Les Dogues ready, says Bodmer

"It would be great to score early in the game, because then they have to attack. With the pressure of their own fans, and their will to prove that they are the boss at home, we can set up some fast breaks."

- Mathieu Bodmer


07/03/2007 12:14, Report by Ian McLeish

Les Dogues ready, says BodmerTwo weeks on, Lille midfielder Mathieu Bodmer is still smarting over United’s controversial victory in the first leg, but is adamant that the defeat will spur them on to an unlikely win at Old Trafford in the second leg.

“We know that it is going to be very difficult,” he told icons.com, “but even before the first leg, we had nothing to lose. It's even more the case now, at 1-0 down and with the second leg at Old Trafford. But we really didn't appreciate what happened in Lens, so our desire to qualify is even stronger.

“We will try to push our football to the top level. It would be great to score early in the game, because then they have to attack. With the pressure of their own fans, and their will to prove that they are the boss at home, we can set up some fast breaks. But, I am sure it will be very difficult. And if they score first, it's a different story.”

Bodmer is convinced that the circumstances surrounding the first leg will create a fiery atmosphere at Old Trafford tonight, but again hopes his side will benefit.

“After what happened in France we know it is going to be hot at Old Trafford with their fans," he said. "But that's a good thing for us. We are going to be in the game from the first minute to the end. We've already played there, so we know how hot the crowd can be, but we know it will certainly be stronger this time. We know what we are going to face.”

Despite his strong words, Bodmer – who is expected to miss the game through injury – has admitted he would one day like to star at Old Trafford, but for the Reds.

“If Manchester United ever wanted to sign me, this tie hasn't put me off,” he confirmed. “Things have to be placed in their own context. It was a football match that had problems but that's it. Manchester United are Manchester United and always will be.”