Getting Closer with 9

By: Jennifer | May 16th, 2009

What a GAME that was. This is actually the first game I watched live in a long long time. The game was surprising close despite the 65:35 possession to Bordeaux. Even without some of our best players (Cavé, Jussie, Wendel) in their best forms, the team did so well. Gourcuff had so many shots on goal, it’s a miracle how he only got one goal. He would have gotten the winner if he didn’t hit the sidebar. Planus has a lot of thanking to do. 10 points ahead of Lyon, that means they’re not winning for sure (+ guaranteed CL spot).

Of course, the play wasn’t all good. Bordeaux was keen on winning and extending the win streak, and you could feel in the atmosphere that all the fans were there to see a win. Good rhythm was established, but Le Mans got that first goal in by Le Tallec. And then the two goals (I’m counting the number of goals Chamakh scored with his head). Bordeaux got visibly tired in the second half, and Valverde looked like a sensitive boy straight out of an emo movie. (Yeah, he wasn’t that great..) My heart almost broke when I saw Wendel in his tracksuit walk emoly to the bench

The only reason why Le Tallec got #2 is from all the holes in the defense and a few defensive mistakes from Trémoulinas as well as Chalmé. I think in a period of around 5 mins, Chalmé gave away two throw ins and a freekick (and proceeded to earn himself a yellow for protesting). The quality of the passing deteriorated, and despite the possession, we kept losing possession at the important places (in their penalty area and in our penalty area).

I do have good things to say though. Trémoulinas made up for the few mistakes by going deep into Le Mans half, making many many offensive runs. I’m pretty sure he contributed to 2 of the 3 goals. He was clearly the best player (or maybe second best to Gourcuff) on the pitch. Even to an oblivious unbiased eye, Gourcuff is pretty much essential to the flow of the team. I’m fairly certain this lineup was centered around him with the likes of Fernando and Gouffran playing around him.

Gregory Sertic wasn’t bad either. He was pretty good, but you can tell he had that air of nervousness around him, like a kid in the big leagues (..which he sort of is). I’ve read a lot of CFA games and he seems to hold a lot of potential, especially with freekicks. (Here’s an interview thingy with him and Traoré)

And lastly, this game finally allowed me a look at Yohann Pelé. He looks very promising and will be a great replacement to Ramé. At least that’s the feeling I get when I see him versus Valverde.

Man was that a long post in a while. I might be watching OL – OM tomorrow depending on if I can find a stream or not, and what can I say? I’m rooting for Lyon.

A bunch of stuff on the Gourcuff situation ensues..

Talks and negotiations started Thursday, and pretty much everyone wants him to stay as of right now. The decision has to be made final before the last game in Caen on May 30 or he goes back to Milan. The negotiations are said to be concentrated on wages as well as the amount of the buyout clause in his contract (can be easily paid if a rich club decides to buy him out). The advice of Christian Gourcuff to Yoann is to stay at least another year but ultimately it is Yoann’s decision.

Many bigger clubs have already set their eyes on him, some including Bayern and Barca.. Diawara even says that if Triaud finds Gourcuff too expensive, he’s willing to give up some of his salary to pay for Gourcuff. How sweet *tears up*

What about your future? Your decision for next season is already taken? No, I have not decided. There was a first contact last Thursday and I think we will need to revisit us soon, because the end Championships approach. I will see it quietly, and when I decided, I will keep everyone informed. For now, honestly, I do not know yet. It is not so easy. I feel good, and I’m happy this season. The group is healthy, with good guys, and lived very well together. So, even if it starts to trot a bit in my head, I’ll try to stay a bit outside of that. The end of Championship is exciting for the whole club. So do not waste energy with each other. ” (interview after Le Man – Bordeaux)