Perrin wary of cup holders Sochaux
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Article summary
After guiding FC Sochaux-Montbéliard to victory in the Coupe de France last term, Olympique Lyonnais coach Alain Perrin is hoping to eliminate the holders tonight.
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Lyon favourites
Sochaux enjoyed a fine campaign under Perrin in 2006/07, finishing sixth in Ligue 1 and defeating Olympique de Marseille on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de France. Perrin is now setting his sights on winning more silverware with the six-time French champions, who remain on course for their first-ever domestic double and a first Coupe de France since 1973. Six points clear at the top of Ligue 1, Lyon start as clear favourites against 18th-placed Sochaux in the last-16 tie, particularly as they have already triumphed three times against Les Doubistes this season.
'No complacency'
Yet Sochaux are showing signs of improvement under coach Francis Gillot, and Perrin is taking nothing for granted. "We're going to have to be at our best," he said. "Sochaux have done well away from home lately and they'll be determined to defend their title." Lyon's own form has been imperial since they bowed out of the UEFA Champions League, following up the 4-2 success over title-rivals FC Girondins de Bordeaux with a 3-0 triumph at AS Monaco FC on Saturday. "We mustn't be overconfident," Perrin warned. "Cup matches are always special so there's no room for complacency."
Carquefou belief
Another side needing to remain focused are Marseille, who play amateur club US Jeanne d'Arc Carquefou at FC Nantes Atlantique's La Beaujoire stadium on Wednesday. The side from the French fifth tier are the smallest outfit left in the competition, but they have set their sights on another upset having defeated AS Nancy-Lorraine in the previous round. "We're just three games from Stade de France," enthused Carquefou coach Denis Renaud. "Calais [Racing Union FC's] exploits in reaching the final [in 1999/2000] were probably the greatest ever by an amateur club, but we are going to try to emulate them."
Top-flight clashes
Back to tonight, however, Paris Saint-Germain FC will look to put their Ligue 1 struggles to one side when they host SC Bastia, CS Sedan-Ardennes entertain SCO d'Angers in an all-Ligue 2 affair, while another second-flight team Dijon FCO start as favourites against Tour FC of the third tier. Fellow minnows AC Arles travel to second-division Amiens SC tomorrow, and there are two more all top-flight clashes with Bordeaux and FC Lorient entertaining LOSC Lille Métropole and FC Metz respectively.
