[FM23] The Secret Diary of Anton Nagain, Aged 36 ¼ - Book 1: Making The Kalls In Budapest - MTK Budapest FC

[anagain]

This is a second attempt at this save. I misjudged how accomplished a coach my manager would have to be to get a job. May things go better for me in this new universe...and god rest all those who fell by the wayside when I destroyed the last universe. 

Monday, 27th June 2022

I have today officially entered the big wide world of football management, applying for the vacant managerial job at  MTK Budapest in my native Hungary. Being an intellectual, I'm aiming higher and applying for second tier jobs. Surely it's the least a National A certified coach can expect.

My significant other being Slovenian, I decided to apply for a job at NK Drava Ptuj, a team just relegated to the Slovenian Third Tier.

I'd like to showcase my talents sooner rather than later. Being an intellectual and a polyglot, I might consider travelling much farther afield.

And so it begins!

 

Tuesday, 28th June 2022

Had a phone call from Gábor Szilágyi of Nemzeti Sport. Understandably, along with enquiring as to whether I would like a job abroad, he clearly knew of my intellect as he asked me "You're a noted polyglot; how useful is your multilingualism in today's footballing culture?"

"I'm wondering which language to answer in..." I replied, trying not to sound too smug. A professor I once knew said it never pays to come across with too high an opinion of oneself.

I don't know if she was right, or not.

 

Saturday, 2nd July 2022

It's been four days and I've not heard a single piece of news on my applications. Should I write and tell them I'll look farther afield soon?

Pandora keeps telling me to relax. "For the sake of the dogs, dear." She said.

 

I receieved a phone call later that day from Nándor Horváth...yes, the same Nándor Horváth I was at university with, and whom I played on the same football team with. Nándor has made a name for himself as a football agent. He spoke with Pandora on facebook and says he wants to represent me in my endeavor to enter the world of football management.

 

Sunday, 3rd July 2022

It would seem Nándor does indeed have the connections he bragged to me about. Early this morning I receieved an email from Károly Kiss, the chairman of Budaörsi Sport Club, a third tier club in my own land. Nándor communicated my interest in management and I have been invited for an interview via Zoom.

Budaörsi are recently relegated from the second tier and are among the favourites to go straight back up. THis could be the perfect opportunity to immediately showcase my talents with a promotion.

There were concerns however. The second question Károly Kiss put to me left me wondering what sort of financial situation I'd be faced with.

You might think I'd be used to it, my upbringing constantly bringing my health into doubt due to meals substantially lacking in nutrition. Dehydrated and frozen slabs of tasteless sludge were the norm and led to significant health conditions. There was barely a week between my thirteenth and sixteenth birthdays in which I was not played skin conditions.

Myself and Pandora have become used to a better life but I assured the chairman that I could handle anything.

When told I was expected to strive for a top half finish in NB III - Nyugat I started to have further doubts. I ensured Mr Kiss that things would be fine.

When the conversation turned to how much money Mr Kiss was willing to allow me for wages I must admit to not knowing if it was a lot or next to nothing. The figure was £5,073 per week (am using pound sterling because I don't know too much about the forint but that it seems to go up to about 10000 forint notes). It does sound such a small amount though. I decided to not ask if there was budget to acquire artwork for my office.

Would I get an office of my own?

I decided to take my chances and ask for a little more.

 

It seems news travels fast in the world of football management. Just an hour after hanging up my Zoom call to Mr Kiss I received a call from Dominik Szatmári of Magyar Nemzet. Dominik asked if I was seriously considering the Budaörsi job. I told him, "everyone's ambitious; we look at the likes of Pep Guardiola and think 'that could be me one day'". I am sure I heard a smirk.

Perhaps I will yet hear from MTK Budapest.

 

Monday, 4th July 2022

Nándor says I might have to look further afield and suggested Bosnia, Montenegro or Albania. Is there culture in Tirana? I suspect so. I'm not so sure about the countryside though. Isn't that where the thugs that tried to kill Bryan Mills in Taken came from?

Will pick up an Albanian language course and consider it.

My polyglottic skills will be tested.

 

It may not matter. Later that day I received my second job offer interview from Mosonmagyaróvári TE 1904. MTE are newly promoted to the second tier and are favourites to be relegated this season. I accepted the chairman's offer of an interview but will be cautious about this one. They did offer more money than Budaörsi though.

Nándor has suggested some vacanat managerial positions in the Czech Republic and in Bosnia. I shall wait for news on my Hungarian endeavours first. Pandora says the dogs are settled in our current home, though she does like the sound of moving back home to Slovenia. I will keep my dear Pandora happy for now.

 

Wednesday, 6th July 2022

I believe I will declare myself officially popular. Drava have offered an interview. Pandora was happy until she realised the job was in Ptuj.

"But the west of Slovenia is so much nicer, my love." She assured me, casually stroking little Sonček's head. I am sure the dog winked at me. Does he control my dear Pandora?

Salvatore Passante had the impertinence to suggest I was in the running for a lot of jobs. One has to explore one's options, I told him. The money at Drava is quite a lot less than the last two jobs and they just want a top half finish. 

My grandma always said perservence will overcome anything. She did speak a lot of crap though.

 

Watched Taken with Pandora and went to bed vowing to trust the process.

 

Thursday, 7th July 2022

The opportunity I have wished for has been presented to me. MTK have offered an interview. My intellect has obviously been made clear to the former Hungarian champions. 

As I accepted the Zoom call I took a breath and told myself to be confident yet cautious. Now would not be the time to ruin my chances by being unreasonable.

MTK want promotion, they want possession football and they want success from the club's youth system. The board have a good graps of finances to secure a bright future for MTK. I found myselfimpressed with Sándor Zakor, the chairman. We clearly share a level of intellect.

The club are not stingy with the transfer and wage budget though. I hung up the zoom call and spent the rest of the morning with a smile on my face. I was even nice to Sonček and Mavrica. Pandora and I took the dogs for a long, actually relaxing, walk.

Upon returning home I noted a message from Nándor to say he had heard I was being declared favourite for the MTK job, with some places offering odds of 11-1 on me. My smile broadened even more and my evening with Pandora was even better, if you get my drift.

~~~~~

~~~~~

Hello, and welcome to my main save for FM23. I like to do something a little different in FM and so I've taken inspiration from two sources to create this save. In FM14...ish I started as a Hungarian manager named Anton Nagain (pretty obvious where that name derives) and applied to jobs in Eastern Europe (I'd fancied a change). I landed the job as manager of FC Koper and had a very enjoyable career.

So, Anton Nagain is a 36 year old Hungarian born in the small town of Szentgotthárd, on the Sába river, and close to the border with Austria. Anton is of German ancestry and is married to a Slovene lady from the Adriatic coastal resort of Portoroz (they met at university). Her name is Pandora (c'mon, I had to, as you'll see...if you don't yet know) and she grew up a supporter of Koper (I got that one in).

 Images from Szentgotthárd

As a result, Anton speaks fluent Hungarian and German along with damn good English and Slovenian. I just wanted to make him an intellectual. Anton studied languages and worked as a translator alongside a semi-pro football career. No longer able to keep up with the rigours of the game, Anton has taken coaching badges and has decided it's time to try something new. Can always translate in the background if the money's bad.

Now, you're probably asking what the second source is. Someone will have guessed by now. I can't think what nudged my memory recently, but in the early to mid eighties I was fascinated by the Adrian Mole books - The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole, aged 13¾ and The Growing Pains Of Adrian Mole. They were diary styled young adult comedy novels by Sue Townsend and followed the formative years of the young intellectual, and Pandora Braithwaite obsessed, Adrian Mole through the trials and tribulations of being an adolescent in mid-80s England. Adrian is a self-designated intellectual and (bad) poetry writer with dysfunctional parents. The books are well worth a read, even as an adult.

I just thought I'd try and make this somewhat inspired by Adrian Mole. Pandora is obviously Pandora Braithwaite, though it's not a very Slovenian name, and Nándor Horváth is Nigel Hetherington, Adrian's best friend and racing bike enthusiast. I was going to give Anton children but if he ends up moving all over Europe that might be tricky. They ended up being dogs. Pandora would have chihuahuas. Sonček and Mavrica. Sunshine and Rainbow in Slovenian.

So why have I set it in Hungary, you ask? I wanted a career in Europe and one that might see me get to European competition sooner than I would with an English manager (have to experience the European competition features in the year they're added). I've started with a higher coaching badge and will aim for the second tier in countries in Hungary or the western Balkans (former Yugoslavia or Albania). I will aim to progress to the top divisions in those countries and then on to the bigger leagues (probably Germany), and want to try and take in Austria or Switzerland (because I've never managed there).

Anton's favourite clubs are ZTE FC in Hungary (they have hideous kits), Wolfsburg in Germany and Spurs in England

Also, I just really enjoyed that Koper save as the Hungarian born Anton Nagain. Be a nice change to manage somewhere different than the England save I did last year.

It still works...I hope.

Here's Anton. I've put adaptability up a few notches to aim to reflect on Anton being a polyglot and happy to experience new cultures...of course he is. Anton is a man of the arts and culture. He and Pandora stared for ages at the Mona Lisa on their honeymoon in Paris.

This is the second Anton Nagain. My first attempt at this save proved fruitless so Anton is more qualified and enjoyed a better career in football.

 

Save Setup

There are a number of league addons in use here. It may be a heavy old game on my ageing PC but I play slowly anyway. Another bonus to smaller European leagues is they tend to be less games than England and I might get through more seasons. Basically, this is most of Europe with much view only. I've allowed the game to add staff. I hate finding a new club and there's no staff.

As this is a second attempt I have ticked the option to add players to squads. It may not make a difference as I have made Anton a little better a coach than he was before.

 

Disclaimer: Who knows how long I'll manage to keep up the Adrian Mole influence. I can't write poetry, for one thing, but I do like to combine an enjoyment of writing and of FM.

I'll leave it there for a first post. I hope I get a club soon. Getting the MTK job would be the dream.

 

Edited November 12, 2022 by anagain

[anagain]

Career History

Landmarks

Edited November 12, 2022 by anagain

[anagain]

This post has become redundant but I will leave it here to explain further why I started again. Now I can only hope these Steam workshop league add ons continue to work. The Luxembourg one I used a couple of FMs ago was fine. We'll see. If I had more time to play I might have holidayed for a few years.

I'm too impatient....

If it breaks, it breaks. If so I'll turn to XaW's Norway league addon.

 

Saturday, 16th July 2022

Nándor says I just need to be patient but my early attempts to land a job are making me depressed. Even Pandora's potica is failing to stimulate my belief. They all just say "we're sorry, but we have ended our interview process and your job application has been unsuccessful".

Nándor keeps coming to me with jobs at the arse end of nowhere, with miniscule budgets and the chairman's son, nephews and next door neighbours as the only players.

I am better than this.

Thursday, 21st July 2022

It is no good, I need creative input. Have booked a short break and will pour my heart and soul back in to this when the seasons get underway.

I shall be first to pounce when managers lose their jobs...assuming they're not in a grotto town somewhere.

~~~~~

~~~~~

But, seriously. I did not expect to find it this hard to get a job. I may need to restart this and put my coaching badge up a level or two.

I am seeing jobs available in the lower divisions of the likes of Kosovo, Macedonia and Bosnia but the clubs have about five players. The following job has been suggested to me for three weeks now.

I think that may be more frustrating than enjoyable. They are well fancied for the division though.

When I ran the Koper save I started much higher up. I believe Koper were in the top flight already.

Anton is too highbrow to accept a job at an amateur club. There is getting on the starting rung as a manager and there is starting in the mud.

Okay, I have made up my mind. I have to give Anton a leg up.

Edited November 12, 2022 by anagain

[anagain]

Sunday, 10th July 2022

The first club have returned with an offer. Drava made me the offer this morning. I asked to delay a week.

I still hope for an offer from MTK. I ask Pandora for a kiss of luck every morning. My love naturally obliges.

 

Monday, 11th July 2022

One down.

Good luck, Gusztáv. I am a magnaminous person.

~~~

I never doubted my ability...

My mother once said that faith would be rewarded. I believe it was when my literature teacher stated that my poems showed promise at a teacher/parent evening. I found the poem I'd written in one of my old diaries.

Rain, Rain, you cause me pain,

To bed I went, plans all sealed,

To morn I woke to drops on pane,

So much for the day revealed,

I'd planned to bike o'er hill and plain,

But now I'd just get ailed.

One of my best. No, seriously, I had some improvement needed back then. Oh, the frailties of youth.

~~~

I said earlier I couldn't write poems. I still can't, but that's about the standard of Adrian's poetic efforts. I also realise it probably wouldn't work in Hungarian...

...but I'm not an intellectual, nor a polyglot.

~~~

I have, of course, accepted the offer to negotiate the contract. I asked for an extra £100 a week and a bonus of £20k should we win the division. I feel they would expect me to negotiate upwards but it wouldn't do for me to be greedy.

Naturally, MTK accepted my negotiation.

Eyebrows?

I shall have to write a poem in honour of this moment in my life.

I must go now, dear diary. My dearest Pandora has invited some friends around to celebrate. I travel to Budapest tomorrow afternoon - may be a bit fragile in the am - to meet the faces at my new club.

MY new club.

~~~~~

I am off for the 3pm football. I will be back with an introduction to MTK Budapest and to meet the players.

This is what I wanted from this save. Looking forward to this.

[anagain]

I'm not too sure how I am going to format this from this stage forward. I want to keep the private thoughts of Anton, and probably keep the diary format going. For now diary entries are in orange

Tuesday, 12th July 2022

I arrived at Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion at 1.32 pm with a slight hangover and welcomed by the press.

"How pleased are you to be here, Mr Nagain?"

"Can you turn around the fortunes of this giant club, Mr Nagain?"

"Do you have the experience to manage one of Hungary's biggest clubs?"

Nándor jumped in with a professionalism I'd never expected of a failed racing bike enthusiast. "Anton will answer your questions later, for now he must meet the owner. No, no, Anton is keen to answer your questions but first things first." Call me impressed, Nándor.

We were rescued by a pretty young lady in a smart blue skirt and jacket who ushered us into the stadium to be greeted by a smiling man of about fifty years. He introduced himself as Sándor Zakor, the owner of MTK. Alongside my new boss was introduced András Selei, the managing director. I shook hands in as professional a manner as I could muster and my new bosses directed me to the board room where I was to have a relexed meeting with the club's coaching staff, followed by a relaxed tour of the stadium facilities and an introduction to the players.

~~~~~

Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion

Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion, located in the Józsefváros district to the east of Budapest's historic centre, is a multi-purpose stadium built as recently as 2016. The ground holds 5,014 fans all seated.

The club train at a seperate facility nearby.

Budapest

The city of Budapest was originally the three settlements of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest until the three were unified in 1873. The history of the site of the city dates back to before Christ and a celtic settlement that the Romans then settled as Pannonia Inferior.

The central area of Budapest along the Danube River is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several notable monuments of classical architecture, including the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle. Budapest attracts around 12 million international tourists per year, making it a highly popular destination in Europe. It also topped the Best European Destinations 2020 list by Big7Media. Budapest also ranks as the third-best European city in a similar poll conducted by Which?.

The Hungarian Parliament

Buda Castle

Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion circled and the star marks Anton's home town of Szentgotthárd

Magyar Testgyakorlók Köre Budapest Futball Club (MTK)

MTK are one of Hungary's biggest clubs. Founded on 16th November 1888, the first footballing activities took place in 1901 as the sport grew in popularity across Europe. MTK played their first season in the second league in 1902, were promoted and went on to win their first Hungarian title in 1904. In total, MTK have won 23 national titles and 12 Hungarian cups. The club have qualified for European football a number of tiems and were runners-up in the Cup Winners Cup in 1963-64, losing 0-1 to Sporting of Portugal in a play-off.

MTK have a loan partnership with two clubs in the same division as themselves; Bėkėscaba and Szentlörinc, although the link should be terminated with us in the same division. Liverpool and N.E.C. Nijmegen are senior affiliates.

MTK's natural colours are white and blue.

MTK will play the 2022-23 season in the Merkantil Bank Liga, the second tier of Hungarian football after being relegated last season. The club are 4-7 on to win the title.

~~~~~

Hearing that Liverpool and Nijmegen were our senior affiliates had me thinking we might find some real talent here on loan...

...and I haven't even met the squad yet.

~~~~~

I shall introduce the squad in a fresh post. My first impressions are that it's a well rounded squad. I rarely fall on my feet like this in FM...

...I'm wondering what caveat I shall discover.

Quite a few MTK gifs available...duck must be the mascot.

 

[anagain]

Wednesday, 13th July 2022

My first full day at my new club, and doesn't that sound a good thing to say? My. New. Club. Well, you know what I mean.

It would be a big day. Meeting with the lads in the morning. Training session in the afternoon. Friendly in the evening. Just got to my hotel room to find Pandora asleep. I'm knackered and will join my love soon, after I write this.

I have to say I am pleased with the state of the squad. We have options up and down the park but if I had a concern it would be back up to my keeper and the right full back spot. Poór and Miknyóczki will have to convince me.

I'm not sure it matters anyway. In a chat with the boss I was told there's no budget left for wages. We have £86,213 in the transfer kitty but we'd have to sell to buy.

Not to sound lacking in ambition but I'm going to say I might just do nothing. We have a squad here that is very rounded and surely able to take this division by storm. Artúr Horváth is wanted by Ferencvárosi. The money would have to be right and I would need to identify a replacement first but I would entertain a sale. One has to be open to all possbilities. I'd rather start on a good footing with my players. I don't want to create a Balázs Kenesei*!

I dare them to extract protection money from me! I have informed them all the fines should they disgrace themselves. I'm not averse to a little hard tackling on the park so I'll go easy on those that pick up a few bookings.

My first chat with the squad went well and I got assurances that they'll give me a chance to prove my worth. I can't expect them to love me from day one. "Give them a week at least", I chuckle. We're on the same level when it comes to winning this league though.

The media are puppies and I put them in their place in my first press conference. I am sure they realise that I'm an intellectual.

...

I feel my eyes closing. I shall leave you with a poem I once wrote. Pandora likes this one.

Eyes close,

The mind numbs,

The land of nod awaits,

Sleepy travels ahead,

Sweet dreams, one and all

 

...oh, we won my first game...not as clearly as I'd have liked but very comfortable.

Goodnight, dear diary.

~~~~~

MTK Squad

Goalkeepers

Bence Somodi is our undoubted number one and I will admit to concerns over Bence's backup. In a chat with our player/keeper coach, Dániel Paulovicz, I discovered that we have a keeper named Bence Varga on loan at Kecskemėti TE whom Daniel is surprised was allowed to leave, believing he's a much better back up. Kecskemėti are a league above us so surely a move that was player instigated.

I am yet to decide who will be number two.

Defenders

Full/Wing Backs

After just one training session I can tell you that we are short of quality right backs, our best options being much more center backs than wide players. Our best option at wing back on the right is Ádám Miknyóczki and I am drawn towards a back three at this early stage. The question is who deputises for Miknyóczki?

On the left we have much better options. Slovakian Sinan Medgyes will likely be first choice with Gergely Kapronczai competing for the spot in the team. Gergely is the more attacking of the two.

In our second team currently is 21 year old Hungarian left back Barnabás Nagy. I'm not convinced Nagy isn't a better player than Gergely. I shall see in the remaining friendlies.

Centre Backs

Options at CB are Patrik Poór, Benedek Varju, János Szépe (our three alternative right back options), Zsombor Nagy and Roland Lehoczky. I shall let these five convince me in the final friendlies.

There are some very good options at centre back in our second team but they're all young and I feel they'll benefit more from a lower level this season. I shall see how they are progressing at a later date.

Central Midfield

There is an abundance of midfield options here and our best options are tough tackling holding midfielders. I am drawn back to a back four now; the very common 4-2-3-1. The more I think about it, Patrik Poór can handle a left back role, and with our wide players (that I'll come to) it would be a mistake to not utilise them).

But, back to our midfielders. Sitting centrally, the battle will be between Roland Lehoczky (see above because he's more a CB in my opinion), Szabolcs Mezei, Mihály Kata and Artúr Horváth. Again, I am not yet sure who is first choice amongst these three. More work for me in friendlies.

Slightly more advanced options - or even behind the striker - centrally will be István Bognár, Martin Palincsár, Péter Törőcsik and Máté Krisztián Kovács. István Bognár is clearly a quality player and I can see him sitting centrally and dictating play. All four here are adaptable though.

Advanced Wide Men

Márk Kovácsréti and Mátyás Kovács are out and out wide men who like to cut inside, although Mátyás is perhaps a little less direct than Márk.

The Goalscorers

And finally to the men who will hopefully be the ones banging in the goals in our campaign to win this division. Krisztián Németh is our captain and best known player, with 37 caps and 4 goals for the Hungarian National Team. Krisztián starts as first choice up front - he has to with the wages he is on - but fighting to make an impact will be Márkó Futács and Dániel Zsóri.

Early Tactical Thoughts

I am now firmly in the camp of going out with a more attack minded but possession controlling 4-2-3-1. I want us to control the game but also break quickly to punish the opposition. Bognár and Horváth will be our more creative players, from behind the striker or from deep, respectively. Kata will sit deep and break up play whilst our right side will be more direct and our left a little more passive.

The First Teem Meeting

I think it went well. I had assurances from Krisztián Németh that the squad is firmly behind giving me a chance to impress and that mentality has meant we start with a great dressing room atmosphere.

Still some work to do though.

Code of Conduct

Finances

I've been told the club is not super secure and the transfer budget will likely go down next season if projections are to be believed. Liverpool are our senior affiliates. I think a friendly is in order and have suggested it needs to be a priority before our season opener on 31st July. I'm not so sure we'll fit it in though.

I have to trust the board.

My First Match In Charge

A winning start!

 

That's enough for now...that took ages to write!

 

 

*Yes, that's my Hungarian equivalent of Barry Kent, one of the best characters in the Adrian Mole universe and Adrian's nemesis...well, assuming he ever had the brains to be so.

**Please forgive me if I refrain from typing out all those accents from now on. It's hard work with an English keyboard!

 

 

 

 

[GIMN]

14 hours ago, anagain said:

Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion, located in the Józsefváros district to the east of Budapest's historic centre, is a multi-purpose stadium built as recently as 2016. The ground holds 5,014 fans all seated.

That has got to be the most ridiculously beautiful, over-engineered, 5,000 capacity stadium ever!!

Great write up.  I love the presentation style, and look forward to seeing how Anton gets on.  Will you have to update his age for each book?

[anagain]

5 hours ago, GIMN said:

That has got to be the most ridiculously beautiful, over-engineered, 5,000 capacity stadium ever!!

Great write up.  I love the presentation style, and look forward to seeing how Anton gets on.  Will you have to update his age for each book?

Yeah, amazed me when I read it was just 5k.

Thanks for the kind words. To be honest, Anton's life is based very much on a year of Adrian Mole's life in book one. Pandora is really just a teenage lust. Probably shouldn't have called her Pandora really but couldn't help myself. 

I will have to slow it down a bit. The way I'm writing at the moment is more write than play! Will prob do major moments. Wouldn't like to steal the whole story either so Anton will have to go his own way. 

[anagain]

I feel a little voicing of my thoughts is needed. In replying to GIMN I got thinking about how I'd portrayed Anton, and he really is a snapshot of Adrian from the first book. I've actually listened to the first two books on Audible this week and very much enjoyed them again, something like 30 to 35 years since I first read them. Anton is very different to Adrian. Anton loves football. Adrian despised sport. I feel I will need to explore why Anton is a sportsman. Then there is much in the books that has come after I started writing this. To start with I should make Anton and Pandora just partners, not married. Then there is the tricky subject of children and the fact that Pandora would have wanted children, six of them, actually. Women change their minds a lot, don't they? <ducks>

I know it's probably not important but I just feel I wanted to say this. Think of the life of Anton as something like the sitcome Red Dwarf. Remember how LIster started out merely infatuated with Kochanski but unable to make his desires real? In season three they changed the whole premise and had Lister and Konchanski romantically involved.

The morale of the story? No one's bloody perfect. Live with a probable lack of continuity. 

Also...I'm too much of a damn perfectionist...even if it doesn't really matter.

NB; must note the updates are very weekendish. I wish I could find more time to play midweek

~~~~~

Sunday 17th July 2022

I submitted my list of squad numbers for the coming season. I don't know what the last manager was on but the numbers were a mess. No doubt he wasn't an intellectual like me. I feel the list best represents my current thinking on who is my early choosing for first team duties when we play Csákvár two weeks from today.

Anyone who doesn't like their number can lump it...

Pandora wants us to move to Budapest. No way is she staying in Szentgotthárd whilst I party my life away in Budapest, she informed me during tea. I ensured her there would be no partying but she is right, of course. I can't commute. We have a nice home here in my hometown but Pandora ensures me she is a Bohemian and should live in glamorous Budapest.

"Like Edie Brickell?" I suggested. "Her New Bohemians?"

"Edie Brickell? Really Anton, You know full well that I am more Dandy Warhols "Bohemian Like You"."

My Pandora will make city living look carefree. She will be the talk of Budapest!

We have started the hunt for a luxurious and modern, chic yet spacious apartment. Intellectuals and bohemians live in penthouses.

I have asked my personal assistant, well, the club secretary. What's her name? Ahh yes, Karolina. I've asked her to find me a listing of chic penthouses in Budapest.

She gave me a copy of the local property listings...

...it will do...

~~~~~

I'll probably do less "comical" diaries too. I really would like to get to the main season before Christmas!

~~~~~

Why my squad numbers were announced in The Guardian, I don't know. Do they have a section of the Hungarian second tier now? I'll let it go.

MTK Budapest FC II

With my second XI beating Dunaharaszti 5-0 in a friendly today I felt it a good time to introduce the side. Managed by Dávid Horváth, the side play in the third tier of Hungarian football - Nemzeti Bajnokság - Közép-Csoport. The National Championship being split in to three sections, West, Central and East, with MTK II in the central.

Star Players and First Team Potentials

Adrián Csenterics is a 17 year old keeper and one of the best youth prospects at the club. But for his age I would be happy to have Adrián in the first team. Time at a lower level will do him good.

Kaka (not that one) is the most out and out right back at the club. I want to see something special from the Ghanaian  in the second team this season. A good physical player, I wonder if Kaka has the technical ability to progress.

Barnabas Nagy is a left back I mentioned before but I will add here that he can be a star man for the second XI this season. I am not entirely sure of the rules about promoting players between teams but I may yet give Barnabas chances for our first team.

Ákos Zuigeber is a young attacking minded wide player with potential. I think a year in the third tier is best for Ákos but I won't rule him out of maybe being on the bench for the first team if he impresses.

I feel I must mention Bence Balogh. Bence is an experienced striker that has had a career in the lower divisions of Hungarian football for many years. He joined MTK II last year, scoring twice. In a fix I am sure Bence would put his heart and soul in to any appearance for the first team.

I will keep the MTK II season up to date here and be sure to mention any players that make a step up, either through injury to the first teamers or through sparkling form.

~~~~~

Always nice to see two players in the top three of players predicted to be top Merkantil Bank Liga player for 2022/23.

~~~~~

Wednesday 20th July 2022

Beat top division Vasas 2-0 away in a friendly. They won our division last season. I am dead chuffed with us.

Have viewed an apartment in the center of Budapest that Pandora says is chic, stylish, sophisticated and befitting of our new status as important persons in Budapest; me a prominent football manager and she the socialite, bohemian partner of a prominent football manager. Can I possibly live up to my Pandora's view of me?

I thought the apartment was small. It is nice though. Have been looking for a small couch.

~~~~~

Artúr Horváth's goal was very nice. I am really liking the attacking potential of the segundo volante. Artúr hit a screamer from the edge of the D. Martin Palincsár also gave me something to think about, regarding team selection, when he cut in from the left wing to slot home a rather nice finish. Martin was also beautifully assisted by Artúr.

I rather like this year's match engine. The variety of attacking play is something else compared to previous years. It's a shame all some people can talk about on these forums is the defending...is it really as bad as they say?

I might have gotten pre-season done today but I nodded off  in my chair shortly after that friendly. Have cut this short and will do some more after I've gone back to bed. Age and a busy week's work... 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 18, 2022 by anagain

[GIMN]

For what it's worth, I hope the touches of humour stay!  I also like reading references to things from over 20-years ago, because I'm pretty certain I no longer know anything of the world past circa 2008!

Some interesting players in the 2nd team.  Nagy, in particular, looks quite promising, and doesn't seem to be far off the quality of your first teamers.  I'd also be keen to see a team sheet with both Kaka and Kata playing at the same time.

 

[anagain]

Thanks. Life was simpler back then, wasn't it?

I am wondering if my head can get around Kaka and Kata on the same team. Good job we're not in Qatar! 

[anagain]

Saturday 23rd July 2022

We beat Szolnok 1-0 in our last pre-season friendly tonight. We didn't play well and scraped the game with a late Mezei goal. This was a last chance for a number of fringe players to impress me and they didn't really do that. You have to be a right taskmaster in this football management lark and insist players work hard and perform well.

Just a week till the big kick off and my first real game as a manager. Now I'm dead nervous.

Viewed another apartment this morning. Pandora still likes the first one. It's well within our budget and I have to say I'm liking it more as we see other apartments. Pandora has a gymkhana the week after my management debut. Will look to make an offer and move in after that.

I need a personal assistant...

~~~~~

10:30 pm

Was sat up in bed, reading How To Be A Football Manager, when Pandora turned to me and said she wanted to enter politics. Pandora has always been the caring sort. Kivirul is the most pampered horse in Hungary and she always looked after Bertalan Bacsik with utter compassion when we joined the old people's support group at university. I'd like to see Pandora make a change.

"Go for it", I told her. "Your bohemian ways will be a benefit to whomever you represent".

When she told me she'd joined Dialogue For Hungary I asked, "Green politics, Pandora?"

"We have to look after this world, Anton."

"Well, I did notice you'd started to follow Greta Thunberg on twitter. You'll be an asset, my love."

Well, I do need those pitches to stay green...

~~~~~

*I wanted to give Pandora a purpose, not to just be there in the background being bohemian. Kirivul seems to be Hungarian for Blossom, the name of Pandora's pony in the book's world.

**Yes, I know nothing about Hungarian politics. They seem to be a modern Green party. To any Hungarians who might read this "I'm sorry".

***Bertalan Bacsik? In the books there is a cantankerous old man named Bert Baxter that Adrian looks after. I loved the character and wanted a nod to him. He'll be long dead in this world.

~~~~~

Yes, I changed the skin. That is Trung, It's very nice. I had been using Zealand but the latest update seems a bit up and down.

~~~~~

Prior to the season start there are a few things to tidy up.

1. The squad (in my best wikipedia styling) for MTK Budapest's campaign is as follows:

2. I have announced a change of captain. Krisztián Németh is merely our most regarded player on the world scene and has done an admirable job captaining us through pre-season. Krisztián did question my choice but when I explained my decision he was more than happy to accept our captain and vice captain for the season.

May Zsombor and Sinan serve us well.

3. Youngster Bálint Juhász looks to be heading out on loan. Bálint is on the fringes of the MTK II team but I feel he could have a good future with more regular game time. Diósgyör (in our division) decided to be cheeky and put in a big for Bálint. The offer wasn't bad but I won't sell a good prospect to a rival. We're only slight favourites over Diósgyör.

Update: Juhász joined Cegléd; predicted to struggle in NBIII - Közép-Csoport.

Matchday 1 Preview

The picture I'm getting is that Csákvár are going to come at us directly and aim to win the high ball, but conversely they are susceptible to this themselves. The fact that they attack primarily down the left will suit the way we have been setting up. I may sacrifice some playmaking ability if I put Kata in the team but away from home if he can break up play then that will be a benefit.

Csákvár are predicted to finish 15th this season but we are firmly in the realm of the unknown at this point.

~~~~~

Saturday 30th July 2022

The nerves are real. Tomorrow we make the shortish trip west to face FC Csákvár. I met the press this morning and summoned my best and most intellectual replies to what was, I suspect, standard fare for the sort of questions I'll face all season.

I need my rest for an occaison as big as this. Early to bed. Wish me luck, dear diary.

Now The Athletic is covering the Hungarian second tier. Isn't football bizarre?

Matchday 1 - FC Csákvár vs MTK Budapest FC

11 mins:⚽ GOAL! - FC Csákvár 0-1 MTK Budapest Mihály Kata

Kata blasts in from the edge of the six yard area following Poór's accurate pass into the area.

52 mins:⚽ GOAL! - FC Csákvár 0-2 MTK Budapest Janos Szépe

The big defender gets his first MTK goal as he slots in from the right corner of the box after a corner is cleared.

60 mins: ❗ Penalty to MTK - Ominger pushes Lehoczky and the ref points to the spot!

61 mins:⚽ GOAL! - FC Csákvár 0-3 MTK Budapest Krisztián Németh

Németh drills home the penalty in confident fashion. Straight down the centre, evading the keeper's dive to the left.

68 mins:⚽ GOAL! - FC Csákvár 1-3 MTK Budapest Marcell Hornyák

MTK are careless at the back, failing to cut out the cross and Hornyák sidefoots home. Nagain is furious on the touchline.

Off to a winning start! Complacency started to settle in after the third goal and that is something I will have to watch for. The goal Csákvár pulled back was a worrying one to concede. We completely failed to clear the ball and allowed the final cross for the goal.

Player of the Match: Kata was great today and I am so glad I went with the decision to play him in the segundo volante role. The 20 year old made two key interceptions but was even better when he burst forward, making five key passes and setting up one clear cut chance. His goal got our season rolling too.

Dorog FC in a week.

~~~~~

Sunday 31st July 2022

My first competitive game as a football manager and my first win as a football manager! There was contrast though. When Kata scored the opener I was jubilant, when we conceded the poor goal that gave the opposition hope I was fuming. We can't let complacency sneak in like that. That's what causes unexpected half sisters and brothers to arrive on the scene! I might be digressing.

I am very happy though. It was late when I got back to the hotel. Pandora was up - she chose not to come along because she wants to be fresh for her horsing tomorrow - but we shared a late mug of chocolate.

I write this as Pandora blissfully dreams of success on Kirivul. She exhales little murmurs as she makes each jump in her soothing world of sleep. I love my Pandora. I'm so proud to be a winning football manager and I know my lady is proud of me.

The cocoa is making me sleepy. I have jotted down my thoughts on today in my tactical journal - any good intellectual football manager needs to have a tactical journal - and now I should join my love.

That was one tiny stadium, by the way. Only 392 fans saw my ability today. Only 40 of our own fans travelled

Tiny steps...goodnight, dear diary.

 

Edited November 19, 2022 by anagain

[anagain]

*From now on I shall leave behind my FM OCD and not put in all those pesky Hungarian accents...my mind is screaming...it has to be done...

Tuesday 2nd August 2022

Training today was a subdued place, though not in a depressing way. We were all very happy to open with a win. Things just seemed...surreal.

Pandora didn't win her gymkhana, though she performed admirably. She's not as young as she used to be.

We're buying the apartment Pandora likes...I think. There is much paperwork to be done. Need to sell our Szentgotthard home first. The agent is taking care of that and say she has had a fair few viewings. A couple of weeks maybe.

We're training for our first home game of the season. We welcome Dorog - predicted 18th.

Goals, goals, goals?

~~~~~

Matchday 2 Preview

Dorog beat Diosgyor 2-1 at home in their opener. That was a good win against what could be one of our toughest opponents. We can't rule them out.

Dorog are another team against who we should expect direct football. We may just go with more of the same but make sure we're stopping those crosses.

~~~~~

A quick review of the weekend's action in the Merkantil Bank Liga. Gyor top us by a goal.

~~~~~

We just lost a scout. Adam Pinter has joined top division Fehervar. I won't hold it against him.

We need another coach who can help us improve tactically in attack...the impossible search continues. Otherwise, I am pleased with how the backroom is coming along.

~~~~~

Friday 5th August 2022

Today, Pandora had lunch with a Ms Rebeka Szabo, co-leader of Dialogue For Hungary. My love is buzzing this evening. She hadn't told me she had met Ms Szabo when she had enquired at the office for her party about 'getting involved'. The two had hit it off and it seems Pandora had impressed. She has been offered a job as lunch was an interview. Pandora won't be an MP but she'll be part of political progress.

Am dead proud.

Right here I would like to say "no resemblence to characters living or dead is intended". That's not strictly true though, is it? I just won't make Pandora party leader, or anything! I am sure the leader of Dialogue For Hungary doesn't play FM, and even more sure that she won't read this.

Intellectuals scene set, okay...

~~~~~

Looking good for tomorrow...

Will start Bognar as a treqartista, the aim being to make him more direct and attacking. I shall trust Kaka, or whomever is my segundo volante to create. This role switch seemed to pay dividends last weekend.

Saturday 6th August 2022

I was asked in today's press conference who my title favourites were. Who do they think I'd say?

Matchday 2 - MTK Budapest FC vs Dorogi FC

The only MTK change is Gergely Kapronzai comes in at DL for Sinan Medgyes to offer a little more in attack.

38 mins: ⚽ MTK Budapest FC 1-0 Dorogi FC Matyas Kovacs

After continued pressure all half, MTK finally make the breakthrough, and it's young Matyas Kovacs in acres of space on the left to fire home for his first MTK first team goal. Kata with assist.

67 mins: ⚽ MTK Budapest FC 1-1 Dorogi FC Patrik Paudits

Roland Lehoczky loses the ball in midfield and the ball breaks to Paudits who curls past Somodi. Nagain berates his team.

86 mins:⚽ MTK Budapest FC 1-2 Dorogi FC Andras Gyuracz

From an inswinging corner, Horvath and Kata get in a muddle and allow Gyuracz to jump highest and head past Somodi. A poor goal to concede

We were poor. Despite having so much of the ball and 13 shots we failed to make that count. Dorogi hit us on the break and were good at it. A Lehoczky mistake in midfield and poor defending from a corner did for us. At the other end, Nemeth was incredibly poor, but so too was our ability to find him.

A day to forget.

MTK Player of the Match: Zsombor Nagy played better than most but I will have to give this to Mihaly Kata again. An assist and two clear cut chances created. Mihaly is keeping his place through hard work.

Sunday 7th August 2022

I didn't enjoy today. This year I have found out what it is like to be a football manager. I have experienced the high of winning. I have now experienced the low of losing and I don't like it. Even less do I like the fact that we didn't perform. I definitely expect more from this side, and especially Krisztian Nemeth.

Pandora was there and she had much to say about some player's lack of energy today.

Well done to Marian Sluka and his Dorog side. They had a plan and it worked. They have beaten both the favourites for the title...be proud, Marian.

Dorog are joint top. Second favourites Diosgyor lost again.

 

 

[GIMN]

That must be tough to swallow, especially after an almost perfect opening match.

18 hours ago, anagain said:

*From now on I shall leave behind my FM OCD and not put in all those pesky Hungarian accents...my mind is screaming...it has to be done...

I still have the ALT codes indelibly etched in my brain after doing a Spain save last year.  I'm pretty certain nobody would have even noticed if I hadn't included them.

[anagain]

Monday 8th August 2022

Have received an offer for our Szentgotthard home so I think our move is on. Won't be sad really. It's too close to my parents, for one thing, and mother is very needy these days. She's over 60 and still smokes like a chimney. I've told her to stop but she says my half sister Rozina drives her to it. She is 21 now and wilder than the family dog from my childhood.

Father is approaching retirement and says he can't wait. I told him he's been retired half his life anyway. His son, my half brother, is so unlike him it's bizarre. What's more bizarre is how he managed it, after all 'Twiggy' was never a great mother. All that depression. We haven't spoken in an age but perhaps Boti is an intellectual like me. He is studying physics...I never did excel at science.

Wanted to grab the lads in for an extra training session today but decided not to push things too early. Yesterday was just a bad day at the job. Had an afternoon in Budapest with Pandora. When she wasn't talking about her green politics she suggested we'd have to invite the families over when we move in to the new apartment. I daren't put my parents in a room together. They've spoken of renewing their love. My mother's words.

Horrific.

Matchday 3 Preview

Bekescaba is a football club name I feel I know. I am pretty sure they have been in Europe at some stage. That may suggest they're not a small club.

Bekescaba are quick starters, having scored 10 of their 18 goals in the last 7 matches in the first 15 minutes. That stat is a mouthful but it does suggest we'll need to be switched on from kick off. Bekescaba are defensively strong. Central defender Martin Izing is quality and the club is well organised. They're an aggressive side too so it may be a physical game on Sunday.

Bekescaba have had a mixed start. They lost 0-1 to Pecs before beating Diosgyor 3-2. Raymond Lukacs scored a brace so we will watch their front man.

Bekescaba were indeed top division regulars up until the mid 2000s. They had their best spell in the mid 90s but have played less than twenty games in Europe. Random team name lodged in my old brain, I guess.

~~~~~

This is not good. Zsombor has been one of our best players by far up till now. I have sent him to see a specialist.

Wednesday 10th August 2022

There was a very downcast atmosphere in training today when Zsombor went down in pain. I could tell the players already felt the pressure from Sunday and to see one our star men in real discomfort lowered that atmosphere just a bit more.

Pandora said it was very clearly affecting me too. We had a Chinese but even that failed to lift me.

"You have to believe", she assured me. She is right.

On the plus side, I do feel like I connected more with Zsombor when we spoke. I feel the players are starting to get to know me better. Only Zoltan Stieber seems distant.

~~~~~

We have lost another scout to Fehervar. Gabor Poloskei has left.

If they can take all our scouts then I'm going to get a loan...if they have anyone decent...

~~~~~

I think it is going to be a tight match. I am upping the search to find a loan replacement for Zsombor Nagy but, for this game at least, I think we will be under strength at the back. Whomsoever plays the left side of defence will be right footed, that is for sure.

Youth Teams

MTK II got off to a winning start in their NBIII group, winning 1-0 at Ivansca. The U19s were held to a 2-2 draw by the youth of Ujpest.

  

 

Matchday 3 - Bekescaba 1912 Elore vs MTK Budapest FC

MTK make three changes; Medgyes in for Kapronczai, Varju in for the injured Nagy and Stieber replaces Kovasreti on the right side of attack.

8 mins: ⚽ GOAL! - Bekescaba 0-1 MTK  Istvan Bognar

Determined play down the left from Kovacs finds him freedom to pass a simple ball inside to give Bognar an easy finish. A good start from MTK.

20 mins:⚽ GOAL! - Bekescaba 0-2 MTK  Zoltan Stieber

Stieber bursts in to the box, after being fed by Kovacs, and fires across the keeper in to the bottom left of the goal. Two assists for Kovacs but great play from Stieber. An inspired change of personnel from Nagain.

A very nice 2-0 victory in a game that very much peetered out in the second half. It was out first half display that won us this game; two assists from the impressive Matyas Kovacs and first goals of the season for Bognar and Stieber. I drafted young Yurii Matviiv into the first team after Nagy's injury and the Ukrainian defender came on to make his debut.

MTK Player of the Match: This week's award goes to winger Matyas Kovacs for his two assists.

Sunday 14th August 2022

Reasons to celebrate this week after a marvellous first half performance. Young Yurii was buzzing to have been given his debut and I think that put an even bigger smile of people's faces, especially with troubles in his homeland.

Won't get home till a little later and haven't seen Pandora yet. She doesn't like the away trips and is probably keeping company with her green friends. I am writing this on the coach back from Bekescaba, but the lads believe these are private notes on tactics. I can't write really tactical insights here, they may fall in to the hands of enemy spies.

Perhaps we should get an electric coach. Do they do them?

1:00 am: Got to the hotel to find Pandora not in. Texted and she says she's with friends and wasn't sure when I'd be back. Will see me in the morning but saw the result and is very pleased.

Can you lose a girl to green politics?

I do worry...

We had been second for a while there but Tiszakecske scored very late to take it on goal difference. The beat Dorog so I'll let them be. Diosgyor finally won, beating Budafok.

There are games midweek this week. I rested players towards the end of today's game (well yesterday's - it's gone 1am - these are my less private notes) but I suspect changes will be needed.

Nemeth pulled his groin against Bekescaba. I will likely rest him midweek. He's not performed anyway.

We play Budafok, by the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[anagain]

2 hours ago, GIMN said:

That must be tough to swallow, especially after an almost perfect opening match.

I still have the ALT codes indelibly etched in my brain after doing a Spain save last year.  I'm pretty certain nobody would have even noticed if I hadn't included them.

If I were organised I might have a notepad with all the names to just copy/paste...but there's always just one more. Then I saw Tiszakecske!! Never realised Hungarian was such a mouthful.

Yes, that loss was tough.

[Jellico73]

When I am commenting for the YT Channel, at some point I just give up and start calling everyone by a nickname.  Or Dave.

 

[anagain]

12 hours ago, Jellico73 said:

When I am commenting for the YT Channel, at some point I just give up and start calling everyone by a nickname.  Or Dave.

 

Oh, I'm too OCD for that! 

You should see my Satisfactory...I spend more time lining up pipes than I do getting through the game.

Believe me, it's strange. My home can be a tip...

[anagain]

Monday 15th August 2022

I gave the boys that played yesterday a rest before our midweek match. I didn't play and I'm as knackered as they must have been. I have all these thoughts racing through my brainbox for that midweek match.

Being an intellectual is draining...

As is dealing with estate agents and moving paperwork. I spent today finalising details on our move. I have arranged to move from home starting the end of the week. Luckily the new family in my Szentgotthard home don't wish to move in until the end of the month. I will be back and forth, as free time entails, moving home. Pandora is staying in Szentgotthard for a week to do the majority of the packing.

I think I'm probably badly organised. I can't help thinking other people would have been ahead of where we are.

The new property is a 3 bedroom flat - apartment, c'mon - in District vii in Budapest, right in the city centre and close to the opera house. I've always been the cultured type and saw an opera once. Okay, so I much prefer a bit of Franz Ferdinand but I know I will fit in in the opera district. There's a kitchen/living room area and 2 bathroom/toilets. And a lovely hallway - printed.

It's in a pretty area. Have taken a photo and am stapling it to this page (ignore the street name...). The apartment is close to work too. I could catch the tram every day.

It really is very me and Pandora.

Matchday 4 Preview

This will probably be another Dorog, a physical team putting the ball in the box. Budafok play a deep line and like to play wide through wing backs. They are defensively strong but lost their last game 3-1. That win, for Diosgyor, took a Marton Eppel hattrick and we will need strong finishing to prevail here. We should be good enough to win.

Matchday 4 - MTK Budapest FC vs Budafoki MTE

Two changes for MTK for this evening's game. Miknyoczki replaces Poor at right back to add a little more attack and Mezei replaces Varju. Lehoczky will drop back into central defence and Kata will drop deeper. "Benedek is just a little tired", said Nagain. Young Donat Dora is on the bench today.

1 min: CLOSE! MTK hit the woodwork

Mezei hits the woodwork with a free kick from the right edge of the box

84 mins: ❕ PENALTY! It's a penalty for MTK

Stieber breaks in to the box and is chopped down by David Kovacs. The referee points to the spot.

84 mins: ⚽GOAL! MTK 1-0 Budafok  Zoltan Stieber

Stieber steps up to take the spot kick...and fires in to the bottom right corner

89 mins:⚽GOAL! MTK 2-0 Budafok  Daniel Zsori

A lovely defense splitting ball from Horvath sends Zsori free and he slots past the Budafok keeper to put MTK in to a comanding position

FT: MTK 2-0 Budafok

That was a tough game. Budafok were dangerous with more direct balls to the front man and there were a few moments in which I thought they'd broken our defence. Szepe and Lehoczky did very well though. We won the game late but it was almost as if the proverbial floodgates opened once we got the penalty.

A rest now, before another game Sunday.

MTK Player of the Match: Artur Horvath came on early for the injured Kata and put in a solid display, first in a deep position and later when moved to play a more creative role. In was in this role that he played the wonderful ball that gave Zsori his debut goal.

Wednesday 17th August 2020

What a game that was. We left it late but what a valuable win that could be come the end of the season. We're top of the league!

Home by 11 but so damn tired I'm going to bed. I did phone Pandora...I daren't not...but she'd gone to bed. Rosina was there and answered the phone. She told me Pandora had spent all day packing things in crates and was 'shagged out'. So, too, was Rosina. She wasn't even going out dancing, she told me. I said, "Why would you? It's Wednesday". She asked why that would matter. That girl!

As I said, we go top, and with a good goal difference. Dorog continued their good start to go second and Gyor moved up to 4th with a dominant dismantling of Soroksar.

Kata's injury is minor and he should be available for Sunday, if I chose to start him. One thing is for certain. Stieber needs to start. I also think the advanced midfield role is better given less creative responsibility. Let the segundo volante dictate the game.

Mid-table Kozarmisleny next. They beat Diosgyor today so I won't underestimate them.

 

 

[anagain]

Thursday 18th August

Spent all day yesterday doing moving duties. Hired a van and moved some stuff as we can move in to the apartment. Rosina came with me...as long as I paid her. She wants to stay with us in Budapest and go dancing in the capital. By 'dancing' I assume these kids mean clubbing? What the hell? I'm only 36.

I might let her stay a weekend...then again, there's no bed in the spare rooms. Buy one, she told me.

I suggested maybe when we're settled...but I'd give her some money. I'm nice like that.

Matchday 5 Preview

Kozarmisleny is about 3 hours away in the south of Hungary. The team were promoted last year but have had a great start to the campaign, beating Kazincbarcika and Diosgyor but losing to their nearby rivals Pecs.

 

Kozarmisleny are not a team who play strictly long ball football, they'll look to pass the ball about, but they do have a focus on being defensively strong. It is bound to be something we'll see often, us being favourites for the league. Teams will be cautious against us.

As long as we take our chances I believe we'll do fine.

Matchday 5 - Kozarmisleny FC vs MTK Budapest FC

Changes for MTK: Varju comes back in to the side after being rest and Lehoczky moves back to midfield. Poor returns to right full back. Horvath is in from the start, replacing the returning from injury Kata. Stieber starts wide right. Nemeth returns from injury to lead the line.

HT: Kozarmisleny 0-0 MTK Budapest

MTK have been on top but it's all square at the break.

79 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Kozarmisleny 0-1 MTK Budapest  Krisztian Nemeth

MTK finally break through and it's Nemeth from close range. The cross from sub Mezei.

84 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Kozarmisleny 1-1 MTK Budapest  Adam Hampuk

A breakaway goal for Kozarmisleny. Poor defending from MTK but a lovely finish.

85 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Kozarmisleny 1-2 MTK Budapest  Szabolcs Mezei

A wonderful goal rom Mezei, to retake the lead immediately. He drives into the box, cuts inside and fires home off the keeper. Can MTK hold on this time?

FT: Kozarmisleny 1-2 MTK Budapest

A resilient win. Truth be told, I thought we'd thrown two points away when we completely switched off to allow Kozarmiselny to score. Watching Mezei run at goal and score so soon after was wonderful. Kozarmiselny were very resilient. They can feel agrieved to lose like that.

MTK Player of the Match: Today's award goes to Szabolcs Mezei. Not chosen to start, Mezei did us wonders by coming on to score the winner.

Sunday 21st August 2022

I think it is moments like the end of today's game that make a football manager. To go from a moment of utter dismay to utter exhiliration is a strange feeling. Like ambivalence. On one hand, it was woeful to concede like that. On the other hand, it was like ambrosia from the gods to see Mezei score right after.

I hope they don't do that to me again though...

A point clear at the top. Our odds have slashed to 1-3. Diosgyor, our predicted closest challengers nearly threw a 3-0 lead away. Next week we face the team who nearly ruined Diosgyor's day. Kazincbarcika, down in 15th. We will be wary of a fightback.

 

[anagain]

Monday 22nd August 2022

Another Monday off training, another Monday travelling across country to move stuff. Except. I got a firm to move the big stuff. A firm my father worked for...he has had some jobs. If they break anything I'm billing him though!. With the house empty, but for a few boxes, Pandora will come back tonight. Tomorrow she is buying furniture. I'll take Thursday off and let my assistant do the training. We should be in by that evening and a new life gets started.

My father asked when the party was? No response to that was dignified.

I would like the neighbours to be friendly with us for more than a few days...

 

Oh, Vaszilisz Teodoro, that's my assistant. Nice guy. Used to be the manager here and is very experienced. He sent me a text to say the board have chosen the weekend's match as a fan day. A showcase for my ability.

Errrmmm...now I'm nervous. Father asking for a party, Rosina wanting to stay for 'dancing', moving, mother hitning about renewing parent's love. I can't become a nervous wreck now I'm a football manager.

Matchday 6 Preview

Have been told Kazincbarcika play very narrow. We will destroy them with width. This is a game for my wide men to shine. I am sure it can not be that easy. They have a good front man in Tamas Takacs. He has four goals this season.

More of the same. Patient to start with and turn it on if they're stubborn.

Friday 26th August 2022

We're in, we have furniture in every room and a new life begins. I am manager of a renowned Hungarian team, I have an apartment in the cultural epicentre of Budapest...and Rosina has gone home, for now.

To add to my worries, we have six players called up for international duty but no international break in our division. Will they postpone our match the weekend after?

I praised Yurii Matviiv for his development yesterday. The lad must be lacking in belief because I got the impression he felt he deserved no praise. Take it, lad, you earnt it.

Kids!

I honestly do not know what will happen. Hopefully our match against Pecs next weekend will be postponed. If not then we will see how the youngsters do.

Matchday 6 - MTK Budapest FC vs Kazincbarcikai Sport Club

Just two changes for MTK. MIhaly Kata and Szabolcs Mezei replace Artur Horvath and Roland Lehoczky in midfield. "I just felt they were the better option today", said Nagain. "After Szabolcs' match winning performance last week he deserved to start, too. He and Mihaly have a good understanding that they showed in training this week."

40 mins: ❕PENALTY! Poor fouls his man and the referee points to the spot...

40 mins: 🟥 RED CARD! Poor is sent off for a professional foul!

40 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK Budapest 0-1 Kazincbarcika Milan Laczko

Lazcko slots the penalty home

HT: MTK Budapest 0-1 Kazincbarcika

51 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK Budapest 0-2 Kazincbarcika Tamas Hleba

MTK have it all to do as Hleba scores a free kick that Somodi fluffs

FT: MTK Budapest 0-2 Kazincbarcika

A match to forget. We huffed and puffed the first half but never managed a real clear cut chance. Nemeth was poor and when Poor got sent off, and the penalty was scored, we seemed to give up.

To say I was furious with the lads would be an understatement.

We are better than that.

MTK Player of the Match: The only player anywhere near deserving of this award was Mihaly Kata.

Sunday 28th August 2022

Well, that match put a dampener on what I hoped would be a nice first weekend in our new apartment. We were awful and some harsh words are needed.

Sorry, but I don't feel literate tonight...

It seems we really struggle against teams that park the bus. And Kazincbarcika parked a whole fleet of buses.

We need to work on this.

Krisztian Nemeth is a much better player than he is showing himself to be. I don't understand it. Does he need a partner? Would he be better playing wide right and cutting inside to score? Zsori has looked much better as the loan striker so perhaps this is what I need to do. Nemeth doesn't have a huge amount of pace...can he manage wide right?

Surely there is no way I can exclude our best player from the team?

I have to make this work. The papers were scathing after that defeat.

 

 

Edited November 23, 2022 by anagain

[anagain]

Monday 29th August 2022

I know I haven't been doing this for long but I do think yesterday will be hard to top as a low point in my career. There is no way we should have lost that game with, a) the possession we had (61%) and, b) The players we have. I didn't have a day off today. I called the players in after that performance...and I wasn't nice to be around. My interpretation, but I have no doubt that it would have been seen that way.

Pandora said I was hard to be around when I got home. That was something I had to apologise for.

I felt like I had the weight of the media upon me too. Laughed at for wanting to be a football manager. One dissmissive article went with asking the question as to whether I was up to the standard required by MTK. Some commenters on social media were more complimentary in suggesting the efforts of the players needed to back my tactics but an equal number were saying that I wasn't up to the task of guiding MTK back to the top flight. Radio Plusz were upfront in asking if it was a bad day at the office. They have been repeating that I blamed the players.

I take some blame. I'm the manager and a manager is the final port of call when a team doesn't respond.

Any more and I'll have a breakdown...

Matchday 7 Preview

I still do not know if this upcoming match will be postponed. I'm approaching the weekend as if it will.

My scouting team think Pecs will line up with a 4-4-2 and have told me they're a team that will rely on crosses and that they have quality from long throws. I have no doubt they will sit deep, like most teams we will face. As a squad we have been working on a 4-4-2 tactical approach. I wonder if we will go with this against Pecs or stick to the 4-2-3-1 that has won all three away games. My current plan is the latter.

Pecsi Mecsek FC, to give them their full name, is a Hungarian club I actually know. Don't tell anyone but I used to be a bit of a fan* of Manchester United (thanks to cousins) and I saw Pecsi play United in the Cup Winners Cup in 1990, on telly. They were known as Pecsi Munkas then but lost 0-3 on aggregate.

*I use the term 'fan' loosely. My Dad never really supported anyone so I grew up just watching FA Cup semis and finals, England games and other random games. Manchester United were one of the first teams I liked in my youth (and really because of cousins from whom I was given hand me down football shirts) and I still wanted to see them win in 1990. I was more a blossoming Bournemouth fan by then. But enough real life.

~~~~~

The draw for the Mol Magyar Kupa has been made.

Tuesday 30th August 2022

I have been waiting to hear from the Hungarian FA as to whether we're playing this weekend. With five first teamers on international duty I hope not. We have been training for the game as per usual...just in case the FA are idiots.

Drew my team in the third round of the Kupa. Okay so I picked ZTE when I got interested in football in uni but they're still my team. I have been reading a fascinating philosophical book called A Brief History Of Creation, because I wanted to broaden my knowledge. I haven't read as much since I started my new career. I don't have the time these days to read likes of Zola, Dostoevsky, Orwell and Austen. Even Pratchett.

Anyway it got me thinking about how a boy like I was - no interest in sport at all - should become a football manager. It was that postman. What was his name? Elemer. Told me to stop moping and play some sport. My effort to prove him wrong found I was actually quite good at the thing they called the beautiful game. They actually asked me to play again.

Six weeks later I picked a team. One near home that was quite good. 

And now I'm a football manager. Am I still an intellectual?

Of course I am. I know authors like Zola, Dostoevsky, Orwell and Austen exist. And I'm reading a book studying the philosophy of the creation of life.

I am actually listening to that book. Religion was crazy. Look up Atum and how the ancient Egyptians believed he created the world. But, I digress again.

Transfer Window Closes

I had worries we might lose a number of our best players in the window...

...but the window passed uneventfully.

I had searched for a centre back to cover for the injured Zsobor Nagy. I just never really had the time to get my reign's scouting list exhaustive enough to find the quality I wanted. We have a good enough squad to cope.

Matchday 7 - Pecsi Mecsek FC vs MTK Budapest FC

It is now a day before the match and I have had no news of our game versus Pecs being postponed. I have moved a few players to the first team from our MTK II squad. We've been hit hardest in midfield, with all normal starters called up. Gergö Szöke gets a start and we'll play my new 4-4-2 out of necessity. I just don't have the midfielders for my usual.

MTK make a number of enforced changes. Poor is suspended and is replaced by Miknyoczki. Varju, Mezei, Lehoczky, Kata and Horvath are away on Hungary U21 duty. Gergo Szoke makes his MTK debut and Peter Torocsik and Yurii Matviiv make their first club starts. Zsori starts up front alongside Nemeth and MTK II players Kaka and Zuigeber are on the bench. MTK II will have to do without their stars when they play today.

19 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Pecs 1-0 MTK  Mark Hegedus

Hegedus break easily free of the MTK defence and fires home

49 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Pecs 2-0 MTK  Zalan Gera

A complete mix up in the MTK defence allows Gera to score an easy goal

74 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Pecs 3-0 MTK  Zalan Gera

More poor defending allows Gera a second goal to surely seal the points for Pecs

FT: Pecs 3-0 MTK

A very poor result for a MTK team devastated by international call ups. Nagain will surely be asking why this match had to be played but will also be asking why his players don't seem to care, because they didn't. Nemeth was especially poor today, as was Bognar.

We were awful in a new formation that I had no choice but to run with. Despite the call ups I still had players that should have been able to make a difference. I don't really know where Nemeth was today. He certainly didn't look to have his mind on the game. I am having words.

I was quietly impressed with Gergo Zsoke. The youngster looked nervous throughout but did better than most. Sadly, Yurii Matviiv had a game to forget and was probably at fault for two goals. Damn the league for not postponing that game. I don't like to put youngsters in at the deep end. Playing 90 minutes is very different from 10 minutes when your team is winning.

MTK Player of the Match: Only Matyas Kovacs deserves this award. He was the one player out there that seemed to want to make a difference.

I spoke to Nemeth and Bognar individually after the match. Istvan Bognar was magnaminous enough to realise I was right and he had been playing poor. Nemeth was argumentative and said his performances weren't that bad. He has had one match in five in which he tapped in an easy goal. Outside that he has been dire. I may be new at this but I won't cave to him. I expect performances to be regular, not one in five.

FM doesn't do that well. It seems to see one game in five at 7.5 rating as good form. This is despite the other 4 games being low 6's.

I also spoke to the squad and was pleased with the outcome. I suggested we'd not had a great start but were better than we were showing.

Sunday 4th September

Another 'poor day at the office' and it's now two defeats in a row. We were hampered today by call ups. I feel I've said that a lot but I also feel it's a valid excuse. The players we had that weren't called up were more than good enough to beat Pecs - I would have been happy with a draw - had they bothered to show up.

I am nervously looking over my shoulder. The board won't take this for long. If my first job lasts less than a season I will be deeply embarassed. If it lasts 10 games I'll have a breakdown.

Honestly...I'm a nervous wreck. Why aren't they performing? Is it me?

I will turn this around...

...won't I?

We welcome Diosgyor next week. They're doing worse than us and will be more than happy to deflate us even more. Time for us to make a stand. Time for me to be more demanding of my players. It should be so.

We will have my full roster back next week. The team talk was a good sign but the proof of the pudding is the next match.

 

 

[anagain]

Monday 5th September

How do I solve this mini crisis? I feel better after the meeting with the players but I am worried about Nemeth.

Pandora says I should relax and she took time from her political endeavours to join me in a nice walk with the dogs around Kerepesi cemetary. A look at the graves of some our nation's greatest people was nice.

Not sure I feel more believing though...

Matchday 8 Preview

The form of Diosgyor has been poor so far this season. The team that finished third in this league last season have won just twice and the team given evens odds to lift the title find themselves down in 17th, just above the dropzone.

My scouts rate our opponents highly still and they play a similar system to ourselves, a patient build up. The difference is that their main man up front is a bigger more target man style footballer. Marton Eppel drops deeper though and Diosgyor don't rely on pinging long balls to him.

I have to trust the formula, and the players that I have at my disposal. My first teamers will be back and we need to perform. Do that and we should be able to get a result against a team in worse form than us and whom might just come at us a bit more than other teams do at Hidegkuti Nandor.

I might jiggle things a little though. I need to find the best option for my attacking midfield man.

Wednesday 7th September 2022

We have done a lot of jiggling about in midfield in training but I'm not sure there was anything really missing. Matyas Kovacs has been one of our best players on the left wing this season so I see no need to change his instructions. The options outside Bognar behind Nemeth are not clear so I need to find the best role for the 31 year old. Istvan needs to perform too.

On the right is the role I am wondering about. My go to choice to date has been to play a more direct IF on the right and the best options for this have been Kovascreti and Stieber. Stieber should be more than good enough to do well in that role.

I am thinking that maybe I am overloading the box too much. Switching Kovacs to the right and having him stay wide might be the best bet. Let's see if Nemeth can not be a sensation on the left. I'll give Poor more license to get forward and support Kovacs down the right.

It really helps to put this down in writing...intellect and footballing brain-busting can be a powerful combination.

Mavrica does like to yap when Pandora is out though...shut up, dog!

My Internationals

Let's have a look at how my international bunch did in their U21 matches. Their absence cost us so the best I can hope for is they played great for Hungary U21s and learnt something.

I can take from this that Bence Varkonyi may need to be utilised more. Our young centre back put in a solid display against Kosovo. He may be better than Yurii Matviiv, the young Ukrainian who had the unforetunate experience in our last game. Yurii is left footed though, and with Zsombor Nagy out long term I was looking for left footed centre back options.

Artur Horvath got the next most minutes against Kosovo and finished the game with an 86% pass completion rate.

Hungary U21s did not have a great day against England U21s. Szabolcs Mezei was given the most game time and put in a reasonable performance, notching an 84% pass completion rate and one key pass. Bence Varkonyi also came as a substitute, all be it for only 21 minutes, and made a good name for himself.

I'm glad the lads are back...but just as glad they did well.

~~~~~

More bad news for the squad in training on Friday morning. Though Marko hasn't played well he will be missed as an option. He faces 4 to 5 months out with a hip injury. Striker options in our second team and U19s are less. Is it time for Bence Balogh to make that step up?

It never rains but it pours. Donat Dora is one of our better young defensive minded players with the second team but he is now out for 3 months with a torn hamstring sustained as MTK II beat ESMTK 2-1 in the Nemzeti Bajnoksag - Kozep-csoport.

Matchday 8 - MTK Budapest FC vs Diósgyöri Vasgyárak Testgyakorló Köre

If I can write out that tongue twister in full then the least I can do is add the accents...just don't ask me to say it.

MTK changes for the match are: Mezei and Kata return in midfield. Poor returns at right back. Varju returns in central defence

FT: MTK 0-0 Diosgyor

A bore draw

We were blunt in attack again. Both Nemeth and Bognar were poor again. I have to drop both. They're not interested in playing for me, it seems.

MTK Player of the Match: Janos Szepe was imperious at the back in this match. He kept Diosgyor at arm's length for the 90 minutes.

Sunday 11th September 2022

Another mind-numbing performance from my attacking players, but Diosgyor huffed and puffed too.

I've had enough of Nemeth and Bognar!

I am not sure what else to do to get this team firing. It is clear that my attacking players are not performing. Am I nice to them or do I punish them?

I have made up my mind Nemeth is on the bench for our next game. We're into a midweek fixture now. We play 10th placed Gyor at home.

I want goals!

[anagain]

Monday 12th September 2022

I joined Pandora for lunch today and was surprised to find some of her politically green friends with her. I didn't feel bad that I ordered a burger.

One of Pandora's new friends - a bit full of himself, if you ask me - said I shouldn't allow under performance in the workplace. "But he's my best player", I said. I was told I should still make an example of him. "The cream will still rise to the top", he replied. I forget his name. It's not important. "The politician will always talk bollocks", I thought.

Politics is ruthless, but it doesn't always make it better.

Don't change, my Pandora...

Matchday 9 Preview

My scouting team are expecting a 4-4-2 from Gyor. I think whatever we do we need to start scoring and we need performances to do that.

The board are on my case. We need a performance.

Matchday 9 - MTK Budapest FC vs ETO FC Gyor

We were expecting changes for this game from MTK. As it is only Horvath comes in for Mezei. "It's been a long week", Nagain told us. "In the end I decided the way out of this was to trust the process."

With the message from the board I had to pick the big players.

45 +2 mins: ❕ PENALTY! Kovacs is brought down in the area and the ref awards the penalty to MTK

45 +3 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 1-0 Gyor  Krisztian Nemeth

Nemeth steps up to take the penalty...and fires in to the bottom right corner. MTK have finally scored.

HT: MTK 1-0 Gyor

47 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 1-1 Gyor  Tamas Priskin

An error by Bence Somodi hands Priskin an easy finish.

58 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 2-1 Gyor  Janos Szepe

Bognar's corner is turned home in emphatic style at the near post by Szepe!

FT: MTK 2-1 Gyor

MTK are finally back to winning ways! Nagain will be relieved.

That was tense. Towards the end of the first half it was looking like more of the same. Nemeth was playing better but Bognar was carrying a knock and Zsori wasn't firing. Then Kovacs burst in to the area and won the penalty to give us a half time lead. I will not shy away from being wary that we might throw things away when Gyor equalised but we perservered and won with a lovely near post header from Szepe.

I am relieved.

MTK Player of the Match: This goes to Janos Szepe for the second match in a row. Janos has been sensational at the back and he got the winner today.

Wednesday 14th September 2022

I can breathe...

I felt like I held my breath for the final 30 minutes of that match. We finally clicked a bit. It's not perfect but it's a start.

I think Pandora is as relieved as me. I'm not picking at my food anymore.

I pretty much ignored that politics type in the end, didn't I?

I never doubted Nemeth... <laughs maniacally>

We are back up to third. We play ZTE in the cup in a few days and then there's a number of what should be easier fixtures. Does that mean anything though?

How much do we rotate for the cup game? The board want us to be competitive. ZTE are in the relegation spots in the top division. Can we cause them a problem?

MOL Magyar Kupa Third Round Preview

I am convinced that the best option here is more of the same. I am inclined to move Kovacs back to the left side because I just feel he is better there. Against Gyor I made a second half change, moving Nemeth back up top and Kovacs back to the left wing. He instantly got better and was dangerous late on.

We just broke our poor form against a 4-4-2 and we can only go for it against the top flight team. A win would be nice. Losing is not the end of the world...but for the fact I want us to get encouraged.

We have just one international call up instead of the many that hampered us last time. I hope our midfield group are still valued for the U21s though.

MOL Magyar Kupa Third Round - MTK Budapest FC vs ZTE Football Club

Mezei replaces Horvath, Torocsik replaces the rested Bognar (after his knock in the last game) and Stieber is in on the right wing for Zsori with Nemeth moving back up front.

13 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 0-1 ZTE  Matyas Tajti

Mezei loses the ball in midfield, Tajti runs to the egde of the box unchallenged and lets lose a shot that Somodi can't reach.

16 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 1-1 ZTE  Zoltan Stieber

Great play by Stieber wins back the ball on the edge of the box. The ball falls to Poor who plays in Stieber in acres of space and the IF fires a cute finish past the ZTE keeper.

32 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 2-1 ZTE  Janos Szepe

Kovacs chips in a free kick almost from the touchline and Szepe gets his head to it first. The ball slams against the post but the defender is first to the rebound.

HT:  MTK 2-1 ZTE

MTK have a half time lead. Can they hold on to it?

52 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 3-1 ZTE  Krisztian Nemeth

A long ball from Poor finds Nemeth on the edge of the box and the striker holds off his nam to fire a lovely dipping shot into the back of the net. MTK are 3-1 up. Does this count as a giant-killing?

95 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 3-2 ZTE  Christy Manzinga

Deep into injury time and Manzinga gets on to a deep cross to fire a header home. A chance for ZTE?

FT: MTK 3-2 ZTE

MTK with a great win over the OTP Bank Liga side. This is the MTK side we've all been expecting to see.

A determined performance from all got us a result we deserved there. The media seemed to make light of our accomplishment but I honestly thought we were the better side throughout.

More of the same, please.

MTK Player of the Match: Jonas Szepe was again great but I am giving this award to Krisztian Nemeth. Our front man scored a lovely goal and his improvement in form has turned things for us.

Sunday 18th September 2022

Giant-killers!

I may call myself a fan of ZTE, all be it from afar, but I am so glad we could beat them.

I wonder who we'll get next in the cup? The media asked if we could win this cup. I said we were taking it one game at a time. A stale answer, I know, but what would people want me to say? "Yes, we're the best team in this and will go all the way"? There are five more rounds and Ferencvaros stuffed Komlo 8-0. Mezokovesd went one better and beat Rakamaz 9-0.

I must have enjoyed that. I petted the dogs.

Nandor phoned late to say well done. I'd forgotten about my agent, to be honest. He has others on his books. No doubt he has been busy. "Have your family said well done?" He asked.

I told him not to be silly.

We will travel to Monori SE in the 4th round of the cup. The side are 17th in Nemzeti Bajnoksag - Kozep-csoport, the same division as our seconds. Our seconds drew with Monor 1-1 at the start of the month.

Rather relieved to have turned our form around. We travel to 4th placed Tiszakecskei at the weekend. I'd like to think we should win this one against a team that could open up at their place.

 

 

 

[anagain]

Monday 19th September 2022

I had to lie down today. I felt dizzy after all the ecstasy.

It's what comes of such a poor diet as a youth.

Had a nice big Chinese in the evening. Felt stuffed.

Matchday 10 Preview

Tiszakecske will come at us. They're not having a bad season, if a little inconsistent of form. They seem to win-lose-win-lose, or close enough. The side, based about 90 minutes SE of Budapest, are lacking in creativity but Balajti, up front, has 8 for the season. He will be the danger.

My boys will be pumped after the cup win. We may be missing Varju, dependent upon whether he plays an international.

~~~~~

Our poor form has meant this hasn't happened:

Wednesday 21st September 2022

I was honoured with a phone call from Rosina this evening.

"Hey, big bruv. I hear you won big. Some friends were talking about it and said you're quite the hero."

What's she trying to borrow? "Well, thanks..." I started to say.

I didn't get a chance. "So when am I coming to stay and go dancing?" She asked me, almost without a pause?

"Give me a few weeks to prepare the neighbourhood", I joked. I'll let her...but I'm not making it easy.

Matchday 10 - Tiszakecskei LC vs MTK Budapest FC

One change for MTK. Bognar comes back in to the squad in place of Torocsik.

HT: Tiszakecskei 0-0 MTK

It's been all MTK but they just can't find a goal.

61 mins: ⚽ Tiszakecskei 0-1 MTK  Mark Kovacsreti

He's only just come on to replace the under par Stieber, but Kovacsreti bursts through to finish a direct MTK move. The defender gets a foot to the shot but it loops up and sneaks over the line, the keeper beaten by the deflection. It's all MTK deserve, to be honest.

69 mins: ⚽ Tiszakecskei 0-2 MTK  Janos Szepe

Another corner goal from Szepe. The defender meets Bognar's corner at the near post to power his header home.

83 mins: ⚽ Tiszakecskei 1-2 MTK  Bence Gyurjan

Tiszakecsei have pulled one back late. A cross not dealt with and Gyurjan half volleys home.

FT: Tiszakecskei 1-2 MTK

MTK hold on.

We were dominant today, playing with pace and showing much menace. We were all over our opponents (I can't write that team name anymore...it's like scratching nails down a blackboard) in the first half but struggled to break through. That changed midway through the second half with the introductions of Mark Kovacsreti and Adam Miknyoczki. Stieber had not managed to get in to the game and Poor looked a little tired. I gave Adam instructions to attack from full back and for Mark to just deliver his best. Adam scared the opposition and Mark put in a performance of the highest order, scoring our opener after a lovely move.

That was nail biting at the end. We were under the kosh but held on.

MTK Player of the Match: Today's award goes to Szabolcs Mezei for an inspired performance in midfield, assisting Miknyoczki and ending the game with an 84% pass completion rate. Szabolcs was instrumental as a pivot for out attacks.

Sunday 25th September 2022

I impressed myself today, even if I do say so myself. I identified <that team's> weaknesses that was their average age and associated fitness and had my boys run directly at them and move the ball about quickly. We must do the same when we face bottom of the pile this midweek.

I might be turning in to Pep.

Sadly still third. Haladas and Nyiregyhaza are keeping up the form, though Pecs held Nyiregyhaza today.

I'd still like to see us score more goals. Hopefully we can thump Szentlorinc, bottom on 2 points.

Some Analysis

I thought I might finish with a look at some statistics. Just call me Stanton Nagain.

Bad joke...

Defending - Concerning

Passing - We're Good

Closing Down - Accomplished

Shooting - Target Practice Needed

We're shooting lots but we need to be more clinical

Shooting - Shoot More, Captain

Who's More...I'll get me coat

Let's not overdo this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[anagain]

Tuesday 26th September 2022

This is going to be another busy week, with two games. Two contrasting games, too. First we welcome struggling Szentlorinc and then we travel to strong starters Nyiregyhaza at the weekend.

We have a week off after that though. It will finally allow myself and Pandora to get the flat looking like we want it to. It still looks a little like we're packing to move out.

I phoned my mother yesterday. She declared it about time and wouldn't be convinced the life of a football manager is a busy one. "Everybody has time to speak to their mother, Anton," she told me. I apologised and suggested she might like to stay a weekend. She said she'd come up with Rosina...and bring my father.

"I haven't told you, have I?" She sounded excited. "Your father moved back in...we've renewed our love."

I don't need this. First I thought we'd have Rosina for a weekend. Now it's mother too. And father?

Does Budapest have a state of emergency?

Matchday 11 Preview

Szentlorinc are going to sit deep and try to hold out as long as possible. In the league this season they have 2 points and have scored 10 goals. Bizarrely, we have only scored 14 so I shouldn't be complacent and assume they won't be capable of shocking us.

I hate these games. It was home games against teams we should beat that sent us on a downward trend that was bloody hard to get out of.

The key will be for us to push Szentlorinc with continual, quick and deadly pressure.

We have to be aware of Mate Szabo.

Injury News

We will have to make do without Szabolcs for this week's matches. I have promoted Gergo Szoke for the Szentlorinc match.

~~~~~

Some interesting news in the media on the morning of our midweek match. We are one of Hungary's leading producers of youth talent. We need to be a top flight challenger. It is wrong that this club are in the second tier.

Matchday 11 - MTK Budapest FC vs Szentlorinc SE

Three changes today for MTK. Artur Horvath comes in for the injured Mezei. Kovacsreti starts in place of Stieber and Miknyoczki in place of Poor. Anton Nagain spoke on these changes. "Mark and Adam came on at the weekend and changed a close encounter. We need to be on the front foot and put Szentlorinc to the sword like they did Tiszakecskei."

32 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 1-0 Szentlorinc  Artur Horvath

Artur Horvath gets on the end of Kata's dipping ball in to the box and heads the ball past the despairing dive of the Szentlorinc keeper. It has been all MTK. The keeper fumbles it actually.

39 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 2-0 Szentlorinc  Matyas Kovacs

All the MTK pressure is coming down the right from Kovacsreti and Miknyoczki. It's Kovacsreti this time that gets a cross in. It lands on the head of Matyas Kovacs to head home a second.

HT: MTK 2-0 Szentlorinc

FT: MTK 2-0 Szentlorinc

A very dull second half. MTK didn't look bothered but they'd won the game at the end of the first half.

That was a game of two halves. We were all over Szentlorinc is the first half and scored two nice goals as our pressure told. In the second half we looked so non-plussed and hardly looked like scoring. I made regular changes in that half, so I'm sure that had an impact, but it was hard to watch. Complacency is not something we want to creep in to our game.

MTK Player of the Match: I'm giving this award to Adam Miknyoczki. Playing as a very attacking wing back, Adam was a constant threat to Szentlorinc in the first half.

Wednesday 28th September 2022

I decided to emphasise this;

------

"complacency" noun

a feeling of calm satisfaction with your own abilities or situation that prevents you from trying harder:

------

We can't let this creep in to our game. I had a little word about it in the press conference after the game and I've not shied away from making sure the players know how I feel.

We had never played so well as we did in the first half today, and we could have bagged a hatful. In the second half we looked bored.

 

Pandora wants to go dancing with Rosina! Maybe a chaperone is the best bet but I am a little surprised. Pandora has never shown a desire to go out dancing before. We have had nights out, like any couple, but not like Rosina would have. Pandora says we should invite my family up for the weekend of the 8th and 9th. They can go dancing on the Saturday and we can have a nice family day on the Sunday.

"With my parents?" I asked, and Pandora said she liked my father. Have the greens replaced my love?

Oh, I wish no harm to come to them. However they are not, a) intellectuals, b) cultural or c) caring of those around them.

So, it's a top of the table clash on Sunday.

Matchday 12 Preview

Nyiregyhaza will be a tough team to break down and we may have to be patient. They are a good team in the air and we will want to keep the ball on the ground.

I am thinking we need to be a little more cautious for this match. This is not the game to get wing backs marauding forward. We'd get punished.

Hopefully Matyas Kovacs will be fit. He hurt himself in training.

I had a meeting with the boss and he said there is still work to be done. I think he thinks we should be clear at the top by now, but I tried to tell him it's never goign to be that clear cut. He said my job is secure though and the board have full faith in me delivering.

I was told there was constant contact with the supporter's associations as well. The fans think things are going well.

Matchday 12 - Nyiregyhaza Spartacus Football Club vs MTK Budapest FC

Mate Krisztian Kovacs comes in for Matyas Kovacs on the left and Poor replaces Miknyoczki. Nagain explains. "Matyas didn't train fully and this is a chance for Mate to impress. Poor is just the safer option for a tough game."

33 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Nyiregyhaza 0-1 MTK  Istvan Bognar

A stunning goal from MTK. Mate Kovacs plays a wonderful defence splitting ball in to the feet of Bognar and the experienced man makes no mistake with the finish.

HT: Nyiregyhaza 0-1 MTK

65 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Nyiregyhaza 0-2 MTK  Krisztian Nemeth

Nemeth is having a wonderful game and he scores a goal of the highest quality to put MTK in a commanding position. He picks up a sweet Mate Kovacs ball about 30 yards out, turns inside, runs at goal and slots past the keeper.

87 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Nyiregyhaza 1-2 MTK  Myke Bouard Ramos

That changes things. A snapshot from Nagy can only be palmed away by Somodi. Ramos is first on the scene to tap home an easy finish. MTK need to concentrate.

89 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Nyiregyhaza 2-2 MTK  Gergo Nagy

Another wild shot from Nagy deflects off the MTK defence and loops over Somodi. The ball came off Poor but he didn't know a lot about it. We're all square again.

FT: Nyiregyhaza 2-2 MTK

Disappointing finish to the match from MTK. They let a good win slip through their hands. You have to applaud Nyiregyhaza for giving it all there though.

Well, that was gutting. We were so on top until Nyiregyhaza surged forward in the final minutes and equalised the game. A lot of that was down to the determination of Gergo Nagy. He fired in two very hopeful shots that went for him. The first could only be parried by Somodi and Ramos took advantage. The second deflected off Poor and flumuxed Somodi.

I am gutted we didn't hang on but I consider us a little unlucky and I applaud Nyiregyhaza for that comeback.

MTK Player of the Match: Mate Krisztian Kovacs started his first game today, covering for his namesake, and was incredible throughout, assisting both goals we scored. I'd like to make a special mention of a great display from Nemeth though.

Sunday 2nd October 2022

That was a really bizarre end to a fun match today...well yesterday, it is very late after a long journey. I'm mentally tired after that day. I was gutted and angry when that equaliser went in but time has made me consider how very unlucky we were. Somodi could only parry the first goal and was beaten by a huge deflection for the second.

It hurts though.

Pandora waited up to give me the news. My parents are coming up Friday. Rosina is coming up earlier. She has time off her job - sweet making, I believe - and wants to see Budapest.

I must be sure to lay out some ground rules. I write them here to be sure I pass them on.

1. No men brought back to our apartment...that's to Rosina...but I'll tell mother too, just in case.

2. No smoking in the flat. I don't want any more risk of lung cancer than I have from a tortured youth in which my parents often chainsmoked. They can smoke on the balcony, with the door shut.

3. No noise. I want our neighbours to like us.

4. There is no embarassing me...as much as is possible. I am a big time football manager now and I need no scandal.

5. To my father, this one. No obsessive drinking.

6. Food will be nice this weekend and not fried, frozen...and more fried. My family are going to experience the culture of living in Budapest's opera district in an upmarket apartment.

7. My parents will not renew their love with love-making in one of our spare rooms. What they do in their own homes is not something I can control. I suppose I am happy for them but I don't need to be faced with it, not at their ages.

Thankfully, Pandora agrees with this. She did joke that she will bring no men back either. Very funny, my love.

Amazingly, after being 2-0 up we have dropped back to 3rd. Haladas beat Pecs to just edge us. The three of us have broken free of the chasing pack. We have a weekend off and face Haladas the week after.

The world of football management keeps on testing.

 

[anagain]

Monday 10th October 2022

I am sorry, dear diary, for ignoring you this past week. My nerves have been duller than old dishwater with the impending visit of my family.

I had taken my mind off the coming weekend by training vigorously. We had no game so we really made an effort to strengthen the team bond and work on being better; scoring more goals and not throwing away three points.

Then the weekend happened. I immediately posted the rules on the kitchen table to which my mother responded by screwing them up and calling me a snob. "Stop being tense, dear," she told me. Following up with, " I don't know where you got your nerves from. As a youth you always did get nervous acne."

That was my diet! Not to mention the constant humiliation of being poor and having old clothes. My mother lit up a cigarette. I sighed, she gave me a sarcastic narrowing of the eyes and went out on the balcony. I found my father in his room, drinking from a bottle, a cigarette in his hand. "With your blood pressure you should probably wait till the afternoon, at least." He responded with "bloody doctors" and "good to see you too, Anton".

I found Rosina showing Pandora her dancing clothes. Clothes?! They wouldn't fit a child.

I do love my family. It's just that being an intellectual, and a man of significant cultural standing, they don't half love to show me up. But, you know what? I quite enjoyed their visit. Well, most of it. My father refused to go into the Hungarian National Gallery, walking off tutting and saying he find a bar and see us after. My mother quite enjoyed it and said she quite liked the cultural impact of looking at art she thought was so much better for a time in which they didn't have good paint like dulux. We didn't stay too long though. Mother needed a cigarette. So did Rosina.

Rosina never bought a man back. I think my Pandora's guiding influence calmed her a little. Pandora said she felt young again and that attractive young men were giving her the eye. I didn't give that the dignity of an answer.

We had quite a pleasant Sunday afternoon, a nice meal and then my family went home. I told them I was glad they'd visited. My mother said "it's okay, Anton, you always were neurotic." My father said "bloody grumpy little bugger, if you ask me." They both smiled as they said it. My father did tell me he had a bet on MTK winning our league because he knew I was good enough to do it. It's probably the nicest thing he's ever said since he said he was proud of me for getting 20 out of 20 on a literature assessment when I was 14. It put a tear in my eye.

My family may be dysfunctional, but they are my family. My father is becoming more like Bertalan Bacsik with every year though. He's a cantankerous old bastard. I hope he looks after himself a bit better.

Matchday 13 Preview

And back to the matter of winning this league. It's second versus third.

I think Haladas may be the team closest to our level. They have creative players and like to run at defences with pace. I trust my defence but we must be wary.

Matchday 13 - Szombathelyi Haladas vs MTK Budapest FC

Three changes for MTK today. Zoltan Stieber gets the mod wide right and Mezei is back, replacing Horvath. Mate Kovacs is replaced by Matyas Kovacs wide left. Nagain told us, "I was impressed with Mate last time out and feel he did enough to keep his place for this game, although league rules mean we must start with an U20 on the pitch at all times. Matyas is not a downgrade though."

22 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Haladas 0-1 MTK  Istvan Bognar

A lovely cross from Stieber puts the ball on a plate for Bognar to slot home from just outside the 6 yard box. MTK are good value for their lead.

33 mins: CLOSE  A peach of a ball from Mezei plays Nemeth in on goal but the defender gets across fast and the forward's shot loops out for a corner. MTK built up to that beautifully.

43 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Haladas 0-2 MTK  Krisztian Nemeth

It's a screamer from Nemeth on the edge of the D. That goal will be replayed many times. It was Kata, having a wonderful game, that won the ball in midfield to start the move that led to the goal.

HT: Haladas 0-2 MTK

48 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Haladas 0-3 MTK  Krisztian Nemeth

Easy finish for Nemeth to put MTK 3-0 up. Bognar connects with a cross from Stieber but the ball hits the post. The richochet lands at the feet of Nemeth in front of an empty goal.

64 mins: ❕ PENALTY  MTK have a penalty after Varju is bundled to the floor. Nemeth will surely step up for a hattrick.

64 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Haladas 0-4 MTK  Krisztian Nemeth

It is Nemeth. He blasts the ball home for his hattrick...and a 4-0 lead for a brilliant MTK.

FT: Haladas 0-4 MTK

Quite wonderful from the Budapest team.

We were quite simply fantastic today. We dominated that match from start to finish, both defensively and in an attacking sense. There wasn't a player who put a foot wrong. Varju and Szepe dominated the middle of defence, Kata won so many balls in midfield, Stieber and Bognar were at their creative bests and Nemeth was faultless in front of goal.

This is how well we can play.

MTK Player of the Match: I can only give this to the hattrick hero; Krisztian Nemeth.

Sunday 16th October 2022

I am buzzing after today's victory. I was unable to sleep. The buzz must be contagious because Pandora's sleep was disrupted too. It's the early hours as I write this in the kitchen.

On a serious note, I have to keep the player's perspectives in the right place. We have a cup game Thursday and I want to go through.

I best go back to bed. What a day though.

If we can perform like that every week then we can take this league by storm. Nyiregyhaza got a narrow 1-0 over bottom club Szentlorinc, or we'd be top.

Monor in the cup Thursday and then we have another little break in the league.

As I said in my own personal diary, as a coaching team we have to keep the players on the right track. We were good but it would do us no good to be complacent now.

My best day yet as a football manager.

 

 

 

 

 

[GIMN]

Just caught up with everything - looks like I timed it well for your resurgent return to form.  I want to know more about Anton's family!

[anagain]

4 hours ago, GIMN said:

Just caught up with everything - looks like I timed it well for your resurgent return to form.  I want to know more about Anton's family!

Haha, I'll try and do desires justice. I've had ideas, but much is spur of the moment, to be honest.

Quite frankly they're all just a little British. I'm probably really abusing the Hungarian culture...

[anagain]

Tuesday 18th October 2022

I can feel the nerves building today. We play a smaller team in the cup in two days and if we lose it's not going to make me look good.

Monor play in the same division as our seconds and they're in 5th, 2 points behind our unbeaten seconds. Have I said before that our seconds drew 1-1 with Monor at the start of September?

Had a quiet weekend and a nice day to myself yesterday. What a startling change from last weekend, though the quiet was somehow making me feel I was missing something. Pandora was off with her green friends...hope she wasn't glueing herself to roads as I've seen they do in other countries.

Nah, my love is far too conscious of her appearance to risk damaging her clothes.

I must be getting sentimental. I actually phoned my mother later on Monday...remembering her comment about phoning mothers. She cried. Pandora had tears in her eyes when I told her my mother was crying. She said it was lovely. Why are women so emotional? Must we men always be the rock?

MOL Magyar Kupa Fourth Round Preview

I think we can definitely suspect Monor to sit back and try to catch us on the break, although my scouting team are telling me Monor play a nice attractive game. Adam Farkas likes to cut in from the right wing and I am told he has been in sensational form of late. Farkas has one of the best assists per 90 in the NBIII - Kozep this season and it will be Medgyes' job to keep an eye on him.

I am not so foolish as to accept an easy game. We will have to be at our best to see off Monor.

~~~~~

Only fair that Nemeth and Stieber should be in the Team of the Week.

There goes our cover at left back. Barnabas Nagy has been moved to the first team. I like the young man as a player and this may represent a chance for Barnabas to shine.

Zsori in the cup then.

MOL Kupa Magyar Fourth Round - Monori SE vs MTK Budapest FC

Four changes for MTK. Zsori replaces the injured Nemeth. Miknyoczki is a more attacking replacement for Poor. Lehoczky gets a start in central defence, replacing Szepe. Mate Kovacs gets the nod on the left. Nagain spoke to us, "Szepe is one match away from a ban and I just felt Roland [Lehoczky] deserved a start. Adam Miknyoczki did great last time we faced a team in which we were overwhelming odds on to beat".

2 mins: CLOSE!  Nice neat play in the opposition box from MTK and Zsori hits the bar.

17 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Monor 0-1 MTK  Daniel Zsori

A lovely switching ball from Varju leaves Mate Kovcs in loads of space on the right. A switch back and he gets in a cross that Zsori beats the Monor defence to for an easy tap in. Not sure what the Monor keeper was up to though.

22 mins:  ⚽ GOAL! Monor 0-2 MTK  Daniel Zsori

Kovacs to Zsori again. Zsori beating a sleepy Monor defence again, but this time a little further out. A good finish. A lovely driving run from Mezei to suck in defenders before he played the ball to Kovacs.

HT: Monor 0-2 MTK

69 mins:  ⚽ GOAL! Monor 1-2 MTK  Mate Hulicsar

Complacency has crept into MTK's game. Lehoczky loses his man and Hulicsar slots home.

92 mins: ❕ PENALTY Lehoczky clatters his man in the area and the ref has to point to the spot

92 mins: 🟥 RED CARD It is also a second yellow for Lehoczky and he's off. A game to forget for the MTK player.

92 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Monor 2-2 MTK  Dominik Kovacs

Kovacs steps up for the spotkick...and scores. Monor have pulled it back level. Nagain will be furious.

End of 90 mins: Monor 2-2 MTK  It's all square. MTK should have held on but Monor pulled off a sensational comeback. We go in to Extra Time.

109 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Monor 2-3 MTK  Daniel Zsori

Determined play by Kovascreti gets the ball to Zsori in the box. It takes a couple of effort but the front man eventually prods the ball home complete his hattrick and send MTK ahead...again. Can the favourites hold on this time?

FT: Monor 2-3 MTK

MTK scrape through. Nagain surely won't be happy with the way his team switched off, but he will be pleased to be in the hat.

The saying 'by the skin of our pants' is apt after that. It's true that both goasls were the fault of Roland Lehoczky but we weren't good enough in the second half anyway.

MTK Player of the Match: Today's award has to go to Daniel Zsori. Daniel seemed a bit upset that I scolded the team for allowing Monor to come back in to that game so hopefully this praising will make it up to the lad.

 

Barnabas Nagy got his first appearance for MTK this season but hurt himself and did well to finish the game. We have over a week before the next game so hopefully he'll be fit to cover Medgyes.

Thursday 20th October 2022

Monor was not a big place. Rows of small houses around a little shopping area and less of note than an evening decorating. It was rural Hungary at its finest. I guess I am now used to living the high life in our culture district urban apartment.

What did I say about being worried about the Monor tie? I knew it. What was Roland thinking? The media guy I spoke to quoted our performance as 'Jekyll and Hyde'. I'd replied that it was funny he'd say that as I had said the same thing in less jesty terms to the lads. We have to concentrate for 90 minutes, I'd told them.

What I'd said to Roland I will leave to imagination. I am not a sweary man by nature. By nature I am an intellectual. Swearing is best used for dramatic effect in cultured plays, not in berating a lad that is really a defensive midfielder but was utilised in defence. There are circumstances, of course. When Riggs and Murtaugh or Getz and Butters string together the f-bombs and other 4-letter words in Lethal Weapon it's rather good entertainment. I'm hardly Joe Pecsi though.

Don't tell Pandora I quite like Lethal Weapon though. She thinks I'm all Checkov and Kertesz. I'm multi-faceted.

Anyway, It would do my reputation no good to be the subject of a giant-killing.

 

We will have better days than that. I was very pleased with our attacking style in the first half. We destroyed Monor for 45 minutes. It was just a shame we were so complacent in the second 45. I think the opposition tired in extra time.

The draw takes place later on the 21st. MTK are out of the hat first and will play Debrecen, 6th in the OTP Bank LIga. This will be our toughest test yet.

 

[GIMN]

What a dramatic game.  Statistically it looked like a dominant game (as you would expect).  Was it a case of a dominant first half and then the energy dropped, or should you have perhaps scored more and were let down by complacent finishing?

Also I don't know how I glossed over Zoltan Stieber.  I remember watching him dominate in the reserve leagues for Villa years ago - genuinely thought he was destined to have a better career than he did (not that he's had a bad career)

[anagain]

18 hours ago, GIMN said:

What a dramatic game.  Statistically it looked like a dominant game (as you would expect).  Was it a case of a dominant first half and then the energy dropped, or should you have perhaps scored more and were let down by complacent finishing?

Also I don't know how I glossed over Zoltan Stieber.  I remember watching him dominate in the reserve leagues for Villa years ago - genuinely thought he was destined to have a better career than he did (not that he's had a bad career)

Complacency. The team were fantastic first half but really switched off second. Then two mistakes from Lehoczky. Lost his man for first and stupid foul for second. My squad was really stretched when Nagy got injured and that game made me realise how Lehoczky is much more a DM than a DC. Still really shouldn't have made those mistakes.

It's something I've never really liked about FM. Complacency against smaller teams is often overpowered. We came through though.

I hadn't noticed he was at Villa. I see he never managed to get a first team game but did well in Germany. One of the better players in this league and been on a good run of form after suffering from a bit of inconsistency.

Glad you mentioned him. I just had a longer look at his history and have noticed he has a brother. Free agent and quite good.

[anagain]

Saturday 22nd October 2022

Having a free weekend, I decided I should make more effort to look at the younger players at this club. That meant a busy Saturday of football. Sadly, our U19s were playing up in Miskolc against Diosgyor and our second team were in Budapest, but away to Ujpest II. I devised a plan. Vaszilisz Teodoru would be sent to watch the U19s, with our head performance analyst, Daniel Vakaj, sent along with a camera.

I would travel to the quite modern looking Szusza Ferenc Stadion to watch our second team, and I would be joined by the rest of my coaches and the MTK II staff.

I had this well planned...but maybe we'd also find a gem on the opposition side.

I saw a cracking game of football on a surpisingly stable bit of footage later on Saturday. I was very impressed with Bence Varga as he dominated against the Disogyor U19s, scoring twice from central defence. I was also impressed with the movement and link up play from 17 year old forward Guiseppe Lauri. I am told he was born in Tradate in Italy, so that explains the name.

I was equally impressed with Daniel's camera skills.

I picked the wrong game, of course, as I watched a 1-1 draw between our seconds and Ujpest II. Bence Balogh seemed keen to show me what he could provide the first team as he opened the scoring. Despite a great performance from Bence Varkonyi at the back MTK II couldn't hold on. Gergo Szoke was great but first team back ups Torocsik, Palincsar and Kovacsreti didn't seem to care that I was there* and put in subdued performances.

We must make sure we get the best from these young stars.

*I must confess I didn't actually watch the game. It takes me long enough to get through seasons as it is, without watching youth games. It's in there for dramatic effect. Just go with it...

MTK Youth Catchup

MTK U19s

The U19s are having a good season, losing just the once so far. Our young lads are also top scorers in the NB I U19s seeded group where, as one of the top acadamies in the country, we play against the likes of Honved and Ferencvaros. I mentioned Lauri. He has scored 5 times this season in 8 appearances. The battle for star man for the team is between Bence Varga and midfielder Aurel Gyuris. I have had conversations about Aurel with the youth coaches and have toyed with the idea of moving the lad up to the MTK II team. He may be best doing great stuff for the U19s at the moment though.

MTK II

Our second team lead the NB III - Kozep-Csoport after 9 games, unbeaten and top scorers. Bence Varkonyi and Akos Zuigeber have been the star performers this season to date.

 

Matchday 14 - Preview

Ajka are having a good season and are currently 5th with just one defeat, despite being tipped to be firmly mid table at the start of the season. Tactically, Ajka are similar to ourselves but may look to play for set pieces against us. They'll likely also sit back and play a more defensive formation, putting the onus on us to break them down.

We need to play on the front foot and break this resolute side down with pace. I have been impressed with Adam Miknyoczki and he may well start over Poor. We must be sure to not let complacency slip in if we find ourselves ahead. 

Wednesday 26th October 2022

Over dinner Pandora offered me a very strong opinion on nuclear power and how the right leaning party in power are not safeguarding our children's future by pushing new nuclear sites**.

"Children?" I asked.

"Oh, not us, dear. I hardly have time in my life to change nappies and feed helpless infants." Pandora looked so steadfast in her resolve. "The political process must continue, my Anton."

I assured her I was not asking for children. I do, however, remember a time when Pandora wanted six children, three dogs and a cat. Maybe even a parrot. When I mentioned this she told me we were all young once. When she reminded me that I once had ambition to join a cycling team I found myself wondering what was so wrong with wanting to ride the route of the 2008 Tour of Hungary and live in the shadows of Balazs Szoradi, who got a commendable 10th that year.

Atila Valter looks even better. Yes, dear diary, I still follow cycling. Just don't get time to do much.

I'll start cycling to work, instead of the tram...

...better buy a bike.

**I have been using my limited knowledge of Hungarian politics and a lot of Google translate to try and find something Dialogue For Hungary (the party I associated Pandora with, if you don't remember) have been talking about. You Tube has shown me Hungarian is a very different language to hear than I expected. Pretty sure it is most closely related to Finnish. I never thought I'd do this much research for a FM Career Updates post. I do enjoy this though. Salivates my desire to write.

~~~~~

Update on the leading clubs for development of young players. Honved have pulled out a bit of a lead but it is so nice to see us second.

~~~~~

I just wanted to take a moment to highlight Gergo Szoke. The 18 year old has really come on in leaps and bounds of late. It is amazing what a few first team appearances can do for a player. Gergo is definitely a ball winner. I wonder if he should be moulded in to my segundo volante role though.

I can't stop praising the lad.

~~~~~

Matchday 14 - MTK Budapest FC vs Futball Club Ajka

Been at this week for a couple of hours now...must get on and actually play a match!

But first, Zsombor Nagy really got going on his recovery from injury and played 62 minutes as MTK II lost 3-2 to Szolnok. It may be telling that we conceded twice after Nagy went off. Yurii Matviiv's red card in the 28th minute won't have helped. That boy!

Changes for MTK are as follows. Szepe is back in for Lehoczky. Matyas Kovacs replaces Mate Kovacs to fullfill U20 requirements. Nemeth is back in to the starting line up in place of Zsori. New on the bench are Bence Varkonyi and Adam Merenyi (from the seconds to provide left back cover - Barnabas Nagy and Kapronczai both injured). Nagain spoke to the media. "It is hard to leave Krisztian Nemeth out despite Daniel [Zsori] scoring a hattrick in the cup. Other than that we are pretty much unchanged from the last league outing. I pick squads to win."

 

10 mins: ❕ INJURY  MTK lose a key man to injury as Bognar is forced off after a heavy tackle

24 mins: 🟥 RED CARD!  Ajka are down to 10 men. Richard Zsolnai is shown a second yellow card for a foul on Matyas Kovacs.

34 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 1-0 Ajka  Krisztian Nemeth

An easy tap in for Nemeth after fantastic work down the right from Miknyoczki puts the ball on a plate...

35 mins: ❕ CLOSE  Close for MTK as Mate Kovacs hits the bar with a header. MTK are so on top.

36 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 2-0 Ajka  Mate Krisztian Kovacs

But that is a goal for MTK. Determined play from Miknyoczki as he threads a ball into the box and Mate Kovacs tucks the ball past the keeper. This is dominant.

But it's disallowed for offside. Nagain is furious, he clearly thinks that was a valid goal. Replays show Stieber was offside...but he didn't touch the ball.

CORRECTION: MTK 1-0 Ajka

HT: MTK 1-0 Ajka

51 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 2-0 Ajka  Benedek Varju

That one definitely counts. Varju rises highest to meet a corner. He powers the header home.

68 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 3-0 Ajka  Krisztian Nemeth

Miknyoczki's lofted cross cum pass lands on the feet of Nemeth who calmly slots past the keeper. The Ajka defenders had no idea where that ball was. Nemeth's 10th of the season!

76 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 4-0 Ajka  Janos Szepe

It's four. Janos Szepe gets on the end of Kovacsreti's free kick into the mix...the header loops in to the goal.

But it's another late call to disallow the goal! There were suspcions of offside in the melee but it wasn't Szepe, who scored. Nagain questions the 4th official.

CORRECTION: MTK 3-0 Ajka

79 mins: Somodi makes a save. Nagain is urging his players to keep their heads on.

FT: MTK 3-0 Ajka

MTK win but should it have been by more? A win is a win.

That was such a hectic game. Ajka played very deep and didn't have a shot on target until late in the second half. The disallowed goals annoyed me and the first should definitely have stood. Stieber was offside but he never touched that ball. I wasn't even asked about the disallowed goals.

MTK Player of the Match: I have to give today's award to Adam Miknyoczki. The wing back was superb and a constant threat to Ajka.

Adam won Player of the Week in the Mercantil Bank Liga. That means plaudits in training Tuesday.

~~~~~

Injury News

I am sad to say we lost Istvan Bognar to a broken foot in that game. It was a heavy tackle that actually injured the Ajka player as well. Istvan faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Szabolcs Mezei came off in the second half but he could be good to go for the next game in a week.

Sunday 30th October 2022

Today's game was frustrating as hell. I am still seething some hours later, as I write this. Yes, we won, but I wanted more goals.

I'm being greedy, I know. Three points is what matters.

Losing Istvan will be hard on us. It gives me a chance to give Mate Kovacs much more game time, though he is not the same player as Istvan.

How I'll sleep, I have no idea. I almost feel like becoming my sister and going out dancing. Not sure I have an outfit small enough.

Ugh...I really said that...

 

Nyiregyhaza stuffed Tiszacekcske and still top us...by a point and four goals. Haladas got a good win over Disgyor, who still remain in a position where the drop zone looms over them, to stay in touching distance.

We have the firmly mid table Mosonmagyarovar next week - at home again. Nyiregyhaza have 4th placed Gyor. Can they do us a favour?

[anagain]

Tuesday 1st November 2022

It has been a strangely quiet week. Pandora doesn't seem to want to talk politics, and has in fact been out late a lot. She comes home and either slouches in front of TV or goes to bed. 

When I suggested she looked a little pasty and should eat better she scolded me. My love has always been of a tanned complexion...and irritable. I should be careful, but I care. Not only am I an intellect and cultured, but I am also a very caring individual. I phoned my mother yesterday and said I hoped she and father were happy. "He's drunk," she said. I wasn't surprised.

I didn't phone just because I was bored...even if that's what my mother suggested.

Matchday 15 Preview

And so we face another home game against another team that will likely sit back and make things difficult for us. Let's score 5!

No, no. We must not become complacent. I have actually been told, this time, that we can expect Mosonmagyarovar to play long balls in to the box. My scouts are learning.

Monthly Updates

Injuries

Board Performance Review

Come on...

Supporter Confidence

Better...

Report From Head Performance Analyst

Harsh to single out Palinscar like that, but noted.

~~~~~

Is that it?

Matchday 15 - MTK Budapest FC vs Mosonmagyaróvári TE 1904

A number of changes for MTK this week. Benedek Varju had a knock in training and is replaced by Poor in the middle of defence. A knock for Mezei, too, and he is replaced by Horvath. Mate Krisztian Kovacs replaces the injured Bognar.

HT: MTK 0-0 Mosonmagyarovar

It's all MTK but they can't find the breakthrough

81 mins: ❕ CLOSE!  Szepe hits the bar with a header...will the breakthrough come?

95 mins: ❕ CLOSE!  A long range shot from Mosonmagyarovar slips through the hands of Somodi...and falls just wide of the post.

FT: MTK 0-0 Mosonmagyarovar

MTK had all the ball but couldn't find a goal. Stubborn defence from Mosonmagyarovari, and they could have stolen it at the end.

Credit to Mosonmagyarovar. They sat deep and really frustrated us today. It is true that we didn't play as well as we could but well done to them.

MTK Player of the Match: This was a game where defenders ruled the roost. Miknyoczki played well again but I'll give this one to Mihaly Kata. I probably held Mihaly back too long because he was often looking like the player who might be able to play the pass that unlocked their defence.

Sunday 6th November 2022

Well, that was a bummer, to quote my sister. Not on the match. I doubt she cares a jot. If Rosina watches football then it's to rate the looks of the players. It's just something she seems to love saying.

I had ice cream after the game. I don't care if I get a spot.

How long has it been since I said something like that? I used to fret daily about spots once upon a time. Thanks to the diet of my youthful home I got more than my fair share. I think I have self-control because I really don't eat a lot of chocolate or ice cream.

My skin still ain't all that good...

Oh...Mint Choc Chip. Is anything in life better?

What is even more frustrating is that Nyiregyhaza lost to Gyor and we didn't punish them. With Haladas winning it's all square at the top; a three-way battle.

Look at Szentlorinc getting a point against Ajka. Well, four points is better than three. Diosgyor back to winning ways against another struggling team. We face Siofok next. They could only draw at Pecs.

A week off first though. Shooting practice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[anagain]

Monday 13th November 2022

I am shattered.

With a gameless week and some heavy training we decided, at shortish notice, that we'd have a team bonding training camp on the shores of Lake Balaton. The board stumped up for the short trip down the E71 for most of the first team and we travelled down for some motivational team boosting.

The weather wasn't quite as nice as the photos in the brochure - it's November after all - but we had a cracking time. Food, football and relaxation. It's birthday time for Bence Somodi and Patrick Poor in a week and we even went so far as to have an early celebration for the two lads. I think it was an excuse for a few drinks, if I'm totally honest.

Not me, I've never been a drinker. Of course there were a few sessions at uni, but they just brought out my spots.

I'm hoping it gives us a boost as we welcome Siofok in a week.

Not the weather in November

The world cup starts in six days. I do love world cups...or have done since I discovered the beautiful game. Of course, Hungary haven't qualified since I was 2 months old. I didn't watch that one, unsurprisingly, but Hungary went out in the first round after a 6-0 defeat to the Soviets. That was a time when we were still under the shadow of the east, of course. I don't really remember much of those days, and my parents don't speak of it too much, but my homeland changed rapidly in my early years. By the time I was old enough to start developing memories that I might still recall my homeland was freer.

Whoah, I went deeper with that than I planned to. I was talking world cups and got into politics. Must be my love's new interests rubbing off on me.

But, it wasn't until I was 22, and the 2010 world cup in South Africa that I really took notice of the world's biggest competition. Hungary weren't there and I supported my new love's Slovenia in that tournament. I'd not all that long known Pandora and I don't think she was truly interested in the football. More me! Hungary nearly made the play-offs in 2014 but it's been pretty barren for my homeland. Slovenia only lasted three games in 2010. Pandora and I have lasted 12 years in our love.

With some German in me I suppose I should cheer them on.

I rambled, dear diary. It's been a while since we talked though. We take more breaks these days, don't we?

*We did do some team bonding but I don't know if it's possible to arrange training camps for a weekend in FM (it should be) so that weekend at Lake Balaton was fabrication. I felt I should address Anton growing up in an eastern bloc country. I do believe the end of communism in Hungary was probably the most peaceful transisition of all the countries of the eastern bloc but it's been a while since I did school history. I'm a bit good bit older than Anton (my own first world cup was 86 but I got into football much younger) and I prefer my history much farther back.

It's just a bit of fun...I'll live with it.

The Newest MTK Internationals

There are three new young internationals at the club (yes, they're links) - and Yurii Matviiv got some more appearances for Ukraine.

Nathaniel Almomani played 90 minutes against Norway and 27 minutes gainst Czechia. A fit lad, Nathaniel needs to work harder on his technicals to progress.

Mate Balogh played 90 minutes for the U19s (despite that graphic showing 'main') as they drew 1-1 with Serbia. Mate is progressing better than Nathaniel.

Kristof Lepo is a talented 17 year old and he managed 90 minutes against Norway and 26 minutes against Czechia for the U18s.

Yurii managed two full games as Ukraine U19s beat Switzerland 1-0 (with Yurii getting an assist) and then lost 1-2 to Germany.

~~~~~

Goddamn it! Now Horvath has to start to fulfill U20 rules.

Matchday 16 Preview

Siofok are 6th in the Merkantil Bank Liga but haven't won for three games. A loss on penalties to Dorog in the cup was followed by a loss to Kozarmisleny and a draw with Pecs. The team are organised and very used to working with each other and Peter Horvath is the second best scorer in the division currently. Siofok are a pacey bunch and I expect them to utilise that pace on Sunday. Let's not be under any illusion that they won't sit deep though.

Thursday 17th November 2022

I don't like the U20 rules. I know it is best for the development of Hungarian football but we have a young squad and still it's hard to put an U20 qualifier on the pitch. This is a chance for Horvath to really shine like he did in pre season though.

I worry about the development of the young players at the club. The club could do with better youth facilities to make the most of our ability to attract young stars. I am going to approach the boss with a proposal tomorrow.

I had called an end to training today, and was thinking about a nice warm apartment and the comfort of my love, when Bence Balogh asked to see me. Bence wants more first team football. I said I'd speak to him but wanted a quick word with our club captain first. I asked Zsombor if he might be able to have a word with Bence but he felt it wasn't his duty to get involved.

Feeling like I might be backing out of a difficult situation I called up my courage and told Bence he had to be patient as Krisztian Nemeth was a starter on merit. Bence hasn't played a minute of football at this level since he was a lad but I said he just needed to be ready in case the chance came up. Bence is a lovely guy but he's not at this level. He was very understanding so I'll see if I can't give him some minutes from the bench on Sunday.

If we're winning.

~~~~~

Another round of matches for our young stars. Yurii has had a busy week, as he gets another 90 minutes in a loss to Italy. Nothing spectacular for Almomani, Balogh or Lepo though.

Matchday 16 - MTK Budapest FC vs BFC Siófok

Changes to the MTK squad are as follows. Mate Kovacs moves to the left wing and replaces the injured Matyas Kovacs. Peter Torocsik starts behind Nemeth in the same role as the injured Bognar. Artur Horvath replaces the unlucky Szabolcs Mezei so that MTK can abide by U20 player rules. Bence Balogh and Akos Zuigeber are on the bench and Gergely Kapronczai returns to the 23 after injury. Nagain said, " I had hoped to include Zsombor Nagy but the defender is a little further behind in fitness than I hoped. He got one more game for the B side yesterday and may play Wednesday. Mezei is unlucky to be replaced, so as we can abide by league rules, but this is a chance for Artur to shine."

HT: MTK 0-0 Siofok

The first half is a bit of a borefest. MTK have been slightly better but they need to improve.

55 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 1-0 Siofok  Zoltan Stieber

There is good pressure from MTK now and Stieber fires home a thunderbolt after being setup by Torocsik.

68 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 2-0 Siofok  Peter Torocsik

Great work by Mate Kovacs on the left of the box finds Torocsik and the playmaker pokes home.

78 mins: 🟥 SENDING OFF!  David Forgacs receives his marching orders for Siofok.

FT: MTK 2-0 Siofok

A much better half from the Budapest team. Torocsik was excellent after the break.

I urged the lads to do better at half time and they did. Torocsik was so much better and turned in a match-winning performance. I was even able to do as I suggested and bring Balogh on late. Truth be told, Nemeth is off his game and never looked liked scoring. Stieber's opener was a real screamer...I've had the grounds staff check the net.

It is apparently now 300 minutes since we, well Somodi, conceded. And nine unbeaten. Let's keep it going.

MTK Player of the Match: Today I shall give this award to Peter Torocsik. Peter has a lot to live up to in replacing Bognar but today he showed he has the ability with a goal and an assist.

Sunday 20th November 2022

I had fears of another 0-0 at half time today, and I won't lie about that. We had possession first half but we were woeful with it.

I am worried about Nemeth, and that is another thing I won't lie about. He's not performing. We play midweek and he will start. I shall urge him on.

I'm being very honest today, dear diary, so I will say that I have concerns about Pandora's new political career. A while ago I spoke about the typical politician I found myself having lunch with. Pandora thinks he's 'such a good influence on her' and 'he's been in the game for quite some time now and knows a thing or two'. She winked when she said that last one. I'm sure she did.

Should I speak to Rosina about this?

What am I saying? I shall trust my love for now.

We'd be top of the table if it wasn't for two very late goals from Nyiregyhaza.

And the world cup of Qatar started today. Qatar won! Nobody thought that would happen. Everyone thought the world cup would be a political disaster, socially, but not that the hosts would win a game. I won't get into poitics though...it reminds me of my Pandora worries.

Yes, Nyiregyhaza (I'm starting to be able to type that first time, but I still get the s and the c the wrong way around in names) scored two late goals to win. We're still behind them by a goal. We have a 3 point gap to Gyor and Haladas now and then it's 5 points to Dorog. I like it when gaps develop as it make promotion much more likely. We should win this division but I, personally, would take second. I'd like first, obviously.

Two games this coming week. We travel Soroksar, who play here in Budapest, midweek and then entertain Szeged, down near the border with Romania, at the weekend. Both are low down the table and I expect wins. Our opposition may be a bit more open at home, making our chances easier.

Qatar 2022 Watch

As I told my diary, Qatar won their opener. They beat Senegal 2-1.

 

 

 

[anagain]

Tuesday 22 November 2022

There have been eight world cup matches now and I have actually had the lads watching some of the football to show them how it's done at the top of the game. I've watched the later games at home. Day 2 was a borefest, to be frank, the Battle of Britain a dull affair with 2 shots on target.

Day 3 was better. France looked incredible stuffing Oz and Tunisia got a good win.

Pandora asked when the world cup ends. "Not till the 18th of December, my love." She said she'd cope for me.

 

Qatar 2022 Watch

France really did destroy Australia, Mexico got a comfortable win and Poland defied Messi and co. Thank god for the Dutch on day 2. One goal in three games.

 

Matchday 17 Preview

Soroksar have relegation possibilities looming over them and this reportedly strong and aggressive squad will be a challenge for us. Soroksar are known to sit back and play with wing backs. I hope they come at us a little, but I won't be surprised if we have to break them down.

 

 

Matchday 17 - Soroksar SC vs MTK Budapest FC

Just the two changes today for MTK. Zsombor Nagy returns to the team after injury, replacing Benedek Varju. Patrik Poor is prefered at right back. "I just wanted us to be a little more secure at the back today." Said Nagain.

27 mins: ⚽ Soroksar 1-0 MTK  Adam Halmai

MTK have been poor and they have let Soroksar in way too much. Adam Halmai breaks the defence and the home side are gifted the lead.

32 mins: ❕ PENALTY!  Kovacs brings down his man and Soroksar have a spot kick

32 mins: ⚽ Soroksar 2-0 MTK  Attila Lorinczy

Lorinczy converts the penalty. Nagain is furious.

38 mins: ⚽ Soroksar 2-1 MTK  Zoltan Stieber

Stieber gets MTK back in the game with a lovely free kick that the keeper can't stop.

46 mins: ⚽ Soroksar 2-2 MTK  Zoltan Stieber

Stieber gets MTK level with a deft finish on the half volley following Kovacs ball from deep.

HT: Soroksar 2-2 MTK

A tremendous first half. MTK will expect better after the break though.

FT: Soroksar 2-2 MTK

Soroksar will be the happier team here. MTK pressed and pressed in the second half but couldn't find a breakthrough.

After all the praise we had for clean sheets that was a terrible way to start a game away to a struggling side. Nagy was poor on his return and, to be honest, so were the rest of the defence. Nemeth was also poor, as he has been for a few matches now. I had a word after the game and he was a little offended that I should say his form was declining. I don't know what games Krisztian thinks he has been part of but from where I've been stood he's been off the pace.

It's true Krisztian's pace has almost deteriorated to the point at which he can't chase balls but I do expect him to look like he cares. I'll drop him deeper and see if he can find form in a different role.

MTK Player of the Match: Zoltan Stieber was the man to make a difference for us today. Without his two fantastic goals we would have lost that game.

I certainly expect more against Szeged but I was pleased to see Nyiregyhaza lost and we went top regardless of our result. It's a shame those gaps have squeezed up though.

 

Friday 25th November 2022

I wish we could break away in this league. I never thought it would be easy, and injuries have hit us hard at times, but our start yesterday was hard to watch. I wish Nemeth was young still.

I have no luck with the evening kick offs in this world cup. Tonight I had Iran vs Wales - another 0-0. Yesterday was Serbia vs Brazil and that finished 0-0. Morocco stuffed Canada 4-0 on Wednesday but that was our matchday.

Germany, the team of my ancestors, lost to Spain in their first game. It was a close game but Germany will have it all to do now. In the other match in Group E, Japan stuffed Costa Rica 3-0.

 

Matchday 17 Preview

Szeged are a better team than they are proving this season. Expected to be fighting for promotion the south eastern team find themselves just a couple of points off the relegation places. Would you believe we look to be facing another side that will sit and let us probe them, and they'll be sure to counter attack like Soroksar did a few days ago.

 

Qatar 2022 Watch

What a performance from Heung-Min Song, scoring four in Korea's humbling of Ghana. Two goals from Harry Kane, too, as England got going with a 2-0 over the States. Netherlands qualified from Group A with a 2-1 win over the hosts. Brazil were stifled by Serbia and Germany have it all to do after losing to Spain.

 

 

Matchday 18 - Szeged-Csanád Grosics Akadémia vs MTK Budapest FC

Just the two changes for MTK. Kovacsreti replaces Torocsik, who took a knock in training. Stieber moves inside to play behind Nemeth. Varju returns in place of the poorly performing Nagy at centre back.

7 mins: ❕ PENALTY!  Stieber is brought down in the box and MTK will have a chance from the spot. An opportunity for Nemeth to get back to scoring ways?

7 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Szeged 0-1 MTK  Krisztian Nemeth

It is Nemeth...and he converts with ease to put MTK into the lead early.

HT: Szeged 0-1 MTK

56 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Szeged 1-1 MTK  Bence Biro

Poor defending by MTK allows Biro with just Somodi to beat and he levels for Szeged.

78 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Szeged 1-2 MTK  Mate Krisztian Kovacs

A lovely ball from the now wide playing Stieber falls into the path of Kovacs who almost side foots the ball into the far corner. Can MTK hold on this time?

FT: Szeged 1-2 MTK

A tight game, but a win for MTK that keeps them top.

We weren't dominant, by any means, but a team performance got us a win we deserved. It was a lovely feeling when Kovacs slotted home the winner. I had wondered if it would come. Nemeth was better today. He wasn't always a threat, but playing deeper he wasn't lagging behind balls in behind the defence.

I would wager that wing backs is our nemesis. Both Soroksar and Szeged have lined up with three at the back and it's tested us. The goal we conceded today doesn't happen against four across the back.

MTK Player of the Match: Zoltan Stieber wins a second PotM in a row after another assist to help us win the game. The wide man won the penalty too.

 

Sunday 27th November 2022

It was good to get back to winning ways today but the butterflies were flutering throughout. Stieber has been wonderful of late but I have a real dilemma about how best to line up in attack. I am wondering if Nemeth would benefit from a man up top with him, but do I lose the benefit of the segundo volante in midfield. It is a role that has served us well, with players getting in to the box to support the attack.

My tactical knowledge is getting there. I bounce a lot of ideas off David Horvath, my B team manager, and Zsolt Kulcsar, but my intellect is serving me well in making changes that aid us.

I do want to be the best football manager I can.

We watched today's late world cup games as a group in the social club. We managed to catch much of a cracking game in which Morocco stunned Croatia and then saw Spain held by Japan.

Germany are in real trouble after being held by Costa Rica. They need to beat Japan. My mother's ancestry will not be pleased.

 

Nyiregyhaza lost again and have slipped to fourth. Our win gives us a three point gap over Gyor and Haladas.

Mid-table Gyirmot next weekend, this time at home. We have to keep the form going and stop conceding stupid goals. We're 11 unbeaten now but the 3 goals conceded in the last two games is concerning.

After next week we have just the one game, home to curent bottom three team Csakvar, before a long winter break.

Qatar 2022 Watch

Argentina demolished the Saudis on Saturday. Poland then beat Mexico to make the final games in Group C crucial. In Group D, Australia stunned Tunisia, the victors over Denmark in the first round of games. Denmark lost to France and will need to beat Australia to qualify.

All eyes will be on Germany in four days. Can they beat Japan to rescue their world cup? In Group F, Morocco's resounding victory over Croatia means they will top the group - the North Africans have scored 8 goals so far. Belgium could only draw with Canada and will have to beat Morocco, a team who will surely rest players.

 

 

 

 

[anagain]

Tuesday 29th November 2022

Pandora says she thinks the world cup is discriminatory. "Why do countries like Slovenia get left out?" She asked me, yesterday morning. I tried to explain that they weren't, they just didn't qualify. I told her over 150 countries try to make the world cup finals and that they whittle that number down to just the 32 in Qatar. At this point she just suggested that I thought Slovenia weren't good enough. "But neither were Hungary, my dear," I told her.

I don't get it. Politics is changing my love. I mean she was only born in Slovenia because her father worked there. He is from Debrecen but entered the world of shipping. We Hungarians love the sea...even if we're landlocked.

Pandora did sit down with me and watch two world cup matches though. Last night we watched Portugal draw with Korea, a result which saw neither team guarantee qualification for round two. I have a feeling Pandora actually watched it because she wanted to see what all the fuss was about Ronaldo. She said she thought Pepe looked about 45. "Not far off," I told her.

Tonight, we watched England stuff Iran and safely qualify for round two. "That Mason Mount is a handsome man," Pandora told me. I said the English cared too much about their hair and Pandora scoffed. "Just because you always had unmanageable hair, dear."

It was the diet. I've told her that before.

*I assume Mason Mount is handsome. Google told me he is, so that settles it.

 

Qatar 2022 Watch

Monday saw Brazil do their chances of progression a lot of good, after the stalemate with Serbia. The world's greatest team (or so they are called) beat Cameroon but Friday's match with Switzerland will be huge. Serbia had another 0-0 draw. Not the team to watch at this world cup.

In Group H, Portugal and Korea couldn't beat each other and Uruguay's win over Ghana makes things interesting for Friday's final group games. Facing already out Ghana, I suspect Portugal will have it easiest and will be joined by the winner of Korea vs Uruguay.

Groups A and B were tidied up on Tuesday. Netherlands and Qatar were the teams to progress from A. This marks a real achievement from Qatar.

The hosts will play England in the second round after the Three Lions dismantled Iran. USA joined England after beating Wales. I suspect England fans hate Gareth Southgate. He plays a back 3!

 

England versus Iran! Travesty!

 

Matchday 19 Preview

Do I even need to say that <this team> will sit back and try to break anymore? Where Gyirmot are concerned I suspect we will have to deal with set pieces as well, especially long throws. Aerial defence will be a key skill to train going in to the match. Istvan Szatmari is a player we will need to watch down Gyirmot's left flank. Two assists and three goals this season mark Istvan as a key man for Gyirmot.

 

Wednesday 30th November 2022

I watched a friendly match involving the B team this evening. The reason being I invited a young Nigerian to the club on trial and wanted to witness whether he was a talent with my own eyes. The 0-0 draw with Szeged II was a defender's game and our triallist was a bit poor.

Victor Sam Abata was suggested to us by his agent and my scouts pinpointed him as a more likely signing. I'll give him one more chance next week.

It was one of the worst games of football I have ever watched...

Boy, is Gergo Szoke good though. The 18 year old is developing phenomenally.

~~~~~

Not helpful...

More game time for Horvath.

~~~~~

Talking of Horvath(s)...

I am very sad to lose David but he deserves the chance to develop his managerial skills. Szeged will be our penultimate game.

In other news...as November ticked in to December by analyst team sent me this pleasing graphic.

Need to work on that finishing, I think.

 

End Of Month Performance Review

~~~~~

 

Matchday 19 - MTK Budapest FC vs Gyirmót Football Club Györ

Changes to the MTK lineup for today's match are; Zsombor Nagy gets a start on the left side of central defence in place of Janos Szepe. Miknyoczki is favoured over Patrik Poor. Stieber moves back out right and Torocsik replaces Kovacsreti. Matyas Kovacs starts on the left, replacing Mate Kovacs. When asked why Szepe misses out, Nagain had this to say to us. "Janos has played a lot of football this season and, what with our conceding three in the last couple of games, I just felt Zsombor deserved a start after injury. It's purely rotation."

10 mins: ❗ MTK Injury!  Zoltan Stieber is forced off with what looks like a foot injury. Kovacsreti enters the fray.

45 mins: ❕ PENALTY!  On a foray in to the box, Mihaly Kata is clipped and the ref points to the spot. MTK have been on top with no breakthrough...now is their chance.

45 mins: ❌ PENALTY MISSED!  Nemeth's penalty is saved by Rusak.

HT: MTK 0-0 Gyirmot

48 mins: ❕ WOODWORK!  Kovacsreti hits the bar for MTK after bursting inside.

66 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 0-1 Gyirmot  Zoltan Medgyes

A deep cross and Zoltan Medgyes sneaks in at the far post to put Gyirmot ahead. MTK have been woeful the past ten minutes.

80 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 1-1 Gyirmot  Zoltan Vasvari

Young striker, Vasvari, comes off the bench for his debut and an equaliser!

FT: MTK 1-1 Gyirmot

MTK will be very disappointed to have been held at home.

For all the possesion we had and all the chances we created we should have won that game outright. Krisztian Nemeth has not been good enough, but, on the flip side, to bring young Zoltan Vasvari on and see him score was a joy.

We lost Zoltan Stieber in that game and our injury woes deepen.

MTK Player of the Match: Akos Zuigeber changed the game for us. He looked dangerous and provided the ball across the goal for Vasvari to score on his debut.

So, who is Zoltan Vasvari? I know you're thinking, but he hasn't mentioned him. Zoltan has played 7 times for MTK II and scored 4 goals. With Zsori out injured I wanted a striker on the bench and opted, on total impulse, for Vasvari.

 

Sunday 4th December 2022

This football management lark is easy, isn't it? We look like losing at home and I bring on a youngster who scores.

Nah! I was lucky. We were lucky. We have to improve.

I'm still reeling from Germany and Brazil's fate...

Hungary could have done better...

 

Haladas and Gyor shared the spoils in their game and that result spared our blushes after drawing at home. Nyiregyhaza got back to winning ways though even if it was just a narrow win.

We have to be better. I mean, we need to turn draws in to wins. We're unbeaten, so it's not as if we're sliding down the table. We should be winning games comfortably though.

 

Qatar 2022 Watch

The group stages are over and the second round has started.

In Group C, Argentina and Poland progressed with final round wins. In Group D it was closer. Denmark beat the Ozzies but a draw bwteen France and Tunisia mant the Danes still went home.

Germany are going home. The Germans are the bigegst casualties of the group stage after they lost 2-1 to Japan. Belgium are also out as they could only draw with Morocco. Croatia recorded the biggest win of the tournament, humbling Canada 6-0.

Serbia finally learnt to score goals and their 4-0 win over Cameroon, coupled with a 1-1 draw in the other match saw a shock arguably bigger than Germany going out. Brazil are going home. They're the only team in Group G that didn't beat Cameroon 4-0. Who would have thought Brazil would struggle to score goals. Neymar was inconsolable.

In Group H, Uruguay needed to beat Korea to progress but a draw was all they could manage and Portugal and Korea progress.

 

And so, on to the second round, and in the first half of the matches we saw huge shocks for the USA and Tunisia whilst France and England moved on comfortably.

 

[anagain]

Tuesday 6th December 2022

I have just finished watching the last of the world cup second round matches. Japan fell foul of the dreaded penalties on Monday and tonight I caught most of a cracking game between Portugal and Serbia followed by a dominant Spain display to set up an Iberian battle in the quarters.

I think my man management skills are getting better, and that is a big part of being a football manager. You have to know what your players want and how to get the best from them. Being an intellectual has served me well here. I spoke to the whole team, as well as to some individually. I do believe they are growing to like me.

I think the practice came from deciding to be nice to may parents...well, my mother at least. Father needs to get a job. I phoned home yesterday and, would you believe it, he was drunk. It was three in the afternoon. I asked my mother if he couldn't get a job and she said he wasn't well. Yes, he has a serious case of being a lazy old git, I told her.

You have to be blunt with people, as well as being supportive and encouraging. It doesn't do to let people off lightly. That was also the case with my lead striker. I told Krisztian he had to do better and I think he listened.

Yes...admire my skills. I am a football manager.

 

Qatar 2022 Watch

The quarter finals are decided. They start with the battle of the underdogs between the US and Tunisia, then the battle of the European outsiders of Switzerland and Croatia. The second group of ties are mouth-watering encounters between England and France and Portugal and Spain.

The battle for the Golden Boot looks like it will come down to three contenders. Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane and Olivier Giroud.

 

Matchday 20 Preview

Aerial football again, then? Csakvar are not having a great season but they do have an ability to punish us from crosses and corners. Csakvar aren't so much a counter team as just a tam that sits back and goes for the nil scoreline against them. They will be hard to break down and we will need pace and more willingness than we showed against Gyirmot.

I spoke to the squad as a whole yesterday, in an effort to drum up a bit of morale. I told them we were on course for promotion but just a little push would seal that for us. The feedback I got was great. I have also had a chat with Nemeth on a one to one basis about his form. Krisztian has come to realise he's not played well. This next game, he'll be back. Just watch.

 

Youth Intake Preview

Zsolt Szekely, our head of youth development, met with me today to discuss the young players that will be coming through next season. Zsolt has high hopes at centre back and good hopes in midfield, on the flanks and up front.

I hope he's right, and I look forward to meeting our stars of tomorrow.

 

Thursday 8th December 2022

I phoned home yesterday in a further effort to improve my man management skills, and to find out what advanced plans were for Christmas. Technically I suppose it would be better to call them my parent management skills. I do feel it a good idea to improve the relationship with my parents. I did enjoy moments of their visit and my mother's words struck a note in me. My relationship with the lads, I think, is changing me. I want to do good by people. Pandora says I have always been judgmental. Look who's talking, I thought. I remember her disdaining a fellow student because his father was a binman.

Anyway, mother wasn't in. She went out with Rosina. Father answered the phone. He had to get up early because he has a job! He is working for the local authority in Szentgotthard. "I've got to be at work for flipping six," he told me, seeming put out. I told him he'd get used to it and he replied, gruffily, that he wasn't lazy. "I can see that," I assured him and said I was proud that he'd got off his backside and was making an effort.

I told my father that being a football manager had heightened me to the fact that if we put effort in to our lives we get that back in rewards. He cut me off and told me to stop being superior. He'd do his job and didn't need no looking down on by the likes of me and my football manager lordship. I think that's how he put it.

I assured him I don't look down on him and said he better get to bed. All in good time, he told me and finished by saying my mother wanted a family do for Christmas. I said we'd have it in Szentgotthard. Our apartment just won't do for the sort of party my family likes. There's the neighbours to think of, too. It'd probably disrupt the opera!

Well...that went well.

 

Second Chances

My triallist got his second chance and he took it, as you can see from the match report below. I don't know if we could sign the lad just now though. Speaking to Abata's agent, he wants a contract in the region of £500 a week. We're already over the wage budget, not that that is my doing.

 

 

Matchday 20 - MTK Budapest FC vs FC Csákvár

Three changes today for MTK. Poor is back in at right back, replacing the suspended Miknyoczki. Vasvari starts up front after his late heroics against Gyirmot, with Nemeth moving to IF on the right. Finally, Szepe is back in defence, replacing Nagy. We asked Nagain about his decision to start with the youngster up front, and playing Nemeth wide. "Zoltan [Vasvari] has proven himself more than capable and Krisztian [Nemeth] is just as capable at playing wide. I believe it will be inspired."

16 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 1-0 Csakvar  Zoltan Vasvari

We have a star on our hands. Vasvari receives a ball from Torocsik on the edge of the box. Neat control enables the youngster to outwit two defenders and he fires into the far right of the goal.

27 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 1-1 Csakvar  Gergo Ominger

MTK fail to deal with free kick and Ominger sneaks in at the backpost to head home.

48 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 2-1 Csakvar  Artur Horvath

Great work on the right by Nemeth as he puts a ball in to the box. Horvath rises highest to head MTK back in front.

50 mins: ❕ WOODWORK!  Nemeth cuts inside and fires a shot that grazes the top of the bar. The veteran has been great since the break.

57 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 3-1 Csakvar  Krisztian Nemeth

A lovely goal from MTK. Kata plays a superb ball that finds Nemeth on the right of the box and the striker superbly fires home, all be it off the keeper. MTK in control.

72 mins: ❕ WOODWORK!  Csakvar hit the woodwork twice as MTK find themselves under pressure. Nagain is urging the players to concentrate.

FT: MTK 3-1 Csakvar

I was worried when the equaliser went in today but we showed a great start to the second half to turn the game in to a victory. It wasn't all plain sailing, for sure, and we looked shaky at times. Csakvar fired a lot of balls in to the box, and there some scary moments, but we stood up to the barrage well.

MTK Player of the Match: Krisztian Nemeth was outstanding at the start of the second half and changed the game. An appearance for the ages from the veteran.

I believe it's not always unlucky in Hungary

 

Sunday 11th December 2022

I am not going to be cocky and say that was an easy watch. The bit where we were phenomenal was but I didn't enjoy the moments were we were under pressure from what amounted to a bombardment from afar. My defenders must have thought they were in warzone. We held on though, and that's what makes champions.

 

Haladas won, but we're three points clear going in to the winter break. A well earnt rest is upon us.

 

I would write more but I'm going to be late for work. I do realise that some of those diary entry lines are more British than they might be for a Hungarian football manager. Some tendencies fail to escape my mind. But maybe Hungarians have a word for 'git'. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 11, 2022 by anagain

[GIMN]

Things really moving in the right direction after an indifferent start to the season.  With the transfer window soon to open, are bigger teams starting to circle around your top players?

[anagain]

23 hours ago, GIMN said:

Things really moving in the right direction after an indifferent start to the season.  With the transfer window soon to open, are bigger teams starting to circle around your top players?

I don't know how much I can do in the window, tbh. I'm 2k over budget and have a good squad.

Finding Vasvari was like a new signing, tbh. 

I haven't seen too much sniffing around my players. Despite being in the 2nd tier we're still a big club so I think there's a desire to stay at MTK.

If like to find a way to pick up Abata because I think there is promise there. If we're 2k over budget, what's another 500, eh? 😁

That analysis about our inability to finish chances was worrying...convert more of our chances and I suspect we'll be home and dry.

Thanks for reading. Dunno how much I'll write in winter break. Takes me ages to do a season so I might speed through it, with a diary entry for the family Christmas party, of course. When I can find time to play around work, and that includes catching up with other's threads I was reading. 😁

 

[anagain]

Thursday 15th December 2022

Pandora has told me today that she is not sure she wants to spend Christmas in Szentgotthard with my parents but that her own parents are travelling to warmer climes for a Christmas holiday. Tunis, apparently. To me, that is not a Christmassy destination but Pandora's parents never were fans of the holiday season. Ever since her father got a promotion at work he has had more holidays than most common men.

Pandora was hoping she might get an invitation to join her political friends for Christmas. I told her they have their own families. "Yes," she said. "And I have my football manager." I wasn't sure what to expect at first but when she kissed me on the cheek and said, "maybe your father will limit his alcohol consumption." I knew she was my Pandora still.

Limit his alcohol comsumption? Yeah, right. Probably won't help when Pandora realises I bought him a rather nice bottle of cognac. I didn't know what else to get. What do you get an aging, lazy and gloomy man for Christmas? Socks? I bought him some nice ones, just in case. Socks, I mean.

 

Qatar 2022 Watch

The 2022 world cup is over, the fans have left the small Arab state and life gets back to normal.

Quarter Finals

Croatia disposed of the Swiss in an entertaining game in which Switzerland were by far the better side. The Swiss missed a penalty in the 8th minute and couldn't score until the 91st minute. By then the Croats have scored three and booked their place in the semi finals.

The US then stunned Tunisia in a game that ended brilliantly. Tunisia equalised the American's early opener late on on only for Zendejas to score in the 93rd minute and take the States through to a semi final.

The last two quarters were tense affairs. Spain won the Iberian derby with a sole Alvaro Morata goal in the 89th minute. Spain had been the better side.

England then lost out to France as Mason Mount missed the decisive penalty in the shootout. Harry Kane had equalised Benzema's opener in the 88th minute to take the game to extra time but penalties were needed as neither side could find a winner. England had been by far the better side but Milan's Mike Maignan had an outstanding game between the sticks. I had never heard of Mike Maignan.

Semi Finals

Both world cup semi finals were tense affairs settled by a single goal.

In the first tie a Walker Zimmerman goal just before half time was another to see the United States sensationally beat Croatia and book their place in their first ever world cup final.

France versus Spain was settled by a 26th minute goal by Presnel Kimpembe. Spain could only manage one effort on target, although France only managed two.

Third Placed Playoff

Croatia claimed third place with a sensation dismantaling of a Spain side probably still reeeling from a poor display against France in their semi. They say the third placed playoff is the match no team wants to play in, but Croatia seemed up for it.

The Final

The USA fell at the last hurdle as goals from Nabil Fekir and Theo Hernandez overruled an opener from Yunus Mensah to seal a 2-1 win for the French. This is the third trophy for the French and their second in a row. They are the first nation to defend the world cup since Brazil in 1962.

Golden Boot

There was some joy for England as Harry Kane won the golden boot with 7 goals.

Award Winners

 

Sunday 18th December 2022

Pandora and I have just sat and watched the world cup final together. I think my love enjoyed it, although I had the distinct impression that she was only watching it to see if there were any attractive young men playing. When I suggested this might be the case, and that Pandora had me she just said "yes, dear". Now what does that mean?

Rosina saw the game with my father and rang me afterwards to ask if I might sign Olivier Giroud for my MTK side so as she can come and watch him play.

I just said "no" and left it at that.

I wish.

We travel to Szentgotthard in two days. We will live in my old room for our time there. My mother says she has tidied it and gotten a new mattress with some of my father's earnings from his new job. I wonder if the walls are still black. Looking back, I don't understand that phase; one of my darker phases of youthful intellectuality. I think I was reading Frankenstein and Dracula and just fancied black walls. I made such a botch job of it, but the black had hidden my helicopter wallpaper.

I shamelessly stole that. The helicopter wallpaper is from the fantastic Red Dwarf. Rimmer smashed his pet lemming's brains out all over his helicopter wallpaper after it bit him and wouldn't let go.

 

Tuesday 20th December 2022

My old room has changed. Gone is the black and in is a bright, vibrant blue. My mother had the room stripped and re-painted . They had, she said, thought of renting the room out at one stage but it had just become guest quarters and storage for my old junk. My old junk was hardly excessive. Youthful books, notepads of old poetry, 275 copies of the personally edited school newspaper that never sold and random other objects of childhood fascination. I was not sure why she had kept the school newspaper. It was just a reminder of failure.

Saturday 24th December 2022

It is late. In fact, it is actually the 25th. I'm a little tipsy from the bottles of Palinka my father bought. Mother had decided that with the family around, well myself, Pandora and Rosina, we would celebrate Christmas the right way. I am not a drinker but today I indulged. Just not as much as my father.

We decorated the tree, had Halászlé followed by turkey and pork stuffed cabbage (indeed the whole shebang). Mother and Rosina had made proper Beigli and gingerbread...and very nice they were. Then we exchanged gifts. Mother said the bath set I bought her was very nice and was in love with the necklace and charm that was rattling around in the box (Pandora helped me pick that out). The cognac was just what father wanted but he did look wild eyed at the rare Bowie LP I had found him. He said "socks?" to the socks. I have some reading to do. Carlo Ancelotti: Quiet Leadership will make me a better manager, The Names Heard Long Ago is a study of Hungarian football and The Great Football Conspiracy looks like it could give me a laugh. Rosina bought me a badge that just says, in large letters, 'THE BOSS'. I love it. Presents were shared, one and all, and our family was a real family for the day.

Father fell asleep about 11, but he holds his drink well (he's had enough experience), and it was a nice evening.

Sunday 25th December

The house was quite buzzing Sunday evening. The very German Lehrmann family still live next door. Dieter is still a drunk, like father, and Gretchen still a very commandeering woman. Of their three sons, just Bernd was visiting his parents. He had his wife Marika and young daughter Beata in tow. Beata is noisy.

Rosina invited some friends and it was possibly the noisiest Sunday many had known for some time. I was winning Trivial Pursuits, until I was told I was no fun, but have to confess I was rubbish at charades. How on earth does one do Mike Bassett: England Manager with mimes? I am sure that me getting that was a set up. Father found it hilarious, Mr Lehrmann guffawed and Rosina looked suss. My half-sister might be a tearaway but she is also smarter than she looks. She knew more answers than many would give her credit for at Trivial Pursuits (not that she got told she was no fun). Why does she not direct her efforts towards more educational goals? Pandora was simply faultless at miming Planet Of The Apes. When I said her ape impression was one of the most realistic I had seen she playfully thumped me on the arm. It hurt.

I must say I had a smile on my face when mother guessed father's charade (well, drunken charade) of Grease (he slipped over...possibly unintenionally) and he swung her about and kissed her passionately. They really have renewed their love. Rosina was possibly happier than I thought she could be. Still don't know if father is her father. No, that's no way for me to be. He might be a grumpy old drunk but he loves Rosina, whether she is his or not.

I'm tired...happy Christmas all. I shall turn to bed and say 'happy Christmas, my love'.

I know there are ten days yet and I'm sure I'll be back before then. It just seemed apt.

I think I shall whizz through the winter break now. The transfer window opens 15th January in Hungary and the season, for us, restarts 29th January.

In some football news, Janos Szepe's agent was asked what Janos might want as a renewed contract. He has told me the figure would be in the ballpark of £1.4k a week. You must be kidding. Since Zsombor Nagy's injury, Janos has become our best defender. That wage is a serious increase and would be a huge dent in our budget.

We have to go up.

That is the least 'football' football career write up I've done...

 

 

 

 

[anagain]

Thursday 29th December 2022

Pandora and I are home. I write this with a nice cup of tea in our kitchenette. I am knackered and will keep this short, but it is easy to say I enjoyed our trip home. It was nice to walk the streets of my home town for a few days. Mr Csere is no longer the shopkeeper in the nearby grocery store. That honour belongs to his son, Henrik. It feels like a lifetime ago that I delivered papers from Mr Csere's shop. I pointed out many memories of my formative years to Pandora as we walked the old, familiar streets. My old school, the place where Balazs Kenesei first punched me in the stomach, my grandmother's little flat in which I spent many hours getting proper food and the youthclub run by Rezso Lengyel (the very pro-democracy youth leader who once got us lost in the forests south of Szentgotthard). The youth club is now used by the elderly and woman's clubs. I don't know what the youth of Szentgotthard do now.

Talking of the youth of Szentgotthard, Rosina came back with us. She wants to spend new year's eve in Budapest. A bunch of her friends are staying with another friend in the city but it's crowded there and Rosina asked to stay over. Father convinced me when he questioned whether I would want my sister roaming the streets of Budapest or staying in disreputable places. I said she probably would be anyway, but I got his point. Two of her friends are joining her. A girl named Ilona that reminds me of a prize heffer for the nose ring she has. Pandora punched me playfully again when I joked of that. It hurt again. The other friend is a waif of a girl that could probably do with some of grandmother's goulash. Zsofia.

I have said, strictly, no boys.

 

The World of Football at the Beginning of 2023

Still no football in Hungary, at least for MTK so I thought I would look at the state of European football as the year turns over.

Germany

In the land of my mothers Bayern are, of course, dominating. Bayern lead by five points and a game in hand.

England

In the league said to be the greatest in the world, Liverpool have a massive lead over Manchester City. The English team I picked, because I liked the name Spurs, find themselves down in 6th. Could I manage one of these clubs one day?

France

In the land of frogs legs, smelly cheeses and la-la-love, PSG are starting to pull away. The giants did lose to Lyon though.

Italy

My keeper coach is Italian but Federico's home town clubs of Roma and Lazio are languishing down in 5th and 6th. Inter lead the way currently.

Austria

I often have wondered if I manage abroad then would by first stop be Austria. It's just a short step from my home town. RB Salzburg are the top team and they top the pile at the start of 2023.

Slovenia

In the land in which my love was born it is her home town of Koper that lead the Prva Liga. They're on a winter break until February.

Hungary

And back home...

Ferencvaros are leading the pack in our top flight by six points over the Puskas Akademia. We play top flight Debrecen in the cup in just over a month and they are just outside the European places.

European Club Competitions

In Europe competitions have reached the last 16 stage. The ties are as follows.

Fate of the Hungarian Clubs

Ferencvaros

Our top club reached the group stage of the Champions League, bowing out 4th in their group.

Kisvarda

Kisvarda couldn't make it past qualifying for the Europa Conference League, losing to Slavia Prague.

Puskas Akademia

Puskas suffered the same fate as Kisvarda, losing to Vitoria Guimaraes.

Fehervar

Fehervar made it to the Group Stage of the Conference league but finished bottom.

 

Tuesday 3rd January 2023

Rosina finally reappeared back at our appartment about 1 o'clock today. She looked very happy but I won't ask where she has been.

The lads return from holiday in four days and we enter a period of fitness training to get back in to shape for the second half of the season. Friendlies against Honved and ZTE will give us a further idea of how we'll fare in the top flight, assuming we make it, and we also welcome Olimpija Ljubljana.

We are fast appraoching the opening of the transfer window too.

 

It has been a slow weekend. A lack of progress has been the result of a cold that has had me sleeping on and off since last night. Busy week ahead and then hopefully some time to really play FM over Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[anagain]

Sorry for the lack of action, if anyone was hoping for it. I picked up a horrid cold last weekend and, after a couple of days bed rest, went back to work for a hectic week leading up to Christmas. Still feel a bit groggy with the sniffles but I finally feel like playing.

 ~~ INTERLUDE ~~

Just pretend it's been a pretty normal January life for Anton and Pandora. Pandora has been busy making political allies and Anton is hard at work looking for the player that will change MTK. Otherwise, that normal January.

I had so many plans to press on and be back in to the season by now. Damn cold.

Saturday 14th January 2023

I have neglected you, dear diary. To be perfectly honest, I have been enjoying the peace after Christmas. I had to get on my bike and shed a few chocolate-induced pounds too. The lads are back in training now, so the past few days have been back to normal, but last Tuesday I did a nice long cycle ride from Budapest, over the Danube, out in to the country west of Pest, north along the west bank of the Danube and then south back to Budapest. I managed to stretch my ride out to 50 miles and managed 500 meters of elevation.

More cycling than I have done in a fair while. I suggested that this summer Pandora and I cycle around Lake Balaton and she said she likes the idea. We'll make a week of it.

We return to action with the friendly visit of Honved later. Then, tomorrow, the window opens. I suspect I will have many reports to look through and meetings with my scouts until my eyes bleed.

A satisfying start to our mid-season friendlies. We never once looked outclassed by the team a league higher than us and Nemeth had a great game up front.

~~~~~~

Kaka was never really in my first team plans and this sale frees up some wages.

~~~~~~

Martin came to me asking for a loan for more game time and I saw no reason not to allow it. The attacking midfielder has sealed a good move to Zilina in the Slovak Fortuna Liga. Martin will gain good experience there, and hopefully get plenty of pitch time to progress.

~~~~~~

We beat ZTE again in our second friendly, and by an even bigger margin than in the cup game. I played two up front as an experiment for this match. Elsewhere was usual fare for us. My advanced wide men were cutting inside, one central midfielder with liberty to get forward and support the attack whilst the other stayed back as the defensive shield and a right back as the main attacking threat from my back four. I think we may have had more cutting edge though.

Zoltan Vasvari continues to amaze me whilst Marko Futacs impressed in a game I gave him to garner some attention. I have identified Marko as the man that may need to go to free up some wages but selling him has proven a challenge.

Against Olimpija I picked a much younger side, with my eye on the NBII game just five days later, and got my first good look at goalkeeper Adrian Csenterics, center back Bence Varga and wide man Giuseppe Lauri. Lauri is very direct and had possibly our best chance but we struggled in front of goal in this game.

 

Tuesday 24th January 2023

It was late when I got back from the Olimpija friendly, so I was surprised to get a call from my sister as I was sitting down for a late cup of tea, and to write some thoughts in my diary. Rosina says she is looking to study in Budapest after the summer and may move to the city before the summer. My sister wants to be an artist. I had no idea but she's been painting for years and chose not to pursue her education because art was her passion. She wants to take courses with an art and design collective here and learn from like minded peoples.

I knew some arty types when I was studying my language courses. They were like modern hippies and got their creative output from a healthy intake of psychadelic drugs.

Rosina will fit right in.

I have completely lost any train of thought as to what I was going to write about before that phonecall...

 

Current State of Our Transfer Window

As previously seen, Kaka has left our club to play back in Ghana and Martin Palincsar will finish the season in Slovakia. In addition, two young stars will leave for first team football and hopefully more consistent development. Krisztian Csontos is a centre back from MTK II and Benedek Barkoczi is a striker in our U19 setup that I think will benefit from playing more competitive football. Both will finish the season in the third tier, Krisztian at Monor and Benedek at Veszprem.

 

And so we are back to competitive football...the run in to hopefully promotion back to the top flight.

Bence wishes to urge us on...

  

[anagain]

Matchday 21 Preview

I didn't receive a scout report in my inbox but my scouts have been hard at work. Bekescsaba find themselves down in 14th place in our league and are not high scorers, notching only 21 goals this term. Their form is also patchy and they have won just twice since September, after a reasonable start to the campaign.

We can expect the usual from a team desperate to get some points under their belt. If they don't start winning Bekescsaba could be sucked in to a relegation fight.

Our last meeting was a 2-0 win at Bekescsaba with goals from Bognar and Stieber.

~~~~~~

~~~~~~

Confident, isn't he? How many can we score to hammer the nails down?

A new super-confident me for the return to football.

~~~~~~

Time for Yurii to shine? I have agreed a loan for Yurii Matviiv to head back to his homeland until the end of the season. There is great potential to Yurii's game but he doesn't seem to be showing that right now and a loan with guaranteed football at a good level can help. Polissia Zhytomyr are in the promotion group stage of the Ukrainian Persha Liga. Can Yurii take them up?

~~~~~~

Matchday 21 - MTK Budapest FC vs Békéscsaba 1912 Elöre

Two changes for MTK today. Zoltan Stieber returns after injury and replaces Peter Torocsik. At the back, Zsombor Nagy is preferred to Benedek Varju. Istvan Bognar is back on the bench today. MTK are lining up with two up top, a change over their outlook for the first half of the season. The Budapest side are heavy favourites over struggling Bekescsaba and are clearly looking to pile the misery down on Karoly Szanyo. We asked Nagain about this. "Yes, there is some thought about making Karoly think twice about his comments, but I welcome the challenge. May the best team win...as long as it's us."

20 mins: ❕ WOODWORK!  Zoltan Vasvari hits the post after great link up play between him and Kovacs. MTK have all of the ball.

23 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 1-0 Bekescsaba   Matyas Kovacs

Great MTK link up play, this time down the left, between Kovacs and Horvath puts Kovacs one on one with the keeper. He dinks the ball home for 1-0.

28 mins: ❕ WOODWORK!  Zoltan Vasvari hits the bar this time as he tries to dink the keeper after being put clear by Nemeth.

38 mins: ❕ WOODWORK!  This time it is Zoltan Stieber with a lovely curling effort from the edge of the box that just fails, hitting the corner of the goal.

41 mins: ❕ BODY ON THE LINE!  Zoltan Vasvari is denied by a tremendous last ditch block. The youngster could have a hattrick already.

43 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 2-0 Bekescsaba   Artur Horvath

Horvath heads home Stieber's searching free kick to finally make it two.We're losing count of how many MTK could have here.

Half Time: MTK Budapest 2-0 Bekescsaba  MTK well on top with 77% possession in that half and 13 efforts at goal.

79 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 2-1 Bekescsaba   Gyorgy Bora

Bora powers home a header following a Bekescsaba free kick. The MTK team look nervous. Nagain's hands are all over the place on the touchline.

79 mins: ❌ GOAL DISALLOWED!  Nagain can breathe again as the Bekescsaba goal is ruled out for offside. There was a man offside but not Bora. Should that have stood?  MTK 2-0 Bekescsaba

80 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 2-1 Bekescsaba   Raymond Lukacs

But that is surely a goal as no MTK defender can track Lukacs and he heads past the helpless Somodi.

88 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 3-1 Bekescsaba   Zoltan Stieber

But surely that seals it. After a rollicking from the boss, MTK have been much better. Szabolcs Mezei delivers a wonderful ball that Zoltan Stieber slots home at the far post.

90 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 4-1 Bekescsaba   Zoltan Stieber

And it's 4! Zoltan Stieber slots home his second after his first attempt was blocked. He was set up by lovely box play from Kovacs. MTK have really listened to Nagain.

Full Time: MTK Budapest 4-1 Bekescsaba

We dominated the first half today but were very shaky and looked incredibly complacent at the start of the second half. When Bekescsaba's goal was ruled out I was relieved. When their goal was given I was furious. I immediately launched a tirade and made changes. The team responded and that pleases me.

Our strikers were a bit blunt today, though maybe unforetunate should be the word for Vasvari. He looked very subdued when he went off midway through the second half but the young man has to accept days like that will come.

MTK Player of the Match: Matyas Kovacs had a great game on the left but it was the finish from Zoltan Stieber that will rob our young IW of today's award. Stieber had one assist to his name when Bekescsaba scored and I pushed the team on. The veteran answered me with a late brace to seal a good win.

That is now 14 unbeaten!

 

Sunday 29th January 2023

Well, that was a game today. That is what being a football manager is all about, but it really does highlight the stress levels that are incumbent with being a football manager. We could have been 6-0 up at 45 minutes but for the woodwork and last ditch defending. In the second half we allowed Bekescsaba the ball and might have paid for it. Complacency is something I've not managed to wheedle out of this team.

I had a surprise phonecall from my father this evening. When I asked if he had phoned to congratulate me on the day's result he sneered and said you were bloody lucky you didn't lose it. He said I should have seen they were coming on to us and made big changes before they scored, not after.

When I mentioned I was the football manager and asked if sneering was all he phoned for he told me no and that he had really phoned about Rosina. He asked me if I'd look after his little girl in the big city. I told him she was 21 years old and had had more wild nights out than all children of the Rolling Stones and David Bowie combined.

But I'd make sure she was safe. He sighed and said he was sure her new boyfriend would look after her. When he said that him being one of my players would allow me to keep a close eye on her I damn near dropped my tea cup!

"M-m-my player?" I asked, sputtering. Father just said I'd soon find out whom and said he had to go watch telly.

My sister dating my player...that would explain some hubbub in training. The little gits!

 

Haladas also won today so our win keeps us three clear. Nyiregyhaza and Gyor also both won and they're just behind Haladas. Only Gyor have scored more than us now and we have the best goal difference.

There is another round of matches midweek, although only twelve teams play. So we will face Budafok, just up the road, on Wednesday and travel to Dorog a week today.

 

You wanna know who it is, don't you?

Well, I'm still deciding who is the best choice. Who is the most handsome of my players and who would date a brat? I need to wear my 21 year old gal glasses...

The three key suspects. Szabolcs was a little nervous around me Friday. Mate was giggling like a boy on and off. Zsombor will barely look at me...but that could be because his form is rocking. And, yes, Mate is wanted on loan.

As are the speelings and prunonciations...

That about covers it! It would be hilarious if one of the three above popped in and said 'make it me'.

Yeah, I know git is a bit English. Old habits...

 

 

 

 

[GIMN]

It's clearly Máté.  Look, he's got a little tag next to his name saying "Wanted" (by your sister).  Welcome back, and hope you're feeling better.  Great return to action, too!

[Sheriff7]

Great run and a very challenging league battle there. Haladas  if I remember correct is a historical club for Hungary. Also I remembered Nemeth  playing here in Greece for Aek Athens and 3-4 games for Olympiakos. 

[anagain]

1 hour ago, Sheriff7 said:

Great run and a very challenging league battle there. Haladas  if I remember correct is a historical club for Hungary. Also I remembered Nemeth  playing here in Greece for Aek Athens and 3-4 games for Olympiakos. 

Every time I see Haladas I think I've switched to Greece or Cyprus. I can't help thinking of cheese. I suppose there's many connections down that way because of old associated nations.

I thought I knew the name...somewhere in the back of my brain.

 

9 hours ago, GIMN said:

It's clearly Máté.  Look, he's got a little tag next to his name saying "Wanted" (by your sister).  Welcome back, and hope you're feeling better.  Great return to action, too!

Thanks. Whoever it is is getting extra training!

[anagain]

Tuesday 30th January 2023

I can not get hold of my sister. I have rung home twice and both times she is not there. Neither mother nor father will tell me the identity of the mystery man. Do they think me such a monster that I'll cause trouble?

In training today I tried to be coy. To each of my three suspects I mentioned sisters. Perhaps they don't even known she's my sister for I never saw anything revealing.

I shouldn't even care. They're grown men. Rosina is a grown woman. But she will change them.

 

Matchday 22 Preview

Budafok find themselves in 14th as we go into this game, and on a run of two wins in fifteen. Again we will have to break down a deep block and Budafok will look to break on us as Bekescsaba did so effectively in the second half on Sunday. One thing I will have to be aware of is how clinical Budafok can be with their shooting, having one of the best conversion rates in the NBII.

 

Stats Burst

We still need to work on our finishing, but it is very pleasing to see how we are controlling matches. I find it interesting that whilst our shot percentage is struggling our expected goals per game and our actual goals per game are very close. Does that suggest the shots we're taking are low xG? Do we need to work to pick the better shots or do we accept we already winning games and work on our finishing to score more of these lower xG efforts? I like the idea of not changing a winning formula.

Monthly Performance

 

Matchday 22 - Budafoki MTE vs MTK Budapest FC

Three changes for MTK. Varju replaces Nagy in central defence, Miknyoczki replaces the suspended Poor at right back and Vasvari drops to the bench to be replaced by Torocsik. We asked Nagain about the number of games this week and his thoughts on resting players. "We look very fit going in to the Budafok game, fitter than I had expected , but I may need to look at changes later in the game."

9 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Budafoks 0-1 MTK   Zoltan Stieber

Some beautiful football from the league leaders around the edge and Torocsik puts Stieber through with a crisp through ball. The veteran makes no mistake.

HT: Budafoks 0-1 MTK

89 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Budafoks 0-2 MTK   Istvan Bognar

MTK break down the left and Medgyes puts in a lovely cross to give Bognar an easy finish on his return from injury.

FT: Budafoks 0-2 MTK

I am pleased to say that we never looked under pressure in that game. We barely moved out of third gear for the entirety of the 90 minutes, but for two nice team goals. My front men appear to have gone in to winter hiatus but we are blessed to have an abundance of sources for scoring goals in this team. I was delighted to see Istvan Bognar return from injury and come on late to score the goal that sealed the win.

MTK Player of the Match: Today's award goes to Zoltan Stieber after a match in which it was hard to pick out a clear head above others. Zoltan looked dangerous every time he got forward and he scored the opener.

We did sadly pick up two injuries against an aggressive Budafoks side. Adam Miknyoczki will be out for a few weeks with a groin strain and Matyas Kovacs will have to see a specialist after tearing a muscle in his groin. Adam Merenyi came on for Miknyoczki and showed himself well. I am pleased with this after I moved Adam into the first team training set up to try and boost his development.

With Haladas not having played today we have moved in to a five point gap. We play a cup game next week and the teams that didn't play today will play then. There is, of course, another game at the weekend. This is a tough period of games; four in two weeks. We move to one a week after this, though if we beat Debrecen there will be a cup game thrown in.

 

Thursday 2nd February 2023

I have finally heard from Rosina. She asked why Szabolcs isn't starting games and finally gave me the answer regarding who she is seeing from my squad. I told her the decision was mine and told her I'd rather she stay out of a team affairs. She did seem guilty to have interfered and assured me she was acting alone.

"So that is why my midfielder has been a little nervous in training?" I asked my sister. She replied succinctly by asking how I would feel if I were dating my boss' sister. I said that if I did that Pandora would chuck me out of the nearest window. "Politics has changed my love," I told Rosina and was met with an affirmation and a suggestion that Pandora has become very assertive and confident. My love has always been that. Taking the bull by the horns has always been her way.

They met in a club on New Year's Eve. A number of the lads live together in the city and I knew they'd be enjoying themselves. Rosina's dancing clothes had clearly caused more enjoyment to one of my midfielders than the others.

"I don't know if it's even serious, brother." Now, that sounds like Rosina.

Special training for Szabolcs then? Nah, he'll need all the rest he can get keeping up with Rosina! It's their lives. I'll crack a joke or two and take away those nervous eyes of his.

I've always been a funny man.

 

I have moved to strengthen our left side and Mario Zeke will join us in July. I believe Mario is a slightly better back up to Sinan Medgyes than Gergely Kapronczai.

 

Friday 3rd February 2023

I cracked a few wise ones in training today, something about if a man can spot my sister's dancing clothes then he can bloody well hit the back of the net. Szabolcs perked up a bit and his training has been good enough that I felt a pat on the shoulder was needed. He told me she looked cracking good in that outfit and, with a wink, I suggested we might keep that private.

I have a good bunch of lads.

 

Matchday 23 Preview

Dorog have some strong partnerships in defensive area and will provide us a stubborn task. Marian Sluka's side find themselves 8th in our league and are knocking on the door for promotion. They are also the fifth best scorers in NBII and we will have to be defensively solid. Dorog do concede a fair amount of goals though and I am wondering if we might be on for a cracker Sunday.

This is also a team that inflicted one of our defeats, back in August. We lost 2-1 that day and I want revenge.

 

Matchday 23 - Dorogi Football Club vs MTK Budapest FC

Two changes for MTK. Poor returns from suspension at right back and Mate Kovacs replaces the injured Matyas Kovacs. We asked Nagain if he was worried about facing Dorog, considering they lost last time out. "Nah, we're good enough to win this game. We just need to be focused and concentrate on putting the ball in the back of the net, and not whether we can keep Dorog out."

HT: Dorog 0-0 MTK

54 mins: ❗ PENALTY!  Mate Kovacs is brought down on the edge of the box and the ref points straight to the spot. It was a tight one.

54 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Dorog 0-1 MTK   Krisztian Nemeth

Nemeth steps up confidently...and fires home assuredly. A cracking penalty, right in the bottom right corner. It has been a nervous game from MTK but now they lead.

59 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Dorog 0-2 MTK   Adam Horvath

A belter from Horvath as he meets Stieber's cross on the half volley. It rebounds in off the udnerside of the bar and the keeper is helpless.

65 mins:  ⚽ GOAL! Dorog 0-3 MTK   Szabolcs Mezei

Mezei comes on and shows Nagain just how good he is within a couple of minutes. The youngster fires in a sensational effort from near 25 yards. This MTK side has depth.

FT: Dorog 0-3 MTK

That was a nervy first half but we destroyed Dorog with three goals in a great 10 minute spell after the break. Our midfield was key today, Artur Horvath and Mihaly Kata controlling the midfield. Artur got himself among the goals, his fourth league goal of the season, and Szabolcs Mezei came on to show me he should be starting with a piledriver. It may be best for Hungarian football that we start with an U20 player but it's not done great for Szabolc's starting prospects.

We have a nice gap at the top now, so perhaps it will soon be time to start embedding more youngsters in to the team on a more regular basis.

MTK Player of the Match: Artur Horvath was simply outstanding today, and in all areas of his game. The midfielder created three clear cut chances against Dorog, played five key passes and weighed in with a goal to boot.

Gyor got a win today but Haladas and Nyiregyhaza both lost to let us extend our gap at the top to eight points. That gap may shrink when Haladas meet Szeged on Wednesday but it leaves us in a very good place.

Szeged were one of the favourites for promotion at the start of the campaign but they find themselves only just shy of the relegation zone. They did us a massive favour beating Nyiregyhaza 2-1 today and I hope they can continue the favours by beating Haladas on Wednesday.

 

Monday 6th February 2023

I slept so good last night. Sorry, dear diary, that I didn't write but I was so mentally exhausted after that exhilirating match that I went to bed.

Had a lovely day with Pandora today as we walked along the Danube, watching the river traffic go about their busy days. Pandora barely mentioned politics more than twelve times. We decided to treat ourselves to burgers for lunch at Lucky 7 Burgers. I had a Hungarian burger and can still taste lovely smoked sausage despite the tea I am drinking. My love had a grilled goats cheese burger and suggested candidly that it might not be the done thing for a green politician to be seen biting down on 160g of beef. "Good job you're just an assistant then", I said. I couldn't tell if Pandora's look was scowl or acceptance.

We won't be going to McDonald's any time soon though. Not sure I care anyway though. Gourmet burger bars are way more football manager than Big Mac and fries.

Just got a text from my sister. Szab ded chuff w his gl + well plsd w wot u thk of him. Rosina's text messages are as skimpy as her dancing clothes. She followed up that text with. Can Szab play v Debr. I replied with. You forgot the question mark. The reply to that was just a tongue out emoji. I think that's what they call them. Emoji. Hardly great writing these days, is it?

Will do some reading before my head hits the pillow.

 

Big game against Debrecen next. They're mid table in the top flight. We can win. Quarter Final if we do.

 

 

 

[anagain]

MOL Kupa Fifth Round Preview

I am looking forward to what will be a very different prospect than 90% of our league encounters. Debrecen will not sit back. They are mid table and will want to win this cup to do something with their season. Dorian Babunski is a quality forward that leads the cup scoring charts and Debrecen have two quality full backs that will put in crosses that we must deal with.

Saying all that, my scouts still think Debrecen will play a sort of long ball game. We must be wary.

Haladas cut our lead to just six points after beating Szeged by just one goal.

Now...our turn.

 

MOL Magyar Kupa Fifth Round - MTK Budapest vs Debreceni Vasutas Sport Club

Two changes for MTK. Istvan Bognar starts in place of Torocsik and Mezei gets the nod in midfield. Not a weakened team then, Anton? "Yep, pretty much the team that dismantled Dorog. Szabolcs Mezei gets a start today as a reward for being patient this season around U20 starts in the league."

17 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 1-0 Debrecen   Istvan Bognar

Mezei receives the ball from Kovacs wide and slides a cute ball in to the path of Bognar who swivels and fires in to the roof of the net.

34 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 2-0 Debrecen   Mate Krisztian Kovacs

It's two for the second tier side! A long ball from Stieber and Kovacs beats the offside to run in and score.

HT: MTK 2-0 Debrecen

45 mins: ❗ PENALTY!  Ferenczi slides in and brings down Stieber in the box. The referee has no hestitation.

46 mins: ⚽ GOAL! MTK 3-0 Debrecen   Krisztian Nemeth

Nemeth slots home an assured penalty to put the hosts three up.

FT: MTK 3-0 Debrecen

Well, that was pleasing. Debrecen were never in that tie but we were, and three goals proved it. The penalty that finished the rout was never in any doubt, the guilty man knew it straight away. Nemeth blasted that home and Debrecen were done and dusted. But, can we talk about the goal that started the ball rolling? Istvan Bognar, take a bow. The turn for his opener was world class. The best player never to play for Hungary? That's a question for others to answer.

Szabolcs Mezei thanked me wholeheartedly for the start, and Szabolcs is today's MTK Player of the Match. Szabolcs ran his heart out today.

~~~~~~

Today I learned something new. You can click the padlock in contract negotiations a variable number of times to change it from a hard lock to a soft lock. How long has that been in the game?

~~~~~~

That win did have one downside. It pressed Janos Szepe's agent to ask for a new deal for his client. This is something that has been discussed before, but with us so far over the wage budget I was scared we'd end up not being able to offer Janos what he wants, and he'd get annoyed and leave.

Good news though. We reached a deal and Janos is thinking it over. Janos has become a key player here.

 

Wednesday 8th February 2023

It is technically Thursday and I am drinking a cup of tea at my kitchen table. We are very happy after that win over Debrecen.

We are a top flight side. It is only the fact that we are in the second tier that says otherwise. We have never lost to a top flight team under my tenure.

How did this side get relegated last year? It is beyond me. Something is not right, because they have been yo-yoing for a few seasons now.

I am asking myself this as a bemused Englishman. I don't know a lot about Hungarian football but MTK seem a proud club historically and they have a good academy. I found one page through google that seems to be from about 10 years ago when they first got relegated. It hints at blaming the then owner, a Gábor Várszegi, who actively sold the club's talents to rivals and seemed to lose interest. There is a clearly a new owner, Sandor Zakor, and I can see from the club website he really is there, but maybe the money is not there like it once was. I found a video of Zakor talking about last season's mistakes but it's Hungarian with no translation. Maybe the club were back on the up and things just went wrong last season.

I did find a twitch streamer who is also managing MTK in a build a nation save this year. Straight Red Card. He seems like a good guy and I shall try and find time to watch his efforts. The one You Tuber I watch almost religiously, for FM, is Loki Doki. SRC reminded me of him a little, though he has way more football knowledge than Loki and can pronounce names.

I shall fit that in around, work, trying to find time to play FM23, keeping up with the careers write ups of others and playing the odd other game too. Oh, and I'm old too, so sleep. Sleep is taking over my life.

 

MOL Magyar Kupa - Quarter Final Draw

We will play our close rivals this very season in the cup quarter finals. We will play Nyiregyhaza on March 1st. The two best performing sides still in the competition - Ferencvaros and Puskas - play in each other too. To be honest, I'd rather actually have had a top tier side.

 

Matchday 24 Preview

And back to constant pressure and that wait for the first goal, before the floodgates open. Truth be told, Debrecen wasn't much different. Kazinbarcika are 12th in the league right now and another team we lost to in our poor start. Revenge will be sweet. This is a big crossing side and we will need to be resolute at the back.

Matchday 24 - Kazincbarcika Sport Club vs MTK Budapest FC

Just the one change for MTK, as Horvath starts in place of Mezei for the sake of U20 rules.

28 mins: ⚽ GOAL! Kazincbarcika 0-1 MTK  Zoltyan Stieber

Some lovely football from MTK. Horvath in to the box to Kovacs and a lovely ball on to Stieber in acres of space.

HT: Kazincbarcika 0-1 MTK

FT: Kazincbarcika 0-1 MTK

Well, we scraped through that one, didn't we? Kazincbarcika really tested us today and our defence looked like they struggled to cope at times. There were a number of scary moments, and not least when Janos Szepe let the ball sail right over his head. It took the combined efforts of Szepe, in a frantic rush back, and Somodi to stop that one. We held on though.

MTK Player of the Match: In a tight game I am giving today's award to Sinan Medgyes who sat deep on the left and helped protect our back line many a time. Sinan made a whopping seven interceptions,three clearances and a crucial tackle.

Our unbeaten run has now hit twenty games!

 

Sunday 12th February 2023

We got back late from Kazincbarcika, a town of medium sized housing blocks stuffed in a small valley. I'm tired but I wanted to update dear diary over a late cup of tea.

Rosina is starting to see the cons of dating a footballer. They talk football in their sleep, especially when they are 21. Of course, Rosina is still at home. She still works in that factory. Their relationship is, so far, mostly a distance one. She told me that all he can talk about in their phone conversations is the faith I have shown in him and the delight he got at beating Debrecen to reach a quarter final. I said that Szabolcs is a changed man. For once Rosina's party going nature has had dividends for me. Szabolcs trains like never before.

I told her she'd get used to it. She's coming up for a few days next month and they're going dancing. I told her he wasn't on a Saturday, unless he's home early. We play Sundays. "Don't worry, big brother." She told me.

Now why would I not do that?

 

Haladas could only draw with relegation threatened Csakvar, and it took a late own goal for them to do that. Nyiregyhaza lost by a mighty 4-0 scoreline to up and down Bekescsaba and that allowed Gyor to leapfrog in to third place with a 4-1 win at Siofok.

Our lead is now a huge eight points. The contenders for second spot are fighting it out amongst themselves and we are reaping the rewards.

Things slow down a bit now. We have the quarter final against Nyiregyhaza in two weeks but it's weekly games otherwise.

I'm feeling very good about this.

 

 

 

[Sheriff7]

Amazing performance in Cup and a great result against strong Debrecen!As for Haladas you are right,it sounds quite Greek.

Edited December 26, 2022 by Sheriff7