Lens vs Metz preview - Win is a must for Kombouare

Posted Friday, November 28, 2014 by PA

Lens boss Antoine Kombouare has called on his struggling side to end their losing streak when they host Metz on Saturday.

The Ligue 1 basement boys go into the home clash on the back of four straight defeats in all competitions, a run which has drained the confidence of the top-flight newcomers.

Their last points arrived more than a month ago at Toulouse and Kombouare wants his side to start a recovery against the side who beat them to the Ligue 2 title last year.

"It will be a match for three points which we have to try and win at all costs," Kombouare, whose side then travel to Monaco on Tuesday, told a press conference.

"We have to find a way to win, because we are on a run of defeats. Our last win was in Toulouse. We play against Metz, a team which played in our league.

"To be confident and get more involved we have to win matches. When you lose you have doubts and question yourself. Today what is good is that everyone recognises the need to roll up their sleeves, to remain united and work."

Metz have enjoyed a rather better start than their opponents to life in the top flight and go into the weekend in 12th place with seven more points than Lens.

They have lost their last two games but almost shocked Paris St Germain last time out, fighting back from 2-0 down to level at 2-2 before conceding a late winner.