ALEXIS GUNS FOR OLD FOE TOTTENHAM
ALEXIS SANCHEZ says he will get “great joy” in knocking Tottenham out of the Champions League.
The former Arsenal striker is on a mission to drive Marseille into the knockout stages at the expense of Spurs at the StadeVelodrome tonight.
Sanchez, 33, who is enjoying a renaissance with the French giants, said: “I have great affection for Arsenal from my time there – great memories with everyone at the club, especially the fans.
“Beating Spurs was a great joy. It was very special – those are memories I hold dear to my heart.
“Every single player has motivation to play and win – we all want to bring the victory back.
“In the dressing room there is a lot of passion. Playing in front of the fans, with their atmosphere, is super important and will drive us on.”
Chile forward Sanchez is one of four Marseille stars possessing Arsenal connections, with Matteo Guendouzi and Sead Kolasinac in the squad and Nuno Tavares also on loan.
Sanchez left Arsenal under a cloud to join Manchester United in 2018.
But he had a good record in North London derbies, losing just once in seven games against Spurs and scoring twice.
He has scored six goals in 14 games for Marseille, who are having a mixed season.
Spurs are out if they lose but any other result will see them go through.
Sanchez added: “We want to progress. I’m here to be victorious for the team – playing for the fans pushes us on.
“The football reminds me more of the English game due to the physicality but in certain matches maybe we lacked a certain mentality or luck.
“We are on a good run. I’ve been here three months, I’m really happy.
You see people out on the streets, the fans, everyone is so passionate.”
Marseille boss Igor Tudor says Antonio Conte’s touchline ban gives his side an advantage.
The former Croatia international is friends with Conte after they were team-mates at Juventus.
Tudor said: “He has a good impact on the game so it is better that he is not there.
“But the players are playing, not the coaches.”
Conte’s red card against Sporting meant he received a one-game ban.
He is allowed in the stadium but not on the touchline, in the dressing room, tunnel or technical area and is banned from direct contact with the players.
UEFA could yet hit Conte with a further charge and suspension although Marseille have their own problems as the North Stand in the Stade Velodrome is closed, reducing the 65,000 capacity by 12,000.