Arsene Wenger and Gervinho hailed Montpellier's achievement in winning the French League title last season, for the first time in their history, ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash against Olivier Giroud's former club on Tuesday night.
Montpellier made history by winning their first ever championship, holding off the big spenders like Paris St Germain. The French champions, however, have struggled to find the same form this season, only managing one win in five games so far.
Wenger, who knows a thing or two about the French game, said the success was nothing short of a miracle. "What they did (last season) is a miracle because three years ago they were in the second division," he told the club's official website.
"They were one point away from relegation to division three in France. Two years later they are champions of France, so what they did is absolutely unbelievable.
"Especially with the competition they faced with Paris Saint Germain last year when they moved into the final 10 games. I thought that Paris Saint Germain would take the upper hand but they didn't. They have done something exceptional.
"It is the first time they are champions of France and it is a club of one man - (Louis) Nicollin, the chairman. He took this club when it was in the conference league 25 years ago and made a professional club of it.
Gervinho also believes Montpellier deserved their title. "Montpellier played well last season and when we saw the recruiting that PSG did last season, we felt they (the latter) would win the league," the former Lille player said.
"But Montpellier made it through the whole league and deserved to win it.
Every team has a chance. Nothing is done before the game and we are hoping to do well in the competition. We are respectful towards this Montpellier side. Maybe tomorrow I can tell you how much of a chance they have."
Gervinho is thriving in the center forward position, with the Ivorian scoring two goals after Wenger decided to play him down the middle against Southampton in Saturday's English Premier League game.
"I feel good about playing in that position and whatever position the coach wants to put me in," he said. "He has shown me confidence as a center forward. It is easier for me to play when the coach is confident in me.
"Wherever I play I will give my best in the position. On scoring, it is always good for a forward to gain some confidence.
"I learned a lot during my first season. All of the foreign players want to do their best in this league and I hope that this season will be a good one for me after the experiences I gained in my first season."
