Jean Tigana’s return to French football got off top a disappointing start tonight as Bordeaux side slumped a 1-0 defeat at Montpellier.
The former Fulham manager, who succeeded Laurent Blanc in the summer, wasn’t helped by the absence of six first-teamers due to injury or suspension. Montpellier, surprisingly knocked out of the Europa League in midweek by Gyor, took the spoils on the opening weekend thanks to a second-half header from Garry Bocaly, who punished some slack marking at a free-kick. Tigana’s woes were compounded when Yohann Gorcuff, Bordeaux’s liveliest player, limped off with an ankle injury midway through the second period.
Jean Tigana, who later fell out with Mohamed Al Fayed, celebrates winning the Division 1 title
The legendary midfielder, who guided Fulham to the Division One title in his first season at Craven Cottage back in 2000-01, had spent two years with Beskitas, winning the Turkish Cup in 2007, prior to replacing Blanc after the ex-Manchester United centre back was offered the chance to succeed Raymond Domenech following France’s horrific showing in South Africa this summer.
Tigana will hope for better in Bordeaux’s first home match of the Ligue 1 campaign, against Toulouse next Sunday afternoon.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks