Montpellier to the Ligue 1 title last season – stopping him then is a priority.


"Olivier Giroud returns, I have spoken with my team-mates about it", said Yanga-Mbiwa.

"It will be difficult for him and he will not score", added the centre-back.

Yanga-Mbiwa, who was the subject of a bid from AC Milan over the summer, also confirmed that there is a real sense of expectation in the Montpellier camp.

"Everyong is excited, happy to play this game.

"We’ve looked forward to this moment for a long time.

"We are together, it will be tough – but why not win this game?"

Montpellier will need to improve on disappointing Ligue 1 form to beat Arsenal however, with the club currently 16th in the French top flight.

 

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