Lille coach Garcia focused on title challenge

PARIS Lille coach Rudi Garcia is happy to focus solely on the remainder of the Ligue 1 campaign following his side’s elimination from the Coupe de France.

Friday, February 10, 2012
Rudi Garcia

Playing todayMontpellier vs AC Ajaccio    16:00 Valenciennes    vs    NancyLyon    vs    CaenAuxerre    vs    LorientBrest     vs    Dijon FCO    20:00 Rennes    vs    Sochaux    22:00    Playing on SundayLille      vs    Bordeaux    16:00 Nice      vs    PSG    18:00    Toulouse  vs    St Etienne    22:00 PARISLille coach Rudi Garcia is happy to focus solely on the remainder of the Ligue 1 campaign following his side’s elimination from the Coupe de France.A surprise 2-1 loss against Valenciennes saw Lille crash out at the last-16 stage to put a further dent in their hopes of claiming silverware this season.Victory in the cup last term helped Lille to a superb double-winning campaign, and Garcia wants to maintain his side’s hopes of retaining their Ligue 1 crown with victory at home to Bordeaux on Sunday.Lille sit third in the league, 10 points behind leaders Paris St Germain but with a game in hand, and Garcia hopes the cup exit can kick-start their title push."Now things are simple,’’ he said. "We have to give everything we have in the league, starting on Sunday with the visit of Bordeaux, which is a very important match.Leaders PSG, who are also in action on Sunday at Nice, have found a novel way to ensure their pre-match preparations are not interrupted by the sub-zero temperatures gripping northern Europe by taking training inside a blow-up dome.Star striker Kevin Gameiro has enjoyed the break from the regular routine and is confident of adding to his 10 goals for the season when his side visits the Mediterranean club this weekend.