Lorient manager Christian Gourcuff has played down talk of possible European qualification ahead of tomorrow's trip to Ajaccio.

Les Merlus have impressed in Ligue 1 this season and currently sit ninth in the standings with 40 points.

That has led to suggestions that Lorient could still qualify for Europe - something manager Gourcuff is not concerning himself with just yet.

``We should not waste time,'' he told the club's official website, www.fclweb.fr.

``Our recent results are insufficient to qualify for a European place, even if recent games have had a positive effect.

``We're enjoying our play at the moment and it is therefore a good time to collect more points.

``Going to Ajaccio is always complicated. Our main concern is preparing properly for a match that will be difficult.''

Former Arsenal and Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere has been one of Lorient's star performers this season.

The 29-year-old has netted 11 goals in 25 starts but misses the trip to Corsica through suspension.

``We have a lot of players in our attacking set-up,'' Gourcuff said. ``So Jeremie's absence will be covered.

``It is also an opportunity for other players to show what they can do, especially as Jeremie will also be suspended against Brest. This is all part of what happens in a season.''

Ajaccio have suspensions of their own, with Benjamin Andre, Mathieu Chalme and Dennis Oliech all missing out as they look to avoid losing three games back-to-back.

``Ajaccio have good squad depth, so we will survive these suspensions,'' Gourcuff added.

``A boy like Dennis Oliech poses a danger especially with his speed, but he will be replaced by players who also have quality.''