Champions League: Bordeaux Preview
BIG EARS
By dixon9
September 16 2008
This will be Big Phil’s first time in Europe’s premier competition although he has won the South American equivalent, El Copa de Libertadores twice with different Brazilian clubs. Our quest to win “Big Ears” in Rome in order to finally fulfil a dream and put the pain of last seasons Champions League final behind us begins tonight against French side Bordeaux.
"We all felt really bad after the game," said 21 year-old Mikel.
"We know why we lost and now we have a very good chance of getting it back. We want to start well and finish well in the competition."
We have never faced “Girondins” de Bordeaux who get their rebellious nickname from an 18th century ant-Royalist faction from the Gironde dept of Aquitaine (So nobody can say they have “No History”!).
Laurent Blanc’s side have lost both their away matches in the French league this season. They favour a counter attacking style with a 4-1-3-2 formation and possess three Brazilians mixed in with French and Moroccan players.
A little bird tells me the one to watch out for is teenager Gourcoff who can play in the centre or is sometimes switched out wide of midfield. Lanky, talented midfielder Alou Diarra is supposed to orchestrate their play and their danger man up front is Chamakh.
A principle weak spot could be their short 35 year-old captain and goalkeeper Ramé – so no doubt our midfielders will be watching out for him coming off his line early.
Bordeaux have two players suspended in Chalme and Tremoulinas for one and three matches respectively but Placente and Jurietti should step in. Menegazzo will play after being absent for recent games due to domestic suspension.
Ex- Man Utd David Bellion (Remember him?) will probably be on the Bordeaux bench.
What about our lot?
Well, we will obviously be missing Essien but we do have the luxury of almost a complete squad for Scolari to select from.
Contrary to many reports, although Drogba is nearing full fitness, he will NOT be available for selection tonight as he has a one-match ban from his sending off in the final against Manchester United last season.
Ballack however, should be ready although I wonder who will be sacrificed from a midfield which worked to perfection away to City at Eastlands – maybe Scolari will be tempted to leave him on the bench?
"He will play but I do not know whether it will be for 45 minutes, 60 or 70," said Scolari.
Bordeaux coach Blanc spoke on Chelsea and the PL:
"We looked at their weaknesses and strengths, and I can assure you we didn't spend long on their weaknesses, because there are not many."
"If I had studied all their good points I would not have had any sleep last night because there are so many of them.”
"We will have to be at our best mentally, physically, technically and tactically. If not, they will score, because they are a superior team."
“When you look at the economic potential of English football, it is hard to see who will stop that in Europe “
"Last year showed the strength of English football. It has become the best in Europe, technically and, above all, financially,"
"This progress is going to continue in the years to come. When you look at the economic potential of English football, it is hard to see who will stop that in Europe."
Scolari also came in for some questions from the media on the security of his own position if he failed to deliver the Champions League trophy to Stamford Bridge:
"I don't talk with Roman Abramovich about the Champions League," said Scolari.
"It is not right to put out the idea that if you don't win then the coach is out. You don't know the history.
"Chelsea have tried for many years to win the Champions League and they got to last year's final, which was fantastic.
"We try again to arrive in the final but that is a long way away. It is not easy.
"It is not only this competition the players want to win. This is very important but if you say this is more important than other competitions, I say no."
At this point, Scolari turned to Mikel who was at his side during the press conference and asked him, in front of the cameras
“Which competition do we want to win this season?” “All of them!” came the reply, to which Scolari told the press, “He has to say that otherwise he knows I would kill him!”
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Cech
Bosingwa
Terry
Carvalho
A Cole
Mikel
J Cole
Lampard
Deco
Malouda
Anelka
Subs:
Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Alex, Ballack, Di Santo, Kalou
BORDEAUX
Fame
Juretti
Planus
Diawara
Placente
Diarra
Fernando
Wendel
Gourcuff
Gourffran
Chamakah
subs:
Valverde, Henrique, Ducasse, Traore, Obertan, Bellion, Cavenaghi
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free