Guingamp vs Bordeaux preview - Sagnol plays down Bordeaux form

Posted Saturday, September 13, 2014 by PA

Bordeaux coach Willy Sagnol does not believe it will be as easy as some are suggesting to continue their fine start to the season at struggling Guingamp.

Les Girondins began the weekend top of Ligue 1 after a fine start to the campaign, which they will look to continue at Stade du Roudourou on Sunday.

Sagnol's side have 10 points from their first four matches, whereas opponents Guingamp start the weekend in the drop zone.

The Bordeaux boss is not taking them for advantage, though, and promises to continue play on the edge.

"You take risks in football - that's exciting," Sagnol told the club's website, www.girondins.com. "The first league matches show that we were right to do that.

"Playing in front of a manic Guingamp public may be touch. It's always hard to look back on this team.

"They have players looking for revenge after a difficult start to the season. This may serve as a new beginning.

"Since the match in Montpellier, we have always been in the same spirit.

"We return to the pitch wanting to score goals, and that's what it takes to win games."

Jaroslav Plasil, Andre Poko and Abdou Traore are all available for Bordeaux, while Liverpool loanee Tiago Ilori is in the squad heading to Brittany.

However, Henri Saivet will be unavailable after sustaining a serious knee injury which has seen the forward consult a number of specialists.

"Saivet will need several weeks of treatment," Sagnol said. "We'll assess the situation at the end of September. I'm not sure he'll be back before January 2015.

"I can't wait to have him back. It's tough, but I'm sure he'll come back even stronger."

Guingamp coach Jocelyn Gourvennec may hand Sambou Yatabare his debut against Bordeaux.