Marseille will treat Liverpool showdown ‘ like our Champions League final’

Nov 30 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

MARSEILLE’S players are already preparing for their forthcoming showdown with Liverpool “as if it were the Champions League final.”

The two teams face off at the Stade Velodrome in France in the final Group A match to determine who qualifies for the knockout stages of the competition.

Marseille won at Anfield last month and will progress if they repeat that feat against Liverpool on December 11.

The French team, who conceded a late goal to lose 2-1 at Besiktas on Wednesday, could even qualify with a draw, providing the Turks do not win at Porto.

“Everything is still open,” said Marseille captain Lorik Cana. “It’s very frustrating to concede a goal three minutes from time but our fate remains in our own hands.

“We’re Marseille. We have a name to defend. We can’t lose that match.”

Fellow midfielder Mathieu Valbuena said: “We’ll approach that last match as if it were the Champions League final.”

Liverpool will go through if they win in Marseille or if they draw and Besiktas win at Porto.

Although Marseille are currently languishing in 14th place in the French league, Eric Gerets’s side are confident of claiming a last 16 berth.

“We know a draw could be enough but we’ll play to win,” said defender Ronald Zubar.

“Liverpool have come back. They have scored 12 goals in two matches. They have plenty of experience of that type of match. It won’t be easy.

“But the whole city is waiting for that match. It’s up to us to make it one to remember.”