The Gagné Chronicles Episode II: For Club and Country

November was a great month. The highlight was the victory against partner club Monaco. Gameiro was once again out top man.

As I was packing up for the day I got an email that read.


So I decided why not this should be interesting and replied yes. They set up an interview for the next day via skype. I was not at all interested in leaving Dijon but though an interview would be good practice in the future. As I "prepare" for it I notice the club is in 16th place and really need help.

As the interview day arrives I am nervous because if someone from DFCO finds out I could be jobless. So I meet the chairman and what not,, they ask a series of questions and I give outlandish answers. Just as I am about to press end call someone is knocking at my door...

KNOCK KNOCK
Conversation cuts off with Bremen and I hesitate
"Hello?"
"Can I come in, it's me Oliver?"
"sure."
" I know what you were doing!"
"uhhh.."

I got quiet and my face is red.

"It's ok that you interviewed with them."
"Really?"
"Yes but we want you to stay."

At his point I don't think he knows I rejected the offer, so its time to play a fun game.

"I want you to stay and will do anything to keep you here."
"Like what?"
"Just ask."
"I want more money and a feeder club."
"Sure as long as you stay, I will give you 8m extra."
"Sounds good."
"So are you staying?"

I pause...

"uhhh yes I am."
"Good."

Haha I love how I totally played him. Oliver is an idiot if he thinks I would bail on this team right now. Hell Bundesliga is awesome but I rather not try to out do Bayern at this point. PSG is my target right now and I am loving it.

Just like in previous matches between the two sides this match was just as entertaining. Not just on the pitch but also off the field. During Laurent Blanc's weekly press conference he stated, "Mohammed (Sissoko), Maxwell and Kevin (Gameiro) are in for a treat this week as we show why they are not good enough for the club." Dijon manager Marc-Édouard Gagné told the press that, "Mr. Blance needs to not talk about others and mind his own business."

For the match PSG supporters world wide will be very disappointed but the Dijon fans will be extremely proud. Entering this match the two teams faced each other twice since Marc-Édouard Gagné took over in 2013. During the time both clubs would win a match. At this point in the season the clubs are also in the top five in the table, PSG is first and Dijon is fourth.

The match it's self was pretty entertaining depending on who you cheered for. Clearly PSG were the stronger side and had the most chances to score. In the 50th minute they almost struck lucky as Dijon defender Abdoulaye Bamba was not paying attention. The player of the match was Timo Horn of Dijon. Horn was very impressive as he saved every shot that came at him.

After the match we caught up with Gagné and asked about his thoughts. "It was a very good match for us, now I am not upset that we couldn't score but happy that we were able to shut them out." He also went on saying. "I believe we will make Europe after the season is over, the squad works well together and if we continue the success of the first half of the year we can even push for the title."

This match was the final match of 2014 for both clubs. Dijon will return on January third to face Reims in the Coupe de France and PSG will face US Raon-l'Étape that same day.

Our nice winning streak finally ended in the first match of the month and we started a little losing streak for the match after. Things would pick up at the match against Evian. Even though we struggled, I am glad we won!! Next up OL. Finally we drew against PSG. The look on Blanc's face after was priceless. Overall 2014 was a great year from promotion to a good Ligue 1 position. 2015 will be better.

Before the match Dijon FCO manager Marc-Édouard Gagné told the press that they could go all the way and win the competition. Boy is his statement looking good. In an epic match against Lyon Le DFCO be the winners. The match would go all the way to penalties.

With both sides lacking a defensive first mentality, the goals would come faster than you could blink. Neutral fans would have enjoyed this match fr its high goal scoring and drama, but only one celebrated.

It all started as Lyon GK Danilo Fernandes caused an own goal. After that Lyon would answer back, as Lica scored from 14 meters. A few minutes later OL Winger Rajiv van La Parra put Lyon on top in the 23rd minute from 15 meters away. Three minutes later Dijon's superstar 15 year old midfielder Ablam Kokougan equalized for Dijon. As the half was finishing up Bafétimbi Gomis gave Lyon the lead. This would be their final goal. As Dijon were looking for some sort of answer they were all over the place desperate to tie things up. Kévin Gameiro saved the day with a goal in the 69th minute.

After regular time ended we were off to extras. Both squads looked conservative in their play calling causing no score after 30. We were off to Penalties as Dijon would win 4-5 thanks to Vegar Eggen Hedenstad's game winner. Dijon who have never made it to the semi finals will now have a chance to face FC Lorient. The other semi final will be between FC Metz and AS Monaco FC.

Going strong at 4th place, keep it up lad, things are going great!!:)

Enjoying this story Bayern! has been a very good read so far, makes a pleasant change from the English league stories, offers a different perspective! keep it up

Well done sitting at 4th!

@Everyone: Thanks for the comments. Things are going good so far and hopefully I can win a few cups before the season is over. Stay tuned.

The start to the new year gave mixed results for Dijon. The majority of the month we were in both cup competitions and focusing on them. I feel this club can make the fun in both finals. All the clubs that remain are on equal grounds. In league play we slipped. We went 0-2-2. That is very upsetting yet it was my fault. We focused too much on the cup that we neglected our league games. At least the slip was not too bad. Currently in 6th.

Dijon are now on their way to the Coupe de la Ligue final thanks to a two goal performance against FC Lorient. Lady luck has been on Dijon's side all season as they are now on the way to their first final since becoming a club in 1998.

Midfielder Yann Jouffre gave Lorient the early lead in the 24th minute with a spectacular finish. This would be their only goal but they would come close many times. During the 36' Dijon almost gave up a two goal lead when William Remy was not marking his opponent properly. Remy has had this issue all year. Dijon would strike back as Florin Berenguer-Boher scored from close range. Finally Kevin Gameiro would score against his old club from a penalty after a mistake from Wesley Lautoa.

Dijon will now face FC Metz in the final. Metz are a Ligue 2 club who just beat AS Monaco. The match will be played on the 21st of April at the Stade de France.

You can certainly beat Metz in the final and bring home a trophy!

A much better month for us. Starting off against Lorient in the cup was amazing. I can't believe we won that and are off to the final. In league play everything was fine until ESTAC Troyes. They have shocked many in France along with us. Couldn't score at all and sadly Timo scored an own goal. Finally we beat Havre in the 11th round of the Coupe de France. Next up is Stade Rennais in the quarter final.

GET into europe already