Vladi relishing return

[Montse]

SMICER CAN'T WAIT FOR KOP RETURN

Mark Platt 25 August 2006

Former Red Vladimir Smicer is relishing the prospect of playing at Anfield once again after Thursday's Champions League group phase draw paved the way for an emotional return.

A hero of Liverpool's 2005 Champions League triumph over AC Milan, Smicer admits he was overjoyed on hearing that his current club Bordeaux had been draw in the same group as Liverpool.

 

The Czech Republic midfielder experienced a bitter-sweet six years on Merseyside but signed off in style with a never-to-be-forgotten performance in Istanbul that is sure to guarantee him a fantastic reception when the French outfit play in front of the Kop on October 31.

 

"It's fantastic to play against Liverpool, that's all I wanted. Playing there again is going to be pure pleasure," says the now 33-year old, who is confident his side can progress.

 

He adds: "We have a great draw, I am very happy about it, especially because I think we can make it through to the next round. It will be open and I think there is no clear favourite. We have the level to beat all those teams."

 

Smicer's coach at Bordeaux, Ricardo, meanwhile, believes Liverpool are the strongest team in the group.

 

"This is a very difficult draw," he says. "It is still possible for us to do well. But Liverpool belong to another world than us while PSV have qualified every year and have a lot of experience, just like Galatasaray."

 

ere

 

 

Top guy!

[hels smicer]

i love him

 

hes just so special

 

i wish it was october now

 

i honestly cant wait

 

[Guest Jack Bauer]

Hes special alright.

[sutty]

French restraining orders aren't valid over here, are they?

[Ed the Wool]

I'll never forget that goal in Istanbul. His injuries were so frustrating, but he came good just when it mattered, in his last game!

[jon_hall]

He thinks our medical facilities are far better than the french.

[fyds]

Katja's first words on watching the draw yeaterday 'Vladi's coming home!' Her first European night beckons...

[Guest Scot]

He thinks our medical facilities are far better than the french.

 

Well he'd know

[fyds]

He designed them - based in part on Redknapp's recommendations.

Edited August 25, 2006 by fyds

[Bootle Buck]

From Scapegoat to LEGEND in one night.

 

 

 

Vlad was one of the Good Guys whose injury luck was a real shame.

Edited August 25, 2006 by Bootle Buck

[Leo No.8]

Brilliant little twist of fate seeing Vladi come back so soon after leaving. I remember being at Hillsborough for his competitive debut along with numerous others including Sami.

 

Smicer was MOM for most people including me that day; its a shame that injuries never allowed him to live up to his potential, but that fairytale ending in Istanbul made up for it all.

 

I think its always been pretty obvious what a nice bloke he is, so it was very nice to see one the genuine good guys get what he deserved.

 

Can't wait to see him back at Anfield. The Kop hasn't had a chance to say thanks and goodbye properly to Vladi after his heroics in the final - I think he'll get a fantastic reception...

 

'He's Czech, he's great, he's Paddy Berger's mate, Vladimir, Vladimir...'

Edited August 25, 2006 by Leo No.8

[fyds]

 

 

From Scapegoat to LEGEND in one night.

 

 

Vlad was one of the Good Guys whose injury luck was a real shame.

Absolutely.