LYON, France, Nov 2 (AFP) - Turkish club Fenerbahce, who travel here on Wednesday for a Champions League clash with the triple French champions, are in turmoil following a public row between German coach Christophe Daum, Brazilian midfielder Alex and club officials.
Fenerbahce lost 2-1 in an Istanbul derby at Besiktas at the weekend leading Daum to focus on the poor performance of Alex.
Daum told the Fenerbahce club internet site that the Brazilian player was incapable of playing his best in important fixtures.
"Alex's ability is not being reproduced on the pitch," Daum added.
The comments have led to a public row through the Turkish media on Monday.
Alex himself told daily newspaper Sabah that he had been made a scapegoat. "I admit I played badly, but we have been playing badly as a team for weeks. I don't know why I have been made a scapegoat," Alex said.
Fenerbahce club vice-president Mahmut Uslu, quoted by the Hurriyet newspaper, ticked off Daum. "If there is a problem with Alex, it must be dealt with internally," he said.
However according to the Fanatik newspaper Daum may get his way and drop Alex in favour of Selchuk Sahin.
Daum, who signed a three-year contract with the club last year, also brought about controversy in July after telling the press that club officials no longer wanted him and that there was disagreement over transfers.
Fenerbahce have a tough task in Group D against French league leaders Lyon who defeated them 3-1 in Turkey just two weeks ago and realistically need to win to keep their hopes alive of progressing to the knockout stages.
The 23-year-old Brazilian striker Marcio Nobre, who hurt his forehead against Besiktas, is a doubt for the fixture.
Lyon have their own injury worries with both Brazilian central defender Cacapa and striker Sylvain Wiltord missing the match.
Cacapa is unavailable for six to 10 weeks with an injury to his right knee ligaments while Wiltord is expected to be out of action for up to three weeks after tearing his right hamstring.
Lamine Diatta is expected to replace Cacapa while Wiltord will probably be replaced by Lyon's top goal scorer this season, Pierre-Alain Frau.
However left back Jeremy Berthod is continuing his comeback after tearing a muscle in his right thigh while playing for the French under-21 team in Cyprus earlier this month and is doubtful for Wednesday.
11/02/2004 01:05 GMT - AFP