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Ronald Koeman announced at the customary pre-match press conference that he expects Bordeaux to play attacking football. "They will probably move more men forward than usual", predicted the PSV head coach. Timmy SimonsTimmy Simons represented the squad at the media conference. The Belgian remarked in fluent French that he anticipates a tough game, in particular as Cocu, Farfán and Kluivert are all ruled out with injuries. "I know some Bordeaux players and one of them is obviously Micoud. They have quality players and do well in a strong league." PSV captain Simons repeated that Liverpool are a strong side and must be favourites to win the group and he added that the other three teams will vie for second place, which entitles qualification to the final sixteen. Ibrahim AfellayRonald Koeman said that Ibrahim Afellay is fit again. The midfielder has recovered from a light concussion that he sustained during the Feyenoord game. "He is feeling all right, but there is the Ramadan. I saw him and some others look out of the window. They are used to respecting Islamic rules, but may lack some power, as is it hard on them." Johan Micoud"We need to win our two remaining home games in order to progress to the next phase", explained Koeman. "And we must try to earn some points on our trips. I expect Bordeaux will attempt to grab all three points tomorrow night. We always try to play our own game, but our attacking options are limited, due to all the injuries that several of our strikers have sustained." Koeman has not any midfield injury concerns. "Since Mendez joined us, we have been able to cope with Cocu’s absence pretty well, but actually nobody can fill in for Cocu. He is such an important player on the pitch as he is capable of guiding other players." BordeauxKoeman expects Bordeaux to play attacking football. "Whether we are afraid? Of course we are not afraid! Bordeaux are well-organised and physically strong, but put in less sparkling performances that Lyon. The key question is whether Micoud will start. He likes to play behind the front two and starts most moves. He is creative and does extraordinary things. Is Micoud fit? He didn’t play last weekend. But Bordeaux do not have any alternatives but attack. So I expect them to move more men forward than usual."A French reporter was curious whether Koeman has any memories of the spring in 1988, when PSV played European Cup 1 quarter final games and Koeman was suspended for making controversial statements in an interview. "None whatsoever. It’s such a long time ago. I don’t look back that far."
