Sunday, May 01, 2011

GreenBkk.com OM | Maintenant il faut y rester

Now, to stay in pole position

30/04/11 - OM-AJA


On Sunday against Auxerre, OM will attempt to remain in first place. A position gained against Nice and which the Olympians want to keep until the end of the season.

OM-AJ AUXERRE
Sunday 1 May 2011 at 17h00 - Stade Vélodrome
Ligue 1 - Week 33
Referee: Hervé Piccirillo

First place had barely been acquired on Wednesday night against Nice, Didier Deschamps was very realistic and knew that it would be fleeting. Indeed, with predictable success of Lille against Arles-Avignon, on Saturday, the northerners have regained the lead by two points. But the Olympians have not fought for nine months to let go in the final month of competition. The efforts of Steve Mandanda and his partners have paid off. Eight points behind on the evening Week 21, OM had a one point lead after Week 32. "In 2011, we have taken 32 points out of a possible 39, it is a lot. But the more we advance, the less the number matches and the margin for error is much smaller," admits the Marseille coach.

If Lille cracked at times and let slip points, this is not the will of Marseille, for who this position should be natural. "There is no additional burden. On Sunday, we begin the match and we will not be leaders anymore. In managing our games, there is no problem to be in this place. The important thing is to be there at the end of the campaign."

After the success against Montpellier in November, the Olympians had already been on the top step. "It was too early. We did not want to show our hand" says Didier Deschamps, a bit amused, before continuing, with a more serious tone and the faraway look, "from the start, my players know why they are there: to win games and be in the best position. From day one, that's it. In our heads, there is just that. There is no ambiguity, the objective is clear. We are programmed for that. Then, it happens or it doesn’t..."

To get there, they will have to win at home against an Auxerre side that specializes in draws (17). Like most teams who come to the Vélodrome, they will remain in defence, waiting for the possibility of a counter attack, especially since it is, at home and away, the hallmark of Jean Fernandez’s team. "We will be up against the wall of Burgundy," said the Marseille technician.

Before the last two matches of the season, when everyone will play at the same time, OM will play after Lille on three out of four occasions. The yo-yo between the two teams could last until Week 36. Not forgetting Lyon who have not said their last word. Marseille have six finals before them. "These games all have the same stakes. None will be easy. Between the teams that are fighting against relegation, others for a place in Europe and others for the Champions League, nothing is simple. Those who have nothing left to play for will be more liberated, but when you have something to play for, the motivation is greater," he concludes.


Credit: Olympique de Marseille (www.om.net)

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