Deschamps taking nothing for granted

Marseille coach Didier Deschamps is not taking any comfort from the domestic struggles of Inter Milan ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash at the Stade Velodrome.

Deschamps was in the stands on Friday as Inter slumped to a 3-0 home defeat to Bologna, their third consecutive Serie A defeat and second straight at home following the stunning 1-0 loss to relegation-threatened Novara.

That form has seen them drop to seventh, heaping pressure on coach Claudio Ranieri, for whom the Champions League offers one final chance of redemption this season.

However, Deschamps is expecting to see a much stronger version of Inter tonight.

“They are not playing well at the moment,” he said. “I have seen their previous matches on television, and there have been lots of individual defensive mistakes.

“But I am convinced we will not see the same Inter as of their last four Serie A matches. The Champions League can bring the focus and determination they have missed.”

Inter will be strengthened by the return of Diego Milito and Dejan Stankovic.

Elsewhere Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes expects a tough test from Basle tonight in Switzerland.

“We will not be underestimating Basle,” he said. “Basle have impressed me with the way they have put together a well-organised side with a good mixture of experienced players, some of whom have played in the Bundesliga, and talented young players who have a big career ahead of them.”