One fixture at a time for Garde

9 March 2013 02:41

Lyon coach Remi Garde is playing down this week's clash with Marseille despite its big ramifications for the Ligue 1 table.

Second-placed Lyon trail leaders PSG by just two points but also find themselves only three points and goal difference ahead of third-placed Marseille heading into this weekend's action.

A loss to Marseille could hit Lyon's title chances badly as PSG are playing second-last Nancy this weekend and could potentially move five points clear.

But Garde knows it is premature to be looking at table positions, saying he wants his team to stay focussed on beating Marseille at home and consolidating second place on the table.

Only the top two French clubs are guaranteed Champions League football next season, with third place going into qualifying for the esteemed competition.

Garde is acutely aware of what can happen if his team loses focus, having seen Lyon struggle to draw 1-1 with battling Brest in their last game on the same weekend lowly Reims stunned PSG.

"All the games that we play each weekend are difficult to win and easy to lose," warned Garde.

"Look at the last two results of our teams last weekend. Marseille won at the last minute against a team fighting for survival [Troyes], while we were not able to win at Brest.

"Every game is difficult.

"Of course, the winners will take three points from the other, but with a lot of points still to play for it (Sunday's match) will not be crucial and decisive."