Bordeaux boss Francis Gillot scares delay could make Newcastle play better

Bordeaux boss Francis Gillot feels he could be confronted by a Newcastle backlash as they were delayed getting to France by the weather.

Bordeaux boss Francis Gillot feels he could be confronted by a Newcastle backlash as they were delayed getting to France by the weather.

Alan Pardew and his squad were left stranded on the runway for hours at Newcastle airport due to wintry weather hitting much of England.

The Magpies were forced to cancel their pre-match press conference at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.

They delay has thrown Alan Pardew's preparations into chaos, but left opposite number Gillot fearing the worst as the pair prepared to battle it out for top spot in Group D.

The manager said: "In my experience, also as a player, usually when you have a certain delay, you do better and you play a better game, so it's scaring me."

Gillot's comments may have been slightly tongue in cheek, and he will head into the game knowing a draw will be good enough to maintain his side's place at the top of the group with both teams having already qualified for the knockout stages.

He said: "The main goal first was to come out of the qualifying round against Crvena Zvezda, and we did it, and then it was qualification for the knockout stage, which we also did.

"Whether we finish first or second, there will be tough games against tough teams.

"But it's very important to win and I hope we can."

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Source: SkySports