[FM22] The Ballad of Benjani - Phase 4 - The emotional high point has been reached - How far long will he keep this up?

[13th Man]

YOU  SHALL NOT PASS!

Fade in to the Portsmouth locker room inside the Etihad with Benjani conferring with assistant manager Dunne ahead of giving the post game talk. Suddenly, the lights go out. We hear confused murmurs and groans for a moment before a cell phone light illuminates CB Nathan Collins’ face. In his best epic film trailer voice, Collins begins.

 

“On a cold and rainy New Year’s Day…”

 

Three booming hits of someone hitting a trash can with an open palm

 

“One of the most powerful forces of evil ever assembled took to the field of battle…”

 

Three booming hits - More players have joined in, laughing as the bang on the benches.

 

“Yet even as the enemy swarmed around him, one man stood firm…”

 

Three booming hits

 

“His name…”

 

Three booming hits

 

“Was Jakob Stolarzcyk!”

 

The lights come back on to reveal Enrique standing tall, keeper Stolarzcyk’s spare jersey on, holding a broom like a staff, a towel wrapped around his waist like a robe, a training cone standing above his stiff line of hair like a terrible approximation of a wizard's hat.

 

He takes a deep breath, and bellows, “YOU! SHALL! NOT! PAAAAAAAASS!”

 

Then he slams the base of the broom on the floor and the room erupts into cheers and the players around the actual Stolarczyk slap his back.

 

 

[Yes that's a Lord of the Rings reference, but one wizard against the power of a giant molten daemon felt about right for how this game went]

 

It truly was a masterclass by the Polish keeper. By all rights, Manchester City deserved to win the game by two or three, but Stolarzcyk stood firm to deny them and Portsmouth somehow escaped with a point.

 

 

All stats and analysis points to a dominant City performance. While Portsmouth managed to keep the ball well in the first half and limited City’s attacks, in the second, the hosts swarmed forward, overwhelming Portsmouth’s defense and throwing everything they had at Stolarzcyk’s goal. 

 

 

You can see two massive saves around the 60 min mark in the xG story.  The other big jump featured Grealish thinking too hard about how his luscious locks would look in the highlight reels as he blasted high when one-on-one with Stolarczyk. It must be said, though, that the keeper also did an excellent job of making himself big as he rushed out, putting the Manchester City wide forward off and forcing him to shoot before he was ready.

 

Stolarczyk

 

The keeper wasn’t a standout player normally, but he had proven to be a perfect fit for Portsmouth’s style in his sweeper keeper role. He helped cover the high line with his speed (13 and 14), command of the area (14), and his ability to both be in the right place at the right time (16) and his decision making (17).  While his distribution wasn’t great, and his shot stopping was below elite, the other factors made him a great player for Portsmouth’s level.

 

To see just how good he was in this game his xG prevented for the season went up nearly 3 and his yearlong save percentage jumped from 77% to 81% in a single game!  [Note, the other players on the graph don’t change much, it’s just Stolarczyk changing the scale of the graph]

 

 

UP NEXT - When it rains it pours

 

[Did I do an entire post about one player’s performance in one game?  Yes I just did.  But it was one of those magical games that would have also made me want to throw the computer out the window if I’d been on the other side of it.  It also gave me a chance to highlight a player who has been one of Benjani’s better signings - quietly playing to his potential in a system that suits him well.]

Edited April 24, 2022 by 13th Man

[GIMN]

Great result and great performance.  What more does the boy need to do to get a 10.0 rating!!?

[13th Man]

On 25/04/2022 at 01:49, GIMN said:

Great result and great performance.  What more does the boy need to do to get a 10.0 rating!!?

Seriously!  But then again, he only had a 90% completion percentage...

[13th Man]

When it rains it pours

 

The first month of 2026 would be another tough one, if maybe not quite like October.  Following Stolarczyk’s masterclass against Manchester City, Portsmouth would then host Manchester United in a very unlucky draw in the FA Cup Third Round.  Chelsea at home would offer little in the way of a reprieve, and though Portsmouth had gotten the better of Brighton, a derby was never easy (even if this rivalry was much less intense than the one against Southampton).  Then Portsmouth would host a strong, top four team in Tottenham before playing struggling Leeds at Elland Road.

 

Facing Manchester United at home again, Benjani wondered if his side could replicate their performance against the Red Devils from October when they won 1-0. Was that a one off?

 

 

At first glance it would appear that way as Portsmouth fell 3-0. However, it was a ridiculous red card that turned the tide. Portsmouth were again enjoying the lion's share of possession, and even with ten men, would end the game with 75% possession.  

 

In the 25th minutes, however, a ball was played in behind, and CB Nathan Collins gave chase with Mason Greenwood. Collins, to be sure, went to ground to ensure he got there first and sent it back to Stolarczyk in goal. Greenwood tripped over Collins - after the ball was gone - and suddenly the whistle went. Benjani is beyond confused - was Greenwood offsides? Did he foul Collins? No, red card for Collins, bafflingly confirmed by VAR.

 

Benjani is forced to pull forward Da Graca from the game and brings on the shaky Lewis Gibson as a replacement for Collins. The mistake prone player shows Benjani why he’d brought in Collins and Mings over the summer as he completely misjudges a lofted cross and allows Greenwood a tap in just before half time. Down a goal, reduced to ten men, it was always going to be tough, but Portsmouth were even deeper in trouble before they woke up.  Another preventable goal and another from a corner confirmed the defeat and Portsmouth's 3rd round exit from the FA Cup.

 

 

To say that the red card changed the game was an understatement. Portsmouth were able to control possession even with ten men, and before the red card, the match looked set to follow the pattern of the October match. Would United’s quality have shown through in the end? Possibly, but the absurd red card for the anchor of Portsmouth’s defense ended any hope of that. 

 

 

Benjani, not normally one to criticize the refs, made his displeasure known post-game, and got a warning from the FA.

 

 

Benjani was rather proud of this result, with Portsmouth keeping the ball well and Chelsea’s attack at arm's length. Lewis Gibson was forced into service again here, and with Mings in the center, acquitted himself much better. Benjani would still be looking to move him out on loan as he simply couldn’t trust him anymore…

 

 

In transfer news, bottom of the table Leeds came in with a surprise bid and triggered Bayliss’ £20m release clause. While that was decent value for the midfielder, Benjani didn’t have anyone on his radar that could play his role. Transfer funds were not an issue, and Bayliss wasn’t all that keen on the move. Instead, Benjani gave him a raise just to be sure, and increased his release clause.

 

 

A frustrating draw for Benjani - Brighton set out not to lose, and managed.  Portsmouth were the better side, but only marginally, and didn’t create nearly enough to justify a win.

 

 

The game against Tottenham was a tough one to take.  Defensively solid, wide CB Faes gave up a very soft penalty on a 50/50 ball.  Benjani saw no reason why he was penalized simply challenging in the air, but Kane, obviously, tucked away the penalty with ease.  It was especially frustrating because Portsmouth had been the better side up to that point, making a handful of decent chances and giving Tottenham nothing.  The goal seemed to shock Pompey, and they struggled to create much, but Tottenham scored again with a beauty of a free kick.  Losing 2-0 while only giving up two shots from open play was a tough pill to swallow.

 

 

After a month without a win, Portsmouth managed to dominate bottom of the table Leeds at Elland Road courtesy of two goals from Enrique…who finally scored for Portsmouth after no one had been able to all month, ending Portsmouth’s five games without a goal. Granted, other than the collapse against Manchester United, they’d only given up those two set-piece goals against Tottenham, but it was a relief to finally find the back of the net.

 

 

It was a tough month for Portsmouth - a tough schedule and some bad luck meant that six points from five games wasn’t but just so disappointing on paper, but felt a bit deflating.  To keep Manchester City and Chelsea at bay, however, was something to be proud of, and Benjani hoped to keep that defensive solidity.

Enrique, named the European Golden Boy at the end of the year, had disappeared a bit in January.  Benjani forgave him, both because he’d done so well in the first half of the season, and because he had been feeding off scraps for most of the month.  Hopefully, he’d get back into scoring form after the Leeds brace…

 

 

A tough month saw Portsmouth slide down a spot in the table, but still with European football well within their reach.  With Portsmouth facing several of the best sides early in the second half of the season, Benjani hoped they might be able to build up some momentum going forward…

 

UP NEXT - Dreaming of Europe

[SixPointer]

11 hours ago, 13th Man said:

When it rains it pours

 

The first month of 2026 would be another tough one, if maybe not quite like October.  Following Stolarczyk’s masterclass against Manchester City, Portsmouth would then host Manchester United in a very unlucky draw in the FA Cup Third Round.  Chelsea at home would offer little in the way of a reprieve, and though Portsmouth had gotten the better of Brighton, a derby was never easy (even if this rivalry was much less intense than the one against Southampton).  Then Portsmouth would host a strong, top four team in Tottenham before playing struggling Leeds at Elland Road.

 

Facing Manchester United at home again, Benjani wondered if his side could replicate their performance against the Red Devils from October when they won 1-0. Was that a one off?

 

 

At first glance it would appear that way as Portsmouth fell 3-0. However, it was a ridiculous red card that turned the tide. Portsmouth were again enjoying the lion's share of possession, and even with ten men, would end the game with 75% possession.  

 

In the 25th minutes, however, a ball was played in behind, and CB Nathan Collins gave chase with Mason Greenwood. Collins, to be sure, went to ground to ensure he got there first and sent it back to Stolarczyk in goal. Greenwood tripped over Collins - after the ball was gone - and suddenly the whistle went. Benjani is beyond confused - was Greenwood offsides? Did he foul Collins? No, red card for Collins, bafflingly confirmed by VAR.

 

Benjani is forced to pull forward Da Graca from the game and brings on the shaky Lewis Gibson as a replacement for Collins. The mistake prone player shows Benjani why he’d brought in Collins and Mings over the summer as he completely misjudges a lofted cross and allows Greenwood a tap in just before half time. Down a goal, reduced to ten men, it was always going to be tough, but Portsmouth were even deeper in trouble before they woke up.  Another preventable goal and another from a corner confirmed the defeat and Portsmouth's 3rd round exit from the FA Cup.

 

 

To say that the red card changed the game was an understatement. Portsmouth were able to control possession even with ten men, and before the red card, the match looked set to follow the pattern of the October match. Would United’s quality have shown through in the end? Possibly, but the absurd red card for the anchor of Portsmouth’s defense ended any hope of that. 

 

 

Benjani, not normally one to criticize the refs, made his displeasure known post-game, and got a warning from the FA.

 

 

Benjani was rather proud of this result, with Portsmouth keeping the ball well and Chelsea’s attack at arm's length. Lewis Gibson was forced into service again here, and with Mings in the center, acquitted himself much better. Benjani would still be looking to move him out on loan as he simply couldn’t trust him anymore…

 

 

In transfer news, bottom of the table Leeds came in with a surprise bid and triggered Bayliss’ £20m release clause. While that was decent value for the midfielder, Benjani didn’t have anyone on his radar that could play his role. Transfer funds were not an issue, and Bayliss wasn’t all that keen on the move. Instead, Benjani gave him a raise just to be sure, and increased his release clause.

 

 

A frustrating draw for Benjani - Brighton set out not to lose, and managed.  Portsmouth were the better side, but only marginally, and didn’t create nearly enough to justify a win.

 

 

The game against Tottenham was a tough one to take.  Defensively solid, wide CB Faes gave up a very soft penalty on a 50/50 ball.  Benjani saw no reason why he was penalized simply challenging in the air, but Kane, obviously, tucked away the penalty with ease.  It was especially frustrating because Portsmouth had been the better side up to that point, making a handful of decent chances and giving Tottenham nothing.  The goal seemed to shock Pompey, and they struggled to create much, but Tottenham scored again with a beauty of a free kick.  Losing 2-0 while only giving up two shots from open play was a tough pill to swallow.

 

 

After a month without a win, Portsmouth managed to dominate bottom of the table Leeds at Elland Road courtesy of two goals from Enrique…who finally scored for Portsmouth after no one had been able to all month, ending Portsmouth’s five games without a goal. Granted, other than the collapse against Manchester United, they’d only given up those two set-piece goals against Tottenham, but it was a relief to finally find the back of the net.

 

 

It was a tough month for Portsmouth - a tough schedule and some bad luck meant that six points from five games wasn’t but just so disappointing on paper, but felt a bit deflating.  To keep Manchester City and Chelsea at bay, however, was something to be proud of, and Benjani hoped to keep that defensive solidity.

Enrique, named the European Golden Boy at the end of the year, had disappeared a bit in January.  Benjani forgave him, both because he’d done so well in the first half of the season, and because he had been feeding off scraps for most of the month.  Hopefully, he’d get back into scoring form after the Leeds brace…

 

 

A tough month saw Portsmouth slide down a spot in the table, but still with European football well within their reach.  With Portsmouth facing several of the best sides early in the second half of the season, Benjani hoped they might be able to build up some momentum going forward…

 

UP NEXT - Dreaming of Europe

Rough run of results. Back to back stalemates, creating chances an issue?

Vital three points at Leeds should lead you on to some better from next month!

[karanhsingh]

Great effort, definitely in with a shout for Europe! 

Man city struggling in FM as usual. 

[haier_fm]

Glad to see you here again, welcome back! We all face our own fair share of obligations and duties outside of FM, so that's perfectly ok. 

[13th Man]

6 hours ago, SixPointer said:

Rough run of results. Back to back stalemates, creating chances an issue?

Vital three points at Leeds should lead you on to some better from next month!

The chances have been hard to come by. The focus on defensive solidity means a bit less scoring, but Portsmouth were definitely not as efficient.  Enrique, right after all the praise I gave him, has been missing chances he’d previously been converting. With the quality of the opposition it’s not a concern, but if it continues it’ll be a bit disappointing.

2 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Great effort, definitely in with a shout for Europe! 

Man city struggling in FM as usual. 

There’s a chance!
And yes, never understood why City struggle so much in the game but I’m not complaining…

1 hour ago, haier_fm said:

Glad to see you here again, welcome back! We all face our own fair share of obligations and duties outside of FM, so that's perfectly ok. 

it’s not ok! We must put the game above all else! In all seriousness, it looks as if things are going to be on and off crazy for a while, which is great for life, not as good for FM.

[13th Man]

Annnd, we're back again.  Woo. It's been quite a month or so.  All good stuff, but so very much of it.  Even when I had time, I didn't have the brainpower to play.  Finally did my first stint of playing in weeks, and then finished up the write-up that I'd drafted back in April.  So here we are.

 

I'll be catching up on others shortly, but for now...

 

 

Dreaming of Europe

Transfer Business

Benjani shipped out a quite a few players on loan. Some youngsters such as Kian Hughes, Tom Mills, were sent out for their own development. Others like the fan favorite but completely out of his depth Sean Raggett were sent off to run out their contracts after attempts to sell proved fruitless. The final category was players that were yet to prove themselves. Bryan Fiabema, [the subject of my favorite 'song' to the tune of Immigrant Song] had not been able to really make the step up to the Premier League, and with Enrique and Da Graca fully holding down the starting positions, he went to Greece to try and reignite his career. The mistake prone Lewis Gibson was likewise given a final chance to prove that he had what it took to develop into the Premier League player that Benjani needed, though the manager had his doubts. Finally, the 23 year old Leighton Clarkson headed to Sunderland to get some first team experience after a second year where he rarely saw the pitch.

 

 

Incoming, however, was Franco Moran, a 19 year old from Argentina who - while he didn’t quite fit the mold of a WCB like Benjani would want - was just too good to pass up on.  Benjani also felt as if he had the raw talent and tools with which to become a solid WCB in time.  A £6m offer triggered his release clause and the business was seemingly simple…

 

 

The only issue, at first, was that he accepted a contract offer from Boca. Happily, it turned out to be Moran’s way of giving his club a bit more cash, and a deal for his new release fee of £7.25m was triggered. This time, he took Portsmouth’s offer and left Argentina for England. [Never had something like this work out before!]

 

 

Not unlike Enrique, he brought intelligence and defensive technical skill beyond his 19 years, and Benjani hoped he’d develop into a solid defender who could also carry the ball out of defense on occasion.

With Portsmouth creating few clear cut chances, and relying too heavily on the goal scoring exploits of Enrique, Benjani tried to find a central midfielder who could potentially add some creative impetus. He wasn’t able to find anyone suitable, with a few targets picking other clubs. More recruitment in this area would have to wait till the summer.

 

The games

The victory over Leeds was followed up by a 2-1 loss to Arsenal. Again, Ciro Immobile was unstoppable and Arsenal's overall quailing showed through with Portsmouth’s goal little more than a consolation.

Much more disappointing was a 2-1 loss against Brentford which saw the home side far more clinical.

 

 

A 0-0 draw at Finney Park against a decent Everton side followed, with Moran acquitting himself well on his debut. As solid as Portsmouth were defensively, they were beginning to lack in cutting edge. Without Enrique scoring as much, Portsmouth were struggling for goals.

 

Though Morrell had been playing okay in the left sided BBM role, with the occasional goal to show for it, he hadn’t been creating nearly enough chances. The more skilled and creative Levitt was returned to the lineup against Norwich.

 

 

Portsmouth then went down early against Norwich, and it was beginning to seem like Portsmouth’s early season form was down purely to luck. Portsmouth dug deep however, hounding Norwich off the ball and playing patient but incisive football. Enrique scored after 50 mins, old hero Marquis added a second after a lovely move in the box, and substitute CM Mallamo added a third late to ensure three points. The passing was better, the play more incisive, and Benjani began to lean back towards Levitt in the left sided midfield role.

 

Next up, however, Liverpool.

 

Tactical Interlude

With Guardiola’s 4-3-3 a very tough challenge, Benjani decided on a variation on his normal 3-5-2, with WCB Wout Faes comfortable as a DM and with Moran proving ready defensively - as well as offering more pace - Benjani started the intelligent Faes as a DM tasked with marking false nine Mbappe and allowing cover CB Collins to stay back rather than getting sucked forward by Mbappe’s movement. Izquierdo would remain as a DLP but change to support duty with Bayliss remaining as a sort of third forward in possession. With essentially four center backs in the middle, Benjani also decided to push the WBs forward more than he normally would against a top side.

 

 

It…didn’t work. Faes completely lost Mbappe, ironically failing to follow as he dropped deep. Cover CB Collins reacted to the danger and pressed up on Mbappe, wrecking the whole purpose of the shape change. Faes, instead of dropping into the space that Collins left, instead followed Mbappe and was still heading in the wrong direction as Mbappe played the ball back into midfield, turned, and ran in behind. One-on-one, Stolarczyk had no chance.

 

What followed was all too familiar. It just seems like - other than a few isolated times - whenever Portsmouth come up against a big club, the story is always the same.  One well worked goal from the Big Club, a perfect beauty of a free kick, and a dubious penalty.  3-0 in a game that Portsmouth had no business winning or even drawing, but they defended well overall and didn’t deserve to be on the end of a scoreline so lopsided.

 

 

Next up was the boogey team in Stoke. Portsmouth had comfortably beaten them earlier in the season. Benjani hoped they’d exorcized their demons, especially with Stoke in 18th place and in poor form…

 

 

They had not, with Stoke capitalizing on one of their four low xG chances and then Portsmouth following the performance up with an equally frustrating 1-1 carbon copy the next week.

 

(A) Stoke

 

(A) Crystal Palace

 

Portsmouth weren’t losing often, but they weren’t winning either, and that form was seeing them slowly fall down the table, and finally fall out of the European places after the draw against Palace. 

The team that took their place in 7th? West Ham, Portsmouth’s next opponent.Enrique came through, finishing smartly and Portsmouth’s defense held up to grab back 7th with a 1-0 victory in a big game [Forgot a screenshot].

 

A trip to oil rich but still not especially good Newcastle was a chance to build momentum…

 

 

One which was squandered by a lackluster display. Against Newcastle’s 4-4-2, Benjani tried a 3-5-2 with Bayliss attacking through the middle, but it was as ineffective as his tweak against Liverpool and reverting to his usual shape worked better. The 0-0 result was justified, with neither side creating much. Forward Da Graca had a few chances but nothing clear.

 

 

After the Newcastle draw, it was confirmed that Fratton Park’s expansions and renovations were completed. Southampton wouldn’t have to worry about a bunch of Pompey supporters in their city anymore! [And so a hilarious and random game thing ends, with Tom Finney Park returning to...whatever imaginary things might happen in a 50k seater without a football club to use it...]

 

 

In their first game at a revamped Fratton Park, Portsmouth hosted Fulham.  The London side had fallen off a bit after a very strong start to the season, but, like Portsmouth, were well clear of the relegation battle they’d been mired in the year before. While it wasn’t much, the 1-0 victory was pleasing to Benjani in that his side controlled the game well and Fulham never looked like scoring.

 

 

With two wins from five, and two draws that really should have been wins, Benjani felt cautiously hopeful going into the final stretch of the season.  Still, with Everton only three points back - but with a significant GD disadvantage - it would only take a slip up or two for Portsmouth to drop into 8th place. 

 

 

The final four games were reasonable, with only Manchester United being a truly tough game.  Even then, United seemed to match up horribly against Portsmouth so maybe there was a chance.  The other sides were all beatable, though, of course, in the South Coast Derby, Southampton would be out for revenge.  Portsmouth’s form was spotty, too. With their defense not as tight as it once was and Enrique not quite outperforming his xG by nearly double, it would not be easy…

 

 

Everton on the other hand, had a pretty simple final four games.  Will Portsmouth be able to get across the finish line and secure the first European Football since the FA Cup days?

 

Everton’s Final Four Games

 

UP NEXT - Tight Margins, Tighter…well, you know…

 

[karanhsingh]

Lot of good updates there! Decent results, 7th place would be excellent. The young Argentine looks good and i also have never seen a player move immediately after signing a new deal. And we gotta get to the bottom of Tom Finney park 

[SixPointer]

Very very tight! Everton definitely have the easier run in, but sometimes that complacency can help your cause  

[13th Man]

18 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Lot of good updates there! Decent results, 7th place would be excellent. The young Argentine looks good and i also have never seen a player move immediately after signing a new deal. And we gotta get to the bottom of Tom Finney park 

Unfortunately, I don’t think the mystery of Tom Finney will ever be solved. Southampton has definitely tested the waters of building a new stadium, and I remember Portsmouth having a stadium built into the game on the redeveloped waterfront in FM08/9 or whatever we. It might have been in the game somewhere but not, for whatever reason, connected to Southampton FC. 
To the league, 7th would be a fantastic turn around from barely 17th the season before.  A European adventure in the EURO II would be a perfect chance to dip the toes into Europe without being blown away.

14 hours ago, SixPointer said:

Very very tight! Everton definitely have the easier run in, but sometimes that complacency can help your cause  

Everton have been up and down all season, very inconsistent. They’ve had a good spell going into the run in…hopefully that means they’ll go the opposite in the last four games.

[Hootieleece]

The form is getting better as the season ends. Another month like April and you just might get a ticket to a European Adventure.

[13th Man]

Tight Margins, Tighter…well, you know…

Matchday 35

Crowd noise fades in, with a chorus of “When the Saints” heard faintly.

 

2 May 2026

Saint Mary’s Stadium, Southampton

Commentator 1 - “In one of the more anticipated matchups this weekend, we welcome you to Saint Mary’s where Southampton face off against fierce rivals Portsmouth….”

 

Commentator 2 - “funny thing, that, this will be the second South Coast Derby to take place in Southampton in the league this season, with Portsmouth quote-unquote hosting a game at the mysterious and controversial Tom Finney Stadium back in October.”

 

1- “That match ended 3-0 to Portsmouth, not an afternoon that either set of supporters will forget anytime soon.”

 

2- “Or a night! The Southampton police force were absolutely livid, and for good reason. 40 thousand ticketed Pompey supporters in Southampton, who knows how many more made the trip! After that match, and many other supposed home games, I heard rumors that Southampton police were volunteering to help with the Fratton Park renovations and that’s part of why it got finished months ahead of schedule…”

 

“Back to the footballing side, the reverse fixture saw Enrique announce himself to English fans with a super hat trick.”

 

Commentator 2, chuckling - “There’s nothing like a derby hat trick to turn a player into an instant club hero, is there?”

 

“Do you think he’ll strike again tonight to sink Southampton a second time, or will the Saints be ready for him?”

 

“I think a lot of sides have grown wise to Enrique. He’s still scoring, still dangerous, but I think sides now have seen that if you stop Enrique, you mostly stop Portsmouth scoring. The embarrassment of that afternoon in October will be fresh in Southampton’s minds as well, and they’ll be looking to make that right. I see them shutting down Enrique at all costs, even if it means giving Da Graca and Bayliss a bit more space.”

 

“So that will be Southampton’s game plan then? Contain Enrique?”

 

“Well, that had to be priority number one for the home side. With the new manager’s 5-1-2-2, they’ll look to stay compact and keep Enrique from enjoying any time or space. Then they’ll look to get the ball forward quickly to their two big, physical center forwards. Expect Benjani to push his backline up high and try to keep the game in the Southampton half to avoid letting the Saints drive up the flanks and put in crosses.”

 

“Well, it sounds like it’ll be a fascinating contest. Portsmouth are fighting to keep hold of 7th place and European football, while Southampton have dragged themselves out of the relegation zone with their new manager, and they’ll be  looking for revenge after a humbling defeat last time they faced their rivals…”

 

15’ min

[WB] Williams picks up the ball on the right after a tidy sequence of passing, he drives into the box…cuts it back for Bayliss…who hammers it home from about twelve yards. What a move and what a finish from the English midfielder.

 

52’

Commentator - “WCB Moran picks up a Southampton clearance. It’s been all Portsmouth so far and nothings changed since the start of the second half. Moran plays it to the feet of Bayliss…who launches it forward. (DLF) Da Graca is clear through, brings it down with good control…and finishes with power and placement into the far corner. Southampton were still trying to get out of their own box, and get caught out by good movement and an even better pass..."

 

“The away end is in full voice and you can see the horror on the faces of the home crowd. Southampton haven’t looked close to scoring and are going to need to come up with something, and soon, if they’re going to avoid another embarrassing defeat.”

 

Cut to Benjani on the touch line, waving his arms to his players, telling them to get back. 

 

“Keep the ball!” He calls out. “Wout [Faes], Tyrone [Mings], stay back a bit. Not defensive, keep up the pressure but play out from the back more!”

 

Cut to Faes and Collins.

 

“Boss says to play defensive,” Faes tells to Collins.

 

“What?” Collins’ brow furrows in confusion. “Keep the high line, but ease up on the pressure? Doesn’t that go against the match plan?”

 

“Donno…He must have seen something?” Faes shrugs then turns. “Tom [Bayliss]! Hey Tom! Drop a bit. Play defensive…not so aggressive. Protect the lead.”

 

Cut back to the TV feed.

 

Commentator - “Southampton kick off, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has the ball inside Portsmouth’s half. Bayliss isn’t doing nearly enough here…giving the midfielder far too much time. He turns and sends a cross field diagonal…He’s through in goal! Oooo…simple as you like, almost from the kickoff, Southampton are right back in it as the Portsmouth defense completely switched off. Mings was far too slow in seeing that one coming and his recovery pace isn’t quite what it used to be. 

“Portsmouth fans will be glad for that extra goal, but that was far too easy and Southampton have to be encouraged by that.”

 

66’ 

Commentator - “Saint Mary’s Stadium is rocking!!! The Saints have done it! They’re even only ten minutes after going 2-0 down!!! What is going on with this Portsmouth side? In control for the first fifty five minutes, and suddenly they look timid, suddenly they’re sitting back, and they’ve invited Southampton right back in with another far to simple ball over the top. No pressure on the ball, no anticipation of the pass, one on one with the keeper, Haller has a simple finish and makes no mistake.”

 

Cut to the pitch.

“Wout [Faes],” Benjani’s voice is tense, “what is going on? Why are you all sitting back???”

“You told us to go defensive…” Faes looks at him confused.

“What???” Benjani’s eyes go wide. “No, no, I just wanted the wide center backs and the wingbacks to stay home. Play out from the back!”

Faes eyes go wide. Benjani takes a breath.

“Okay,” Benjani starts, “let’s get back to the original plan, yeah? We still have time to win this.”

Faes nods and runs out to relay the message.

 

83’

Commentator - “Enrique rises up at the edge of the box, flicks it on. Da Graca is in! Oooo! Da Graca scores with a powerful strike! The away end erupts! They’re back in front after…wait, it seems as if they’re checking for offsides here…Oh my, Da Graca is just off there isn’t he?”

 

94’

“...and that’s full time here at Saint Mary’s!  What a match!  It was looking like a repeat of their last meeting until Southampton scored twice in ten minutes to level the score at 2-2…”

 

 

[So yes, the bit about captain Wout Faes misunderstanding the instructions? After Southampton’s second I noticed the mentality was somehow on very defensive.  I’d made some tweaks at 2-0 to try and keep possession, but must have passed over the mentality with the mouse wheel at some point. Was that pull back the cause of the lackluster pressing?  I mean, a high line with a very cautious press is generally a terrible idea.  Beyond frustrating, but one can’t know what might have happened if the mentality had stayed on balanced the whole time…]

 

Commentator - “Portsmouth will be gutted, and it’ll be one of those matches where a point feels like three for the hosts….

 

 

…Likewise, Portsmouth will be disappointed to hear that Everton managed to rescue a late point, but relieved that the gap remains at three points…

Matchday 36

 

“….And on the South Coast, Portsmouth’s push for European football seems to be unraveling as they drop more points, this time at home, in a lackluster display.  They went ahead through Da Graca in the sixteenth minute, but came back to win it through a howitzer from 30 yards and a combined moment where defender Faes switched off and Ollie Watkins managed to squeeze a shot past Stolarczyk from an impossible angle. Aston Villa will be thrilled here, as they were able to waste time and somehow get two goals from an xG of only 0.45!”

 

 

“Everton can’t quite hang on to pull level on points with Portsmouth though, with Saint-Maximin equalizing for Newcastle in the 82nd minute. They gain a point and close the gap to two points behind Portsmouth.

 

“After stumbling against Villa, the Manchester United game Portsmouth are suddenly in need of a result. Lose, and they could very well be leapfrogged by Everton.”

Matchday 37

 

Pundit - “You have to say that United were again a bit lucky here. Portsmouth controlled possession and defended well on the whole. Make no mistake, United were the better side, but they also got all the luck. Izquierdo’s tackle in the 10th minute was perfect, only Hansen Aaroen was able to stay on his feet and pick up the ball in an even better place to shoot.  The cutback to Hansen Aaroen to make it 2-0 was a great bit of play, but the third in stoppage time was another unlucky one for the away side.  How many more times would a leftback get that kind of contact on a ball from just inside the left corner of the box?  I mean, that was a perfect hit.”

 

 

Pundit 2 - “Incredibly, however, Pompey’s fierce rivals have seen fit to do them a favor and put them that much closer to European football. With two points between them, it was still in Portsmouth’s hands…if only just…”

The scene on the final day -

Portsmouth in 7th with 54 points and a GD that has been whittled down to only +3. They host a safe, but lower midtable Wolves at the renovated Fratton Park.

Everton, on 52 points and a GD of -2, host an already relegated Crystal Palace.

 

A loss for Portsmouth and a win for Everton would see the Merseyside side qualify for Europe. A draw should be enough for Portsmouth to qualify for Europe, unless Everton score five - they’d be level on GD, but have a higher goals for.  

The Final Day 

[Here we go GIMN style live/as it happened…is it as exciting as the last day of this year's Premier League? Absolutely...not]

 

10’ GOAL - Everton 1-0 Crystal Palace 

News filters into Fratton Park that Everton have already taken the lead at Goodison. Portsmouth are still set to go through, but the pressure is on.

 

28’ GOAL - Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace

Everton score again. That’s bad news for Portsmouth, even worse - Wolves are doing a good job of keeping possession and are largely in control. Portsmouth look disjointed and lack confidence.

 

Halftime - Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace, Portsmouth 0-0 Wolverhampton

Everton have done everything they can, dominating Palace and jumping to a 2-0 lead. Portsmouth were, if anything, under pressure for much of the first half and look more likely to concede than to score themselves.

 

Cut to the Portsmouth locker room.

“Boys,” Benjani begins. “I’ll have to take the blame for some of that, but it was not good enough. We’ve gone out to not lose instead of playing our way. Let’s be done with that. Let’s play our way. Take it to them. We can’t let them control the ball.  Press, push up. That means the wide center backs and wingbacks too. We can’t let them be comfortable on the ball. Let’s go get a goal, yeah?”

 

46’ GOAL! - Everton 3-0 Crystal Palace

Richarlison scores his second of the game practically from the second half kick off! Everton are doing everything they can to erase their goal difference deficit. They only need two more to pull level with Portsmouth and force their way into Europe as they’ve scored more on the season. At this rate, you wouldn’t put it past them.

 

48’ GOAL! - Portsmouth 0-1 Wolverhampton

Wolves Forward Mbeuno ghosts between the centerbacks and surges in behind to put the visitors up!

 

48’ GOAL DISALLOWED! - Portsmouth 0-1 0-0 Wolverhampton

After a long VAR check, the goal is disallowed! Mbuena’s shoulder was just offsides. Relief for Portsmouth!

 

49 GOAL! - Portsmouth 1-0 Wolverhampton

Stolarczyk sends a Wolves clearance right back upfield and Da Graca is through. Only moments after looking like they’d gone behind, Portsmouth are up 1-0 and have one foot in Europe!

 

58’ PENALTY!

Portsmouth work the ball down the left with tidy passing, and Da Graca drifts over, picking up the ball in the center. He turns and releases Enrique down the left channel. The Spanish forward dribbles into the box and is on the receiving end of a clumsy challenge!

 

59’ GOAL!! - Portsmouth 2-0 Wolverhampton

Enrique sends the keeper the wrong way and all but books Portsmouth’s ticket to the Euro IIs!

 

61’ GOAL! - EVERTON 4-0 Crystal Palace

Calvert-Lewin makes it four for Everton, but it won’t be enough unless Wolves can find two goals from somewhere. Portsmouth look comfortable in their two goal lead, though, playing much better in this second half.

 

FULL TIME - 

 

EVERTON 4-0 Crystal Palace

 

Portsmouth 2-0 Wolverhampton

 

Everton did everything they could and there was a spell where it looked like they might just get the five goals they needed to pull ahead of Portsmouth, who struggled in the first half. Da Graca and Enrique both scored in the second half, however, to secure Portsmouth’s return to European football!

 

 

Benjani’s changes just before half changed the game completely. He’d set up in the more defensively than he normally would at home, with Portsmouth’s defense looking wobbly in recent games. The first half had shown that was folly, and when Portsmouth pushed forward they were rewarded with two goals and a ticket to Europe.

Final league table 

 

[Sharp eyed viewers would see that West Ham were in with a shout for Euro II after both Everton and Portsmouth ended the season in poor form, but a one on one narrative worked better for the “film”].

 

Liverpool retain the title with a seven point margin, while Crystal Palace, Stoke and Leeds suffer relegation. 

 

After a fantastic first half of the season, the second half seemed a return to the mean for Benjani’s side, with Portsmouth falling into a much more mid-low table kind of form.  

 

 

Some of it may have been Benjani taking more chances and opening his side up at the back, but it also seemed like the ball stopped bouncing Portsmouth’s way as much. Tackles would fall to the feet of the opposition, the posts and crossbar were rattled with regularity. Really though, their form in the second half of the season was probably a real reflection of where the club was.

 

Still, their early season form and some struggles around them allowed Portsmouth to maintain a seventh place finish and essentially fall into Europe for the first time since the 2008-2009 season - just after Benjani’s time with the club.

 

UP NEXT - The End! (Of the season)

Edited May 23, 2022 by 13th Man

[haier_fm]

Tense finish, but a pleasing result for the Pompey. Congratulations

[SixPointer]

Tasty final day!! Seems to be a common theme at the minute after yesterday’s title run in 😬

[Hootieleece]

Congratulations on a European place!  It is important for a club like Portsmouth's development.

[karanhsingh]

That's a proper nail biting finish to the season! Well done. You can thank the saints too

[13th Man]

On 23/05/2022 at 02:45, haier_fm said:

Tense finish, but a pleasing result for the Pompey. Congratulations

I kept thinking they'd throw it away, but it was relief when those goals went in against Wolves!  EURO II is just perfect for the side at this point in their development.

On 23/05/2022 at 02:55, SixPointer said:

Tasty final day!! Seems to be a common theme at the minute after yesterday’s title run in 😬

That was quite a final day indeed.  No where near the drama here, but still fun.

On 23/05/2022 at 02:59, Hootieleece said:

Congratulations on a European place!  It is important for a club like Portsmouth's development.

Exactly.  Benjani would have taken a top-half finish at the beginning of the year, but to lose out on the EURO II - where Portsmouth can compete - would have been disappointing after the brilliant first half of the season.

On 23/05/2022 at 22:14, karanhsingh said:

That's a proper nail biting finish to the season! Well done. You can thank the saints too

The Southampton doing Portsmouth a favor and beating Everton must have given those Saints supporters some mixed feelings, I'd imagine.  If Everton had won that match it would have been them in Europe.  So Southampton basically handed their rivals a 26/27 European adventure by winning.

Edited May 25, 2022 by 13th Man

[DavidBeckham]

Congrats on the 7th place finish mate! Your thread is a good read and I will need some time to catch up, but KUTGW mate! 

[13th Man]

13 hours ago, DavidBeckham said:

Congrats on the 7th place finish mate! Your thread is a good read and I will need some time to catch up, but KUTGW mate! 

Thanks! But, yeah I can be wordy at times...

Good to have you aboard and (hope you) enjoy!

[13th Man]

The End (of the season)

The Players

There will be a good bit more detail on the players as Benjani looks ahead to the coming season and looks to see how, where, and how much he wants to improve his side, but for now…a few little awards.

Best Signing

 

It was, for Benjani, a tough choice for his top signing of the year between Collins and Enrique, with Mings also in the running. Collins’ consistency, and his importance to the sides massive defensive improvement put him over the line ahead of Enrique. [Hilarious that the board hated the transfer, thinking he was overpaid.]

 

Mings too was an excellent signing, and DLP Izquierdo quietly went about his business making the team tick.  The wingbacks, however, didn’t go as well. Neco Williams was okay, but after a promising start Guilbert inexplicably hit some rough form that he couldn’t get himself out of. Left wingback Daam Foulon mostly busied himself getting yellow cards, and, in the end, made Benjani glad he didn’t actually buy him from Chelsea.

 

 

Enrique, unsurprisingly, got the most shirt sales, however. Half of them were probably ordered after his hat trick against Southampton.

Team Stats - 25/26 v 24/25

[Left is 25/26, right 24/25]

While Benjani had some regrets about how the second half of the season went, the season couldn’t be considered anything other than a huge success. Strangely, the seasons were a reverse of each other - even beyond barely sneaking into Europe vs barely managing to survive. In 24/25, they scored four less than their xG, earned seven less points than expected, and placed two places below expected. In 25/26 they scored four more, earned six more points, and finished two places above expected. 

 

All in all, it was a massive improvement - twenty-four more points than the previous season and ten places in the league. £40m in player investment, though “only” £20m net, will do that for you.

Attacking Efficiency 

Portsmouth had become far more clinical in their second season in the top flight. They still weren’t creating enough, but they’d improved their conversion rate by 3%. 

With Portsmouth being among the lowest in the league for shots per game, lack of chances created was a bit of a concern. That would need improvement through new players and tactical evolution.

Defensive Efficiency 

 

With just under £32m invested in the backline showed up in their defensive efficiency, with Collins, Mings, and later Moran all helping Portsmouth go from among the worst defenses in the league to ‘the best of the rest’ after the ‘big six’. Just as their goal conversion rate improved by 3%, so too did their opposition conversion rate drop by about 3%.

Some other team stats

Goals Scored - 42 - 15th

Not only were Portsmouth 15th in goals scored overall, they were 18th in xG, and 16th chances created. This shows how much they improved defensively that they fared as well as they did scoring so few. They scored at a good rate (as seen above) but needed to create more.

 

Possession Percentage - 54% - 4th 

The focus on keeping the ball was certainly paying off, with Portsmouth completing a huge number of passes. I’m fact, three out of the top six players in the passes completed category were Portsmouth players. WCB Mings was first in the league, with DLP Izquierdo 3rd and WCB Faes 6th. The fact that two of the three were WCBs says that the possession was maybe a bit too cautious, and Benjani needed to find players and or tactical tweaks to allow Portsmouth to get a bit more going higher up the pitch.

 

Goals Conceded - 37- 6th

xG against 42 - 16th (4th best)

Portsmouth’s massively improved defense carried the team to Europe, including a second only to Liverpool 20 clean sheets, which is part of what put Stolarczyk in second for the Premier League Golden Glove.

 

 

In fact, Portsmouth only conceded twelve in the 26 games they played against sides outside the “big six” - which was down from 3 from 13 in the first half of the season, but still meant an excellent average of less than one goal every other game. 

 

They suffered, however, against the big clubs, allowing 25 goals in 12 games (just over 2 per game!), including a 5-1 loss to Chelsea and a 4-0 horror show against Arsenal to go with some 3-0s and 2-0s. Portsmouth weren't in a position to really win those matches, but Benjani needed to find a way to give his side more of a chance.

 

 

Still, all in all, it was a highly successful second season in the Premier League for Portsmouth as they’re rightfully named the biggest overachievers. Benjani and his side had plenty of room for improvement, but there was a lot to be proud of as well.

Epilogue - The Future(?)

One disappointment so far is the lack of Portsmouth youth players making much headway into the first team.  After a few appearances back in 23/24, 19 year old midfielder Tom Mills was making steady progress, having largely outgrown the youth setup and enjoying time on loan at Charlton. Fellow youngster Youssef Salam (jumping attribute has improved from 1 to 2 in the past two years!) also got a few Premier League appearances towards the end of 25/26 after Marquis was out with an injury, but he certainly isn't ready for much beyond that.  It wasn’t clear, however, if either would ever be the right fit, or even good enough for the Portsmouth side.  The 25/26 class of youngsters, however, looked quite promising.

 

Goalkeeper Darren Pattison was already a solid shot stopper at just 16!  His mental attributes obviously needed improvement, and there was work to do to mold him into a proper sweeper keeper, but he was a true talent that might be ready for some League Cup and other matches within a season or two.

 

Attacking midfielder Joel Parker also had a lot of promising traits.  He was already a technically sound player, and was brave and aggressive.  He probably had longer to learn than Pattison, but he certainly had potential.

 

UP NEXT - There’s only one moment in which you arrive on time

[SixPointer]

Love how your smart recruitment (board are crazy) shored up the leaky defence from the previous season. Crucial to improvement is identifying the issue in the first place and you’ve nailed it here.

 

[Hootieleece]

Echoing @SixPointer I must say sometimes the board doesn't know anything and should leave Football matters to the experts, but the problem is they like to listen to the "bean counters".  

 

Neco Williams is a player I have a soft spot for because in my Clermont save in 2020, he played DR as a WB-S and played superbly. Maybe Wingback in your system is too much for him. 

[13th Man]

9 hours ago, SixPointer said:

Crucial to improvement is identifying the issue in the first place and you’ve nailed it here.

What was kind of interesting, and something I didn’t get into in the post, is that I noticed how physically lacking my backline was. Being only okay in the air or good aerially but slow was simply not good enough in the PL. CB Faes was a good example - very technically good, intelligent, and reasonably quick and okay in the air, but got dominated by PL strikers in the cover CB role. He did much better in the WCB role. Benjani had focused on total footballers before, but it became clear he needed physical presence as well. Collins provided that.

 

6 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Neco Williams is a player I have a soft spot for because in my Clermont save in 2020, he played DR as a WB-S and played superbly. Maybe Wingback in your system is too much for him.

Yeah, I definitely don’t worry all that much about the board’s feeling on these things.

On Neco, he’s a decent enough player, and had some good performances, but Benjani’s 3-5-2 asks a lot of the WBs, especially the right. With the RCM in an attacking role, the RWB is often on an island. Neco’s concentration is lowish (11) and he doesn’t have great recovery pace (13s) so he can be exposed. Neco will likely make a solid backup, but Benjani really hoped to improve on the wings.

[SixPointer]

I found that myself, out with my  DNA I needed to be smarter. The late goals could well have been linked to weak concentration, I think it was Ben that actually mentioned it.
 

I think when we think total football the easiest part to make a mess off it is the back line. We focus on the nice attributes and forget they are defenders first and foremost. Suppose that’s were the need for complete players comes from. 

[karanhsingh]

Pattison already looks like he could be your second choice keeper! Kid can be a star I think.

[haier_fm]

On 26/05/2022 at 20:24, SixPointer said:

I found that myself, out with my  DNA I needed to be smarter. The late goals could well have been linked to weak concentration, I think it was Ben that actually mentioned it.
 

I think when we think total football the easiest part to make a mess off it is the back line. We focus on the nice attributes and forget they are defenders first and foremost. Suppose that’s were the need for complete players comes from. 

+1 on the DNA. All first team players need to be of a certain mould in order to play in a certain way. Some require more, some require less, just depends on the way you want to play I suppose.   

[13th Man]

On 26/05/2022 at 09:24, SixPointer said:

I found that myself, out with my  DNA I needed to be smarter. The late goals could well have been linked to weak concentration, I think it was Ben that actually mentioned it.
 

I think when we think total football the easiest part to make a mess off it is the back line. We focus on the nice attributes and forget they are defenders first and foremost. Suppose that’s were the need for complete players comes from. 

 

12 hours ago, haier_fm said:

+1 on the DNA. All first team players need to be of a certain mould in order to play in a certain way. Some require more, some require less, just depends on the way you want to play I suppose.   

Benjani definitely got away from his original plan a bit - to build a physically dominant side - in the name of total football.  Bringing in the likes of Collins and Mings actually helped the side play better because they could actually defend.  Collins isn't flashy on the ball, but he's perfectly good at passing and can find players without trouble...he just isn't going to be playing any defense splitting passes.  Without paying £50m plus, though, you aren't getting that kind of defender!

 

23 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Pattison already looks like he could be your second choice keeper! Kid can be a star I think.

He's not quite ready for second choice, but he's not far off.  Likely get some first team time in the next season, and possibly a loan move in the spring to get some proper first team minutes.

[13th Man]

SCENE - There is only one moment in which you can arrive on time

[Fun update from real life - Real life Benjani recently took over as manager of the Zimbabwe club side Ngezi Platinum. He got his first win of his career about a month ago back on the 24th of April, 2022. His side have since lost one, drawn one, and won another 4-0 and sit in 6th in the Zimbabwe top division.  Now for a long awaited scene from the BCU (Benjani Cinematic Universe) franchise.]

 

Fade in to a packed nightclub. 

 

80s dance music is blasting, and in the glow of neon lights the dance floor is pulsating. After a few moments, two songs crossfade, with guitar hits at first before the standard 80s driving drum beat enters. The DJ speaks into the microphone.

 

“How are you feeling tonight POOOORTSMOOOOOUTH!!!”

 

The crowd cheers.

 

“It has come to my attention,” he continues, “that we have some VIPs in the club tonight….”

 

Cut to a group that stands out in the crowd - all far fitter and most bigger than your average young men. There is no mistaking Enrique, with his mohawk standing tall.

 

Cut to a reaction shot of two young men.

 

“That’s Enrique!” says one.

 

“That’s the whole Portsmouth first team!” Says the other. “Aren’t you glad we didn’t go yo PRZYM tonight?”

 

[This, of course, is entirely unnecessary, and was filmed in post because Disney producers insisted that Enrique, and the squad, had to be identified by name.]

 

Cut back to the DJ.

 

“…and one of these VIP happens to have a song that fits with our 80s night theme…”

 

Billy Idol’s vocals can be heard as the DJ finishes.

 

“…I think most of you will know what to do when the chorus comes. I want everyone singing along, yeah? Everyone sings! If you don’t know it yet…well, you’ll figure it out.”

 

There’s some scattered cheering, some confused faces, but it’s only a few more moments before Billy Idol growls… 

 

“I pray help from above because…”

 

The whole club erupts with the modified chorus to Rebel Yell…

 

“Enrique came from Spain

To score goals, goals, goals

And when he scores,

We cry more, more, more

With his head, feet and HAIR,

He scores goals, goals, goals

When he scores again

We cry more, more, more!

MORE MORE MORE MOOOOORE!!!!”

 

[Credit to @Netm for the song choice and first pass at the lyrics]

 

Cut to Enrique, surrounded by Portsmouth players singing along, dancing, taking it all in. He puts his arm around his strike partner Da Graca and says something into his ear that makes the Italian laugh and they jump up and down together as the crowd sings around them.

 

When the chorus ends the DJ yells into the microphone.

 

“We’re going to Europe!!!!”

 

Another huge cheer goes up.

 

Cut back to Enrique as he takes Da Graca’s empty glass and heads through the crowd, the camera follows. He makes slow progress as fans ask for selfies with him and Enrique happily obliges.

 

Finally, he makes his way to some side tables where we see Benjani and Mings in conversation, both smiling as they watch.

 

“Boss!” Enrique yells over the music, “one more? Tyrone?”

 

Benjani laughs as he looks down at his nearly empty bottle of beer. “Thanks but no! I’m too old for all this. I’m going back home to the wife.”

 

“What?” Enrique yells.

 

“I’M TOO OLD!” Benjani yells with a smile, and points towards the exit.

 

“No!” Enrique cries, “you’ll miss karaoke!!!!”

 

Benjani nods with a dramatically tragic expression. “Enjoy yourself, you deserve it…”

 

Benjani points to the crowd just as the next chorus arrives.

 

Enrique came from Spain

To score goals, goals, goals

 

Enrique rolls his eyes, though a smile does creep across his face. He then shrugs and turns towards the crowd for a moment, putting his arms up in celebration.  The crowd cheers even as it continues to sing.

 

Cut to outside the club, and a door opens. The chorus spills out as Mings and Benjani step out into the street.

 

When he scores again

We cry more, more, more!

 

The door closes, muffling the last of the words.

 

MORE MORE MORE MOOOOORE!!!!

 

Only the muffled bass and drums can be heard as Benjani and Mings chat outside.

 

“You didn’t have to come out with me,” Benjani says to Mings.

 

“I feeling like an old man too,” Mings laughs, “and I wanted to mention that it was a big deal for the lads that you came out tonight."

 

“It’s not every night that you qualify for Europe,” Benjani shrugs with a smile.  “You have a good break, Tyrone.”

 

“You too boss,” Mings turns and heads off.

 

Benjani turns the other direction. A flash of a passing car makes him squint and shield his eyes.

 

 

“There’s only one moment in which you can arrive in time. If you’re not there, you’re either too early or too late.”

 

The sound surrounds Benjani as he opens his eyes, blinking. The flood lights aren’t as bright this time though, or don’t seem so compared to the car lights.

 

“You at least didn’t interrupt me in the middle of a press conference this time.”

 

“That car coming by was a good transition,” Cruyff’s voice is less boomy and a bit more distant as he emerges from the mist.

 

“Is that the way…” Benjani pauses, squints, as if thinking on something, “...this happens?  Some light flashing thing?”

 

Cruyff, fully emerging from the mist, cocks his head and looks at Benjani with confusion in his eyes.

 

“What?” he asks bluntly.

 

“These…visions…visitations…whatever this is…is flashing lights some kind of trigger?”

 

“Mpe, I really don’t know what you’re going on about.”

 

“You’re…” Benjani pauses, sighs, shakes his head, “...right, fine. Nevermind.  What’s this about?”

 

“Ah,” Cruyff smiles, “am I your clingy mother now?  What now mother?”

 

“I’m just…a bit tired.  What with qualifying for Europe and going out like that for the first time in  years…”

 

“There’s some confidence, eh?  You get into Europe’s third competition and now you think you’re one of the greats?”

 

“Of course not,” Benjani looks at him, “but it’s a start.”

 

“Yes it is,” Cruyff lets the slightest of smiles turn the side of his mouth. “And cocky can be good.  You need more of it really.  It’s there for you to take, you know.”

 

“What is?” Benjani turns his body towards him.

 

“All of it, Mpe.  Maybe not next season, but you are getting there.  You only have to take your chance.  Don’t let up now.”

 

“I don’t know if the squad is really ready for total football yet…do you?”

 

“No,” Cruyff nods, “not yet.  But right now is the end of the 2025/2026 season.  At the start of the 2026/2027 season…who knows?”

 

“You can’t be serious…”

 

“Years ago now, you told me you were ready to take up the mantle, to be my successor.  Are you having doubts that you have it in you?”

 

“No,” Benjani said simply.

 

“Then listen.  You manage in the most cash rich league the world has ever seen.  You are a mid-table club, only two years from the second division, with a transfer budget of 50 million pounds. 50 million, Mpe.  That’s after you have already bought a player for £7m.”  

 

Cruyff paused for a moment.

 

“Now, can you get several world-class players for that kind of cash these days?  No.  But you can get several very good players.  Especially if you sell some of what you have.”

 

Benjani opened his mouth as if to speak but Cruyff lifts a hand to silence him before he begins.

 

“Loyalty means nothing.  Not if it is not earned.  Loyalty would have had you relegated, with Raggett, Lewis and Hamilton as your backline.  Loyalty would have Marquis and Fiabema starting, flailing just as much in front of goal as they did last season.  You saw the fruits of taking advantage of the resources you have.  You went from 17th to 7th.  That is a huge improvement.  But stand still and you will lose ground.  Don’t make the same mistake you made in coming into the top flight.  Take what you have, consolidate, and improve.  It’s all there for you.  Figure out what you need, bring in the right players, and success will come.  Only, don’t be so cautious.”

 

“Cautious…do you mean my tactics?  The transfer market?  Both?”

 

“I mean be aggressive, always.  Against Liverpool, sure, don’t go all out attack. Don’t try to out positional play Guardiola, right?  But that doesn’t mean you don’t attack his side, you don’t look for his weaknesses.  You still must make the pitch as big as possible for your side, and as small as possible for theirs.”

 

“Okay…great…” Benjani begins.

 

“Now go get some rest,” Cruyff cuts him off.  “You have a busy summer ahead of you.  Just remember, There’s only one moment in which you can arrive in time. If you’re not there, you’re either too early or too late.”

 

“That’s a nice quote and all,” Benjani sighs, “but are you talking about the club?  Me?”

 

“So many questions,” Cruyff chuckles, already walking away and fading into the mist.

 

“Yeah…right,” Benjani sighs.  “See you next time some light flashes or something.”

 

Cruyff turns to squint at him as if he was making about as much sense as a toddler.

 

“Take care of yourself, Mpe,” Cruyff says.  “Your ride is here…”

 

Headlights cut through the mist and suddenly Benjani is back in Portsmouth…

 

UP NEXT - The Good, The Bad, and the £££s

[karanhsingh]

Good to hear that Benjani is taking inspiration from this thread  about time too...

[haier_fm]

2 hours ago, 13th Man said:

Now, can you get several world-class players for that kind of cash these days?  No.  But you can get several very good players

Are we seeing a shift from marquee signings to functionality players? Interesting, looking forward to the next update!

[13th Man]

The Good, The Bad, and the £££s

Benjani had been reluctant to spend in his first year in the Premier League, and nearly paid the price as his side barely escaped relegation. In the summer of 2025, he’d taken the handbrake off and had been rewarded with 7th place and a ticket to the EURO II. 

 

Benjani was happy that there was only one position of true need - LWB, and even then it was only for depth - but to stand still would be to fall behind. There could be no mistake that Portsmouth’s rivals would be spending their own sizable transfer budgets, and just because there was no pressing needs doesn't mean that there were no areas to improve.

 

As Benjani looked to build upon Portsmouth’s 7th placed finish and prepare for a campaign in the EURO II competition, he needed to first think about his squad and where improvements were needed.

The Average Ratings in the First Team 25/26

While average ratings tell a limited story, they were roughly accurate on the high and low end.

 

The backline takes up the top five slots in the team’s average rating. Right sided WCBs were the highest rated followed by Stolarczyk in goal and then the other two center backs.  

 

On the opposite side, the WBs were, overall, by far the worst faring position group.  While LWB Zemura managed a perfectly respectable 6.94 average, RWBs Williams and Guilbert were the team’s worst performers…other than loanee LWB Daam Foulon [not pictured] who’s average was a very poor 6.52.  Veteran Frenchmen Guilbert had burst out of the gates early in the year with a series of excellent performances, but had hit a horrific patch of form that he never recovered from and Williams was a decent but limited player.

 

Was it a tactical issue?  Benjani’s WBs had been amongst the weakest performers for years by this point. Was it a personnel issue?  Benjani figured it was probably both.

The good

Nathan Collins - Cover CB

Though not as skillful on the ball as Faes, Collins was a beast in the center of Portsmouth’s defense. At £20m he was definitely money well spent. Some biggish clubs came sniffing around due to his £28.5m Champions League release clause, so Benjani gave him a raise in exchange for more than doubling that clause to £80m.

 

Enrique - Forward

What more can be said? Even as he dropped off in the spring, he still scored a respectable 20 goals in the Premier League as a 19 year old.  Even more impressive, he managed that tally from an xG of only 12.58.  After winning the European Golden Boy award in January, he’d been hesitant about signing a new contract.  After qualifying for Europe, however, Benjani managed to get him to agree to a new contract that would increase his release clause from £40m to £76m.

 

Wout Faes/Franco Moran - Right WCB

Benjani had the luxury of picking his right WCB based on the game situation and the opponent. Moran was a bit pacier and better pure defender, but his passing was average at best. Faes was great on the ball, and very intelligent, but physically limited. Both had very high average ratings.  Faes performed very well against opposition that Benjani expected to beat, while Moran was better at handling physical forwards.

 

Tom Bayliss - Central Midfield or Mezzala (attack)

He was not a superstar by any means, but the English midfielder was a constant menace from the CM(a)/Mez(a) role.  He was a very good all around player, able to score (7), assist (9), and pick a pass (1.35 key passes/90).  It was crazy to think that he was signed on a free back in 23/24 and had been Benjani’s third or fourth choice that summer!  He too had signed a nice contract after turning down an offer from Leeds in January.

 

Jakub Stolarczyk - Goalkeeper

What more could you ask for in goal for a midtable side on a small (comparatively) budget? Even without his goalkeeping clinic against City he was very solid, quick off his line to protect balls over the top, and perfectly reasonable as a shot stopper. Another new contract saw his release clause jump to £40m.

 

Izquierdo - Deep Lying Playmaker

A miniature metronome, but with a bit of bite in him. He, like Levitt before him, helped the side move the ball, serving as the team’s hub, but he added a bit of defensive ability that Levitt lacked.  3rd in the Premier League for passess completed, he maybe didn’t create as much as Benjani would have liked, but he served his role well.

 

Dylan Levitt - Box to Box/Mezzala(s)

Levitt and Morrell rotated a lot on the left of the central midfield.  Morrell’s better defensive presence and the occasional goal got him the starting place in the early part of the season, but as Portsmouth started to struggle, Levitt returned to the side and far outperformed his Welsh countryman.  Despite starting only 16 games, Levitt ranked best in the team for key passes (50 total - 2.68 per 90), clear cut chances created (14 total - 0.75 per 90).

The Bad

“Bad” was harsh on most of these players, truth be told but it sounded good with the old movie reference and all. There were, however, players that underperformed, or needed improvement if Portsmouth were to progress.

 

Daam Foulon - LWB

Loanee Foulon was one of the few actually poor players in the side.  Given the chance to prove his worth and earn a good contract after Chelsea looked to let him go, he instead went and showed Benjani he was smart to bring him in on loan instead of buy him outright. He spent more time getting yellow cards (8 in 18 appearances, 9 of those from the bench) than actually playing football.  He could have been forgiven his aggression if it was productive, but when he wasn't getting in trouble with the referee, he drifted in and out of games. He was not signed to a permanent deal, even as his contract expired with Chelsea.

 

Guilbert/Neco Williams - RWB

Both right wingbacks performed okay to poorly in most games.  Guilbert, despite having good attributes, seemed a passenger too often.  Williams was good going forward but was a bit lacking mentally (concentration, composure, and decisions) and not the paciest either. He often played well, but was also exposed by good wingers/wide forwards.

 

Joe Morrell - midfield

Though he was excellent off the ball, popped up to score some great goals, and, when he wanted to, was a surprisingly effective player, Morrell’s mentality was not good.  He was quick to get anxious and disappear from games, usually exactly when he was needed to find a breakthrough or get back into a game. Levitt’s return to the team had improved the side noticeably.

 

Marco Da Graca - Forward

Da Graca had developed well in the two years he’d spent at Portsmouth.  He worked hard for the team and was a gifted athlete, but he was a limited player and there was no getting around that. As much as Benjani liked him, and as much as he contributed in many ways, he wasn’t a great goal scorer and was certainly a player that could be improved upon.

The £££ - Part I - The Plan

“The bad”, obviously, leads us to the positions to target for transfers.  Benjani was happy to have no areas of true need, at least short term, but a few positions certainly could use upgrading if Portsmouth were going to build on their 7th place finish.

Needs

Left Wingback - At least a rotation option, preferably an improvement upon Zemora

With Foulon leaving the club at the end of his loan, Portsmouth would need another option at LWB with only Zemora remaining at the club.  Zemora had performed well, but Benjani was occasionally frustrated by his lack of aggression.  Having cost only £2.3m, Zemora was proving to be good value for money, but Benjani wanted someone who could really get stuck in and take the game to the opposition.

 

Left WCB - An understudy/future replacement for Mings, especially with Portsmouth entering European competition.

Tyrone Mings had a good year overall, and was a massive improvement upon Lewis Gibson.  Still, he was 33, and while it would have been far too harsh to put him on the “bad” category, he’d begun to fade towards the end of the season.  His recovery pace was starting to leave him, and he was punished several times, especially against the top sides.  The left side of defense began to be the weak link, with Mings failing to see the danger on several occasions that lost Portsmouth points.  Benjani still very much appreciated his many qualities, and he would play a significant role in the season to come, but Benjani knew that another was option was needed as Mings entered the twilight of his top flight career.

Hopes and Dreams - If Portsmouth wanted to build upon 7th and not sit still

Right Wingback - Starter

Neither Williams nor Guilbert convinced on the right, and Benjani was hoping to bring in an improvement.

 

Left Midfield (support) - Starter or rotation

With Morrell‘s weak mentality, Benjani was hoping to move him along, so Portsmouth needed more options in midfield.  Specifically, they needed a player who could perform well as a box-to-box midfielder/support mezzala and possibly fill in on the other, more attacking side as well.  Benjani honestly hoped to find a better alternative to Levitt, who, as good as he was with the ball, was definitely lacking without. 

 

Right Midfield (attack) - Rotation

Bayliss wasn’t likely to lose his spot, but Benjani wanted a better rotation option than the capable but limited Mallamo.

 

Forward - Starter, or at least something different

Truth was, Enrique needed more help, especially if Portsmouth continued to struggle for chances. Da Graca, for all his qualities, was a good foil, but wasn’t a natural scorer.  At 25, with a year and a half as a starter under his belt, it wasn’t like he was going to turn into a top striker. Benjani wanted someone with speed who was a good finisher to help Enrique and to give Portsmouth a bit more threat in behind. Depending on the player, he would replace Da Graca in the starting lineup or give Benjani a different dimension.  He also hoped that this player would be well suited to the Advanced Forward role, to allow move Enrique back to the Deep Lying role that he was probably better suited for.

The £££ - Part II - How it Went

CB/WCB - Out

Lewis Gibson - £4m - Stoke

24/25 Mistake magnet WCB Lewis Gibson was moved permanently from the club as relegated Stoke came in with a reasonable £4m bid for the limited player.  The Championship was the right level for Gibson, truth be told.

Sean Raggett - £240k - Preston

CB Sean Raggett had been a good servant for the club, his towering presence huge for Portsmouth in League 1 and the Championship, but the Premier League was no place for a player who really was only good in the air.

Jamie Hamilton - £1.7m - Huddersfield

Never had a role suited a player so well as the WCB(s) role suited this limited player.  Benjani’s system was so perfect for him that he’d even managed to perform well in the Premier League on occasion despite being lacking anything close to top level football intelligence.  A player Benjani had liked a lot, he simply wasn’t going to get any playing time, so it was time for him to move on.

Left WCB - In

Steve Hassan - £18.75m

 

19 year old Steve Hassan was a player that Benjani had watched and scouted extensively.  He had incredible physical talents, and seemed to have a great deal of potential.  He’d be a great player to rotate with, and eventually replace, Mings.  Benjani had seriously considered tabling a bid for him in January, but had balked a bit at the £18.75m release clause

In June, however, he finally decided to bid for him, and a reasonable contract was negotiated.  Hassan, however, chose to stay at Derby. Fair play to the lad, esquing money and exposure to continue his development in a place he was a guaranteed starter when fit.

Steve Hassan - £18.75m

 

Benjani was disappointed, of course, especially because he found limited options amongst his scouting pool’s knowledge and the DOF wasn’t much help here either.  Benjani was getting discouraged.  Finally, Benjani looked through the backlines of the recently relegated sides for players that had excelled in bad sides, that he happened upon left footed Alessandro Boungiorno who didn’t want to go down into the Championship with relegated Leeds.

 

Alessandro Boungiorno - £22m

 

His £22m relegation release clause was activated, and the strong, well rounded centerback headed south.  He wasn’t a perfect player for what Benjani wanted, but he should slot in well at Portsmouth.

Forward - Out

John Marquis - Contract Expired

It was with a heavy heart that Benjani said goodbye to 35 year old John Marquis, a player that had contributed a massive amount to Portsmouths’ rise through the divisions.  He’d scored 51 goals, contributed a lot more assists, but as much as anything, his workrate, movement, and linkup playhad given Portsmouth that total football flavor that Benjani had never stopped appreciating.  At 35, however, and however well he’d done coming on as a substitute on occasion, it simply didn’t make sense to extend his contract again.  One of the last three players who were on the team when Benjani joined, he was the one who Benjani would most miss.

Bryan Fiabema - Loan

Fiabema had enjoyed a Mediterranean spring with APOEL in Cyprus, scoring 15 in 24, but still looked like he had reached his potential as a player - and it was not up to the level of a Premier League club. Benjani had hoped to sell him outright, but Crystal Palace came in with a decent loan offer, and the Norwegian would get the chance to again lead a promotion charge as he had so magnificently in 23/24.  Benjani hoped he’d get more interest and be able to secure a permanent transfer away the following summer.

Forward - In

Robin de Zeeuw - £15m

 

The scouts rated a 20 year old striker Robin de Zeeuw highly, convincing Benjani to make a £15m bid for the young player.  He looked a better player than Da Graca already, and though he had his flaws, he was primed to make big progress in the right environment.  Benjani’s reservation was that he wasn’t the pure finisher that Benjani hoped for.  He was decent, and would likely improve, but was he good enough?

 

Robin de Zeeuw - £15m

 

Events would soon help make the decision for Benjani as he found his head turned by a fantastic young player from Chelsea.  Portsmouth’s scouts had been drooling over Fabio Silva, who hadn’t yet managed to break into the team following his move from Wolves a few years prior.  Silva was a good, well rounded player, certainly an improvement upon Da Graca, but Benjani wasn’t convinced that he was worth the £32m price tag that Chelsea had put on him, or the high wages he’d demand after Chelsea had given him £105k/w.  As the scouts did their work on Silva, another striker just breaking into the first team setup there caught Benjani’s attention.

 

James Price - £25.5m (potentially £32.7 after appearances/goals) 

 

It was not a cheap deal by any means - he’d likely cost more than Silva did - but in Price, Benjani felt he had all he’d been looking for in his advanced forward.  The youngster was a natural finisher, had great pace, agility, and dribbling ability, and ticked most of the boxes when it came to workrate and determination.  He didn’t throw himself about, but he was aggressive enough, and as the advanced forward he’d be looking to get in behind more than fight pitched battles with center backs.  Only 19 years old, and only one fairly successful loan spell in the Championship, he had a lot of room to grow as well.

 

His pace was also exactly what Portsmouth had been lacking - that ability to get in behind. Neither Enrique or Da Graca were slow, but Portsmouth had certainly missed Fiabema’s pace - if not his inability to score. Combine that pace with good bordering on great finishing and suddenly Enrique wasn’t Portsmouth’s only truly deadly forward. His dribbling ability would also give Portsmouth another dimension in attack.

 

It would also allow Benjani to drop the Spaniard into the deeper role that he felt better suited to.

 

Andres Garcia - Free

 

With both Fiabema and Marquis leaving the club, Benjani wanted a bit more depth at forward in case there was an injury.  He found it in Spaniard Andres Garcia.  He wasn’t a top player, but he could dribble, he could finish, and he was happy with a bit part role and a chance to prove himself after being released by Valencia.  He was still young enough to make progress and either prove a reasonable rotation option in the future or move for a profit.

Left Wingback - In

Luca Pellegrini - £15m

 

Benjani was very excited about this signing - a well rounded, technically excellent and, crucially, aggressive left WB. Zamora had been okay, but Pelegrini brought a good amount of quality to the side, especially going forward. He was a player who’d moved a lot in his career, never quite finding a home. He’d officially been signed to Roma, Juventus, Genoa, and RB Salzburg - with a few loans to Cagliari in there - before returning to Juventus…and making two total appearances in 25/26.

Benjani had tracked him the summer before, but when Juventus put in a bid, Benjani had chosen not to try and compete.  After his limited use with the Italian giants, however, Benjani felt like the time was right.

Central Midfield - Out

Leighton Clarkson - £7.5m

The 24 year old Clarkson hadn’t ever quite made it into the first team after signing on a free from Liverpool.  A good, solid player, Benjani wished him well as he went off to Reading for a very good fee of £7.5m.

Joe Morrell - £7m

Another of the final holdouts from the beginning of Benjani’s tenure departed. Morrell had arrived just before Benjani, and while he’d performed well for many years, his mentality was not what Benjani was looking for.  Now with the resources and options available, and after losing his place to Levitt, Benjani knew Morrell’s time at the club was done.  AEK Athens came in with a £7m bid, and the deal was done. 

Central Midfield - Out

Hannibal - Central Midfield (attack) - £7m (up to £9m after 40 games) 

 

This deal happened during the season, and seemed a nice little bargain.  Benjani was looking forward to brining in the still youngish Hannibal in as an option to rotate with Bayliss.  He had near elite pace, dribbling, and plenty of flair.  He wasn’t the finisher that Bayliss was, but he would be dangerous as the third runner and could hopefully offer a different dimension.  With a name like Hannibal, what was not to like?

 

 

While Benjani was reasonably satisfied with his central midfield, his scouts recommended a great value for money option in the £6m relegation release clause Oriol Busquets from Elch in Spain.

Oriol Busquets - £6m

 

Such a well rounded player at such a good price was too good to not explore.  A good passer, solid defensively, and even able to fill in at centerback, Busquets would certainly be an excellent addition.

 

 

However, his work permit application was denied and the move fell through.

 

Oriol Busquets - £6m

Right WB - In

Benjani was very much struggling to find a decent right sided WB, so much so that once he saw one that looked decent, he made a bid that was probably well over what the player was worth.

 

Guille Rosas - £30m (£32)

 

Benjani’s desperation for a good WB drove him to make a bid that he wasn’t even sure he’d want to go through with in offering £30m for Rosas.  He was highly intelligent and physically gifted, and at 26, was entering his prime years.  Rosas, however, wasn’t especially interested in a move to Portsmouth.

 

 

He demanded £105k p/w and didn’t budge.  He later secured a move to Arsenal - where he’d likely spend his days on the bench earning similar to less (£75k/w) than Benjani had been willing to offer for a starting place.

 

Guille Rosas - £30m (£32)

Transfer Round Up (so far...)

Though there were setbacks, Benjani was overall very pleased with his transfer dealings as the new season approached.  Pacy forward Price was the flashiest of the signings, but WCB  Boungiorno and LWB Pellegrini would also both join the club and challenge for starting spots right away.  Hannibal would be an exciting rotation option and likely get a lot of time in the EURO II games and in the league as Bayliss tired - as he often did in his all action role. 

 

The one glaring hole in Benjani’s summer shopping list was a RWB, but he was struggling to find a player that was both within a reasonable price range and actually better than what he had in Williams and Guilbert.

 

There was a certain bittersweet flavor to the summer business as the last holdovers from when Benjani arrived at the club the summer of 2021 departed. Marquis would be missed and remembered for the way he’d led the club, Raggett served his purpose well, and even despite the fact that Benjani had never really liked Morrell, there was no doubting his contributions. Of course, the time was right to move on, but Benjani felt it was important to remember the players for what they’d done for the club.

 

Total income £20.5

Total spending £78m

Net £57.5m

Preseason

 

A decent if unspectacular preseason of six games including a training camp in owner Eisner’s home country of the USA. Highlights included a respectable draw against Dortmund and a 6-1 demolition of SK Sturm Graz in which new signing Andres Garcia scored four.

 

A new season approaches 

 

A brutal opening fixture sees Portsmouth host treble winning Liverpool [or quadruple if you count the Community Sheild!].  The opening set of fixtures would also include the resumption of hostilities in Southampton and another tough matchup at home against Tottenham.

 

UP NEXT - Twisting a Truth

Edited May 29, 2022 by 13th Man

[Hootieleece]

Splashed the cash, but you didn't buy 3 players for every position because you can't decide.......like a certain FM player I know......

[SixPointer]

Good solid business mate!! Real classy additions my that should propel you up the table. More so they will help with the tactical  identity. 

[karanhsingh]

Nice signings. The forward from Chelsea looks amazing. It's usually very hard to pry away good young English players from the big clubs so good job there. Although the center half from derby looks like a missed opportunity but maybe next season. 

[13th Man]

On 30/05/2022 at 01:27, Hootieleece said:

Splashed the cash, but you didn't buy 3 players for every position because you can't decide.......like a certain FM player I know......

Definitely splashed the cash! Had spent £20-30m under the budget the previous two years, the bank account was heading up close to £100m. After the 7th placed finish it seemed the right time.  It can definitely be a challenge not to load up the team, but with good to decent options across the squad, Benjani was able to focus on quality.

On 30/05/2022 at 06:00, SixPointer said:

Good solid business mate!! Real classy additions my that should propel you up the table. More so they will help with the tactical  identity. 

This is the big thing. The purely physical backline, the newfound pace up front, and Pellegrini’s aggression and skill going forward are going to help implement Benjani’s vision. With the £ at his disposal, he could focus on players who fit the desired profile.

On 30/05/2022 at 06:24, karanhsingh said:

Nice signings. The forward from Chelsea looks amazing. It's usually very hard to pry away good young English players from the big clubs so good job there. Although the center half from derby looks like a missed opportunity but maybe next season. 

Really excited about Price, yeah. It was not a cheap deal, and he’d only made a few first team appearances, but the gamble seemed worth it. Definitely better than a good but unspectacular 25 year old Fabio Silva for the same price - especially when you take the potential into account.

[Hootieleece]

4 hours ago, 13th Man said:

It's usually very hard to pry away good young English players from the big clubs so good job there.

It all depends, I can often find a good to very good player on a Free Transfer from one of the big Six. Usually someone who should be playing, but the AI bought the biggest Rep player for the position over the summer.  Always send your scouts to get U21 reports from the Big English teams around September. Then shortlist and fully scout any prospects to find out the contract situation. You can usually poach one on a "Free" that might cost you a bit in January. You can also gamble that the AI won't resign them and wait to sign in June or July.

[13th Man]

Twisting my words

Here’s an intensive, single game deep dive into a fairly one off, situational tactical switch that worked exactly as intended.

 

 

What a way to open the season! It was at home, but even after such a significant summer transfer outlay, no one gave Portsmouth much of a chance against the previous season’s treble winners.

Was it a true masterclass in Total Football? No it was not, but neither was it a match where they rode their luck or a smash and grab. Portsmouth ran out deserved winners at Fratton Park. They did it with a specific game plan which was carried out to perfection. Mighty Liverpool were held to only five shots (compared to Portsmouth’s 12) and none on target with a combined xG of only 0.29.

 

 

Stars like Mbappe, Salah, Mane, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk were made to look terrible while only two Portsmouth players were held to under a 7.0 rating.

 

How did Benjani do it?

 

If you have the ball you must make the field as big as possible, and if you don’t have the ball you must make it as small as possible.

-Johan Cruyff

 

Benjani pulled off this fantastic win by taking the thought behind this quote and twisting it to fit the matchup. While an orthodox reading of this quote would mean high defensive lines and pressing in defense with wide width in attack, that would play directly into Guardiola’s hands. Instead, Benjani did the opposite, but in doing so accomplished the same aims.

 

Guardiola was a tactical genius, his side was packed with talent, but you know the way he and his side were going to look to play. He and his players had always been so good at it that it didn’t matter if the opposition knew what was coming, it was still near impossible to stop. But it’s also his Achilles heel, and if you can stop Guardiola’s sides from playing the way they want you can beat them.

 

He wanted to keep the ball, pile on the pressure, and look to pull the opponent out of shape with movement, passing, and individual skill. They would always push up the pitch, always look for chances to force players into mistakes, and always try to keep the ball and win it back as quick as possible when lost. They did not tend to go long as those were low percentage passes.

 

1 - If you don’t have the ball, make the pitch as small as possible…

 

If it was a given that Guardiola’s Liverpool would push up, and they’d have the quality to do so whether Portsmouth wanted them to or not, Benjani realized that the space behind his own defense was where they’d be most dangerous. The last thing he wanted was the likes of Mbappe, Salah, or Mane running free at the keeper. 

 

He pulled back his defensive line [ to standard] and instructed his players to only press inside their own half [LOE to lower], but to maintain their aggressive press once it was triggered. They weren’t parking the bus, but they would cede Liverpool their own half.  Stolarczyk’s pace and quickness off his line allowed Portsmouth's backline to set up just outside their box, knowing the keeper would gobble up any balls in behind (see example 2 below).  Benjani picked a fairly pacy, strong, and defensively solid backline in Moran, Collins, and new signing Boungiorno and knew that Liverpool’s diminutive forwards wouldn’t beat them in the air, and Liverpool’s blistering pace wouldn’t be as much of an advantage in the tight spaces there were allowed.

 

Benjani also decided against using a counter-press in transition. Liverpool had the quality to pass right through it, leaving players out of position and creating more space to attack.

 

By allowing Liverpool to play in their half, Benjani would effectively shrink the pitch to the thirty yards between the box and the midway line, giving Liverpool a very limited space to work with.

Lastly, while this was more often used by Benjani, DLF Enrique would be tasked with specifically marking and pressing DM Fabinho (or anyone in the position). This would, in theory, mean that Liverpool would be confined to one side of the pitch and forced to play all the way back to the CBs to switch flanks, shrinking the pitch even further.

 

These shifts also played into Benjani’s plan going forward.

 

2 - If you have the ball you must make the field as big as possible…

 

With Liverpool sure to push forward, Portsmouth would likely recover the ball deep in their own half. With most of Liverpool’s players in Portsmouth’s half, Portsmouth had the whole pitch to work with. In new signing Price they have a very pacy forward capable of threatening in behind. With Liverpool sure to press aggressively, he instructed his players to keep the passing quick to play around the press, knowing his side were fully capable of stringing passes together.

 

He kept the width narrow, and to focus on defense, but he also instructed the players to look for counter opportunities where they could rush forward.

 

All together, these instructions would make the pitch as big as possible, even if they were stretching the pitch vertically more than horizontally.

 

And finally, Benjani was only a little bit embarrassed to include a bit of gamesmanship, instructing his players to take their time for throw-ins and free kicks. He wanted to frustrate Liverpool, make them gamble, and punish them when they did.

 

The Tactic 

 

It wasn’t all that different from their normal set up at first glance, but the out of possession instructions and the counter had a big effect without changing the way Portsmouth played. With Portsmouth keeping the play in front of them, limiting the space in behind, and letting Liverpool pass all they like, Portsmouth would look to frustrate their esteemed opposition - and look to either spring a surprise on the counter, or catch them complacent and tired with a good passing move.

 

The Match Itself

 

It was the latter which provided the first goal after only six minutes.  Portsmouth calmly progressed the ball down the left flank, with WB Pelligrini and BBM Levitt linking up nicely.  Liverpool pressed aggressively, overcommitting to their right flank. Liverpool’s defense were caught napping and when the ball was recycled to new WCB Boungiorno, he launched a quick ball up to CM (a) Bayliss. The midfielder had surged into the space left by DLF Enrique as he dropped deep.  Though seemingly clear through on goal, he was facing pressure from his right, and smartly laid the ball off for an onrushing Price - who was completely free and had a better angle with Alisson facing Bayliss. The finish was superb and Fratton Park erupted.  It only took the young forward six minutes in a Portsmouth shirt to score…against the defending champions no less!

 

Surely that would be just a false dawn and Liverpool would retake control of the game…but they didn’t.  They managed only two shots, none on target, in the first half.  Portsmouth, for their part, took six more shots in that time, and scored again in the 41st minute.

 

For the second, Virgil Van Dijk fouled Bayliss as he was carrying the ball through the midfield following a defensive clearance, but the ref played advantage as Portsmouth WB Guilbert picked up the ball. Van Dijk, in going to ground, had allowed Enrique in behind.  Guilbert spotted his run and Enrique was through on goal.  Enrique stayed wonderfully composed, waiting for the last possible moment to beat Alisson low and hard.

 

Liverpool managed a flurry of three shots in quick succession midway through the second half, yet couldn't manage a shot on target, and only earned a meek 0.3 xG.  For all their control, they simply couldn’t muster much of a threat.

 

Two Examples Down Portsmouth’s Left

Example 1

 

Portsmouth have recently lost the ball and are retreating into their defensive shape.  Alexander-Arnold (#11) has picked up the ball at the halfway line, and the press is triggered, with LCM Levitt #6 coming out to close him down.  The backline is a good ways in front of the 18 yard box in this case as they are retreating.  F9 Mbappe (#9) is well sheparded by Izquierdo (#10) and TAA doesn’t have many forward options other than to dribble.

 

 

TAA, unsurprisingly, beats Levitt, but the press buys enough time for Portsmouth’s backline to get into position just ahead of the D.  #3, LWB Pellegrini is trailing Salah a bit (not Benjani’s favorite) but is keeping pace.  With limited options still, TAA puts in a pass ahead of Salah.

 

 

By the time Salah receives the pass, however, he is already well wide of goal, and Pellegrini keeps him on his weaker right foot, shepherding him towards they byline. In this instance, by trailing Salah, Pellegrini is also able to ensure Salah can't lay the ball off to the RCM (#7).  The backline retreats.  In the middle of the half, you can see Enrique (#11) plastered to Fabinho (#3), ensuring there is no quick recycling of the ball.

 

 

Pellegrini successfully forces Salah to the byline, forcing him to turn back.  He manages a backpass to Mbappe (#9), but it comes to nothing.

 

Example 2

 

This is another variation on the same idea defensively, with Liverpool again attacking Portsmouth’s left flank.  CM Elliot (#7) sends the ball wide to TAA (#66), and Levitt will again hurry to the flank to press as Pelligrini sticks with Salah. Also here (in yellow) you can see the Enrique is, again, getting close to Fabinho.

 

 

With a bit more space and with Levitt unable to slow him down, TAA tries to play Salah in earlier.  Salah is not only well marked by both Pellegrini and WCB Bourgiono (#14), but, more importantly, Stolarczyk is quickly off his line to sweep up the mess.

 

 

Throughout both sets of images, it can be seen that Portsmouth remain compact without being too passive, and are able to flexibly deal with Liverpool’s threats.  They also were able to mark Liverpool’s players well enough that there was rarely a man available who was free - other than the centerbacks all the way at the halfway line.

 

 

Again, looking side by side, you’d think that the Liverpool were the scrappy underdogs - though Portsmouth’s deep position certainly gives away their more conservative set up in this match.  Portsmouth’s gameplan clearly disrupted Guardiola’s approach, with Portsmouth able to herd them into the right and left flanks, away from goal and out of dangerous positions. They made headway regularly down the flanks, but between Portsmouth’s defender’s aggressive but controlled press, the tight space, and Stolarczyk sweeping up crossfield and through balls, Liverpool never looked like scoring.

 

You can also see that Enrique was largely effective in his assignment to mark DM Fabinho and limit his ability to recycle possession and link the two flanks. Portsmouth’s Izquierdo, in the opposite role, was constantly on the ball.

 

The single stat that Benjani was most proud of? They completed 55 more passes than Liverpool (616 to 561). The 2-0 win was the important thing, but Benjani couldn’t help but enjoy that his side had also out passed Guardiola!

 

UP NEXT - A Trip to the Mountains (and other late summer adventures)

[Hootieleece]

Great Gameplan against Pep. I usually don't have the patience......

Possesion/Passing the ball to play "Keep away" is actually a defense I approve of! Used it quite a bit with my teams when we are underdogs.

It is sort of what I am doing with ASSE right now. Since the defense is shaky.... works most of the time unless a play a team committed to the High Press/Gengenpressing.

I am also a fan of Balanced Mentality and Standard Defense Line and Line of Engagement.

I often only have to up the mentality to Positive to get results without changing anything in my tactical setup (roles or Pi's)

[SixPointer]

9 hours ago, 13th Man said:

Twisting my words

Here’s an intensive, single game deep dive into a fairly one off, situational tactical switch that worked exactly as intended.

 

 

What a way to open the season! It was at home, but even after such a significant summer transfer outlay, no one gave Portsmouth much of a chance against the previous season’s treble winners.

Was it a true masterclass in Total Football? No it was not, but neither was it a match where they rode their luck or a smash and grab. Portsmouth ran out deserved winners at Fratton Park. They did it with a specific game plan which was carried out to perfection. Mighty Liverpool were held to only five shots (compared to Portsmouth’s 12) and none on target with a combined xG of only 0.29.

 

 

Stars like Mbappe, Salah, Mane, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk were made to look terrible while only two Portsmouth players were held to under a 7.0 rating.

 

How did Benjani do it?

 

If you have the ball you must make the field as big as possible, and if you don’t have the ball you must make it as small as possible.

-Johan Cruyff

 

Benjani pulled off this fantastic win by taking the thought behind this quote and twisting it to fit the matchup. While an orthodox reading of this quote would mean high defensive lines and pressing in defense with wide width in attack, that would play directly into Guardiola’s hands. Instead, Benjani did the opposite, but in doing so accomplished the same aims.

 

Guardiola was a tactical genius, his side was packed with talent, but you know the way he and his side were going to look to play. He and his players had always been so good at it that it didn’t matter if the opposition knew what was coming, it was still near impossible to stop. But it’s also his Achilles heel, and if you can stop Guardiola’s sides from playing the way they want you can beat them.

 

He wanted to keep the ball, pile on the pressure, and look to pull the opponent out of shape with movement, passing, and individual skill. They would always push up the pitch, always look for chances to force players into mistakes, and always try to keep the ball and win it back as quick as possible when lost. They did not tend to go long as those were low percentage passes.

 

1 - If you don’t have the ball, make the pitch as small as possible…

 

If it was a given that Guardiola’s Liverpool would push up, and they’d have the quality to do so whether Portsmouth wanted them to or not, Benjani realized that the space behind his own defense was where they’d be most dangerous. The last thing he wanted was the likes of Mbappe, Salah, or Mane running free at the keeper. 

 

He pulled back his defensive line [ to standard] and instructed his players to only press inside their own half [LOE to lower], but to maintain their aggressive press once it was triggered. They weren’t parking the bus, but they would cede Liverpool their own half.  Stolarczyk’s pace and quickness off his line allowed Portsmouth's backline to set up just outside their box, knowing the keeper would gobble up any balls in behind (see example 2 below).  Benjani picked a fairly pacy, strong, and defensively solid backline in Moran, Collins, and new signing Boungiorno and knew that Liverpool’s diminutive forwards wouldn’t beat them in the air, and Liverpool’s blistering pace wouldn’t be as much of an advantage in the tight spaces there were allowed.

 

Benjani also decided against using a counter-press in transition. Liverpool had the quality to pass right through it, leaving players out of position and creating more space to attack.

 

By allowing Liverpool to play in their half, Benjani would effectively shrink the pitch to the thirty yards between the box and the midway line, giving Liverpool a very limited space to work with.

Lastly, while this was more often used by Benjani, DLF Enrique would be tasked with specifically marking and pressing DM Fabinho (or anyone in the position). This would, in theory, mean that Liverpool would be confined to one side of the pitch and forced to play all the way back to the CBs to switch flanks, shrinking the pitch even further.

 

These shifts also played into Benjani’s plan going forward.

 

2 - If you have the ball you must make the field as big as possible…

 

With Liverpool sure to push forward, Portsmouth would likely recover the ball deep in their own half. With most of Liverpool’s players in Portsmouth’s half, Portsmouth had the whole pitch to work with. In new signing Price they have a very pacy forward capable of threatening in behind. With Liverpool sure to press aggressively, he instructed his players to keep the passing quick to play around the press, knowing his side were fully capable of stringing passes together.

 

He kept the width narrow, and to focus on defense, but he also instructed the players to look for counter opportunities where they could rush forward.

 

All together, these instructions would make the pitch as big as possible, even if they were stretching the pitch vertically more than horizontally.

 

And finally, Benjani was only a little bit embarrassed to include a bit of gamesmanship, instructing his players to take their time for throw-ins and free kicks. He wanted to frustrate Liverpool, make them gamble, and punish them when they did.

 

The Tactic 

 

It wasn’t all that different from their normal set up at first glance, but the out of possession instructions and the counter had a big effect without changing the way Portsmouth played. With Portsmouth keeping the play in front of them, limiting the space in behind, and letting Liverpool pass all they like, Portsmouth would look to frustrate their esteemed opposition - and look to either spring a surprise on the counter, or catch them complacent and tired with a good passing move.

 

The Match Itself

 

It was the latter which provided the first goal after only six minutes.  Portsmouth calmly progressed the ball down the left flank, with WB Pelligrini and BBM Levitt linking up nicely.  Liverpool pressed aggressively, overcommitting to their right flank. Liverpool’s defense were caught napping and when the ball was recycled to new WCB Boungiorno, he launched a quick ball up to CM (a) Bayliss. The midfielder had surged into the space left by DLF Enrique as he dropped deep.  Though seemingly clear through on goal, he was facing pressure from his right, and smartly laid the ball off for an onrushing Price - who was completely free and had a better angle with Alisson facing Bayliss. The finish was superb and Fratton Park erupted.  It only took the young forward six minutes in a Portsmouth shirt to score…against the defending champions no less!

 

Surely that would be just a false dawn and Liverpool would retake control of the game…but they didn’t.  They managed only two shots, none on target, in the first half.  Portsmouth, for their part, took six more shots in that time, and scored again in the 41st minute.

 

For the second, Virgil Van Dijk fouled Bayliss as he was carrying the ball through the midfield following a defensive clearance, but the ref played advantage as Portsmouth WB Guilbert picked up the ball. Van Dijk, in going to ground, had allowed Enrique in behind.  Guilbert spotted his run and Enrique was through on goal.  Enrique stayed wonderfully composed, waiting for the last possible moment to beat Alisson low and hard.

 

Liverpool managed a flurry of three shots in quick succession midway through the second half, yet couldn't manage a shot on target, and only earned a meek 0.3 xG.  For all their control, they simply couldn’t muster much of a threat.

 

Two Examples Down Portsmouth’s Left

Example 1

 

Portsmouth have recently lost the ball and are retreating into their defensive shape.  Alexander-Arnold (#11) has picked up the ball at the halfway line, and the press is triggered, with LCM Levitt #6 coming out to close him down.  The backline is a good ways in front of the 18 yard box in this case as they are retreating.  F9 Mbappe (#9) is well sheparded by Izquierdo (#10) and TAA doesn’t have many forward options other than to dribble.

 

 

TAA, unsurprisingly, beats Levitt, but the press buys enough time for Portsmouth’s backline to get into position just ahead of the D.  #3, LWB Pellegrini is trailing Salah a bit (not Benjani’s favorite) but is keeping pace.  With limited options still, TAA puts in a pass ahead of Salah.

 

 

By the time Salah receives the pass, however, he is already well wide of goal, and Pellegrini keeps him on his weaker right foot, shepherding him towards they byline. In this instance, by trailing Salah, Pellegrini is also able to ensure Salah can't lay the ball off to the RCM (#7).  The backline retreats.  In the middle of the half, you can see Enrique (#11) plastered to Fabinho (#3), ensuring there is no quick recycling of the ball.

 

 

Pellegrini successfully forces Salah to the byline, forcing him to turn back.  He manages a backpass to Mbappe (#9), but it comes to nothing.

 

Example 2

 

This is another variation on the same idea defensively, with Liverpool again attacking Portsmouth’s left flank.  CM Elliot (#7) sends the ball wide to TAA (#66), and Levitt will again hurry to the flank to press as Pelligrini sticks with Salah. Also here (in yellow) you can see the Enrique is, again, getting close to Fabinho.

 

 

With a bit more space and with Levitt unable to slow him down, TAA tries to play Salah in earlier.  Salah is not only well marked by both Pellegrini and WCB Bourgiono (#14), but, more importantly, Stolarczyk is quickly off his line to sweep up the mess.

 

 

Throughout both sets of images, it can be seen that Portsmouth remain compact without being too passive, and are able to flexibly deal with Liverpool’s threats.  They also were able to mark Liverpool’s players well enough that there was rarely a man available who was free - other than the centerbacks all the way at the halfway line.

 

 

Again, looking side by side, you’d think that the Liverpool were the scrappy underdogs - though Portsmouth’s deep position certainly gives away their more conservative set up in this match.  Portsmouth’s gameplan clearly disrupted Guardiola’s approach, with Portsmouth able to herd them into the right and left flanks, away from goal and out of dangerous positions. They made headway regularly down the flanks, but between Portsmouth’s defender’s aggressive but controlled press, the tight space, and Stolarczyk sweeping up crossfield and through balls, Liverpool never looked like scoring.

 

You can also see that Enrique was largely effective in his assignment to mark DM Fabinho and limit his ability to recycle possession and link the two flanks. Portsmouth’s Izquierdo, in the opposite role, was constantly on the ball.

 

The single stat that Benjani was most proud of? They completed 55 more passes than Liverpool (616 to 561). The 2-0 win was the important thing, but Benjani couldn’t help but enjoy that his side had also out passed Guardiola!

 

UP NEXT - A Trip to the Mountains (and other late summer adventures)

Love it! Tactical masterclass. 👏🏻 Well thought out game plan! Nothing better when the game-plan comes together perfectly. Most rewarding thing in the game for me personally. 
 

and all well presented! Top class stuff

[karanhsingh]

Truly a master-class! Great stuff and loved the thought process. Plus always a bonus when it's Liverpool taking the beating

[13th Man]

On 01/06/2022 at 02:26, Hootieleece said:

Great Gameplan against Pep. I usually don't have the patience......

I’ve honestly generally had success over Pep in game on average. With his sides you need to just figure out how to stop his side playing the way they want to - though you obviously have to play to your sides’ strengths and have good enough players to execute the plan. Previously, I’ve had a slightly more controlled gegenpress and counter work well against him, but that wasn’t the side that Benjani built.

 

On 01/06/2022 at 08:44, SixPointer said:

Nothing better when the game-plan comes together perfectly. Most rewarding thing in the game for me personally. 

This is the thing that keeps me coming back to the game! Still, as much as I liked the gameplan, I had no idea how well it would work!

 

6 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Truly a master-class! Great stuff and loved the thought process. Plus always a bonus when it's Liverpool taking the beating

thanks! As far as the big clubs go, I’ll take Liverpool over a lot if em, but I do have a personal vendetta against Pep (sacreligious I know!). As good as City are to watch at times, I find his desire to control every aspect of his team to be smothering.  
It’s also his weakness. Maybe I’m making things up, but I feel like when things don’t go to plan his sides are lost.
When Manchester City collapsed in the final minutes of the CL semi finals, they looked confused, like they didn’t know what to do. I’ve seen it before with City and Bayern before it. (At Barcelona I feel like it was a bit different, with him just emerging as a manager alongside the team, everyone raised on the same way of playing.)

In contrast, Klopps Liverpool in the CL final looked tired after the first 30 mins (mentally and physically - Klopp’s weakness) but the side always looked (to me) like they knew what to do. His sides can be overly frantic, but I don’t think confused or unsure. They just didn’t have enough about them to win on the day. 
Could be just biased on all the above, though I’m no proponent of the gegenpress either!

 

 

[karanhsingh]

13 hours ago, 13th Man said:

thanks! As far as the big clubs go, I’ll take Liverpool over a lot if em, but I do have a personal vendetta against Pep (sacreligious I know!). As good as City are to watch at times, I find his desire to control every aspect of his team to be smothering.  
It’s also his weakness. Maybe I’m making things up, but I feel like when things don’t go to plan his sides are lost.
When Manchester City collapsed in the final minutes of the CL semi finals, they looked confused, like they didn’t know what to do. I’ve seen it before with City and Bayern before it. (At Barcelona I feel like it was a bit different, with him just emerging as a manager alongside the team, everyone raised on the same way of playing.)

In contrast, Klopps Liverpool in the CL final looked tired after the first 30 mins (mentally and physically - Klopp’s weakness) but the side always looked (to me) like they knew what to do. His sides can be overly frantic, but I don’t think confused or unsure. They just didn’t have enough about them to win on the day. 
Could be just biased on all the above, though I’m no proponent of the gegenpress either!

Totally get your point about Pep, he is a control freak and what's worse is that he over-thinks things at times. Honestly even the last game vs Villa - he played Stones as RB for no reason and geriatric Fernandinho as CB, that almost cost them the league title.

I have a lot of respect for Klopp & Liverpool but as a United fan first & foremost hating them comes pretty easy, and I really don't like the whole "this means more" thing they've been on about for the past few years.

[13th Man]

A Trip to the Mountains (and other late summer adventures)

Return to Europe

Following their famous win against Liverpool in the season opener, Portsmouth traveled to the beautiful Alpine city of Vaduz in Liechtenstein to begin their first European adventure in over a decade.

 

 

Vaduz competed in the Swiss Challenge League (second division) due to Liechtenstein not having a league of their own (?), but received a ticket to the EURO II qualifiers via winning the Liechtenstein domestic cup.  However odd all that was, it had to have been amongst the most beautiful away games of Benjani’s career.

 

It was the Fourth Qualifying Round, meaning Portsmouth needed to win the tie to get through to the group stage. Though it was probably unnecessary, Benjani didn’t want to take any chances and fielded a fairly strong side in Liechtenstein.

Vaduz v Portsmouth (Leg 1)

 

FC Vaduz could manage little resistance and went 3-0 down within the first ten minutes through goals from Da Graca, Price (to make it 2-in-2 in a Portsmouth shirt), and an absolute belter of a goal from WCB Faes after a corner.  Benjani, wanting to preserve the players for the weekend fixture and a long trip home, pulled back the intensity to a bare minimum, and Portsmouth coasted the rest of the match - taking their time and enjoying the scenery [even if it was at night].

West Ham v Portsmouth 

 

London was not a place that Benjani had done well in the past, and so it happened again.  It was a lackluster display all around, dispelling some of those good feelings after that Liverpool win and the fun in Liechtenstein.  Appallingly, West Ham’s substitute rightback was allowed to run nearly three quarters of the length of the pitch and somehow score from an acute angle.  It was truly terrible - though Portsmouths’ attacking play was  as well. It was this game that began Benjani’s inquest into his tactics and their lack of penetration (stay tuned).

Transfer Alert!

Maxence Caqueret - £1.3m

 

Benjani had continued to be on the lookout for reinforcements in the center of midfield, and when the scouts brought him a report of the 26 year old Maxence Caqueret of relegated FC Metz in France. His relegation release clause was only £1.3m, so Benjani pounced. He was no world beater, but he was a fantastically well rounded player. His passing, technique and workrate would allow him to slot right in, and he was solid defensively as well.

Vaduz v Portsmouth (Leg 2)

 

The return leg of the EURO II qualifier featured a fully rotated side comfortably taking care of FC Vaduz at Fratton Park and confirming Portsmouth's ticket to the group stage.

Portsmouth v Tottenham

 

After falling to West Ham in London, Portsmouth managed to win out over another London back home on the south coast.  Unlike against Liverpool, this time Benjani got his tactics all wrong, but managed to adjust in time and eek out a good win in the 92nd min.

 

Benjani started out in a defensive posture not unlike the one he used against Liverpool. 

 

On this occasion, however, it only invited pressure.  Unlike Liverpool, Tottenham seemed willing and able to play more direct, and Stolarczyk was forced into some good saves early as Kane, for one, managed to keep funding space even in a crowded box.  Portsmouth, on the other hand, were creating absolutely nothing. It would only be a matter of time before Tottenham broke through.

Slowly, Benjani began to push Portsmouth out of their shell starting about 30 mins in. He was rewarded when Enrique broke free in the 41st min - his powerful shot was saved but the rebound hit a Tottenham defender and fell back into the net for an own goal.  Tottenham responded with a towering header from a free kick, but as Portsmouth continued to push forward, Tottenham seemed to retreat.  Portsmouth then snatched the winner in the 92nd minute via a glorious freekick from summer signing Hannibal, on as a sub for Bayliss.

 

 

Looking at the overall xG, it looked as if Portsmouth got away with one - and in some ways they did - but putting aside the first thirty to forty minutes of the match before Portsmouth used their more aggressive system they were, marginally, the better side. They created fewer but better chances, and looked much more comfortable defending on the front foot rather than letting Tottenham come into them. It was a lucky win, but not entirely undeserved.

 

In the aftermath of this, Benjani realized his side now had the quality to compete, and it would be better to play on the front foot, the way he’d shaped the club, than to try to soak up pressure, even against relatively big clubs.

Transfer Alert!

Finally, Benjani landed a right wingback! He’d largely given up on finding one, but the poor display at West Ham had added urgency.  With his scouting department unable to unearth targets and his DOF no help either, Benjani scoured the stats of right backs throughout Europe’s leagues and managed to find a player with a good all around game - passing %, crossing %, distance covered, tackle %, tackles per game, etc.  With limited time, the scouting department couldn’t get a full report, but based on what they found Benjani was encouraged.

 

At first, he balked a bit at the price required for a 30 year old, but the struggles of both RWBs against Tottenham solidified his resolve.

 

Valentin Rosier - £16m (£1.5m)

 

30 year old Frenchmen Valentin Rosier arrived on deadline day from Besiktas, though the deal had been agreed to days before. Another wonderfully well rounded player, Rosier brought pace, good intelligence, and could contribute very effectively to the passing game as well. He was given a lucrative three year deal, which was a gamble at his age, but Benjani could reasonably expect two good years out of him before he began to decline - though he’d still likely prove a good rotation option throughout the length of his contract.

 

 

Portsmouth were finally not the club with the lowest wage budget in the League, with newly promoted Bournemouth coming in at £200k/w under them. At £1.3m/w, however, they were still only half as much as the league average and truly dwarfed by the big clubs.

 

 

A great month, even if the loss to West Ham was a big disappointment. Benjani didn't go to bed easy the night after the Tottenham game, knowing he was missing something...

 

UP NEXT - You complete me

[karanhsingh]

Caqueret is immense value at that price! Great signing.

[Hootieleece]

Caqueret looks like a Ngolo Kante that also has some playmaking skill! Great pick up for your midfield.

[13th Man]

8 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Caqueret is immense value at that price! Great signing.

 

6 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Caqueret looks like a Ngolo Kante that also has some playmaking skill! Great pick up for your midfield.

Like in the update, he’s not a world beater, but at £1.3m he’s an absolute steal. There’s really good value to be had with good performers on relegated teams, but Caqueret’s release clause made it even easier. Must have been the way they convinced him to sign?

[13th Man]

You Complete Me

[This isn't supposed to be in all bold, but the browser decided it would be and I'm in no mood to fight it.]

“Mpe,” came the voice, “what is this?”

Quick fade in to Benjani’s eyes, harshly lit. He blinks, wincing, his eyes red, and they refuse to open all the way. He rubs the sleep out of his eyes as the camera pulls back. Cruyff is standing next to him, looking in the opposite direction. As Benjani turns, players take shape in the mist, one in Portsmouth blue, the other in Tottenham white.

“Just when I was drifting off!” Benjani grumbles wearily, “Don't get me wrong, I appreciate your...visits, but right now?  There weren't even any flashing lights or anything.  And just when I stopped going over this game again and again in my head.”

“You haven’t seen the important part,” Cruyff says with understated authority and a motion with his head towards the right side of the pitch, “watch.”

WCB Bourgiono sends the ball out to LWB Pellegrini who is in some space. The Italian wingback turns up the pitch, beginning to carry the ball. The Tottenham right back comes to close him, but while Pellegrini looks at first like he’s about to take him on, instead, with a glance to the sideline and a look of frustration on his face, turns and lays it back to Bourgiono again…who lays it back to Stolarcyzk…who clears it high up the pitch.

“I know, I know,” Benjani sighs wearily, “I was being too defensive at first. I changed things up and we won the match, though.”

“But you still know that still isn't enough,” Cruyff says.

Benjani’s mouth twitches slightly, but he doesn’t argue.

“And you’re still missing the important part.”

The Tottenham players around them evaporate, only to be replaced a moment later with players in claret and blue.

“Not the West Ham match,” Benjani groans.

"Watch," Cruyff repeats simply.

Once again we see Bourgiono with the ball, and this time Pellegrini makes a forward run. The West Han right back marks him tightly, though, and Bourgiono plays the ball back to cover CB Collins.

“That’s just the problem,” Benjani sighs, “when I ask them to play on the front foot, the wingbacks sit on their opposites and make it hard to play them the ball. When I ask them to play it safer, they don’t get forward enough!”

“Hmm,” Cruyff mutters. “Keep watching.”

Suddenly, the pitch moves rapidly beneath them though Cruyff and Benjani remain still. Benjani looks holds out his arms for balance for a moment, startled by the sudden motion, while Cruyff’s hands remain in his pockets. The pitch shrinks, rotates, and goes vertical in front of them until it looks like a large blackboard in front of them. The little players, hardly looking real anymore, seem to be in fast forward, darting back and forth down the pitch. Each player leaves a trail behind him. Portsmouth’s midfielders and forwards zig and zag, the WCBs make occasional forays into the channels, finding little pockets of space…with the wingbacks making straight lines up and down the pitch.

Benjani steps forward, staring up.

“But there’s space inside…” he mutters, “they don’t need to run so vertical…and why don’t they ever attack that space in behind?”

“Because you never said they could or should, Mpe,” Cruyff cracks a smile. “You’ve recruited offensive minded wingbacks, you want them to be aggressive, and yet…”

“...I’m holding them back with my instructions…”

Cruyff reaches out towards Benjani’s shoulder, and when his hand comes down, a sound like a thunderclap rings out. 

Cut to black.

In the blackness, two eyes open, Benjani’s, and we cut to his bedroom, completely dark, the bedside clock reading 1:47, and Benjani throws back the covers.

“Mpe,” comes the sleepy voice of his wife, “is everything alright?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Benjani says quickly, touching his wife gently before getting out of bed, “Everything is good. Great. I need to get some work done….”

“It’s the middle of the night…”

“I’ll be back soon,” Benjani says, “go back to sleep.”

Cut to outside a house. A light turns on and we see a figure in the window. He sits at a desk and opens a laptop…

UP NEXT - What was the point of this whole post?

[13th Man]

What was the point of that whole last post?

I mean yeah, who doesn't love a good, random fictional Cruyff dream/vision sequence right?  That’s what you’re here on this thread for.  Right.

To the point -  The tactical tweak that Cruyff helped Benjani see…will be revealed after a quick look at upcoming fixtures.

EURO CUP II

 

After dispatching Vaduz 5-0 on aggregate, Portsmouth were drawn into a tougher group than Benjani would have liked. He still very much fancied them to progress, but they would have a good challenge in Athletico Bilbao. Benjani wasn’t very familiar with football in Eastern Europe, but while Rijeka from Croatia didn’t scare him, Dynamo Moscow was a name he recognized and worried a bit about.

 

 

Looking at a packed fixture list, Portsmouth might only have qualified for Europe’s third competition, but the squad was about to be tested. Other than international breaks, it would be two games a week for the rest of the calendar year. Benjani planned to play a largely rotated squad in the EURO II Cup and hope that would be enough to get them at least through the group stage.  The rotated side would have to do against Liverpool as well in a brutal draw for Portsmouth in the third round of the League Cup - not just Liverpool, but away to Liverpool.

 

In the league, South Coast Derby would kick off an all South Coast September in the league as they’d then host Brighton followed by a trip to face Bournemouth.

 

Now onto the tactical tweak!

Complete Me - Attack of the Complete Wingbacks 

Benjani had felt compelled by necessity to go away from the core tenets of total football in his first two years in the top flight. He’d begun the season with a tactical masterclass against Liverpool, but had felt disappointed with the loss against West Ham and even the win over Tottenham. Even with all the investment in the squad, they were struggling to create enough chances and get good penetration. While going over those two games, Benjani began to key in on the wingbacks. He’d brought in offensively minded players on both flanks, and in Pellegrini and Rosier he had two quality players. He wanted more production, but when he instructed the WBs to attack they rarely saw the ball because they were right up against the opposition fullbacks. When he had them drop deeper they were overly cautious and rarely contributed in the final third.

 

Then it hit him, he needed to set them free. They needed more creative freedom, more freedom to find space and combine with the roaming midfield. Total football is all about position exchange and space, yet his wingbacks had been siloed into simply running up and down the flanks. In combination with Portsmouth’s turnaround against Tottenham, Benjani decided his side were ready to start working towards total football in earnest. There would be times to use defensive tactics like he had against Liverpool, but unless he had a specific reason not to, Portsmouth would begin to show the world their version of total football. Every player in the side was at least a decent passer of the ball, and there was pace, strength, determination and workrate throughout the team.  Benjani had also added a new dimension with summer additions Price and both new WBs - talented dribblers. It had always been low on the list of priorities for Benjani - which is why Portsmouth had always looked like a statistical anomaly in the dribbling category - but with the side starting to take shape he’d put a little more value in good dribblers.

 

The last significant change, was that Benjani would no longer ask players to look for underlaps.  He needed the CWBs to truly attack the spaces in behind and not hold up the ball unnecessarily.  (This change actually came after the Southampton game).

 

The use of complete wing backs, Benjani hoped, would complete the system, allowing the wide players to link up and interchange with the roaming midfielders and to find space instead of just making blind runs up and down the pitch. This change would be fairly significant, with his wingbacks previously on support or defend, but never attack. Here the roaming and creative freedom was crucial, as he'd been previously skeptical about sending his only flank players blindly running up the flanks at the earliest opportunity. With the roaming, however, they'd search for space, even if they'd normally stay wide. [PI to close down more for both wingbacks as well, with the idea of pinning the opposite FBs/wide players deeper]. 

 

Variation 1 - Dual Mezzalas

 

CWBs added to Benjani’s preferred shape since he’d developed in when Portsmouth were in the Championship.  It provided great movement from midfield with the wide center mids, WCBs and WBs overloading the channels.  Benjani was finding more success with this shape in the early going of the 26/27 season.

 

The issue came when an opponent was pressing high with some success - if the outside midfielders couldn’t get free, they’d just run up the pitch too high to be a good possession option.  The wingbacks too would push too far up, and force the backline to pass amongst themselves until something opened up or they had to clear their lines.

 

Version 2 - Central penetration/compactness

 

[RCM PIs - roam from position, close down more.]

 

This shape/system had helped Portsmouth be a bit more compact in the center, and had taken over as the primary system early in the 25/26 season, giving Portsmouth more central penetration and better passing options through the middle throughout possession.  The movement itself was a bit more predictable, however, and it’s narrower shape made it easier to defend against by the lower, compact blocks that Portsmouth were starting to come up against more often as they progressed.

 

The little tweaks

Neither of these variations were ever set in stone.  Some of the little extra tweaks can even be seen in these screenshots.

 

• One or both defenders can be on defend duty.  
• One or both of the CWBs might be reduced to support duty.  
• The DLP can be either on defend (if there’s a fear of central penetration and/or an AM) or support (if pressure is needed a bit higher up the pitch).  
• Sometimes only the right CM will be a Mezzala, while the other will remain more central in the BBM role.  
• Finally, the DLF could be on either attack or support duty, depending on the defense and the opposition midfield.

In conclusion…

Whatever combination he might pick, home or away, Benjani would be looking to play his brand of total football - unless he saw a specific reason to change things up, as he had against Guardiola’s Liverpool.

 

He had an international break to work on the changes to the system with the ever decreasing number of players who weren’t away playing for their countries. Happily for Benjani, Pellegrini and new WB Rosier were amongst those remaining…

Southampton (A)

 

It was a high stakes moment to try out a new wrinkle, but Benjani hoped to catch rivals Southampton unprepared.  In their previous visit to St Mary’s Portsmouth had gone 2-0 up only to have Southampton come roaring back, and Benjani felt that was a wrong that needed righting. With Southampton favoring two physical forwards who stayed high up the pitch, Benjani decided to keep his WCBs in conservative roles but otherwise would let his side loose to press and attack Southampton. 

 

With a lot of players returning tired after playing for their country, Benjani didn’t field his favored 11. Considering they would be heading to Spain midweek to start their European campaign in earnest, it would work out nicely…if the semi-rotated side could take care of business closer to home.

 

 

It was a hard fought game with Portsmouth having the lion's share of possession but sometimes struggling to deal with the physicality of Southampton’s forwards and, specifically, the direct play up to them. Both forwards fought for every ball, and were eager off the ball as well. Benjani begrudgingly respected the way they put pressure in Portsmouth’s backline. 

 

Sebastian Haller nearly scored in the first half after the normally dependable Collins lost track of him momentarily, but his powerful header cannoned off the bar.

 

That was the best chance of the game for a while, with both sides battling but neither gaining superiority, until a fantastic team move midway through the second half gave Portsmouth the lead.

BBM Levitt played the ball left to right, finding DLF Enrique dropping into space. As intended, attacking CM Bayliss overlapped him into the open right channel, and Enrique fed him around the corner before making his own run in behind. Bayliss gave him the ball right back and Enrique again broke Saints fans’ hearts with an excellent finish.

 

Portsmouth were given a scare about ten minutes later as Southampton forward Gaich knocked down a free kick from deep in their own half and put his partner through on goal. Haller was a ways out, but hit a scorcher from distance before Collins could get over to cover. Portsmouth were saved, however, as the flag went up and VAR confirmed that Haller had moved a fraction too early. The moment, however, showed that Benjani was right in his assessment of left WCB Mings, and in bringing in a quality player in Bourgiono. Mings had been ignorant of the danger Haller was posing, and he simply no longer had the pace to cover for those lapses in judgment.

 

Overall, it was a good first showing, and while Portsmouth managed to win by only a slim margin, Benjani had seen a lot to like in the way his side had looked with the unshackled WBs.

Athletic Bilbao (A) - EURO II

 

Portsmouth’s entrance into the EURO II group stage was a cruel lesson in clinical finishing.  Despite managing twice as many shots and four times Bilbao’s xG, Portsmouths found themselves somehow losing by two goals to nil.  Unai Simon was fantastic in goal forThe hosts, but Price and Enrique had plenty of chances to earn a draw or a win.  Instead, it was Bilbao who managed to convert two tough chances from their left side.  Portsmouth could take heart that they were the better side, but it was still a tough loss.

 

The positive from the game was the way that the new system seemed to be clicking. Portsmouth looked dangerous every time they went forward, and if they’d managed to score as they really should have, the game likely would have turned out very differently.

Brighton (H)

 

This was more like it. After grinding through a tough first half, Portsmouth managed to find a way through, and then took the game to Brighton and put on a finishing clinic.  Maybe even more so, RWB Rosier put on an assisting clinic.  The first was a lovely lofted ball to the back post to where LWB Pellegrini had ghosted unmarked.  For the second he beat his man on the dribble and surged towards the byline, whipping in a perfect low cross across the six yard box.  The pace on the ball gave the keeper no chance, and AF Price’s quickness allowed him to get there first for a tap in.  That’s two tap ins from Rosier assists (look at the xG jumps - 0.75 xG both of them!).  A great combination between Enrique and Bayliss sent Price clear again for his fourth league goal in a Portsmouth shirt.  Enrique got in on the action later to round out the score, with only a late Brighton goal long after the game was won taking a bit of the sheen off what was a dominant victory.

Liverpool (A) - League Cup

A brutal draw in the league cup - away to Liverpool - was followed up by a brutal result. With Portsmouth’s packed schedule, and their low chances for a result, Benjani felt he had to play a fully rotated side. Liverpool did as well, but Benjani still opted for a similar gameplan to the one he used earlier to great effect - especially knowing the gap in quality between his “second” 11 and Liverpool’s was probably even greater than the difference between their respective first 11s.

 

It worked well again, only Liverpool’s Curtis Jones got lucky twice - first when a good tackle in the box landed perfectly at his feet and the second when he was left inexplicably unmarked at the near post for a free kick. Portsmouth responded twice, with forward Garcia and Bayliss (on as a substitute) both scoring excellent goals. Just as the tie seemed headed to penalties, however, with all but the last kick of the game, five minutes into stoppage time, Liverpool’s Elliot scored an absolute wonder goal, the ball curling into the top left from just outside the right corner of the box.

Bournemouth (A)

 

Bournemouth made things hard for Portsmouth. The bottom of the league club sat way back, wasting time and fouling Benjani’s players, then hitting them on the break. Benjani responded by going wider when attacking and slowing the pace down - with Bournemouth barely pressing, the quick tempo was only helping them keep their shape and Portsmouth were rushing themselves unnecessarily.

 

The changes helped Portsmouth gain control and keep on the front foot, but Bournemouth fought hard…maybe too hard.  Portsmouth were looking like scoring already, and then left back Vinagre went at WB Rosier with a two footed lunge and was sent in for an early bath. CM Levitt, on to give the side a bit more creativity, cut out the middleman and lashed home a cutback with one of his first touches of the game. He would later score again from distance before forward Price added to his already impressive tally on the season to round out a nice win.

League Table

 

A perfect month in the league saw Portsmouth claim dominance over the south coast, beating their local rivals by a combined 8-1, though the 1-0 win over true rivals Southampton had to be the highlight. Benjani wasn’t sure his side could keep up its challenge for a top 4 spot, but it seemed possible to be in with a chance for the EURO Cup proper.

 

 

Tough losses against Bilbao and in the League Cup took some of the shine off. With an already packed schedule, Benjani wasn’t but just so disappointed to be out of the cup, and with the toughest game of the EURO II group stage out of the way, he also felt confident about their chances.

Some early season stats

 

Only six games in, it was too early to take too much away from any stats, but the signs were promising. While Portsmouth had been one of the most clinical sides the previous season, they’d been amongst the worst in terms of chance creation (15th) and xG. In the early stages of the 26/27 season they were creating far more chances taking far more shots (4 more per game), and were doing so without sacrificing efficiency or, crucially, defensive solidity. The future seemed bright, but London was Calling...

 

UP NEXT - London Calling

Edited June 5, 2022 by 13th Man