Alou Diarra: Champions League slipping away

By Michael Penkman, Reporter | 28 February 2012

Marseille midfielder Alou Diarra admits that his team's chances of finishing third are "diminishing" following their 1-0 defeat to Brest.

Marseille midfielder Alou Diarra has admitted that his team's chances of finishing third are "diminishing" following their 1-0 defeat to Brest.

A 16th-minute header from defender Paul Baysse was enough to take the spoils at the Stade Francis-Le Ble, condemning Les Phoceens to the first defeat since November.

Diarra praised a "courageous" Brest effort but said that a lapse in concentration had cost Marseille dearly.

The France international conceded that the prospect of Champions League football next season is slipping away.

"It's tough to lose like that. We had a lapse of attention on one set piece and they scored," said the 30-year-old.

"We forgot to mark properly and we conceded a goal on a tough pitch against courageous opponent who put in a huge effort.

"Our chances of taking third place are diminishing. We haven't been talking about the title this season but we have had our eye on third. This is our first defeat in three months, and we're pretty disappointed."

Marseille now lie in eighth place, seven points off Lille in third.