Ligue 1, Marseille are not dead yet

Olympique Marseille, struggling to keep up with Ligue 1 leaders Olympique Lyon, refused to write off their title chances ahead of Sunday’s trip to Caen. Marseille, who travel to Dutch side Twente Enschede for a UEFA Cup last-32 second leg tie, allowed Lyon to open a six-point gap over Paris St Germain at the top after labouring to a goalless draw against lowly Le Mans last weekend.

“It will not help to cry over this,” coach Eric Gerets told the club’s website. “We missed an opportunity but … it is not over. We are not dead yet. There was a time we were able to make forays into any defence. It has been a bit more difficult lately but it will come back.”