Vladi eyeing Champs League return

[Benitez]

Vladimir Smicer is eyeing a UEFA Champions League return with Bordeaux, bringing back memories of his glorious send-off from Liverpool.

 

Czech Republic playmaker Smicer ended his six-year stint at Anfield last summer by joining Bordeaux on a free transfer.

 

Smicer's last appearance in a Red shirt was an historic one, as he scored a goal in their stunning comeback against Milan in the Champions League final, followed by a penalty in the all-important shoot-out.

 

The former Lens man then returned to France to join struggling Bordeaux, but the club have turned their fortunes around this season.

 

Currently in second place in Ligue 1, Les Girondins are in pole position to qualify for the Champions League for next season, which has come as a nice surprise for Smicer.

 

"I really didn't expect it, it is a nice surprise. I didn't expect we would be so high in the league," Smicer told Idnes.

 

"No-one believed we could be so high, even our own fans, but as we get closer and closer their support is getting bigger and bigger.

 

"They feel the job could be done, but we are still far away from there, and there is lots of hard work to do yet.

 

"Even our management only gave us the objective of finishing in the top five. That was a daring plan taking into account we were fighting to avoid relegation last season."

 

Smicer says that being a Champions League winner has not been an advantage for him, as more is expected from him.

 

"People know it, not many players who have won the Champions League play in the French league, but it is not an advantage, maybe the opposite, as everyone expects more from you."

 

After spending so long with Liverpool, Smicer admitted that he is missing life at Anfield - which he still regards as a special place.

 

"I miss England a bit, after six years I spent there, I got used to it. I miss Anfield mostly, the atmosphere there was unique. I cannot compare it with France even if we also have great fans.

 

"A lot has changed at Liverpool, there are many Spaniards there now. I was also nicely surprised by the return of Robbie Fowler.

 

"When he played with me years ago he was one of my best friends. When he left Liverpool for Leeds and then Manchester City, we still met to go out for a meal."

 

ere

[Leo No.8]

Good old Vladi - after years of failing to deliver on his ability for one reason and another, I was made up to see such a nice bloke have his day in the sun.

 

He'll always be remembered with affection at Anfield after Istanbul, which is great.

[anny road]

i like Vladi alot

[Guest Jude]

Great to hear that Vladi is doing well this season,love the guy.

Anyone know how many matches he has played this season and how many goals he has scored?.

[Stevie H]

Great to hear that Vladi is doing well this season,love the guy.

Anyone know how many matches he has played this season and how many goals he has scored?.

he's a regular in the girondins side. played 25 out of 27 and scored 3 goals. if anyone is going to catch lyon then it'll be bordeaux i think.

[Kahnee]

"When he played with me years ago he was one of my best friends. When he left Liverpool for Leeds and then Manchester City, we still met to go out for a meal."

 

That's crap - everyone knows Robbie hated all the foreigners and wanted to play with a totally English side which is why he went to Leeds

[Dee]

i loved Vladi too...