Cavenaghi Interview

By: set | August 20th, 2008

Here is a translation of an interview Fernando Cavenaghi gave to footmercato.

FootMercato : First of all, before we talk about Bordeaux, can you explain us why you made the choice to join Russia when you left River Plate, despite the several other european teams that wanted to hire you?

Fernando Cavenaghi : It’s very simple. The only club that was really interested by my services was Spartak Moscow. At that time, I wanted to leave River Plate and this team made me a good offer. It was a team that plays regularly in European cups. But also, I can’t deny it, financially it was great for me, so I went for it.

FM : After expressing your wish to play in a more competitive league than Russia, why did you chose Bordeaux?

FC : I had proposals from Italy and Spain, but Bordeaux was the only team to send their president to see me personnally in Moscow. And then, Michel Pavon came too. They really proved that they wanted me.

FM : Surprising choice when you know Argentines and South-Americans in general prefer to play in Liga or Serie A.

FC : It’s true that Spanish and Italian football is much more watched in Argentina than the other leagues, but what I really wanted was to join a great club. Bordeaux is among the 5 best French teams.

FM : Considering your performance in Ligue1, did any other French team than Bordeaux approached you?

FC : Not that I know of.

FM : It’s now been a year and a half that you are in Gironde, how do you feel about your performance so far.

FC : When you look at the number of games I played and the amount of goals I scored, as well as the few trophies won with Bordeaux (Coupe de la ligue 2007, Trophée des Champions 2008), it’s a very positive record.

FM : Yet, at your arrival, the coach (Ricardo) wasn’t making you play regularly despite your €10M transfer.

FC : I took it well, I was fine. It was my period of adaptation to French football. I had played in Argentina and Russia before. They were both very different kinds of football so I needed some perspective.

FM : You are unquestionably a goal hunter, who was your role model when you were young?

FC : Without comparing myself to anybody, I love Batistuta. He’s my idol since very young.

FM : Do you know where your nickname “torito” (small bull) comes from?

FC : (laughs) To say the truth, I have no idea. It was in Argentina that a journalist gave me this nickname, maybe because of my strength or something like that.

FM : Let’s now talk about last season, Bordeaux lost the title by 4 points, is this year the year?

FC : Lyon is very strong, but we have a very good squad. The title is our objective this season, but to say that this year is the year is too early.

FM : What did Bordeaux lack of to be champion last year?

FC : What cost us the title was our two games lost against Lyon (1-3 and 4-2).

FM : Can the fact Lyon recruited many youngsters (Pjanic, Ederson, Lloris) this year be an advantage for you?

FC : No, I don’t think so. These are two or three new players that join a very experienced squad.

FM : What are Bordeaux’s strong points compared to last year?

FC : Oh the squad, or the basis of the squad, is the same..

FM : People talk a lot about the two Yohanns, Gourcuff and Gouffran, though…

FC : If you think about the comparison with Micoud, I think we can’t be too impatient with Gourcuff. It’s going to be his second league game, so patience. He’s still very young. But I hope he will become a Micoud.

FM : Last year you scored 15 goals in 23 games, do you think about the Ligue 1 top scorer title?

FC : It’s not going to be easy. It depends how many games I’m going to play.

FM : But with such an output, Karim Benzema’s 21 goals seem to be within reach.

FC : (laughs) If God wants, yes probably. But that’s not my top priority.

FM : You’re starting your second season with Bordeaux, do you think about joining an other team in the near future?

FC : Yes, I would like to join a major European team, but not in a near future. I’m totally with Bordeaux right now.

FM : And next year?

FC : I have no idea. I still have a three year contract here and I would only leave if a very big club approaches me.

FM : Your forecast for the top three and bottom three teams this season?

FC : For the top 3, I see Bordeaux, Lyon and Marseille. But then for the last three teams, I’m not going to say anything, out of respect for every team.

FM : Tell us about your new Argentine International status.

FC : To join Bordeaux has been decisive for my international career. I hope to quickly become a leader in the selection and I’ll do everything to be part of the next international campaigns.