###Author's Note
Here comes a new story by me. If there are any unwanted coincidences or any grammatical mistakes in this story, I am sorry.
My name is Slobodan Imranović. I was born in Solna Municipality, Stockholm, Sweden on October 19th, 1973. My father was a student from Yugoslavia. He was born in Kragujevać, Yugoslavia, (now Serbia). My mother was Swedish. I chose to be the citizen of Sweden, my birth land.
I love football. I’m a fan of AIK Solna since I was a kid. I was a professional footballer. I played in various countries, such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark before I decided to retire four years ago. But, I never played for AIK. I've gained my UEFA Coaching Badge last year.
I was walking around in Stockholm with my wife when somebody phoned me. I didn’t recognize the number and the country code isn’t familiar for me.
Me: “Hello”
Someone on the phone: “Hello, is this Mr. Imranović?”
Me: “Yes, who is this?”
Someone on the phone: “I am Seppo Koskinen, chairman of Valkeakosken Haka FC.”
Me: “Haka?”
Someone on the phone: “Yes, Haka. You should’ve known about it right?”
Me: “Well, of course Mr. Koskinen. By the way, what bring you to phone me?”
Someone on the phone: “I want you to come to Valkeakoski tomorrow.”
Me: “Tomorrow? What for?”
Someone on the phone: “We want you to be the manager of Haka. Please come to Valkeakoski tomorrow to talk about this.”
I’m silenced for a while. My dream to be a manager comes true…
Someone on the phone: “Mr. Imranović?”
Me: “Oh, yes. I’ll come to… uh… Valka…”
Someone on the phone: “Valkeakoski.”
Me: “Oh, ya… that’s what I mean. I’ll come to Valkeakoski tomorrow.”
Someone on the phone: “Good. I’m looking forward to meet you, Mr. Imranović”
I will manage Haka soon. But, I’ve never been to Finland before. I can’t speak Finnish.
I talked to my wife until night about this, and she suggested me to go for it.
---------- Post added at 05:40 PM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 09:53 AM ----------
February 20th, 2010
I arrived in Helsinki-Malmi Airport at 9 a.m., and travelled 93 miles to Valkeakoski. I arrived in Tehtaan kenttä, the homeground of Valkeakosken Haka FC. Mr. Koskinen and the town manager Mr. Markku Auvinen welcome me. They brought me walk around the stadium. Then, Mr. Koskinen brought me to the board room of Haka FC.
We were dealing about contract until 13 a.m. and then Mr. Koskinen said that I will be introduced to people on February 25th, and I must be in Valkeakoski one day before that to start managing the club.
That means I have 3 days to talk with my wife, and move to Valkeakoski.
After the deal, I express my relief with rising up my hand, and bring it to my face.
Mr. Koskinen: “Mr. Imranović, are you a moslem?”
Me: “Yes, I am. How do you know about that?”
Mr. Koskinen: “The way you pray just now. Oh, you might need this phone number.”
He hands over a name card to me.
Me: “Suomen… Islam-seura…kunta?”
Mr. Koskinen: “That’s Finnish Islam Organisation.”
Me: “Oh, thanks sir. I’ll certainly need this.”
After that, he suggested an apartment around the stadium for me to live in.
I went there, and rent one room to live in.
Before Mr. Koskinen leaves, he told me that there’s a street downtown named “Valtakatu”. If I need something, just get there.
February 21st, 2010
I arrived in Solna at 1 p.m. My wife has been waiting for me inside the house. She asked about how was the deal. I told her, everything was fine, and everything goes well. What I need is her presence around me.
She shed her tears and hugged me with love. After that, she asked, “But what about our children? We can’t just leave them here.”
That’s a problem. The oldest one, Harun is still 12 this years old, and I can’t just leave them.
“So?” I asked her.
“I’ll stay here, honey. Taking care of our children. At least, until Harun graduated from the high school.” she said.
“Well, sweetheart. If that’s your choice, I’ll respect that. Insha Allah, I’ll be home if I have time.” I said.
February 23rd, 2010
I kissed Kareena before I go to Stockholm-Arlanda Airport. I’m going to miss her a lot.
As soon as I arrived at my apartment, I pray to God for my success in managing Haka. Then, I walk around in Valtakatu.
Sigh, Suomi is a little bit hard for me. Maybe, it’s because Suomi isn’t a Scandinavian language. Wikipedia said that it’s a kind of Uralic language.
I phone the Suomen Islam-seurakunta and asked about the masjids (mosques) in Valkeakoski.
They said, there are no masjids in Valkeakoski. But there are 7 masjids in Helsinki, 2 in Espoo, Järvenpää, Lappeenranta, and Turku, 1 in Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kotka, Kajaani, Kuoplo, Lahti, Oulu, Tampere, Pori, Porvoo, and Vaasa.
I asked for the nearest one from Valkeakoski. They said it’s in Tampere, 22 miles north of Valkeakoski.
I need to go to Tampere every Friday for Jum’ah Prayer.
February 24, 2010
I came to Tehtaan kenttä early, and I met the players in the dressing room. It was cold and snowed hard outside. I asked who can speak Swedish in the squad, and Sebastian Strandvall raised his hand. I asked him to be my translator here, because I can’t speak Finnish.
I told the squad, I want them to fight hard this season. I told them to fight for the fans, for the club, and for the people in the city.
As the team was training, the current assistant manager came to me and gave his reports of the players. He didn’t write his reports well, in my opinion.
That day, I offered mutual termination of contract to the backroom staffs that I judged not good enough, including the assistant manager.
February 25th, 2010
This is the first day I meet the media as Haka FC’s manager. A bit nervous though, but I hope my answers were satisfying.
I also wanted to see how well this squad play with 4-4-2. As proposed by the assistant manager the day before, Haka will play with Koskenpojat a.k.a Haka-B. I was really shocked to see the squad lose 0-1 to the reserve. But, I have another strategy for this team.
Well, it’s hard to manage without assistant. So, I search a Swedish assistant manager to help me here.
I appointed Gary Sundgren to be my assistant here. Thanks God, he can speak both Swedish and Finnish. Sundgren was Swedish international. He played 41 times and scored one goal for the national team. On his career, he played for AIK Solna from 1988 to 1996 before moved to Real Zaragoza, and back to AIK again on 2002 to end his career there.
---------- Post added at 10:13 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 05:40 PM ----------
April 10th 2010
Today is the end of pre-season campaign. Veikkausliiga Liigacup a.k.a. Finnish Premier Division League Cup also held in the pre-seasons. Between the matches, there were also some friendlies.
Now, let’s see Haka’s Veikkausliiga Liigacup 2010 campaign.
The liigacup has already been started at the time I manage the team. Haka has played 4 matches. 2 wins and 2 lose. So, I need to win on the rest two games to ensure Haka’s place on the quarter final.
VEIKKAUSLIIGA LIIGACUP REVIEW
GROUP PHASE
This game pretty easy though. We get three points in front of KuPS’ supporters.
Another easy win, this time in front of our own supporters at Tehtaan kenttä.
We won the Liigacup Group A! Prepare for the QF.
LIIGACUP QUARTERFINAL
We met though opponent in the quarterfinal. Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi a.k.a. HJK Helsinki. To make it worse, we played in front of their supporters!
We were 2-0 down until the first half, until Mäkitalo downed by a trip from Medo. Strandvall took the penalty, and I jumped highly and pray that this goal can raise the players’ morale.
I changed the tactic become more attacking, and it works. Minute 63’, Valeri Minkenen gave a brilliant pass to Mikko Innanen. Innanen dribble it to the final third, and GOAL!!!!!!
I was ecstatic! Fantastic comeback!
90 minutes ended, and it was time for penalties.
I was shocked when Antti Hynynen missed his penalty. But, I was really relieved to see their 5th kicker; Jukka Sauso missed his penalty too. Medo, he made a mistake again. He missed his penalty, and Valeri Minkenen my last kicker did his job well.
Haka advance to the Semifinal
LIIGACUP SEMIFINAL
We met Jyväskylän Jalkapalloklubi a.k.a. JJK in the semifinal.
Again, we were down 2-0! But this time, only until 33rd minute. A double from Mikko Innanen at 33’, and 43’ made the game level. But, they scored just before the half time. Haka 2, JJK 3 in the first half.
I told the players at the first half break, they need to work harder, I want to see more from them.
We played spartan in the second half. Antti Hynynen leveled the things up at 66th minute. A pass from Sami Ristilä finished nicely by him.
I was preparing for penalties again when the captain Jani Kauppila red carded. But, no need for penalties, though. Innanen’s pass to empty space in front of goal finished by Mika Mäkitalo at 84th minute.
Haka advanced to the Final!!!
LIIGACUP FINAL
Alright, this is the final.
Before the match, I told the players,
“We are Haka! We are one of the most successful clubs in Finland! Now, make Valkeakoski proud! Make this town party tonight! Win this cup for our supporters!!!”
The first 15 minutes, we played not very good. Jari Litmanen scored for Lahti, and I was shocked to see that goal!
Their lead didn’t get too far, though. 17 minutes after that, Sebastian Strandvall scored. From a good counter-attack, a cross by Pietari Holopainen met the foot of unmarked Strandvall and he buried it away!
The score still 1-1 until 90 minutes. So, it was penalties again.
We kicked first, and our first kicker done his job nicely.
All the five first kickers scored, so now if somebody misses, he will be blamed.
Valeri Minkenen’s penalty missed the target! He kicked it wide!!! If Lahti’s kicker scored, they’ll lift the trophy.
I was really nervous. I prayed to God to give strength to Janne Korhonen, our goalkeeper, to save the penalty.
Heikki Haara step up for his penalty. I closed my eyes. I can’t see the winning penalty. I could hear the whistle from the ref, and moments later the stadium cheers!!!
What’s happening???
I opened my eyes to see Korhonen raise his hands and cheer in front of the goal. He saved the penalty.
9th penalty, Petri Viljanen did his job well. And now, with much hope to Korhonen, I stand to see Jussi Länsitalo step up for his penalty.
AND LÄNSITALO MISSED HIS PENALTY!!!
VALKEAKOSKEN HAKA FC WON THE VEIKKAULIIGA LIIGACUP 2010!!!
I fell to the ground, prostrate to God. Thanked Him to what He gave to me tonight.
I’ve won my first silverware for Haka!!! I hope this form continues in the league.
Here are the whole pre-season results:
---------- Post added at 11:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:13 AM ----------
April 11th, 2010
“Kiitos, herra Slobodan Imranović!”
That’s the word I saw on the Tehtaan kenttä’s gate. I imagine about what does it mean, but I think it means thank you. Strandvall whispered to me, “That means ‘thank you, Mr. Slobodan Imranović!’”. He noticed me looking at that sentence for long time.
Haka never won any silverware since they won the Suomen Cup on 2005. 5 years without silverware for such a successful team is a misery.
I nearly forgot about my wife in Solna. I call her soon to inform this.
Me: “Salaam alaykum, sweetheart.”
Kareena: “Alaikum salaam. Honey, is that you?”
Me: “Yes, it’s me sweetie.”
Kareena: “How are you, honey? I miss you…”
Me: “Miss you too, sweetheart. I’m more than happy today! Guess what, Haka won Finnish League Cup! We won the match on a nerve-racking penalty shootout!”
Kareena: “Wow, that’s great honey. Alhamdulillaah………..”
Me: “Kareena? Sweetie? Hello?? Kareena???”
The call was terminated. Don’t know what happened. I was scared that something terrible happened to my wife.
I tried to call her again, but then I realized that the remaining pre-paid credit was insufficient to make a phone call. Sigh, international call is expensive!!!
Here comes a new story by me. If there are any unwanted coincidences or any grammatical mistakes in this story, I am sorry.
My name is Slobodan Imranović. I was born in Solna Municipality, Stockholm, Sweden on October 19th, 1973. My father was a student from Yugoslavia. He was born in Kragujevać, Yugoslavia, (now Serbia). My mother was Swedish. I chose to be the citizen of Sweden, my birth land.
I love football. I’m a fan of AIK Solna since I was a kid. I was a professional footballer. I played in various countries, such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark before I decided to retire four years ago. But, I never played for AIK. I've gained my UEFA Coaching Badge last year.
I was walking around in Stockholm with my wife when somebody phoned me. I didn’t recognize the number and the country code isn’t familiar for me.
Me: “Hello”
Someone on the phone: “Hello, is this Mr. Imranović?”
Me: “Yes, who is this?”
Someone on the phone: “I am Seppo Koskinen, chairman of Valkeakosken Haka FC.”
Me: “Haka?”
Someone on the phone: “Yes, Haka. You should’ve known about it right?”
Me: “Well, of course Mr. Koskinen. By the way, what bring you to phone me?”
Someone on the phone: “I want you to come to Valkeakoski tomorrow.”
Me: “Tomorrow? What for?”
Someone on the phone: “We want you to be the manager of Haka. Please come to Valkeakoski tomorrow to talk about this.”
I’m silenced for a while. My dream to be a manager comes true…
Someone on the phone: “Mr. Imranović?”
Me: “Oh, yes. I’ll come to… uh… Valka…”
Someone on the phone: “Valkeakoski.”
Me: “Oh, ya… that’s what I mean. I’ll come to Valkeakoski tomorrow.”
Someone on the phone: “Good. I’m looking forward to meet you, Mr. Imranović”
I will manage Haka soon. But, I’ve never been to Finland before. I can’t speak Finnish.
I talked to my wife until night about this, and she suggested me to go for it.
---------- Post added at 05:40 PM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 09:53 AM ----------
February 20th, 2010
I arrived in Helsinki-Malmi Airport at 9 a.m., and travelled 93 miles to Valkeakoski. I arrived in Tehtaan kenttä, the homeground of Valkeakosken Haka FC. Mr. Koskinen and the town manager Mr. Markku Auvinen welcome me. They brought me walk around the stadium. Then, Mr. Koskinen brought me to the board room of Haka FC.
We were dealing about contract until 13 a.m. and then Mr. Koskinen said that I will be introduced to people on February 25th, and I must be in Valkeakoski one day before that to start managing the club.
That means I have 3 days to talk with my wife, and move to Valkeakoski.
After the deal, I express my relief with rising up my hand, and bring it to my face.
Mr. Koskinen: “Mr. Imranović, are you a moslem?”
Me: “Yes, I am. How do you know about that?”
Mr. Koskinen: “The way you pray just now. Oh, you might need this phone number.”
He hands over a name card to me.
Me: “Suomen… Islam-seura…kunta?”
Mr. Koskinen: “That’s Finnish Islam Organisation.”
Me: “Oh, thanks sir. I’ll certainly need this.”
After that, he suggested an apartment around the stadium for me to live in.
I went there, and rent one room to live in.
Before Mr. Koskinen leaves, he told me that there’s a street downtown named “Valtakatu”. If I need something, just get there.
February 21st, 2010
I arrived in Solna at 1 p.m. My wife has been waiting for me inside the house. She asked about how was the deal. I told her, everything was fine, and everything goes well. What I need is her presence around me.
She shed her tears and hugged me with love. After that, she asked, “But what about our children? We can’t just leave them here.”
That’s a problem. The oldest one, Harun is still 12 this years old, and I can’t just leave them.
“So?” I asked her.
“I’ll stay here, honey. Taking care of our children. At least, until Harun graduated from the high school.” she said.
“Well, sweetheart. If that’s your choice, I’ll respect that. Insha Allah, I’ll be home if I have time.” I said.
February 23rd, 2010
I kissed Kareena before I go to Stockholm-Arlanda Airport. I’m going to miss her a lot.
As soon as I arrived at my apartment, I pray to God for my success in managing Haka. Then, I walk around in Valtakatu.
Sigh, Suomi is a little bit hard for me. Maybe, it’s because Suomi isn’t a Scandinavian language. Wikipedia said that it’s a kind of Uralic language.
I phone the Suomen Islam-seurakunta and asked about the masjids (mosques) in Valkeakoski.
They said, there are no masjids in Valkeakoski. But there are 7 masjids in Helsinki, 2 in Espoo, Järvenpää, Lappeenranta, and Turku, 1 in Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kotka, Kajaani, Kuoplo, Lahti, Oulu, Tampere, Pori, Porvoo, and Vaasa.
I asked for the nearest one from Valkeakoski. They said it’s in Tampere, 22 miles north of Valkeakoski.
I need to go to Tampere every Friday for Jum’ah Prayer.
February 24, 2010
I came to Tehtaan kenttä early, and I met the players in the dressing room. It was cold and snowed hard outside. I asked who can speak Swedish in the squad, and Sebastian Strandvall raised his hand. I asked him to be my translator here, because I can’t speak Finnish.
I told the squad, I want them to fight hard this season. I told them to fight for the fans, for the club, and for the people in the city.
As the team was training, the current assistant manager came to me and gave his reports of the players. He didn’t write his reports well, in my opinion.
That day, I offered mutual termination of contract to the backroom staffs that I judged not good enough, including the assistant manager.
February 25th, 2010
This is the first day I meet the media as Haka FC’s manager. A bit nervous though, but I hope my answers were satisfying.
I also wanted to see how well this squad play with 4-4-2. As proposed by the assistant manager the day before, Haka will play with Koskenpojat a.k.a Haka-B. I was really shocked to see the squad lose 0-1 to the reserve. But, I have another strategy for this team.
Well, it’s hard to manage without assistant. So, I search a Swedish assistant manager to help me here.
I appointed Gary Sundgren to be my assistant here. Thanks God, he can speak both Swedish and Finnish. Sundgren was Swedish international. He played 41 times and scored one goal for the national team. On his career, he played for AIK Solna from 1988 to 1996 before moved to Real Zaragoza, and back to AIK again on 2002 to end his career there.
---------- Post added at 10:13 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 05:40 PM ----------
April 10th 2010
Today is the end of pre-season campaign. Veikkausliiga Liigacup a.k.a. Finnish Premier Division League Cup also held in the pre-seasons. Between the matches, there were also some friendlies.
Now, let’s see Haka’s Veikkausliiga Liigacup 2010 campaign.
The liigacup has already been started at the time I manage the team. Haka has played 4 matches. 2 wins and 2 lose. So, I need to win on the rest two games to ensure Haka’s place on the quarter final.
VEIKKAUSLIIGA LIIGACUP REVIEW
GROUP PHASE
This game pretty easy though. We get three points in front of KuPS’ supporters.
Another easy win, this time in front of our own supporters at Tehtaan kenttä.
We won the Liigacup Group A! Prepare for the QF.
LIIGACUP QUARTERFINAL
We met though opponent in the quarterfinal. Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi a.k.a. HJK Helsinki. To make it worse, we played in front of their supporters!
We were 2-0 down until the first half, until Mäkitalo downed by a trip from Medo. Strandvall took the penalty, and I jumped highly and pray that this goal can raise the players’ morale.
I changed the tactic become more attacking, and it works. Minute 63’, Valeri Minkenen gave a brilliant pass to Mikko Innanen. Innanen dribble it to the final third, and GOAL!!!!!!
I was ecstatic! Fantastic comeback!
90 minutes ended, and it was time for penalties.
I was shocked when Antti Hynynen missed his penalty. But, I was really relieved to see their 5th kicker; Jukka Sauso missed his penalty too. Medo, he made a mistake again. He missed his penalty, and Valeri Minkenen my last kicker did his job well.
Haka advance to the Semifinal
LIIGACUP SEMIFINAL
We met Jyväskylän Jalkapalloklubi a.k.a. JJK in the semifinal.
Again, we were down 2-0! But this time, only until 33rd minute. A double from Mikko Innanen at 33’, and 43’ made the game level. But, they scored just before the half time. Haka 2, JJK 3 in the first half.
I told the players at the first half break, they need to work harder, I want to see more from them.
We played spartan in the second half. Antti Hynynen leveled the things up at 66th minute. A pass from Sami Ristilä finished nicely by him.
I was preparing for penalties again when the captain Jani Kauppila red carded. But, no need for penalties, though. Innanen’s pass to empty space in front of goal finished by Mika Mäkitalo at 84th minute.
Haka advanced to the Final!!!
LIIGACUP FINAL
Alright, this is the final.
Before the match, I told the players,
“We are Haka! We are one of the most successful clubs in Finland! Now, make Valkeakoski proud! Make this town party tonight! Win this cup for our supporters!!!”
The first 15 minutes, we played not very good. Jari Litmanen scored for Lahti, and I was shocked to see that goal!
Their lead didn’t get too far, though. 17 minutes after that, Sebastian Strandvall scored. From a good counter-attack, a cross by Pietari Holopainen met the foot of unmarked Strandvall and he buried it away!
The score still 1-1 until 90 minutes. So, it was penalties again.
We kicked first, and our first kicker done his job nicely.
All the five first kickers scored, so now if somebody misses, he will be blamed.
Valeri Minkenen’s penalty missed the target! He kicked it wide!!! If Lahti’s kicker scored, they’ll lift the trophy.
I was really nervous. I prayed to God to give strength to Janne Korhonen, our goalkeeper, to save the penalty.
Heikki Haara step up for his penalty. I closed my eyes. I can’t see the winning penalty. I could hear the whistle from the ref, and moments later the stadium cheers!!!
What’s happening???
I opened my eyes to see Korhonen raise his hands and cheer in front of the goal. He saved the penalty.
9th penalty, Petri Viljanen did his job well. And now, with much hope to Korhonen, I stand to see Jussi Länsitalo step up for his penalty.
AND LÄNSITALO MISSED HIS PENALTY!!!
VALKEAKOSKEN HAKA FC WON THE VEIKKAULIIGA LIIGACUP 2010!!!
I fell to the ground, prostrate to God. Thanked Him to what He gave to me tonight.
I’ve won my first silverware for Haka!!! I hope this form continues in the league.
Here are the whole pre-season results:
---------- Post added at 11:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:13 AM ----------
April 11th, 2010
“Kiitos, herra Slobodan Imranović!”
That’s the word I saw on the Tehtaan kenttä’s gate. I imagine about what does it mean, but I think it means thank you. Strandvall whispered to me, “That means ‘thank you, Mr. Slobodan Imranović!’”. He noticed me looking at that sentence for long time.
Haka never won any silverware since they won the Suomen Cup on 2005. 5 years without silverware for such a successful team is a misery.
I nearly forgot about my wife in Solna. I call her soon to inform this.
Me: “Salaam alaykum, sweetheart.”
Kareena: “Alaikum salaam. Honey, is that you?”
Me: “Yes, it’s me sweetie.”
Kareena: “How are you, honey? I miss you…”
Me: “Miss you too, sweetheart. I’m more than happy today! Guess what, Haka won Finnish League Cup! We won the match on a nerve-racking penalty shootout!”
Kareena: “Wow, that’s great honey. Alhamdulillaah………..”
Me: “Kareena? Sweetie? Hello?? Kareena???”
The call was terminated. Don’t know what happened. I was scared that something terrible happened to my wife.
I tried to call her again, but then I realized that the remaining pre-paid credit was insufficient to make a phone call. Sigh, international call is expensive!!!
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