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Auxerre captain Benoit Pedretti has claimed his former club Lyon lack the "winning spirit" needed to carry off an eighth consecutive league title.

Pedretti's side consigned Lyon to a second consecutive defeat with a 2-0 victory at the Stade Gerland at the weekend, and feels that the league leaders are missing several vital components as they look to defend their title yet again.

"I've already said that their squad isn't as strong as it was before, but I also felt that they have less winning spirit," said Pedretti.

"They're lacking leaders on the pitch, both in terms of the technical and mental aspects of the game.

"I thought Juninho was too isolated, and wasn't given enough support."

Pedretti's analysis was backed up by Rennes midfielder Bruno Cheyrou, whose side earned an away point against the league leaders at the start of the month.

"The manner in which the players behave on the pitch gives you an insight into the team spirit," said Cheyrou.

"Before, everyone was afraid of them. They were a steamroller. When we went to Gerland in 2008, we managed to pick up a 1-1 draw, but on the pitch we had the impression we weren't able to score.

"Two weeks ago, we were able to get the same result, but we managed to create four or five clear-cut chances."

Cheyrou, however, still considers les Gones favourites to win Ligue 1.

"PSG and Marseille are two teams that can win it," he added, "but they're fragile and unstable."

Eurosport