Ariel Jacobs has no doubts that he can save Valenciennes from relegation but admits that he faces a tough task.

The 60-year-old took charge at the Stade du Hainaut on Monday, signing an initial two-year deal after the club sacked ex-boss Daniel Sanchez.

Valenciennes currently sit bottom of Ligue 1, but Jacobs feels that the team can retain their place in the French top tier if they all pull together.

"It's perilous. But I attach a lot of important to the squad," Jacobs told reporters. "You don't lose or win all alone.

"I'm going to rely on the staff and put in place what I did at La Louviere where we had a solid group and a good atmosphere. I'll attempt to put the puzzle together piece-by-piece. The question is how long it will take.

"The context is more one of hope than a negative one. We're not asking the team to challenge for the title or the Europa League. But I think they deserve a place higher up the table. It's up to us to change our position in the standings."

Valenciennes travel to Rennes for Jacobs's first match on Saturday.