Ligue 1 PREVIEW: Bordeaux vs PSG

Posted Saturday, December 01, 2018 by PA

Paris St Germain boss Thomas Tuchel has stressed the importance of flexibility as his side prepare to face Bordeaux.

The reigning champions head into the match looking to maintain their perfect record in Ligue 1 this season, having won all 14 games so far.

A 15-point lead at the top of the table has allowed Tuchel to try new things and experiment in recent weeks.

“”You have to try new things to progress and improve,” he told the club’s officaial website.

“Sometimes versatility allows you to get new things on the pitch and keep players very focused. It’s also a way for me to discover the players and see what they’re capable of. It’s necessary to have a certain flexibility.”

One way in which the team has been adaptable is between the posts. Tuchel has regularly swapped his goalkeepers this campaign, with summer signing Gianluigi Buffon and Alphonse Areola taking turns to play.

Tuchel has yet to decide who will get the gloves at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on Sunday.

“I’m happy and proud to be able to count on my two goalkeepers. They have a great attitude. The two make a team,” he said.

“I still don’t know which of the two will play tomorrow. I’m going to speak to them before making a decision.”

PSG head into the game on the back of a hard-earned victory against Liverpool in the Champions League and he insists that spirits remain high in the squad despite their midweek exertions.

“The players were a little tired yesterday, as was I. But it’s better today,” said Tuchel.

“Against Bordeaux, I don’t expect the same approach as against Liverpool because the situation is different. It’s very important to accept this match is different and that the attitude must be different.

“We’re not expecting the same thing as against Liverpool. We’ll need rigour and focus, and we’ll have to play to a very good level.

“Bordeaux are a very talented team with a lot of individual quality. They play in a magnificent stadium. It’s a new challenge for us after Wednesday’s high intensity match.”