Marseille fans unenthused by Arsenal visit

Marseille supporters have voted with their feet prior to Wednesday's Champions League meeting with Arsenal, amid press reports that only 30,000 fans will be in attendance for the Group F encounter.

Renovation work at Marseille's Stade Velodrome home means the ground's usual 60,000-capacity has been slashed, but there are still 42,000 seats to be filled in the iconic arena on France's Mediterranean coast.

But OM are floundering in the French championship, having recorded just one win in their first 10 games, and team captain Steve Mandanda accepts that the side's poor performances have an impact on the fans' desire to watch them play.

"It's obviously better when the stadium is full and there's a great atmosphere," said Mandanda on Tuesday.

"But you need good performances and good results from the team, and we're conscious of that too."

Coach Didier Deschamps conceded that OM's form had not helped but was quick to point out that other clubs are also suffering from falling attendances despite being in much better health on the pitch.

"Look at Lyon," he said. "I read somewhere today that they've never had as few fans going to a match at Real Madrid (in the Champions League on Tuesday) -- and that includes VIPs too.

"Economic circumstances play a part as well. Going to watch Champions League games costs a lot. It affects us but it affects other clubs as well."