Bordeaux braced for PSV test

by Derek Brookmanfrom Bordeaux

FC Girondins de Bordeaux and PSV Eindhoven lock horns at the Stade Chaban-Delmas on Wednesday, both wary of the other's strengths and anxious to give little away.

Realistic Ricardo
Maximum points at home would considerably boost Bordeaux's claim to a qualifying slot from Group C after last season's French runners-up drew at Galatasaray SK on Matchday 1. But for Brazilian coach Ricardo Gomes it is by no means an all-or-nothing confrontation against the Dutch title-holders. "Of course we aim to continue our campaign with a victory against PSV," he said. "Although I know it's not the end of the world if we don't come out on top."

Improvement required
Gomes acknowledged that his side will have to improve on last Saturday's performance, when Bordeaux struggled to defeat ES Troyes Aube Champagne 2-1, but does not envisage them having any difficulty doing so, saying: "This is the Champions League. It is different and we will be ready." With PSV having also drawn 0-0 at home to Liverpool FC a fortnight ago, Les Marine et Blanc goalkeeper Ulrich Ramé feels there is no need to take unnecessary risks. "We obviously have to try and put PSV under pressure while making sure we don't give too much away at the back," he said.

Micoud return
"This is a strong group, with not much to choose between the teams," added the 34-year-old, who predicts a "close, tight, and tactical encounter". His coach, whose two-year contract extension was confirmed by the Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud at Tuesday's press conference, is also well aware of PSV's credentials. "They have a well-organised defence and a number of fast, talented players. They also like to attack," said Gomes, who is able to recall Johan Micoud after the playmaker recovered from a stomach injury which kept him out of weekend Ligue 1 duty.

Important player
The return of the French international has not been so well received by PSV, whose coach Ronald Koeman said: "He's important for them and can make things happen up front." Micoud or no Micoud, PSV "are not scared of Bordeaux" - a "physically strong" outfit Koeman "expects to go for all three points". The former Dutch international remembers "nothing at all" of his last appearance here as a player, 18 years ago, when PSV drew 1-1 on their way to winning the European Champion Clubs' Cup.

Tough test
This will be a tough test for PSV, especially as they are missing several key players through injury. Captain Phillip Cocu, Jefferson Farfán, Jason Culina and Patrick Kluivert will all be sidelined, the latter having aggravated a long-standing knee complaint during Saturday 2-0 victory at ADO Den Haag. However, Koeman insists his midfield is coping well in Cocu's absence, especially with Edison Méndez playing so well. For PSV's Belgian international Timmy Simons, the injury situation will make things difficult for his team though he is far from pessimistic. "We really can't afford to leave here empty-handed, and we have plenty of experience on our side," he said. "We shall see who's the strongest tomorrow."

Probable teams
Bordeaux: Ulrich Ramé; Franck Jurietti, Henrique, David Jemmali, Florian Marange; Julien Faubert, Fernando Menegazzo, Rio Antonio Mavuba, Johan Micoud, Geraldo Mauricio Wendel; Jean-Claude Darcheville.

PSV: Heurelho Gomes; Jan Kromkamp, Alex, Michael Lamey, Carlos Salcido; Timmy Simons, Mika Väyrynen, Edison Méndez, Ibrahim Afellay; Arouna Koné, Diego Tardelli.

©uefa.com 1998-2006. All rights reserved.