Group C Kick-off 19-45 (BST)
FC Zurich may have gifted Marseille their only points in Champions League Group C when they went down 1-0 a fortnight ago, but they do not intend to suffer the same fate at the Stade Velodrome.
Both teams lie three points behind Milan and Real Madrid, and both were held to frustrating draws on the domestic stage at the weekend. For Marseille coach Didier Deschamps that means a swift response is required with the former French international acknowledging that “Marseille’s future in Europe” is on the line.
“Zurich are a well-organised team with good athletes and motivated players,” said Deschamps. “Their side is very compact and the proof of that is their win away against Milan.
“We will have to go for victory as we did two weeks ago. If we win, it would leave us at least looking good to finish third, before we visit Milan. We need to build on the victory last time out but we need to be wary because they have good forwards, such as the captain Alphonse and Vonlanthen. They didn’t win in Milan by chance alone.
“Every point is important, starting with a win [on Tuesday] which will be decisive for Marseille’s future in Europe. Having played them away and seen their win in Milan, I think Zurich were the best of the teams seeded fourth.
“I’m confident, though, even if Saturday’s draw with Toulouse was negative. The players were all concerned by that result but they are top-level players and need to keep repeating exercises in training to obtain more consistency.”
Meanwhile, Challandes is confident his players will soon start securing the results their performances merit.
“I’ve taken the positives out of our two most recent league games,” he said. “We dominated, but I’m not pleased that we only took two points. I’m confident because of how those games went and how we played, we only need more accuracy.
“It’s true we play better away from home, but it’s not an advantage to play at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome. If we start well and the crowd start putting pressure on the Marseille players, it could get interesting.
“We’re halfway through the group stage and have the chance to do well, thanks to our victory in Milan. We need three more points and then we’ll ensure there’s suspense right to the end. The match tomorrow will be hard.
“At home, two weeks ago, we didn’t choose to play defensive football; Marseille were strong. As a little Swiss side, we don’t want to be eaten out there. We should introduce a little madness and take risks because one chance can be enough.”
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