The Chronicle yesterday published an article, narrated by former player Olivier Bernard, regarding the current situation of Yohan Cabaye.
Cabaye has become a highlight of rumour columns. The Frenchman’s lack of playing time at PSG, coupled with the upcoming European Championships, has seen Cabaye reconsider his future.
Bernard claimed Cabaye would consider rejoining Newcastle should they show the required ambition. Scores of fans reacted and agreed with the narrative, claiming Newcastle need to show more ambition in this ongoing transfer window. The article written up has stirred opinions, so I would like to offer my view point and investigate both reasoning and thought processes.
Would I, given the opportunity, re-sign Yohan Cabaye?
My answer would be categorically no! Picture the scene: August 19th 2013, Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Newcastle United prepare to embark upon a new season. Having only narrowly avoided relegation fans were hoping the club could readdress the previous seasons deficiencies. As fans entered the City of Manchester stadium, filled local bars and switched TV’s over to coverage of the game, Newcastle’s team sheet showed the omission of Yohan Cabaye. No injury or suspension left fans wondering what was Pardew playing at. News quickly spread Cabaye had actually gone on strike, refusing to play or join up with the squad. As a fan would it be unreasonable to want the best players on the pitch when fit? Is it also unreasonable for the player to give his all whilst under contract? Seeing Cabaye refuse to play was a betrayal to me. A bond between fan and player broken beyond repair. As a fan, commitment, desire and pride to wear the shirt matters. I will support any player who gives his all on the field. Cabaye’s reluctance to do so suggests as many already suggested – Newcastle United were nothing more than a stepping stone for Cabaye. The Premier League offering a platform and audience Lille couldn’t and like many players, Newcastle just paid their wages until a bigger club came calling. Players have their reasoning for wanting moves. Cabaye is not the first nor will he be the last to enter into such a transfer. Players do move, its wholly unexpected once a player signs they’ll finish their length of contract, never mind remain there until retirement calls. Players will be transferred and move, however there is respectful ways of doing things. Eventually Cabaye returned to the squad and contributed to the team before finally getting his wish.
What has Cabaye achieved since leaving?
First of all Cabaye joined the biggest football club in France. A team packed with individual superstars and seasoned internationals. Cabaye’s basic salary will have increased first of all compared to what he was earning at Newcastle. Cabaye cited reasons for leaving as wanting to play in the Champions League and challenge for silverware, achieving this by winning two Ligue 1 titles, the Coupe de France and twice lifting the Coupe de la Ligue twice. Face value would suggest he’s done fantastically, however you must dig deeper.
After 18 months in France, Cabaye has only represented PSG 36 times, and the majority of those appearances came from the substitutes bench. Cabaye has had his fair share of injuries but on the whole he was unable to oust fellow French international Blaise Matuidi, Italian holding midfielder Thiago Motta and Italian superstar Marco Verratti. Having added medals to his collection how much of the success down to Cabaye’s contribution? Hardly any at all if you are honest. Didier Deschamps when questioned by reporters declared he will only be selecting players who are playing, representing and contributing with their respective club sides. Such news has forced Cabaye to rethink his options. Game time will be limited next season, also factoring in that PSG have seen Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules relaxed so you can invisage high profile recruits incoming pushing Cabaye further down the pecking order.
West Ham and Crystal Palace are reportedly firming up interest but a move to such a club is a backward step, below Newcastle United in my opinion. In answer to the question what has he achieved the answer is an increase in wages! If you see stagnation of a career a positive add this to Cabaye’s resume.
Have Newcastle United declined since Cabaye’s exit?
The answer to this has to be categorically yes! However I don’t attribute Cabaye leaving to Newcastle’s near collapse.
Coaching, direction and leadership have long before the transfer of Cabaye become a huge thorn in Newcastle’s side. Alan Pardew’s Newcastle suffered at the hands of a coaching team unfit for purpose. When Cabaye left for pastures new Pardew had no alternative plan. Having a midfield full of internationals he failed to create a system to bring out the strengths of the current squad. The old cliche one player doesn’t make a team stands out within my mind. The 2012/13 season Newcastle were nearly relegated. Only a last gasp away victory to already doomed QPR saved our Premier League status. Cabaye missed large periods of this season due to injuries and personal issues, however he was as much at fault as anyone else connected with the club. Fans message boards and social media buzzed with disgust and many fans openly stated they would sell Cabaye due to poor performances. Cabaye whilst providing moments of magic, on the same note could drift from game to game offering nothing. You can attribute this to poor coaching as many players suffered regression under Pardew, however it must be said a minority of fans place ‘Dreamboat’ upon a pedestal not bestowing his true and current ability.
There is little to no point of keeping an unhappy individual. Such scenarios see the confidence and morale drop within the squad. Individuals involved within the situation walk away positively.
Does re-signing Cabaye show ambition?
What defines ambition? As a supporter, I deem the notion as looking to address weaknesses and moving forward. Cabaye is 29-years-old, and probably has 2-3 years left at the top level. How many fans are being lured in by nostalgia? Cabaye has sat upon the bench for too long, there is no possible way he will be the same player he once was.
Many don’t look at the business side of things nor are they interested, however this instance I feel it’s important. PSG are reportedly demanding £10.6 Million for the Frenchman which is within Newcastle’s budgets, but his £100k-a-week wages are a huge stumbling block. In order to provide such a deal Newcastle would have to smash their wage structure – is he worth such a package? Offering lucrative financial packages can create problems as fellow internationals request parity. Why would you set such presidents to only move away to appease supporters and one player? Whether you want to admit it or not football is a business and barring two or three super clubs everyone within the football world has budgets and restrictions.
Georginio Wijnaldum, Marco Van Ginkel and Florian Thauvin are believed to be the names Graham Carr has targeted to take Newcastle United forward. All three of these players are young, hungry driven with great technical ability, international recognition and a career to look forward to. Does signing this kind of player represent more ambition than Cabaye? I would say yes, players incoming start with a clean state and a new challenge. Settling for Cabaye is similar to going back to a hateful ex: you don’t want to but you see no other alternative.
Fans from the stands of St James’ Park created the song ‘Don’t sell Cabaye’, can we change this to ‘Don’t re-sign Cabaye?’
