Franco will never admit it, but Glasgow Warriors ARE contenders to win Europe's top prize
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There is little doubt that Franco Smith believes Glasgow Warriors are good enough to become European champions. He just doesn’t want to say it out loud. Or for any of his staff or players to do so either. Smith had jokingly chastised Sione Tuipulotu after the Scotland captain revealed live on television that he had looked each of his team-mates in the eye and told them he believed Glasgow could win the Champions Cup this season.
![[Glasgow are hopeful their Scotstoun ground will beat big freeze for clash with Racing 92]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/09/19/93928575-0-image-a-2_1736452453693.jpg)
Attack coach Nigel Carolan will no doubt find himself similarly admonished after his comments earlier this week that Warriors ought to be considered ‘contenders’ to go all the way this season. ‘I’ll have to have a word with Nigel,’ said Smith with tongue-in-cheek, after learning of his bullish stance on Glasgow’s prospects.
![[Smith's Warriors side know they can triumph after lifting last season's URC title]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/09/19/93929085-0-image-a-3_1736452642537.jpg)
Privately, however, Smith will almost certainly agree with both men. The head coach has painstakingly constructed and fostered a winning mentality that has run right through the group during his two-and-half years in charge at Scotstoun. His team reached the Challenge Cup final in his first season, then won the United Rugby Championship in his second. Now in his third year, Glasgow are eyeing up the biggest prize of the lot.
![[Franco Smith is quietly confident that his team can do well among Europe's elite]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/09/19/93928591-0-image-a-4_1736452706601.jpg)
Heach coach Smith has constructed and fostered a winning mentality at Glasgow. Glasgow are hopeful their Scotstoun ground will beat big freeze for clash with Racing 92. Smith's Warriors side know they can triumph after lifting last season's URC title. It will take something special to win the Champions Cup. The Warriors only got as far as the last 16 last season before being beaten by Harlequins, whose head coach Danny Wilson took a great deal of delight in toppling his former employers.
![[Sione Tuipuloto is more bullish and insists Glasgow can be crowned kings of Europe]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/09/19/93929079-0-image-a-5_1736452732242.jpg)
