Tout Puissant Mazembe

On the official website of the Confederation of African Football (www.cafonline.com) the Coach of Stade Malien, the Frenchman Pascal JANIN, discussed the preparation of his foals in the context of the semi-final against TP Mazembe on Sunday, 6 October 2013, in Bamako. Here's his full interview.

Cafonline.com: How well do you know your opponents, TP Mazembe?

Pascal Janin: Comparing the two teams, TP Mazembe appears favourites. Sometimes, you can be the favourite on paper and get trapped on the pitch. I am hoping for such a scenario and to reverse the odds. I have been monitoring their games and have an idea of their style of play. We hope to make things difficult for them and create problems for them as well.

How have you been preparing for the game?

Seriously and in a good mood. The players are relieved to have reached the semi-finals after a false start in the group phase. At some point, there were worried about our chances. Now, they are happy and it reflects in their performance at training. We have no injuries thus far and I’m hoping they will deliver a surprise on Sunday.

"Even a barren draw 0-0 is not necessarily bad..."

What will be your strategy?

There are two matches at this stage and that is how we see it. We want to score more goals to put us in a good position and brighten our chances as well. A barren draw won’t be a bad output since we can qualify with a 1-1 draw in the return leg. We are putting all our cards on the table.

Are you hoping to finish it off in the first leg?

That is possible. Our target is not to concede at home since it can affect us later even if we score more goals. However, to score more goals does not mean all ten players joining the attack and leaving the back open. You have to be cautious in your movements. There will be players who will attack, whilst the rest keep guard at the back.

Will the presence of five players in the TP Mazembe team have an impact on the game?

I can’t tell yet as I don’t readily know these players. I guess they will be willing to put on a good display in the presence of their former supporters. However, it is an advantage for TP Mazembe to have Malian players in their team regarding this game.

Also, they have a coach, who knows so much about Malian football?

Absolutely, Patrice Carteron knows Mali very well. However, there are other angles to this. There are advantages and disadvantages. We are focused on giving off a 100-percent performance. And if that is not enough to win, then it means they are better.