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Monaco back in contention ahead of Bordeaux game
Associated Press
European League Coverage
Signed two years ago, the 28-year-old Brazilian initially failed to make an impact and was loaned to Spanish side Espanyol before returning to Monaco during the offseason.
"This is the first time I'm scoring as many goals in such a short period," said Nene, who scored five goals in his last three outings. "If we continue on that path, I'm sure Monaco can have a great season."
A key player on the field, Nene is also hailed by his teammates for his good humor, even if the former Celta Vigo player sometimes loses his temper.
"Some people are adamant that one of these days we are going to have a big clash together," Monaco coach Guy Lacombe said. "His faults are visible, like mine when I start shouting from the bench. But he is a great lad who makes a lot of efforts."
Nene, a good friend of Formula One driver Felipe Masse, hopes that his good start to the season will catch Brazil coach Dunga's eye ahead of next year's World Cup in South Africa.
"I still believe in it," he said. "I know that Dunga will hear about my performances if Monaco keeps going like this. That's why I've got a lot of ambitions for Monaco. We have to think about next year's Champions League."
Monaco, which won five of its last six league games, will be without injured midfielder Eduardo Costa at Bordeaux, while South Korea striker Park Chu-young is doubtful with a foot injury.
Iceland striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is still unavailable with a shoulder injury.
Bordeaux moved back to the top of the standings with 22 points after a 3-0 win over Le Mans following two straight losses in the league. The team, coached by Laurent Blanc, found its attacking gusto and will try to open a four-point lead over Monaco.
"We have to take the three points," Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso said. "Particularly as it's Monaco. We can't drop points against our nearest rivals."
Facing a team unbeaten in three league matches, there is no chance Bordeaux will be overconfident.
"They won at Marseille, so we've been warned," Carrasso said. "We know they're a strong team, and they're chasing three points. But so are we. It's going to be a cracking match and the key to success will be patience. It always is when you play quality teams like Monaco."
Seven-time champion Lyon will travel to rival Saint-Etienne looking to bounce back after its surprising 4-1 loss at Nice - which followed a 2-1 win at Liverpool in the Champions League.
"We must quickly forget this match but we must learn lessons, particularly as our state of mind was a little bit less than average early in the game," Lyon striker Sidney Govou said. "The Champions League is good, but it's the league that allows us to move forward. It's the goal of the season and we must win the small games."
On Saturday, it's also: Boulogne vs. Nancy; Lens vs. Lorient; Marseille vs. Toulouse; Auxerre vs. Montpellier; and Grenoble vs. Lille.
Following the postponement of last week's match against Paris Saint-Germain because of swine flu cases in the Parisian team, fifth-place Marseille will need three points against Toulouse to stay in touch with the leaders. PSG will be at Sochaux on Sunday aiming to put an end to a five-match winless streak in the league.
Nice hosts Le Mans and Valenciennes plays at Rennes in Sunday's other games.
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