Bordeaux insistent over Micoud

Bordeaux insist there is no problem with Johan Micoud's position at the club, despite his half-time withdrawal in the UEFA Champions League.

The 33-year-old Frenchman was outstanding in the opening period, as the Ligue 1 side controlled the game at home to PSV Eindhoven.

But the playmaker's withdrawal at the interval coincided with a downturn in fortunes for Les Girondins, as Mika Varynynen scored a 65th minute goal to hand the Eredivisie outfit all three points.

But chairman Jean-Louis Triaud has played down suggestions that the situation arose because of anything more than an injury though.

"There is no Micoud unrest," Triaud insisted.

"He got a blow on his knee early in the match, which hindered him, that's all."

Coach Ricardo confirmed that Micoud had been suffering with an upper leg problem earlier in the week and conceded the problem had re-emerged.

"He has had pain, but he was able to play one half," Ricardo explained.

"Coming back to the changing room he complained about his thigh. We didn't want to take any risks."

The Bordeaux boss congratulated his troops for their display despite the loss, but feels they could have been a little more adventurous going forward.

"If you could reproach us for something, it is that we did not up the tempo earlier," Ricardo admitted.

"So it was difficult to break down a team of Eindhoven's quality.

"In the second half we showed more daring, but without creating any real openings. But Eindhoven scored from their one and only counter-attack.

"It will be very difficult to gain qualification now."

Bordeaux face a tough trip to Anfield for their next must-win game in the competition, away to Liverpool on October 18.