Nicolas Dieuze: You will suffer in the heat

Aug 15 2007 by Ben Thornley, Daily Post

Nicolas Dieuze, Toulouse captain _158

LIVERPOOL have been told they will be made to “suffer” in the heat by Toulouse skipper Nicolas Dieuze ahead of their Champions League qualifier.

Last season’s beaten finalists face a tough test in south France in the hottest part of the day, mid-afternoon, today.

Considering Toulouse are are two games into their league programme – and arguably ahead of Liverpool in terms of preparation – the temperature could be a significant factor in the third qualifying round first leg.

Dieuze said: “Given how hot it will be, and the fact we have had more preparation time than them, we hope we can make them suffer.”

Dieuze added that he believes Toulouse can produce “something special” having beaten French champions Lyon 1-0 in the Municipal Stadium on Saturday.

It is Toulouse’s first foray into European competition for 20 years after Elie Baup guided them to third place in the French league last term.

Dieuze added: “We have great faith in our coach, we will follow his instructions. Baup knows all about European football and he can guide us to something special.”

With striker Johan Elmander back in form after scoring on Saturday, Baup’s biggest concern comes at centre-back where regular pairing Dominique Arribage and Daniel Congre have long-term injuries and Herita Ilunga is suspended.

For Toulouse, mainly known for the town’s rugby club’s exploits, it is their first time in the Champions League, and they qualified in controversial circumstances as they moved from seventh to third on the last day.

They had a poor run-in, losing four on the trot but their luck turned on the penultimate weekend of the campaign.

They were drawing 0-0 with now-relegated Nantes when the match was called off with four minutes remaining after a pitch invasion. Toulouse were later awarded all three points.

They then duly won their final game and their third-placed finish was assured when Lille scored an added-time equaliser to rob Rennes of a top-three spot.