Olympique de Marseille legend backs Andre-Pierre Gignac – Ligue 1 news
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-de-Marseille-c40127 legend Jean-Pierre Papin has come to the rescue of under-pressure France striker Andre-Pierre Gignac and has backed the striker to become an integral member of the Rhone side this season.
Close to a departure from Marseille in the final hours of this summer’s transfer window, the 25-year-old’s move to Fulham was blocked after Marseille chose not to succumb to the ‘expensive’ wishes of Juventus striker Amauri.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 after initially being asked to find a club for the 2011/2012 campaign.
However, Papin believes that the striker still has a lot to give and must be given time. Papin played for Les Phoceens between 1986 and 1992 and scored 184 goals in 268 games for Marseille. However, just like Gignac, Papin also had a forgettable start to
life at Marseille and knows what it feels like to not being able to perform after being expected to deliver right from the word go.
While talking to the media, Papin said that he still believes in Gignac’s ability and is confident that the former Toulouse man will bounce back from a disappointing debut season with Didier Deschamps’ side.
“I still believe in Gignac. He will not let go but lacks confidence right now. He has not had the backing and is still adapting. A goal or two will definitely boost his confidence,” said the former UEFA Player of the Year.
Last season, Gignac was usually deployed as a left-sided striker as opposed to his centre-forward position where he flourished during his prolific stint at Toulouse. Papin accepts that Gignac does not have the qualities of a true goalscorer but is confident
that the 25-year-old will have to get used to the system that Didier Deschamps prefers.
With Loic Remy currently occupying Gignac’s preferred position and also in great form, Gignac will have to work hard to displace his countryman in a hope that he can bring back memories of the days when Papin used to be the heart and soul of the Marseille
attacking line.
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