Ahead of Liverpool’s crucial Europa League group stage encounter with French outfit Bordeaux, we spoke to French journalist Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) about what the Reds could expect from the away side traveling to Anfield.
1. For the people who don’t watch French football too often, Bordeaux will be relatively unknown to them. What are the side’s strengths?
Their physicality. Like many Ligue 1 sides, Bordeaux are strong and possess plenty of athletic players. With a fully fit squad, they would have been able to trouble Liverpool with a physical approach.
2. Following on from the last question, what are Bordeaux’s weaknesses? Where could Liverpool cause them problems?
Bordeaux concede too many goals. Going forward, Willy Sagnol’s men are not that bad (even if some players are struggling in front of goal this season), but there are few sides in Ligue 1 who have shipped as many goals as Les Girondins.
3. Who are Bordeaux’s star men and who will Liverpool have to be wary of on Thursday night?
A few star men, such as Wahbi Khazri, Thomas Toure, Nicolas Pallois, Pablo and Gregory Sertic are out for the visit to Anfield. However, Diego Rolan (despite a miserable season in front of goal so far) will be Bordeaux’s main goal threat. Jaroslav Plasil and Clement Chantome are midfielders to keep an eye on, while Henri Saivet is capable of causing defences problems. Enzo Crivelli is developing into a good attacking talent and Mali international Cheick Diabate is back in the squad after an injury-hit start to the season.
4. For those who haven’t followed Bordeaux this season – how have they been?
Disappointing. Willy Sagnol is under pressure. Victories over some of the better teams in Ligue 1 at the right moments (such as the two home 3-1 victories over Lyon and Monaco) have essentially kept him in a job. Although they are only six points away from the top four, they are also just four above the relegation zone. Sagnol has made some naive mistakes this season and their games are often dull.
5. How are the Bordeaux fans ahead of the game – are they expecting to get anything from their trip to Anfield?
No. I think that many Bordeaux supporters have actually accepted that their Europa League campaign will not be extended past the group stages. It does not seem to be a priority and understandably so, considering their Ligue 1 position.
6. Finally – prediction for the game?
I can see Liverpool winning this encounter comfortably, so I will say 3-0 to the home side.
