Baup: Marseille are ´feared everywhere´

Marseille coach Elie Baup believes his side are primed to end their winless run at Bordeaux when the teams meet on Sunday.

Marseille, second on the Ligue 1 table with 23 points, have not beaten Bordeaux away from home since 1977.

But Baup warned Bordeaux not to underestimate his team at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.

“I think that Marseille are feared everywhere,” he said.

“You have to be aware that for most clubs, welcoming Olympique Marseille to their home is the highlight of the season. The proof is in the number of tickets that are being sold when Marseille play away.

“It’s a club loved everywhere, respected everywhere.

“Then there is the special relationship between Bordeaux and Marseille. We’ve seen several fights during previous championships. It’s a rivalry between two title-winning clubs.”

Baup said he was fully aware of the threat posed by Bordeaux, who can leapfrog Marseille on the table on Sunday.

“I think Bordeaux are a well organised team, they have several tactical options,” he said.

“They are among the few teams that can switch tactics while remaining efficient.

“On the defensive line, they can go from four players to five without any trouble, and they can also change their midfield.

“That’s down to experienced players like Jaroslav Plasil – he can play up and down the field – or someone like Marc Planus in defence.

“Then they also have many good players, especially on the attack.”