Veteran midfielder Johan Micoud is relishing the prospect of returning to the UEFA Champions League, but this time with his former club FC Bordeaux. After six years abroad with Parma and Werder Bremen, Micoud believes he can enjoy continental success with Bordeaux. "It will be tough but I think we really have a chance of going through," Micoud said in an interview with UEFA's official website on Monday. The Ligue 1 runners-up have been drawn in Group C alongside former champions Liverpool, Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven and Turkish champions Galatasaray whom they will face in the opening round on Tuesday. "We'll have the pleasure of visiting Anfield - a landmark in European football. PSV are not an easy task and a Turkish trip is never a delight but the draw gives us hope," he added. Bordeaux officials are hopeful the 33-year-old midfielder can bring experience and spirit to guide a relatively young squad. "A big player transmits his experience," Bordeaux coach Ricardo Gomes said.
Bordeaux have a number of young players with potential Ricardo's sentiment was echoed by Micoud who said he wants his younger teammates to discover their real potential both on the local and continental levels. "It is a bit like when I first went to Bremen," said Micoud. "They were dreaming about titles that Bayern Munich always won." "We have the same feeling towards Olympique Lyon here as Bremen did with Bayern. "We must not let ourselves feel inferior. Bordeaux have a lot of young players who are not totally aware of their potential," the former France international said. Nevertheless, Micoud, who was nicknamed 'Le Chef' in Bremen, admitted he has to get acquainted with his teammates in order to cook up a recipe for success. "I'm just getting to know the young players," said the former AS Cannes player. "I learned in Europe that the hallmark of a great team was never to surrender. I'll try and bring that spirit to Bordeaux."
