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Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 7:09 am

Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One
By Scott Johnson

Before we start, let me just remind you that Leandro Bacuna is not a criminal. He is not a threat to society. He is not Ryan Giggs.

A vocal minority of you, that is admittedly growing in to a vocal majority, thinks that he is not very good at football, but he is. Everyone playing at Championship level is very good at their chosen craft. Bacuna’s crime is that he’s not as good, or as good a fit, as you want him to be. Yet four successive managers have rated and valued him.

Cardiff and Bacuna celebrate their third anniversary at the end of the month. The traditional gift for such an occasion is leather or crystal, but some would rather see him receive his marching orders. It’s not going to happen though, for various reasons. The biggest of which being that everyone else in his position have already got one foot out of the door, so the likelihood is that he’s here for another 18 months yet.

This is not a good thing because it has clearly become an abusive relationship. Bacuna is struggling and the way some supporters treat him is increasingly nasty. They’re gunning for him and as disappointing as Bacuna’s performances have been at times, I find this treatment of him far more disappointing. And troubling.

We live in angry times and Bacuna feels like a conductor for that anger. He gets lumped in with all the frustration people are already feeling due to Cardiff’s league position, Brexit, Covid and various other societal issues. A period of games played behind closed doors have seen fans return in a heightened state. Everything is felt more intensely and social media only fans the flames.

Bacuna set alarm bells ringing from the off. Signed from Reading in the Championship, where he was not perceived as a standout performer, he was promoted to a struggling Premier League side and given a bumper, long-term deal. It felt like a lazy transfer at a time when Cardiff specialised in them.

Bacuna was there to be the calm in the storm of Neil Warnock’s frantic midfield, and initially he was. In his second appearance, at Southampton, he replaced Aron Gunnarsson on the hour and made a significant difference. Marshalling in front of the back four, he kept it simple and took the sting out of a game that Cardiff would eventually win.

That appeared to be what he was brought in to do and it was a function that Cardiff had long neglected, but like so many tactical tweaks, it never lasted for long and Bacuna soon became some sort of luxury Greg Halford. A Swiss army knife to be used in a variety of situations.

Short of centre back and goalkeeper, Bacuna has played everywhere else since, but rarely in his favoured, presumably intended role. Neil Harris even commenced a season without a recognised right back because Bacuna was able to backfill, like some sort of footballing secondment.

The biggest problem is that Cardiff’s midfield doesn’t work and it hasn’t for the longest time. The blend is all wrong and it either malfunctions or gets bypassed altogether. This has affected Bacuna far more than say Joe Ralls, who always still finds a way to impact games. If Pack is there to receive and recycle possession and Ralls is putting out fires, then what is Bacuna for? It has not gone unnoticed that he just scurries around unproductively most games without any real purpose.

Don’t get me wrong, Bacuna is far from faultless in all this. The most exciting thing about his performances is often his hairstyle. He was and still remains a bad fit. That, and his hefty contract, are not his fault, but he bears the brunt of this every week.

His contribution in terms of goals and assists are negligible, he often loses possession and while he was always renowned for his shooting from distance, it is a skill that he has kept well hidden. What is he good for? Absolutely nothing. I’ve always kept the faith though. I’ve always held the hope that a manager would use him correctly, he would play to his strengths, thrive and prove the doubters wrong, but I accept that is not going to happen now.

Bacuna’s continued selection has become not just problematic, but also toxic. Some people REALLY hate him and you can see it etched on the faces of people at games. They’re gunning for him and it has become harmful for the team’s chances. His recent sending off has seen that reach boiling point, but you wonder if his desperate lunge was in part a biproduct of this sustained criticism and abuse. It has certainly cemented it.

Cardiff fans appear to have some sort of midfield blind spot. Bacuna is only the latest in a long line of targets in that area of the pitch. Some people could never understand what Stephen McPhail did, until a health scare prompted an overdue reappraisal. Josh Murphy’s withdrawal has been sarcastically applauded on two separate occasions, a humiliation that even Peter Whittingham endured. Marlon Pack and Will Vaulks also often get it in the neck. It never helps.

In a piece recently recirculated, Bacuna, while still at Aston Villa, stated his desire to play in the Champions League. That may seem worthy of further scorn now, but Bacuna was once considered a real prospect. Suffice to say, I doubt he pictured being a hated scapegoat in a poor Championship side at this stage of his career.

Footballers are their own biggest fans and harshest critics. None of them set out to play badly and Bacuna will be feeling all this more than anyone. We’re probably past the point of no return now, but you can’t just dismiss players like you can managers. If you could, Bacuna would be long gone, but so would many others who get a relatively easy ride.

Bacuna is not cutting it, I’m sure we can all agree, but the abuse needs to stop because it harms everyone involved and despite the depth of your frustration and hatred, the fact remains that he still deserves far better than this.
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Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:51 am

"Brexit, Covid and various other societal issues."


Well I've heard some excuses for bad players over the years but these take the biscuit. Well done, Scott Johnson!

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:52 am

I personally don't abuse Bacuna but I was one of his admirers early on. It all went tits up for him once he was utilised at RB.
I make a point of watching him for 5 minute spells in games now and it's like we are playing with 10 men. He runs around aimlessly without making any real concerted effort to actually win the ball back. I really have lost my patience with him and question his attitude and passion for this club

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:53 am

A shame he got banned as it seems he would have thrived when the turnstiles stop working. Maybe it's best to keep fans away permanently. Just a thought

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:55 am

nubbsy wrote:"Brexit, Covid and various other societal issues."


Well I've heard some excuses for bad players over the years but these take the biscuit. Well done, Scott Johnson!

I can't beleive someone gets paid to write this

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:58 am

Actually, with hindsight this is well written. Trolling at it's finest and i fell for it hook-line-sinker.

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 10:05 am

"Before we start, let me just remind you that Leandro Bacuna is not a criminal. He is not a threat to society. He is not Ryan Giggs." Scott Johnson

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 10:12 am

What a p*ick Scott Johnson is. Roathie ghostwriting for Scott Johnson? :laughing6:

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 10:17 am

The worst thing for me is that Bacuna plays with "THE GREAT PETER WHITTINGHAM'S"number 7 shirt.
Anyone who plays with that shirt should do it justice,but Bacuna falls way short.Retire the number 7 shirt until we get someone
in who can perform in it. :bluebird:

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 10:50 am

I never usually read this bloke. I read though the first sentences and then gave up. What really is the point in this bloke being given air time?

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 11:51 am

I notice he makes the point that Bacuna is failing in a failing Cardiff midfield because he isn’t being used in the right role. But Scott Johnson does not give any indication of what his right role is. Surely if he was any good like Ralls he would adapt himself to the game that is going on around him not run around aimlessly that is what good footballers do.

He has played under four different managers now it is ridiculous to say that the reason for the fans not liking him is they have all used him in the wrong way. He has to take some responsibility for his own game.

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 12:49 pm

So he's trying to defend Bacuna by going on to massively slate him by repeating things the fans have been saying, but shouldn't be saying?

Bacuna is a bang average championship player stealing a prem wage. Which he will continue to do so for another 18months. I dont hate Bacuna on a personal level but I hate seeing him in the starting 11. I want Cardiff to win and he doesn't help us do that. He offers nothing and doesn't even look that interested.

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 12:59 pm

Scott Johnson is your typical journalist that trolls. Is he not a Swansea fan?

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 1:14 pm

sir ninian wrote:The worst thing for me is that Bacuna plays with "THE GREAT PETER WHITTINGHAM'S"number 7 shirt.
Anyone who plays with that shirt should do it justice,but Bacuna falls way short.Retire the number 7 shirt until we get someone
in who can perform in it. :bluebird:



Hopefully Collwill can take it up in the future!

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 1:18 pm

Bakedalasker wrote:Scott Johnson is your typical journalist that trolls. Is he not a Swansea fan?

He is; and no one has ever seen him in the same room as the other 'Jack' troll...! ;) :laughing6:

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 2:01 pm

Johnson and Bacuna at least have something in common. One writes crap and the other plays it.

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 2:23 pm

He knew what he was doing, and he knew he didnt have to make that tackle like he did.
It comes across as someone who deliberately gets a yellow just before xmas - so they can go on the p1ss.

He is a 'professional' footballer - was Morison happy about the level of professionalism he showed on the pitch ?
Were any of the other players happy about it.

At a time when we are really struggling he goes and does something like that. Docked a weeks wages ?, issue an apology for letting everyone down perhaps ?

We all make mistakes - but looked like a deliberate mistake to me. Hope he comes back and scores a hat trick the next time he is allowed back on the pitch. Somehow I doubt that will happen - given his previous performance. Shame but there we are - another one to add to City donkey list.

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 2:58 pm

ReesWestonSuperMare wrote:He knew what he was doing, and he knew he didnt have to make that tackle like he did.
It comes across as someone who deliberately gets a yellow just before xmas - so they can go on the p1ss.

He is a 'professional' footballer - was Morison happy about the level of professionalism he showed on the pitch ?
Were any of the other players happy about it.

At a time when we are really struggling he goes and does something like that. Docked a weeks wages ?, issue an apology for letting everyone down perhaps ?

We all make mistakes - but looked like a deliberate mistake to me. Hope he comes back and scores a hat trick the next time he is allowed back on the pitch. Somehow I doubt that will happen - given his previous performance. Shame but there we are - another one to add to City donkey list.


I see Scott Johnson's post hasn't helped. Scott Johnson would like to remind you Leandro Bacuna is not a criminal. He is not a threat to society.

Take those views back! Lol :laughing6:

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 3:08 pm

"His recent sending off has seen that reach boiling point, but you wonder if his desperate lunge was in part a biproduct of this sustained criticism and abuse."

I think i worked out who Roathie is :wave: :wave: :wave:

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 3:12 pm

Bambasbestbuddy22 wrote:I personally don't abuse Bacuna but I was one of his admirers early on. It all went tits up for him once he was utilised at RB.
I make a point of watching him for 5 minute spells in games now and it's like we are playing with 10 men. He runs around aimlessly without making any real concerted effort to actually win the ball back. I really have lost my patience with him and question his attitude and passion for this club


I suspect that somewhere between running about aimlessly and attempting two footed tackles would suffice with regards passion for the club? ;-)

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 3:16 pm

What is he good for? Absolutely nothing. I’ve always kept the faith though.
:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 3:22 pm

Danny Says wrote:I never usually read this bloke. I read though the first sentences and then gave up. What really is the point in this bloke being given air time?


Same here, the first sentence convinced me the article was dangerous for my health :wtf:

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 3:24 pm

ThomasC wrote:"His recent sending off has seen that reach boiling point, but you wonder if his desperate lunge was in part a biproduct of this sustained criticism and abuse."

I think i worked out who Roathie is :wave: :wave: :wave:


Aww, I get it. In the same way the author of this article is a crap writer because he gets criticism :? :laughing5:

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 3:40 pm

NPCF3 wrote:
ThomasC wrote:"His recent sending off has seen that reach boiling point, but you wonder if his desperate lunge was in part a biproduct of this sustained criticism and abuse."

I think i worked out who Roathie is :wave: :wave: :wave:


Aww, I get it. In the same way the author of this article is a crap writer because he gets criticism :? :laughing5:

Anti-Cardiff loving our misfortunes the jack b*stard (singular it's Johnson lol) :thumbright: :ayatollah:

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 6:25 pm

under 4 managers played different positions and is still no good im sorry he has had more chances than any other player at Cardiff and is on one of the biggest salaries . Needs to go but no one will take him on those wages glad he is banned worst player in a very long time.

Article is crap too :lol:

Re: Comment: Leandro Bacuna – Public Enemy Number One?

Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:01 pm

Interesting well written and considered opinion.However,the reality -
He is simply going through the motions, flatters to deceive in training.
Typical “ should have would have could have “ Player.