“We started the week a little earlier than normal because of our game against OM last Friday. We have planned three big training sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and then will move into our recovery, fine tuning and finally preparation for Saturday.” Have you had another look at the game against Marseille and, after a short break, do you still feel the same way you did immediately after the match?
“It is a difficult week for me, this week, because I’m not at all happy with how my players played against Marseille. Apart from the defeat, I’m not satisfied because we were out-muscled and we weren’t able to answer the physical challenge. We can lose and make mistakes, we can lose thanks to the opposition playing well, but losing and being walked all over, I cannot accept that. It’s very hard to take and I hope it’s the last time I witness a performance like that.”
“Given our place in the standings, there are a lot of teams above us on the ladder. Every match is becoming hard and complicated. As we say when things aren’t going well, you shut-up, keep your head down, work hard and give it everything on the weekend. I’m expecting a huge reaction from my players.” What do you think of this Auxerre side?
“I’ve seen them play several times and I think they’re a very compact, balanced and organised side. The main priority to defend well and keep a cleansheet. Up front, Jelen is capable of setting off behind the defenders at any moment and getting the crucial goal. He is a very patient player, waiting for his chance and can really hurt you when he’s through on goal. Above all, they are very disciplined and organised. They’re not easy to break down. They also score a lot in the closing stages so we’re going to have to be very careful.” Are you expecting your injured players from the start of the week, Clément Chantôme and Claude Makélélé, to be ready for Saturday?
“For Clem (Chantôme), it’s not looking good. Brandao’s tackle really hurt. He’s still not back training with the squad. We’ll have to wait and see. As for Claude (Makélélé), he’s doing better, he’s training and receiving treatment and I hope he’ll be right for Saturday.”
