Hello everyone, just a short introduction. I'm Meehar and this will actually be my second story on here. I didn't get to finish the first some years ago as my laptop at the time crashed. Ironically, when I first had the idea to make this one, some months ago, my laptop crashed again and I lost everything I had. It's back up now and I've decided to press on with my idea. The title is a play on a movie I like.
So with that said, I hope you all enjoy.
Prelude:
“No man is rich enough to buy back his past.” - Oscar Wilde. There are no truer words than those I’ve always thought. Yet, if someone walked up to me wearing a hoodie in a dark alley told me he could sell me a chance to relive my past. I’d pay him with everything I have. But, what do I have? First, I have money. Sure I have it, but I’ve hardly earned it. In fact, it’s simply a payment for selling my soul to my father. My father. Ha. I’ll get to that. My name is Matteo. I’m 34, living in a luxury apartment shared with my best friend. I suppose that’s the second thing I have. No, not the apartment but a best friend. He’s the embodiment of loyalty and the only real friend I’ve ever had. His name is Cesare. 5’10 of Italian charm and determination. I’ll get to him eventually too. The third and final thing I have? A f**ked up story of a life. Now where do I start? I guess from the beginning. I was born in London, a bright green-eyed, fat and bald baby to Emily Renee Locke. A then 26 year old, sports journalist. She met a man covering the 1979 Formula One World Championships, specifically at the Austrian Grand Prix. In what was a crazy night fueled by alcohol, I was born 9 months later. Matteo Alexander Mateschitz-Locke, the ******* son of Emily Locke and Dietrich Mateschitz. Dietrich Mateschitz,
View attachment 250087
the man who is now known as the mastermind behind Red Bull GmBh. It wasn’t until I was 4 that he founded the company and then when I became 7, the energy drink was created and went on to become the success it is today. To be honest my family relationship wasn’t always all bad. I was very close to my mom and I saw my dad once a year for however long I could right up until I was 17. Whenever I saw him, it was always an adventure and I always learned something new. Our relationship of course, was a secret to everyone but us; this is why I went by Matteo Locke. It was my mom’s idea. She remained independent right through it all despite his and his company’s meteoric rise. She taught me to be just as independent and never have the idea that my father’s riches could buy me the life I wanted because his riches weren’t ours. It was easy for her to say though as she had her own riches through our family lineage. I was privileged and I knew it. So how did I **** part of my life away? Fast forward 17 years from birth. I was a charming yet arrogant rich kid in the youth ranks of Crystal Palace F.C. On the field, I was average at best playing as a winger with lightening pace and an occasional eye for a pass or cross but that was about it. I had no real technical skill and I wasn’t too interested in developing any. I had a love for the game of course, thanks to parents. Mom is a die-hard Chelsea fan so I too had to be one; my support also made it’s way to Barcelona because of their style of play and A.C Milan because of Cesare. I’ll get to Cesare soon enough. Where was I? Off the field? Ha. Off the field I was a wild child. I loved the parties, the alcohol, the women and living in the fast lane - literally. Ultimately it’s the life I loved living that made me stop living. At the time I was dating a tan slice of Portuguese heaven named Maria. She loved the life I lived as much as I did. It was supposed to be a normal night out with friends partying time away. We were hopping clubs and bars as always and enjoying ourselves. The only difference this time was that Cesare, who was always the responsible one, didn’t come out as he was studying for finals. My first mistake that night was not staying home like he pleaded to study with him. My second mistake? Getting behind the wheel of my Ferrari F355 when I wasn’t sure about how sober I was. My third mistake? Letting Maria get in the passenger seat. Barely 20 minutes in the journey home I lost control of the car and drove off a bridge. .
Just like that, I broke a series of things: My leg, my relationship with my dad, my spirit and the hearts of a family who lost a daughter they cherished so much Manslaughter. At 17, I had committed manslaughter and sentenced to 7 years. The first 3 of those served in a Young Offender’s Institution. My father got me the lawyer and they did the best they could with those terms. It was the last time I heard from him. Reckless, irresponsible, ungrateful, I was described with every word he could think of before he cut communication. I deserved it and I understood why. I was the son kept in secret and for the media to get hold that he had an illegitimate son who had just caused the death of a young girl, that would prove detrimental. So he left me a healthy bank account to make sure I kept quiet about it at all times and never spoke to me again. I got out when I was 24. In my years in I studied and read all sorts thanks to Cesare who never swayed with his loyalty. My mom never left my side either and she visited as often as she could and told me everything that was happening in the world of sports. She bought the apartment Cesare and I live in now. It’s because of those two that I worked toward making something of myself. It was difficult though. I had frequent nightmares of what happened that night and regret never left me. I was content with drowning my sorrows in vodka and living out of sight right in the apartment. That never satisfied them of course and by the time I was 28 I had bagged my Continental A coaching license through mom’s persistence as she thought I’d make a “fantastic manager.” No one wanted to hire me as their manager with my history though and so I had to settle to working as a scout for Everton thanks to mom using her contacts. It was a fun experience and I learned a lot working with David Moyes who would occasionally discuss tactics with me. It was through my help and nagging that he signed Fellaini. He thought I had potential and said he would help me realize it. All I needed to do was work on my fiery and reckless attitude. I never lost that. I did lose my job though. After a smart mouthed journalist cornered me after one of the Merseyside derbies in the 2010/2011 season and started asking about my past, I lost it. After a small scuffle and having to be held back by stewards and escorted to my car, I waited in the parking lot and attempted to run him over. The press lambasted me. We settled outside of court and Everton sacked me immediately despite Moyes’ best efforts.
Chapter 1
Opportunity June 26th I was lounging around in the apartment in my boxers and a robe again. The customary drink was in hand as I plopped myself down on the couch and turned the tv on. It’s been 3 years since I lost the Everton job and I’ve been out of work since. I have however taken up painting and I now binge on Netflix. Neither deemed acceptable by Cesare. He did watch the “Life of Ryan: Caretaker Manager” documentary on Ryan Giggs with me though. “See Giggs has had his troubles and he’s moved on from it. You can too.” That’s what he kept repeating as we watched it. Giggs had a **** of a career in football though. At 24 he had winners’ medals to his name. At 24, I was just being released from prison. That’s what I thought and it’s what I implied by simply responding with “Shut up Cesare.” Cesare Vincenzi, 2 years my senior and every bit of a brother to me. I met him while traveling as an unaccompanied minor to Austria to see my dad one year. I was 11 and he was 13. At the time he was chubby and short with long jet black hair. We were in a room waiting for our next flights and he came up and sat right next to me. “Bet I can get the attendant to buy us both chocolate,” he leaned over and whispered. “No way!” I responded. He put his hair behind his ears to reveal his big amber eyes, walked on over to the attendant and sure enough, 5 minutes later she came back with bars of chocolate for both of us. To this day, he still won’t tell me what he said. To this day, he can still get anyone to do what he asks. We never lost touch after that day and before long he started spending holidays with me and my mom. It was no surprise that he chose to move to London to study sports management. He took care of my mom while I was locked up and has been taking care of me since the day we met. “Buonasera Matteo!” a voice behind me yelled out shortly after I heard the door open and bags and keys crash to surfaces. It was of course, Cesare who had just come home from doing whatever it is he does in the days. His characteristic long hair remained the same over the years but he was much more lean now as working out daily was his idea of keeping me reasonably mentally healthy in the days. “Active body, active mind,” he’d say. “Yeah yeah.” I mumbled in response to him as I waved my hand above my head from the couch. He came behind and whacked me with a newspaper before launching himself over from behind the couch to sit down. “I’d ask what you did today but I can see the answer is nothing.”
“Ouch. Are we gonna pretend you didn’t just assault me?” “Stop being such a baby. Open up the paper!” I elbowed him quickly before I opened up the newspaper to see two plane tickets fall free. “Oh you’re going to Germany? That’s nice. It’ll be quieter around here for a bit now.” Taking the paper and only one of the tickets, he whacked me again. “We’re going to Germany friend! Pack your bags. We leave in the morning.” “Seriously, I’m going to throw you off the balcony if you hit me again and why the **** are we going to Germany?” “Business,Matteo. An interesting opportunity has come up for us and I’d like us to explore it,” he said as he got up to pour himself a drink. “No thanks,” I mumbled as I threw the ticket to the side and slumped further down the couch. “No thanks? You don’t have much of a choice sir,” he said as he leaned against the table smiling. Whenever Cesare smiled you knew that arguing was pointless as he already had his ace in the hole. Nonetheless, I’m as stubborn as they came so I argued on. “No. Thanks. I’m not going to Germany with you for some opportunity or whatever. I’m fin-” “Here, talk to your mom,” he cut me off, handing me his cell.. My heart started racing and I was reluctant to take the phone. Arguing with Cesare was one thing but arguing with mom was not a thing at all. Whatever she said was the be-all and end-all. “Hel-hello?” I said nervously. The next two minutes that followed was the sound of high pitched yelling that was then followed by three minutes of a more soothing yet convincing tone. All throughout Cesare had flung himself to the floor laughing. By the end of the call, the decision was clear - I was going to Germany.
I got up and kicked Cesare and set off to my room to start packing.
June 27th
We landed in Germany around midday. All through the morning I asked Cesare what this “opportunity” was but he was content with changing the subject each time. Around 1:30 we were in a restaurant waiting for our guest who would present us with the opportunity. Cesare told me to be on my best behavior. Well, his words were actually “Don’t f*ck this up Matteo.” He banned me from any alcohol so I stuck to drinking water all morning. Bleh. We sat waiting for 30 minutes making idle conversation and rating the women we saw walk by us. Suddenly, Cesare’s demeanor changed when he looked towards the entrance of the restaurant. “This is the moment Matteo. I’m sorry,” he said as he sat up from his chair next to me. I hadn’t turned my attention from him and instinctively sat up with him fixing my suit. “Sorry? For what Ces-” “Cesare. Matteo. Good to see you boys,” a voice interrupted me saying. I turned around to see who it was. “Holy..f*ck. Dad?” I was shell shocked. A mix of emotion tried to surface to the top all at once: anger, sadness, confusion. Cesare put his hands on my shoulder squeezing it. “Mr. Mateschitz, good to see you again sir,” he said as he shook his hand. “Please, call me Dietrich. I tell you all the time Cesare. Now let’s sit down and order,” my dad said as Cesare had to push my frozen body down to the chair. “I’m sorry I kept you all waiting.” You kept me waiting for 17 years. I wanted to say it but I was still frozen so instead Cesare spoke saying, “That’s fine sir. We occupied ourself. Pardon Matteo in the moment, I didn’t tell him and as you may imagine...” “I understand Cesare. I’m very glad that you and Emily were able to convince him to come to Germany though,” he said with a smile. I watched him intently, though I couldn’t say anything. My mind, however, was racing. “No, it was all Aunt Erl,” Cesare chuckled, “She gets him to do anything.” Aunt Erl is what Cesare grew up calling my mom. Erl, being a play on her initials E-R-L. She hated when I called her that but she was fine when he did it. Not fair at all. “She’s still a fiery one isn’t she? I’m not surprised. It’s where he gets it from,” father laughed pointing at me. “Why...why are we here?” I finally spoke clenching my fists on my legs. Cesare saw this and gave me a swift kick to the ankle. I clenched my jaw trying to hide the pain. My father burst into laughter again. “It’s okay for him to be angry Cesare. No need to assault him.” Told you it was assault. “We’re here because I want to be apart of your life again Matteo. I want to help change things around for you.” “I haven’t heard from you in 17 years. You didn’t care at all then. Why should I believe you do now!?” I could barely keep my voice down. “That’s not true Matteo. Your father has been checking in on you on a regular basis through me and aunt Erl. It was because of him that the scandal in Liverpool was handled so easily. It was his work along with you mom that even got us the opportunity at Everton in the first place. He’s wanted to reach out to you directly but none of us were sure when the right time was.” Cesare calmly explained to me with his hand on my shoulder again. “So what made this the right time?” I tried to ask calmly “Ah, I can answer that Matteo,” my father began. “You see your mother told me you were getting your coaching badges over the last few years and Cesare has steadily kept me up to date about your work as a scout.” “And?” “And, well I purchased a club right here in Leipzig, Germany. Originally I wanted to come to you in 2009 when I acquired to ask you if you wanted to play some sort of role in its development. Your mother and Cesare however thought it was best that you continue to develop some experience first. Now, we all believe it’s the right time for you. I want you to take over as manager for the team.” “Are you serious?” I was again petrified. It was one thing meeting my father again, it was another being given the opportunity by him to manage one of his football clubs. To move away from being a recluse in the apartment in London to throwing myself into a day to day spotlight as the manager of a club in Germany. “Quite serious Matteo,” he said smiling then taking a sip of his water. “I even had a contract prepared for you that I’ve given Cesare to review for you. Everything is all sorted out and the only thing needed is for you to say yes and sign on.” Cesare then pulled out a folder from his case and place it in front of me. “Told you it was an opportunity amico mio,” he said as he opened up the folder smiling at me. “I know it’s all sudden but I’ll be right with you through it all as always. After all, I am officially your agent.” I examined the contract and waved my hand for the waiter.
View attachment 249095 “Black Russian,” I requested. Screw water right now. I needed something stronger. “It’s up to you Matteo. If you accept this, we’d want you start by the 1st of July. The office is already set up and an apartment leased in your names. I wouldn’t directly interfere with you but will instead let Florian Muller and Rudolf Theierl handle the administrative duties. Also, one final thing...” What else could he possible have now to throw at me? “If you accept I will be at your unveiling and it’s agreed that there is no better time than then, to reveal that you are indeed my son.” I fell off my chair.
June 30th It’s been two days since I met with my father and Cesare. In those days I did research on all my father’s clubs. RB Leipzig however, was the one that I was being offered to make my own. It’s only 5 years old and has been making a steady rise through the leagues in Germany. I have no idea why my mom, Cesare and dad himself thought it was a good idea or time for me to take it over now but Cesare was right - this was an opportunity. An opportunity to change my life around and take up some responsibility. It was a scary opportunity nonetheless. To be revealed not only as Leipzig’s new manager but the 34 year old son of the mastermind behind Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz. I had no idea what to expect and so my reluctance to sign the contract was understandable by all but they gave me time. I never left Germany and instead flew to the city of Leipzig to be given a tour of the club’s facilities and the apartment. Cesare would no longer live with me but would only be a door across the hall so that didn’t change anything much. He was excited at the possibility but tried his best not to talk it up to avoid making me feel pressured. They all knew I would take the job though and sure enough, I sat in the leather chair behind the giant glass top desk in what was to be my home office in the apartment, took the contract out, grabbed a pen and scribbled my name.
July 3rd “Are you ready amico mio?” Cesare patted down my black armani suit. I fixed my tie and tried to keep my nerves in check. I sighed heavily saying, “No f*cking way.” I must have changed 4 times in the last 30 minutes. From the club kit I was given, to a tracksuit, to a sweater vest. Finally, after a call from my mom, I went with the suit. I stood in front of the mirror as Cesare took over and fixed my tie himself. 6ft, green eyes, long blonde hair tucked behind my ears and a freshly cut beard. “I could very well be a model if this managing thing doesn’t work out,” I said to make light of the situation, “Would you still be my agent then Cesare?” “Testa di cazzo. You’d be my agent! I’m way prettier than you,” Cesare chuckled. “You’re ready for this Matteo. I believe in you. The news of your appointment as well as your relationship to your father has already made waves. Now the last step is to meet the press and the real side of management starts.”
and the news that I was Dietrich Mateschitz son quickly followed through a leak. The club handled all that press work while I stayed out of the the spotlight until today’s unveiling.
I had decided on the staff I wanted and Cesare and mum used their contacts to ensure I got the best team around me. I also met with the board and the expectations and philosophies were thrashed out. They wanted the team to finish in the top half, I did one better and told them I could get the team promoted. Perhaps I was in over my head but with a one year contract, it was make it or break it for me and I was determined to make it.
I had also already met with the players for the first time. I went over with Cesare with what I’d say continuously until I met them. I tried to be as calm as possible when I introduced myself to them and told them I understood if they had any worries about me being unproven as a manager. To my delight the lot of them didn’t care at all and were very receptive to me and my initial ideas about us having what it takes to be promoted. Everything was positive so far.
We got to to the press room where everyone was gathered, including dad and the club’s press officer. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would have been and it reminded me that after all, RB Leipzig wasn’t a top club. Not yet at least. The only reason there was much news about this was because of the gossip it generated about me and my father. The press officer told me that they’d only allow a few questions regarding our relationship but everything else would be about football related matters.
“Now’s the time Matteo, I’ll be around the back. You can look right around there at my pretty face and you’ll feel just fine!” Cesare said as he hyped me for the moment. The announcements had started and all I had to do was walk out there when I heard my name.
“...we present to you, the new manager for the 2014/2015 season of RB Leipzig, Matteo Mateschitz-Locke!”
I walked out there with my head held high and my characteristic stone faced look. I took my seat next to father and Florian and took a deep breath. I was ready.
The questions poured in and unsurprisingly they were first about my relationship with my father.
“How would you describe the relationship between you two now?”
Matteo: “Well, as it stands with regards to the club, we have a professional relationship. I’ve asked him to look beyond our bond by blood and treat me as he would any manager."
“Yes, but are you two close outside the confines of football?”
Of course that’s what they were fishing for but I honestly didn’t know what to tell them. My father was around for seventeen years and gone for seventeen. The seventeen I probably need him most for. There was no good answering to give.
Dietrich: "The relationship between me and my son is one that has been complicated. We were very close up until a point and right now, I just want to rebuild that relationship with him and there’s no better way to do that than through the beautiful game."
I could almost shed a tear. The smell of the **** he just spewed out was way up there. It was believable however, even by myself.
“Was this ‘point’ you mentioned, when Matteo was arrested and sentenced to seven years for manslaughter?”
They are pulling no punches.
Dietrich: "Indeed when Matteo was locked away I wasn’t the best father I could be but all that is in the past, and soon you will see the maturity that Matteo has developed when he leads this club to new heights."
Matteo: "As my father said, that came at a time when I was an irresponsible and reckless teen and I have served my time and matured. I will forever have the pain of what happened in my heart but I have had the time to reflect and make right for the wrongs I did."
I could see Cesare grinning all the way in the back. I wasn’t doing half bad.
“How would you describe your time in prison?” “And, do you really believe you have changed?” “What about you time in Liverpool as an Everton scout and your problems there?”
You got to be f*cking kidding me.
I was starting to get irritated. We were some way into the press conference and I haven’t heard a single question about football matters. I took a sip of my water then got ready to give them a response they could really write about.
“Could we please keep the focus on football ladies and gentlemen?” The words of our press officer came as a sweet and calming relief for me as well as my father’s hand on my shoulder. Cesare must have told him that calms me down.
“Mr. Locke, or Mr. Mateschitz-Locke, apologies. Congratulations on your appointment. RB Leipzig has lofty ambitions as a new club. Do you have what it takes to give them the success they crave?”
The question was asked by a Catherine Hammond. I had been tuning out the introductions all day but I took notice of her name. Forgot who she worked with however. I don’t know what made me take notice of her - from her shocking red hair, to the light brown eyes hid behind her glasses or maybe her mousey voice. She was different from the rest of these hounds in the room. I heard Cesare cough my name from ‘round back to bring me back to reality. It seemed I had been quiet for an awkward amount of time.
Matteo: “Of course I do Catherine. I hope you don’t mind me calling you Catherine. You can of course just call me Matteo.” I could see Cesare rolling his eyes. “I believe I have exactly the right amount of ambition and talent to take Leipzig to where they are aiming. Watch this space.” I made sure to give a wink right there. Swear I saw her blush.
After that, the football related questions rained in. What kind of football will I be instructing the lads to play? An attractive brand of football that will make the fans want to come every week. What will my man management approach be like? These lads aren’t kids, no matter the age. They are professionals and as such I will treat them as that. I won’t walk behind them telling them what to do or not do. They should know how to act but at the same time, my door is always open to them.
By the end of the conference I had felt like a seasoned manager ready to take on the world and that’s exactly what I was about to do. I was given the perfect opportunity as Cesare said and I wasn’t about to waste it.
Thanks all for following! Next update may be later or tomorrow. Will focus mainly on preseason matches! Look out.
July 30th It’s been almost a month since I’ve started my managerial duties for RB Leipzig. The training camp and friendlies allowed me to get more familiar with my players and I was getting ready for the start of the season to come. I was at the office real late reviewing my notes I had about our preseason. First with the camp and the players:
The camp went reasonably well. By the end of it the harmony of the squad went up. Cesare, mom and dad helped me to put a staff together. Honestly, those three were my real management team with all their help. The bulk of my staff was understandably from Germany, Austria and England and the majority of them on a one year contract like myself. It was Cesare’s idea behind that. He said if we got promoted he had some guys of a bit more quality lined up to join us for our second season. Clever. Of my current staff though, it’s the ones I decided to keep on board when I got here that I had every intention to work closely with. Ralf Rangnick, our Director of Football, and I developed a good understanding right from the start. He told me he would help me reach my potential and he would gladly discuss tactics and squad management with me as well as help me with player recruitments. Thomas Albeck, our Head of Youth Development was also very welcoming of me and we both agreed that developing youth players would play a essential part in the direction we were heading with the club. That being said, I gladly gave him control of our U-19 squad. Finally, Phillip Laux and I were introduced to each other by Ralf and we got on well. He told me that he would be my right hand man in overseeing training and helping with any personal problems the lads may come to me about. I actually believe he would make a fine assistant manager eventually for me. . In terms of playing staff, I was reasonably satisfied with who we had and I was especially pleased that I acquired the signings I did. Negotiating with players and clubs, with Ralf, gave me a real rush. Players I found promise in were
Unfortunately I’d only have one season with Kimmich as he already agreed to join Bayern next season. I found it necessary to increase our depth and brought in some talent. First, the very promising 18 year old Humam Tariq. His agent actually contacted me directly talking about how much of an exciting prospect he was. I spoke to my scouts and Ralf and they all agreed and we got him for a bargain. Next up we signed Vincente on a free on a one year contract. His experience would prove valuable. Ledesma was another player we snapped up in a straight player swap deal. With the style of direct, fast paced football focused on the wings I was aiming for, his flair would prove an asset. Finally, we snapped up another young winger on loan from Fulham named, George Williams. I think our squad had the potential to match our ambitions and I was excited to get there. In terms of friendlies we played five games and I went over the tactics we started training and my match notes for each:
FC Liefering vs RB Leipzig Our first game of the preseason ended in a draw. Being the first game of the season I told the lads to concentrate on their fitness. We didn’t get off to the best of starts and didn’t get any better and it indeed looked like we were heading to a defeat when they scored in the 80th minute. Luckily, Poulsen who I had just thrown on in the second half pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted home an equalizer. Our second game was much better than the first. I decided to start with the same formation with a couple tactical tweaks. I also decided to give Poulsen the start and he did not disappoint when he volleyed us into the lead after good work on the right side ended in a great cross. Sadly, my pride with myself was short lived as he was determined offside. 20 minutes later we did take the lead though when a throw in resulted in a shot being parried into the path of Forsberg who tapped it home. The second half was just as good and we started in the same vein as the first increasing our lead when Rodnei headed a corner home. Another corner made it 3-0 as the ball fell to Hohender who rifled a volley into the roof of the net. The lads were really up for this one and by this time I had taken my seat in the dugout to enjoy the rest of the game. 3-0 final.
I wasn't present for our second friendly as I flew to England personally along with Ralf Rangnick to hash out the terms of a deal with Middlesbrough for Emanuel Ledesma. I gave control of this match to Wimmer and had Cesare attend to the game to take in match details.
The lads did not disappoint and turned in a fine performance.
Lille vs RB Leipzig Our third friendly of the preseason was perhaps the most high profile against French club Lille. I expected us to be on the back foot from the beginning and that proved true. Before the game I kept it simple and told the boys to just take it easy. No pressure on them, I just wanted them to work on their fitness. Still these lads had a fight in them and it showed when on the 30th minute they created the best chance of the game so far with a cross from the right resulting in a volley from Poulsen that Enyeama did well to save for the corner. Lille put us back in our place however when, on the 34th minute, Delaplace scored a scorcher from someway out. I immediately got on the touchline to encourage the lads to kick on. That they did on the brink of halftime when they broke loose on a counter after a corner. The ball fell to Forsberg who played a delightful through ball to Poulsen who went one on one with the keeper and narrowly missed. Poor lad almost had it. In the second half after telling them they’re doing fine and should keep putting up a fight, they responded well and we almost got a equalizer immediately when Forsberg and Poulsen played a one two that forced Enyeama to parry it around the post for a corner. In the 61st minute we almost leveled it when we broke on the counter again, with the on loan Reyna running in acres of space on the right to get into the box and put a cross in that Forsberg headed just wide at the post. A minute later it was 2-0 though. Lille once again put us in our place. F*ck. Next up it was 3-0 in the 80th minute and 4-0 in the 85th. We really got our *** handed to us.
View attachment 247152 Mantova vs RB Leipzig Our fourth friendly was against Mantova after the heavy defeat against Lille. After starting the first three games with the same formation and style, I decided to test another in this game. After reminding the players that there were still spots of for grab, they started the game well and in the 23rd minute after good build up play, the on loan Rebic played through new signing Ledesma who slotted away cooly for the lead. He’ll be an asset. This was the probably the brightest highlight of the first half but overall it looked encouraging. In the second half, Ledesma and Rebic once more showed understanding with a one two that resulted in the latter shooting his chance over the bar. Another new signing who looked encouraging was Vincente; in the 79th minute he picked up on a loose pass on the halfway line and ran at the defense releasing a shot at the edge of the box that nearly went in. He’s still got it. 10 minutes later he was on the ball again but a strong tackle left him on the floor and Mantova took the chance to break on us. A ball over the top was challenged by Heidinger who tried to head it back to our keeper but the opposition striker was quickest to pounce on it and he slotted it home. 1-1. We weren’t about to let our win go though and in the 90th minute a strong build up from the right left Kalmar at the edge of the box in acres of space. He sent a stinging strike into the top corner. There we go!
View attachment 247148
Goslar vs RB Leipzig In our last match of the preseason I wanted the boys to finish strongly. However, the lads weren’t looking up for this one and Goslar was taking the game to us. In the 30th minute I decided to get out on the touchline and let them know they were doing a f*cking terrible job out there. I needed some passion from them despite this being a friendly. At halftime I told the guys to sort themselves out and go take control. No more being soft on them. I also decided to change our formation and style to a more direct approach. We almost took the lead with a long ball over the top of their defense that found Poulsen but their keeper got down well. Another great chance fell in the 70th minute with a cross from the left wing. Poulsen got on the end and rattled the right post. Finish it lad! Forsberg launched a counter from a corner and ran the length of the pitch. He blasted it over the bar. Doing me in here. He made it up though when we got questionable penalty in the 87th minute. I’ll take it though. He blasted the ball again but this time in the top left corner. 1-0. Forsberg once more got a chance inside the box two minutes later and tried to curl it in but narrowly missed it. Forsberg was really playing for his spot here as he has done all preseason and he once more almost got himself on the scoresheet with a splendid volley from the edge that the keeper got to. 1-0 and that was the end of our preseason.
View attachment 247147 The player of the preseason had to be Forsberg for me. He took his chances he got and he was almost guaranteed a start in our first game of the season. Unfortunately Vincente was out for 6 week with a sprained ankle in the last game. Something else that hit us in the preseason was finding out our first game of the DFB-Pokal was going to be against FC Bayern.
Meeting a coaching legend like Guardiola and taking him on though would be something special though. I looked forward to it.
Thanks as always for following guys. This update was more or less more about the game than the story though I tried to keep up the story elements with commentary on matches which I'll continue to use for match updates, some will be more detailed than others. I also opted against adding in the transfer screenshots as I felt I had too many screenshots in. If you guys would indeed like them, let me know in a comment and I can make a post tying them in.
This is more or less how this story will go with a mix of story telling and season updates so I hope you continue to enjoy it. Also worth noting that I write and play ahead so the updates don't take too long. Right now the game and story is already in January. Thanks a lot for following!
Loving the story pal, its a great mix of story and game update.
With regard to the ss i think its about right, not to many but enough to show detail. Keep it up.
The first game of our season was tomorrow. I was about to make my managerial debut. It got no bigger than that for me. I got to the office early today and my desk was a mess. Kind of reminded me of how my apartment in England looked. The lads looked good in training and some still didn’t have enough match fitness but we were as ready as we were going to be. My assistant manager Herbert Wimmer were with them going over opposition instructions. I haven’t decided on the starting eleven yet but I had an idea.
“Knock knock gaffer,” a voice said as the door to my office opened slowly. Cesare came in with two garment bags in hand. “Your presser is coming up. What are you wearing to it? I got one of your suits and one of the club tracksuits.”
“See. You really could be my agent when I switch to modeling. I’m going with my suit of course.” I poured Cesare and myself a drink. “Here you go. Tomorrow, it’s official. We’re managers!”
Cesare took a sip of his drink and chuckled, “You’re the manager. I’m simply your agent fratello. It will be a glorious day!”
“Even more glorious if we win,” I sat down in my black leather chair and spun it around to look through the giant glass window behind me. Beautiful day. “Cesare, did you look on that matter I asked about?”
“You ask me to do so many things. Which one? The Henri Jayer wines you wanted are coming in about next week.”
“No no, not that one. Even though that is good to hear. The journalist...Catherine I think her name was. Did you find out about her?” She had really caught my attention that day.
“Oy. Lasciami in pace Matteo! I will not play matchmaker for you right now. Focus on the job at hand first.”
“Come onn Cesare. She was something special. Please tell me you looked for her at least. Will she be at the press conference today?”
Cesare sighed. “Her name is Catherine Elle Hammond. She’s 29 and works with Goal.com. Her mother is an American restaurateur and her father is a British television personality. Right now she lives in Manchester. That’s all I got so far, I doubt she’ll be at conference though. You’re not with the big boys for her attention yet. The story of your relationship with your father is what she was perhaps after and that’s died down.”
I spun my chair around grinning at Cesare. This was the first time I had really taken notice of how he looked. His long curly black hair I was used to was seemingly cut slightly shorter and pulled back in a pony tail. His tanned skin had a bit of a glow to it and he had definitely shaved.
“Thank you Cesare but, who is she?”
“What? I just told you! Catherine Ham-”
“No, not her. Who’s the girl you were with last night and plan to see today?” I could almost see him blush and jerk from surprise.
He tried to hide it by taking another sip of his drink and walked to the other side of the room. “Appears you’re losing the plot Matty! I don’t know what you’re talking about. You said you’re sticking to your suit?”
“Oh you sly boy. You’re not getting off this one easily.” Then there was a knock on the door he gladly answered. Lucky. It was Ralf and none other than my father. Both had come to wish me luck ahead of the first game.
“You’ll do well with us. I just know it Matteo. I’ll always be following the games and of course you can come to me for anything,” father said.
“I appreciate that. I can’t wait to get started really.”
“Your press conference starts in a few minutes. You read for that? Also I heard there was a bit of a problem with Dominik Kaiser?” Ralf joined in on the conversation.
“No real problem really. He came to have a chat about the sale of Damari. Didn’t exactly agree with it.” I had completely forgotten about that actually. “I told him I had trust in young Poulsen to fill the gap. He agreed with me and we put it to bed.”
“See. Our Matteo has what it takes!” Cesare shouted as he poured a drink for our two guests and passed it to them. “Here’s to a great future.”
It was matchday. The presser went well yesterday with all the questions being football related. I handled it well with a confident, assertive tone with all my answers. Now it was the big day. Our first game was at home against Dusseldorf. I kept the starting eleven secret right up until a few hours before the game. I surprised a few apparently with my selections as that’s the first question I was asked in the tunnel before the game.
“It’s all about using the depth of the squad. The 11 out today will give us our best chance of winning and on another day it could be an entirely diferent 11. It’s a long season of course. We’ll see.”
The next question was about an opposition player missing the game which I chose not to comment on. I don’t really care if he’s there or not. Then finally if I thought we could get off to a winning start.
“Of course I do. We just need to execute our game plan well and we could walk away with all 3 points here.”
In the pre-match team talk I told the lads to do this for the fans for the first game of the season. I told them all they had what it takes to get the result and all they need to do is prove it to me. The spirits were good and out they went to kick off my managerial career and their season. The nerves were there as I walked down the tunnel and out onto a football pitch for the first time.
We got off to the worse possible start when 3 minutes in the ball pinballed around until it snuck into the corner past our keeper. 2 minutes later though we got right back in it when good work on the right side left Teigl all alone in space for him to swing in a perfect cross. Khedira met it with a pin point header. **** yeah! In the 11th minute, we were behind again. A quick move at the edge of our box allowed their player to rifle a shot into the top corner. That was a **** of a strike, sadly. We levelled matters once more in a almost carbon copy of their first goal. The ball fell to Khedira who placed it home. Well done lad! By this time I was on the touchline cheering the lads on with stern encouragement. It seemed to have worked when 5 mins later Rebic danced his way past challenges and took a shot that the keeper parried into the path of Forsberg who pounced on the rebound. Astoundingly the keeper got to it again but it fell right to the feet of Forsberg again and he slotted it home the second time of asking. 3-2! After praising the lads at halftime they went out in great spirits and playing well. We should have been 2 goals up in the 60th minute when a free kick from Ledesma was saved then Forsberg, Rebic and Ledesma himself all had their rebounds saved. This Dusseldorf keeper is mental! Rebic had to limp off in the 67th minute. I put Ledesma to lead the line and gave Humam his debut to make him RB Leipzig’s youngest ever player.. The match withered out in terms of excitement and the best to offer in terms of a highlight was in the 92nd minute when Ledesma tried an audacious lop outside the box that narrowly missed. View attachment 245568
We were made to work but we fought endlessly right til the end and that pleased me greatly and I was sure to express it to the lads! First game, first win. Many to come. I was sure to praise Rani and Emil for their parts in the game.
We started out well with Ledesma scoring in the 11th minute from the spot. I stood on the touchline and could not contain a smile as some beautiful passing led to Tariq scoring his first goal for us and our second goal on the night . Well done lads! 2-0.
The worse part of this match was probably the injury Ledesma picked up in the second half. It was confirmed shortly after that he would be out for 4 months.
This one was a bit of a big one for myself and the team. After all, Bayern were the biggest team in Germany with arguably the best coach in the world. Was I nervous? Not at all. If we won, this would be a massive confidence boost and statement from us. If we lost, it would be expected. There was no pressure on us. Going into the game, we had something of an injury crisis with 6 players out injured. Guardiola was quite complimentary in his pre-match conference admitting we could pose a threat and I intended to do just that. Coming up to the game I couldn’t decide on how I wanted the lads to play but I was certain I’d send out a strong squad. In the end I decided to approach it the same way I approached the last game. A direct and quick style of play. Pregame I told the lads to give me the same type of display they gave me in the last match and that I had every bit of faith in them. Bayern started with a strong 11 surprisingly with the likes of Ribery, Lahm, Lewandowski and Muller all playing. This isn’t going to be easy. I was already pleased to see we could test Manuel Neuer in the opening minutes with smart build up that allowed Forsberg the time to shoot. The game was dominated by Bayern in the first 20 minutes.. I stayed on the touchline encouraging the boys on, telling them to bring creativity to their game. Ribery looked most dangerous for Bayern and I had started thinking of how to stop him. So far we were doing okay forcing his shots off target. Teigl had him working hard out there. Keep it up! 30 mins in we were down 1-0 though. Passing that shouldn’t surprise you at all from Bayern led to Javi Martinez picking it up at the edge and slotting it home. 4 minutes later Lewandowski rattle the crossbar. We needed to stay strong out there. We survived a half out there. 1-0 was not a bad scoreline with all things considering but we only had 28% of possession and 1 shot. So I decided to change approach that would allow us to utilize our own passing game in hopes of chances. I brought Kaiser on in place of Tariq who wasn’t having a good day out there. Bayern brought on Robben in place of Ribery and 6 minutes later Robben burst through our defense and teed up Lewandowski for an easy tap in. 2-0. Quality from the German champions. We tried our best with a quick counter from 4 passes that released Forsberg in the box but he was too unselfish in the moment and tried an extra pass that Bayern got to. Kimmich was up next with a chance from a freekick that Neuer held on to. In the 82nd minute is when we probably had our best chance but we still couldn’t get our way in after dangerous play on the right resulted in a cross that substitute Reyna picked up and shot at Neuer who could only block. Forsberg tried to pounce but Alaba, of Bayern, got in the way of his shot and it was cleared out. 87th we tested Neuer again on a counter but again he saved well. In the end, we just couldn’t find a breakthrough but losing just 2-0 against what I considered a strong eleven from Bayern. I was quietly proud of the boys and told them they gave it their best efforts.
There wasn’t much in terms of action in the first half in this one. We had a greater share of possession but no real chances. It played out to be the same in the second half as well with a lot of wasted chances. 0-0 this one. I wasn’t very pleased and I made it very clear to them.
I expected a win from this one but of course we’ll have to work for it. That proved true when Bochum put themselves up 1-0 in the 19th minute from a fierce strike. It’s like they save the sensational for us. 30th minute Humam picked up an injury. It’s clear these are for us as well. I couldn’t quite believe it when Poulsen latched onto a mistak, went one and one with the keeper and missed it by miles from the angel he created himself. Finally in the 65th we levelled through none other than Forsberg. This one ended 1-1. Not our best display but a good one to come back into it.
It was transfer deadline day today. I chose not to hold training today, giving the lads a rest day. There was a reserve team game however so those who needed match fitness would get their chance. I did however decide to go to the office today bright and early to look at how deadline day would shape up. So far it’s been an interesting window with defenders looking to be hot property this window.
I had Ralf and Cesare come in with me today. We expected the odd calls from media asking for our thoughts on transfer dealings but for the majority of the day we just intended to follow the news and rumors. I turned on the 60” mounted on the wall over the bar and sat in the couch across from it with Ralf while Cesare sat at my table glued to the laptop for alerts.
Ralf: “The match against Saundhausen got postponed right Matteo?
Matteo: “Yeah, it was. A few of the lads will be on international duty so the league asked us if we wanted to postpone, so I did.”
Cesare: “Listen to my little manager.”
Matteo: “Stai zitti Cesare.”
Cesare: “Aha and now he speaks my tongue. How quickly he learns.”
I showed him a finger that we all understood.
Ralf: “Now kids, let’s focus on the matters at hand. It’s been a quiet day so far. Matteo, the press wants to know if you’ll loan out Marcel Becher.”
Matteo: “Becher? That’s the youth isn’t it? No. The market isn’t right for him now. He’ll stay here.”
Ralf: “Is there anyone you’d like to bring in before the window slams shut?”
Matteo: “No, I don’t believe so.”
Cesare: “Not unless the hair is red and the position is journalist.” He snickered deviously behind the laptop avoiding eye contact with me.
Ralf: “Yeah? I could probably pull that transfer off for you Matteo.”
Matteo: “Oh not you too Ralf!”
Cesare burst into laughter behind the laptop. I showed him the finger once more.
We sat around all day, drinking and joking. With only 2 hours left in the window Ralf had decided it was time for him to call it a day. It was as quiet as a deadline day could get with the biggest deal being a 2.5 million pound move for Efe Ambrose to Hull City. Everyone else had seemingly concluded their business very early.
Ralf: "See you boys tomorrow. Try to get some sleep tonight yeah, Cesare?"
Matteo: “Huh? Why isn’t he getting any sleep? Am I missing something? Wait Ralfy!”
Ralf: “Bye lads!” He smiled and winked letting himself out. I looked over at Cesare to see him hiding behind the laptop still.
Matteo: “What’s he talking about? What are you hiding?” Cesare: “Non ne ho idea. Ralf è un...uomo divertente. Lui è solo giocando intorno” Whenever Cesare broke out into full Italian you knew he was lying.
Matteo: “Okay Super Mario, calm down. You know you only get like that when you’re hiding something. What are you hiding? Or rather, who are you hiding?”
Cesare: “I’m not hiding anything sir.”
Matteo: “You’re seeing someone. I’ll get to the bottom of it. Just you wait.”
Cesare: “As long as you stay at the top of the table, you can get to the bottom of anything you want Matteo. Starting with that bottle of vodka. Let’s stay here tonight!”
Matteo: “Ah, Cesare. You’re trying to distract me with alcohol. It’s working!”
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
