Eagles & Seagulls – Brighton and Serbia on a Historic Mission!

[HerJoca]

Introduction to the FM 24 Journey​

This was supposed to be a short save. An experiment, a few seasons, and that’s it. But with FM 25 canceled, I decided to turn this save into something much bigger. Brighton in England, Serbia on the world stage. Two challenges, one manager, one mission – domination!

Brighton – From Underdog to Giant
Brighton has gained a reputation in recent years for developing young talent and making smart transfers. My goal is to turn them into a dominant force in the Premier League, a team capable of winning the league title and competing at the top of European football.

Serbia – From Potential to Glory
Serbia has always had talented players, but has never managed to achieve consistent success on the big stage. With this save, I want to build a team that can win the European Championship or even the World Cup and finally bring a major trophy to Belgrade

The Starting Point – What Did I Inherit?​

Before diving into the details of the first season, let’s take a look at the squad I inherited and my initial objectives:

Brighton 2023/24 – Strong Foundations

• The budget was excellent, giving me the ability to strengthen the squad significantly.
• The team already had some outstanding young talents like Evan Ferguson, Kaoru Mitoma, Facundo Buonanotte.
• Even though the squad was solid, my strategy has always been to build through young players. Big names are nice, but real success comes from developing future stars. Brighton already has a good youth system, but I want to turn it into a talent factory, where every big sale funds the next wonderkid.

Serbia – A Promising Generation?

• When I took over, Serbia had a talented squad but lacked consistency.
• Players like Dušan Vlahović, Dušan Tadić, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Filip Kostić were excellent individuals, but the team had no clear tactical identity.
• My first objective was to bring stability to the tactics and ensure we qualify for major tournaments.

The Plan & Structure of Future Posts​

From now on, this save diary will track the progress of both teams through multiple seasons. Each season will be covered in a separate post, featuring:

Transfers – Who came in, who left, and who made the biggest impact?
Tactics – How my style of play evolved over time.
Results – League performances, cup runs, and European campaigns.
Best & Worst Moments – Big wins, shocking defeats, and key matches.
Serbia’s Progress – Can I lead them to international glory?

What’s Next?​

In the next post, I’ll break down the first season – 2023/24! How did we perform? Who were the standout players? And what lessons did I learn from my first year in charge of Brighton and Serbia?

Do you think it’s possible to dominate on two fronts at the same time? How would you manage Brighton and Serbia? Let me know in the comments!

 

[HerJoca]

Season 2023/24 – Brighton’s European Fairytale & a Big Step Forward in England!​

Introduction – A Season Beyond Expectations​

When I took over Brighton, the board had modest expectations – a stable Premier League season and maybe securing European football for the next year. I wasn’t planning drastic changes, just building a foundation for the future.

However, this season turned out to be much bigger than I ever imagined…

Goals for the season:
✔ Finish in the top six and secure European football for next year
✔ Make a serious run in the Europa League – if we’re in it, let’s go as far as possible!
✔ Not focusing too much on the FA Cup and Carabao Cup – rotation and prioritizing key competitions

---

Squad Transformation – Key Transfers​

Brighton already had a good scouting network and a focus on youth development, but I wanted to take it a step further and create a squad that teams would fear, rather than see as a mid-table underdog.

Full List of Transfers (Spent: £103M)

• Nikola Milenković(Fiorentina) – £14.5M
  • Experienced CB who brought defensive stability and leadership.
• Strahinja Pavlović(RB Salzburg) – £25M
  • Physically dominant center-back, great for a high-pressing system.
  • Today, in the 2027/28 season, he is still a key player – but more on that in future posts!
• Amar Dedić(RB Salzburg) – £16.5M
  • Primarily a left-back, but also capable of playing on the right. He and Dorgu rotated on the left flank, while the right-back position remained our weak spot, something to address in the next transfer window.
• Patrick Dorgu(Salento) – £16.5M
  • Talented young left-back, a great long-term investment.
• Roony Bardghji(Copenhagen) – £16.5M
  • A huge prospect on the wing – fast, unpredictable, and dangerous in 1v1 situations.
• Gerard Yepes(Sampdoria) – £4.8M
  • Young central midfielder, signed as a long-term project.
• Karim Konaté(RB Salzburg) – £24.5M
  • Young striker who rotated with Evan Ferguson and showed incredible potential.
• Ansu Fati(Loan from Barcelona)
  • Officially just a loan deal, but he turned out to be our most crucial player in Europe.

Departures (Earned: £137M)

• Kaoru Mitoma → Al-Ittihad (£42.5M) – Huge offer we couldn’t refuse.
• Pervis Estupiñán → PSG (£20.5M) – With Dedić and Dorgu joining, there was no space left for him.
• Igor → Newcastle (£28.5M) – Didn’t fit my long-term vision for the squad.
• Lewis Dunk → Burnley (£16.75M) – A club legend, but it was time for a new defensive era.

Analysis:
The team was now younger, faster, and built for modern football. Pavlović and Milenković became defensive pillars, while Ansu Fati ran the show in attack.
With Dedić and Dorgu covering the left-back spot, our main weakness was now right-back, which we planned to fix in the next transfer window.

---

European Dream – Winning the Europa League!​

Brighton’s first-ever European campaign… and a first European trophy! The goal was just to get through the group stage, but as the competition progressed, we grew stronger.

Group Stage – Brighton Dominates!

• 1st place in the group ahead of Ajax, Toulouse, and Olympiacos
• 5 wins, 1 draw, 18 goals scored!

Knockout Stage – Brighton on a Mission!
Round of 16 – Benfica (7:1 agg.)
Quarter-finals – Roma (5:0 agg.)
Semi-finals – Marseille (6:4 agg.)
FINAL – Brighton 1-0 Liverpool – Ansu Fati scores the winning goal in the 8th minute!

Brighton are Europa League champions!
That also means Champions League football next season!

---

Premier League – A Top 5 Finish!​

Even though the Europa League was the priority, Brighton delivered a fantastic domestic season, finishing 5th in the league!

Premier League – Final Standings (Top 5)
Man City – 86 pts
Tottenham – 81 pts
Liverpool – 81 pts
Man United – 74 pts
Brighton – 74 pts (Champions League qualification!)

Key moments in the league:

• Big wins against Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea proved we can compete with the best.
• Evan Ferguson and João Pedro combined for 30+ goals!
• Only one defeat in the last 10 matches of the season!

---

Players of the Season​

Best Player: Ansu Fati – 14 goals in all competitions, the hero of the Europa League final.
Top Scorer: Evan Ferguson – 18 goals in the Premier League.
Most Assists: Billy Gilmour – 14 assists, controlling the midfield.

---

Conclusion & Plans for Next Season​

Brighton made a historic breakthrough – our first European trophy and Champions League qualification! But can we now establish ourselves among the best?

Plan for the 2024/25 season:
Sign quality reinforcements for the Champions League
Push for a Top 4 finish in the Premier League
Find a solid right-back – the biggest squad weakness

Note: Right now, we are in the 2027/28 season, and Brighton is a completely different team compared to this period. But we are taking the time to tell the full story, season by season – so stay tuned for the next updates!

What do you think – can Brighton surprise in the Champions League next season?

---

Next post: How did the season go with the Serbian national team? Can this generation achieve something big?

 

[HerJoca]

Serbia – Back at the European Championship after 24 years!​

---

Two and a half decades of waiting are over!​

Two and a half decades of waiting. Generations that fell short at the final step. Disappointments, failures, and constant hope. But this time – Serbia has done it!

After 24 years, Serbia is finally back on the biggest European stage! The last time we played at the EURO was in 2000 as FR Yugoslavia. Since then, every qualification cycle was a battle, but we always fell short.

Now that we're here, the big question arises – can we make an impact?

Qualification journey – The road to EURO 2024​

A bad start, but a huge comeback!
The first three matches of the qualifiers were led by Dragan Stojković, but after an opening win against Lithuania (2-1), shocking losses to Montenegro (0-1) and Bulgaria (0-1) followed. The squad's morale was low, and qualification hopes were already fading.

From that moment – only victories!
Once I took over, it was clear that there was no room for mistakes. We relied on key players, made tactical adjustments, and the results started coming in:

• Hungary (H) – 4-1 – Total dominance! Ilić, Milenković, Kostić, and Radonjić on fire.
• Lithuania (H) – 8-0 – Biggest win of the cycle!
• Montenegro (A) – 3-1 – Revenge for the home defeat.
• Bulgaria (H) – 2-0 – Controlled performance and a comfortable win.
• Hungary (A) – 2-2 – Enough to secure first place!

Serbia finishes as GROUP WINNERS!

Final standings:
Serbia – 16 points (qualified)
Hungary – 15 points (qualified)
Bulgaria – 13 points
Montenegro – 11 points
Lithuania – 1 point

Top scorers in qualifiers:
Aleksandar Mitrović – 5 goals
Dušan Vlahović – 4 goals
Filip Kostić – 2 goals + 5 assists

Tactical adjustments – How we turned things around?​

1. Full-backs – The biggest weakness
Serbia had a fantastic center-back duo (Milenković – Pavlović), but our full-back positions were a major issue. Kostić was moved to left-back, while young Nedeljković took the right-back spot, occasionally covered by Živković and Radonjić.

2. The Sergej Milinković-Savić dilemma
After moving to Saudi Arabia, SMS arrived out of shape. I decided to drop him for some matches, which caused controversy, but he later realized that the team comes first. Meanwhile, his role was successfully covered by Ivan Ilić and Nemanja Maksimović.

3. The lack of attacking depth
Mitrović and Vlahović were the key attacking options, but what if one of them got injured? There was no clear third-choice striker, and Tadić in that role wasn’t working.

However, one name has started to emerge – Matija Popović!
Can he be Serbia’s next big striker? Will he get a chance at EURO 2024?

Key players in the qualifiers​

✔ Goalkeepers: Rajković, Kovačević, Petrović
✔ Defenders: Pavlović, Milenković, Kostić, Nedeljković, Terzić, Eraković
✔ Midfielders: Gudelj, Lukić, SMS, Samardžić, Ilić, Maksimović
✔ Wingers & Attackers: Mitrović, Vlahović, Radonjić, Živković, Birmančević, Tadić

We experimented with some call-ups, but these were the players who made the biggest impact.

---

Conclusion – What did we learn?​

After 24 years – Serbia is back at the European Championship!
Full-back positions are still a problem, but we found a temporary solution.
Ilić and Maksimović successfully covered for SMS.
We need more depth in attack.
Is Matija Popović the future leader of Serbia’s attack?

Serbia is going to EURO 2024 – how far can we go?

---

What’s next? Season 2 with Brighton!​

The qualifiers are over, but the story continues! Next post – Season 2 with Brighton and our first Champions League campaign!

How do you see Serbia at EURO 2024? Can we make a surprise run?

 

[HerJoca]

BRIGHTON 2024/25 – FROM DREAMS TO THE TOP OF ENGLAND!​

---

Expectations and Ambitions​

After an incredible first season, the expectations were higher than ever – my goal was Champions League qualification, fighting for trophies, and proving that success was no fluke.

---

Summer Transfer Window – Game-Changing Signings!​

The summer brought a squad overhaul.

Sávio (£47M) was the standout signing – a Brazilian talent with experience from Girona. After loan spells at PSV, Jong PSV, and Troyes, he shone in Spain and brought flair, speed, and creativity to Brighton.

Also arriving:

• Oscar Gloukh (RB Salzburg, £16.5M) – a creative midfielder eager to earn his spot.
• Aleksandar Pavlović (Bayern II, £5M) – young defender who quickly earned trust.
• Tommaso Baldanzi (Roma, £16.75M) – promising talent still finding his form.
• Assan Ouédraogo (Schalke, £16.5M) – after failing to sign him last season, we finally got him! A future midfield general.
• Abakar Sylla (Strasbourg, £48M) – aggressive and fearless, a perfect support for Milenković and Pavlović.
• Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting, £51M) – a defensive leader.
• Jonas Urbig (Köln, £13.25M) – backup goalkeeper.
• Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen, £58M) – an attacking full-back.
• Matija Popović (£6M) – young striker with huge potential.

Departures:

• Pascal Groß – age caught up, and he sought adventure in the Emirates.
• Jan Paul van Hecke – unwilling to accept a bench role.
• Gerard Yepes – signed last season but failed to impress.
• Solly March – key player but sold to Everton to fund new signings.
• Tariq Lamptey – left after Frimpong’s arrival.

---

Season Start – A Strong Beginning!​

Pre-season was flawless. We beat Tottenham 1-0 in the league opener but lost 4-3 to City in the Super Cup. Wins over Burnley, Brentford, and Ipswich followed, but Arsenal and Barcelona defeats shook us. A draw with Liverpool steadied the ship, and we narrowly beat Aston Villa on penalties in the Carabao Cup before Manchester United knocked us out in the next round.

---

Winter Transfer Window​

January saw the arrival of Bilal El Khannouss (£34M)
and departures of Gilmour (Milan), Sarmiento (West Ham),
and Webster (Monaco).,

---

​

Season Run-In and Title Race!​

An unbeaten run until February ended with a loss to Liverpool. We advanced from the Champions League group but fell to Real Madrid in the Round of 16. The league ended with 108 goals and just two losses.

We won the FA Cup and the Premier League!

---

End of Season – Battle for the Right-Back Spot!​

Michael Kayode (£74M) arrived from Fiorentina, creating a rivalry with Frimpong for the right-back position. Both were exceptional, but who will claim the starting spot?

In attack, young Matija Popović joined as competition for Ferguson, Konaté, and Pedro – can he earn his place?

---

Key Players and Stats​

João Pedro (32 goals) and Evan Ferguson (28 goals) led the line, Milenković and Pavlović dominated aerially, Baldanzi struggled, and Gloukh voiced concerns over game time.

---

Looking Ahead​

Next season’s goal – Champions League qualification and more trophies. Up next – Serbia at the European Championship: can Mitrović, Vlahović, and company survive the group stage or even conquer Europe? We’ll cover their journey at Euro 2028 and their Nations League Group A campaign in the next post!

 

[HerJoca]

SERBIA 2024 – Return, Fight, and Future​

---

Serbia's Return to the Big Stage (first European Championship appearance since 2000)​

After successfully navigating the qualifiers, I knew that 2024 would be a crucial year for Serbian football. Our first European Championship in many years – a chance to show our quality and fighting spirit.

In March, as preparation for EURO, I scheduled friendlies against Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan. I gave a chance to Mijat Gaćinović, who excelled at his club, and brought Matija Nastasić back into defense. Convincing wins provided optimism, but I knew tougher challenges lay ahead.

---

European Championship – Drama, Fight, Pride​

At EURO 2024, we faced a tough group with Italy, Austria, and Sweden. Our opening match against Italy started with a shock – Immobile scored in the 4th minute. But I encouraged the players to stay calm. Mitrović equalized in the 9th minute, and Ivan Ilić’s spectacular strike secured a 2-1 victory.

View attachment 690418


We struggled against Austria. Despite our efforts, Marko Arnautović scored in the 85th minute, giving Austria a 1-0 win. I was devastated but had no time for regrets.




n the decisive match against Sweden, we conceded in the 3rd minute, but Mitrović quickly equalized. Sweden took the lead again, but Mitrović’s header in the 60th minute brought a 2-2 draw, sending us through as the second team in the group – a huge relief!

Unfortunately, Belgium ended our run in the Round of 16. With limited squad depth, I aimed to secure an early lead, but Belgium triumphed 3-1. The board was satisfied, but I wasn’t – I knew this team had more to give.

---

Nations League – New Generation and Battle for Survival​

I decided to gradually introduce young talents – Popović, Cvetković, and Maksimović. The goal? Stay in League A. I knew how important that was for the future.

Portugal avenged their 2021 qualifying defeat with a 3-1 win. A draw with Bosnia followed, but a 1-0 victory over Spain reignited our hopes. We beat Bosnia 4-1 in Belgrade, and tough matches against Portugal (2-2) and Spain (3-4) tested our character.

In the end, we secured our place in League A, while Bosnia was relegated to League B. Vlahović was outstanding, and his goals will be crucial for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. I knew that Tadić’s time was running out and that I had to find new leaders. Popović, Cvetković, and Maksimović – the future of Serbian football.

---

Looking Ahead​

The 2026 World Cup qualifiers await. I know we must qualify – playing in a major tournament is essential. I will need to adjust my tactics to include Popović, Cvetković, and Maksimović, as I believe they will be the backbone of Serbian football for years to come. Building the team around them, along with experienced players like Mitrović and Vlahović, is crucial. Will my plan succeed? Will we build a generation that will take us to the world stage? Time will tell.

 

[HerJoca]

BRIGHTON 2025/26 – A SEASON TO REMEMBER: Champions League Glory!​

---

After winning the Premier League last season, I knew this year would be challenging. Brighton had become the team everyone wanted to beat. We held our pre-season camp in beautiful Greece – the perfect mix of relaxation and intense training. The pieces were falling into place, but there was a lot of work ahead.

---

Transfers: Balancing the Budget and Ambitions​

I decided to sell Tommaso Baldanzi. Despite arriving last season with high expectations, he didn’t fit in well and his development stalled. His move to Wolfsburg for £14M paved the way for Lazar Samardžić, a standout for Serbia, who joined from Udinese for £46M (potentially rising to £57M).

Depth was crucial. Noah Darvich, a wonderkid from Barcelona, arrived for £10M (rising to £20M), offering versatility across multiple positions. PSV’s Paul Peter (£22M rising to £28M) also joined as a promising winger.

Julio Enciso left for Newcastle for £47.5M – talented but inconsistent. This allowed us to bring in Warren Zaïre-Emery from PSG for a record-breaking £114M.

---

Strong Start: Community Shield Triumph and Early Wins​

We dominated pre-season, beating AEK, PSV, Hansa, Ascoli, and Galatasaray. Confidence was high as we crushed Man City 3-0 in the Community Shield. Premier League wins over Aston Villa (5-1), Brentford (4-0), and Burnley (2-1) followed.

September brought setbacks – a draw with West Ham, a 3-2 UCL loss to Milan, a draw with Crystal Palace, and a Carabao Cup exit to Chelsea (2-1). Wins against Leeds (4-0) and Hoffenheim (6-2) helped, but draws against Leicester and Luton hurt us.

---

Mid-Season Turnaround and Winter Transfers​

A 2-1 win over Man City boosted morale. Facundo Buonanotte left for Sevilla (£36M), Oscar Gloukh went on loan to Benfica, and Sylla, prone to red cards, joined Young Boys on loan. We brought in Franco Mastantuono from River Plate for £12M – a skilled dribbler and set-piece specialist.

---

Champions League Journey​

We finished 6th in the group stage. The knockout phase saw us thrash Sevilla (5-1, 4-1), then defeat Man City twice (2-0 at home, 3-1 away). Bayern fell next (4-1 at home, 3-2 in Munich). In the final against Barcelona in Vienna, Frimpong’s 89th-minute strike sealed our first Champions League trophy!

---

Premier League and FA Cup​

We finished second in the league, five points behind Tottenham, due to early-season stumbles. In the FA Cup, Tottenham beat us 3-1 in the final.

---

Looking Ahead​

Next season’s goals remain modest – continue competing in the Champions League and aim for strong performances without setting unrealistic expectations.

In the next post: How did Serbia fare in World Cup qualifiers? Will they secure their place? Find out soon!

 

[HerJoca]

The Eagles Fly to the 2026 World Cup!


When I took over the Serbian national team, I knew a serious challenge awaited me. Leading the squad through the 2026 World Cup qualifiers was both exciting and daunting. A group with England, Finland, Armenia, Latvia, and Andorra? Nothing impossible, but I knew – we had to be flawless.

Now that it's all over, I can proudly say: The Eagles are flying to North America without a single defeat!

---

Undefeated Qualifiers – Only 2 Goals Conceded! ​

First match? A baptism of fire against England at home. You know the feeling – nerves, pressure, but also defiance. It was a tough battle with chances on both sides, but then Dušan Vlahović stepped up in the 76th minute to seal the win! A 1-0 victory, and I thought to myself – maybe we can really do this?

A few days later, a crucial away trip to Armenia. We needed to prove the England result wasn’t a fluke. Lazar Samardžić opened the scoring, Kostić added another, and with goals from Vlahović and Matija Popović, we secured a convincing 4-0 win. Two games, two wins, zero goals conceded – a perfect start!

---

A Goal Machine from Belgrade to Helsinki ​

June brought fixtures against Finland and Andorra – a perfect chance to pull ahead. Against Finland at home, we dominated – 5-0! Vlahović struck early in the 13th minute, young Igor Miladinović bagged a brace, with Milinković-Savić and Cvetković adding to the tally in stoppage time. Finland were stunned.

Then came the tricky away tie in Andorra – the classic "banana peel" fixture. Not for us! Mitrović produced a masterclass with a hat-trick (7’, 75’, 82’), alongside goals from Samardžić, Maksimović, and Nedeljković. Final score? 6-0.

---

September Dominance – Five-Star Performances in Belgrade! ​

After the summer break, we returned stronger than ever. Latvia? 5-0. Stefan Komljenović opened the floodgates, Vlahović and Popović each bagged braces, and Cvetković sealed it. The hunger in this squad was undeniable – we weren’t stopping!

Three days later, Armenia visited Belgrade, trying to hold their ground. But Mitrović had other plans. Two first-half goals, two more in the second (including a penalty), and Maksimović added one in stoppage time. Another 5-0 thrashing!

---

A Bit of Drama to Finish – England and Finland ****** Draws! ​

October brought tough fixtures – an away clash with England and a trip to Finland. Against England, Mitrović gave us the lead in the 37th minute, but they clawed back for a draw. A point? I’ll take it.

Finland away was similar – Samardžić gave us the lead in the 51st minute, but they equalized late. Nerve-wracking? Yes. Still unbeaten? Absolutely!

---

November Spectacle – Andorra Crushed 14-0! ​

Then came the match that will be talked about for years. Andorra at home. I expected a comfortable win, but what Mitrović did – I’m speechless! 8 goals in 90 minutes! Sixth, 22nd, 35th, 41st, 47th, 50th, 68th, 80th... the ball just kept hitting the net. Popović, Milinković-Savić, and Terzić joined the party as well. Final score? 14-0! Even I couldn’t believe it.

The final game against Latvia away was a formality – a 3-0 win with goals from Ilić, Samardžić, and Maksimović. A perfect finish: 8 wins, 2 draws!

---

Qualifying Stats ​

• Overall: 10 matches, 8 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses
• Goal Difference: 45:2 – an absolute machine!
• Top Scorer: Aleksandar Mitrović – 11 goals
• Playmaker and Engine: Sergej Milinković-Savić – simply irreplaceable!
• The Future of the National Team: Lazar Samardžić and Mihajlo Cvetković – young talents already making a difference!

---

Next Chapter – World Cup 2026! ​

The trip to the USA, Canada, and Mexico is secured! This generation is hungry for success and ready to show the world what they’re made of. Mitrović as the leader, Vlahović as the goal machine, Samardžić as the young magician – can we go far? I believe we can!
Brighton is thriving under my management, but Serbia is a special emotion! Now, the real adventure begins – see you at the World Cup!

 

[HerJoca]

Brighton – Season 4: So Close, Yet So Far

After winning the Champions League last season, I knew we had to stay grounded. The Premier League slipped away from us, but that’s football. We’ve won it once before, but the desire to lift it again is huge! For the new season, I won’t set huge expectations, but let’s be honest – who wouldn’t want another UCL trophy or another Premier League title in the cabinet? Domestic cups will be for young talents and squad rotation, and the board has given me a massive transfer budget.

---

Summer Transfers and Pre-Season ​

Pre-season in Greece was fantastic – 5 matches, 5 wins. But my mind was on the UEFA Super Cup against Inter. Before that, major signings:

José Afonso (Palmeiras) – An 18-year-old Brazilian defender, versatile as both full-back and center-back, from the club where legends like Roberto Carlos and Rivaldo played.

Arda Güler – I’ve admired him for years. From his early days at Real Madrid, his talent was undeniable. He was a fan favorite under Ancelotti, but I knew he could shine even brighter at Brighton. It wasn’t easy, but we signed him for €73M! His vision, creativity, and ability to break down defenses will be key. I wanted a playmaker who could change a game in a moment – Arda is that player.

Benjamin Šeško – The machine from Leipzig, signed for €96M after tough negotiations. I always wanted a striker with strength, speed, and a killer finish – Šeško is all that and more. His performances in Germany were impressive, and I believe he can become even better at Brighton.



Departures:

Joao Pedro – Left for Bayern Munich for €53M + bonuses. He was crucial for us with key goals, but with Ferguson, Konate, and Popović leading the line, it was time. It was emotional, but the right call.

Oscar Gloukh – Joined Benfica for €32M. A talented player, but he wasn’t patient enough. My rules are clear – I choose the starting XI.

---

Community Shield ​

A tough test against Tottenham. We led through Konate, but Tottenham showed why they’re champions. A 2-1 loss – disappointing, but the season is long.

---

UEFA Super Cup ​

Inter was a huge challenge. 2-0 down by the 30th minute, Ferguson pulled one back, but we couldn’t complete the comeback.

---

Premier League Journey ​

We started strong – a 4-0 win over Sheffield Utd (Ferguson 2, Konate, Popović). Wins over United, Liverpool, Arsenal followed, but unexpected draws and losses to City and Spurs cost us crucial points.

---

January Transfers ​

Mariano Colman (River Plate) – 18-year-old defensive gem.

Sérbio (Flamengo) – A versatile DM/CM.

Matija Popović – My gem sold to Real Madrid for €50M. I remembered Luka Jović’s move from Frankfurt to Real and how it didn’t work out. I hope Popović succeeds where Jović didn’t.

Aleksandar Pavlović (Bayer Leverkusen, €31M)

Noah Darvich (Al Batin, €18M)

Abakar Sylla (Brentford, €18M) – Aggressive but too many red cards cost him.

---

Heartbreak End ​

We won the Carabao Cup against Liverpool (4-2), but April was cruel:

• Lost to Everton.
• UCL exit to Real after a perfect first leg (2-0). In Madrid, we collapsed.
• FA Cup semi-final loss to City.
• Dropped points late in the league – finishing 2nd. Disappointing, but Brighton deserves another trophy, and I’ll make sure we get it.

---

What’s Next? ​

New Faces ​

Matías Vera (Colo Colo) – Young Argentine defender.

Stefan Komljenović (Partizan) – Serbian midfielder with great vision.

Matija Popović: Transfer Saga Shaking Madrid and Brighton ​

Popović’s arrival caused unrest in Madrid – one key player is unhappy, valued at €60M. Could he be Brighton’s next big signing? Guess who!

---

Big News Coming Soon! ​

In the next post, I’ll cover the World Cup with Serbia! Did we advance? Did we lift the trophy?

This was all written retroactively, and from now on, I’ll post updates at mid-season for Brighton and at the end of the season for Serbia. Fewer posts, but more detail – tactics, player ratings, and more!

 

[HerJoca]

Unforgettable Glory: How I Led Serbia to World Cup Victory 2026

Introduction – The Road to Glory​

After successfully navigating the qualifiers and reaching the World Cup as group winners, the moment we had been waiting for finally arrived...

Group Stage – The First Step to Glory
The matches were played in order: Thailand, Ghana, and finally Argentina. I knew a strong start would be crucial for securing our spot in the knockout rounds early.

Serbia 4–0 Thailand​

A dominant performance and a perfect start to the tournament:
Dušan Vlahović (18’) – Broke the deadlock with a clinical finish
Marko Grujić (19’) – Doubled the lead just a minute later with a powerful strike
Mihajlo Cvetković (24’) – The young talent stamped his mark with a composed finish
Samed Baždar (61’) – Came off the bench and seized his chance, scoring the fourth goal

---

Ghana 0–1 Serbia​

A tough, physical battle. Ghana’s resilience tested us, but we stayed patient and found our breakthrough:
Andrija Maksimović (73’) – A well-placed shot to secure three vital points!

---

Serbia 1–1 Argentina​

The decider for the top spot. Argentina struck first:
Alexis Mac Allister (24’) – Capitalized on a quick chance to put Argentina ahead
But the Eagles responded instantly:
Dušan Vlahović (25’) – An immediate equalizer, showing our fighting spirit!

The match ended in a hard-fought draw. But the turning point in the group came when Argentina stumbled with a shocking 2–2 draw against Thailand, dropping crucial points and paving the way for us to finish on top.

---

Final Group Standings – Eagles on Top!​

1. Serbia – 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw, Goal Difference 6:1)
2. Argentina – 5 points (1 win, 2 draws)
3. Ghana – 3 points
4. Thailand – 1 point

We topped the group—undefeated, with only one goal conceded!

Knockout Stage – Step by Step to History​

Round of 16 – Peru 0:7 Serbia​

The knockout stage opened with a statement win! Peru was completely outclassed by our relentless attack. Sergej Milinković-Savić led the charge with two early goals (4’, 13’), while Matija Popović shone with a hat-trick (5’, 71’, 90+2’). Ivan Ilić (55’) and Mirko Topić (79’) added to the rout for a stunning 7:0 victory. This was more than a win—it was a warning to the world: Serbia meant business!

Quarterfinal – USA 0:1 Serbia​

The United States were the hosts, and the atmosphere was electric. It was a tense, hard-fought match, with defenses dominating. But when it mattered most, Matija Popović delivered—his strike in the 82nd minute sent us through! A narrow win, but a monumental step forward!

Semifinal – Serbia 3:2 Mexico (AET)​

A thriller—easily the most dramatic match of the tournament! Filip Kostić (41’) opened the scoring, and Dušan Vlahović (47’) doubled the lead right after halftime. It seemed like a done deal, but Mexico fought back—with goals from Santiago Giménez (68’) and Roberto Alvarado (90+5’), they forced extra time.

But the Eagles had more heart than the Aztecs! In the 93rd minute, Vlahović struck again with a powerful finish—sealing our place in the final!

Semifinal – Serbia 3:1 England​

England wanted revenge—we had beaten them to the top spot in the qualifiers. But, once again, the Three Lions fell to the Eagles!

Lazar Samardžić (18’) stunned England with an early goal, and Dušan Vlahović (51’) made it 2:0. Harry Kane (83’) pulled one back, but it was too late—Samardžić (90+5’) struck again in stoppage time to shut the door and send us to the final!

The Grand Final – The Fight for Eternity​

The medal was secured—but I always say: gold and bronze are won, silver is given. We came for the crown!

Final – Serbia vs Portugal: The Battle for Eternity ​

This was more than a match—it was history. Serbia vs. Portugal. A rivalry carved into the heart of every Serbian fan. Who could forget that legendary night in Lisbon when Aleksandar Mitrović scored in the final minutes, sending Serbia to the World Cup and leaving Portugal at home? The whole nation celebrated.

But Portugal never forgot. In the UEFA Nations League, they beat us in Belgrade, but we held them to a draw in Lisbon. Their manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, was a tactical genius, a man who had turned Portugal into a ruthless winning machine.

Portugal’s squad was a galaxy of stars:

• Diogo Costa – One of the world’s finest goalkeepers, a wall between the posts.
• Gonçalo Inácio – My own player from Brighton, a center-back I knew inside-out—strong, fast, and fearless.
• António Silva – The experienced rock from Bayern Munich, the defensive leader.
• João Neves – Manchester City’s midfield dynamo, the brain and lungs of their team.
• Bruno Fernandes – The captain, the playmaker, a man who could decide a game with one pass.
• Rafael Leão – AC Milan’s star striker—blistering pace, deadly finishing.

But what did we have?​

We had something that doesn’t show in the stats: A HUGE HEART and an UNBREAKABLE WILL.

In my mind, I felt the weight of our history—the story every Serbian knows.
The 1930 World Cup—Serbia (then Yugoslavia) played in the semifinals against Uruguay. It was a story immortalized in the legendary Serbian movie: "Montevideo, God Bless You!"—a film that taught us what it means to fight for the jersey, the people, and the dream.

Kick-Off – Madness from the Start​

4th Minute – PENALTY!!! ​

A corner from Filip Kostić, and Mitrović rises high, but he’s clattered in mid-air by António Silva! The referee wastes no time—PENALTY for Serbia!

Dušan Vlahović steps up.
The stadium holds its breath. It’s Vlahović vs. Diogo Costa.

A short run-up... SHOT! GOOOOOAL!

1–0 for Serbia! Vlahović kisses the crest and races to Mitrović. This was for Lisbon. This was for the past.

But Portugal Strikes Back—Double Shock!​

8th Minute – Ricardo Horta
Portugal counters at lightning speed—Horta smashes a shot past Rajković! 1–1!

9th Minute – Gonçalo Ramos
Before we could recover, Leão burns down the wing, whips a cross—Ramos heads it in! 2–1 for Portugal!

Two goals in 60 seconds. Our dream was suddenly slipping...

The Fight Back – We Are Serbia​

But we weren’t there to fall. We were there to rise.

21st Minute – Saša Lukić to the Rescue!​

Filip Kostić drives down the left—a wicked low cross. The ball falls to Saša Lukić at the edge of the box—first touch, second touch—BANG!

The ball skims past Diogo Costa’s gloves and hits the net!

GOLAAAAAZO! 2–2!

A Blow to the Heart – Mitrović Injured!​

The battle raged on. Portugal pressed hard. Then, in the 46th minute—disaster.
Aleksandar Mitrović goes down after a brutal aerial clash. He tries to continue, but he can’t.

A hush. Our hero from Lisbon... had fallen.

Into the fire stepped the young lion: Matija Popović.
I grabbed his shoulder and told him:
“Go. Be the hero. Be our Mitrović.”

51st Minute – Matija Popović Writes History!​

Filip Kostić—again our engine—bursts down the flank. A perfect cross into the chaos.

Matija Popović leaps like a predator—volley... GOOOOOOAL!!!

3–2 FOR SERBIA!!!

Popović sprints to the corner flag, arms wide, eyes blazing. He points to the sky—
This was for Mitrović. For Montevideo. For Serbia.

---

The Final Siege – Holding Back the Tide​

The last 30 minutes felt like 30 years. Portugal threw everything forward:

• Leão hits the post.
• Bruno Fernandes whips a free-kick—Rajković saves!
• In the 95th minute—a final corner. Even Diogo Costa, their goalkeeper, is in our box.

The cross flies in—Vlahović heads it clear...

THE WHISTLE BLOWS!

---

FULL TIME: SERBIA – WORLD CHAMPIONS!!! ​

Tears. Screams. Songs. Serbia has conquered the world!

From Montevideo to Glory
In 1930, Montevideo was our beginning. In 2026, we completed the story.

The world witnessed our skill. But more than that—
The world witnessed our heart.

SERBIA – 2026 WORLD CHAMPIONS!

 

[HerJoca]

Season 5 (2027/28) with Brighton – Fighting Until the Last Breath!

The Vinicius Jr. Transfer Saga – So Close, Yet So Far! ​

Before the season began, I tried to pull off a massive transfer! Real Madrid signed Matija Popović, which left Vinicius Jr. unhappy and eager to leave. I acted fast and submitted a €60M bid, which Real accepted!

However, Vinicius demanded an enormous salary and crazy bonuses… negotiations collapsed. And to make things worse, Manchester City swooped in and signed him for €89M.

---

Summer Transfer Window – New Faces and Goodbyes​

This summer, we prepared in Turkey with one goal in mind – to dethrone Tottenham, who had won the Premier League two years in a row. It was time to take the crown back!

Arrivals:

• Tomáš Macháček (€5M) – Young Czech striker, signed with the idea to develop him and sell for a big profit
• Giacomo Nunziatini (€30M rising to €60M) – Wonderkid from Fiorentina, expensive but with massive potential
• Simone Fuchi (€36M rising to €54M) – Talented left-back from Roma, future world-class player
• Franc Perone (€7M) – Promising DM from Racing

Departures:

• Lazar Samardžić (€65M) – Great player for me, but the offer was too good to refuse
• Roony Bardghji (€40M) – No space for him with Arda Güler's arrival
• Valentín Barco (€15M) – Surplus to requirements
• Jeremie Frimpong (€60M) – Time to cash in after 3 fantastic seasons
• Nikola Milenković (€33M) – Former defensive rock, but age caught up – off to Leicester

---

First Half of the Season – Strong Start! ​

The Premier League campaign began well! There were some slip-ups against top sides, but by January, I was satisfied with our position. Tottenham and Chelsea were my biggest title rivals.

In the Champions League, the new league format suited me well – a solid group stage, securing progression comfortably! Carabao Cup? A quarter-final exit on penalties – unlucky, but we move on!

---

January Window – Big Moves! ​

• Giorgio Scalvini (€79M) – A massive signing from Atalanta! He will form a rock-solid trio with Pavlović and Inácio
• Đorđe Petrović (€10M) – New backup goalkeeper from Werder Bremen after Urbig wanted to leave

The Hardest Goodbye – Evan Ferguson
A club legend, homegrown hero, and fan favorite At just 23, he became a Brighton icon with countless goals. But then came Arsenal's €114M offer... I hesitated – he was a key player, but I felt he had reached his peak, and this was a once-in-a-lifetime offer. With a heavy heart, I accepted...

---

Second Half of the Season – Intense Battles Everywhere! ​

Sloppy results against Wolves and Norwich in January cost me the top spot... But Benjamin Šeško was on fire, scoring in almost every match!

In the Champions League:

• Round of 16 – Valencia: Comfortable win
• Quarter-final – Leipzig: Tough fight, but we advanced
• Semi-final – PSG: 2-2 at home, but a 2-1 loss in Paris ended our dreams

In the FA Cup, we reached the semi-final but lost 3-1 to Tottenham.

---

Premier League – A Dramatic Title Race! ​

The league turned into a thrilling duel with Chelsea! They crushed me 3-0 in May, but I kept pushing...

And... WE ARE CHAMPIONS!
A decisive 5-1 win against Ipswich on the final day secured the title with 80 points, leaving Chelsea on 74! Brighton are Premier League champions once again!

---

Goals for Next Season:​

• Defend the Premier League title!
• Push for a Champions League final!
• See how we perform without Ferguson… Can Šeško lead the line alone?

---

In my next post, I’ll cover the Euro qualifiers with Serbia! Did we finally build a strong national team? Can Serbia make it to the European Championship? Stay tuned!

---

What do you think about my season? Was selling Ferguson a mistake? Should I have pushed harder for Vinicius? Let me know in the comments!

 

[HerJoca]

Serbia in Euro 2028 Qualifiers – Continuing the Dream After World Cup Glory!

After making history by winning the World Cup, Serbia entered the Euro 2028 qualifiers with sky-high expectations. With only minor changes to the World Cup-winning squad, the mission was clear: conquer Europe!

Group B: Familiar Foes Awaited​

Serbia was drawn into Group B alongside:

• Switzerland
• Cyprus
• Luxembourg
• Montenegro

March 2027: A Dominant Opening vs. Switzerland​

Serbia 3-0 Switzerland – Mitrović (27’), Milinković-Savić (74’), Eraković (90+2’)A perfect start! Mitrović opened the scoring, and Eraković netted his first international goal to seal a confident win.

June 2027: Commanding Wins Against Cyprus and Luxembourg​

Cyprus 2-5 Serbia – Pavlović (5’), Milinković-Savić (34’), Kostić (38’), Samardžić (50’), Vlahović (70’) Serbia 3-0 Luxembourg – Kostić (45’), Samardžić (59’), Mitrović (72’)Two dominant performances! Lazar Samardžić emerged as a midfield maestro with goals and creativity.

September 2027: Derby Triumph and a Tough Swiss Challenge​

Montenegro 1-5 Serbia – Samardžić (37’, 38’, 79’), Mitrović (46’), Vlahović (58’) Switzerland 1-1 Serbia – Lukić (pen 31’)The derby against Montenegro was a Samardžić masterclass with a hat-trick! Against Switzerland, Lukić’s penalty salvaged a crucial away point.

October 2027: Late Heroics Against Cyprus​

Serbia 2-1 Cyprus – Mitrović (8’), Vlahović (84’)A hard-fought win secured by Vlahović’s late strike proved the team's resilience.

November 2027: A Grand Finish to Qualifiers​

Luxembourg 0-4 Serbia – Vlahović (16’), Popović (24’), Maksimović (29’), Ilić (36’) Serbia 5-0 Montenegro – Mirčetić (17’), Vlahović (30’), Popović (32’), Mitrović (75’), Birmančević (88’)A goal-fest to close the campaign! Rising star Matija Popović dazzled with goals, hinting at a bright future.

Final Verdict: Dominance and Big Dreams Ahead​

With 7 wins and just one draw, Serbia proved the World Cup wasn’t a fluke. The attack was unstoppable, and the defense was rock-solid.

Next Stop: Euro 2028!​

In my next post: Can Serbia shock Europe like they did the world? Who will we face, and who are the key players to watch?

What’s your prediction? Can Serbia claim the European crown too?

 

[HerJoca]

Serbia at Euro 2028 – The End of an Era, but Not the End of the Dream

Emotions. Passion. Pride. That’s what guided me through my five years as Serbia’s national team manager. After winning the World Cup, I knew this tournament would be the true test. The board was clear: Reach the quarterfinals or you’re out. I accepted the challenge—because I believed in this team.

Preparations and Final Squad Selection​

The friendlies against Turkey (2-2) and Poland (3-2) were more than warm-ups—they were auditions. Hard choices had to be made, but I chose warriors, not just players.

Final Squad:​

Goalkeepers: Petrović, Kovačević, Rajković
Defenders: Terzić, Kostić, Birmančević, Pavlović, Babić, Milenković, Eraković, Nedeljković
Midfielders: Maksimović, Lukić, Ilić, Momjenović, Samardžić, Mahmutović, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Grujić
Forwards: Matija Popović, Mitrović, Joveljić, Vlahović, Jovan Milošević

I had to leave out Mirčetić, Trifunović, Ratkov, and Luka Jović, despite their efforts. But these 23 were ready for battle.

Group Stage – Serbia Roars to the Top!​

Serbia 7-3 Slovenia​

An explosive start! Lazar Samardžić stole the show with a hat-trick (4’, 13’, 65’), supported by goals from Sergej, Vlahović, and Maksimović. We sent a message: Serbia wasn’t here to participate—we were here to conquer.

Serbia 3-0 Israel​

Clinical and composed. Pavlović struck before halftime, with Mitrović and an own goal from Arad finishing the job. Solid, ruthless, and in control.

Serbia 2-0 Scotland​

Maksimović (20’) and Popović (37’) sealed a professional win. Three wins, nine points—Serbia dominated the group like true champions.

Round of 16 – Battle with France
The reward for topping the group? France. Managed by Patrick Vieira, they were a powerhouse. But we feared no one.

• France 1-0 Serbia – Early setback. But we kept fighting.
• Serbia 1-1 France – Mitrović, our warrior, equalized with a towering header (24’). Hope soared.
• France 3-1 Serbia – But heartbreak followed. Two late goals in the final 10 minutes ended our dreams.

The End of My Journey – But Not My Pride​

After the defeat, the call came. No quarterfinal, no more contract. My time as Serbia’s head coach was over.

It hurts. I watched this team grow—from boys into men, from players into heroes. I guided this generation through triumphs and heartbreaks.

Under my leadership, Dušan Tadić—the heart and soul of Serbian football—retired from international duty. Now, another icon departs: Filip Kostić, the engine on the left flank, calls time on his international career. His pace, his passion, his crosses—irreplaceable.

My Legacy – More Than Just Numbers:​

• World Cup 2026 Champions – Serbia’s first-ever world title!
• 55 Matches Managed: 39 Wins, 9 Draws, 7 Losses
• Built a New Generation: Samardžić, Popović, Milošević—the future is bright.

A New Era Begins – Good Luck, Igor Duljaj!​

The new manager is Igor Duljaj, who impressed with Sassuolo from 2026 to 2028. I wish him success. He inherits a golden generation, and I hope he keeps Serbia in Nations League A and leads them to more glory.

And Me? What’s Next?​

For now, I return to Brighton, focusing fully on club football. International management? Not yet. But someday... Maybe... If Brazil ever calls...

---

Thank you, Serbia. Hvala vam. This isn’t goodbye—it’s see you later.

 

[MT55]

I've only just started reading so a little late to the party! Congrats on winning the World Cup, that's an unbelievable achievement. Unlucky with the Euros, but winning the World Cup is more impressive. Good luck with Brighton.

 

[HerJoca]

Thank you for following my story! I really wanted to win both the Nations League and the Euros with that generation, but it is what it is... no save-load here. I think the board made a mistake—I've been keeping an eye on Igor Duljaj's results, and things aren't going too well for them. But since I plan for this to be a long save, who knows... maybe one day I'll return to manage Serbia again."

 

[HerJoca]

Brighton 2028/2029 – Battle for Dominance: Transfers, Tactics, and Tension – A New Era, New Pressures


After my dismissal from the Serbian national team, I felt bitterness. But there was no time for regret—I had to move forward. Last season, we lifted the Premier League trophy for the second time with Brighton. Now, the board was clear—they wanted more dominance. The goals were brutal:

Win the Premier League
Reach at least the Champions League quarter-finals
Domestic cups? The board didn’t care.

For the first time, I felt the fear of failure. The club had invested heavily, and I knew—if I didn’t deliver, I could lose the team I had come to love.

Summer Preparations – Croatian Coast ​

I took the team to the Adriatic coast, seeking peace, team chemistry, and peak fitness. Yet, my mind was restless—the key to success lay in smart signings and tough sales.

Summer Transfer Window – A Revolution (370M Spent, 291M Earned)​

Departures – Tough Choices:​

• Amar Dedić → Arsenal (65M) – A key player, but Arsenal’s offer was decisive.
• Carlos Baleba → Bayern (67M) – He wanted a new challenge; Bayern seized the moment.
• Sávio → Atletico Madrid (88M) – Tactical shifts left him out, Atletico made their move.
• Djordje Petrović → Al-Wahda (16M) & Jonas Urbig → Inter (15M) – A complete reshuffle in goal.

Arrivals – Investments for the Present and Future:​

• Endrick → Real Madrid (158M) – The rising star, ready for glory.
• Pape Matar Sarr → Tottenham (94M, up to 102M) – A midfield powerhouse.
• Khephren Thuram → Nice (76M, up to 120M) – Strength and creativity combined.
• Nil Sanz → Valencia (29M) – A promising goalkeeper for the future.
• Franco Molina → Independiente (12.5M) – A raw Argentine gem.

I had never spent so much. The board demanded results immediately—the pressure was real. This was an all-in gamble: trophies or the end.

Tactics and Dilemmas – Building the System​

At first, I wanted Endrick as a right inside forward, but building around one player felt wrong. Instead, I drew inspiration from Ancelotti’s Milan—the legendary 4-4-2 diamond, a masterpiece of balance and power.

Pillars of the Team:​

• Goalkeeper: Verbruggen—undisputed No.1, Sanz for cup duties.
• Defense: Pavlović, Inácio, Scalvini—fortress at the back. Kayode owned the right, Dorgu the left, with Fuchi pushing for his chance.
• Midfield: Zaïre-Emery shielding the defense, Sarr and Thuram as engines, and Mastantuono orchestrating from the No.10 role.
• Attack: Šeško and Konaté—a lethal duo, with Endrick ready to strike from anywhere.

Three Tactical Variations:​

• 4-4-2 Diamond: Inspired by Milan, controlling the midfield.
• 4-2-2-2: Maximum firepower with dual attacking midfielders.
• Classic 4-4-2: A chance for wingers like Endrick and Paul Peter.

Key Dilemmas:​

• Endrick—Striker or Winger?
• Where does Paul Peter fit in?
• Can I keep everyone happy with enough minutes?

Conclusion:​

I have the strongest squad I’ve ever managed, but also the heaviest burden. This won’t be just a season—it will be a war.
Ambition and fear collide within me—I know that only success writes history, while failure erases everything I’ve built.

In the next post: Premier League, Champions League, and the first battles…

 

[HerJoca]

Brighton 2028/2029 – Pressure, Goals, and the Tchouaméni Drama

Season Kick-Off – The 4-4-2 Diamond Under Scrutiny​

A new season, immense pressure. The board demands the Premier League title and a Champions League quarterfinal. For me? It’s about proving that my 4-4-2 diamond can be legendary. Could my squad produce a new Kaká, Pirlo, or Shevchenko? Or was this the year of collapse?

Community Shield – Leading Spurs after two minutes, only to lose 2-1. A harsh wake-up call. But the Premier League would be my proving ground.

August & September – Dominance and Goals!​

• Leicester 2-1: Late winners, pure grit!
• Chelsea 1-0: Zaïre-Emery strikes! Ruthless up front, rock-solid at the back.
• Champions League? A 3-3 thriller against Real Madrid. Goals, chaos, and a lesson in European warfare.

October – Paradise and Pain​

• Man City 4-1:The classic 4-4-2 diamond explodes! City crushed with style.
• Liverpool 4-1 (Anfield): Anfield silenced. A masterclass in dominance.
• Carabao Cup? Chelsea edge us on penalties. Cups were never the priority.

Man Utd Horror Show – 6-3 Defeat! ​

Leading after two minutes, trailing 4-1 by the 17th. Chaos. Despair. 6-3 final. It felt like a hammer blow, but we turned fury into fire.

Sesko, Konate, and Endrick – The Deadly Trio!​

The United loss ignited us. Šeško became unstoppable – 23 goals by January, a machine in front of goal. Endrick, versatile and electric, thrived as both striker and winger – 13 goals, tireless and lethal. Konate, the poacher, matched him – 13 goals and pure predatory instinct. Together, they tore defenses apart and silenced every critic.

League Table (End of January): Brighton on Top!​

Brighton – 66 points (22-0-2)
Arsenal – 57 points
Man City – 55 points

Winter Window – Transfers, Real’s Panic, and Tchouaméni’s Twist!​

Arrivals:​

• Julian da Costa Faro → River (9M): A promising addition for the future.

Departures:​

• Assan Ouedraogo → Real Madrid (64M): Real, in crisis and sitting 4th in La Liga, needed a savior. Ancelotti moved fast. Ouedraogo, not a starter for me, arrived for 16M and hit his peak under my watch. 64M? I took it and thanked him for his service.

Tchouaméni Drama – The One That Got Away!​

Ouedraogo’s arrival in Madrid triggered chaos. Tchouaméni, blindsided, demanded a transfer. Before I could react – City struck. Simeone Inzaghi, their new manager, swooped in and closed the deal. The transfer I never saw coming slipped through my fingers.

Final Thought: The first half of the season brought triumph, heartbreak, and drama in the market. But one thing’s clear – The classic 4-4-2 diamond thrives. The team breathes. And the hunt for glory has only begun! ​

 

[HerJoca]

Title: Brighton 2028/2029 – Dominance, Heartbreaking Farewell, and New Challenges Ahead
February: The Machine Keeps Rolling!

February started with a bang! We continued our winning streak with a dominant performance against Fulham (4-0). The team showed strength and stability, and our attack was firing on all cylinders. But the real test came against Chelsea. Drama until the last moment, but Karim Konaté secured victory in the 95th minute (2-1). This win gave us massive psychological momentum.

And the momentum didn’t stop there! Next up was Man City. A thrilling match full of twists and turns, but Benjamin Šeško sealed the deal with a brace (3-2). The team looked unstoppable, and then Liverpool (5-1) and Arsenal (1-0) fell victim to our relentless form. Brighton was the team everyone was talking about.

However, Burnley brought us crashing back to earth. A 0-3 defeat in the FA Cup was a real nightmare. We underestimated the opposition and paid the price. Just when it seemed like nothing could stop our charge, this defeat reminded us to never take any match for granted.

Champions League: European Journey and a Lesson from Bayern​

In the Champions League, we played some of our best football:

• Newcastle – Outclassed tactically in the Round of 16.
• Real Sociedad – A masterclass in the quarter-finals: 6-0 at home, followed by a 2-2 draw away.
• Inter – A mature performance in the semi-finals. With a 4-2 aggregate, we showed we were serious contenders for the crown.

And then, the Final... against Bayern Munich. Old-school German efficiency, led by Julian Nagelsmann, taught us a tough lesson on the European stage. A 4-0 defeat was brutal but deserved. Nagelsmann outsmarted us tactically, Bayern were flawless, and we were punished for every mistake. Lesson learned – we’ll come back stronger!

Premier League: Unmatched Dominance​

If there was one thing that defined this season, it was our absolute dominance in the Premier League! 35 wins, only 3 losses, and a staggering 105 points!

• 111 goals scored – our attack was unstoppable.
• 34 goals conceded – our defense was rock solid.

Players like Benjamin Šeško, Karim Konaté, and Arda Güler were nightmares for opposition defenses. Warren Zaïre-Emery dominated the midfield, while Strahinja Pavlović commanded the defense – until the moment when...

Farewell to the Commander: The Story of Strahinja Pavlović​

Strahinja Pavlović... a name that will forever be remembered in Brighton’s history. The Commander of Defense, a leader on and off the pitch, a man who left an indelible mark on this club.

It all began in the 2024/2025 season, when I signed him from Salzburg for £25 million. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, it was clear he was a natural leader. With him at the heart of our defense, Brighton transformed from an average team into Premier League champions and a European contender.

I will always remember the 2025/2026 season, when he scored 12 goals – unheard of for a center-back. He was a rock at the back and a threat up front. His bravery, leadership, and fighting spirit inspired the entire team.

But then, time caught up... Strahinja started to lose his spot in the starting eleven. I have always been someone who loves to give chances to young talents, and Strahinja accepted this transition with dignity. He became a mentor, a leader in the dressing room.

Then came an offer that couldn’t be refused – Real Madrid, £77 million. I remember the moment he came to me:
"Boss, it’s Real Madrid. A dream for any footballer. I have to go."
I looked at him and saw tears in his eyes. I couldn’t hold him back. I knew how much it meant to him. He left as a legend.

• 240 appearances for Brighton
• 28 goals – most of them powerful headers.
• 6 Man of the Match awards – a leader on the pitch.

Strahinja, Commander, good luck on your new journey! I wish you all the best at Real Madrid. When you return to the Amex one day, you will be welcomed as a legend.

Club World Championship: Conquering the World!​

After the season ended, it was time for the Club World Championship, where we dominated:

• Group Stage: ES Tunis (14-0) and Al-Hilal (7-0) – total domination.
• Quarter-final: Sweet revenge against Bayern (4-0)!
• Semi-final: Borussia Dortmund were crushed 5-2.
• Final: Against Man City – 2-2 in regular time, then an explosion in extra time – 5-2! World Champions!

Transfers: A New Era Begins​

Incoming Transfers:

• Santiago Sosa – Central midfielder from Racing Club.
• Carlos Duarte – Winger from Braga for £1 million.
• Florian Brenscheidt – Young striker from Hoffenheim for £37 million – a huge talent for the future.

Outgoing Transfers:

• Sergio – Sold to Borussia Dortmund for £37 million (potentially £51 million).
• Strahinja Pavlović – Moved to Real Madrid for £77 million.

New Challenges and the Pressure of Expectations​

The board has set clear objectives:

• Win the Premier League – once again prove our dominance in England.
• Champions League – reach at least the semi-finals – it's time to take the next step.

The new season didn’t start as planned – a draw against Newcastle (1-1) and a defeat to West Ham (0-1). The pressure is immense. Expectations are high. Can we live up to them?

I’ll be back with updates after the January transfer window!

 

[MT55]

Really enjoy reading this. The detail and layout is amazing.

 

[bigmattb28]

Good this just caught up on it all.

 

[HerJoca]

Brighton - Season 2029/2030: From Champions to Fighting for Survival​

Season 2029/2030 with Brighton Hove Albion has been far more dramatic than I ever expected! After last season's sensational Premier League title with only 3 losses, the board set brutal expectations: "Win the Premier League again and reach at least the Champions League semi-finals!"

But with Ancelotti at Man City, Simeone at Liverpool, Guardiola at Chelsea, and other world-class managers in the Premier League, I knew this was not going to be easy. "Alright, challenge accepted!"

Pre-Season in Croatia: Everything Went According to Plan!​

After winning the Club World Championship, we went to Croatia for pre-season preparations. I didn't change the tactics much because last season was outstanding. We had a perfect pre-season, including victories against:

• PSG (2-0)
• Feyenoord (9-1)

Everything seemed to be pointing to another championship-winning season!
Of course, I was convinced we would dominate… and then the Premier League started.

Community Shield: Total Domination Against Man City​

The first real test was the Community Shield against Ancelotti's Man City. The match started spectacularly – Mastantuono, Dorgu, Inacio, Konate, and Arda all scored, making it 6-0 for Brighton by the 33rd minute!

It was unbelievable to see City so helpless. Ruben Dias scored in the second half to make it 6-1, but the result was never in doubt – we won the Community Shield!
"If we keep playing like this, nobody can stop us!" … Or so I thought until the league started...

Rocky Start in the Premier League: Worries About the Future?​

After a fantastic start, the Premier League proved to be far more challenging than expected:

• Draw against Newcastle (1-1) – A tough battle right from the start.
• Loss to West Ham (0-1) – We were nonexistent on the pitch, a true nightmare.
• Disappointing draw against Brentford (1-1)
• Loss to Burnley (0-1)
• And a massive slap in the face from Everton (0-3)

That’s when I realized something was seriously wrong...
"Where is the team that crushed Man City 6-1?"

Pressure and Doubts​

I was genuinely worried about my future at the club. We were 3rd in the table, far from last season's dominance. The club I had built to compete with the best in Europe... Would they sack me?

Still, I decided to take a risk – I changed the tactics after that dreadful defeat to Everton. I knew it was risky to change mid-season, but I had to do something.

Turning the Tide: Back in the Title Race​

The tactical change paid off. December and January were outstanding, with victories that brought back confidence to the team:

• Bournemouth (3-2)
• Arsenal (3-0)
• Newcastle (5-0)
• Barnsley (9-0)

We were still 3rd in the table but now with much more confidence and form that promised a strong finish. In the Champions League, we comfortably finished 2nd in the group. FA Cup and Carabao Cup campaigns were also going great – we were still in contention for both domestic trophies!

Arda Guler Unhappy: The Season's Turning Point?​

Arda Guler became unhappy and expressed his desire to leave the club. This decision could seriously affect the rest of the season.

Dilemma: Keep or Sell?
The problem is his contract expires in 2031. At the end of the season, I'll have to make a tough decision – either extend his contract or let him go.

His creativity is irreplaceable, and I even decided to sell Lazar Samardzic – the guy I won the World Cup with Serbia – just to make room for Arda.

January Transfer Window: Quiet but Calculated Moves​

When it comes to the January transfer window, we weren’t particularly active. The only addition to the squad was Mădălin Ursu for £5 million – a classic move with the plan to send him out on loan for development. If he performs well, he’ll fit into the first team, but if not, we’ll sell him for a higher fee.

I considered recalling Santiago Sosa from his loan at Watford, as he’s been a regular starter and shown great potential. However, I decided to let him stay there until the end of the season to continue his development without pressure. I hope he’ll be a key player in our midfield next season!

What's Next? Ambitions and Fear of Getting Sacked​

The goal is to win all the cups and maintain the form from December and January. Maybe they will forgive me for the early-season slip-ups...

Questions for you:

• Should I fight to keep Arda Guler?
• Can I save my job with these results and earn another chance?
• Is it time to say goodbye to Brighton?

Comments and Discussion​

What would you do in my place?
How did you handle unhappy stars in your saves?
Drop your comments below – I can't wait to hear your advice!

Teaser for the Next Post: The End or a New Beginning?​

"Will Brighton climb back to the top? Will Arda Guler leave the team? Is this the end of my journey at Brighton? Find out in the next update! Stay tuned for the season's thrilling finale!"

Thanks for reading!
This season is far from over! All or nothing until the end!