Marseille not afraid of Arsenal, says Mandanda

The 28-year-old is aware that qualifying from
the Group of Death will be a tough task but is
confident that his side can hold their own
against the Gunners
Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda says his
side do not fear Arsenal, whom they face in
their Champions League opener on Wednesday.
The two sides were also drawn together in the
2011-12 edition of the tournament when the
Gunners claimed four points from two games
against OM and topped the group.
However, Mandanda is adamant that his side's
desire to succeed will serve them in good stead
against the north Londoners.
"We are not afraid. We have to show desire
and ambition," Mandanda told reporters.
"We know the significance of the first match
and it will be important to have a good start,
even if this game is not decisive. We used to
have difficulties in our first games in Europe,
but this is a new season and we need to start
well and perform."
Mandanda went on to say that he and his
team-mates were eager to make up for lost
time, having failed to qualify for the
competition last term.
"We were frustrated last year when we did not
play Champions League football, so we are
looking forward to returning," he continued.
"These games are magnificent to play in and
we are delighted to be back in this
competition. We missed it.
"We want to win, but we know we will be up
against a great team. We are in a difficult
group; we knew it would be complicated."