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Olympique de Marseille Coach Didier Deschamps: We Are Playing For Our European Future Against FC Zurich

Deschamps is ready to put the disappointment of a weekend draw against Toulouse behind him with victory in the Champions League...

Nov 3, 2009 9:15:49 AM

Ligue 1 : Didier Deschamps (Olympique de Marseille)

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Ligue 1 : Didier Deschamps (Olympique de Marseille)

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Didier Deschamps

Head coach of Olympique de Marseille, Didier Deschamps, is not trying to hide the importance of Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against FC Zurich, indicating that it is very much a make-or-break fixture for les Phoceens, who still have hopes of progression to the knock-out stage.

After losing each of their opening two matches, a 1-0 success in Switzerland a fortnight ago rekindled hopes of qualification, but a 1-1 Ligue 1 draw against ten-man Toulouse has somewhat stunted their momentum. Nevertheless, Deschamps is determined to see progress.

“The result was indeed negative, but analysis of the performance may be different,” ‘DD’ explained to a press conference, casting his mind back to Saturday evening’s encounter.

“There is no question of rebellion. It is clear that [on Tuesday] we play for our European future.

“I don’t even pose the question of whether the players will feel concerned. It would be tragic if they are not. They are frustrated and disappointed.”

Despite his misgivings, Deschamps continues to look tentatively ahead in the competition.

“A victory would give us a good chance for getting third place in the first instance, or perhaps even more before our trip to Milan,” he mused.

OM know just how tricky Tuesday’s match will be. Zurich have already shocked the Rossoneri in the San Siro, while les Phoceens’ home record against stuffy, defensive teams is far from impressive, as the weekend’s result proves.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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