Mandanda: Marseille can beat Arsenal

Posted Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by ESPN

Olympique Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda is ready for a tough Champions League battle against Arsenal.

The Ligue 1 side are currently leading Group F with six points after two victories in their earlier fixtures, with the Gunners trailing in second place.

The Marseille custodian believes that his side can pull off a home win at the at the Stade Velodrome, according to reports by UEFA.com.

"Our squad is in good form, we have a great team spirit and we'll go out looking to win," Mandanda crowed.

"That [a win] would put us in a good position but we are playing a very good team. We take matches one at a time. Today we are focused on Arsenal."

Although the Ligue 1 side have been struggling domestically, the club captain believes that his squad will be sufficiently motivated by European football.

"We don't need to motivate the players for the Champions League; everybody is focused," added Mandanda.

"We already have six points and want to win every match, and I hope that will continue. It is not that different to Ligue 1, we just have to keep the same spirit and repeat it in our domestic league", he concluded.