Montpellier should not be underestimated, says Schalke's Stevens

03/10/2012 10:10:00 PM

The Dutchman feels that the Ligue 1 champions will prove to be tough opponents in Wednesday's encounter in Europe's elite tournament and has urged his men to remain focused

Schalke coach Huub Stevens has warned his players not to underestimate Montpellier in Wednesday's Champions League Group B match in Gelsenkirchen.

The Ligue 1 side have been struggling to find their best form this season and lost star striker Olivier Giroud to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

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However, Stevens has stressed that MHSC still have plenty of quality players in their squad.

"Montpellier showed last season that a cohesive unit can go a long way. They surely should not be underestimated: you don't become French champions for nothing," the Schalke boss said at a press conference.

"Whether or not they have stars in their ranks it doesn't really matter – they have some very good players.

"They have really good attacking players, and the fact that people in Germany don't always know them is par for the course.

"Right from the beginning I said that Arsenal are the group favourites and that Olympiacos, Montpellier and Schalke will battle for second place. That's still the case."

Wednesday's encounter at the Veltins Arena kicks off at 20:45CET.