Chokopop
Self-diagnosed FM addict
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2011
- Messages
- 4,120
- Reaction score
- 44
- Points
- 48
Intro:
So here I was sitting in my house, in Madrid with my beautiful wife, the daughter of Atletico Madrid President, Enrique Cerezo, and our two children. It was a fine summer morning, when the phone rang and Cerezo was on the other line. Naturally, I assumed it was because of our appointment for lunch, as we had every Tuesday. And so it was.
We met around 11am, sat down, ordered something to drink, when he suddenly told me that he wanted me to replace Atletico Madrid manager Gregorio Manzano, who had undergone major heart surgery in the summer, and was unable to continue his job at the club, for the time being.
I was shocked to say the least. I stared at him for 5 minutes at least. He assured me, that I'd have the full backing of the board, staff and players alike.
It took me 5 more minutes before I could actually say anything. I asked him to excuse me, while I was going to the bathroom to splash some water on my face. After 10-15 minutes I returned, and after some thinking I accepted. He was delighted to say the least.
We finished our lunch, and took of to Vicente Calderon, the clubs stadium, where I signed the contract. I had been given a 2 year deal with a weekly wage of £15.000.
The job:
I was introduced by Cerezo himself. The players didn't look to happy about having a former SønderjyskE u10's coach at the helm. Honestly, I was nervous as ****. It's been about 6-7 years since I was the coach for the younglings, and I had no experience what so ever with managing a professional football club. Especially no one as big as Atletico Madrid.
So, Cerezo took me to my office. It was an honor to see "Andreas Dähnert" on the door. Honestly, I thought I was still dreaming. I've been a football fan all my life, been playing for SønderjyskE's youth team back in my childhood, but three years, and two broken legs later I had to give up my dream. This was the next best thing.
So the job begins. After I had been given a tour of the stadium, the training ground, and my office I was ready to begin my job. My assistant manager, Juan Vizcaino assured me that he'd do everything in his power to help me. 25 years old and manager for At. Madrid. I thought he'd be angry, since he was older and a lot more experienced. He didn't seem bitter at all though.
Anyway, I put the team in training, and decided I'd have a look at my finances. £4m and a wage budget of £933k wasn't enough. So I decided, I'd take the chance and ask for a bit more money. And I got it. £8.2m and a wage budget of £1m should be enough.
I decided to take a look at some players, starting with my favorite club Liverpool, who already had been spending big in the summer.
I'm looking at a few players so far but nothing is conclusive yet.
Press Conference:
The press conference began. President Cerezo, myself and Assistant Manager Juan Vizcaino was present.
Q: You sit here as the new manager of At. Madrid. Is this your dream job?
A: I am absolutely delighted to be hired. It's really a dream come true
Q: You arrive here at the club as a replacement to Gregorio Manzano, who was unable to bring success to the club. Do you feel you are the right person to take At. Madrid to the next level?
A: I really hope so. This club deserves success and everything is in place for that to happen.
Q: The facilities at the club are fantastic, are you excited about the opportunity to work in such and environment?
A: The facilities are great, but good old-fashioned hard work is equally important
Q: Do you already have an idea of which players you like and those you are not so happy with?
A: Everyone will get a chance to show what they can do.
Q: How involved are you going to be in the day-to-day running of the club?
A: I like to be involved as much as time allows me to.
Q: While some managers are famous for their hands on approach, others maintain a more reserved manner with their players. How do you see your management style?
A: I want every player to know, that they can come to me with anything
Q: What can we expect in the transfer market? Are you looking to splash the cash, or are you more of a bargan hunter?
A: I wouldn't say I have a preference. I work on a deal-by-deal basis.
Q: As far as your backroom staff go, will you be bringing in your own people, or will the likes of Juan Vizcaino and Ruben Baraja stay at the club?
A: The backroom staff here are part of a fantastic setup. It would be foolish to disrupt that.
Q: What would you say is your tactical approach to the game?
A: I like attractive football, and that is what I will be encouraging.
Q: On the off-chance that any agents read your comments today, is there any particular area in your squad which you are looking to strengthen?
A: Defence
Q: You have taken charge when it is widely expected that Felipe will leave the club. Can you hold on to him? Do you want to?
A: Ideally, I would like to keep Felipe around, but I know that may not be possible.
Q: Recent reports have linked you with a move for Villarreal defensive midfielder Bruno. Are you prepared to go on record with your thoughts on this story?
A: It is unlikely that we will make a move for him at this time.
Q: It is often said that different managers favour different competitions. Will you be concentrating primarily on the Liga BBVA?
A: I have no feeling either way.
So, the press conference seems to have went well, and the first two days on my new job are about to be over. Two very hectic days.
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