The 30-year-old is relishing the prospect of playing against AEL Limassol as Les Phoceens prepare to take on the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cyprus-c2881 club in the Europa League
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 international is ineligible to play in the Ligue 1 because of the ban imposed on him by the Football Association. However, the former Newcastle United player can still represent Olympique de Marseille in Europe.
The Rhone giants are set to face http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/AEL-Limassol-c38226 on Thursday, and Joey Barton is expected to play some part in the game.
While talking to reporters, the 30-year-old stated that these European games provide him with an opportunity to play football, and help him remain physically fit and healthy.
"I see these European games mostly as an opportunity to play, to have more time in the field, and so get better physically," the England international told reporters.
The Englishman said that because of his suspension, every game gives him massive joy and he is anxiously waiting for Marseille’s Europa League tie against the Greek club.
The former Manchester City player added that he wants to get back on the field as early as possible and the wait is killing him.
"Because of this break due to my suspension, every game is a little Christmas. I am impatient, I want to get back on field as early as possible and I am counting the days before Limassol."
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-de-Marseille-c40127’s coach, Elie Baup is looking to bounce back from the defeat against Valenciennes in the league, and hopes to register a comfortable win in Europe to get their campaign back on track.
The coach said that players need to play with confidence against Limassol, and failure will not be accepted.
“We are going to talk things over, and work. We mustn't get too bogged down in a heavy defeat like this one,"
Baup added that Les Phoceens need to refocus and play with confidence if they want to achieve something this season.
"We have to quickly refocus on what is coming, and get ourselves turned round."
Olympique de Marseille will take on arch-rivals, Paris Saint-Germain this Sunday, in their next game of the 2012/2013 Ligue 1 campaign at Stade Velodrome.
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