Deschamps expects Marseille to compete

Marseille head coach Didier Deschamps says his team are still fighting for trophies on all four fronts this season.

The 2009/10 champions may struggle to challenge for the Ligue 1 title, with the gap between themselves and leaders Paris Saint-Germain a sizeable 12 points.

But Marseille are still in the UEFA Champions League and the latter stages of both domestic cup competitions.

And they will look to boost their chances of a top-three finish – and Champions League qualification for next season – with victory at home to Valenciennes in Ligue 1 this Saturday.

“We will play many games as we are still in course in four competitions,” Deschamps said.

“Our goal is to go as far as possible in all of them. I consider that it is a big chance to still be chasing four trophies even if our calendar will be very busy.”

“I have almost all of my players back in action. As a consequence, I will rotate the team game after game.”

“First, it will prevent them from being tired and (they will) stay fresh until the end of the season.”

“Then, I want the maximum number of players to play.”

“We are playing Saturday, Wednesday and then Sunday. Then there will be the international break. But what is sure … that for the next three games, it won’t be the same starting 11.”

Deschamps believes visitors Valenciennes will pose a threat to his team, despite their unremarkable standing of 11th place.

“It is a team fighting in the second half of the league,” he said.

“They got three points in their last game. They have nothing to lose in coming in Marseille.”

“They have shown a lot of determination. They are quite skilful and have good wingers. They are a physical team, so not easy to play against.”