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Preparándonos para el 2027 After the disappointment for every Cortulua fan the 2027 season couldn't come quick enough as a month later Cortulua find themselves already playing the first league game of the season. A 4-0 thumping in the final clearly show's that Nacional remain the strongest side in the country with 3 title wins in a row. Their exceptional attendance to games maintains their position as the country's most favourite team to win the league year in and year out. Gabi Jesus has managed to only lose one key player from the first 11 team as a release clause of $600,000 was triggered by Mexican side Queretaro for Portilla. Which allows to keep continuity in the squad and also allows for strengthening of the fundaments. The strong board ambitions have been matched by the transfer budget as the club went from only having $200,000 to $2,100,000 in the war chest which meant that Gabi Jesus has something to work with.

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2026 Culmination With great enthusiasm the Cortulua board announce that Gabi Jesus has penned down a two year extension which was achieved due to sublime managerial performances on the field. The second phase ended with only 3 league defeats which is phenomenal and put the team 2nd in the table and in a prime position to play in the league knockout rounds. And in the knockout rounds... Cortulua got the much easier group but it wasn't easy at all ! Gabi Jesus was saved by a 91st min goal from Leones FC which held Atletico to a 1-1 draw in the last game and guaranteed Cortulua a first place finish. League Final !

Gabi's Corner - Sitting down with the manager Sitting down for a quick chat with Gabi Jesus as the young manager now only has a couple of month left on his contract which expires on the 31st of Dec 2026 and it increasingly seems like he has to prove himself in the season that remains in 2026. Will you look to extend beyond 2026 if offered the opportunity? "Yes, however a deal that works for both parties will need to be reached. As of this moment in time I am still waiting for discussions regarding a contract" Describe your relationship with the board. We understand that the board have over ruled you in some outgoings ? "My relationship is strong with the management at the club. That is true that the director chose to sell players due to lucrative offers but I understand that and this is the nature of trying to establish this club. We have managed to go from -$700,000 in debt to $7 million in profit tell me who else achieved that?" Are contract talks delayed because of your performance so far ? "I was told that reaching top half in the league is the goal which we exceeded by playing in the playoffs for the league title and finished 2nd ! The performance in Copa libertadores and Sudamericanca leave a lot to be desired for sure but we can't compete on all fronts with 2 games a week all throughout May with the current squad depth. There's no excuses for the elimination in the first round of the Colombian cup I was upset as much as the fans." Rumours surround that you left to have an interview with a club in Brazil's top flight, can you confirm? "Woah you have great contacts ! Yes I was approached and decided to keep that quiet and will remain to keep it quiet." What club in Brazil ? "No comment" Aim for the remainder of 2026 ? "Win the league playoff's, the squad is strong and everyone is pulling together" Lastly a message to the fans ? "Please fill up that stadium, we need more support during this pivotal time so let's make history here together"

Another sale of a young talent who won't return on loan which means a young talent Yesid has to step up to the first team squad.

Another young talent leaves the club who only recently begun to feature in the first team. Offer comes in at the time of European transfer deadline day. \ A quick look at the development centre to see who the up coming talents might be that can replace the players leaving. No players seem like they can step in immediately but slowly and surely they will need to gain some playing time however it may adversely impact Cortulua's push for the title.

League Second Phase - Europe's knocking Europe is indeed knocking at the door of Cortulua however it is not to secure the services of their manger but instead the highly talented prospects who seem to be in abundance at the club. With Cediel already sold and loaned back for $1.4 million now another talented forward has been poached for a record club fee of $1.8 million. Vahos leaves the club at the end of the transfer window as a loan back agreement has been negotiated by the director of football as it was his decision to over rule Gabi Jesus as the amount of money was simply irresistible. Gabi has been reported trying to convince the director to ask for close to 4 million for Vahos. League performance Gabi Jesus has no distractions in the second phase of the league season due to being knocked out of every cup. The start to the league has been brilliant which has put the team 4th with just 3 points off top spot.

Fixture congestion - the demise of small clubs It's no secret that bigger clubs benefit from the 5 sub rule and periods where you have 2 games in a week for consecutive week's requires a deep squad with quality players that can rotate in. Gabi Jesus certainly has a talented first 11 however when it comes to replacing fatigued players it does leave a lot to be desired. As a result Cortulua end their international campaign 2nd in the group with 8 points and a whopping 7 points behind Colon. Certainly a very difficult group to escape especially since Aucas had been defeated by Cortulua twice last season in the same competition and now actually didn't let Cortulua win so easily. Out of the Copa Sudamericana, out of the Colombian cup and finishing 2nd in the group stages to play in the First phase league title, Gabi has experienced a decent amount of failure in May which according to reports has put his managerial position into question as he was the favourite to be sacked next.

First Phase ends - Playoffs baby ! For the first time Gabi will be able to compete in Colombia's post season competition where 2nd to 5th play each other home and away which will finalise in playing Atletico National in the final. The fixtures will add more pressure to the Copa Sudamericana group stage push, the very thin squad will need to be rotated with one competition being prioritised over the other.

Futebol Incrível Cagey start has led to a bit of worry creeping into the establishment and senior offices as many players were leaving and the finances weren't there to replace those players. However, the young academy products are proving their weight in gold which has led to two spectacular months for Cortulua. With two games left Atletico Nacional have secured another championship final which they will play against whoever wins the playoffs. Cortulua have a chance to secure a very high position which would be the highest since 2023 and allows us to compete for a final spot to win the league title. Copa libertadores elimination has resulted in Gabi's team going into Copa Sudamericana group stages and being seeded with some very tough teams. Cesar Vallejo a team that eliminated Cortulua in the last 16 in the same competition, Colon a very famous Argentinian team which is well established in the top 10 of the Argentinian Premier division. Gabi's young gem is from colon's academy however a sports hernia injury eliminated the young man from the first leg game.

Argentinian Prince - Gabi Jesus discovers a diamond With a lot of players leaving Gabi Jesus had only his scouts recommendations to depend on regarding advice on who to bring in. However, world renowned Argentinian league which produces continuous talents, a young 18 year old free agent caught Gabi's eye. Emiliano Ferragut - Only a single first team appearance for Colon over a 3 year period, the young Argentinian has not been granted any opportunities. There is a good reason for that as Colon struggled in the Premier Division therefore veterans were entrusted more than young ambitious academy products. Now at the age of 18 Ferragut finds himself with 6 League appearances for Cortulua where he was named a first team starter in 4 of those. The young Argentinian now has 4 goals and 1 assist in his limited time where he features as a Pressing Forward as well as a Left Winger however his goals are deriving from the Striker position. Now it remains very early as a Cortulua fan to start hyping up a young Argentinian with a $1.1 mill release clause, there is certainly promise there and Gabi seems to be getting the best out of this young player. His physicality leaves a lot to demand for as he's only 162cm tall which is 7cm shorter than the Argentinian legend himself whom retired at the age of 37 whilst with PSG. The physicality may deter a big European club from knocking but if Emiliano continues developing in 2026... don't tell me I didn't warn you that Gabi found a free diamond.

Mass Exodus - Toughest challenge yet? With a lot of young talented prospects at Cortulua Gabi Jesus has been facing loads of interest in his players. Villalobos one of the defensive pillars which Gabi was reliant on is now leaving for a $1mill release clause. Cediel by far the most exciting prospect/star player of the team who hit the ground running by scoring 4 goals in the first 3 games of the season has been snapped up by Atalanta paying his release clause. Atalanta then offered to loan him bak to Gabi's team which is a very nice boost to the team as it ensures there isn't a clear drop off in quality. Team performance The league performance has been superb which actually resulted in 2 players being snapped up. The Copa Libertadores performance ended with a heartbreak by losing to a fellow Colombian side who spanked and embarrassed Gabi in his first outing as the famous cup. Some Significant money has been made by Cortulua due to sales and Copa Libertadores performance which as mentioned before will be key in establishing the clubs future whom at one point were almost a million in debt. The Finances Copa libertadores; Second Qualifying round generated $434,000 whilst the Third Qualifying round generated $521,000 Almost $4,000,000 in the green is incredible. Currently significantly under the wage budget limit. Now it's up to the teams performance to keep the gate receipts up and attract more and more fans and get TV coverage. If there is one manager that has secured a teams future, it is Gabi who has put it on his résumé by taking Cobresal to new heights.

2026 Cortulua To balance the books Kenner Valencia, star player for the team (hasn't played like it) is sold to Hoffenheim for a deal reaching almost $1.2mill which automatically lifts the club out of debt. Furthermore the wage bill gets a significant restructure as 2025 salary was 34k p/w whilst 2026 salary at the start of Jan is just under 6k p/w. Subject to change as Gabi Jesus will be looking at free agents to come in. Season's expectations - Almost mission impossible to reach Copa Libertadores However, due to finishing 2nd in the Colombian Cup Cortulua will be playing in the qualifying rounds of Copa Libertadores which is MASSIVE for the club. The winners of the cup won the league as a result we get to play in the famous cup. The Squad Obviously significant upgrades couldn't be made due to Cortulua's financial situation but 2026 will be extremely important as it could really propel the club into a strong financial position if the opportunity present in Copa Libertadores is seized. Last year's last 16 elimination from Copa Sudamericana generated half a million $$$ and Copa Libertadores is much more lucrative. The additions to the squad are 5 players as 7 players left, the notable additions are Portilla who will come in to solidify the middle of the pitch which is crucial to any team managed by Gabi who always likes a strong spine. Ferragut someone which I hope will develop into a star in this team. Player's that stayed and will be IMPORTANT

Ending 2025 - Rough Sea ahead ? I'm sure you've all been waiting to find out the result of the Colombian Cup final. Cortulua play in red and green therefore that is not Gabi's team lifting the cup despite going 1-0 up, League Champions simply outclassed us at their home ground. I guess Gabi Jesus has managed to reach expectations and reach a top half finish with the team. The club is currently $700,000 in debt and over the wage budget therefore the season ahead in 2026 will prove to be very challenging as some key players will be leaving.

David vs Goliath League Performance The results are there however the quality isn't therefore Cortulua find themselves in the middle of the pack with some chances of still going up higher. However a more consistent form will be required if they want to push for international competition again. 3 points away from 5th place, a few wins and Cortulua could really be in the elite mix. Colombian Cup Now this is where it get's very interesting and could explain the lack of consistency in the league performance. The quarter finals were comfortable as Tolima's form had been slipping and are now a team below us in the league. Semi Final Here we were drawn against Junior who won the league last year in the first phase and currently sit 4th in the league so clearly a much stronger and more favoured opponent. In the first leg we lacked any real chance to score but the 2nd leg... I have no idea what happened. They didn't rotate their team, it was their strongest side. Cortulua's back up striker scored 5 goals in that game. Final Atletico currently sit 3rd in the league. In the first leg centre back Delgado made a massive mistake and passed the ball straight to one of their forwards which must be the best part of FM. Gabi Jesus was absolutely livid in conceding a goal like that especially since Delgado is one of the star players in the team and just signed a long term deal. Valencia managed to get it back to 1-1 and give Cortulua a chance in the away leg. Gabi Jesus might be adding to his trophy cabinet which already features the league title for the second Chilean division. All eyes now on the away leg...