Champions Montpellier remain hopeful

PARIS - Montpellier believe they can still play a role in the Ligue 1 fight this season even though, after a mediocre start to the season, the French champions are already running out of time as they host Nice on Saturday“A lion never dies. Even if we lose, we must keep our heads high. We will get there, all together,” Morocco midfielder Younes Belhanda told reporters after his team lost 2-1 to Olympiakos in the Champions League on Wednesday.“We were champions last year, we have the qualities to do something again this year.”Montpellier, however, lie 16th in the league standings with eight points from nine games, and have lost two and drawn one of their Champions League games.They already trail Ligue 1 pacesetters Paris St Germain by 11 points.Coach Rene Girard believes his players must be more focused if they are to stand a chance of improving.“A defender must understand he is here to defend”, he said, referring to his team’s dismal defensive performance against Olympiakos.