The Winter Break
Kharkhiv is a beautiful city and much like other cities it has many stories to tell. Walking down the streets with the cold building so much that the fresh air burns my cheeks. Not many of the locals are talking football. I suppose we are exactly where we are meant to be, perhaps it is not as media mad as in England or Germany.
I decided to continue the stroll down to the stadium, to catch a glimpse of what the fans must see on a match day. To see the sheer scale of the stadium from afar is moving, it makes me even more determined to make sure that we gain promotion to the Premier League, fill the stadium and hopefully play in some European competition.
I walk into the stadium and into the stands, I begin to ponder about the near future.
We only have 3 games and then the winter break starts with the transfer market.
I want to bring in a bigger squad and have requested that the board create a B team for us to use for youth development. They have agreed and are the process of setting it up. Now my job it to balance it all by sorting out the first team and thinking of the future at the same time.
Once I get to the office I start with the planning, setting up scouting assignments and reviewing every little aspect of the club.
All whilst beginning to study for my Continental Pro Licence.
I am keen to get the games underway so let's do exactly that.
Away we go to Kremin, who themselves have been quite bright. After simplifying the tactics to control the game a bit better, I thought big O' was gonna slap me silly when we conceded in the 21st minute. My assistant manager was prowling the touchline like a rabid wolf. Things went from bad to worse when Riascos raced after a ball and went down.
"It's not good, he has done his knee in" says my Head Physio.
Great, an to top it off we were 2 down and sinking. I was trying to to berate the players but Big O was just barking constantly. I was not able to to get over him.
Just before half time our defensive midfielder Eugene Banada grabbed a goal back.
At half time I was not happy at all, water bottles flying, boots kicked and more swearing; and that was just Big O!
I did not think any further words were needed, the players knew they were in troubleif they did not turn this around.
And what a comeback! Right from the off Banada takes the game by the scruff of the neck and scores his second!
Another 15 minutes of patient and controlled possession, in form Peixoto dives in and scores a wonderful header for the lead! Banada finished off his hat trick with a lovely penalty after Peixoto is tumbled over in the box. What a game, what a comeback.
I managed to calm Big O down and fed him a small squirrel instead.
Next up were Kramatorsk who were hanging onto our and Polissya's coat tails.
We are keeping the ball more and looked good when that man Peixoto scored yet another header. A nice start which did not last more than 10 minutes. A belter of a free kick and we pushed for a second.
That second goal just never came! Fortunately Polissya also dropped points by drawing!
Last game of the first half of the season takes us to Girnyk-Spport who have had mixed results to say the least. We managed to win 4 -0 last time at home and we thought it was going to be more of the same after Peixoto pops up with his third headed goal in a row. GS managed to pull one pack and we just battered them. 37 shots gave us 2 more goals and three points! Merry Christmas you filthy animals.
Up to the half way point of the season, we now can look at the current state of play. 10 games unbeaten makes me feel better than a couple of months ago.
.
Peixoto is the player of the season so far, he may even be better than me. 9 times he has been awarded man of the match. No doubt he has led us to the top of the league. We have very close 1 point lead over Polissya who have shown they are also human by dropping points. The next time we face them, it is a must win!
I am off for a lovely wooden cabin break, perhaps I will be able to find a house to move into. Getting sick of living in the hotel now.
Player of the Month - It would be Peixoto, well because it's him. I am giving it to Banada thought for being a legend in the win.
Goal of the Month - Peixoto's diving header to help get us on the way to Banada's game of the year.