The current season poses challenges for Montpellier, the reigning champion, as they find themselves struggling to keep pace with Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille. After 9 rounds of the championship, the Héraultais currently sit in the 16th position in the Ligue 1 rankings. With a 10-point gap from the 3rd-placed Olympique Lyonnais, Coach René Girard’s team faces an uphill battle. However, defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa remains optimistic and hopeful for a turnaround.
“We are confident in our qualities. They could not have disappeared as if by magic. We started with the idea of securing another qualification for the Champions League, at worst a Europa League. It’s still playable, even the Champions League! There are around thirty matchdays left,” asserted the MHSC captain.
At 23 years old, the Franco-Central African defender has participated in 7 matches in Ligue 1 this season. Currently serving a five-match suspension imposed by the LFP disciplinary committee due to an elbow incident involving Romain Hamouma during the match against Saint-Etienne (1-1) on September 22, Yanga-Mbiwa’s absence is notable. The suspension, which began on October 8, is set to conclude, and he is expected to make his return to the pitch against Valenciennes on November 17. Despite the challenges, the captain’s confidence and belief in the team’s capabilities remain unwavering as they strive for a resurgence in the league.
