FC Girondins de Bordeaux » Cavenaghi

2008 In Review: The Biggest

Jennifer — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:26:21 +0000

^L’Equipe’s team of the year. Bordeaux’s only one two players off from Lyon!

Biggest Flop: Diego Placente
Free transfer or not, I think this one is unanimous. It’s like buying another CFA player except much older and not as talented.

Biggest Diappointment: Mathieu Jérémy
It’s too bad he did not sign. He would have been a great replacement for Jurietti. Bordeaux still shows interest in him since he is not extending with Toulouse, but my guess is that he is leaving for the Premiership.

AND

Yoan Gouffran
Surprise? No, not really. His performance was really disappointing. I prefer not to speak more.

Biggest Promise: Gabriel Obertan
Gaby has all the makings of a star (in the strict non-womanizing, non-Drama Queen, excellent footballer way). A loan away will allow him he the experience he needs to excel. FC Nantes really wants him now, too. Not surprising.

Biggest Invention: GirondinsTV/GirondinsMag
Uhhh, when can I get my hands on those?

Biggest Injury: Ulrich Ramé
We couldn’t fix him in time, it certainly cost a few, albeit important, games.

Also there’s Wendel..more of a mental thing, but he’s back and I’m glad for it.

Biggest Performer: Yoann Gourcuff
This one’s been expected by everyone. Raking in pageviews everywhere, who can beat that?! *Cue naked jokes….or banana hammock*
(I also like to acknowledge the consistent, solid services of Diarra and Diawara. Without you we’d be even shittier than we think we are.)

Biggest Break: Kevin Olimpa
It’s not like a really impressive start, but definitely a shocker that Valverde would break a few games after Ramé breaks. I think he’ll become a great keeper if he’s given the chance, unlike Valverde, who scares the living shit out of me.

Biggest Matchup: Lyon – Bordeaux
This has been the best match up this season. The games have been pretty exciting so far, and I hope the next one will be just a good (and hopefully we’ll win one that actually counts).

Biggest Influence: Fernando Cavenaghi
I’m a big fan of this guy. I’m a even bigger fan of his finishing and the charisma he has on the field. This is one player who can change the course of a game even as a sub.

Biggest Loss: Roma 2-0 Bordeaux
It’s been a long time coming huh…it was terrible to watch, even worse than that Chelsea game. Well there’s next year..and UEFA Cup

Biggest Moment: Beating Lyon
This blog started off with a bang! That was such an intense game. Moar moar moar!

Biggest Hope: SIGN YOANN “MONEY” GOURCUFF
Self explanatory.

So, what are your biggest(s) this season? Don’t say something dirty.

I’m Going to Eat Some Roman(isti) Babies

Jennifer — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:24:35 +0000

I am angry. Very very very angry. So if you’re having a really great day, please don’t read this. If you’re a Roma fan, again. Or if you’re a Blanc fan, please don’t.

Okay, I understand that this group is a very difficult group to do well in, and for Bordeaux to be so close in points going into the last leg was a very pleasant surprise. But all that aside, an opportunity is an opportunity. You do not go into the match thinking that you had a great time in Champions League and that it was nice to be here. You go in there knowing that you have to win this because you want to get further than just the group stage.

Well today, Bordeaux did not play Roma thinking that. Blanc’s formation (4-3-2-1) was obviously too defensive for a game that is either win or die. I understand that you want to keep a clean sheet, but a draw will not get Bordeaux anything. I’m sure Blanc knew that Roma’s defense would be hard to break down. But what did he do? Add some defensive midfielders to the mix of course. Because Roma are SURELY not going to score with our (shitty) defense. (I’m not pertaining to Diarra, of course).

Second. Why did Blanc start Gouffran? If you read this blog you’ll know that I’ve had problems with this problem since time immemorial. I’ve always sort of ignored it, but this obviously impacted the game today. No, Gouffran is NOT of the caliber to take on Champions League games yet. He’s too unexperienced and frankly ineffective. Now if he was the ONLY FUCKING PLAYER left on the bench that can fill the role, sure. But a player like Fernando Cavenaghi should not be the SUBSTITUTE coming on for GOUFFRAN. Cavé may not be a winger, but with him on the pitch for longer than just 34 minutes would have greatly changed the outcome of the game. I mean, just how do you keep the team’s top scorer and (almost) top scorer of the league on the bench? I’l be shocked if he doesn’t pick Tottenham when the time comes.

Third. Jéremy f**king Ménez, I’m coming to get you. And Thumb-sucking Totti, I’m crashing the party. (That’s right. No Totti, NO PARTY.)

Fourth. The typical it’s all the referee’s fault. Some of the fouls were not fouls. Fernando didn’t touch a single hair on Riise’s body and you give them a freekick? Totti’s goal also came off a Ménez-foul-that-ref-didn’t-see moment.

Finally. UEFA cup. HOW THE F**K AM I GOING TO CATCH THAT? I get Champions League with enough trouble already. Bordeaux had better get their game together, because with this kind of performance, they’re not going to be able to keep their top players (Gourcuff, Cavenaghi, Diarra, Chamakh) and things will just go down hill.

(That said, I actually thought that Ducasse, Jurietti, Chalmé and Diarra played very well. And Ramé is just getting old.. Wendel was quiet. Bordeaux just didn’t have a good game like they hoped.)

Bordeaux Manage Win Over VAFC

Jennifer — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:36:47 +0000

Too tired to talk about it. I’m waaaaaay too worried about Valverde’s shaky performance to appreciate this. Ramé, please please please recover for Tuesday.

Goals and Highlights (minus Gourcuff’s streaking), as well as Chamakh’s interview after the jump.

There’s some Cavé/Gourcuff ass patting at the end. Tetu picked right!

Cavé’s Thoughts

Jennifer — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:15:31 +0000

This is what Cavé thinks about not playing enough.

On the upside, he might go to Tottenham if they offer him twice the pay! On the downside, Triaud won’t let him go.
Manchester City are after Diarra and Chamakh. Of course they want everyone. That includes Fabio Grosso.

Ramé Will Not Start Against Chelsea

Jennifer — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:58:21 +0000

Ummmm, yeah, that basically sums it up.

“If we win it, it will be an achievement.” – Chamakh

Le groupe : Valverde, Olimpa – Chalmé, Diawara, Jurietti, Placente, Planus, Trémoulinas – Diarra, Fernando, Gourcuff, Wendel, Sertic, Traoré – Bellion, Cavenaghi, Chamakh, Gouffran, Obertan.

I was so excited about Ramé returning to training, but I guess he didn’t pass his physical and cannot participate against Chelsea. If Chelsea can squeeze a 4-0 with Ramé in goal, what will happen tomorrow? Jussiê, Saunier and Paletta are also returning. Obertan and Saivet remain injured.

I think the lineup will be fairly predictable, with Cavenaghi starting from the bench (yet again.) As you know, Cavé is very very upset by this setup. He scores in almost every game even when he does come off the bench and is definitely an asset to the team. He does deserve more time on the European level, but I agree with Blanc that he is more of an asset when he comes off the bench to help with finishing. I think comparing Cavé with Chamakh is comparing such different things. Chamakh doesn’t score, but he assists goals and provides the kind of creative impetus that Bordeaux needs up front, along with Gourcuff.

I would love to see Chamakh and Cavenaghi play together because that would be a formidable duo. However, this obviously does not fit in to Blanc’s usual formation with the lone striker up front. In the comments, Julien mentioned that if Cavé does leave in January, it will help with the bills for Gourcuff a lot. I feel the same way, but I’m also concerned with losing our highest scorer. Yes, Chamakh, Bellion and Jussiê are amazing in terms of striking, but I do feel that they just don’t have the finishing quality that Cavenaghi possesses.

A lot of these decisions are up to Blanc to make, including what I think should be a debate: Gouffran or Obertan. I see his need to consolidate what he thinks is a good purchase (gone bad, if I might add); I see the need to allow younger players (perhaps, I mean Homegrown Youth Players That Didn’t Cost As Much As Gouffran Did) to play. One lesson Bordeaux is starting to take from Lyon’s success is the well established academy. Lyon is obviously well prepared for the departure of this generation (Benzema, and already ben Arfa) with the new generation (Tafer, Grenier, etc.). I think Bordeaux’s progress in this step is already evident with players of quality like Saivet, Obertan and Saunier. An alternative to actually buying Gourcuff at this inflated price (when he will leave again in another 2 years, for maybe 5m more) is in two parts: 1. Beg for a loan extension, 2. Invest in (quality) youth players and in the youth system. But as I’ve mentioned before, most of this is up to Blanc, who may or may not leave for greener pastures at the end of the season. No extension deal just yet.

While I’m at it, I might as well throw a few names out there that Bordeaux are following:
-Dănuţ Coman, Goal (Rapid Bucharest): Bordeaux are (rumoured to be) in talks with this young Romanian keeper
-Yoann Pelé, Goal (Le Mans) Linked to Bordeaux for the next season
-Yohan Cabaye, midfield (Lille OSC): Another one of those young French talents coming out of Lille. He claims to have a preference to Bordeaux (questionable), but also won’t mind joining his old coach at Lyon. Fitting in the Lille-on trend, perhaps.

Wow, this post has nothing to do with Chelsea at all and I also just keep talking and talking… Really, a win will be a miracle.

Chamakh Finally Scores as Bordeaux are Down to Keeper #3

Jennifer — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:40:12 +0000

I bring good news and bad news.

I must first say that this was very good game after that terrible loss to Nancy. Goals by Cavenaghi and Chamakh, who was bound to score sooner or later. Gourcuff also had his assist.

But there, have the bad news first — the good news will only be a consolation (unless you happen to support Lyon.)

It wasn’t long ago when I broke out the news over the comments that Ramé’s injury will keep him out for another month. It has barely been 4 days when Valverde had a good game against Cluj. It’s been barely two days since Valverde dared to dream about playing against Lyon and Chelsea, and may I venture, Roma. Well that dream ended in the 44th minute when he received a knock to the head. His injury does seem fairly serious for he lost consciousness right after the knock, but he did regain it a few minutes later and was sent to the hospital immediately.

The main point is, we are now down to option trois, Kevin Olimpa, who had his debut today after Valverde’s injury.

«A guardian must be determined in its sorties or feet, without taking situations lightly, and without thinking that talent is easy. In addition, I have thought of anything or anyone, but just m’arracher at any give and implement the instructions of the coach. I prepared this season in order to have my chance at the highest level. Today I am happy. I do not m’avance Tuesday, as it will depending on the injury of Matthew, but I’m ready. So as long as it continues!»

I’m happy that he took it so positively and I can imagine how nervous he would be if he does start against Lyon, but Guingamp will do him a whole hell lot of good. I’ll try my best to keep the injury news updated.

Other bad news: I take it that almost everyone has heard of the Chamakh wants to go to Tottenham/Arsenal rumours. Yeah, just making sure. He did says that it’s because if he does leave Bordeaux, it will not be for another French club, and he considers the EPL to be where he can make the most progress.

The list of clubs following Cavenaghi so far: Tottenham, Napoli, Stuggart, Palermo, Liverpool and Real Betis. THe amount? 16 million euros. But guess what? Representatives from Newcastle United, Rennes and Strasbourg were present tonight at Chaban-Delmas to watch Bordeaux against Auxerre.

Now for the good news! Watch the goals

Jennifer — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:17:56 +0000

I thought we needed a “just for laughs” section here. *Giggles immaturely*

Just trying to console myself for what may not be a good match day against Cluj. If you don’t already know, Ramé was injured against the loss to Nancy and cannot play tomorrow.

Le groupe : Valverde, Olimpa, Meslien – Chalmé, Diawara, Henrique, Jurietti, Placente, Planus, Trémoulinas – Diarra, Fernando, Gourcuff, Wendel, Traoré – Bellion, Cavenaghi, Chamakh, Gouffran, Obertan.

As We Head Into the Weekend…

Jennifer — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 03:14:58 +0000

The big news, of course, is the game against ASSE tomorrow (which will sadly be missed as I am heading to university fair). School work is starting to pick up so expect to see less of me.

-Wendel is suspended for 3 matches for his red card expulsion against Grenoble. In an interview from a few days ago, he talks about his lack of form, and admits being lost.

“I do not understand what happens. I do nothing good. I have not scored a goal and I do not decisive passes. Besides, I do not kick. Worse, I do not fit.”

but, he’s also going to work hard at it.

“After a while, I tell myself to stop talking and act on the ground”

-Henrique and Diarra are also suspended for ASSE

-Gouffran and Diawara are injured (I’m starting to be very frightened)

-Fernando discusses the game against Grenoble and Chelsea, the strategy for Roma, and talks about Gourcuff (and I say, who isn’t talking about Gourcuff?)

-Cavenaghi turns 25 (September 21st, I know I’m slow). HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY OUR FAVOURITE SAINT! (jks)

Cavenaghi Interview

set — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:30:27 +0000

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.

Cavenaghi –He Sings AND Plays Guitar

Jennifer — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:40:59 +0000

I may spend a fair bit of my life ~~stalking~~ following this man. BUT HE IS AMAZING!!! Singing starts at around 4″