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

[leckuno]

So the main question would be why is Arda unhappy is there something you can do like offer a new contract or give him more playing time to change his mind or does he just want to move on and its better just to cut your losses and give somebody else a chance?

Always got to fight right until the end of the season as well and then seeing what the board say or seeing what other jobs come up as well

 

[HerJoca]

[FM 2024] Brighton - Season 2029/2030: From Crisis to Historic Glory​

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1. After a Rough Start, We Refused to Give Up…​

I knew it was going to be tough, but I believed in these players. How could I not? I was the one who chose them, the one who brought them to this club.
I knew this team was capable of great things.
But things didn't go as planned.
At the halfway point of the season, we were third, behind Arsenal and Man City. We were dropping points where we shouldn’t have, and the pressure from the board was growing by the day.

• A draw against Newcastle, a 3-0 loss to Everton, and even a frustrating draw against Brentford.
• The dressing room was getting quieter, and the team’s confidence was starting to crack.
• The media had already started speculating about my sacking.
• The board demanded first place, and I knew we couldn’t afford any more slip-ups.

I knew something had to change.
But how do you change a team that you built yourself, a team that played like champions last season and won the Premier League with just three losses?
Changing tactics mid-season was a massive risk, but I had no choice.

• I called for a meeting with my coaching staff,closed the door, and spoke to them directly:
  • "If we don’t take the risk now, we risk losing everything."
  • "We’re switching to a faster, more transitional style of play, with aggressive pressing and an attack focused on speed and creativity."
• They knew what this meant.
  • Some players would lose their spots in the team.
  • Some would have to learn completely new roles.
  • Some might not be able to handle the pressure.

I felt a lump in my throat as I laid out my vision, but I saw determination in their eyes.

• They trusted me.
• They knew we had no more room for error.
• They knew we had to fight until the last whistle.

We changed the formation, adjusted to new roles, and started playing faster, harder, and more aggressively.

• More risks, more attacking, but also more space for the opponents' counterattacks.
• We had no choice; it was all or nothing.

The players responded in the best way possible...
We ended up winning SIX trophies this season!

2. The Arda Güler Dilemma: A Promise I Might Not Be Able to Keep​

While our results were far from what was expected, another problem arose.
Arda Güler, one of the most creative players in the squad, became increasingly unhappy with his role.

• Last season: 38 appearances, 13 goals, and 21 assists.
• He was instrumental in winning the Premier League. His left foot terrorized defenses, and his free-kicks were a nightmare for goalkeepers.
• However, with the tactical change, he lost his spot in the starting lineup.
• He didn’t complain publicly, but I could see the frustration in his eyes.
• His attitude in training changed, becoming more reserved and less communicative.
• One day, he came to my office and said:
  • "Coach, if I’m not in the starting XI, I want to leave."

He asked for a transfer, and I knew that I couldn’t afford to lose a player of his caliber.

• I had invested a lot in his development, built the team around his style of play, and I wanted him to be the leader of the next generation.
• I tried to convince him to stay, telling him how crucial he was to the team, but it wasn’t enough.
• In the end, I made him a promise:
  • "You will be a regular starter."
  • "Next season, you’ll lead the attack."

After winning six trophies, Arda signed a new contract, but he made it very clear:

• "I want to be in the starting XI."
• "I won’t sit on the bench anymore."

However, with the exceptional form of Paul Peter and Endrick, I realized that I might not be able to keep that promise.

• Next season, I’m planning tactical changes, but the question is whether Arda will have a place in the starting lineup.
• If he doesn’t, it could lead to serious conflict.
• The drama with Arda is far from over…

3. Champions League: The Crown Jewel of the Season​

The Champions League was the toughest challenge, but also the most beautiful story of this season.

• After last season’s semi-final exit, we knew that this year, we had to go all the way.
• The board made it crystal clear:
  • "Semi-final is the minimum, but winning it is the real goal."
• I never liked that kind of pressure, but I knew we had the quality to do it.

The road to the final was filled with drama and challenges.

• Round of 16 against Borussia Dortmund – High-octane football from both sides.
  
  • We won both legs (3-2, 3-1) with goals from Endrick and Konaté.
• Quarter-final against Barcelona – A clash of two attacking philosophies.
  
  • First leg ended 1-1 at Camp Nou, but in the second leg, we destroyed them 5-1.
  • Nunziatini and Endrick were magnificent, scoring 4 goals combined.
• Semi-final against PSG – Drama until the last minute.
  
  • We lost the first leg at home (2-3), putting our progression in serious doubt.
  • Second leg in Paris (5-3) – Endrick and Šeško were on another level, tearing PSG apart.
• And then, the final...

Final Against Real Madrid: Conquering Europe!​

• Brighton won 2-0 and became Champions of Europe for the second time in history!

4. Total Domination in Domestic Cups
This season, we completely dominated domestic competitions, solidifying our reign over English football.
FA Cup and Carabao Cup became our trophies, while Community Shield and Club World Championship rounded off an unforgettable season with six trophies.

5. Premier League: The Rocky Road to Glory​

At the halfway point, we were third, behind Arsenal and Man City.

• The board demanded first place, and I knew we had to turn the season around.
• The tactical shift brought a winning mentality and consistency.
• From December onwards, we didn’t lose a single match,** going on a winning streak that lasted until the end of the season.**

Dramatic Finish: Level on Points with Arsenal​

• At the end of the season, we were level on points with Arsenal (84), but we won the title due to a superior goal difference.
• It was nerve-wracking until the very last matchday.
  • Arsenal defeated Tottenham 4-1, while we beat Aston Villa 3-0.
  • We knew we had to win by at least two more goals to secure the title.
  • Benjamin Šeško stepped up in the most crucial moment, scoring two goals in the last 15 minutes to seal the title for us!
• This was the most dramatic Premier League finish in the last decade.

Top Scorers and Creators​

• Benjamin Šeško (53 goals) – The undisputed leader of our attack.
  • His speed and clinical finishing were deadly against any defense.
• Endrick (30 goals) – The engine of our offense and creative force.
  • His dribbling and flair left defenders completely helpless.
• Karim Konaté (27 goals and 14 assists) – The creative genius and playmaker.
  • He was the difference-maker with his vision and pinpoint passes.
• Paul Peter (20 assists) – The silent mastermind of the team.
  • His ability to create chances was crucial in our victories.

6. The Young Italian Sensation: Giacomo Nunziatini – The New Vieri​

Giacomo Nunziatini was the revelation of the season. Although he wasn’t a regular starter, every time he stepped on the pitch, he changed the game. He scored 21 goals and provided 6 assists, showing remarkable maturity for his age. He reminds me of the legendary Christian Vieri – with his strength, explosiveness, and lethal finishing. His movement and footballing intelligence often left defenders in complete disarray, while his powerful shot made him deadly in front of goal. He was decisive in crucial victories over Liverpool and Man Utd, scoring goals when the pressure was at its highest. He has everything it takes to become the leader of Brighton’s attack and to rise to the top of the footballing world. With 21 goals in his first full season, Giacomo Nunziatini is not just the future of Brighton – he’s the present and the future of European football.

 

[HerJoca]

7. Transfers: A New Era and Emotional Farewells​

This season was marked by an incredibly active transfer window, with significant arrivals and emotional departures that shaped the future of Brighton.
After winning six trophies, I knew that we needed to rejuvenate the squad and prepare the team for the future.
Even though we dominated all competitions, it was clear that fresh blood was needed, especially in midfield and attack.

Incoming Transfers: Building for the Future​

• Robert Terrace – £4M from Stoke City
• Mauro Herrera – £3M from Uruguay
• Andrés Charris – £2M from Colombia
• Abdoulaye Diop – Free from Rennes
• Paolo – £12M from Flamengo
• Todorov Aleksandrov – £14M

Luca Di Giacomo – £40M (up to £65M) from Inter​

This was the biggest transfer of the season.
Luca Di Giacomo wasn’t just another young striker.
He was the player I wanted more than anyone else.

• Inter didn’t want to sell him, but I was persistent and determined.
• Negotiations lasted until the very last day of the transfer window.
• Inter rejected multiple offers, and I knew I had to go all in.
• In the end, I agreed to a fee of £40M, with add-ons that could push the deal up to £65M.
• I was fully aware of the risks, but Luca is the kind of player who can define the future of Brighton.

Why did I want Luca Di Giacomo so badly?

• A complete striker with fantastic finishing, strength, and intelligent movement.
• His finishing is lethal, and his heading ability makes him a constant threat in the box.
• He reminds me of a young Alessandro Del Piero, with technical brilliance, creativity, and unpredictability.
• He’s not just a goal scorer, but also a playmaker who creates chances for his teammates.
• Luca is more than just a player – he’s a leader in the making.

I see him as the future leader of Brighton’s attack, someone who will take the mantle from Benjamin Šeško and lead our team to new trophies.
With him in our forward line, I believe that we have a bright future and that we’ll continue to dominate, not just in England but also in Europe.**

Outgoing Transfers: Emotional Farewells and Smart Sales​

• Tomáš Macháček – £17M to Dinamo Zagreb
• Franco Perrone – £16M to Porto

An Emotional Farewell to Gonçalo Inácio​

This was the hardest moment of the season.
Gonçalo Inácio wasn’t just a player.
He was the heart and soul of Brighton’s defense.

• He arrived in 2024 for £51M from Sporting, and played 180 games, scoring 17 goals.
• He was the commander of our defense, the leader in the locker room, and a role model for younger players.
• He never complained about his playing time, always gave 100% in every training session and match.
• He was a silent leader, but his presence on the pitch spoke louder than any words.

At the end of the season, he came to my office and said:

• "Boss, Barcelona contacted me.
• It’s my dream to play for them. I hope you can respect my wish."

I paused for a moment, struggling with a wave of emotions.

• I didn’t want to lose him, but how could I stand in the way of his dream?
• He was 29 years old, and I knew this was his last chance to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
• Gonçalo was loyal to Brighton, always professional, and he deserved to have his wish fulfilled.

I accepted the offer of £69M (up to £94M).

• He left with tears in his eyes, but as a club legend.
• This transfer wasn’t just a business decision, it was an emotional farewell.
• I saw the sadness on his teammates’ faces, they respected his leadership and calmness.

This transfer hit me harder than any other.
Gonçalo Inácio wasn’t just a defender, he was the soul of the team.
I’ll miss his stability in defense, but more than that, I’ll miss his character and leadership.
Thank you for everything, Gonçalo.
You leave as a Brighton legend.

8. Expectations and Plans for Next Season​

After a historic season with six trophies, expectations are higher than ever.
The club’s board has made it clear that there is no room for complacency and that the upcoming season must be just as successful.

Goals Set by the Board:​

• Win the UEFA Super Cup – They want us to prove our dominance over the rest of Europe.
• Win the Premier League again – To prove that last season was not a fluke.
• Be competitive in all domestic cups – FA Cup and Carabao Cup are now the standard, and Community Shield is seen as our season opener.
• Reach at least the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League – After conquering Europe, the goal is to maintain a high standard and continue our dominance.

Plans and Challenges​

After winning every possible trophy, the pressure hasn’t decreased – it’s even greater.

• Everyone expects us to continue our winning streak, but maintaining that level is harder than achieving it.
• Every opponent now wants to beat us, because everyone targets the champion.
• We’re preparing for the toughest season yet.

Midfield is the key area that needs refreshing.

• Thuram (29) and Sarr (28) are at the peak of their careers, but they are reaching the age where performance starts to decline.
• I need to think about their future.
  • Sell them while they are at their peak and invest in younger players?
  • Or keep them for another season and risk a dip in form?
• I have to make difficult decisions to ensure the team’s continuity.

I am planning tactical changes to maintain our high level of play and surprise our opponents.

• More focus on faster transitions and even more aggressive pressing.
• I want us to dominate not just in possession, but also in the intensity of play.

Pre-season preparations will be held in Croatia, where I plan an intensive training camp to prepare the team for a long and challenging season.

• I also plan to establish a partnership with Dinamo or Hajduk to send young players on loan.
• This will give them the necessary experience, while providing depth to our squad.

Expectations are sky-high, and challenges greater than ever.

• We need to prove that we are worthy of the title of European champions.
• We must show that Brighton is not just a one-season wonder, but the new giant of European football.

9. Closing and Announcement for the Next Post​

Season 2030/31 is upon us, and the pressure is enormous.
The board expects us to win every possible trophy, but I know it will be harder than ever.

• Every rival will want to defeat us, and every match will be a battle.
• We must be stronger, faster, and smarter than last season.

The question of Arda Güler remains unresolved.

• I promised him a spot in the starting XI, but I’m still not sure I can fulfill that promise.
• The drama with Arda will continue…

Preparations are starting soon, and I plan to test new tactical variations and see who is ready for the toughest challenges.

• Some will need to prove themselves, while others will have to fight for their place.
• There are no guaranteed spots in the team anymore.

The season ahead is full of challenges, and I know it will be harder than ever.

• But if we could do it last season, we can do it again!

I’ll check in again at the end of January…

 

[HerJoca]

[FM 2024] Brighton Career: Where Are They Now? (Season 2030/2031)​

Hello, Football Managers!
As I continue my journey with Brighton in FM 2024, now in the 2030/2031 season, I decided to look back at some of the key players I sold in previous seasons. Where are they now? Did they reach new heights or fade away? Here’s an update on their careers!

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1. Facundo Buonanotte​

• 
  Position: Attacking Midfielder (AMC/AMR/AML)
• Sold To: Sevilla for £36M in the 2025/2026 season
• Current Club: Sevilla
• Stats: Key player at Sevilla, scoring 35 goals in 175 appearances.
• Note: I was hesitant to sell him, but he has flourished in La Liga. It looks like it was the right decision as he became a crucial playmaker for Sevilla.

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2. Tommaso Baldanzi​

• 
  Position: Attacking Midfielder (AMC)
• Sold To: Wolfsburg for £16M
• Current Club: Wolfsburg
• Stats: Regular starter, 26 goals in 159 appearances.
• Note: He struggled to find form at Brighton, but in Wolfsburg, he’s playing consistently well. It seems I made the right choice to let him go.

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3. João Pedro​

• 
  Position: Striker (ST/AMC/AML/AMR)
• Sold To: Bayern Munich for £70M
• Current Club: Bayern Munich
• Stats: A key player for Bayern, continuing to be a goal threat.
• Note: He did an excellent job for Brighton, scoring 31 goals in three seasons. Letting him go wasn’t easy, but moving to Bayern was clearly the right step for his career.

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4. Matija Popović​

• 
  Position: Attacking Midfielder/Striker (AML/AMC/ST)
• Sold To: Real Madrid for £50M
• Current Club: Newcastle
• Stats: After two seasons in Real Madrid, he found stability at Newcastle, where he is a regular starter.
• Note: A talent developed at Brighton. He didn’t make it at Real, but he’s thriving at Newcastle, proving his quality.

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5. Evan Ferguson​

• 
  Position: Striker (ST)
• Sold To: Arsenal for £114M
• Current Club: Arsenal
• Stats: Scored 111 goals in 237 matches, one of the best strikers in England right now.
• Note: Our homegrown hero and Brighton legend. It was tough to let him go, but he’s become even better at Arsenal. Probably my best transfer decision despite the emotional attachment.

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6. Lazar Samardžić​

• 
  Position: Advanced Playmaker (AMC)
• Sold To: Atletico Madrid for £65M
• Current Club: Atletico Madrid
• Stats: The leader of Atletico’s midfield, consistently delivering top performances.
• Note: His creativity and vision are priceless. Atletico Madrid was the perfect environment for him to reach his full potential.

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7. Jeremie Frimpong​

• 
  Position: Right Back (DR/WBR)
• Sold To: AC Milan for £60M
• Current Club: AC Milan
• Stats: Regular starter at right back, showing great form in Serie A.
• Note: There was a fierce battle between him and Kayode for the right-back spot at Brighton. In the end, Milan was the right choice for his development.

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8. Nikola Milenković​

• 
  Position: Centre Back (DC)
• Sold To: Leicester for £40M
• Current Club: Leicester
• Stats: Defensive rock at Leicester, consistently delivering solid performances.
• Note: He was indispensable at Brighton, but he has also found his place at Leicester. A true defensive leader.

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9. Sávio​

• 
  Position: Winger (AMR/AML/ST)
• Sold To: Atletico Madrid for £88M
• Current Club: Atletico Madrid
• Stats: Forming a fantastic partnership with Samardžić, a key offensive weapon for Atletico.
• Note: His speed and dribbling are still game-changers. Madrid suits his style of play perfectly.

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10. Carlos Baleba​

• Position: Defensive Midfielder (DM/MC)
• Sold To: Bayern Munich for £67M
• Current Club: Bayern Munich
• Stats: Vital player in Bayern’s midfield, known for his intelligent play and passing range.
• Note: He continues to dictate the tempo at Bayern, proving his worth in the Bundesliga.

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11. Amar Dedić​

• Position: Left Back (DL/WBL)
• Sold To: Arsenal for £85M
• Current Club: Arsenal
• Stats: Consistent starter at Arsenal, solid both defensively and offensively.
• Note: He was my go-to left-back at Brighton, and he continues to be world-class in North London.

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12. Assan Ouédraogo​

• Position: Midfielder (CM/AMC)
• Sold To: Real Madrid for £64M
• Current Club: Bayern Munich
• Stats: Struggled at Real Madrid but found form at Bayern.
• Note: His career had ups and downs, but Bayern seems to be the right fit for his playmaking abilities.

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13. Bilal El Khannouss​

• Position: Advanced Playmaker (AMC/MC)
• Sold To: Arsenal for £42.5M
• Current Club: Arsenal
• Stats: Rotational squad player, contributing creatively in midfield.
• Note: He has yet to become a key player, but his technical ability suggests he has a bright future.

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14. Jonas Urbig​

• 
  Position: Goalkeeper (GK)
• Sold To: Inter Milan (Blu-neri) for £15.25M
• Current Club: Inter Milan
• Stats: One of the best goalkeepers in Serie A, consistently delivering top performances.
• Note: His development is phenomenal. Perhaps I gave up on him too early.

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15. Strahinja Pavlović​

• 
  Position: Centre Back (DC)
• Sold To: Real Madrid for £77M
• Current Club: Valencia (on loan from Real Madrid)
• Stats: Struggled to find his place at Real Madrid and is currently on loan at Valencia.
• Note: My defensive commander at Brighton. I expected him to shine at Real, but it seems he needs more stability.

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Conclusion​

• Did I make the right decisions with these sales?
• Who do you think made the biggest progress?
• Would you bring any of them back to Brighton?

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Your Thoughts and Suggestions​

What do you think about my transfer moves? Have you had similar experiences with selling top talents? Let me know in the comments!

 

[MT55]

I can't remember what edition of FM it was but I was managing Roda JC. First season we won the league and got promoted to the Eredivisie. Finished 4th first season and signed this Serbian winger (can't remember his name) we then finished 2nd behind Ajax. Ajax then bidded for most of my players and my Serbian winger was unhappy and wanted to leave, so unfortunately I did sell him as much as I didn't want to. He then won the league with Ajax and got player of the year and I got relegated despite finishing 2nd the year before.

I'll always remember him and that save. I also signed Adam Smith and Junior Stanislas from Bournemouth who also went to Ajax, so did lose quite a few key players that contributed to my relegation lol.

 

[HerJoca]

Hey, thanks for following my story! I really appreciate it, and I hope you're enjoying the journey as much as I am.

I absolutely love buying young players, especially from Serbia, Croatia, and South America – they have so much potential and flair. Turning them into superstars is one of the most satisfying parts of FM for me. I rarely keep players over 30 in my squad because I’m always looking to refresh the team with young talent.

Right now, my goal is to stay at Brighton for at least 10 seasons to unlock that Steam achievement. But the board’s expectations are incredibly high, and I’m honestly a bit worried about slipping up, especially when it’s time to rebuild with a new generation. Balancing youth development and success is a tough challenge.

I’d also love to return to managing the Serbian national team someday. There’s something special about leading both the Seagulls and the Eagles to glory. It was an amazing experience winning with both teams, and I’d love to do it again.

Do you also enjoy long-term saves, or do you prefer moving around? And have you managed a national team along with a club before? I’d love to hear more about your experiences!

 

[HerJoca]

Brighton - Season 2030/31 - Dominance in England and Europe! ​

Another incredible season is behind us! We have once again won the Premier League, but this time with even more dominance! On top of that, Brighton has once again conquered the UEFA Champions League, cementing our status as one of the best teams in the world!

To make things even sweeter, we added another trophy to our collection – the UEFA Super Cup, where we defeated Man City 2-1 after extra time in a thrilling match!

Premier League - Total Domination!​

This was not just another title win – Brighton completely destroyed the competition! 35 wins, 1 draw, and only 2 losses!

We finished with 106 points – a massive 22 points ahead of Man City!
Scored 126 goals – our attack was unstoppable!
Best defense in the league – only conceded 30 goals.
Biggest win: 7-1 against Norwich – pure dominance!
Key match: 5-1 vs Man City – proving who the real champions are!

Our main title rival was Manchester City, but they had too many slip-ups and couldn't keep up with our pace. Arsenal finished third, while Newcastle and Man UFC secured their spots in the Champions League.

On the other hand, West Ham, Sunderland, and Bournemouth were relegated, while Aston Villa barely survived.

UEFA Champions League - Another European Triumph! ​

Brighton once again proved that we belong among the European elite! Here’s how our road to glory unfolded:

League Phase (UEFA Champions League) ​

We finished as one of the best teams in the league phase, securing an easier knockout draw!

Knockout Stage - From Contenders to Champions!​

Round of 16​

OGC Nice (First Leg: 1-1, Second Leg: 5-1)

• The first match was tough, but we destroyed them 5-1 in the return leg!

Quarterfinals​

Paris Saint-Germain (First Leg: 2-3, Second Leg: 8-3!)

• Shocking loss in Paris! PSG won the first leg (3-2), but what happened in the return leg... ABSOLUTE MADNESS!
• 8-3 victory – we humiliated PSG! Šeško, Endrick, and the rest of the squad put in a legendary performance!

Semifinals​

Manchester City (First Leg: 5-1, Second Leg: 2-1)

• Pure dominance! We smashed them 5-1 in the first leg, making the return leg a mere formality.
• Franco Mastantuono and Endrick tore City apart!

Final - Brighton 3-1 Arsenal​

Luca Di Giacomo (35', 45+1')
Pape Matar Sarr (41')

We faced Arsenal in the final, a team that had beaten us in the Community Shield and knocked us out of the Carabao Cup. But this time, there was no doubt! We stormed to a 3-0 lead before halftime, ending the match early! Arsenal had no chance.

Brighton is once again on top of Europe!

Transfers - Building for the Future!

Félix Nazinho (GK) – £37M (Sporting CP)
At the end of the season, we signed a young Portuguese goalkeeper who has the potential to become one of the best in the world! Nazinho is tall, has fantastic distribution, and possesses leadership qualities – I expect him to be Brighton’s first-choice keeper for years to come!

With Nazinho coming in, Bart Verbruggen could be sold if a good offer arrives!

Filip Kostić (ST) – £7M (Vojvodina)
Signed as a promising striker, but immediately loaned out to Reading for first-team experience. I believe he will become a valuable asset and bring us a big profit in the future!

---

Standout Players of the Season:​

Benjamin Šeško - A goal machine! Led us in every competition!
Endrick - An absolute beast up front, key in the PSG demolition!
Giacomo Nunziatini - Midfield maestro and an outstanding forward! One of the most complete players in the squad!

---

Plans for Next Season?​

The board’s expectations are another Premier League title, at least a Champions League quarterfinal, and to be competitive in all domestic cups.

As for transfers:
Bart Verbruggen might leave if a good offer comes in, as we now have Nazinho.
Khephren Thuram is getting older – it might be time to start looking for a replacement in midfield.

But before any decisions, it’s time for a well-deserved break and celebrations because Brighton is no longer just a good team – Brighton is an ELITE club!

 

[HerJoca]

Season 2031/2032 – Brighton dominates England and Europe!​

After last season’s success and multiple trophies, I knew the board had high expectations. Brighton had become a true football powerhouse, but I was aware that just one mistake could mean the end. A club I had grown to love, a club I had built from the ground up, was now at the top of the football world. There was no time for celebration – the hard work had to continue.

Pre-season – Bosnia as the perfect preparation base​

Unlike previous seasons, we decided to do our pre-season in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A beautiful country rich in nature, it was the perfect place to get the team ready. Five wins in five friendlies were a good sign, but the first real test came in the Community Shield against Manchester City, managed once again by Pep Guardiola. Unfortunately, City beat us 3-2, reminding us that this season would be no walk in the park.

First trophy secured – UEFA Super Cup​

We kicked off the season in style. After a dominant 5-0 win over Leeds in our Premier League opener, we faced Inter in the UEFA Super Cup. They took an early lead in the 10th minute through Ryan Gravenberch, but my players responded brilliantly. Benjamin Šeško and Karim Konate turned the game around to 2-1, securing our first trophy of the season.

Premier League – Total domination​

From the very start, we showed that we were serious about defending our title! Wins against Hull, Aston Villa, Wolves, Tottenham, and Everton set the tone. The first loss came in October against Arsenal (2-0), but that didn’t slow us down. We kept winning and ended the season as Premier League champions with 95 points, 10 clear of Manchester City.


Our attacking dominance was insane – 134 goals scored and only 31 conceded!
The attacking trio of Benjamin Šeško, Karim Konate, and Endrick terrorized defenses, while Giacomo Nunziatini played a crucial role in our attacking setup, delivering key goals throughout the season.

Champions League – Three in a row!​

The group stage didn’t start well. PSG defeated us 4-3, followed by a 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund. I knew we had to fight hard to qualify. We bounced back with wins against Lens, Bologna, Atletico Madrid, and Partizan, securing the 11th spot and advancing to the knockout rounds.

In the knockout stage, we exploded:
RC Lens – 1-0 (away) and 6-1 (home)
Real Madrid – 4-0 (home) and 2-5 (away)
Milan – 2-1 (home) and 3-0 (away)
PSG – revenge in the semifinals! 4-2 on aggregate


The final against FC Porto was a war! After 90 minutes, the score was 0-0, but in extra time, Andrés Charris and Benjamin Šeško sealed a 2-0 victory, securing our third consecutive Champions League title! Brighton now has four Champions League trophies, and this generation is on its way to legendary status.

Domestic Cups – Carabao and FA Cup secured​

Even though domestic cups were not a priority, our squad depth proved its value. In the FA Cup final, we destroyed Chelsea 4-1, while in the Carabao Cup final, we beat Arsenal 3-1. Two more trophies for the collection!

Transfers – Squad evolution​

At the start of the season, we brought in some key signings:








Antônio Carlos (Flamengo) – £15M. A defensive midfielder with huge potential.

Louis Nsiala (OGC Nice) – £80M. A dominant midfielder who has already proven to be a key player.
Jakob Müller (SV Werder) – £70M. A young German striker, set to take over from Šeško and Konate in the long run.

As for departures, some big names left the club:

Khephren Thuram – moved to Saudi Arabia for £53M. A midfield rock for years, but it was time for a change.
Paul Peter – sold to Chelsea for £50M. A great player, but he didn’t fit my tactical plans.
Stefan Komljenović – joined PSG for £42.5M.







The biggest departure was Patric Dorgu to Real Madrid for £60M. Madrid has bought a lot of my players over the years, but none have really shined there. We’ll see if Dorgu can break that trend.

New challenge – Brazil awaits!​

At the end of the season, after dominating with Brighton, I received an incredible opportunity – I was appointed as the new manager of Brazil!


In the next post, we will dive into my vision for the Seleção – how I got the job, the key players I will rely on, the expectations, and the roadmap to bringing more glory to Brazilian football.


Until the next post, best regards!

 

[HerJoca]

Brazil’s Road Back to the Football Throne – Can This Generation Restore the Samba Magic?​

Brazil – A Football Nation Without Patience​

Brazil. A sacred football land. A country where the ball never stops moving, where football isn’t just played – it’s felt, breathed, and lived. The land of Pelé, Garrincha, Zico, Romário, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká… Five-time world champions, yet for too long, far too long, they have been waiting to reclaim their throne.

Years of Unfulfilled Expectations – The Fall of a Football Giant​

2006 – Quarter-final exit to France. Zidane dismantled them, reminding the world what a true champion looks like.
2010 – Quarter-final exit to the Netherlands. Brazil looked dominant, but Sneijder shattered their dreams.
2014 – A World Cup at home turned into a national tragedy. 7-1 against Germany – the day Brazil will never forget.
2018 – Quarter-final exit to Belgium. Another golden generation wasted.
2022 – Quarter-final exit to Croatia. They watched as Modrić and company stole the role Brazil was meant to play.
2026 – Round of 16 exit to Ivory Coast. A team that was supposed to bring glory couldn’t even reach the latter stages.
2030 – Round of 16 exit to Norway. Yes, Norway. A team Brazil used to crush without hesitation.

Brazil was no longer feared, no longer guaranteed to be among the favorites. They were just another team.

Then came another crushing blow – a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the 2032 Copa América semi-finals.

Rodrygo scored, but it wasn’t enough. That was his last game in the yellow and green jersey.

After the match, Rodrygo announced his retirement from international football.

Why? Fatigue? Lost motivation? Should we try to bring him back?

Brazil cannot afford to lose a player of his caliber. But how do you convince him to return when even he no longer believes in this team?

From Serbia, to Brighton, to Brazil – The Journey to the Top​

Coaching Brazil isn’t a privilege handed to just anyone. It requires experience, a winning philosophy, and the ability to handle immense pressure. That’s exactly why this opportunity arose.


But this isn’t the first major challenge. Serbia and Brighton were led at the same time!


Serbia (2023-2028)
WORLD CHAMPIONS 2026 – A historic triumph! Serbia became world champions for the first time, defeating Argentina in the final.
A generation that made history but failed to sustain its success after the departure of its leader.
With Igor Duljaj taking over, Serbia failed to qualify for the European Championship.
Veljko Paunović was then appointed, but the same failure repeated. Serbia disappeared from major tournaments.


An attempt to return was denied – the Serbian FA had other plans.

But if a Serbian generation could be built into a World Cup-winning team, why not Brazil?

Brighton (2024-2032)
6 Premier League titles
4 Champions League trophies
4 FA Cups
3 Carabao Cups
3 UEFA Super Cups


Then came the offer that couldn’t be refused – Brazil.

Brighton and Brazil – Two Completely Different Worlds​

Brighton was a well-oiled machine.
Every transfer was meticulously planned.
Every player had a defined role.
The squad functioned as a single unit.

Brazil?
Chaos.
Doubt.
A lack of belief in their own abilities.

If Serbia could be turned into world champions, if Brighton could be built into a European powerhouse, why not Brazil?

Brazil has been waiting since 2002.

That year, Ronaldo shaved his head, walked onto the pitch, and scored two goals against Germany in the final.
That day, the football world belonged to Brazil.

Why can’t it happen again?

First Matches – Highs and Lows​

Brazil 4-1 Colombia
(A brutal start! Endrick scores twice in the first 9 minutes, Martinelli and André seal the win.)

Paraguay 3-2 Brazil
(Shocking loss! Jose Vera, a Brighton player, scores in the 4th minute. Vinicius and Martinelli turn it around, but Paraguay stuns Brazil with a stoppage-time winner.)

Venezuela 1-6 Brazil
(Marcos Leonardo, Yan Couto, João Pedro, and Alexsander dismantle the opposition.)

Brazil 5-2 Peru
(Martinelli, Sávio, and Moscardo lead the way to victory.)

The table? Brazil sits in first place, but every mistake could be costly.

November will bring matches against Bolivia and Chile – anything less than wins would be a disaster.

Who Are the Key Players?​

Defense – The Team’s Weak Spot​

🛡 Goalkeepers: Luiz Júnior (Brentford), Diego Callai (Arsenal) – nowhere near the reliability of Dida or Marcos.
🛡 Full-backs: José Afonso (Brighton), Yan Couto (Blu-neri), Alexsander (Arsenal) – decent, but not Cafu or Roberto Carlos.
🛡 Center-backs: Emanoel (Casciavit), Paulinho Criciúma (RB Leipzig) – young, promising, but yet to prove themselves.

Midfield – The Team’s Strength​

Gabriel Moscardo (Bayer 04), Sergio (Borussia Dortmund), Felipe (Arsenal) – finally, balance, with Moscardo as the leader.

Attack – Brazil Still Looks Like Brazil

Vinicius Junior (Man City), Martinelli (Arsenal), Endrick (Brighton), Vitor Roque (Barcelona), João Pedro (Borussia Dortmund), Sávio (Atletico Madrid) – if anyone can restore the Samba magic, it’s them!

Can Endrick Do What Neymar’s Generation Couldn’t?​

Brazil is not just a team – Brazil is a myth, a legend, a symbol of footballing greatness.

But that legend is fading.

Can this generation finally bring the World Cup back to Brazil?
Can Rodrygo reconsider his decision and help the team?
Can Brazil once again be the team that the world watches in awe?

If Serbia could lift the trophy, if Brighton could become a European giant, then so can Brazil.

Brazil has waited too long. Too many failures. Too much talking.

Now it’s time for action.

Until the next update, sports greetings!

 

[HerJoca]

Start of the 2032/2033 Season - Can Brighton Win Another Champions League?


My journey with Brighton has been going on for nearly a decade, and the success we've achieved is unbelievable. A club that was once just a challenger is now a European powerhouse. We've won 4 Champions League titles (2025/26, 2029/30, 2030/31, 2031/32), and now we have the chance to make history – a fourth title in a row! We've also won the Premier League six times, including a dominant streak of five consecutive titles from 2027/28 to 2031/32. We conquered the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029, the UEFA Europa League in 2023/24, 2 UEFA Super Cups (2030, 2031), 4 FA Cups, and 3 Carabao Cups. Brighton has become a club that everyone fears!

High Expectations and a Strong Start​

The board expects us to continue our dominance, and as the season progresses, we are proving that we have what it takes. Pre-season went perfectly – five matches, 25 goals scored, and only six conceded. We won the Community Shield by beating Man City (2-1), but suffered an early disappointment in the UEFA Super Cup, losing 2-1 to Lazio – I simply had no answer for the determined Italians.


In the Premier League, we opened with a solid 3-0 win over Chelsea, but were quickly brought back to reality with two 1-1 draws against Newcastle and West Ham. The Champions League also started on a rough note, as Man City beat us 4-2. But then the

machine kicked into gear! Wins over Benfica (1-0), Fenerbahce (7-1), Atletico Madrid (4-2), Barcelona (4-1), and Monaco (5-0) saw us secure first place in the group with 7 wins and just one loss!

In the Premier League, after a slightly shaky start, we got back on track. Victories against Tottenham (3-1), Sheffield United (3-0), Man United (3-2), and Arsenal (4-2) have put us in a commanding position at the top of the table.

Transfers – Legends Leave, New Talents Arrive​

This summer was an emotional one, as we had to say goodbye to several club legends:

1. Pape Matar Sarr – Our midfield engine. Left for PSG for €72M (potentially €99M).
2. Michael Kayode – Our reliable right-back, departed for Real Madrid for €94M.
3. Bart Verbruggen – A goalkeeper who shined under me but refused a backup role. Moved to Barcelona for €42M.
4. Abdoulaye Diop – Signed on a free transfer, sold to Werder Bremen for €36M.
5. Karim Konate – Once a prolific goal scorer, refused to renew his contract. Sold to Arsenal for €24M.

In terms of arrivals, we weren't very active:

1. Braian Romero – Signed from Velez for €10M, currently on loan at Crvena Zvezda.
2. Maks Šoša – Signed from Dinamo for €8M, a promising young defender.
3. Hélder – Signed from Flamengo for €14M, just to prevent Milan from getting him.

A Major Problem – Benjamin Šeško Refuses to Extend His Contract!​

The biggest shock of the season so far is the situation with Benjamin Šeško. A player who has scored 182 goals in 196 matches, won 6 consecutive Ballon d'Or awards, and has been the face of this generation – now refuses to renew his contract! Has he grown tired of Brighton? Is it time to let him go? If he doesn’t extend his contract by the end of the season, I’ll be forced to sell him.

Is My Brighton Journey Coming to an End?​

I can't deny that the idea of building a new superteam is tempting. Deportivo La Coruña seems like an interesting challenge – what a club they used to be! Roma is currently bottom of Serie A; maybe it’s time to bring them back to glory? Or should I stay in Brighton and chase more trophies?


Should I stay at Brighton or take on a new challenge? Let me know what you think!

 

[HerJoca]

The End of a Fairytale – Brighton 2032/2033 | A New Beginning in Italy


February brought more of the same – dominant performances, flowing football, and win after win. The Premier League table felt like it was designed for us. Still unbeaten, I couldn’t help but think of that legendary Arsenal season – The Invincibles. I wanted to do more than match it. I wanted to beat it. To write Brighton’s name into history – in gold.

Then came the Champions League knockout stages. First up – Lazio. A painful loss in Rome, but at the Amex, we showed who we really are. We turned it around and moved on. Next – Inter. No real trouble. Then, in the semi-finals, it was Real Madrid – our old rival. This time, we swept them aside.

In the final, we faced French side Nice. Tough game, but we got the job done.




Four consecutive Champions League titles.


Back in the Premier League, April brought heartbreak. A crushing 4-1 defeat to Man City – our only loss of the entire season. That one result shattered the dream of going unbeaten.

But the title was still ours – for the fifth season in a row. Six league titles in total. Brighton were at the absolute peak.

And then… it was time.


Šeško – a true club legend – said his goodbyes. 205 matches. 190 goals. Countless trophies. Individual awards. He carried this club through its golden years and left as a champion – heading to Real Madrid in a €113M move. A perfect farewell.


And I knew it too... My time had come.

The Last Dance

We swept through the Club World Cup. Easy group stage, then Nice, Napoli (after extra time), Dortmund… and another final against Real Madrid. And once again – we lifted the trophy.

That night, I resigned. Just like Mourinho at Inter – I walked away with silverware in my hands.

Parma – the one that got away

I already knew who I wanted next. Parma. A club with history, currently in Serie B, looking to rise again. They wanted me, and I wanted them. I submitted my interest, they accepted – but Brighton wouldn’t let me go. By the time they agreed, it was too late. Parma had already moved on and found someone else.

Como – the real challenge

Then came Como. A club drowning in debt, no budget to speak of, relying on their youth academy to survive. Mid-table in Serie A, with no guarantees for the future.

But something about them pulled me in. A modest stadium overlooking the lake. A quiet town with big dreams. The board was clear – no money, but full faith.

This was the kind of challenge I’d been waiting for.

I applied. They accepted.

And just like that – I'm heading to Italy.

Brighton will always be part of me – a fairytale that came true. But now, it’s time to write a new chapter.

Italy awaits. Como – I’m coming.