"We've agreed a fee with Braga for your services. We've made a huge risk but we believe you can be the catalyst to spark a revival here at El Madrigal. I don't care how you do it José, Get us back to the Premier Division. We'll go bust within 3 years if we're stuck in the second tier. Your success at Rayo, Tenerife, Madeira and then Braga is what we need for you to do at Villarreal. Get us back on the map! Last season was a forgettable one, But we have faith in you to get us back to where we were only 3 years ago. "
"It'll be tough to get back to the Champions League Semi's Sir. But it's a challenge i'm willing to accept. It's not a risk at all sir, You've seen my record, But i will repay you with trophies. Lots and Lots of them."
"I like your arrogance son, It's what's needed round here. Fresh blood. Pedro and I have decided to give you a budget of €15,000,000 and a wage budget of €496,000, We are currently spending €495,816 but the two can be adjusted to suit you. We are currently lacking backroom staff so we have put a few adverts out there for applications."
"You're words suggest Iv'e already signed the contract , Let me have a look."
(THE CHAIRMAN HANDS OVER A SHEET OF PAPER)
"Your contract, Do you agree to the terms?"
(I scour across the pink sheet)
€5,500 p/w
Contract Ends 30.6.2013 €100,000 bonus if following objectives are met: Win Liga Adelante
Reach Copa Del Rey Quarter Finals
Help sustain a healthy financial position
"Pen please." I added, Impressed with the conditions.
"I wish you the best of luck Senor Sanchez"
"Grasias, I'm looking forward to bringing good times back to the club."
(THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED AND I WAS OFFICIALLY MANAGER OF VILLARREAL C.F S.A.D)
Monday Morning couldn't arrive quick enough, I was looking forward to getting started immensely. A massive challenge lay ahead of me, And as i drove to the training ground in my Audi Spyder. Flashbacks of my career so far ran through my head. Firstly leading Rayo to Liga BBVA, Then Tenerife too, And then i went to Portugal with Madeira and lost out in the Europa League Final to Celtic. Then most recently doing the domestic double with Braga and winning the Europa League after a thrilling penalty shoot-out against Marseille. I'm proud of my achievements so far in management, And i can only become better and more experienced the more time i'm in a job. I arrived at the training ground to a "flashing parade" It was the press trying to get shots of me. I was greeted at the entrance of the main building by the chairman. A firm hand shake and he escorted me to what would be my new office for the next two years and hopefully more. It was lovely, a great view on to the sea, Beautiful, half-naked ladies on the beach added to the pleasure. Unfortunately on the desk lay stacks of files, Scout reports, Physio Reports, Sports Channels asking if i am willing to appear on their shows. All sorts of nonsense. Skimming through the physio report. A catastrophe struck my eyes. It read "During the final game of the season versus Rayo Vallecano, At El Madrigal, A bad challenge from "Lass" in the 89th minute resulted in Italian forward Giuseppe Rossi landing awkwardly and snapping his ankle bone completely. Steel plates have been inserted into the players ankle to heal the break and he is now on the road to recovery. He may require further surgery as ligaments in the right ankle also shattered. Therefore I rule him out for approximately 9 to 10 months. If all is well and no further surgery is required, Giuseppe may only be out for up to 6 to 7 months." I was absolutely gutted, The player i wanted to work with most. Injured for the whole season.
I then read the scout reports which had been left for me.
"The first player I'd like to present in this report is "Saul" A versatile attacking midfielder who at the tender age of 16, could be on the road to great things. His technique is the best of his many attributes, He is also an amazing dribbler of the ball. He is quick, He can spot a pass and his first touch is immaculate. I'd reccomend you sign "Saul" As he is a great prospect for the future and he is available for just over one million Euros as a compensation fee to Atletico Madrid.
"Tobias Sippel, Is a 23 year old goalkeeper who plays in the 2.Bundesliga for Kaiserlaurten. At 5 ft 11 he isn't the tallest goalkeeper, But his great agility makes up for this. He has outstanding reflexes, and with the right training from your backroom staff could be Germany's next number one. If you were interested in buying Tobias, he'd be available for around 1.4 million euros."
"Simon Poulsen, A 28 year old left sided player who hails from Denmark. His pace would make him a massive threat against any side in Liga Adelante. His dribbling and crossing skills also make him a player to be feared and he is available on the cheap as AZ in the Eridivise have placed him on the transfer list. You could snap him up for as little as 500 thousand euros.
Those where the 3 players he believed could make a difference to Villarreal, So it was time to get a new scout as these players where only average, Apart from Saul. But an approach failed after i spoke on the phone to his agent. He felt that staying with Atletico would be the best for the 'wonderkid'
I got a phone call soon after reading the reports. It was from the secretary at the stadium, I was instructed to leave the training ground, Head over to El Madrigal and give my first press conference as the new manager. As i left my office and then the main building i bumped into a man who'd be vital in the season ahead. NILMAR.
"Hello Nilmar"
"Hi, Jose right? Iv'e heard alot about you"
"Yes, I hope it's all good news. I'm absolutely delighted to be working with players of your calibre, Yourself especially."
"i'm looking forward to working with you also, i like the style you had Braga playing last season. Listen i really need to run the wife is in labour."
"oh, thanks and good luck !!"
I then got into my spyder and headed off for the stadium.
I was once again greeted at the front entrance of the stadium by flashing cameras. After ramming my way through the press, I walked through the automatic doors, The chairman stood looking anxious. He noticed me and urgently pointed to the press room. "Hurry you're going to be late." he said as i ran down the corridor. I opened the large brown door and was welcomed by what looked like a hungry pack of wolves with cameras waiting to get a story on me. I sat down, and the press officer spoke "This is José Sanchez, The new manager here at Villarreal. I will point to the journalist who will ask José a question. May the press conference begin."
Santiago Hernandez of Marca - " Congratulations on being appointed as manager of Villarreal. How do you feel at this current moment"
José Sanchez - " Gracias. It's a pleasure to be here. I'm looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead" Pedro Rodriguez of Spanish Sky Sports News - "What targets have you been set for the coming season?"
José Sanchez - "Well obviously it's to get the team back into the Primera Division, Plus the copa del rey is an important competition so we'll be looking to go on a good run."
Jose Puyol of Villarreal 5 News - "You obviously had great success at Braga using the 4-1-2-2-1 formation, Is that the philosophy you intend to bring here or do you have other tactics in mind?"
José Sanchez - "That will definitely be in my mind as i take to the training fields with the players, but you can't just have one tactic. Others will be installed into the players throughout pre-season."
Guillem Ballague of Revista - "Do you intend to bring in any new faces over the summer?"
José Sanchez - "I don't think the squad needs strengthening that much, just one or two new faces to freshen the place up. "
Ramon Pedro Rodriguez of Spanish Sky Sports News - "There is a lack of backroom staff at El Madrigal, And your ex assistant has now taken over at Braga to replace yourself, Do you have any ideas of who your going to bring in?"
José Sanchez - "I don't currently have any ideas of replacements for Jorge, But adverts have been sent out and i expect applications for jobs here in the next couple of weeks." The press officer intervened "That will be all the questions for the day. Thanks for your cooperation."
My first press conference went pretty well. Thats the annoying thing about being a football manager. The press are always criticising you but they expect a story from you when ever one arises. It's time to go home and crack open a nice Estrella. Tomorrow I start training the lads. I can't wait. !
The next day arrived and it was time to get my boots back on, I enjoy taking part with the players at training, it's like a bonding thing. I arrived at the training ground an hour early to get things prepared. Training would be split into different sections.
Goalkeepers
Ball Playing defenders
Fullbacks
Defensive Midfielders.
Advanced Playmakers
Ball Winning Midfielders
Attacking Midfielders
Deep Lying Playmakers
Wingers
Trequarista
Poachers
Deep Lying Forward
Target Men.
Inside Forwards.
I arranged a meeting with the players before i put them through their paces, it was going to be a mentally and physically tough summer for the players, but it would be worth it when it comes down to the final stages of the season when other teams are burned out, We'd still be fighting relentlessly for every point. As the players assembled in the locker rooms, I stood up and started to speak...
"Hola, I'm Jose and I'm the new manager here. Last season was a forgettable one for all of you. It's in the past and i don't ever want to here about it again. Things will be changing around here. Training will be fun, enjoyable but it will be tough during the off season. We will be playing with flair, good attractive on the deck football. You are all excellent players, And i expect that we put in a fierce bid to lift the Liga Adelante trophy. The backroom staff will be changing significantly. But i trust you guys will be mature enough to respect and work with these men. They are the best coaches around and I promise each and every one of your games will improve under my wing. But in order to improve i need your full cooperation and your trust, hard work will be vital to my plans. You will most likely see 2 new faces here. And they will only improve the squad even more. Now, I have divided you all into separate groups for training (sticks sheet on to wall with pin) the majority of the new backroom staff will arrive tomorrow therefore you have the rest of the day off. The Gym is open if any off you are wanting to put in some extra work. I'll be there. And before i go, If you ever have any problems or questions. I'll always be here for you lads. Now enjoy the rest of your day."
Just as I imagined. Everyone went home. The snide looks and chuckles spreading round the locker room left me disgusted. I was going to have my work cut out with these guys. Time to get them on my side. As i sat in my office notebook in hand, A fax from an unnamed agent informed me of the availabilty of Porto right back Miguel Lopes for a cheap 700 thousand euros. The agent also added he'd be willing to take a pay cut in order to play first team football. I immediately rang the chairman. A while later I was informed that Lopes was already in Valencia airport and had a car ready to drive him to the stadium. I was buzzing. My first signing for the new season.
Player Profile
Miguel Lopes Portuguese (2 under 21's caps)
24 years old
My third day into the job and my new backroom staff would be arriving, With more additions imminent. I greeted them all and sharing tea in the cafeteria i shared my ambitions with my new staff, Most coming over from Brazil.
"I want to make this club the greatest on earth. Last season was just a minor blip in an extraordinary journey we're about to embark on. I brought you here because you are the best coaches around. And together we can make this team into something very special. Iv'e given each of you a folder. And these contain player reports from the section of training you will control. It will tell you the players strenghts, weaknesses, and also inside the folder contains progress reports. Each month you should fill these in to inform me of how players are doing on the training pitch. Encourage them to do well and make it enjoyable but make it heavy. Their performances on the training pitch will influence my decision on who is in the starting 11. Constantly remind them of that. I'd like to wish everyone good luck for the season ahead."
New Backroom Staff at El Madrigal
Ivan Couto - Brazilian Assistant Manager - 63 years old signed from Nautico
Anselmo Sbraglia - Brazilian coach - 38 year old signed from Palmeiras
Beto - Brazilian Physio - 44 year old signed from Corinthians.
Alexandre Coelin - Brazilian Scout - Signed from Atletico Mineiro
Roy Aitken - Scottish First-Team Coach - 52 year old signed for free
Chico Fraga - Brazilian coach - 56 year old signed for free
Francisco Cersoismo - Brazilian First team coach - 44 year old signed from Gremio.
Cetteo Di Masco - Italian First team coach - 51 year old signed for free.
I was delighted with my new backroom staff, All with very good tactical knowledge and each man was an expert on at least one area of coaching. They would be really vital for the players development. As i sat in my office, A fax came through containing details of the pre season friendly matches we would play. It was from the chairman, Unfortunately there were no glamour friendlies arranged. The chairman had arranged friendlies against weaker opposition to boost the players confidence. Which was a good idea but they needed challenged. So I personally phone Tito Tilanova and invited them to El Madrigal for a pre season match at the cost of 500 thousand euros it would be worth it win, lose or draw. Plus the financial benefits would be great for the club.
Friendly Matches
FC Barcelona - El Madrigal - 20.7.2011
Onda - La Serratella - 25.7.2011
At. Baleareas - Ballear - 30.7.2011
Dungannon - Stangmore Park - 5.8.2011
Tenerife - Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez - 14.7.2011
Pre season matches are always boring, But I cannot wait to play Barca. The most likely case is that we get hammered 4/5-0 but it'll be a great experience. Especially as i'll be looking to play most of the youngsters of the squad. The rest of the friendlies I'll be expecting to dominate and score many goals. But that's if things go to plan. The players so far don't seem to like me, But get on really well with the new coaches. I think they believe i'm inexperienced and don't know what i'm doing but my record proves differently. In 7 years as a manager iv'e only ever lost 14 competitive matches. Pretty impressive if you ask me.
Pondering on the iMac in my office at the training facilities. I looked at the new software the Spanish FA had created. It was basically a massive transfer and loan list. Looking through possibilities a rising star caught my eye in Isaac Cuenca. The 20 year old La Masia graduate. A winger with great pace, intelligence and has the flair and tenacity to beat a man. I was certain he could add something different to the team. I phoned the chairman, He told me it was an excellent idea and was great friends with Sandro Rosell so the deal was basically done already. That would turn out to be my final signing for the summer at least ...
The day came and it was finally time to face the best side the world has ever seen., FC Barcelona. Under Pep they played the most dynamic and attractive football to date. They were unstoppable until last season when Mourinho's men destroyed their hopes of a 4th La Liga title in a row. I woke up at 5:30 am, Made some coffee, Showered, shat and shaved then headed off to the stadium. I was there at the stadium at 7am. 12 hours and 45 minutes before kick off. And i had no intention of going home. My new assistant was just excited as i was and was there by my side half an hour later. Drinking gallons of coffee to keep us alert. We discussed which of the 3 tactics to use. And who deserves to be in the starting 11. It was tough going, but we finally came to an agreement, The squad was filled with youngsters and only a handful of first team players. We would employ the 4-1-3-2 formation for this occasion in an attempt to stifle the technical talent in the middle of the pitch. The players arrived, all the youngsters looked desperately excited to get out there and play against Europe's elite, Whereas Marcos Senna and co. looked like they wanted the ground to open up in front of them.
As i pondered around the front entrance, The Barca team bus arrived. Leo Messi was the first to step off, An uplifting roar of applause for the best player of all time from Villarreal fans was nice too see. But seeing him with a boot-bag in hand wasn't so nice, it meant he was playing! My Rolex supplied by the chairman himself struck half 6. It was time to announce the team and time for my first team talk.
"Ok guys you know what your up against tonight. Just enjoy the occasion, We need to make it tight and compact in the middle, Don't let Xavi and Andres dictate the play. Let's try and set the temple against them. Get stuck in too them we have nothing to fear, in a 50/50 make sure you win it. Show them respect, but not too much. There's a great crowd out there tonight so lets try and entertain them. Don't worry too much about the scoreline. Just stick to your task and i'll have no worries.
The Match kicked off and Barcelona showed their intent in the first 30 seconds when the ball was sprayed straight to Messi, Who went on a mazy run and his passed shot was saved comfortably by Marino. Barca took the lead 4 minutes later through Alexis Sanchez. The goal came from a Barca goal kick, Pinto played it to Alves who beautifully found Messi with a long diagonal pass, The Argentine then passed the ball in between Oriol and Mussachio and Sanchez slid in to the bottom corner. Straight from kick off, Nilmar went on a superb run beating every player in the Barca team and chipped the ball over the head of Victor Valdes to equalise 33 seconds after Barca took the lead. Barca dominated again straight from kick off and we went 3 minutes without touching the ball at all. They're dominance paid off on the 11th minute when a David Villa solo effort crashed in the top corner to break my heart. Barca went in at half time have 81%, My youngsters kept solid at the back but it was obvious we were going to have our work cut out in the second half. HT Score 1-1 The second half 10 changes where made, Only Nilmar remained on the pitch, While the players tried to get themselves into the rhythm of the match, Barcelona took advantage, A poor clearance from Mario at right back let Marc Bartra run onto the ball and hit it home first time, a sublime finish. We didn't have a single shot on goal the whole second half, and the game was put to bed when Cameroonian wonderkind Jean-Marie Dongou headed a Lionel messi corner into the roof of the net. It was a great experience for some of the youngsters but Barca proved to be far too strong. FT 1-4
It was a shame for the boys they were disappointed with their performance. As was I, but losing graciously to the best team off all time isn't so bad. We'll keep working hard and if we keep adding little bits of quality here and there and with the right coaching we'll be just as good. Back to the drawing board for now ...
The little Argentine was too good for the Villarreal defence
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