yeahh he is a brilliant player, settled in straight away for me, although his final ball is sometimes dissapointing...
and casey nice to see you join the show
yeah france is a suprisingly interesting league. thing is everyone assumes that the english league is the most interesting but actually if you manage around europe you may find that other teams are actually much more enjoyable to play as. thing about french league is it is really open. ogc nice have been challenging for most of the season and they're not even that great haa.
anyway keep following updates are coming.. the season is nearly over..!
April 2011
A month that promised a lot, but failed to deliver.. Things seemed to start brilliantly with Lyon losing in the first game of the month but we were frustratingly unable to capitalise and elimination from the Europa League meant that things had to drastically improve in the league for us to get anything from this tough, tough season.
Sunday 3rd April 2011
Girondins de Bordeaux 0:0 OGC Nice
Ligue 1, Matchday 30
Nice frustrated Bordeaux today with some determined defensive work.
A frustrating match, much akin to many of the recent performances from Bordeaux.
They dominated possession but with no key performers up front, they failed time and time again to capitalise on some slack defending from Nice.
Nice were in bad form going into this game, without a win in 6, and at home it was a game you would imagine Bordeaux would take some points from, especially with Lyon losing to Nancy-Lorraine earlier in the day.
But the out-of-form Chamakh capitalised how this half of the season was going by missing a glaring opportunity after a brilliant pass from Gourcuff to keep the scores level at 0-0, and keep Bordeaux in second place.
Thursday 7th April 2011
Girondins de Bordeaux 2:1 Club Brugge
Europa League Quarter-Finals, 1st Leg
Lacina Traore bagged a vital late goal for les Girondins
Club Brugge grabbed a vital away goal in this match, and looked to hold on for a draw at the Stade Chaban-Delmas, but substitute Lacina Traore came off the bench to grab a late, late winner.
Club Brugge were under-estimated by many French press and they performed well after going down early to a well executed Vela goal.
And they responded by sliding home a brilliant goal by Vadis Odjidja in the 40th minute to level the tie, and give themselves a valuable away goal.
But yongster Lacina Traore replaced Chamakh on the hour mark before nodding home a brilliant Gourcuff cross to give Bordeaux the edge going into the second tie, but it is the narrowest of leads.
Goalscorers: Carlos Vela (2), Lacina Traore (85)
Sunday 10th April 2011
RC Lens 1:0 Girondins de Bordeaux
Ligue 1, Matchday 31
Roudet scored a crucial goal for RC Lens in the Ligue 1 title race.
Title hopefuls Lens damaged Bordeaux's Ligue 1 chances with a slim defeat which can be blamed mostly on the lack of care in the final third from Bordeaux, that has epitomised this third of the season.
Bordeaux had a number of chances, but a lot of good positions were wasted with wayward long shots, much to the frustration of the manager.
The main culprit was Abou Diaby who came up time and time again into great positions before blasting high over the goal.
Bordeaux were punished after half time when Roudet brought down a Runje free kick to smash home past the goalkeeper for 1-0.
And so it stayed, with Bordeaux being further punished with an injury to key player Steven Defour who will miss the next 4 weeks, including the huge clash with Lyon, who will be delighted with this result.
Thursday 14th April 2011
Club Brugge 2:0 Girondins de Bordeaux
Europa League Quarter-Final, 2nd Leg
Gourcuff leads les Girondins from the field after a disastrous night in the Europa League.
A disastrous night at Jan Breydelstadion ended in heartbreak for Bordeaux as they once again capitulated to a hard-working and surprisingly industrious Club Brugge side.
Throughout the game, their side linked up nicely all over the park and looked very dangerous, but Cedric Carrasso was in fine form to deny them until the 69th minute when Vadis Odjidja scored his second goal of the tie to give the advantage back to Brugge with the away goal.
You might have been forgiven for expecting Bordeaux to go ahead and push for the away goal which would have seen them through but they were unable to make any breakthroughs in the Brugge defence and they were finished off brilliantly by Dorge Kouemaha who rounded off a superb Brugge move by slotting coolly past the oncoming Carrasso.
A nightmare for the Bordeaux manager, as he clings loosely now onto the Ligue 1 title as his only chance of silverware this season.
Sunday 17th April 2011
Girondins de Bordeaux 1:1 Olympique Lyonnais
Ligue 1, Matchday 32
Gregory Sertic's goal ensured at least a point for Bordeaux against Lyon.
The worst place to go when you're on a poor run of form is Lyon, but Bordeaux managed a good point which at least showed some character that was duly missing from their previous game.
A win would see Bordeaux close in on the Ligue 1 title with Lyon 3 points ahead of them, and they looked good for it when Gregory Sertic finished a tidy move by slamming into an empty net after Chamakh's initial shot was parried by Hugo Lloris.
But not long into the second half, midfielder Kim Kaellstroem put Lyon back in the game by smashing in on the turn from a free-kick.
Bordeaux did not give up though and continued to press but found Lloris in defiant mood, time and time again denying their frontline, and they also found no friend in the crossbar.
In the end, it remained a draw, not a great result for Bordeaux, but it brought with it a performance with which the manager can be boosted by with 6 games of the season to go.
Saturday 23rd April 2011
SC Bastia 2:3 Girondins de Bordeaux
Ligue 1, Matchday 33
Henrique's incredible double keeps Bordeaux vying for the championship after an enthralling game against now relegated Bastia SC.
The season is coming to its end, and this could be
the crucial result for Bordeaux. With Lyon dropping points against En Avant de Guingamp, the pressure was on for Bordeaux to get the three points here against Bastia, the team in 19th in the league.
But Bordeaux threatened to capitulate again when Geffory was let in sinfully by Michael Ciani to tap past Carrasso.
But the brilliant Carlos Vela latched on to a Gourcuff through ball to slot home and put Bordeaux back in the game, and Henrique handed them the advantage just before half time, heading home a Gourcuff corner.
Things were then, seemingly, made easier when Bastia lost their centre back Johan Martial.
But instead of pressing, Bordeaux simply sat back and the crowd went absolutely mental when Thomas Dessevi scored for Bastia in the 82nd minute to secure the most unlikely of draws, slotting home excellently from a simple long-ball counter attack.
But Henrique rescued Bordeaux with a last minute header to send the away fans delirious and keep them holding on to the faint hopes of Ligue 1 victory.
Wednesday 27th April 2011
Girondins de Bordeaux 3:2 Paris Saint-Germain
Ligue 1, Matchday 33
Chamakh scores the winner in one of the greatest games of recent Bordeaux history.
This rivalry is without doubt, the best in France at the moment. Having already played each other three times this season in all competitions, this match promised a real fight, and with Bordeaux under a lot of pressure, it put even more emphasis on the importance of this match.
It was an electric game from start to finish and it started excellently for les Girondins when Gregory Sertic scored a superb free kick after 19 minutes to hand them the lead.
But Kompany brought down Mevlut Erdinc in the box just 6 minutes later, for Hoarau to slot home the resulting penalty.
And much to the annoyance of the Bordeaux manager, Mevlut Erdinc then went on a fantastic run on the right wing before slotting past Carrasso from an angle to put PSG in the driving seat in just 2 minutes.
The match was then a frustrating one for the Bordeaux fans, as they sat grimly in the stands, losing all faith in their bid for the title.
But with 5 minutes to go, hope was restored when the captain, Yoann Gourcuff was played into space by Vela to slot brilliantly home.
And incredibly, with just a minute left on the clock, Vela chipped the ball from the edge of the 18-yard box for Chamakh to send a looping header over Penneteau and send the home fans absolutely mental.
It was a truly fantastic end to the match, and Bordeaux showed nerves of steel to hold on to victory and this match will go down in legend if Bordeaux are able to secure the Ligue 1 title.
Goalscorers: Gregory Sertic (19), Yoann Gourcuff (85), Marouane Chamakh (89)
The most incredible of months. I was tearing my hair out, literally, last night when we were knocked out of the Europa League and when we lost to Lens. I did honestly think that the dream was over. But whilst I had my head in my hands Gourcuff scored that late equaliser and I went absolutely mental when Chamakh sent in that header, you simply would not believe it.
Here's the table, it is truly nailbiting:
1. Olympique Lyonnais
64
2. Girondins de Bordeaux 64
3. Stade Rennais FC
63
4. Paris Saint-Germain
59
5. RC Lens
58
6. Toulouse FC
55
It's been a season that has really played with my emotions and that game against PSG has really fired me up for the last 3 games of the season. We are just a goal behind Lyon on goal difference and May will decide how the Ligue 1 title will be decided. I am so nervous, but so stoked and I hope you are too. Results will come this evening!!
---------- Post added at 09:56 PM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 11:14 PM ----------
May 2011
Without a doubt, the biggest month to date.
Things could have been decided up to now but we have been knocked out of both the domestic cups and the Europa League.
All we have left is Ligue 1
Our remaining fixtures are against Havre AC (19th), Stade Rennais (3rd) and USBCO (16th).
We have as many games as Lyon left to play and it could well be decided on goal difference, as we ended April on 64 points each.
Fixtures and results to follow as they come.
Saturday 7th May 2011
Le Havre AC 0:3 Girondins de Bordeaux
Ligue 1, Mathchday 36
Yoann Gouffran scored the crucial second goal to seal victory for Bordeaux and give them a chance of winning Ligue 1
Bordeaux dominated from start to finish and were able to secure a promising victory ahead of Lyon's match against Monaco tommorow.
Carlos Vela slotted home after just 16 minutes to give Bordeaux a nice lead and they then doubled that on the counter-attack when Gouffran slotted home, and things looked comfortable for Bordeaux.
Passing around nicely, and finding a lot of space in the Le Havre defence, they found a third late on when substitute Cheick Diabate flicked on a Jussie ball over the keeper Pancrate and into the back of the net for 3:0. With Lyon playing tommorow this is a victory that puts the pressure on them.
Wednesday 11th May 2011
Girondins de Bordeaux 1:3 Stade Rennais FC
Ligue 1, Matchday 37
Henrique receives the red card that effectively ended Bordeaux's title hopes at the Stade Chaban-Delmas
The crucial blow was struck against Bordeaux today as they went down to Stade Rennais after losing Henrique to a red card.
Bordeaux had the better of the first half and took the lead early on, Gourcuff expertly flicking on Vela's cross to put them ahead.
And things looked good at half-time, with title rivals Lyon being held at Montpellier.
But Rennes drove a crucial equaliser in after 49 minutes, which came as a punch in the face for the Bordeaux players. They reacted well though, and spurred on by the lure of the Ligue 1 title, they pressed and pressed, twice hitting the crossbar through misfiring Chamakh and substitute Yannick Djalo.
But after 80 minutes, Henrique was dismissed for a second bookable offence and Rennes took the lead from a corner just a minute later, Kevin Anin heading in at the back post, unmarked to give them the lead.
They were then awarded a penalty after Abou Diarra brought down Badiane in the box, and Ismael Bangoura scored to effectively knock Bordeaux out of the title race.
Saturday 14th May 2011
USBCO 0:0 Girondins de Bordeaux
Ligue 1, Matchday 38
Manager Illyroy was furious leaving le Stade de la Liberation today after seeing his side mis-fire once again to see them finish 3rd in Ligue 1, when the title seemed more than just a possibility only 2 months ago.
His side were easily the dominant side, creating anumber of chances, but Chamakh and Vela both missed glorious opportuinites which would have seen them finish second in the league.
Instead they finish 3rd, on a low for the season and without any silverware.
Sam Illyroy: "I am absolutely gutted, to tell you the truth. Absolutely gutted. We worked so hard all season and saw ourselves slip in March and that's cost us everything. Needless defeats in the Cup competitions, a shocking display against Club Brugge and some really poor performances in the league, including some very dissapointing individual performances have left us 3rd and with no silverware or anything for the fans. In a season that promised so much, I must apologise to fans of les Girondins after failing to deliver this season. The only bonus I can take is our participation in the Champions League next season, and if we do not manage any silverware in 2011/2012, I am afraid that will be the end of my career here in France."
Such a dissapointing end to the season, can't stress it enough. We played well in the last few games but didn't take our chances or just gave up and were punished. Lack of commitment in that final game cost us a 2nd position spot which has really frustrated me after all our hard work. Sighh. On to the next season then, 2011/2012. Hopefully I'll get some investment and we can get in a few players to help us push up the league.
A Bientot, until next season and thanks for following.
Sorry for dissapointing
Final Ligue 1 Table
1. Olympique Lyonnais
73
2. Stade Rennais FC
69
3. Girondins Bordeaux 68
4. Paris Saint-Germain
62
5. RC Lens
62
6. Toulouse FC
60
Player of the Season 2010/2011
Yoann Gourcuff
I made this decision with either him or Marouane Chamakh in mind. Marouane got 16 goals and 6 assists, but for me, he was inconsistent, and failed to turn up when it really mattered at the end of the season. On the other hand, Gourcuff was a hero, returning 8 goals and 16 assists in a brilliant season for him, and he was there throughout. A brilliant achievement from him and we'd be lucky to hold onto him over the summer.
Top Goalscorer
Marouane Chamakh - 16 goals
Naturally, Marouane wins this one after bagging 16 goals in all competitions. Until January he was on fire, and some of his finishes were sublime, linking him with big money moves to Madrid. But he failed to build on that early form and dipped towards the end. Nevertheless, 2nd and 3rd placed Ciani and Yannick Djalo only got 10 goals each so he was ahead by quite a way.
Young Player of the Season
Gregory Sertic
For me, there was no other competitor. We saw some good young players turn out for us this season such as Carlos Vela, on loan from Arsenal, and Chieck Diabate. But Sertic broke into the first team for most of the season, and delivered some spectacular free-kicks that give us hope for his potential.
The Trophy Cabinet
No new additions to my trophy cabinet this season, dissapointingly, but we look forward to adding to it next season. Vive les Girondins!
---------- Post added at 05:17 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 09:58 PM ----------
July 2011
The Transfer Window
Given a transfer budget of 120k a week and 25m to spend on players, I decided not to go lavishly.
The first key news was that Yoann Gourcuff was looking for new employment, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich both interested in the attacking midfielder, so I have set out scouting for new players for that position.
However, I also highlighted key areas in our team that needed boosting: right back, centre back, right wing and up front.
To that end, I have brought in the following players:
Roman Pavlyuchenko - Tottenham - 1,600,000
Roman is a top all round player. Strong, good in the air and a composed finisher he has all the qualities I'm looking for in a striker, especially with Chamakh linked with a move away from the Stade Chaban Delmas.
Gianni Zuiverloon - West Brom - Free
I picked this youngster up on a pre-contract midway through last season after highlighting a weakness in our right back position, with Faubert having to cover for Juan Valera for a lot of the season. Should be an excellent acquisition.
Javi Garcia - Benfica - 2,500,000
A young Spanish talent who plays most comfortably just in front of the defence. Composed on the ball, strong in the tackle and just 22 years old - a gem of a signing in my opinion.
John Arne Riise - Roma - 2,500,000
John spent last season on loan at the Stade Chaban Delmas and really impressed. Will be brought in mostly for cover for Benoit Tremoulinas.
Sergiy Kryvtsov - Rosenburg - 5,000,000
Sergiy is a huge talent. He moved to Rosenburg from Shakhtar for just 1,000,000 pounds stirling and became an invaluable member of their team. He has pace for a centre-back, he's very intelligent and has great defensive technical skills. I'm really excited about this signing and think he should be a gem.
Mauro Camoranesi - Juventus - Free
Mauro has huge amounts of experience and adds a bit of class to the right midfield position. He is well known across Europe for his on the ball ability and I think, behind Gouffran in the pecking order he should help us push for silverware this season.
Thierry Henry - Barcelona - Free
Do I really have to say anything more?
I'm really excited about the players I've brought in and they've gelled fantastically in pre-season, showing glimpses of real togetherness and I feel a lot more confident about the coming season with these transfers under the belt.
Not only that, but I still have 24m to spend after selling Grzegorz Krychowiak, Paul Lasne, Ludovic Sane, Salif Sane, Floyd Ayite and Martin Cantero.
No key players have left the club as yet, that will be seen over the next month but in general I think I have good depth, and a good sized squad for the coming season as we give Lyon what they deserve!
but yeah to be fair he is a c**t haa.
