Baup: We are used to playing in Europe

Past experience will be key to Marseille’s mission to qualify for the Champions League, according to head coach Elie Baup.

Marseille travel to fifth placed Lille on Sunday and Baup knows his side can ill afford any slip ups against the 2010/11 French champions.

“We are in a club that is used to qualifying for European competitions,” Baup said.

“The club has pride in that – there is always demand to succeed as a club, but it comes down to individuals.

“Some players will find desire if they are criticised, some will find it with their family, their teammates or their coach.”

Marseille currently lie second in Ligue 1 with 57 points, Saint-Etienne and Lyon head up the chasing pack with 53, and Lille are in fifth plac
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Baup feels Sunday’s match carries extra weight, given it is against one of their direct rivals for European football.

“All of our games are special,” he said.

“Against a direct opponent for Europe, we’ll try to maintain our league position.

“We’ll play to the same strengths as usual and we’ll try to play a good game.

“Lille are competitive, they’ve won seven of their last eight games, they scored really early against Lorient. Now we have to keep on our path and do everything possible to stay in contention for the European positions.”