SK
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Posts posted by SK
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@goonergez good shout on the Mexico Job. Was really fun managing them.
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2031/2032
So I embarked on my Inter Milan journey confident of a good year.
I decided to play a 352. I didn’t bring in too many players but did bring in a GK who turned out to be a massive success and two CAM/CM's one of whom has firmly established himself as a starter. I brought in a striker in Jan to save me paying $13mil payments to PSG but he hasnt scored yet so he is looking like an expensive flop.
League- This was an epic, went right down to the last game. I started the season with 14 wins, 3 draws and no losses with 9 conceded. Second half of the season was a lot harder, my team is older so I think we ran out of legs. We also lacked a couple of genuine match winners. I went into the last day leading by a point, I won, Lazio drew so I was home and hosed for the title. I scored a 94th minute equaliser a few weeks against lazio which proved to be crucial as well as an 85th minute winner in the third last game. Juve were a fair bit back in 3rd.
Cup- this was frustrating, beat Fiorentina then Roma away from home to then have Lazio in the SF. First leg I got an early away goal but conceded 2 silly goals in the second half. Second leg I battered them but couldn’t score and I was out.
Super cup- beat Roma 1-0. Doesn’t mean anything but it’s nice to win a trophy still.
Europa League- played second string sides all tournament. Cruised through the group but lost in the round of 16 to Southampton. My whole focus was on the league.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay but I’m going around at least one more season. All focus will be on the CL and domestic cup. Annoyingly i lost Barella who refused to sign a contract, he was 34 but I wanted to keep him around. He has joined Roma and I have copped a panning for letting it happen, such a FM thing to happen.
North American Nations League- didn’t really know what this was but cruised through the whole tournament which was played throughout the year until I got USA in the final. Went 1-0 down early but managed to claw my way back into it and won 2-1. It was a very undeserved win but I took home the trophy.
Copa America- had a brutal start losing 3-1 to Chile and 4-0 to Brazil. Luckily won my next two games against Colombia and Ecuador meaning I was through with a game to spare. I rested players in the last game and finished 3rd. I had Uruguay in the QF and it was a tense nervy affair, they scored on the last kick off the half. I scored with 20 to go and it was well deserved. There were no more goals and it was decided in pens. Luckily I won, Uruguay did a John Terry hitting the post on his chance to win. Up next was Argentina and this was a bit easier than expected with me winning 2-0. In the final I had powerhouse Brazil. I tweaked my tactics after being smashed in the group stages with good results. It was a cagey game and I had a glorious chance in the 85th minute to win it which went narrowly wide. Unfortunately Brazil scored in the 90th to win 1-0. In truth I was surprised I made it this far but it would’ve been a great chance to tick this off.
Straight after the tournament the France job was available which I applied for and to my delight they gave it to me. Ranked 2nd I feel they’ll give me a good shot at the upcoming WC.
Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements 2020/21 Uthongathi FC SA First Division 3rd (promoted via playoffs) 2021/22 Uthongathi FC SA Premier League 4th 2022/23 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Be the Coach. 2023/2024 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Super 8 and Be the Coach. CL Finalists. 2024/25 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Champions League. 2025 Guangzhao. Chinese Super League. 3rd. Started in 3rd with 5 games to go. 2026 Guangzhao Chinese Super League. 1st. Lost the final of CFA Cup 2027 Guanzhao Chinese Super League. 1st CFA Cup winner 2028 Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st CFA Cup Winner Super Cup Winner 2029. Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st Super Cup Winner 2030. Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st. Asian Champions League Winner Super Cup Winner 2030-2031 Hertha Berlin Bundesliga. 10th (took over 13th). German Cup Runner up. Resigned at seasons end 2031-32 Inter Milan Serie A 1st Super Cup Winner International 2021-2023. Nigeria. Lost in QF of AFCON. Sacked. 2023- present- Ghana. Lost in R of 16 AFCON. Resigned before being sacked. 2026-2027 Ivory Coast AFCON Champsions. Resigned after. 2029- 2032 Mexico. Lost in 3rd Round at WC. Gold Cup Winners. Copa America Finalist 2032- present France
3/10 top domestic leagues (2022/23-2024/25 SA Premier League, 2026-20230 CSL), (2031/32 Serie A) 2/10 top domestic cups (2022/23, 24/25 SA Knockout Cup, 23/24 Super 8 winners, 2027, 2028 CFA Cup) 2/5 club continental championships (2024/25 African Champions League, 2030 Asian Champions League) 0/1 club world championship 2/5 continental competitions (2027 AFCON, 2031 Gold Cup) 0/1 world tournaments 9/32 total trophies1 -
Season 2030/2031
So I had my first opportunity of the Gold Cup.
I navigated the group stage comfortably with 3 easy wins. In the 3rd game I was able to rest the entire starting lineup bar one which was a nice advantage to have. In the QF I drew Trinidad and Tobago, I was confident so I rested 7-8 starters to keep them fresh in the SF vs USA. The gamble paid off as I won 3-1. I then had USA in the SF, the game being made tougher as it was in the USA. I knew if I won this I would win the final. It was a cagey game, I took the lead 30 in with my first real attack. USA equalised 60 minutes in and the game look destined to go to ET until my main centre mid scored a 25 yard screamer with 5 to go. Canada awaited me in the final. It took me awhile to break the deadlock but once I did it was all over cruising to a 4-0 win and the title was mine. Really glad to tick this off. Haven't resigned yet as Mexico will be in the Copa America in 6 months which though I don't expect to win, its nice to have a crack at it.
On the club front, I had two job offers from Boca and Inter. Both great opportunities but I have landed on Inter, their squad looks primed to win trophies. I think it will be a massive boost to my rep and also nice to use real life players that are still around.
Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements 2020/21 Uthongathi FC SA First Division 3rd (promoted via playoffs) 2021/22 Uthongathi FC SA Premier League 4th 2022/23 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Be the Coach. 2023/2024 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Super 8 and Be the Coach. CL Finalists. 2024/25 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Champions League. 2025 Guangzhao. Chinese Super League. 3rd. Started in 3rd with 5 games to go. 2026 Guangzhao Chinese Super League. 1st. Lost the final of CFA Cup 2027 Guanzhao Chinese Super League. 1st CFA Cup winner 2028 Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st CFA Cup Winner Super Cup Winner 2029. Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st Super Cup Winner 2030. Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st. Asian Champions League Winner Super Cup Winner 2030-2031 Hertha Berlin Bundesliga. 10th (took over 13th). German Cup Runner up. Resigned at seasons end International 2021-2023. Nigeria. Lost in QF of AFCON. Sacked. 2023- present- Ghana. Lost in R of 16 AFCON. Resigned before being sacked. 2026-2027 Ivory Coast AFCON Champsions. Resigned after. 2029- present Mexico. Lost in 3rd Round at WC. Gold Cup Winners
2/10 top domestic leagues (2022/23-2024/25 SA Premier League, 2026-20230 CSL) 2/10 top domestic cups (2022/23, 24/25 SA Knockout Cup, 23/24 Super 8 winners, 2027, 2028 CFA Cup) 2/5 club continental championships (2024/25 African Champions League, 2030 Asian Champions League) 0/1 club world championship 2/5 continental competitions (2027 AFCON, 2031 Gold Cup) 0/1 world tournaments 8/32 total trophies0 -
23 hours ago, treva said:
@SK I had a wonderful time at Boca. Was there just one season but won everything bar the league title. My situation with Juve was similar to the Inter situation you have. They finished 6th the season before, plenty of money and wage budget but with an average squad. So far I've won nothing in two years, finishing third and second and losing a Coppa Italia final on penalties. Both good options to have so I think whatever you take will be a good chance of quick silverware.
Hey mate
That's great feedback, good to see you enjoyed it. I ended up taking the Inter job, felt it was too big an opportunity to pass up but I am definitely motivated to get into Argentina at some point.0 -
2030/2031
So after my success in China I took over Hertha Berlin; they were languishing in mid table. I know they are a bit of a powerhouse on FM so I thought it would be worth a shot however the squad was pretty average. I took over in 13th, finished the season in 10th. Very inconsistent results along the way and couldn't get a good run together.
Cup- Managed to make it to the final of the German Cup but went down in a tight game 2-1 to Dortmund. Big pity because it would've been nice to win something still.
Euro Cup- I was in the Europa League. I managed to squeeze past Feyenoord in away goals and breezed past Celtic. Unfortunately Napoli was too much for me and I crashed out via away goals.
I ended up resigning at the seasons end. It was going to be a very big rebuild and even thought it is a doable rebuild I didn't want to stick around.
I have started the Gold Cup with Mexico now so will post back in once that is done.
But now I have a dilemma, I have been offered jobs at Inter and Boca. Inter came 6th last year but are predicted to finish 2nd and have won a fair bit in previous years. I have $100 mil to spend and $1 mil a week in wages so I can strengthen alot still. I feel I could at least tick off the Italian parts of the challenge with Inter.
Boca is tempting so I can have a crack at the Copa Liberdatores. Boca is also predicted to finish 2nd. However Brazilian clubs have dominated that comp so I am half thinking of waiting until a big Brazilian job comes up. Happy to hear anyone's thoughts on this, Inter definitely seems to be my gut feeling right now.
Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements 2020/21 Uthongathi FC SA First Division 3rd (promoted via playoffs) 2021/22 Uthongathi FC SA Premier League 4th 2022/23 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Be the Coach. 2023/2024 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Super 8 and Be the Coach. CL Finalists. 2024/25 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Champions League. 2025 Guangzhao. Chinese Super League. 3rd. Started in 3rd with 5 games to go. 2026 Guangzhao Chinese Super League. 1st. Lost the final of CFA Cup 2027 Guanzhao Chinese Super League. 1st CFA Cup winner 2028 Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st CFA Cup Winner Super Cup Winner 2029. Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st Super Cup Winner 2030. Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st. Asian Champions League Winner Super Cup Winner 2030-2031 Hertha Berlin Bundesliga. 10th (took over 13th). German Cup Runner up. Resigned at seasons end International 2021-2023. Nigeria. Lost in QF of AFCON. Sacked. 2023- present- Ghana. Lost in R of 16 AFCON. Resigned before being sacked. 2026-2027 Ivory Coast AFCON Champsions. Resigned after. 2029- present Mexico. Lost in 3rd Round at WC
2/10 top domestic leagues (2022/23-2024/25 SA Premier League, 2026-20230 CSL) 2/10 top domestic cups (2022/23, 24/25 SA Knockout Cup, 23/24 Super 8 winners, 2027, 2028 CFA Cup) 2/5 club continental championships (2024/25 African Champions League, 2030 Asian Champions League) 0/1 club world championship 1/5 continental competitions (2027 AFCON) 0/1 world tournaments 7/32 total trophies0 -
@vikeologist 100%. Was sheer relief rather than joy when I won it haha. Completely agreed though, it would have annoyed me for the rest of the save.
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Season 2030
So after the last season where I was feeling very deflated I decided to give it one last crack to win the elusive champions league.
I was drawn a pretty straight forward group with Melbourne city, Gwanglu and Okayama FC. After beating Melbourne City in the first game I was pretty confident I’d go through as they were the strongest team in the group. Winning my next two games away from home put me in the box seat. I drew with Melbourne City put me on 10 pts after 4 games with 2 home games to come. To be honest I didn’t chase the game, i was happy with a draw. Two more wins left me with 16 points.
Round of 16 was against Newcastle Jets. I was confident and the boys didn’t disappoint cruising through.
The QF against Suwon was a much harder game. Not helped by the fact I had 5 players out for the Asian games for the first leg and then for the second leg 3 were too tired to play. I dominated the first leg to lead 2-0 but conceded late, still a 2-1 away lead was a great start. I dominated the second leg but they got a pen which led to pretty much their first shot. Luckily they didn’t threaten too much and held on.
Next up was Ulsan in the semis. I was confident given they were behind Suwon on the ladder. The first leg was a complete whitewash and one of the best games we have played. Return leg was a formality and rested a few players who were a yellow off suspension.
Luckily powerhouse Al-Sadd had been knocked out at the round of 16 so I had Saudi side Al-Hilal. I had the away leg first all year so I’m glad that tradition continues. I took the lead in the first half before they equalised with one of their first chances against the run of play. Luckily we rebounded straight away scoring 3 quick goals leading to a 4-1 win away from home. I knew it was pretty much in the bag and a 5-0 win sealed the deal to finally tick this off the list. It was completely dominant bar the QF and fully deserved.
Angel Gomes was the star of the show and he was a fantastic pickup. His versatility was a godsend.
League- managed to win this again with a measly points tally. Honestly I should’ve have won it, Shandong lost their last 2 games to hand me the title. 5 in a row.
Cup- lost this in the final on aggregate 4-3. Games were sandwiched between the CL final so can honestly care less. I also won the super cup.
I was resting the full squad before CL games so I’m surprised I made it as far as I did.
So after 5 full seasons I won 5 league titles, 2 CFA cups, 3 super cups and the Champions League. A very productive spell albeit too long however I am very glad that I stuck it out and chalked the ACL of the list. I won’t be coming back to Asia I don’t think
Not sure where to go next, I’m not too fussed as long as it’s a champions league contender for the three I have left. Ideally I’d get a big job in Mexico. Don’t want to deal with a salary cap for North America.
I took Mexico to the World Cup. I had some good results beating England in a friendly a few months earlier. Played ok in the warm up games but not great. I’ve been playing a 343 wide formation, mainly just to try something a bit different.
I drew 1-1 with Turkey in a fairly even game before beating Zambia 2-0 to qualify to the next stage. I beat Japan 2-1 with a late goal booking me a Round of 16 game with Holland. That’s where the journey ended as I was trounced 5-0. It was undeserved but they were too classy.
In saying that I met Mexico’s objectives for the tournament which was the goal. I have a Gold Cup to win now.
Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements 2020/21 Uthongathi FC SA First Division 3rd (promoted via playoffs) 2021/22 Uthongathi FC SA Premier League 4th 2022/23 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Be the Coach. 2023/2024 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Super 8 and Be the Coach. CL Finalists. 2024/25 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Champions League. 2025 Guangzhao. Chinese Super League. 3rd. Started in 3rd with 5 games to go. 2026 Guangzhao Chinese Super League. 1st. Lost the final of CFA Cup 2027 Guanzhao Chinese Super League. 1st CFA Cup winner 2028 Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st CFA Cup Winner Super Cup Winner 2029. Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st Super Cup Winner 2030. Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st. Asian Champions League Winner Super Cup Winner International 2021-2023. Nigeria. Lost in QF of AFCON. Sacked. 2023- present- Ghana. Lost in R of 16 AFCON. Resigned before being sacked. 2026-2027 Ivory Coast AFCON Champsions. Resigned after. 2029- present Mexico. Lost in 3rd Round at WC
2/10 top domestic leagues (2022/23-2024/25 SA Premier League, 2026-20230 CSL) 2/10 top domestic cups (2022/23, 24/25 SA Knockout Cup, 23/24 Super 8 winners, 2027, 2028 CFA Cup) 2/5 club continental championships (2024/25 African Champions League, 2030 Asian Champions League) 0/1 club world championship 1/5 continental competitions (2027 AFCON) 0/1 world tournaments 7/32 total trophies1 -
Season 2029
So as you saw my CL journey ended abruptly. I decided to finish the season out, and honestly there isn't much to report. I won the league at a canter winning it by 12 points.
No surprise really and I know my side is too strong for the league.
I won the Super Cup at the beginning of the season which took me to number 1 in the Chinese League Hall of Fame which is kinda cool. Shows the dominance.
I lost the cup in the 4th round in pens; really wasnt bothered by this and had rested my entire team for it.
I have decided to go around again; though I am thinking it will be my last season.
On a great note; I finally landed another international job now taking charge of Mexico. I had 4 WCQ's, won all 4 and have promptly qualified for the World Cup which will be my first time which I am excited for. Really just want to make sure I stay in the job for the Gold Cup so I can try and knock that tournament off. Mexico alongside USA look the best teams by a fair margin.
Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements 2020/21 Uthongathi FC SA First Division 3rd (promoted via playoffs) 2021/22 Uthongathi FC SA Premier League 4th 2022/23 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Be the Coach. 2023/2024 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Super 8 and Be the Coach. CL Finalists. 2024/25 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Champions League. 2025 Guangzhao. Chinese Super League. 3rd. Started in 3rd with 5 games to go. 2026 Guangzhao Chinese Super League. 1st. Lost the final of CFA Cup 2027 Guanzhao Chinese Super League. 1st CFA Cup winner 2028 Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st CFA Cup Winner Super Cup Winner 2029. Guangzhao Chinese Super League 1st Super Cup Winner International 2021-2023. Nigeria. Lost in QF of AFCON. Sacked. 2023- present- Ghana. Lost in R of 16 AFCON. Resigned before being sacked. 2026-2027 Ivory Coast AFCON Champsions. Resigned after. 2029- present Mexico
2/10 top domestic leagues (2022/23-2024/25 SA Premier League, 2026-2029 CSL) 2/10 top domestic cups (2022/23, 24/25 SA Knockout Cup, 23/24 Super 8 winners (first 3 all South African(, 2027, 2028 CFA Cup) 1/5 club continental championships (2024/25 African Champions League) 0/1 club world championship 1/5 continental competitions (2027 AFCON) 0/1 world tournaments0 -
Oh yeah ok that makes sense. That’s good then, thinking I’ll have to go to my home town (Brisbane Roar) and try win it with them.
I feel like I’m Pep Guardiola, winning leagues and cups for fun but cooking the CL.
You are right though. Two in a row is amazing. Chinese clubs have a massive budget but I was surprised by the lack of really good players who didn’t want to join and the Chinese players are pretty average bar a few. Kept failing FFP so could only sign 2 over 20 Chinese players a season which was annoying.0 -
@vikeologist Yes that’s a very good point. Had thought of that as well. To be honest, as much as finishing the challenge would be good, I was enjoying the more random aspect of bouncing around to new teams and didn’t want to get bogged down too much. Also didn’t realise Korean managers would be so trigger happy either @Gammonds I saw that. Very impressive as the A-league is pretty bad 😂. Did you find that your team was a match for the good sides in the comp or did you ride your luck a bit against them?
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Season 2029
Well I’m in a bind. Got knocked out in the CL round of 16 in pens. Xg was 5.5-0.8 across the two legs so I’m very over it. Not sure what I’ll do at this stage. Half tempted to resign to try something new. Can come back to Asia later. My team has been so unlucky in the CL and I’m at the point of accepting it’s not going to happen with this team.
Either that or I’ll try pump out the season as quick as possible. Minimal highlights and assistant taking charge in the easy games
But yeah really not sure at this point. Definitely had enough of China that’s for sure.
Happy to hear anyone’s thoughts0 -
Season 2028
Well this is just a year of frustration again. More titles which is good but not the big one. Strengthened with some quality Chinese additions. A random Leading Star LW just appeared at Milan and he was a great contributor. Signed depay for cheap as well who contributed nicely.
Super Cup- Absolutely smashed Shangong 7-1 with my new LW scoring 4. Comes up on my hall of fame so that’s cool for my overall rank and more points.
League
This was such a mixed season. Juggled this and the group stage massively. Was making 6 or changes quite regularly before a CL game and once or twice fully resting players. At the end of the group stage my league form collapsed; 2 draws and 3 losses in 5 games. My worse run and to put it into perspective I only dropped 16 pts all the previous season. Annoyingly; it meant I had to take the league seriously as I was 6th, 8 pts off the top and out of CL qualification. Out of my next 17 games I won 14, drew 2 and lost the one to take another league win. I only took the lead in the 3rd last game and secured automatic qualification on the Second last game. Do not know what happened in that streak but next season I’m really hoping i can avoid that so I can rotate more in the league.
Champions League- oh I am so annoyed by this. Cruised the group winning all 6 games conceding twice. round of 16 was a cruise against Melbourne City winning xx. I beat Central Coast Mariners 3-0 on aggregate to book a SF with Jeonbuk. I was completely dominating being up 4-1 but conceded 2 rubbish goals and won 4-3. Gojng into the away leg, I was 1-0 up, missed a pen the conceded twice to go out on away goals. Very very frustrating by what happened.
Cup- due to my struggles in the league I had to put some focus on the cup as a backup option just in case I needed it for CL qualification. The fixtures weren’t too bad in terms of timing and the only hard game leading into the final was the QF against Shenua but managed to get through that. I drew a first division side in the semis which allowed me to play my second string side. I had Shandong in the final.
So overall it was a frustrating season despite winning a domestic treble as I really want to get the CL done and dusted. I also got rejected by some good nations post euros and copa America so I’m still unemployed on the international front. I plan on really focusing on the foreign players; pogba is retiring; my LW is gonna be sold; Depay is starting to slow down so not sure what to do there and I bought Shorestire in Jan who is now homesick. Board have given me 200 mil to spend: Defs gojng to get the Chinese RW I’ve been trying to get for the last 2 seasons. Some of my other Chinese players are really coming through nicely now which is giving me a good advantage. Other than that 5 game stint I really did dominate.
Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements 2020/21 Uthongathi FC SA First Division 3rd (promoted via playoffs) 2021/22 Uthongathi FC SA Premier League 4th 2022/23 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Be the Coach. 2023/2024 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Super 8 and Be the Coach. CL Finalists. 2024/25 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Champions League. 2025 Guangzhao. Chinese Super League. 3rd. Started in 3rd with 5 games to go. 2026 Guangzhao Chinese Super League. 1st. Lost the final of CFA Cup 2027 Guanzhao Chinese Super League. 1st CFA Cup winner 2028 Guangzhao 1st CFA Cup Winner Super Cup Winner International 2021-2023. Nigeria. Lost in QF of AFCON. Sacked. 2023- present- Ghana. Lost in R of 16 AFCON. Resigned before being sacked. 2026-2027 Ivory Coast AFCON Champsions. Resigned after.
2/10 top domestic leagues (2022/23, 23/24, 24/25 SA Premier League, 2026, 2027, 2028 CSL) 2/10 top domestic cups (2022/23, 24/25 SA Knockout Cup, 23/24 Super 8 winners (first 3 all South African(, 2027, 2028 CFA Cup) 1/5 club continental championships (2024/25 African Champions League) 0/1 club world championship 1/5 continental competitions (2027 AFCON) 0/1 world tournaments0 -
Big win @goonergez. Epic title race
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Season 2027
It has been a few weeks since my last post. Went back to my Salford save in FM20. Won the League and CL with them for the first time which was unreal.
In any case. This season was a real mixed bag for me, ultimately an disappointed due to the CL. I bought some quality players including a young Chinese CAM for 50 mil. It was a lot but there’s little quality in China so you pay big for what there is.
Champions League-Well this was a disaster. Drawn with Melbourne City, Ulsan and YokohamaI, I was on 2 pts after 3 games with a tough away game to Melbourne city to come. A 3-0 win followed by a 2-1 home win against Ulsan put me top of the group going into the last game. Twice I led, twice I threw away the lead and Ulsan scored in the 90th minute putting me out. I had to changes tactics from a disciplined 433 which worked wonderfully last year to a more expressive 4231. That was the formation I stuck with for the remainder of the season.
League- I really struggled for motivation in this but managed to win it with 73 pts after 30 games. Shandong pushed me but I had a solid gap for half of the season and never really looked like losing it. My home form is unreal as I’ve gone 40 games unbeaten in all comps. I had a lot of injuries to my foreign players which really hurts in China. Signed Pogba at the midway point on a free to replace one of my injured foreign players.
Cup- if there’s one saving grace from this it’s that I won the cup: the semi final against Shanghai was a tough game that I won in ET. Also had to beat Shandong in the QF who are the second strongest Chinese side. Unbelievably a first division side made the semi and beat powerhouse Shandong so I had a straight forward final. Two 1-0 wins secured it and there’s another cup lifted for the challenge.
With the cup out of the way I can really focus on the CL. As long as I get top 2 and automatic CL qualification then I’m happy with that.
Unfortunately one of my star players got a 8-9 month injury and it’s taken a hit on him. I am going to look to replace him, soumare and probably pogba meaning I have two foreign spots opened up. I’m thinking I want attacking players so I can really rotate in the league and CL, some of thr CL registered players won’t play much in the league before CL games etc. I’ll also look to bolster the Chinese contingency with some more quality. I’ve got a lot of players to offload as well as my squad is way too big.
I’m really hoping next season the CL is won so I can move on. On a positive, I’ve had a good run of trophies now so I’m hoping that’ll lead to good jobs; especially on the international front. The euros are coming up so hoping to snag a good job post this for the World Cup.
Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements 2020/21 Uthongathi FC SA First Division 3rd (promoted via playoffs) 2021/22 Uthongathi FC SA Premier League 4th 2022/23 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Be the Coach. 2023/2024 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Super 8 and Be the Coach. CL Finalists. 2024/25 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Champions League. 2025 Guangzhao. Chinese Super League. 3rd. Started in 3rd with 5 games to go. 2026 Guangzhao Chinese Super League. 1st. Lost the final of CFA Cup 2027 Guanzhao Chinese Super League. 1st CFS Cup winner International 2021-2023. Nigeria. Lost in QF of AFCON. Sacked. 2023- present- Ghana. Lost in R of 16 AFCON. Resigned before being sacked. 2026-2027 Ivory Coast AFCON Champsions. Resigned after.
2/10 top domestic leagues (2022/23, 23/24, 24/25 SA Premier League, 2026, 2027 CSL) 2/10 top domestic cups (2022/23, 24/25 SA Knockout Cup, 23/24 Super 8 winners (first 3 all South African(, 2027 CFA Cup) 1/5 club continental championships (2024/25 African Champions League) 0/1 club world championship 1/5 continental competitions (2027 AFCON) 0/1 world tournaments0 -
Unlucky mate. That’s gotta hurt. So close
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2027
Quick update here. I had the AFCON where I really fancied my chances with Ivory Coast. I was handed a straight forward group and beat Mozambique 4-0 and Cape Verde 3-1. Both games I was able to take off some of my best players and slow the game right down to save on fitness. I drew 2-2 with Algeria but rotated my whole squad and even subbed on my 3rd GK meaning everyone got game time.
I beat Guinea 6-4 in the 2nd round, tbh it was 6-1 and they got a few consolation goals. I drew Egypt in the QF who I dominated from start to finish 2-0. Next up was Senegal who I thought was the best team alongside me. I shot out to a 3-0 lead in the first half and controlled it well from there. A late goal from there was not enough to stop me.
In the final I had Algeria. I was confident given my second team drew with them. It was a dull affair but I scored from a corner 19 minutes in and never looked like conceding. Nicholas Pepe scored a 25 yard screamer with 5 to go to finish it off with a 2-0 win and we were champions. Amad Diallo was the standout all tournament.
Everyone was elated and was looking forward to future successes; however I will not be part of that and have handed in my resignation in what was a very short 6 month stint. I am glad to be able to finally tick this off at the 3rd time of trying.
Africa is now fully completed so I will be on the lookout for an international job in one of the other continents.
Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements 2020/21 Uthongathi FC SA First Division 3rd (promoted via playoffs) 2021/22 Uthongathi FC SA Premier League 4th 2022/23 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Be the Coach. 2023/2024 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Super 8 and Be the Coach. CL Finalists. 2024/25 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Champions League. 2025 Guanzhao. Chinese Super League. 3rd. Started in 3rd with 5 games to go. 2026 Guanzhao Chinese Super League. 1st. Lost the final of CFA Cup International 2021-2023. Nigeria. Lost in QF of AFCON. Sacked. 2023- present- Ghana. Lost in R of 16 AFCON. Resigned before being sacked. 2026-2027 Ivory Coast AFCON Champsions. Resigned after.
2/10 top domestic leagues (2022/23, 23/24, 24/25 SA Premier League, 2026 CSL) 1/10 top domestic cups (2022/23, 24/25 SA Knockout Cup, 23/24 Super 8 winners) 1/5 club continental championships (2024/25 African Champions League) 0/1 club world championship 1/5 continental competitions (2027 AFCON) 0/1 world tournaments0 -
Season 2026
So I took over the end of last season sitting in 3rd with 5 to go. 3W, 1L, 1D later and I finished 3rd.
My squad was very weak beyond a few main players so I focused on signing Chinese players. Unfortunately I didn’t realise I could only sign 2 above 21 year olds which meant I was signing very overpriced Chinese youngsters much to the dismay of the board. This later hurt as I lost 8 players to the Asian Games. I also signed Kabak and Rhiannon Brewster for my foreign limits. I also bought Wu Lei from Espanol which was a great signing despite being 33.
League- started terribly with 4 points from the first 5 games. Changed tactics to a more robust 433 which worked a treat. Went unbeaten in 19 and won 12 in a row. By that point it was a cruise and I won the league by 10 pts. I will say I did score a fair few late winners so I’ll want to strengthen for next season.
Champions League- I had Jeonbuk in the initial play off game which to be honest was the harder game compared to the group. I was 3-0 up but then leaked 2 goals making it a nervy end. Luckily held on.
Group stage was a cruise and won 6/6. Ditto the round of 16 winning both legs easily and breaking the record for the most consecutive wins in the CL. I had sydney in the QF and despite being very under strength due to the Asian games I won the first game 2-0. Unfortunately bottled the second leg and lost 3-0. 7/8 were back but half were too tired to play and the others barely able to. Very annoyed as a win in this comp would’ve been enough for me to go.
Cups- relatively straight forward run here. Had to win the QF in pens and won the SF 5-0. The final was a bore draw 0-0 in both legs. They shot out to a 3-1 lead in pens but they missed their next two shots. Went full circle and ended up losing 9-8 in pens. Disappointed to not be able to tick this off the list.
Pretty successful season considering I was scrambling in the main window, I at least feel like I’ve got a core in my squad.
Focus now is to splurge on the best Chinese talent I can get and make the most of my 2 over 21 signings. Lacked a bit of depth in the CL which hurt.
After the WC there was a flurry of job opportunities. None of the big boys offered me one but I got an offer from Ivory Coast, Senegal and Iran. Iran was tempting for the Asian cup but I’d really love to try win it with Australia (home country). Ivory Coast look good and the AFCON is around the corner. I finished top in my group so I’m ready for it. Will provide an update once it is finished.
Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements 2020/21 Uthongathi FC SA First Division 3rd (promoted via playoffs) 2021/22 Uthongathi FC SA Premier League 4th 2022/23 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Be the Coach. 2023/2024 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Super 8 and Be the Coach. CL Finalists. 2024/25 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Champions League. 2025 Guanzhao. Chinese Super League. 3rd. Started in 3rd with 5 games to go. 2026 Guanzhao Chinese Super League. 1st. Lost the final of CFA Cup International 2021-2023. Nigeria. Lost in QF of AFCON. Sacked. 2023- present- Ghana. Lost in R of 16 AFCON. Resigned before being sacked. 2026 Ivory Coast
2/10 top domestic leagues (2022/23, 23/24, 24/25 SA Premier League, 2026 CSL) 1/10 top domestic cups (2022/23, 24/25 SA Knockout Cup, 23/24 Super 8 winners) 1/5 club continental championships (2024/25 African Champions League) 0/1 club world championship 0/5 continental competitions 0/1 world tournaments0 -
Season 2024/2025
So I started the season with some high hopes after my successes last year. It was a fairly frustrating off season as I struggled to find players to improve my squad. I bought one cb for depth and to experiment with and managed to sign Malahabi from Sundowns for my RW spot which was a great addition. I got very lucky though; I signed a bunch of players on a free transfers without too much thought. Three of them ended up working my way in to my starting 18 or so, one leading star striker (Palace), one leading star LW (Modiba) and one star CM (Sibiya). All 18 years old so that gave me a huge boost in depth and quality. Two contributed massively in the CL (see below).
Cups
Be the Cup- lost this on penalties after a 93rd minute equaliser by Orlando Pirates. No real loss here.
Super 8- Knew it would be a long season so didn't have a massive pre season. Unfortunately I was well underdone by the time this came around and I lost in the QF. I had already won it in the past so no biggie but would've been nice to add more trophies to my collection.
Knockout Cup- Had a relatively difficult draw as I had SuperSport first up which needed an ET win. Sundowns in the semi was a 1-0 win but it was a very cagey affair, they only had 1 off target shot. I won the final 4-2 against Cape Town Spurs and was nice to win this again.
FA Cup- The only domestic trophy to allude me here. Unfortunately it was to continue to do so; I cruised through the early rounds but drew Supersport in the SF which was sandwiched between the CL SF. I rested my whole team, dominated the game but lost 1-0.
Champions League
This is the one I wanted. Last trophy so I could leave. Group stage was easy as; 6/6 wins left me top. I drew Wydad Casablanca who I beat 5-1 on aggregate in the QF. In the Semi-Final, I faced Al-Alhy who in my opinion were the next best team in the comp and previous two winners. First leg I lost 1-0, one of my players got himself off for a horrid tackle 30 mins in. Held on defiantly but eventually conceded late. I was all ready for a slog in the second leg but it turned out to be anything but. I absolutely dominated from start to finish and won 5-0 to book myself in the final. in someway I was glad to draw them in the SF to give me two games against them.
The final was against Club Africain who I beat twice in the group. It took me awhile to break the deadlock but once I did it was all over and won 4-0. It was off great relief as I knew I could move on.
League- This was a formality and I was 12 points clear with 9 to go. Ended up winning it with 5 to spare to give me a treble and to become the top Australian Manager in the Hall of Fame. I resigned before the season was out. Rodrigao was my star man with 42 goals in 36 (6)
I had the AFCON with Ghana. Was feeling good leading into it but unfortunately it was a disaster of a tournament. I got the group with 2 wins and a loss to finish top. I then had Zimbabwe in what should've been an easy game, another reckless red by one of my players and a worldie later I was 1-0 down and a man down. I peppered the goal but that was that and I was out. I resigned straight away as the sack was surely coming.
After finishing up in Africa I wanted to go to CSL to tick Asian Champions League off. I've never managed there before so I figured it would be something a bit different. Guangzhao who were the favourites had their manager under pressure for a solid 2 month. Declared interest twice, they finally sacked their manager and I was appointed. Sitting in 3rd so I should qualify for the CL next season.
I will keep an eye out for some international jobs before the World Cup. Most likely; I will try pick one off after the WC.
Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements 2020/21 Uthongathi FC SA First Division 3rd (promoted via playoffs) 2021/22 Uthongathi FC SA Premier League 4th 2022/23 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Be the Coach. 2023/2024 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Super 8 and Be the Coach. CL Finalists. 2024/25 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Champions League. International 2021-2023. Nigeria. Lost in QF of AFCON. Sacked. 2023- present- Ghana. Lost in R of 16 AFCON. Resigned before being sacked.
1/10 top domestic leagues (2022/23, 23/24, 24/25 SA Premier League) 1/10 top domestic cups (2022/23, 24/25 SA Knockout Cup, 23/24 Super 8 winners) 1/5 club continental championships (2024/25 African Champions League) 0/1 club world championship 0/5 continental competitions 0/1 world tournaments1 -
1 hour ago, darren1983 said:
Asia or North America next I think. In an ideal world it'll be South Korea as never really managed there before. Done China a few times and Australia is a bit too much like the US and not sure I fancy doing MLS and A League in same save
Yeah nice nice. I am from Australia; it is proper annoying with Salary Cap etc. I am trying to avoid it I think. Wouldn't want to do it with MLS for sure; too much thinking involved haha. South Korea would be good
3 hours ago, goonergez said:@SK whilst in South Africa it was only really ES Tunis who seemed to be way better. Al-Ahly weren’t bad but I remember beating them with SuperSport. On my save ES Tunis are regularly winning the Champions League. In fact they have won like 9 of the last 12 or so. And lost in the final on at least one of the missing years.
Yeah right. I had ES Tunis in my group in my first season and they were not anything special. Got knocked out at the group stage first year then I think QF/SF the next.
Anyways I have a big update now.
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2 hours ago, darren1983 said:
Nah they were in the Confederation Cup last season. They do look good with a few players I wouldn't mind.
I'm still at Kaizer Chiefs while I wait for a interesting job to appear (got turned down for a interview by Chivas and Suwon turned me down after an interview over the summer) as got a year left on my deal and in no real rush just yet.
Ah how good. Tbh I did dominate them so I’m still confident I can beat them if I do face them again.
True true. Any focus on where you go next? If I win the CL I’m definitely moving on. Been in South Africa long enough.
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Did you have Al-Ahly in your African Champions League? They are stacked in mine and look to be the only team I am genuinely concerned about in the CL.
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Season 2023/2024
After dominating the league last year I really put a focus on strengthening with South African players. Added some top quality to the squad which has given me the luxury of rotating a bit.
League- This was an absolute cake walk. My team is clearly too good for the league now and spent the vast majority of the time resting players or managing fatigue throughout the game. League table below. Won the first 14 games in a row (also won the last 10 last season) so broke the league record for most wins in a row. Nice to win another trophy and was good to have CL qualification locked up early which is all that really matters to me now.
Cups:
Be The Cup- Won this on penalties against Orlando Pirates. Doesn't really mean anything.
Super 8- Managed to win this. Wasn't as straightforward as I had hoped but nice to win another trophy. Had to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the semi's against Sundown. Beat Bloem Celtic 3-2 in the final. Doesn't help me in this challenge as I have already won a domestic trophy but it is nice to win nonetheless.
SA Knockout- lost in the quarters throwing away a 2-0 lead. I rotated heavily for it and it cost me. Not too concerned as my priorities lied elsewhere.
SA FA Cup- This one hurt. Won my first two games against Barako and Black Leopards. Played out a bore 0-0 draw against Supersport but won on pens. Drew Bloem Celtic in the semis. It was sandwiched between the CL semis against the same team. Raced out to a 4-0 lead which i then blew to make it 4-4. Scored in ET and then conceded in the 120th minute and lost on pens. Absolute shambles and its the last domestic trophy for me to win so would've been nice to.
Champions League- This was my main focus. Drew a pretty tough group with ES Tunis in it. Despite losing my first game away from home to them, I cruised the rest of the group and won it with a game to spare. Won the QF 5-1 on aggregate against Wydad Casbalance. In the SF against Bloem Celtic; I lost the first leg 2-1 away from home, my GK kicked the ball straight to their player in the 90th minute to cost me. Luckily I beat them 3-1 in the home leg and that was that. Drew the powerhouse Al-Alhy who were last years winners. Their team looked pretty stacked but I had the better of the game (see below). A late goal from them undid me and that was that. I had a goal disallowed in the 93rd minute which hurt even more.
So from here; I have locked to the core of my squad and they are at good ages so I feel I will be within a good shout next season. Really hoping I can tick of the CL next season and leave for Asia. Got plenty of depth at cm now so I am thinking of moving one of my foreign players on there and also move on my backup striker who is also foreign. Hoping to bring 2 quality foreign players in supplement. Looking at bringing in Mablohonka permanently who has been on loan last 2 seasons from Braga and Malhambi from Sundowns for RW to improve more.
I have taken over Ghana as well. Will post more but so far I am 2/2 from in my AFCON qualifiers and won my first play off leg in the world cup qualifiers.
Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements 2020/21 Uthongathi FC SA First Division 3rd (promoted via playoffs) 2021/22 Uthongathi FC SA Premier League 4th 2022/23 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Knockout Cup and Be the Coach. 2022/23 Kaiser Chiefs SA Premier League 1st. Won Super 8 and Be the Coach. CL Finalists. International 2021-2023. Nigeria. Lost in QF of AFCON. Sacked. 2023- present- Ghana1/10 top domestic leagues (2022/23, 23/24 SA Premier League) 1/10 top domestic cups (2022/23 SA Knockout Cup, 23/24 Super 8 winners) 0/5 club continental championships 0/1 club world championship 0/5 continental competitions 0/1 world tournaments0 -
3 hours ago, darren1983 said:
Season 2022/23 Review - Kaizer Chiefs
League - After taking over last season my aim was top 2 for Champions League but we found ourselves in a 3 way battle for the title before finally becoming a 2 horse race between us and main rivals (and 2 time champs) Orlando Pirates. We swaped top spot with them a lot in the 2nd half of the season as fixture congestion played a real part thanks to both our cup runs and the winter world cup (we played 1 league game between November and Feb) but in the final week of the season (where we both played 4 games in 8 days) they faltered and we won the title by 3 points and win a treble
Nedbank Cup - we won this last season in one of my 4 games in charge and made it to the final again this time, I did kind of throw this final though as we played on the Sat and had a league game on the Monday but the mix of backups and players coming back from injury did us proud as we went down to an injury time goal
Telkom Cup - had a good run with the backups in this and ended up winners
MTN8 Cup - went out of this really early
CAF Confederation Cup - doesn't count for this challenge but I wanted to win and so did my board, we cruised through really till me met fellow South African sides but we were able to find a way past them and end up winners of this as well
Black Label - Always nice to beat Pirates even in pre season
Squad - It's a bit old for my liking so am slowly bringing in good young South Africans to secure the future
Key Players
Haashim Domingo - a free transfer that was arranged by the previous manager, turned out to be a star even if he did develop a bad habit of missing penalties in the run in
Reeve Frosler - flying right back, played nearly every game in a mental season but he's class
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo - wide man that started the season on fire but the goals dried up in the run in but was still class.Career Overview
Season Club League Position Notes/Achievements 2020/21 Cape Town Spurs Championship 3rd Promoted via the promotion mini league 2021/22 Cape Town Spurs Premiership 3rd 3rd when leaving with 3 games to go. National C coaching badge 2021/22 Kaizer Chiefs Premiership 7th Took over for final 3 games. Won Nedbank Cup. 2022/23 Kaizer Chiefs Premiership 1st Won Telkom Cup. National A & B badges doneChallenge Progress
Club 1/10 top domestic leagues – South Africa (2023 - Kaizer Chiefs) 1/10 domestic cups – South Africa (2022 – Kaizer Chiefs) 0/5 club continental championships 0/1 club world championship International 0/5 continental tournaments 0/1 world tournamentsI signed Dominigo with Uthongathi. Was absolutely quality for me too.
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So, as I embarked at my new adventure I could tell my club had lots of quality however decided to strengthen heavily, I could tell a few players were getting on and I’m glad I did as they faded badly throughout the year. I also brought in my superstar from Uthongathi: Emmanuel Chaluba who was a solid signing.
League- Had an absolute mare to start drawing and losing my first two games but then went unbeaten for ages and managed to break Kaiser Chiefs record for biggest undefeated streak. Bar one slump where I lost twice and drew once in a 3 game spell, it was plain sailing and I cruised to the league. Snagged an absolute gem of a CAM on loan from the Portuguese league. Hoping to finalise that purchase next season. Glad I could tick the league of so I can focus on the CL next season.
Cups- Absolute mixed bag here. The knockout cup was a massive success. Rotated heavily until the semis as I focused on the league. Only real hurdle u had was the QF where I was bailed out by a 90th minute pile driver to take it to ET. Semis and final were played whilst the league was in a break so I could play my strongest team. Won the final 1-0 in a professional manner to claim my first trophy for the challenge. I unfortunately lost 4-1 in the opening round of the FA cup as I was knocked out by a division 1 side. Was just one of those days.
I dominated almost every game I played. Really aiming to build the squad depth up and hopefully get a marquee level player in to give me a boost. Have 1.5 mil to spend plus space in wages so I’m going to have to focus on buying the best South African players as I’ve only got 1 disposable foreign player. Aim next season is the CL so I can leave the continent with everything I wanted.
Nigeria- cruised through the qualifying stage winning 5 and losing 1. Playing a 442 wing play, scoring lots but my defence has been a bit leaky. Will be making some tweaks in the AFCON to try and fix that.
I was drawn with Guinea, Ivory Coast and Ethopia. Won 3/3 games in the group. First was a 7-5 whirlwind and beat Ivory Coast 2-1 with 2 late goals completing comeback. I drew Cameroon in the Round of 16 who I easily dispatched before losing 4-2 to Senegal with mane hitting a hatty against me. There my Nigeria journey ended.
Career Progress
2020/2021- Uthongathi
Took over halfway through the season. Second Division- 3rd, won promotion via playoffs. Runner up SA FA Cup
2021/2022- Uthongathi
First division- 4th.
2022/2023- Kaiser Chiefs
First Division-1st. Knockout cup winners. Be the Coach
2023/2024
Nigeria
2021-2023
AFCON- QF exit.
Overall achievements
1/10 league trophies-2022/2023 SA premier league
1/10- domestic cups 2022/2023 SA knockout cup
0/5 club continental cup
0/1 club world championship
0/5 continental competitions
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The Ultimate Football Manager Challenge
in Challenges, Sign-Ups & Experiments
Posted
In my save they were in the Copa America even though Chile were hosting it. So perhaps they are gonna be in it every tournament.
Always seem to have a good side as well.