It’s been a season of contrasting emotions for Les Girondins and their fans, but 2012/2013 should go down as ultimately a successful year. Even before the season had begun, expectations were somewhat lowered when it became clear that there would no funds available for new players. Despite snatching a Europa League spot on the final day of last season, President Jean-Louis Triaud stated that the club simply could not afford to add to the squad. Whilst PSG haemorrhaging Euros, Francis Gillot was forced to put a positive spin on the situation, emphasising that the squad had enough quality to finish 5th last season and now had the advantage of having played together for a year. Realistically though, without the ability to improve the squad it was always going to be a tough season for a small squad, especially with the prospect of a Europa League campaign.
The season started brightly enough with Bordeaux winning their first two league games before taking a hard-earned point from the Parc des Princes, surprising everyone by shutting out the glittering PSG attack in their own back yard. Importantly, Les Girondins managed to secure qualification for the group stage of the Europa League with a last-second Yoan Gouffran penalty to scrape past Red Star Belgrade, and for the majority of the season, it would be this competition that would provide most of the excitement. Thumping victories at home to Brugge and Newcastle saw Les Marines et Blancs top Group D and a surprise defeat of Dynamo Kiev in the Round of 32 set up a mouth-watering clash with Portuguese giants Benfica. Ultimately Benfica would prevail after 3-2 win at the Stade Chaban Delmas, but Bordeaux more than held their own in Europe this year, a really pleasing aspect of this season.
While in Europe things were progressing above expectations, back in Ligue 1 early season promise was petering out. Despite going unbeaten until October, several drab draws had left Les Girondins stranded in mid-table and with the exception of excellent wins over Lyon and Marseille, little would suggest a challenge for the European spots could be made. The loss of top scorer Gouffran and midfielder Jussiê in the January transfer window were further blows, having earlier lost Michael Ciani to Lazio, although the club was finally able to recruit, signing striker Diego Rolan and ex-Girondin Julien Faubert. Thanks to a resurgence in April and May, Bordeaux would finish 7th, which given the size of the squad was a solid position and meets the pre-season target, so job done.
The dramatic Coupe de France triumph over Evian was undoubtedly the season highlight (and probably the highlight of the last three years!). After playing every round away from home, Les Girondins smashed in a last-minute winner to lift the famous trophy for the first time since 1987 and qualify for Europe again – the financial importance of which cannot be underestimated. In many ways, the Quarter Final victory at RC Lens changed the direction of the season. Out of Europe and stuck in mid-table, Gillot’s men were now presented with a real opportunity for silverware and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. By immediately prioritising the cup, Les Girondins were rewarded handsomely and turned an average season into a successful one.
Key Player: Cedric Carrasso. Whilst Obraniak and Tremoulinas both had strong seasons, goalkeeper Carrasso was consistently excellent throughout the campaign. Without Carrasso between the sticks, so many already disappointing draws could easily have been defeats. If this turns out to be his last season with Bordeaux, then at least it was a great one.
FINAL POSITION: 7th
Review by @Girondin_ant