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Laurent Blanc: It’s A Treat For Bordeaux To Play Juventus

Blanc is looking forward to a relatively stress-free evening, though his steely desire to claim three points is still evident...

Nov 25, 2009 9:17:59 AM

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Laurent Blanc - Bordeaux Coach

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Laurent Blanc

Already qualified for the knock-out stages of the Champions League, Laurent Blanc has stated that he is looking forward to enjoying Girondins de Bordeaux’s match against Juventus, maintaining that his side still want to finish top of their pool.

Les Girondins currently boss Group A, and a victory would be enough to see them come out on top of a tricky group.

“I'm not going to be very original but to be first in your group increases your chances for the knockout stages,” he said.

“We saw a very recent example in Lyon last year. Instead of playing against Barcelona, they would have played against Sporting [had they topped their group]. They said everything by suffering that. And you have the advantage of playing at home in the second leg.”

Recently Bordeaux have slumped in Ligue 1, losing their last two fixtures. Blanc hopes to use Wednesday night’s encounter as a pressure-free tonic.

“You realise that when you play Juventus and you’re already qualified that it’s a treat,” he enthused.

“We can only enjoy playing this game at home in a packed stadium, and being qualified. But the greatest pleasure is to win at the end of the match.

“Even if there are concerns in Le Championnat, there is no suicide. We are second in Ligue 1, we are qualified for the fourth round of the Champions League. I know of clubs who are in worse situations than that of Bordeaux.

“I'd love to play [on Wednesday] night, but I can’t.”

While victory would ensure Bordeaux top spot, a draw would require them to defeat Maccabi Haifa in the final week to ensure qualification. The Israelis have yet to score and will face Bayern Munich away from home on Wednesday night.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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