Baup buoyed by Marseille heart

Marseille coach Elie Baup hailed his players' character after they shrugged off their midweek European exertions to record a sixth successive Ligue 1 win. Marseille hit back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Fenerbahce in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday and looked jaded against Evian at the Stade Velodrome. But they preserved their 100 per cent record thanks to Morgan Amalfitano's strike 12 minutes before the break. Baup said: "It should be noted that the three points were acquired with a lot of heart. We struggled because Evian pressed very high up the pitch and they displayed plenty of commitment "There was a lot of heart and enthusiasm used in Turkey and we paid for it here. But we did not buckle and for that congratulations should go to the players." Marseille's involvement in the Europa League means they will have to churn out similar displays to the one against Evian if they want to succeed at home and abroad this season. Baup added: "This was one in a series of matches and we made a lot of effort in Turkey but we have to prepare for this as there will be other weeks with three matches. "We must enjoy the intervening weeks to recuperate. There will be plenty of rest and recovery before we play again at Valenciennes on Sunday." FIFA