Guingamp vs Bastia preview - Cisse gives backing to Makelele

Bastia striker Djibril Cisse has thrown his support behind under pressure manager Claude Makelele ahead of this weekend's Ligue 1 clash against Guingamp.

Rookie boss Makelele has endured an inauspicious start to his managerial career with Bastia claiming just 10 points and two wins from their opening 11 league games of the season.

That return leaves them just a point clear of their hosts on Saturday - who prop up the table - and things looked like they were getting worse in midweek when they went behind against Ligue 2 Auxerre in the Coupe de la Ligue.

But Floyd Ayite grabbed an equaliser and a brace from Cisse saved the Corsicans a major embarrassment, with the veteran striker insisting that his manager needs to be given time.

"Losing against a team from Ligue 2, it would not go very well with the leaders and the public," he told RMC Sport.

"He (Makelele) may be first in line, but we are all concerned. We're all in a bad situation.

"Personally, before my coach, he was my friend. We must do everything that he remains coach as long as possible."

The 33-year-old has made just two substitute appearances this season due to a hip injury and admits that the campaign may well be his last due to the pain that stops him playing 90 minutes.

"I still have pain," he said. "What I have is complicated. I have osteoarthritis of the hip. This does not require too much care.

"There is no miracle to expect. You just take the anti-inflammatory and bite the bullet.

"If I do not find a way to ease the pain to be at the correct level, yes, I will stop at the end of the season.

"For now, I am focused on helping my club."

Guingamp will be looking to bounce back from last weekend's humiliation when they were humbled 7-2 at home by Nice.

Jocelyn Gourvennec issued an apology following that drubbing and will be hoping to get the fans back on side with the team having lost five of their last six league games.

"I present apologies to all our supporters," he told a press conference reported by various French media.

"To lose 7-2 when you have to take the points, there is nothing but to apologise."