week 2 Bordeaux preview part one

By: j | August 12th, 2008

In week two of the campaign, Paul Le Guen faces one of the most difficult tasks of the season, as the brilliant young manager Laurent Blanc leads Girondins de Bordeaux into Parc des Princes.

As an observer, through Laurent Blanc’s first year in-charge of Bordeaux, it seemed as if you were watching a canvas being stretched and a great work of art in the early stages. His remarkable playing career seems to now be the preamble for his managerial brilliance that will surely see him not only lead his club to championships but one-day take the reigns of Les Bleus. If that introduction isn’t clear enough, I not only believe with his stewardship, Bordeaux will end Olympique Lyonnais domination of Ligue 1 but make steady improvements in the race for European hardware. For my Bordelais friends, the Trophee des Champions is just the start.

This off-season Bordeaux addressed long-term plans of not only winning Ligue 1 but putting together a more competitive Champions League squad with a slightly different, yet highly commendable approach. While many clubs will look at a immediate quick-fix, Bordeaux invested wisely in the future with Yoan Gouffran who will in-time become known on the international scene as a deadly striker who can score at any angle, veteran Argentine midfielder Diego Placente and Yohann Gourcuff, who from an early age appeared destined for stardom, fitting his pedigre.

Their opening match 2-1 victory over a very fine Caen squad was a modest example of their abilities as they seemed to lack the ultimate finishing that they are capable of. Caen took the lead early on the counter, which might be the clubs only weakness at this time given it youthful over-commitment on the attack, yet I cannot imagine that window will be left open very long with Laurent Blanc in-charge. However scouting reports for Paul Le Guen emphasized the issue and with Stéphane Sessegnon back this weekend, the contre-attaque will be key to putting the ball behind Ulrich Ramé. Control of play, high work-rate, maturity and patience will be the foundation for PSG and they cannot mark like the second half against Monaco or Bordeaux will slice apart the defense and score at will. Certainly the experience of Sammy Traoré should be considered for back-line as the defensive unit needs to show more composure under-fire. Injury reports have yet to be announced but Carlos Henrique and Marouane Chamakh might be held out of the Bordeaux lineup.

Part two of my review will detail PSG’s training week and tactical approaches in consideration.