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Baup not afraid of big spenders

SoccerNews in Ligue 1 4 Jul 2013

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Marseille coach Elie Baup said his side are not afraid of big spenders Paris Saint Germain and Monaco ahead of the new Ligue 1 season.

Defending French champions PSG, who will be led by Lauren Blanc next season, are yet to add to their star-studded squad but have been linked with moves for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani and Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye.

Monaco, meanwhile, have been active in the transfer market as they prepare for life back in France’s top flight.

Backed by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, the 2004 Champions League finalists have spent over 120m euros on Porto duo Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez, and Colombian hot-shot Radamel Falcao.

However, Baup believes his side can beat anyone in the league with the qualities that saw them finish runners-up last season, and champions the year before.

“The story of the championship shows that only what happens on the pitch matters,” he said.

“We’re building a team, we’re working as a group, collectively. We’ll try to battle it out. We won’t start thinking that the number one and two seats are already reserved. We want to fight with everyone. The podium is one of our aims.

“We shouldn’t fear anyone. We just need to fight. We showed great qualities; generosity, a good heart, solidarity, a fighting spirit. Only the championship and the games will influence the outcome.

“We’re still working – the club, its management – on the same goals; to get stronger offensively and find a balance in the middle and at the back. We aren’t focusing on one position. We want to reinforce all the lines.”

Marseille will face Guingamp in their first match of the new season on August 10.

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