Sochaux coach warns on Dinamo.
Sochaux coach Guy Lacombe has urged his side not to take Dinamo Tbilisi lightly when they travel to Georgia for the first match of the Uefa Cup group stages tonight.Sochaux have not lost in their last three French Ligue 1 matches and thrashed Norwegian side Stabeak 9-0 on aggregate in the Uefa Cup first round.
Meanwhile, Dinamo Tbilisi, who were champions of the USSR in 1964 and 1978, have already enjoyed a lengthy European campaign, having reached the group stage after a series of six qualifying matches.
The French outfit will start as favourites but Lacombe has warned his side against the dangers of complacency.
"We have watched Dinamo's European matches on tape and it confirmed what I already knew," he said.
"They are a very strong team capable of raising their game in Europe. This is going to be tough for us and we should not underestimate them.
"On the other hand, we have nothing to lose and we must give all we have."
Lacombe's line-up will be weakened with defenders Sylvain Monsoreau (knee) and Lionel Potillon (groin) sidelined.
Striker Santos (calf), who missed the 3-0 thrashing of Rennes at the weekend, will also be absent, along with Moroccan international striker Jaouad Zairi (knee), who was withdrawn at half-time against the Breton side.
Brazilian striker Araujo Ilan scored all three goals against Rennes and is expected to play up front on his own today, while defender Gregory Paisley, who was rested on Monday and Tuesday, is also with Lacombe's squad.
Sochaux and Tbilisi face Newcastle, Sporting Lisbon and Panionios in their other group ties.
Dinamo visit St James's Park on November 4, while the French side host the Magpies three weeks later.
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
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| Publication: | The Journal (Newcastle, England) |
| Date: | Oct 21, 2004 |
| Words: | 284 |
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