Youri Tielemans insists struggling Monaco must "fight for each other" as they try to move out of the Ligue 1 relegation zone under the guidance of Thierry Henry.
Henry's appointment as manager in October has so far failed to spark the necessary upturn in results at Stade Louis II, with the club second bottom of the division.
After last weekend's derby with neighbours Nice was postponed due to security issues in France, Les Monegasques return to action at high-flying Lyon on Sunday with an opportunity to record a third successive away win.
Belgium midfielder Tielemans admits his team are in urgent need of points but feels they can take confidence from recent victories at Caen and Amiens.
"We know our situation, we need points very quickly so we must show a good mentality and fight for each other," said the 21-year-old, according to the club website.
"It is true that Lyon is a team that produces some very good matches and worse ones, but we go in with the idea to win even if we know that it will not be easy.
"These recent victories away have done us a lot of good and we must succeed in repeating these performances.
"There is a lot of hope in this group. We know that we can do a lot better."
While Monaco finished bottom of their Champions League group following the midweek loss to Borussia Dortmund, opponents Lyon reached the knockout stages after remaining unbeaten in their group.
Monaco boss Henry fears Lyon's progress in European could make Sunday's clash at Groupama Stadium more tricky.
"This match in Lyon will be difficult, especially after their recent qualification in the Champions League," said the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward.
"I was in the stands during their victory in Manchester City and they made me a very good impression but it does not prevent that we will have to try to take points."
Lyon boss Bruno Genesio praised the bravery of Henry for taking the Monaco job in difficult circumstances.
"It was very courageous of Thierry Henry to rise to the challenge of Monaco," he said according to Lyon's Twitter account.
"He was able to adapt to the situation, he was able to correct his way of playing, it shows that he knows football well.
"Monaco is in trouble because of different factors but it's still a big team in our championship.
"All the games are difficult, each team comes with a lot of motivation at Groupama Stadium."
After the joy of progressing in the Champions League, Genesio has warned his fourth-placed team against complacency with three games to play before the winter break.
"Relief, yes because one of the goals has been achieved," he added.
"But let's not loosen up. We still have three games before the break. "
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