"I think it's a good thing, even though it's a different competition. It's one advantage in still being in four competitions. We want to go all the way in all the Cups so it's good to be backing up immediately. We have two important games coming up at the Parc, against Lens and Sochaux, in front of our supporters. And our relation with the fans has been steadily improving thanks to the players efforts on the pitch. We mustn't throw it away and try and keep improving it, by showing the right attitude out on the pitch."
Are the Cup matches a chance, in your opinion, for the usual substitutes to perhaps earn a place in the starting XI?
"It's logical that there's been a lot of talk about the 'first-choice XI'. We've seen that a regular starting XI has emerged in recent times, but it's not set in stone. But then, you can't make conclusions from just one game either. It's my job to manage the competition for places over the course of the season."
In your eyes, which game is more important this week: the Cup match against Lens or Sunday's Ligue 1 clash with Sochaux?
"In keeping with the season, I have to say the Sochaux game is the most important, because the championship is the base competition.But I also think the League Cup is an excellent competition. We're playing a quarter-final at home and we want to defend our crown. If I have to choose, I'd take the league game, but it's not an easy choice."
What do you think of this Lens team?
"Lens have a good squad with a lot of Ligue 1 players. They are a quality squad, but Ligue 2 is not an easy competition. They have a lot of tough games, like last weekend's game against Boulogne. They're a Ligue 2 side with plenty of Ligue 1 players."
