FCBARCELONA.CAT

18.09.2007 12:43

Thuram: "Lyon have learned to fear nobody"

Berta Brau / Sergi Nogueras

Lilian Thuram believes that Olympique Lyonnais' overwhelming success in the French league is a constant source of confidence for the French side and they will believe in their chances against FC Barcelona.

The Blaugrana defender has watched closely as Lyon have swept to six consecutive Ligue 1 titles and has been impressed as the team has never lost form despite a constant change in personnel as their stars attract big money bids from across Europe. Thuram believes that success has continued to make the club strong and that the reigning champions will not be arriving at Camp Nou to defend. "Together as a team they are very competitive," he said. "They have a lot of faith in themselves as they are always at the top of the table. Their players have had several years of success and that has maintained the confidence that they have and they have learned to fear nobody. I think that they will be coming here looking to earn a good result."

Unpredictable

Due to a summer of change at Lyon, however, Thuram believes that nobody can predict what can be expected from Alain Perrin's side as they have a number of new players once again. "It is difficult to talk about this year because players such as Abidal, Malouda and Tiago have left," he explained. "So analysing their game is hard, but I think that they have a very interesting team, especially in attack with the youngsters.

"For example, Benzema is a player that I know very well in fact as with the French national team," Thuram continued. "I think that he is a very good player and can be very dangerous. Govou is also a great player for the French team. Then there is Juninho behind them who is deadly at set pieces."

No favourites

Despite their experience in European competition, Thuram does not believe that Lyon and Barça are the two favourites to qualify from Group E, which also includes Rangers and and VfB Stuttgart. "The truth is that I not believe in favourites at this level of the game as every team is difficult to beat," he said. "But I expect Barça to qualify and Lyon as well, because I am French and it would please a lot if they made it. It is true that I think it would be great if we both went through together."