Laurent Blanc has warned his players they may never get a better opportunity in the Champions League.
Bordeaux boss issues rallying cry ahead of crunch contest
Laurent Blanc has warned his players they may never get a better opportunity to reach the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League.
The Bordeaux boss has issued his rallying call ahead of Wednesday's return date with Lyon in the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition.
Bordeaux, the reigning Ligue 1 champions, trail 3-1 from the first leg of their last eight contest and know they have a mountain to climb at Stade Chaban-Delmas.
Home advantage could yet play into their hands, but Blanc's side have started to unravel at a crucial stage of the season - with performances also dipping in the league.
Blanc, though, has complete faith in his side and is confident they can secure continental progress if they put their mind to it.
He said: "If the players really want to make things right, firstly for themselves and then for everyone that loves Bordeaux, Wednesday's match is a dream match against a great team that has been trying to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the last 10 years.
"I expect lots of application, motivation and desire from them. They believe in it, I believe in them and I've told them: 'Take pleasure in playing a match like this, because you might never get to play it again'."
Qualities
Bordeaux's cause has been aided by the fact Lyon will be without Lisandro Lopez, the Argentine striker who notched twice in the first leg.
Blanc admits the South American will be a big miss for the visitors, as he must serve a suspension, but believes Claude Puel's side have enough strength in depth to adequately cover the loss.
"It's not a relief for me but Lyon are losing a good player," he said.
"Lyon's strength is that when they have their whole squad available they can replace Lisandro with (Bafetimbi) Gomis.
"We know about Lisandro's qualities. Gomis, if it's him, has other qualities and can score goals."
