The Life and career of a Football manager

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Nice to see you have got the Fulham job.
Ah no! Well hopefully you can get an update tonight ;)
 
Chapter 31
Sunday 17th April 2011
Lazio Vs. Roma​

I woke up, back in my flat in Italy, Sarah laying next to me still asleep. We had only touched down in Rome four hours previous. The club had been very accomadting since my Mother’s death only a few days previous. Paying for flight to and from England, allowing me time off if I needed. It was my choice to be there that day, Rome derby, my team needing consistency as we pushed on for the title.

The players were still confident, despite the lose in Amsterdam, that we could push on with five games left. We were only five points off Fiorentina on seventy one, and everybody at the club truely believed we could win the league.

With Neil looking after our Mother’s funeral arrangements back in England, I had returned to work, despite many at the club not wanting me to. I got out of bed, in a daze, the lack of sleep really catching up to me. I had breakfast and showered before Sarah finally woke up. I kissed her, before I finally left the flat, and went to work.

I locked myself in my office for the best part of the day, trying to avoid contact with anybody. But I finally had to face up to the fact that I was going to have to go out to pitchside and face thousands of people, people who were expecting me to do my job.
I walked down the tunnel and there was a reporter from Sky Sports standing waiting for me.

“Mr Curtis, my deepest condolances for you and your family”​

I thanked him.

“Could I possibly ask a couple of quick questions”​

I was in the mood, but II had a feeling “no” wasn’t going to cut it.

“Firstly, how are you enjoying life in Italy”​

“You know, life here is brilliant, Ive got a great team and hopefully we can challenge for the title”​

I was on auto pilot as he asked he a few other questions, before he asked me something I hadn’t been expecting

“today you reach 100 games in your managerial career. What has been your favourite”​

I was taken back by the question, before I answered again, on autopilot.

“Why don’t you ask me when I one hundred and five, and hopefully I’lkl tell you it is winning the league with Roma.”​

I smiled, an exceedingly fake smile before making some excuse as to why I had to leave. I walked out to pitch side, my team warming up and the stands starting to file up with Roma and Lazio fans. I looked out over the pitch, unsure whether my choice to be there in Rome was a wise one, I wasn’t really there, my mind still in London, still in that hospital that ad now taken two of the most important women in my life. All I wanted to do was to get on a plane and go back to England. As the Rome derby kicked off I was sat in the dugout, starring out over the pitch, my mind trying to force me to concentrate on the game, but my body just not allowing me to.

With Inter Losing 3-2 at Sampdoria and AC drawing with Genoa 1-1, we had a chance to close the gap on both the Milan’s teams above us. The game and crowd was electric, with chances for both team in the first thrity minutes. Ours falling to Owen, Gibson, Baptista and Pizzini. The game was thirty six minutes old as Michael Owen broke through the Lazio defence, he struck the ball beautifully but as he did Dias came crashing through bring Owen down in the Area. The crowd demanded a penalty, or players demanded a penalty and the ref came through for us, pointing to the spot. Baptista stepped up confidently, and struck the ball so hard down the middle that it nearly took the net off. We were 1-0 up in the Rome derby, and now into third place.

But before half time, Lazio got a goal back through Zarate’s header. We were 1-1 at half time. I stood in front of my team and demanded they when out there and won, they weren’t playing for the team, they weren’t playing for themselves, they were playing forthe fans, the people out there who in those stands who spend their hard earned cash to come and watch us each week. Go out there and give them the right to walk around Rome with smiles on their faces, give them the right to brag that their team came out on top, in one of the most important Rome derbys in history.

It took just four minutes for us to carve out the first chance of the second half, Mexes’ ball over the top with Owen running on to it, he burst into the area and unselfishly pulled the ball across goal, it was met by Taddei who calmly put the ball into the net. Lazio took the game to us looking for an equaliser, hitting the post just three minutes later, and a further five minutes later, Mexes’ last ditch challenge stopped Zarate getting his second of the game. Unfortunately, Mexes was unable to stop a thunderous volley from Zarate moments later, and the Argentine equalised. With Pizzini tiring after the European trip I took him off, replacing him with Totti. Who had an immediate impact, his shot striking the upright, the rebound falling to Owen. But the English man unable to adjust his body in time to capitalise. The Ninetieth minute came round as Zamora, a sub for Owen burst through. He was one on one, he chipped the ball over Muslera and it looked destine to be our winner, until the ball rebounded off the base of the post and straight to the Lazio keeper.

With Inter and Ac Milan’s results the previous day, and Fiorentina’s win, 4-2 away at Catania, meant the draw with Lazio left us seven points off top spot, but now only one behind AC Milan and two behind Inter. Deep down after Lazio result, I thought maybe our title challenge was over, seven points was alot to make up in four games. Their morale high though, the team all thought we were still in with a chance, and at the very least we could finish above both Milan team.

Once again I was last to leave the stadium, locking myself in the office until I thought it was safe to leave. I didn’t want to see anyone, not even Sarah, I just wanted to be alone. So I went up to the only place I thought I could be alone. I went up to the balcony where me and Sarah had spent my birthday, behind the board room. I sat on the edge of the balcony and put my iPod on.

It’s five o clock in the morning, The conversation got boring, You said you’re going to bed soon, So I snuck off to your bedroom.
And I though I’d just wait there, Until I heard you come up the stair. And I’d pretend that I was sleeping. And I was hoping you would creep in, with me.
You put your arm on my shoulder, And it was as if the room got cold. And we moved closer together, Started talking about the weather, said tomorrow would be fun, and could watch a place in the sun, I know where this was going, when you kissed me.
Are you mine? Are you mine? ‘cause I stay here all the time...........
​

As Lily Allen’s who’d of known drowned out the busy Rome streets below, I sat there starring at the sky. All I could think about was my mum. My head full of regrets, after not speaking to her for three months after being sacked by Fulham. Regrets for being in Italy when she had, had her accident. Regret that I wasn’t in England at that very moment helping my brother sort out the funeral. I sat on the balcony of the Olimpico, looking out over Rome, my entire body not wanting to be there. My entire body telling me to resign from Roma and return to my home in England. But my head told me I had to see this through, if the opportunities arouse in the summer then that was the time to go, but now I had to stay and fight and be strong for the team.
 
another good update, unlucky about the lazio match, i'm sure you can still get 1st in the last four games ;)
 
Hiy guys, internet switch has happened, and Im up and running already so next update will be out soon. Maybe tonight, if not tomorrow,

I have finished writing them, just got to check through them all and change mistakes etc.
 
goona4life said:
was gonna say great story... but lilly allen! tut tut tut
Click to expand...

haha yeah I know.

I literally just hit shuffle on my ipod and whatever comes on I use. Lily allen is only on there because of my girlfriend. I dont like it, but i didnt want to waste time going through my ipod finding something else. The past one i pick a song from the top ten of that date.

---------- Post added at 09:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:07 PM ----------

Chapter 32
Tuesday 26th December 2007​

Boxing Day is suppose to be a stress free day, when you recover from the boredom of Christmas day, sitting there and eating too much turkey, watching a lot of pointless TV. My Christmas day had been full of stress and preparation, my boxing day had been full of stress and disappointment.

I walked out of White Hart Lane, the most disappointed man in England. Not only had I spent Christmas day on my own in my flat in West London, looking through papers and planning how we could beat Tottenham to bring a little bit of Christmas joy to the Fulham fans that were having to endure a relegation fuelled battle at the bottom of the Premier League.

Unfortunately for us, I had considered that Tottenham were pushing for Europe and would want to end the year on a high. They tore the team I was temporarily in charge of us, apart beating us 5-1. My head was suddenly filled with self doubt. Only my second game in charge as a Football Manager and we’d been beaten by our London rivals 5-1. Was I really cut out to be a football manager? Only time would tell. I really didn’t have anytime to prepare for our next game, I had only three days before I would lead the team I had inherited to Birmingham to face Birmingham City in what was now considered a six pointer in the relegation battle.

Saturday 29th 2007
Birmingham City Vs. Fulham​

We arrived at St Andrews, the team, the fans and myself no confidence in my ability to lead the team, after only three games. But before this game I was told to that the club had found a permanent manager to take over the team I loved and was learning my coaching trade at. I hadn’t been told who he was, but the announcement would happen after the game.

I had delivered what could be my last team talk in charge of Fulham, and the team lined up to face Birmingham. I walked out on to the pitch, and looked around, up into the stands as Muhammad Al-Fayed took his seat, to my surprise he was joined by Roy Hodgson. Instantly I knew Mr Hodgson was the new Fulham boss. My thoughts turned to the game, but all the time I feared for my job, not as the manager but generally feared for my job at Fulham on the coaching staff. Hodgson would surely bring in his own team of people.

We got off to a brilliant start, Carlos Bocanegra flicking the ball off his head beautifully into the net giving us the lead after just eight minutes. Healy and Dempsey all going close before half time. The second half was much the same, with Healy going close a few times before Birmingham got there break through, Larsson’s ball rebounding off Omozusi’s right knee and into the net. Simon Davies should have given us the lead again, but we couldn’t make a break through and my final game as care-taker manager of Fulham ended in a 1-1 draw. I walked out onto the pitch, the rain getting heavy as I shook hands with all my players and applauded the fans that had made the trip to Birmingham.

It didn’t take long for me to be replace, the press office releasing a statement half an hour after the game, I was now officially a foot note in Fulham’s managerial history. Despite the two draws and the lose at Tottenham, I was still being linked with jobs at Norwich, Leicester and Hartlepool. I wasn’t ready to be a Premier League manager, but maybe the lower leagues is where I should have started? Maybe I needed to step back and learn my trade.

---------- Post added at 10:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 PM ----------

Chapter 33
Saturday 23rd April 2011
Roma Vs. AC Milan.​

I woke up that morning, Sarah next to me in my flat over looking Rome. It was a busy day, not only did we host AC Milan in a game that would now decide if I was going to become a legend in Rome or not, but after the game despite the result I would be once again boarding plane to get back to England for my Mother’s funeral.

I still wanted to be in England, much of my body and mind not caring about the football, but I was also a football manager, and whatever happens in life I had to be focused on my job. I packed my suit and headed to our ground, a few fans already arriving, the team slowly arriving as well. It was then that I received the news that would rock Roma fans. Francesco Totti had just announced to the Italian press that the game at home to Livorno would be his last as a professional footballer, retiring at the end of the season.

Around half an hour before kick off, my body still filled with grief, I was walking down the tunnel to over see the final warm up, and my body was taken back by nerves, remembering what had happened at the San Siro earlier in the season.

My nerves however were quelled within the first five minutes of the game, as Pizzini crashed a header into the net, sending the Roma fans into raptures and me jumping around the dugout. Milan broke on the counter attack, just two minutes later and Pato slotted the ball home, 1-1 after only seven minutes. But the action wasn’t finished by a long way. Just three minutes later, Owen’s shot cannoned back off the post, Milan once again broke on the counter. Pato’s shot looked certain to go in, until Doni’s out stretched arm got a finger to it. The following corner came in and was met by Silva’s head. Milan led 2-1 after only ten minutes of the biggest game of my career to date. Te game settled for just five minutes, when Owen broke through the defence only to be brought down by Silva, who was booked. Baptista stepped up to take the free kick and like a bullet it flew inot the top corner. 2-2, once again our fans jumping around in the stands. Twenty nine minutes and Pato pounced on his own saved shot to slot it home past Doni and Mexes on the line. But the ref disallowed it, Pato adjudged to have handled the ball. I just wanted half time, time to settle my team, and duly the ref granted my wish with the score 2-2.

It took just seven minutes of the second half for my team to take control of the game, Pizzini and Owen combining well with some quick passing, leaving Pizzini bearing down on goal and cool placing his shot past Abbiati in the Milan goal. The crowd erupted as we once again took the lead. On the hour we extended our lead, Mexes making perfect connection with Baptista’s corner. 4-2! But the two goal lead didnt last long, as Huntelaar struck for Milan making it 4-3, the game may have been turning into a thriller but we needed the win, so I took off Vucinic and Owen bringing on Van Der Vaart and Totti. With just seven minute of the Ninety remaining the substitutes combined, Van Der Vaart putting Totti through on goal, he looked set to score, until he unselfishly pulled the ball back across goal to Pizzini who put the ball into the open net to complete his hattrick. 5-3. Two minutes later Totti was once again through, until Silva came crashing through him and received him second yellow card of the game. With Silva sent off, Totti grabbed the ball and placed it on the spot. He coolly slotted the ball past the Milan keeper to give us our sixth goal of the game.

Our 6-3 win over Milan meant we had climbed into third above them, still seven points behind Fiorentina after their 5-0 win over Torino which sent the Turin team down with Ascoli to Serie B. But the second the full time whistle went I was rushing to try and get away from the stadium and to the airport. I sent my assistant to the press conference and had a brief team talk with my team. But I didn’t have time to celebrate the way I should and wanted to, instead I was getting into my car with Sarah and heading to the airport.

Drinking in the morning sun,Blinking in the morning sun, Shaking off the heavy one
Heavy like a loaded gun!
What made me behave that way? Using words I never say! I can only think it must be love!
Oh, anyway, it’s looking like a beautiful day!
Someone tell me how I feel, It’s silly wrong but vivid right. Oh, kiss me like the final meal
Yeah, kiss me like we die tonight.
Cause holy cow, I love your eyes! And only now I see the light! Yeah, lying with me half-awake! Oh, anyway, it’s looking like a beautiful day.​

As the sun beamed down over Rome and Elbow played on my iPod, we arrived at the airport and were on our way to England for what seemed to be the hundredth time that month.

As we touched down in England, exhausted and stressed, I finally made the decision that would effect my life and career. No matter what happened in the league, if we finished third or first, Francesco Totti’s last professional game as a footballer against Livorno in three weeks time would also be my last game in charge of Roma. I would not extend my contract which the chairman had offered me twenty four hours previously. I loved being in Roma, but I belonged in England. I belonged back in at the home of football.

---------- Post added at 01:53 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 10:06 PM ----------

Chapter 34
Sunday 1st May 2011
Roma Vs. Napoli​

We went into the game against Napoli knowing we were relying on Udinese and Lazio to beat Inter and Fiorentina respectively if we were going to have any chance of winning the league. Personally I went into the game with a weight seemingly lifted from my shoulders, having buried my mother the previous week. The funeral was hard, me and my brother Neil both breaking down at the grave side. I had stayed in England until the Saturday before the game, but at the risk of sounding selfish I was glad I could finally concentrate on the football side of my life going into the final three games of the season.

I had discussed with my boss that I wouldn’t be extending my contract, and after the season and travel I had experienced over the season, she had reluctantly agreed to let me go after the Livorno game. The decision was hard for me, I truly loved Rome and my head wanted to stay there, but my heart was in England. After experiencing going toe to toe with the likes of Ferguson, Wenger, Benitez and Mancini with Fulham, nothing could compare to it. The F.A Cup, the Premier League. Boxing Day fixtures, Half time pies, Manchester, Merseyside and North London derby’s, are all what make England the best country for football in the world. True Italy had the passion and the Milan derby but nothing compares to facing the possibility of having to face a minnow in the FA cup. It’s hard to explain but I had the feeling that any English Football manager who had managed abroad felt the same.

With Darren Gibson picking up an injury against Milan, Pizzaro started for us in the center of midfield. The game was no where near as exciting as the battle we had, had with Milan. Our only chance of the first twenty minutes going to Michael Owen, who broke through the Napoli defence only to see his shot saved by their keeper. Twenty five minutes in and Baptista’s shot just went past the post, and in thirtieth minute Pizzini’s header going straight into De Sanctis’ hands. It took us until the fourty second minute when Pizzini connected perfectly with Taddei’s cross, volleying the ball home to give us a 1-0 lead.

At half time, I was informed that Fiorentina had scored in the forty fifth minute to lead 1-0 against Lazio, and Inter were still 0-0 against Udinese. Meaning despite being 1-0 up, we were still seven points behind, mathematically unable to win the league. As the second half kicked off, I was praying for a Lazio goal.

It took just five minutes for news to filter through from both Florence and Milan, Fiorentina were down to ten men and Milan were a goal down against Udinese. Napoli were starting to get a grip on the game, and in the sixtieth minute hit the post, we went staright up the other end and Owen’s shot went narrowly wide. Baptista’s shot went narrowly wide, as news reached me from Florence, that there had been another goal. Fiorentina had just gone two up against Lazio, despite being down to ten men. Mine and the teams title dream was slipping away. Owen struck the post and Totti hit the bar, but the game finished 1-0.

I waited on the field until the Fiorentina game finished, they did win 2-0 and we were officially out of the title race as were Inter now thanks to their 1-0 loss at Udinese. The only team that could catch Fiorentina was now Juventus having played a game less than all of us due to their European exploits. The fact of the matter was I had failed in my attempts to win the league, the cup and in Europe. And suddenly my head was full of self doubt again. Was it because of me? Where did it all go wrong?
 
Mate, this is absolutely class. Really inspiring story and extremely well-written, truly a top Footy Manager story. Plus its nice to see a healthy selection of Mancunian music featured here too (H)
 
Again the writing's great, I wonder where you'll end up in England.

PS I may be wrong, but isn't the name 'Pazzini' rather than 'Pizzini'? I apologise if I'm wrong but I've only heard of a striker called Pazzini. But it takes nothing away from the quality!
 
Yeah you're right mate! My spell check kepleps changing it back, just keep forgetting it's wrong when undo it
 
Having six fingers isn't always beneficial, especially for typing ;)

Just kidding pal, looking forward to where you're going next.
 
EnemaOfTheState said:
Having six fingers isn't always beneficial, especially for typing ;)

Just kidding pal, looking forward to where you're going next.
Click to expand...

haha! brilliant slag off the Norfolkite (think I invented a word then!!!) if it helps i aint originally from Norfolk, just moved here when i was little.

Thanks for following! I have officially finished the season now........will release the rest of this tomorrow! But dont worry the story doesnt end, it will continue..........but I may take a break for a bit......big may though i have enjoyed writing this.
 
can't wait for next season mate, it really has been a brilliant story :)
 
Chapter 35
Saturday 30th May 2009​

I woke up in the morning, not in my west London flat, instead I was back in Norfolk at my mates house. The season over I had decided to go home to see my friends I had grown up with. Despite Roy Hodgson coming in I had stayed at Fulham. Hodgson offering me the chance to be his assistant, which I snapped up. I had, had the chance to learn from one of the greatest managers England had ever produced. But despite Fulham finishing seventh for the 2008/2009 season Roy Hodgson had decided to resign, leaving the Fulham managerial position open.

I was sat in the Black Boys hotel in the market place of my home town of Aylsham when my phone rang.

“Hello..................yeah hi................really? Ok I’ll be right down. Yeah and thank you for the opportunity.”
​
I quickly finished me dinner and before I knew it I and Danny were on our way down to London. I arrived at Craven Cottage around Half four that evening, the place was deserted. Players and staff all on their holidays, but as I pulled into to the car park I noticed a Sky news van and one from the BBC. I couldn’t believe what was about to happen, despite the terrible run I had, had over Christmas the season before, despite constantly being linked with other managers job, I was sat along side chairman Mohammed Al-Fayed with a pen in my hand, signing a contract, officially making me the full time manager of the club that had trained and played me as a player. I smiled at the cameras as my dream was finally being realised. I was officially the Fulham manager, and with the transfer window opening soon, I could build a team, build a team that I thought was capable of going far in the Europa League, whilst being strong in the league.

I was quite possibly the happiest man in West London as I sat in the pub just around the corner from my flat, my best mate alongside me as I sipped my orange juice. I looked up at the screen to see pictures of me and Mohammed Al-Fayed sat side by side in the Fulham press room signing the contract that made me realise the dream that had started three years ago. The manager of the club that I loved, that loved me, which had been loyal to me through thick and thin. I was at home in Fulham. I had a family with Fulham and finally I was the head of the family I had grown up with.

---------- Post added at 06:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:02 PM ----------

Chapter 36
Sunday 15th May 2011
Roma Vs. Livorno
​
We went into the final day of the season, not only out of the title race, but facing a difficulty finishing in the top four. We were in fifth on Seventy four points, joint with two other clubs, Inter and AC Milan. Fiorentina were still top, only two points ahead of Juventus. Not only did we go into the final game of season struggling to finish in the Champions League places, but I knew that no matter what happened in Rome that day, come the final whistle Roma would officially be without a manager.

The press had got hold of the story of me leaving and despite small pockets of the fans calling me a coward and a disappointment, I was happy with my decision and despite not having a job to go to in England I thought it was the right decision for my career. A return to England was what I wanted, Sarah supported it and we were both happy and excited to be returning, but not before we went to Dubai for a holiday. Even though we had failed to win the league, cup or in Europe I felt after everything that had happened over the past eleven months I deserved a holiday.

We came into the game off the back of a disappointing 0-0 draw with Atalanta, but still unbeaten since February and I wanted to keep it that way. We should have been 1-0 after just three minutes Baptista goal being disallowed for offside. Ten minutes later Pazzini’s shot came back off the post and Totti was unable to make a proper connection, the ball going just past the post. We were dominating the game, Baptista, Gibson and Totti all goiung close before the half hour mark, but Livorno broke on the counter from our corner in the thirty fifth minute, Lucarelli carried the ball past Mexes and round Dreyer in goal, putting the ball into the empty net putting us 1-0 down. We had chances to equalise through Taddei and Baptista but at half time we still trailed.

The first ten minutes of the second half were the pretty much the same the first half, Baptista and Gibson both going close. Pazzini broke through the defence in the fifty fifth minute, only to be brought down twenty five yards away from goal. Totti stepped up in his final game of his career and calmly curled the ball into the top corner, the crowd going wild as their hero and idol scoring in his final appearance. We took total control, Baptista hitting the bar, Totti hitting the post and Gibson going close. We finally had the ball in the net again when Baptista picked the ball up and travelled past three defenders striking the ball from twenty yards past their keeper to give the lead and cement Roma’s Champion League place for the next season.

As the full time whistle went, it not only finished the game, it finished the season and my tenure as Manager of AS Roma. I walked out onto the pitch the fans all standing applauding their team that had just finished third under my reign. Applauding me in my last game and applauding Totti’s career and Darren Gibson’s final appearance for the club. The crowd were loud as I walked over to Totti and put my arm around him. We were joined by Darren Gibson, Philippe Mexes and Michael Owen as we done a lap of honour, applauding the loyal fans. Sarah came over to me half way round and kissed me. Whilst I had failed at trying to win the league the season was considered a success by everybody at the club. I was sad to be leaving Roma and Italy but it was what I wanted, I wanted to be back and England and I would be. The final thing I did as Roma manager was stand in the middle of the pitch, a Roma scarf around my neck, my right arm in the air and my left around Francesco Totti as Photographers took the picture that would be in the papers the following day.

Me and Sarah were amongst the last people to leave the club that night, after we had joined my team for a post season drink, well orange juice. I sat in my car as we drove away from the Olimpico for the last time. I looked back in the mirror as the stadium behind us was plunged into darkness for the last time that season. I had no regrets and had enjoyed my time at Roma, but it was time to move on time for me to return home, time for me to make a name for myself in England.
 
The Life and Career of a Football Manager

New Beginnings​

Prelude​

We had been in Dubai for nearly two weeks, I was relaxed after the long season in Italy. I was walking along the edge of the beach, hand in hand with my beautiful girlfriend Sarah when I first noticed somebody who looked out of place, he was wearing a black suit in the middle of the day carrying a briefcase. I ignored it and went and sat down as Sarah went for a swim in the sea. I picked up a news paper, full of stories about who was going where in the transfer window, but the big new was that a top Premier League manager had been sacked, I was readin the article when the guy in the black suit came over to my table, sat down and placed his briefcase in front of me and took out some paper work.

“Can I help you?” I asked
“You’re a hard man to track down Mr Curtis”
“And who are you?”
“I’m Mr Phillips, and I’m here to make your dream come true. This here is a contract for a Premier League club. We’re offering you £47,000 a week and a starting transfer budget £36,500,000. We know how much you want to get back into Football in England and this is your ticket”​

I smiled at him and looked down at the newspaper in my lap. I read the main headline on the back and laughed to myself before I picked up the pen and signed the contract. I shook hands with Mr. Phillips before I got up and went over to Sarah walking up the beach a huge smile on my face, dropping the newspaper on the table with Mr. Phillips, the back page blowing in the sea breeze.

“Rafa Benitez Sacked by Liverpool”​

I had just signed a contract that not only took me back to England, but took me to the club I had supported as kid. Steven Curtis at the age of 26 had just become the manager of Liverpool Football Club.
 
That seems like great news. Mad me laugh that he just wandered over and placed the briefcase down without any introduction lol.
Good luck mate, hopefully you can be a sucuss in England as you was in Italy.
 
Chapter 1
Saturday 13th August 2011
Liverpool Vs. Sunderland​

The morning had flown by, mainly because of the nerves that had been building since I joined one of the biggest clubs in England, having left the beauty of Italy behind I was back home, back where I belonged in England and at the helm of Liverpool Football Club, a Club which has suffered Five years of anguish under Rafa Benitez, having not won a trophy since the 2006 FA Cup final, and not winning the league since 1990. Under Benitez last season, Liverpool had even failed to reach the Europa League finishing eighth, behind the eventual champions Chelsea, Runner ups Tottenham, Man City and Arsenal in the Champions League places. Aston Villa, Man United and Everton all finishing above my new club, meaning I only had domestic competitions to try and make my mark on. My main expectation going into the new season was to finish inside the top four, anything else would be a bonus.

To achieve this I had to use the £36,000,000 the board had given me for transfers, wisely. I bought in Tenacious Left Back, Gareth Bale (£14m) from Sunderland, Young Left winger Danny Rose (£6m) from Tottenham and 19 year old Argentinean Striker from River, Marcelo Lopez (£12m) a striker I had tried to sign at the start of the season last year with Roma. Inedible player close to Rafa, or who didnt feature in my plans left Anfield, Albert Riera departed for Barcelona (£7.5m), Sotiris Kyrgiakos to West Ham (£2.2m) and Krisztian Nemeth to Portsmouth (£3.4m). I had also bought in former England and Liverpool midfielder, Jamie Redknapp as my Assistant and experienced defender, Martin Keown as a first team coach.

Despite the nerves I was confident I had a squad capable of finishing in the top four. And certain bookmakers felt the same, making us joint fourth favourites to win the league, behind Chelsea, Man City and Tottenham. We had a great pre-season, only losing once to Palermo (2-0), we had won our other seven pre-season fixtures, Germinal Beerschot (4-0), Genk (1-0), Gladbach (1-0), Inter (2-0), Castellon (4-1), Siena (3-0) and Sporting (2-1).

The game with Sunderland would be my first game at Anfield ever having never played or managed there with Fulham. Going into the game, I had two big absentees. My club captain, Steven Gerrard was suspended for the first four games, after being sent off against Burnley on the last day of last season, and Argentine midfielder Maxi Rodriguez was also out with a fractured wrist for two or three weeks.

I walked out of the tunnel, a wall of noise met me after being introduced to the crowd before the game, and suddenly their support quelled my nerves, I was confident we could do this, we could qualify for the Champions League, We could push to win one of the domestic cups, and who knows, we could push for the league title.

The game started and we took control for the first ten minutes, Torres, Babel and Lucas all going close. It took just twenty minutes for my team to get their first goal under my reign. Torres bursting through the Sunderland defence and putting the ball into the net with a calm side foot in front of the Anfield road end. Three minutes later, Babel’s volley looked destine to make it 2-0, but it just went past the post. As half time approached, Torres went close again, his header clipping the top of the bar. But at half time we led 1-0.

Sunderland canceled us out for the first fifteen minutes of the second half, limiting us to long shots from Lucas and Bale. And it looked like the second half was turning into a stalemate, so I bought on two players fopr their home debuts, Danny Rose for Ryan Babel and Marcelo Lopez on for Lucas. I pushed Lopez up top with Torres and pulled Aquilani back into the center of midfield. The changes sparked us into life, rose’s cross met by Torres who nodded it back to Lopez, but his shot was just wide. It didn’t take us long to get our second goal though, Rose beating two defenders, his cross met by Lopez who volleyed it at Craig Gordon, his save falling staright to Kuyt, the Dutchmen putting the ball into the open net. Sunderland should have a goal back Cattlemole’s through ball hit straight at Reina by Darren Bent. Lopez could have had his first goal on his debut when his header went close in the ninetieth minute, but the game finished 2-0 and despite only being one game old we were into second in the league behind Manchester United who had beaten Stoke 4-1.

I was happy, my nerves had all but gone after a comfortable victory over the Black Cats as I walked into my dockland’s flat. I was met by Sarah, who threw here arms around me, kissed me before telling me to sit down, she had some huge news.

“I’m pregnant”​

An even bigger smile broke out on my face, not only was I back in England as manager of one of the biggest clubs in the world. We had just got off to a great start in our league campaign and I had just found out I was going to be a dad. Life was good in Rome, but life in England was already turning out to be better than I could have ever imagined four months previous when I decided to return to England.
 
Time will tell my man.

I'm thinking I may take a break from this story and doing a kind of World Cup Diary for the next month or so? Would it be ok if I kinda done it without Football manager tho?!? As in use the England games on TV?!?!
 
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