When Manchester United walk out into the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Wednesday, they will take on not only a vociferous crowd and a talented team, but also be pitting their wits against one of the most impressive young coaches in world football.
Didier Deschamps, the France midfielder once derided as a "water carrier" by Frenchman Eric Cantona, is the man in the Marseille hot-seat and is already making a name for himself as a coach.
Hugely decorated as a player with several teams, notably Marseille and Juventus - he won the Champions League with both - Deschamps also won both the European Championships and World Cup with France.
As a coach, he began at Monaco, where he led them to the French league title and then to the final of the Champions League in 2004, impressing everyone with his tactical nous and man-management along the way.
"He's still new to coaching but he knows the whole world of football," Spain striker Fernando Morientes said when he played under Deschamps at Monaco. "He has played in Italy, France, England, Spain, and he has won everywhere."
The clash with United is one of the toughest draws Deschamps could have had but the Frenchman believes his side have the ability to cause an upset.
"I believe we can beat them and knock them out," he said. If I don't believe it how can I tell my players to believe they can do it? It's a massive ask for us because United's objective is not to beat us but to win the competition.
"United defend very well and have enormous talent but I've spotted some weaknesses at the back. I won't tell you them but we will not be content with just defending in the two matches."
Deschamps admitted that it would help his side's cause that they are underdogs. "My Monaco beat Chelsea when nobody gave us a chance. That year we also beat Real Madrid and absolutely no one gave us a chance."
Deschamps will also be testing himself against Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager who is into his 25th season with the club and whose trophy count outstrips that of everyone else in England.
Ferguson is experienced enough to know, however, that beating Marseille over two legs will be far from simple.
"Didier Deschamps has put together a strong team - a very big, powerful side," Ferguson said. "I watched them play at home against Chelsea in the group stage and they won 1-0. But Chelsea managed to create quite a few chances in the match so we hope we can do the same.
"I have been to watch games at Marseille quite a few times and the atmosphere supporters create at their ground is terrific. It won't be easy going over there but I think we have a good chance of qualifying."
Should Deschamps and Marseille be successful against United, the Frenchman's stock will rise further. He was asked to be Liverpool manager in August but turned it down because he had given Marseille his word that he would stay on. Win this tie and it might be difficult to stay beyond the summer.
"If United knock out Marseille it's normal. But what will be unforgettable is if Marseille eliminate United."
"It's better for us if United are not afraid. It's better they come here certain they will qualify. Better they come to the Velodrome knowing it will be easy and calm - but that will not be the case."
Didier Deschamps, the France midfielder once derided as a "water carrier" by Frenchman Eric Cantona, is the man in the Marseille hot-seat and is already making a name for himself as a coach.
Hugely decorated as a player with several teams, notably Marseille and Juventus - he won the Champions League with both - Deschamps also won both the European Championships and World Cup with France.
As a coach, he began at Monaco, where he led them to the French league title and then to the final of the Champions League in 2004, impressing everyone with his tactical nous and man-management along the way.
"He's still new to coaching but he knows the whole world of football," Spain striker Fernando Morientes said when he played under Deschamps at Monaco. "He has played in Italy, France, England, Spain, and he has won everywhere."
The clash with United is one of the toughest draws Deschamps could have had but the Frenchman believes his side have the ability to cause an upset.
"I believe we can beat them and knock them out," he said. If I don't believe it how can I tell my players to believe they can do it? It's a massive ask for us because United's objective is not to beat us but to win the competition.
"United defend very well and have enormous talent but I've spotted some weaknesses at the back. I won't tell you them but we will not be content with just defending in the two matches."
Deschamps admitted that it would help his side's cause that they are underdogs. "My Monaco beat Chelsea when nobody gave us a chance. That year we also beat Real Madrid and absolutely no one gave us a chance."
Deschamps will also be testing himself against Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager who is into his 25th season with the club and whose trophy count outstrips that of everyone else in England.
Ferguson is experienced enough to know, however, that beating Marseille over two legs will be far from simple.
"Didier Deschamps has put together a strong team - a very big, powerful side," Ferguson said. "I watched them play at home against Chelsea in the group stage and they won 1-0. But Chelsea managed to create quite a few chances in the match so we hope we can do the same.
"I have been to watch games at Marseille quite a few times and the atmosphere supporters create at their ground is terrific. It won't be easy going over there but I think we have a good chance of qualifying."
Should Deschamps and Marseille be successful against United, the Frenchman's stock will rise further. He was asked to be Liverpool manager in August but turned it down because he had given Marseille his word that he would stay on. Win this tie and it might be difficult to stay beyond the summer.
"If United knock out Marseille it's normal. But what will be unforgettable is if Marseille eliminate United."
"It's better for us if United are not afraid. It's better they come here certain they will qualify. Better they come to the Velodrome knowing it will be easy and calm - but that will not be the case."
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