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EXCLUSIVE: Bordeaux’s Matthieu Chalme Buoyant Over Champions League Hopes

Girondins de Bordeaux right-back Matthieu Chalme has spoken exclusively to Goal.com. The former Lille player has discussed the beautiful European week of the Aquitaine club and the quality of play produced by them since the beginning of the season.

Oct 3, 2009 12:20:16 PM

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Ligue 1 : Mathieu Chalme (Bordeaux)

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Matthieu Chalmé

Nearly 29-years-old, Matthieu Chalme is a reflection of his club: ambitious. The Girondins de Bordeaux right-back appears satisfied with the successful performance against Maccabi Haifa in midweek (1-0), opening the door to qualification to the knock-out stage of the Champions League. He especially welcomes the spirit and relaxed feeling that engulfs the French champions.

Matthieu Chalme, victory against Maccabi was slow to emerge, but was eventually accomplished…

Matthieu Chalme: We knew the match would be complicated. The world though that after our good draw with Juventus [1-1 in Champions League Matchday 1] that the game against Maccabi would be child’s play. Not us. It’s often like that for the spectators and journalists, but the match is never the same. We also used a lot of energy again Rennes [a 1-0 win on Sunday]. The timing of that match on Sunday was also particularly bad - the League did not have the best idea there. We had one day less to recover. Inevitably, this was felt during the match [against Maccabi].

Did this Maccabi team still surprise you?

Matthieu Chalme: Not really. We watched their defeat against Bayern Munich [3-0]. The score did not reflect the face of the game. They physically exploded late in the match, which allowed the Germans to make the difference late in the game. We knew they were going to cause problems.

Ultimately, you have made a good operation in the Champions League with four points from two games…

Matthieu Chalme: We did what we had to do. Now we can address the double clash against Bayern Munich with more serenity. If we shock them, we will be in excellent condition to qualify from the group stage.

Are you achieving the sort of pace that you had hope for at the start of the competition?

Matthieu Chalme: We did not really set specific markers. The main thing is to qualify. We know that we must take maximum points against Maccabi Haifa, the weakest opponent in the group. If we win in Israel, we will have seven points. After that, we will have the chance to produce a performance against Bayern or Juventus at home.

Against Bayern Munich, you'll find two of the best wingers in the world, Dutchman Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. Are you particularly apprehensive?

Matthieu Chalme: No, not at all. I know they are special players who can make the difference at any time. But it is the wrong approach to fear these players before the match. This is not in my mentality. This is an opportunity to assess myself against them, to see if I am able to respond against the best in their position. I am very happy to find Ribery - I have already crossed him when he played with Olympique de Marseille.

Who do you think is more beatable out of Bayern and Juventus, even if you have not yet had the chance to do battle with the Germans?

Matthieu Chalme: There is no weaker team. All teams have their qualities. Juventus and Bayern are two big cars in Europe. They usually play for first place in their leagues, but also in the Champions League. Although we did not see a great Juventus in the first match [the Old Lady drew 1-1 with Bordeaux in Turin], they remain impressive.

You have made a chain of 22 matches unbeaten in all competitions. This is of great satisfaction…

Matthieu Chalme: Yes and no. We did not think about it at the very beginning. Now, no one focuses on it either. We prefer to concentrate on our next game because we know [the run] will not last forever. It’s nice that the run continues even in the Champions League.

Do you think this achievement is given fair credit? Do you not think that Bordeaux are covered less in the media compared to Lyon or Marseille?

Matthieu Chalme: The most important thing for us is to get results. In a year we've won four trophies (the Coupe de la Ligue, Ligue 1 and the Trophee des Champions twice).

Against Rennes, Bordeaux produced a quality performance. Have you previously played in a team as serene, impressive and dominating?

Matthieu Chalme: No. I played five seasons at Lille, where our motto was mostly to annoy the opponent. I knew a lot of good players there, but the mix was not as strong as it is now in Bordeaux. We are a particularly strong team. Now, Bordeaux have great confidence. Inevitably, it shows on the field. It shows compared to our opponents. The collective and the individuals - everything works for us right now. The most important thing is for it to last.

Interview by Arnaud Demmerle, Goal.com

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