Tough Draw Does Not Surprise Blanc

Laurent Blanc has reacted impassively following his Bordeaux side’s tough Champions League draw. Les Girondins have been drawn in Group A alongside English giants Chelsea, Serie A runners-up and the relative minnows of Cluj…

Aug 28, 2008 4:26:46 PM

Laurent Blanc (Girondins de Bordeaux)

Bordeaux head coach Laurent Blanc was in a relatively positive mood after les Girondins were set the tough task of ousting either Chelsea or Roma if they are to progress to the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

Speaking after the draw, Blanc hinted that he feels such an outcome is unlikely and that he was just happy to have avoided one of the big pot four teams such as Fiorentina or Atletico Madrid.

“When you are in hat three, you know what is going to come – you cannot avoid two big clubs,” Blanc told the assembled press. “Roma and Chelsea are two of Europe’s biggest clubs. The Romanian team deserve respect too.

“Personally, I was most impatient for the drawing of the final team because I would rather have avoided Fiorentina, Atletico Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kiev.”

Understandably after such a tough draw, Blanc was rather pragmatic. “If we manage to play well and we are lucky enough to have a chance going into the final match, it would be an exploit for the club,” the former French international defender added.

“We will prepare to qualify. If it happens then it is all so much better but, if not, we will try and next season.”

Robin Bairner

UEFA Champions League

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