Olympique Marseille are desperate to tame the Gunners of Arsenal on Wednesday night.
The French giants won both of their first two matches as they beat Olympiacos 1-0 and Dortmund 3-0 last month. Marseille now have the edge in the standings over Arsenal. Coach Didier Deschamps spoke to UEFA.com on Tuesday to reveal his expectations ahead of his team’s fixture against Arsene Wenger’s Gunners:
“I won't be satisfied with a draw. We have two games against Arsenal and need to take points as these six points could be decisive. Arsenal are a competitive team who can upset any team in Europe.
“The situation will be a bit clearer tomorrow; if we can take three points it would put us in the ideal position to reach the knockout rounds.”
Olympique Marseille captain Mandanda echoed the manager’s declarations by stating:
“Our squad is in good form, we have a great team spirit and we'll go out looking to win. That [a win] would put us in a good position but we are playing a very good team.
“We take matches one at a time. Today we are focused on Arsenal. We don't need to motivate the players for the Champions League; everybody is focused.
“We already have six points and want to win every match, and I hope that will continue. It is not that different to Ligue 1, we just have to keep the same spirit and repeat it in our domestic league.”
Olympique Marseille will open a 5-point gap over Arsenal and clinch 9 points with victory tonight. Meanwhile, Arsenal will go above the French side if they triumph.
“I won't be satisfied with a draw. We have two games against Arsenal and need to take points as these six points could be decisive. Arsenal are a competitive team who can upset any team in Europe.
“The situation will be a bit clearer tomorrow; if we can take three points it would put us in the ideal position to reach the knockout rounds.”
Olympique Marseille captain Mandanda echoed the manager’s declarations by stating:
“Our squad is in good form, we have a great team spirit and we'll go out looking to win. That [a win] would put us in a good position but we are playing a very good team.
“We take matches one at a time. Today we are focused on Arsenal. We don't need to motivate the players for the Champions League; everybody is focused.
“We already have six points and want to win every match, and I hope that will continue. It is not that different to Ligue 1, we just have to keep the same spirit and repeat it in our domestic league.”
Olympique Marseille will open a 5-point gap over Arsenal and clinch 9 points with victory tonight. Meanwhile, Arsenal will go above the French side if they triumph.
