Teamwork is the key to Toon successYohan Cabaye states in an interview that he believes teamwork has been responsibly for a lot of Newcastle United’s success this season and that it’s teamwork that can help us compete even with clubs that have better players.
Yohan Cabaye has been assessing the season for French site Sport24.com and this is what he had to say:
Interviewer: “Yohan, what is your assessment of your first season at Newcastle?”
Yohan: “I think the outcome is very positive. Early in the season, if we were told that Newcastle would finish 5th, nobody would have believed it. Our results have been beyond the expectations of the fans.”
Interviewer: “You have near caused a big surprise by getting qualification to the Champions League … ”
Yohan: “As the season progressed, we found ourselves playing in 3rd or 4th place. There is a little disappointment that we didn’t finish there but it is quickly forgotten because we had a good season anyway. And to qualify for Europe and the Europa League was really important for the fans and the club. This has been a very successful season.” (more…)
Entertainers Mark 2?Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye and manager Alan Pardew give their view on our Champions League aspirations.
Alan Pardew’s switch to a 4-3-3 has certainly improved Newcastle in terms of entertainment value and with players like Ben Arfa on the pitch we’re recapturing a little of the classic, 90’s ‘Entertainers’ era. Yohan Cabaye gives a nod towards that era in his latest interview. Cabaye said:
“I was young but I remember David Ginola playing here.”
Thanks Yohan, you’ve made me feel quite old. He’d have been 8-10 during those years.
“They were fighting with Man United for the title and they beat them 5-0, and I remember Ginola’s goal. We are proud to share some records with them.,” Cabaye continued.
Then, talking about our Champions League aspirations, Cabaye said:
“Why not? We have four games and we’re in a good position.
“It was important to beat Stoke to help secure the Europa League. For the Champions League though, I think we must wait to see if we are still in the race when we play Man City here and Everton away. But we have a chance.” (more…)
Deathmatch v BartonNewcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye muses on the English game and is looking forward to playing against Joey Barton in our next league game.
Things seem a bit flat of late. By which I don’t mean that they’ve been run over by a passing steamroller, but rather since the transfer window closed – and without a game last weekend – there just doesn’t seem to be a lot happening on the ‘Toon News’ front.
I’m curious to see how Pardew will attempt to talk around the abject disappointment of the late transfer window dealings. Or lack of them in our case. I actually feel for the guy as I reckon his disappointment will be equal to ours and yet – if history is any guide – he’ll be tasked with trying to put a positive spin on things.
He could start by mentioning Yohan Cabaye, who has been speaking to The Journal to tell them he’s all fired up to play opposite Joey Barton in our upcoming game against QPR.
Yohan said: “I am looking forward to it. I’m sad to see Joey go. I will be happy to see Joey again next week – and to win against him!”
Well, hopefully, although I don’t think QPR will be pushovers by any stretch of the imagination. (more…)
Settling in wellNewcastle United new boy Yohan Cabaye talks about his first impressions of the club, how hard it was to leave Lille and life in England in general.
This interview appeared on Lille FC’s site and all I’ve done is to transcribe it and do my best to correct some dodgy Franglaise returned by Google Translate.
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Yohan, good morning. We are pleased to hear from you. How are you adapting to life in England?
Very well, thank you. I was fortunate to quickly find a house when I first came for the medical examination. I was able to go on holiday with the peace of mind of knowing that. Everything is going well with the other players, I was welcomed nicely. Knowing that my English is not too good, they make the effort to speak slowly so I can understand. I’m starting to get my bearings.
What were your impressions on arriving in Newcastle?
There are some things you only understand when you arrive in Newcastle. People there live for football. Wherever you go, you wear the jersey of Newcastle. This is awesome! This club has a great reputation because it has a prestigious past. For example, for first friendly match against a team from the fifth division, there were 9000 people at the stadium with 6,000 fans Magpies.(more…)
Europe in a year?New Newcastle United midfield Yohan Cabaye talks about Europe and how other new recruits will be joining him during this transfer window.
New recruit Yohan Cabaye seems generally impressed with things at Newcastle and hopes we’ll be in Europe within a year. In a recent interview he said:
“I am going to play in the best championship in the world for a club who want to get back into Europe within a year and one who are building an ambitious team.”
He is talking about Newcastle isn’t he? Just thought I’d check.
He then goes on to suggest that he’s just the first of many signings the club has planned for this transfer window, saying:
“I am the first recruit but I have discussed things with manager Alan Pardew and I know others will follow. The directors have assured me on this point.” (more…)
