English heritage helps Marseille

By Matthew Spiro

French international Steve Marlet is hoping his knowledge of the English game will come in handy when Olympique de Marseille take on Liverpool FC in the UEFA Cup fourth round at the Stade Vélodrome.

English experience
Marlet is one of three Marseille players who were on the books of Premiership clubs at the start of this season and the striker, currently on loan from Fulham FC, believes that could be an important factor in Thursday's second leg. "I know Liverpool very well from my time in England," he told uefa.com. "David Sommeil also played in the Premiership for Manchester City [FC] and Fabien Barthez was at Manchester United [FC], so between us we have a pretty good idea of how to beat Liverpool."

Valuable knowledge
The Marseille forward, however, laughed off the suggestion that he had been helping coach José Anigo with tactics: "No, he has seen enough videos of Liverpool to know how to play them and he hasn't asked me for advice. But I think he's expecting the three of us to use our knowledge of the Premiership to help Marseille win."

Major boost
Didier Drogba's 79th-minute strike at Anfield a fortnight ago secured a 1-1 draw for Marseille and Marlet revealed that the goal had given his side a massive lift. "It was vital for us to score at Anfield and we feel we have a real chance now," he said. "We showed just how happy we were by celebrating madly in front of the Liverpool fans - that might have annoyed their players so we have to be ready for a backlash."

Sole opportunity
For both Liverpool and Marseille, the UEFA Cup represents a final opportunity to salvage some silverware from a disappointing season, and Marlet is expecting a tense encounter as a result. "There's no doubt it'll be tight because both teams have a lot riding on the outcome," said the 30-year-old, who has been surprised by Liverpool's indifferent form this term.

Surprising form
"When you look at the quality they have in their squad it is surprising they haven't mounted a title bid," he said. "But that is the beauty of the English league: everyone can beat everyone else, so even a giant club like Liverpool will struggle if they are not on form."

Attacking stance
A goalless draw on Thursday would be enough to see Marseille through to the last eight, but they leaked four goals at Stade Rennais FC on Sunday and Marlet warned that relying on keeping a clean sheet would be a dangerous policy. "We've had some defensive problems of late," he admitted. "We simply have to approach the game the same way we approach every game at the Vélodrome: attack and try to win."

Wide role
Anigo is set to revert to a two-man frontline after employing Drogba as a lone striker in the first leg, and must decide whether to play Marlet or Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' as Drogba's partner. Marlet, who has scored six goals for Marseille, has frequently been used on the wing this season and is prepared to play a wide role again if required. "I'm keen to be involved so I'll play where the coach tells me to play," he said.

Offensive role
"I'd like to play in attack but I played on the right flank in the first leg and still managed to have a few chances," he added. "I wasn't asked to do too much defending and I prefer that because then I can concentrate on getting in good attacking positions."