Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc is demanding an improvement from the French champions after two consecutive defeats in Ligue 1.
For Bayern Munich’s Louis van Gaal, meanwhile – without wingers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben as well as defender Edson Braafheid – there are tactical issues to consider.
“The two defeats were really disappointing,” said Blanc. “We did not respect the basic principles of defending and we lost. But I also know that in the Champions League my team do not make the same mistakes. They are aware of that too.
“We need a big game and I am looking forward to it – the boys cannot wait to play another big European side. Bayern are like all football teams, in that when you lose big players you are less effective – that’s the case with Bayern missing Ribéry and Robben.
“This match is important. We know this group will be tight and I think Bordeaux can mix it with top teams like Bayern and Juventus. The most important thing is to create chances. It is never easy against German opponents because they are very well-organised and we will have to be solid ourselves.
Van Gaal, meanwhile, is confident that his squad can cope with the loss of several key players.
“Ribery has given me some information about Bordeaux, but I also trust my scouts who have seen them a couple of times,” he said. “I won’t tell you what they told me, but I know them and I hope we’re going to get a result. Bordeaux play 4-4-2 and I have briefed my players about their game.
“We might change tactics or systems because Bordeaux can play quite defensively, although I like to stick to our style. We certainly respect Bordeaux. Laurent Blanc was a great player and I’m not surprised how successful he has been as coach.
“We were able to hold on in Freiburg [to win 2-1] without some big players, and I’m confident they will do well again here. A Champions League game is always important. We are top of the group with a better goal difference and we have to build on this.”
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