Lewis89
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Posts posted by Lewis89
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Spain 2030 World Cup Update
Group Stages
SpoilerDrawn in Group A alongside USA, Senegal and South Korea, I was confident of topping the group. We started the tournament off with a 2-1 win over USA. Next up were Senegal and with some squad rotation we struggled to a 1-0 win. In the final group game we faced South Korea and dispatched them comfortably 3-0
Last 16
SpoilerIn the last 16 we faced a very talented Poland side. And after what was a really good game, we pulled through 1-0
Quarter Finals
SpoilerInto the last 8, and we were up against Romania. I thought this would be an easy win but we struggled in the final third, and recorded another 1-0 win. (boring boring Spain)
Semi Finals
SpoilerIn the last 4 we faced Holland. A very talented side who have some excellent players. I was surprised to see us dominate them, and we should have scored more. In the end sealing a final spot with a easy 3-1 victory.
Final
SpoilerSo into the final and who else would we face than England. (so overrated on FM). World Cup holders but losers to us in last seasons Confederations cup final. It turned out to be our easiest game of the world cup. A thumping 4-1 `win.
Aftermath
SpoilerSo after an excellent world cup campaign, I have finally won it at the third attempt. Realistically we was not going to win it with Senegal or China, but we didnt exactly over achieve with them either. What to do now? I resigned from Leverkusen as mentioned in my last post, so am on the look out for work in Spain, France, Italy or England. Internationally I still need the Euro's so am tempted to stay with Spain for another 2 years as we should have a great chance there. On the other hand the Brazil and Argentina jobs are available and with a Copa America scheduled for next season, it could be a good time to go to either nation. Decisions Decisions.
@vikeologist thanks mate. Its been really enjoyable so far, I haven't had as much time to play FM in the last few weeks compared to when I started the challenge but should have abit of free time this coming week to try and get a couple more seasons done. Hows your challenge going? Inter nationally I use exactly the same formation and team instructions I've used throughout this save. its an attacking 442 basically. I change the roles according to the players preferences but having a deep lying playmaker on defensive is one a usually never change. Also prefer a targetman up top but Spain don't seem to have one.
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3rd Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3rd Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. 2022 USA MLS Atlanta United R.U Gained Pro License, Lost in NACL FINAL, Resigned on 25/05/22. 2022/23 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 6th R2 WON Appointed on 31/07/22, Won Telekom Knockout Cup. 2023/24 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Double Winners. League and Telekom Knockout Cup. 2024/25 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Treble winners. League, MTN8 and Telekom Cup. Still in AFC Champs League Group Stage 2025/26 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein WON 5th Won CAF Champions League, Lost in CWC QF's. Resigned on 24/12/2025 2026 BRA SERIE A Fluminense 2nd WON WON WON Appointed on 26/03/2026. Quad Winners. State Champs, FA Cup, Copa Libertadores and CWC. Manager of the season. Resigned on 21/12/2026. 2027/28 POR Primeira Benfica 1st R5 WON L16 Appointed on 15/07/2027. Double Winners Primiera Liga and Liga De Taca. Manager of the Season. Resigned on 27/05/2028 2028/29 HOL Eredivisie Ajax 1st WON QF Appointed on 23/06/2028. Treble Winners Eredivisie, Dutch Cup and Super Cup. 2029/30 GER Bundesliga Bay Leverkusen 1st WON GS Appointed on 05/07/2029. Treble Winners Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Europa League. INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021/22 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup, ranked 13th. 2022/23 Senegal Group Stage Resigned on 25/06/2022, ranked 15th 2023/24 China Appointed on 02/07/2023, Qualified for Asian Games, Ranked 54th. 2024/25 China Qualified for East Asian Games. Ranked 46th 2025/26 China 2nd Round Won East Asian Cup. Ranked 45th. 2026/27 China WON Won AFC Asian Cup. Ranked 42nd. Resigned on 07/02/2027 2028/29 Spain WON Appointed on 16/07/2028. Won Confederations Cup. 2029/30 Spain WON Won 2030 World Cup. CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 6/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019. MLS-Atlanta 2021. ASBA-Bloemfontein 2024. POR-Benfica 2028. HOL-Ajax 2029. GER-Leverkusen 2030. 6/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. RSAKO-Bloemfontein 2023. BFA-Fluminense 2026. POR-Benfica 2028. HOL- Ajax 2029. GER-Leverkusen 2030. 4/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. COPA LIB-Fluminense 2026. 1/1 Club World Cups Fluminense 2026 International 2/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. Asian Cup-China 2027. 2/2 World Tournaments Confederations Cup-Spain 2029. World Cup-Spain 2030 Total Challenge Progress 21/33 All Achievements Club Football. Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021. Bloemfontein Celtics - Telkom Knockout Cup 2023,2024,2025. ASBA Premiership-2024,2025. MTN8-2025. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. Manager of the season 2024. Fluminense - Rio State Championships 2026, Copa Perdigao do Brazil 2026, Copa Libertadores 2026, FIFA Club World Cup 2026, Manager of the season 2026. Benfica - Primeira Liga 2028, Liga De Taca 2028, Supertaca 2028, Manager of the season 2028. Ajax Amsterdam - Eredivisie 2029, Dutch Cup 2029, Super Cup 2029. Bayer Leverkusen - Bundesliga 2030, DFB Pokal 2030, Europa League 2030. International Football. Senegal - AFCON-Senegal 2021. China - East Asian Cup 2025. AFC Asian Cup 2027. Spain - International League 2029, Confederations Cup 2029. World Cup 2030.0 -
2029/30 Season Update
Season Preview Season Review Squad Managers Profile
Bundesliga - Results 1 - Results 2 - I joined Leverkusen with the idea of building a team to challenge Bayern's dominance within 2 or 3 seasons. We did it in 1. It was a very weird season, no real stand out team, and Bayern were simply awful, finishing in 6th. They actually offered me the manager's job during the season but their team is ageing and very unbalanced so I stayed loyal. It was a tight race, and with 5 games remaining we sat 2nd, 1 point behind leaders Wolfsburg. With them still to visit our ground it was all to play for. A loss away at Nurenburg almost cost us the title but with Wolfsburg dropping points also it meant they visited us 2 points clear and a win would have gave them the crown. We pulled off a thumping 5-1 victory, and went on to beat Mainz 4-0 on the final day to win the title.
DFB Pokal Cup - A brilliant cup run saw us seal a double. Wasnt straight forward with 2 penalty victories and tight games with only a 1 goal margin in the semi's and final.
Champions League - Drawn in a difficult Group G alongside Manchester United, old club Ajax and Krasnador, I knew this would be tough. And so it proved, as we finished 3rd, 2 points behind United. This meant we went into the Europa League.
Europa League - Resuming after the mid season break suited us here, we had managed to get some consistency going by now and it proved to be a great tournament as we ended up sealing the crown. Wins against Totenham and Arsenal were really impressive, and it meant an all German final against Schalke who were not performing well league wise. This left me confident as we sealed the title with a 1-0 win.
Been an excellent and unexpected successful season in Germany, 2 more competitions ticked off the list and now eyeing up my next move. I may resign as I can see me losing a few key members of this squad in the summer and I cant see myself winning the champions league with Leverkusen. Ideally Id like to go to Italy or France but PSG are just immense and I cant see that job coming up any time soon, and the same goes with Juventus. I may have to take a lesser role here and build a team (the same plan as here). I have the Home World Cup with Spain coming up this summer so may resign from here and just focus on that and see what jobs pop up this summer.
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3rd Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3rd Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. 2022 USA MLS Atlanta United R.U Gained Pro License, Lost in NACL FINAL, Resigned on 25/05/22. 2022/23 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 6th R2 WON Appointed on 31/07/22, Won Telekom Knockout Cup. 2023/24 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Double Winners. League and Telekom Knockout Cup. 2024/25 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Treble winners. League, MTN8 and Telekom Cup. Still in AFC Champs League Group Stage 2025/26 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein WON 5th Won CAF Champions League, Lost in CWC QF's. Resigned on 24/12/2025 2026 BRA SERIE A Fluminense 2nd WON WON WON Appointed on 26/03/2026. Quad Winners. State Champs, FA Cup, Copa Libertadores and CWC. Manager of the season. Resigned on 21/12/2026. 2027/28 POR Primeira Benfica 1st R5 WON L16 Appointed on 15/07/2027. Double Winners Primiera Liga and Liga De Taca. Manager of the Season. Resigned on 27/05/2028 2028/29 HOL Eredivisie Ajax 1st WON QF Appointed on 23/06/2028. Treble Winners Eredivisie, Dutch Cup and Super Cup. 2029/30 GER Bundesliga Bay Leverkusen 1st WON GS Appointed on 05/07/2029. Treble Winners Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Europa League. INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021/22 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup, ranked 13th. 2022/23 Senegal Group Stage Resigned on 25/06/2022, ranked 15th 2023/24 China Appointed on 02/07/2023, Qualified for Asian Games, Ranked 54th. 2024/25 China Qualified for East Asian Games. Ranked 46th 2025/26 China 2nd Round Won East Asian Cup. Ranked 45th. 2026/27 China WON Won AFC Asian Cup. Ranked 42nd. Resigned on 07/02/2027 2028/29 Spain WON Appointed on 16/07/2028. Won Confederations Cup. CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 6/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019. MLS-Atlanta 2021. ASBA-Bloemfontein 2024. POR-Benfica 2028. HOL-Ajax 2029. GER-Leverkusen 2030. 6/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. RSAKO-Bloemfontein 2023. BFA-Fluminense 2026. POR-Benfica 2028. HOL- Ajax 2029. GER-Leverkusen 2030. 4/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. COPA LIB-Fluminense 2026. 1/1 Club World Cups Fluminense 2026 International 2/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. Asian Cup-China 2027. 1/2 World Tournaments Confederations Cup-Spain 2029. Total Challenge Progress 20/33 All Achievements Club Football. Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021. Bloemfontein Celtics - Telkom Knockout Cup 2023,2024,2025. ASBA Premiership-2024,2025. MTN8-2025. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. Manager of the season 2024. Fluminense - Rio State Championships 2026, Copa Perdigao do Brazil 2026, Copa Libertadores 2026, FIFA Club World Cup 2026, Manager of the season 2026. Benfica - Primeira Liga 2028, Liga De Taca 2028, Supertaca 2028, Manager of the season 2028. Ajax Amsterdam - Eredivisie 2029, Dutch Cup 2029, Super Cup 2029. Bayer Leverkusen - Bundesliga 2030, DFB Pokal 2030, Europa League 2030. International Football. Senegal - AFCON-Senegal 2021. China - East Asian Cup 2025. AFC Asian Cup 2027. Spain - International League 2029, Confederations Cup 2029.0 -
55 minutes ago, XaW said:
Well, I've managed to screw up once already. I noticed the youth squad had a very talented youngster, so I brought him in, apparently on a "reserve contract", but I found out I can only have 6 reserve contracts, so I had to unregister a player. I picked the poorest one, and lo and behold he got released because I "waived" him. So, that means I lost a talented midfielder. I also want to curse the previous manager! The squad have a single goalkeeper and a grand total of 3 center backs. But, I do have 8 strikers though... All 3 "Designated players" are strikers and have "Guaranteed MLS contract" so I guess I can't try to get rid of them easily. So I can't bring in any big foreigners either. Oh, and we are at our salary cap as well.
And we haven't even started on any drafting yet. I think I need to go back to school to understand all these rules and regulations. At least if I'm going to try to win anything...
Edit: Oh, and a player are at something called the "disabled" list, so I can't register him to play.
i completely forgot about the numerous different contracts, the waiving part aswel. ive noticed that happens alot on fm, the A.I stock piling players. im glad ive moved on from there.
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46 minutes ago, XaW said:
XaW - Ultimate Football Manager Challenge - 2026
After leaving Orlando Pirates in November, there were very few jobs available, so I just had to take my time and wait. While waiting, I got offered a new international side. New Zealand were the side and I accepted, mostly because I didn't have much else to do. There are not many matches in 2026, but why not take over. I could actually win the OFC Nations cup, to take the challenge one further!
After a while certain jobs became available and I applied for a few and went to some interviews. I got offered a couple of jobs, but they were not what I were looking for. Until now, that is. I finally got offered to manage in a country I have thought of managing in often, but never have come around to, the big US of A. Yup, I'm heading to MSL. I have no clue to the rules and the all the quirky things I've heard about transfers regarding marquee players, salary caps and the whole lot. Luckily, I have my assistant to guide me through it.
The club is FC Dallas, at least it doesn't have a "kitchy" name like Tigers, or Stars, or something like that. The club is currently sitting 11th (of 12!) in the Western Conference after 15 of 34 league matches. Should be fun.
Domestic Season Team Division Position Notes Challenge Landmarks 2017 Finnsnes IL PostNord-ligaen 1 1st Promoted as champions, got National C licence 2018 Finnsnes IL OBOS-ligaen 9th Mid-table, got National B and A licences 2019 Tromsø IL OBOS-ligaen 1st Promoted as champions 2020 Tromsø IL Eliteserien 1st Champions First league title 2021 Shenzhen Chinese Super League 3rd Cup winner, got Continental C and B licences First cup title 2022 Shenzhen Chinese Super League 1st Chapmions, Cup winner, ACL winner, got Continental A League title and ACL 2022/23 Orlando Pirates ABSA Premiership 3rd Took over with 2 games left 2023/24 Orlando Pirates ABSA Premiership 1st Domestic clean sweep, got Continental Pro licence League title and cup winner 2024/25 Orlando Pirates ABSA Premiership 1st Won league and some cups 2025/26 Orlando Pirates ABSA Premiership 1st Won CAF CL, left in November Won CAF CL International Year Team Achievements 2021 Nigeria Won ACON 2024/25 Belgium U21 Played some matches and then left Challenge Progress Club 3/10 top domestic leagues (Norway 2020, China 2022, South Africa 2023/24) 2/10 domestic cups (Chinese FA Cup 2021 and 2022, South Africa Nedbank 2023/24) 2/5 club continental championships (Asia 2022, Africa 2025) 0/1 club world championship International 1/5 continental tournaments (ACON - Nigeria 2021) 0/2 world tournamentsgood luck in America mate. Is a frustrating league with all the rules. most frustrating thing is the transfer system between MLS clubs, I only lasted a season. If you can get some decent HG players, it helps massively. Think you can have 8 foreign players in the starting 11.
I cant wait to get off shift and get back to my challenge.
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21 minutes ago, Danny_H22 said:
Just loaded up the Brazilian league and I have never managed there before. Anyone have any tips should I decide to head down there? How does the league system work?
The set up is pretty straight forward, 5 foreign players allowed. Only difference is youll play around 80 games in a calender year. The amount of talent around means plenty of choices transfer wise. Good luck
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2029 Confederations Cup
Group Stages.
SpoilerDrawn in Group A alongside Italy, Mexico and Nigeria B? (surprised they could not send the first team), I knew Italy and Mexico could be tough games. First up was Mexico and we saw them off 3-1. Up next was Nigeria B, rested a few of the first 11 and we still beat them 4-0. Our last group game was Italy, always going to be the toughest game and we pulled off a 1-0 to seal top spot on maximum points. Final Group Standings
Semi Final.
SpoilerIn the semi final we faced the mighty Brazil. The game proved to be as tight as it looked but we scraped through with a 1-0 win.
Final.
SpoilerIn the final we faced my country of birth England. Having rejected me at the start of this season I had to show them they was wrong, and so it proved. As we pulled of our third successive 1-0 win to seal the crown.
Aftermath.
SpoilerWith the 2030 World Cup next year, being held in Spain, I am certainly going to stay on for that at least. We have a brilliant squad, huge depth and will no doubt have a breakthrough star or 2 by this summers finals. If we do well there I will stay on for the Euros in 2032 as that's still on my to win list and as mentioned above, we have the squad to do well at both.
On the club side of things I have left Ajax Amsterdam and have been appointed manager of Bayer Leverkusen. It was a choice between Marseille or Leverkusen and due to PSG's brute strength I decided on here. To my amazement I have learned they have never won a Bundesliga title? and that has continued on my save's history, its going to be tough to overthrow Germany's big 2 but after my last 3 jobs, I am looking forward to having more than one season at the same club, well that's if i last that long and don't fail horrendously.
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3rd Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3rd Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. 2022 USA MLS Atlanta United R.U Gained Pro License, Lost in NACL FINAL, Resigned on 25/05/22. 2022/23 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 6th R2 WON Appointed on 31/07/22, Won Telekom Knockout Cup. 2023/24 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Double Winners. League and Telekom Knockout Cup. 2024/25 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Treble winners. League, MTN8 and Telekom Cup. Still in AFC Champs League Group Stage 2025/26 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein WON 5th Won CAF Champions League, Lost in CWC QF's. Resigned on 24/12/2025 2026 BRA SERIE A Fluminense 2nd WON WON WON Appointed on 26/03/2026. Quad Winners. State Champs, FA Cup, Copa Libertadores and CWC. Manager of the season. Resigned on 21/12/2026. 2027/28 POR Primeira Benfica 1st R5 WON L16 Appointed on 15/07/2027. Double Winners Primiera Liga and Liga De Taca. Manager of the Season. Resigned on 27/05/2028 2028/29 HOL Eredivisie Ajax 1st WON QF Appointed on 23/06/2028. Treble Winners Eredivisie, Dutch Cup and Super Cup. Left on 05/07/2029 INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021/22 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup, ranked 13th. 2022/23 Senegal Group Stage Resigned on 25/06/2022, ranked 15th 2023/24 China Appointed on 02/07/2023, Qualified for Asian Games, Ranked 54th. 2024/25 China Qualified for East Asian Games. Ranked 46th 2025/26 China 2nd Round Won East Asian Cup. Ranked 45th. 2026/27 China WON Won AFC Asian Cup. Ranked 42nd. Resigned on 07/02/2027 2028/29 Spain WON Appointed on 16/07/2028. Won Confederations Cup. CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 5/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019. MLS-Atlanta 2021. ASBA-Bloemfontein 2024. POR-Benfica 2028. HOL- Ajax 2029. 5/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. RSAKO-Bloemfontein 2023. BFA-Fluminense 2026. POR-Benfica 2028. HOL- Ajax 2029. 4/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. COPA LIB-Fluminense 2026. 1/1 Club World Cups Fluminense 2026 International 2/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. Asian Cup-China 2027. 1/2 World Tournaments Confederations Cup-Spain 2029. Total Challenge Progress 18/33 All Achievements Club Football. Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021. Bloemfontein Celtics - Telkom Knockout Cup 2023,2024,2025. ASBA Premiership-2024,2025. MTN8-2025. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. Manager of the season 2024. Fluminense - Rio State Championships 2026, Copa Perdigao do Brazil 2026, Copa Libertadores 2026, FIFA Club World Cup 2026, Manager of the season 2026. Benfica - Primeira Liga 2028, Liga De Taca 2028, Supertaca 2028, Manager of the season 2028. Ajax Amsterdam - Eredivisie 2029, Dutch Cup 2029, Super Cup 2029. International Football. Senegal - AFCON-Senegal 2021. China - East Asian Cup 2025. AFC Asian Cup 2027. Spain - International League 2029, Confederations Cup 2029.0 -
Season 2028/29 Update
Season Preview Season Review Squad Transfers End of season Awards Manager Profile
Eredivisie - Results 1 - Results 2 - In what looks a straight forward season, it really was not. We started quite slowly, only winning 2 of our first 5 games, and although we romped home to the title in the end, 2nd placed Feyenoord pushed us close until the last 6 games. I expected this to be easier than it was, almost similar to the domination we experienced with Benfica last season. The squad didnt need much work and the majority of the transfers were back up options or talented youngsters. Finishing on 87 points in still impressive though.
Dutch Cup - Couldn't have asked for a more straightforward run. Avoided all the big teams, but this seasons surprise package PEC Zwolle took us to penalties in the semi's before we faced mid table Heerenveen in the final. We secured the cup with a 1-0 win in a game that was nowhere near as tight as the scoreline suggests.
Super Cup - The season opener, always good to get an early trophy on board at any club, we saw of Feyenoord 2-0.
UEFA Champions League - Group E - Drawn in what looked a tightly contested group with Arsenal, Dynamo Kiev and Dinamo Zagreb, I had high hopes of at least a 2nd placed finish. In the end we topped the group with 4 wins 1 draw and 1 loss. The highlight being spanking Arsenal at home. Onto the Knockout rounds and we faced FC Porto in the last 16. Having lost the away leg 3-2, we managed to squeeze through 4-3 on aggregate after a well deserved 2-0 win i the home tie. In the last 8 we drew thew mighty Juventus, and after an impressive 3-1 home win, I thought we could progress. However, a 2-0 home win for Juve saw them knock us out on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate scoreline.
Next Season
With the double secured here I do want to move on, but am worried im getting the reputation of a one season man, My last 3 jobs have all only lasted a season each so I may not resign from here and see what jobs are on offer, I can only work in the big 5 leagues now so am actively on the lookout for a new role. Over the season I managed to hit 600 games in football management, and got onto the worldwide hall of fame. With quite abit left to win, I can see me climbing higher up the rankings.
In the summer we was appointed Spain manager. I was delighted to get this role and even more so when I learned we will be competing in the Confederations Cup this coming summer. With a Euro's next summer , this is a real chance at winning some more International silverware. The team is ridiculosly strong, and I have about 3 excellent players to choose from in each position, not to mention the numerous amount of young talent floating around the leagues. Our first game was in the International League. We was placed in Group 2 alongside France and Turkey which we topped to progress onto the semi finals where we will face Belgium. Our first game in charge was the 4-1 win over Turkey.
In the Semi FInals of the International League we faced Belgium, ranked 6th, a team with players of a similar standard to ourselves, we cruised home with a 3-1 win. In the final we faced Germany, always a strong opponent, and it proved to be a super tight game, with us pulling off a 1-0 win, nicking the winning goal in the 86th minute.
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3rd Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3rd Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. 2022 USA MLS Atlanta United R.U Gained Pro License, Lost in NACL FINAL, Resigned on 25/05/22. 2022/23 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 6th R2 WON Appointed on 31/07/22, Won Telekom Knockout Cup. 2023/24 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Double Winners. League and Telekom Knockout Cup. 2024/25 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Treble winners. League, MTN8 and Telekom Cup. Still in AFC Champs League Group Stage 2025/26 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein WON 5th Won CAF Champions League, Lost in CWC QF's. Resigned on 24/12/2025 2026 BRA SERIE A Fluminense 2nd WON WON WON Appointed on 26/03/2026. Quad Winners. State Champs, FA Cup, Copa Libertadores and CWC. Manager of the season. Resigned on 21/12/2026. 2027/28 POR Primeira Benfica 1st R5 WON L16 Appointed on 15/07/2027. Double Winners Primiera Liga and Liga De Taca. Manager of the Season. Resigned on 27/05/2028 2028/29 HOL Eredivisie Ajax 1st WON QF Appointed on 23/06/2028. Treble Winners Eredivisie, Dutch Cup and Super Cup. INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021/22 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup, ranked 13th. 2022/23 Senegal Group Stage Resigned on 25/06/2022, ranked 15th 2023/24 China Appointed on 02/07/2023, Qualified for Asian Games, Ranked 54th. 2024/25 China Qualified for East Asian Games. Ranked 46th 2025/26 China 2nd Round Won East Asian Cup. Ranked 45th. 2026/27 China WON Won AFC Asian Cup. Ranked 42nd. Resigned on 07/02/2027 2028/29 Spain Appointed on 16/07/2028. Won International League. Ranked 12th CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 5/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019. MLS-Atlanta 2021. ASBA-Bloemfontein 2024. POR-Benfica 2028. HOL- Ajax 2029. 5/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. RSAKO-Bloemfontein 2023. BFA-Fluminense 2026. POR-Benfica 2028. HOL- Ajax 2029. 4/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. COPA LIB-Fluminense 2026. 1/1 Club World Cups Fluminense 2026 International 2/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. Asian Cup-China 2027. 0/2 World Tournaments Total Challenge Progress 17/33 All Achievements Club Football. Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021. Bloemfontein Celtics - Telkom Knockout Cup 2023,2024,2025. ASBA Premiership-2024,2025. MTN8-2025. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. Manager of the season 2024. Fluminense - Rio State Championships 2026, Copa Perdigao do Brazil 2026, Copa Libertadores 2026, FIFA Club World Cup 2026, Manager of the season 2026. Benfica - Primeira Liga 2028, Liga De Taca 2028, Supertaca 2028, Manager of the season 2028. Ajax Amsterdam - Eredivisie 2029, Dutch Cup 2029, Super Cup 2029. International Football. Senegal - AFCON-Senegal 2021. China - East Asian Cup 2025, AFC Asian Cup 2027. Spain - International League 2029.0 -
1 hour ago, blackdevil said:
I'm just over half way through the next season and I've won the all the South African cups I'd not won yet as well as the CAF Confederations cup and the CAF Super Cup.....Just the African Champions League to finish off the collection.
Apparently I'm annoying the other managers in South Africa if the below news article is to be believed
though not sure what I did to get him riled up.
On a side note has anyone else had some African national jobs be vacant for a long period of time? The Morocco job has been vacant since I resigned after winning the ACN and the Ivory Coast and Nigeria jobs have been vacant just as long if not longer. I'm thinking of taking the Ivory Coast job to fill in while I wait for another suitable international job.
Yeah I had that with Nigeria and one other African team. Think it was Ghana. Also had it with the Australia job. They all were eventually filled though.
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Having left Benfica in may, I only had to wait a month for my next opportunity. Ajax Amsterdam
League and Cup winners last season, this should give me another good shot at a league and cup double, which would leave me just the big 5 to tackle league and cup wise. In what turned out to be a triangle of job swaps, Benfica hired Paulo Fonseca from Monaco, who in turn hired Marcel Keizer from Ajax who..... you know the rest. I join at the end of the current season so have the whole summer to shape a squad ready for the new season.
UPDATE: I have also been appointed boss of the Spanish national side after a very poor European Championships. With the world cup in 2 years time, I will use the nations league and the qualifiers to try build a team capable of succeeding.
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2027/28 Season Update
Season Preview Season Review Squad Transfers Manager Profile End of season Awards
Primeira Liga - Results 1 - Results 2 - In what was our most straight forward domestic season yet so far i this challenge, we romped home to the title as expected. played 34, won 30, drew 3 and lost 1. we scored 105 goals and conceded just 11. We started the season on fire, going 18 games unbeaten before suffering our first defeat. Games like this 5-1 win over league runners up Porto showing just how big the gulf between us was. We clinched the title with 4 games remaining, a easy 6-0 home win. I didnt really enjoy the season that much as it felt more just like a click and go, the players are so good compared to any other team in the league that i couldn't fail. Before champions league games id play 11 back ups and still win 3 or 4 nil. The only downside is literally the whole first team want to leave with Europe's bigger clubs all interested.
UEFA Champions League - Group F - Drawn in a very competitive group alongside Sevilla, Leverkusen and Basel we did brilliantly to top the group. We won 4 and lost 2. The last loss, 5-1 to Basel was irrelevant as we had secured 1st and fielded the kids. In the 2nd round we was unfortunate to be paired against Barcelona. we lost the 1st leg 2-0 away, and even though we managed a 3-1 win at home, it wasn't enough as we crashed out on away goals. I was really disappointed with this as Benfica possess a ridiculously strong squad and I really thought we could get to the later stages.
Taca De Portugal - Cant dress this up as anything but a failure. Cruising in the league at this point, feeling unstoppable. Then we faced Braga who were also going really strong at that point, and they beat us. 2-1 away, we were expected to win the whole thing so to crash out this early was just poor.
Taca De Liga - Much better here. Cruised until the semi finals where we faced Porto, saw them off easily with a 3-0 win. In the final we faced Braga, hell bent on revenge after they beat us in the other cup, we got our revenge with a 2-1 win.
Supertaca - The season opener. Not considered important but always good to get the season going with a trophy, we faced Sporting Lisbon ending in a dominating 2-0 win.
Next Season
I will be moving on from Benfica with a league and cup win in the bag. Half the squad want to leave, and if I am going to do a rebuild, it may as well be in a different country. I still have the " big 5" to tackle, so need to venture there very soon. I have them all loaded anyway so will be job hunting from this summer, I havent had a International role since leaving China but with the Euros this summer, am hoping some interesting roles come up ahead of the World cup in 2 years time. My rep is at 85% now and over 4 stars so there shouldn't be many roles that i'm not considered for.
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3rd Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3rd Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. 2022 USA MLS Atlanta United R.U Gained Pro License, Lost in NACL FINAL, Resigned on 25/05/22. 2022/23 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 6th R2 WON Appointed on 31/07/22, Won Telekom Knockout Cup. 2023/24 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Double Winners. League and Telekom Knockout Cup. 2024/25 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Treble winners. League, MTN8 and Telekom Cup. Still in AFC Champs League Group Stage 2025/26 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein WON 5th Won CAF Champions League, Lost in CWC QF's. Resigned on 24/12/2025 2026 BRA SERIE A Fluminense 2nd WON WON WON Appointed on 26/03/2026. Quad Winners. State Champs, FA Cup, Copa Libertadores and CWC. Manager of the season. Resigned on 21/12/2026. 2027/28 POR Primeira Benfica 1st R5 WON L16 Appointed on 15/07/2027. Double Winners Primiera Liga and Liga De Taca. Manager of the Season. Resigned on 27/05/2028 INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021/22 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup, ranked 13th. 2022/23 Senegal Group Stage Resigned on 25/06/22, ranked 15th 2023/24 China Appointed on 02/07/2023, Qualified for Asian Games, Ranked 54th. 2024/25 China Qualified for East Asian Games. Ranked 46th 2025/26 China 2nd Round Won East Asian Cup. Ranked 45th. 2026/27 China WON Won AFC Asian Cup. Ranked 42nd. Resigned on 07/02/2027 CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 4/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019. MLS-Atlanta 2021. ASBA-Bloemfontein 2024. POR-Benfica 2028. 4/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. RSAKO-Bloemfontein 2023. BFA-Fluminense 2026. POR-Benfica 2028 4/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. COPA LIB-Fluminense 2026. 1/1 Club World Cups Fluminense 2026 International 2/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. Asian Cup-China 2027. 0/2 World Tournaments Total Challenge Progress 15/33 All Achievements Club Football. Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021. Bloemfontein Celtics - Telkom Knockout Cup 2023,2024,2025. ASBA Premiership-2024,2025. MTN8-2025. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. Manager of the season 2024. Fluminense - Rio State Championships 2026, Copa Perdigao do Brazil 2026, Copa Libertadores 2026, FIFA Club World Cup 2026, Manager of the season 2026. Benfica - Primeira Liga 2028, Liga De Taca 2028, Supertaca 2028, Manager of the season 2028. International Football. Senegal - AFCON-Senegal 2021. China - East Asian Cup 2025. AFC Asian Cup 2027.0 -
2027/28
So having left Fluminense in December and China in February, I found myself on the job hunt. Having won the 4/5 continental crowns, my eyes were firmly set on Europe. 3 jobs open appealed to me. Inter Milan, AC Milan and Benfica. I applied and had interviews with all 3. Benfica came back almost instantly with an offer, I did wonder whether to wait to see what the Milan clubs did but I don't really want to go to the big 5 just yet and Brazil to Portugal is quite a well trodden path in football. So I accepted the offer and was appointed the new Benfica Manager. Already possessing a super strong first team, some talented youngsters, I shouldn't need to do too much. Although they are overloaded with central midfielders.
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Asian Games 2027 Update
Its finally here, after 4 years in charge of the Chinese national team with the goal of building a team to challenge we have finally reached the tournament. Drawn in Group C alongside hosts Australia, Qatar and The Philippines.
Group Stage.
SpoilerDrawn in a pretty easy group with only Australia as a threat we started the group stages with a 2-0 win over Qatar. Our next game was against the minnows of the group Philippines and we recorded a comfortable 4-1 victory. Our final group game was against Australia, both on 6 points after 2 games they manged to seal first place with a tight 1-0 win. Final Group Standings
2nd Round.
SpoilerIn the 2nd round we drew Jordan, I expected an easy game and it was just that. A 2-0 win seeing us into the last eight. Looking at the draw, seeing Japan and Australia face off in this round delighted me as it meant 1 of the potential winners was definitely going home.
Quarter Finals.
SpoilerIn the Quarter Finals we faced Thailand. Another game where I expected an easy win, but it ended up being a really tight game. We managed to squeeze through 2-1 AET, winning it in the 117th minute. Onto the Semi's and in more good news elsewhere, Japan had managed to lose to Syria, meaning just South Korea remained from the usual favorites.
Semi Finals.
SpoilerIn the Semi's we faced Japan's conquerors Syria, I expected this to be a tight game as them beating Japan was unexpected, I was wrong. We thumped them 7-0. Another game that could have been a cricket score.
Final.
SpoilerOnto the final and we faced Iran. Yep Iran, not South Korea. Iran beat them 1-0 in the other semi final. This had me delighted as I couldn't have asked for a better Asian Cup or more luck with the run to the final. 2-1 down with 10 minutes to go, I thought that was it, 4 years down the drain. Then in the 81st minute we got an equalizer...game on. In the 91st minute we nicked it. 3-2. China are Asian Cup champions for the first time in history. Finals Tree
Aftermath
SpoilerMy time with China is over. My 4 year spell has been a long run but was really worth it in the end. Going out on a high with the Asian Cup meant it couldn't get any better. With no appealing international jobs open atm, and not in a club role since I left Fluminense a month ago, I have just focused on this tournament. Having also resigned from China after the final, I will look to get a new job in Europe asap.
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3rd Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3rd Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. 2022 USA MLS Atlanta United R.U Gained Pro License, Lost in NACL FINAL, Resigned on 25/05/22. 2022/23 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 6th R2 WON Appointed on 31/07/22, Won Telekom Knockout Cup. 2023/24 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Double Winners. League and Telekom Knockout Cup. 2024/25 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Treble winners. League, MTN8 and Telekom Cup. Still in AFC Champs League Group Stage 2025/26 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein WON 5th Won CAF Champions League, Lost in CWC QF's. Resigned on 24/12/2025 2026 BRA SERIE A Fluminense 2nd WON WON WON Appointed on 26/03/2026. Quad Winners. State Champs, FA Cup, Copa Libertadores and CWC. Manager of the season. Resigned on 21/12/2026. INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021/22 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup, ranked 13th. 2022/23 Senegal Group Stage Resigned on 25/06/22, ranked 15th 2023/24 China Appointed on 02/07/2023, Qualified for Asian Games, Ranked 54th. 2024/25 China Qualified for East Asian Games. Ranked 46th 2025/26 China 2nd Round Won East Asian Cup. Ranked 45th. 2026/27 China WON Won AFC Asian Cup. Ranked 42nd. Resigned on 07/02/2027 CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 3/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019. MLS-Atlanta 2021. ASBA-Bloemfontein 2024. 3/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. RSAKO-Bloemfontein 2023. BFA-Fluminense 2026. 4/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. COPA LIB-Fluminense 2026. 1/1 Club World Cups Fluminense 2026 International 2/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. Asian Cup-China 2027. 0/2 World Tournaments Total Challenge Progress 13/33 All Achievements Club Football. Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021. Bloemfontein Celtics - Telkom Knockout Cup 2023,2024,2025. ASBA Premiership-2024,2025. MTN8-2025. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. Manager of the season 2024. Fluminense - Rio State Championships 2026, Copa Perdigao do Brazil 2026, Copa Libertadores 2026, FIFA Club World Cup 2026, Manager of the season 2026. International Football. Senegal - AFCON-Senegal 2021. China - East Asian Cup 2025. AFC Asian Cup 2027.0 -
Season 2026
Season Preview Season Review Squad 1 Squad 2 Transfers Manager Profile End of season awards
Brasil Serie A - Results 1 - Results 2 - Predicted to finish 6th, the board asked me to finish in the top half. I thought this was abit generous and had my eyes on the top 5. Taking over a side with a lot of dead wood and ageing players, we had a big turnover player wise. Managed to bring in £54m from unwanted players which let me spend quite freely. Even though i never spent half what we made. Achieving the boards expectations was done pretty easily and we ended up in 2nd place. Corinthians were just too strong this season and had the title wrapped up in November with 4 games remaining. Even though we started the season on fire with a 13 game unbeaten run, juggling the cup and the Copa Libertadores proved too much. I cant believe you can play 6 games in 12 days
. Over the course of the season we had some really strong runs of games but ultimately, drawing 6 and losing 7 games, meant we didn't deserve the title. Corinthians lost just once. Even so our cup successes meant I received the Manager of the year award in my 4th different country.
Copa Perdigao do Brazil - The Brasilian F.A Cup proved to be pretty straight forward for us, Seeing off Palmeiras, Flamengo, Sao Paulo and Santos. Luckily we avoided Corinthians otherwise I don't think we would have succeeded if we had.
Rio State Championships - The first leg of this two tier Cup/League had already been played out, my first game in charge being the 1-1 draw with Botafogo in late March. Winning the first stage meant we qualified for the Final where we beat Vasco De Game 5-4 on aggregate after two very close games.
Copa Libertadores - Group G- Tree - Pretty straight forward, I joined with 1 win from 1 game on the board and we went on to top our group with 5 wins and 1 draw. Onto the 2nd round where we faced Argentine side Lanus, we dispatched of them comfortably with a Aggregate win. In the quarter finals we faced another Argentine side in River Plate, we beat them 7-0 on aggregate. The gulf in class surprised me as I had expected a tough game. In the Semi finals we faced an all Brazilian tie against Athletico Mineiro, who were languishing in mid table domestically. An easy win I thought but they gave us our toughest test on the knock out stages and we ended up winning 6-4 on aggregate. Knowing corinthians were in the other semi final I kept my eye on the game and was delighted to see they lost on away goals to Atletico Nacional. So onto the final, a tie between the 2nd placed side in Brasil and the 5th placed side in Columbia. Drawn as the home side in the first leg, we romped to a resounding 4-1 win. The 2nd leg is a whole month later which I find strange. In the 2nd leg we won 3-1, sealing a 7-2 aggregate victory and Fluminense's first Libertadores
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FIFA Club World Cup - Tree - Attempt number 4 with club number 4
. This time though I have a team who maybe could win this, usually decided between the South American and European team, and with 3 of the past 4 winners being Brazilian, history says I had a chance. Entering at the semi final stage we faced Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima, In what was being predicted as an easy win, it proved to be just that. We won 6-0 and it could have been a rugby score. Onto the final where we faced Spanish giants Barcelona. In 2001 when in charge of Atlanta we took them to extra time before losing to a 120th min goal. Could we upset the odds this time? In what was my 500th game in management, it was meant to be. In a tense 1-1 draw after 120 mins, we beat them on penalties, converting all 5.
Next Season
Its been a long but very rewarding year in Brasil, having won 3 trophies towards the challenge its been worth the slog. I am really tempted to hang on another year and give dethroning Corinthians a good attempt but the amount of games in Brasil do for some reason make it less enjoyable. With 7 leagues and 7 Domestic cups to win, I want to head over to Europe and make a start. I have the Asia Cup coming up next month and can hopefully tick that off the list. I still have a fair bit too do both club and internationally but its nice to be into double figures. I have a plan for Europe where i end up in England, needing my final 2 trophies and win them with Charlton Athletic (don't all laugh), whether its possible to do we shall see.
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3rd Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3rd Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. 2022 USA MLS Atlanta United R.U Gained Pro License, Lost in NACL FINAL, Resigned on 25/05/22. 2022/23 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 6th R2 WON Appointed on 31/07/22, Won Telekom Knockout Cup. 2023/24 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Double Winners. League and Telekom Knockout Cup. 2024/25 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Treble winners. League, MTN8 and Telekom Cup. Still in AFC Champs League Group Stage 2025/26 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein WON 5th Won CAF Champions League, Lost in CWC QF's. Resigned on 24/12/2025 2026 BRA SERIE A Fluminense 2nd WON WON WON Appointed on 26/03/2026. Quad Winners. State Champs, FA Cup, Copa Libertadores and CWC. Manager of the season. INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021/22 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup, ranked 13th. 2022/23 Senegal Group Stage Resigned on 25/06/22, ranked 15th 2023/24 China Appointed on 02/07/2023, Qualified for Asian Games, Ranked 54th. 2024/25 China Qualified for East Asian Games. Ranked 46th 2025/26 China 2nd Round Won East Asian Cup. Ranked 45th. 2026/27 China CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 3/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019. MLS-Atlanta 2021. ASBA-Bloemfontein 2024. 3/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. RSAKO-Bloemfontein 2023. BFA-Fluminense 2026. 4/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. COPA LIB-Fluminense 2026. 1/1 Club World Cups Fluminense 2026 International 1/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. 0/2 World Tournaments Total Challenge Progress 12/33 All Achievements Club Football. Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021. Bloemfontein Celtics - Telkom Knockout Cup 2023,2024,2025. ASBA Premiership-2024,2025. MTN8-2025. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. Manager of the season 2024. Fluminense - Rio State Championships 2026, Copa Perdigao do Brazil 2026, Copa Libertadores 2026, FIFA Club World Cup 2026, Manager of the season 2026. International Football. Senegal - AFCON-Senegal 2021. China - East Asian Cup 2025.0 -
7 hours ago, vikeologist said:
@Lewis89 Well done for getting China into the second round. It's heartening to know there's at least one imaginary universe where the national team doesn't suck. Hope you enjoy Brazil.
@dannyh_22 Welcome back to the challenge. You got stuck in Chile last time, like me, didn't you. I guess this time I'm going to resign myself to the long haul and manage in Brazil. Good luck getting back to the leader board, and congrats on the Asian U23 cup.
@BitesizeFM Welcome to the challenge and congrats on the Durand Cup. As long as all the top division sides were in the cup, then it does indeed count. Did you take over at the start of the cup campaign, or in the middle. If you just played the last couple of cup matches to lift the trophy, then that's called 'vikeing' the cup. Not that you should be ashamed of that if that's what you did. Indeed, you should wear it as a badge of honour.
Cheers, its been quite enoyable but at the same time i will be glad to move on after the Asian cup, even if I dont win it. With the money being pumped into Chinese football, surely its only a matter of time before they produce a half decent batch of players (in real life). In game they have produced a alot of 3.5 star players, thats based on what my club scouts say but yet to produce any real stars still.
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World Cup 2026 Update
Heading into the competition with no real expectations from the nations F.A, however I really want to go at least one better than four years ago with Senegal (Group stage exit). Drawn in Group A
Group Stage.
SpoilerQuite a generous draw here really judging on the Fifa World Rankings. Poland being the only side ranked higher than us, but I also know from my time with Atlanta that the USA do have some really good players. Our first game was against Poland, and we ground out a hard earned point with a 1-1 draw. In all honesty Poland deserved the win here so was happy with a point. Our second game was against Paraguay and we pulled off a late comeback with a 2-1 win. This left us and the USA needing a point from our last game to both go through, I did try a bribe but it didn't work, they thumped us 3-1, luckily Paraguay and Poland could only draw leaving us in 2nd place and into the last 16. Final Group Standings
Last 16.
SpoilerWe drew France, not the kindest of draws and basically a guaranteed loss. And as expected they beat us 3-0 in what was a really one sided game, they had 27 shots, we had 3. Need I say anymore?
Having still exceeded expectations I will continue on with China until the AFC Asian Cup this coming January, we were never going to compete for the latter stages at the world cup, and looking at the other Asian side's, we should be able to compete at the upcoming tournament.
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Season 8 continued 2026
Having left Bloemfontein in December, the Fluminense job became available in February, I applied and on 26/03/2026 I was offered the job. I takeover at this point so the season has barely started. The boards has asked me to achieve a top half finish which I am happy with as I will need a year to get to know the league anyway. Taking this job has also somehow boosted my profile as I am now at 70%, and when leaving my last job was 65%. This is my first time ever managing in Brazil, and with only this continent remaining before I head over to Europe, I hope its as enjoyable as Africa was.
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Season 8 Update
CAF Champions League
Group Stages - Pretty straightforward. Won our first 3 games but then due to the scheduling we was without 9 first team players for 2 of our last 3 games, drawing both.
Quarter Finals - What looked a tough tie against Egyptian giants Al-Ahly, we managed to grab a 2-2 away draw in the 1st leg, before a 4-1 win at home put us through.
Semi Finals - Our easiest game of the competition, a easy 5-1 win away in the 1st leg meant I could rest a few for the return fixture, which we still won 2-0.
Final - An all South African tie against Kaiser Chiefs. A 3-1 first leg away win gave us great hope, and we sealed the title with comfortable 5-2 home win.
We really lit up the tournament and broke the Record for goals scored.
World Club Cup
In what was my third attempt at this competition with a third different club, we lost at the first hurdle. in what was a tight, end to end game we lost 3-2 to Asian Champs Guangzhou Evergrande. I didn't expect us to do much here to be honest and we were always likely to be outclassed. We drew Auckland City in the 5th place play off, and best them easily with a 3-0 win.
With everything now won in Africa i shall be stepping down from my role as Bloemfontein Celtics manager. Its been some ride, we took over with the club newly promoted to the ASBA Premiership, and in the space of 3 and a half years have turned them into the best side in Africa. I have also improved the club on a whole, training and youth facilities, aswel as getting the club to purchase the stadium and increase the capacity to 24000. I will be leaving behind a squad capable of dominating the league for a the next few seasons with the squad being so young. I leave with the team currently top of the league after 11 games.
Bloemfontein Best 11
GK - Nathan Mamba
RB - Moses Adesima CB - Tunde Ukechukwu CB - Siyabulela Ngema LB - Thabiso Nkoana
CM - Daniel Emmanuel CM - Umar Sadiq
AML - Jude Mohammed AMR - Sbusiso Mkhize
ST - Moussa Senghor ST - Rodney Phale
So having stepped down from Bloemfontein at the start of the winter break (December) I have my eyes on South America. I have the Brazilian, Chilean and Colombian top divisions loaded and will be looking to get as good a job as possible, although i am tempted to try and lead a south American club to their first top division and Libertadores. With not many appealing roles open at the moment I could be waiting a few months before I return to club management.
China Update 2025
Results Squad Manager's Profile
In what has been a perfect year for the national side, we won every single game we have played, and to finish the year, we had the East Asian Cup. Really starting to improve now with China, 2 years ago we went into the East Asian Cup with no hope, lost 2 and drew 1 of our 3 games. This year, I had a sneaky feeling we could give winning it a serious go and that we did. 3 wins outta 3 meant we topped the Table. I know this doesn't count towards the challenge but its a nice chance of measuring the teams healthy progress and gave my manager's profile a 5% rep boost, so i'm now at 65%. With the World Cup Finals coming up this summer and the AFC Asian Cup in 12 months time I have high hopes for a strong showing at both. I wont win the world cup, but we have been put in a generous Group A alongside host nation U.S.A, Poland and Paraguay. With Poland being the only side ranked higher than us I fancy our chances of at least making the last 16. The Asian Cup is the main aim though, and that I would like to win.
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3rd Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3rd Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. 2022 USA MLS Atlanta United R.U Gained Pro License, Lost in NACL FINAL, Resigned on 25/05/22. 2022/23 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 6th R2 WON Appointed on 31/07/22, Won Telekom Knockout Cup. 2023/24 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Double Winners. League and Telekom Knockout Cup. 2024/25 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Treble winners. League, MTN8 and Telekom Cup. Still in AFC Champs League Group Stage 2025/26 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein WON 5th Won CAF Champions League, Lost in CWC QF's. Resigned on 24/12/2025 INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021/22 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup, ranked 13th. 2022/23 Senegal Group Stage Resigned on 25/06/22, ranked 15th 2023/24 China Appointed on 02/07/2023, Qualified for Asian Games, Ranked 54th. 2024/25 China Qualified for East Asian Games. Ranked 46th 2025/26 China Won East Asian Cup. Ranked 46th CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 3/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019,2020. MLS-Atlanta 2021. ASBA-Bloemfontein 2024,2025. 2/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. RSAKO-Bloemfontein 2023,2024. 3/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. 0/1 Club World Cups International 1/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. 0/2 World Tournaments Total Challenge Progress 9/33 All Achievements Club Football. Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021. Bloemfontein Celtics - Telkom Knockout Cup 2023,2024,2025. ASBA Premiership-2024,2025. MTN8-2025. CAFCL-Bloemfontein 2025. Manager of the season 2024. International Football. Senegal - AFCON-Senegal 2021. China - East Asian Cup 2025.0 -
Season 7 2024/25
Season Preview Season Review Squad Transfers End of season Awards Manager Profile
ASBA Premiership - Results - Another strong season, we won the title by 7 points losing just 2 out of the 30 games. A little wobble in may where we dropped 4 points meant Kaiser Chiefs closed the gap to 2 points with just 2 games remaining. We won both whilst they dropped points handing us our 2nd title in a row.
Nedbank Cup - Having not won this cup in our first 2 seasons I really wanted this one, yet to fail again at the semi final stage.
Telekom Knockout Cup - Our third successive win. We seem to really love this cup.
MTN8 Cup - Another cup win in S Africa. Got the season off to the perfect start.
CAF Champions League - Group D - The competition I need to complete the club side of Africa is finally here. In the Prelim we faced an amateur side called Djabal from Comoras, winning easily 9-0 over 2 legs. In the 1st we got a very unlucky draw against last years runners up, Egyptian giants Zamalek, I worried if my Champions League adventure was over before it had begun, but we sealed a great 3-1 win at home before a 4-3 away loss meant we progressed onto the group stage. Looking at the 4 groups, both last years finalists, winners ES Tunis and Zamalek are out at the 1st round. Should make for an interesting competition. We have played 3 group games so far winning all 3 quite comfortably. If i do manage to win this at the first attempt I will be looking to move onto South America. Is Brazil as much of a nightmare as it sounds? I would like to manage there but from reading the thread it sounds like it can be a right slog.
Season 2024/25
East Asian Cup Qualifiers - Really straightforward here, win comfortable and expected wins. Having only picked up 1 point from 3 games at the 2023 East Asian Cup it will be a good measure of progress at the 2025 Finals ahead of the 2026 World Cup (if we qualify) and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
World Cup Qualifiers. - Suprised at how much talent we have at our disposal, I have started to settle on a strongest team finally, and results are starting to improve. 2 wins in big games against Iraq and current group leaders Iran have put us in a great position to top the group. I would still be happy with second as that means qualifying, but 1st would be even nicer. After the wins our ranking jumped to 46th. China's highest ever ranking in game is 35th. Some really good regens coming through, with the u20s currently in the 2nd round of world cup.
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3RD Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3RD Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. 2022 USA MLS Atlanta United R.U Gained Pro License, Lost in NACL FINAL, Resigned on 25/05/22. 2022/23 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 6th R2 WON Appointed on 31/07/22, Won Telekom Knockout Cup. 2023/24 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Double Winners. League and Telekom Knockout Cup. 2024/25 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Treble winners. League, MTN8 and Telekom Cup. Still in AFC Champs League Group Stage INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021/22 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup, ranked 13th. 2022/23 Senegal Group Stage Resigned on 25/06/22, ranked 15th 2023/24 China Appointed on 02/07/2023, Qualified for Asian Games, Ranked 54th. 2024/25 China Qualified for East Asian Games. Ranked 46th CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 3/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019,2020. MLS-Atlanta 2021. ASBA-Bloemfontein 2024,2025. 2/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. RSAKO-Bloemfontein 2023,2024. 2/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. 0/1 Club World Cups International 1/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. 0/2 World Tournaments Total Challenge Progress 8/33 All Achievements Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021. Bloemfontein Celtics - Telkom Knockout Cup 2023,2024,2025. ASBA Premiership-2024,2025. MTN8-2025. Manager of the season 2024.0 -
Season 6 2023/24
Season Preview Season Review Squad Transfers End of season Awards Manager Profile
ASBA Premiership - Results - A brilliant season, predicted to come 6th, we managed to record the clubs first ever Top League title. After a big rebuild of the squad from last season, and bringing in super talented foreigners like Daniel Emmanuel and Moussa Senghor the squad was ready for a title push. After losing our first league game to Supersport i did wonder, but after that we went on a 22 game unbeaten run before losing to Kaiser chiefs. We won the title by just 2 points despite this good run which surprised me as everytime we won a game, Kaiser chiefs would never drop points. Anyway that is another title tucked of the challenge, But still need the ACL which as we all know doesn't start til midway through the upcoming season, and ends halfway through the season after
, so I at least have another 18 months in Africa. With the average age of the squad just 22, I think my squad is strong enough to have a good push at another league title. I will look for a couple of new signings but they will need to be very good, and since I will be here for the foreseeable future, I will be trying to win everything next season. It can only help with my rep and the moving up the hall of fame.
Nedbank Cup - Another failure here, after losing to first division side last season, we managed to repeat that unwanted achievement again. this time getting to the semi finals and after drawing 3-3, we lost on penalties.
Telekom Knockout Cup - Our second Knockout success in a row. 3 games we were expected to win and we seam to make light work of Witz whenever we played them this season and the final was no different.
MTN8 Cup - Starts the season off and we just wasnt ready for it. New players were still gelling etc. Will try again next season.
2023/24
With China we have a decent looking team, plenty of young prospects coming through and with the Chinese league loaded, they should be getting plenty of game time. The Asian Games are not until 2027 so there is plenty of time to build a squad towards that target. And also with a World Cup coming up in 2026 we have qualifiers galore. We manged to top our Group in the World cup qualifiers 2nd round, winning 7 and drawing 1. And we have been drawn in what looks a quite generous Final Qualification Round group. With Iran being the only side ranked above us. We are ranked 54th, Iran are ranked 39th. Winning the 2nd round group sealed our Qualification for the 2027 Asian games also. Along the way this season I also reached 300 games in management.
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3RD Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3RD Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. 2022 USA MLS Atlanta United R.U Gained Pro License, Lost in NACL FINAL, Resigned on 25/05/22. 22/23 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 6th R2 WON Appointed on 31/07/22, Won Telekom Knockout Cup. 23/24 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 1st SF WON Double Winners. INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021/22 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup, ranked 13th. 2022/23 Senegal Group Stage Resigned on 25/06/22, ranked 15th 2023/24 China Appointed on 02/07/2023, Qualified for Asian Games, Ranked 54th. CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 3/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019,2020. MLS-Atlanta 2021. ASBA-Bloemfontein 2024 2/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. RSAKO-Bloemfontein 2023,2024. 2/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. 0/1 Club World Cups International 1/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. 0/2 World Tournaments Total Challenge Progress 8/33 All Achievements Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021. Bloemfontein Celtics - Telkom Knockout Cup 2023,2024. ASBA Premiership-2024.0 -
Season 5 2022/23
Season Preview Season Review Transfers Squad End of season Awards Manager Profile
ABSA Premiership - Predicted to finish in 8th place. But as a newly promoted side I wasn't quite sure what to judge us on. Was abit ambitious in my interview and told the board we could challenge around the top end of the league so to finish where we did is kinda in between right? With some good young prospects, matched with some pretty poor older players, i went into the transfer market straight away and over the season signed 14 players, with a few more joining in the summer. We had no foreign players when I joined , so have filled the 5 allowed with some really talented Nigerian youngsters. Anyway, we managed to exceed expectations and ended up in 6th. It was an up and down season, we had some great wins and some rubbish losses, a 7 game winless run from February to April ruined any hopes we had of breaking into the top 4. With a young yet high potential squad I am hoping we can be more consistent next season. Mamelodi Sundowns were just too strong for anyone this season, finishing 16 points clear of 2nd placed, and 19 points of us. We need to improve massively next season to somehow close that gap.
Telekom Knockout Cup - Our first trophy in South Africa. Had our fair share of luck in winning this one, avoiding the top 2 sides in the country in Witz and Mamelodi, Still had to beat the other 3 strongest sides in Orlando Pirates 2-1, Ajax Cape Town 2-0 and Kaiser Chiefs 3-1.
Nedbank Cup - Disappointing, after our Knockout cup success I thought this could be another decent chance at a trophy, especially after we beat Witz n the 1st round 3-2, only to make that win mean nothing, losing to first division side Maritzburg 3-2.
Having taken over with the side freshly in the top league, I cant be too sad with how the seasons gone, I have over the season improved all aspects of the club, and with another training and youth facilities upgrade scheduled to be completed a couple of months into the new season, the club is on the up. I'm looking to bring in a few more signings over the summer as we really need an improvement in the middle of the park. I am also looking to get a striker in as we have no real height up top and i'm a big fan of playing a target man up front.
UPDATE - After a poor showing at the 2023 Asian Cup China sacked there manager, I applied and was almost instantly got the job. Then realised its another 4 years until the Asian games
. Guess i'm here for the long run (If i last that long of course)
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3RD Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3RD Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. 2022 USA MLS Atlanta United R.U Gained Pro License, Lost in NACL FINAL, Resigned on 25/05/22. 22/23 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein 6th R2 WON Appointed on 31/07/22, Won Telekom Knockout Cup. 23/24 RS ABSA Bloemfontein INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup. 2022 Senegal Group Stage Resigned on 25/06/22 CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 2/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019,2020. MLS-Atlanta 2021. 2/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. RSAKO-Bloemfontein 2023. 2/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. 0/1 Club World Cups International 1/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. 0/2 World Tournaments Total Challenge Progress 7/33 All Achievements Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021.0 -
World cup 2022 and career update
WORLD CUP - Not going to go into to much detail here as we flopped in mine and the F.A's opinion. Drew in what I thought was an easy group, we beat Japan in the opening game 2-1. And then suffered an expected loss to France. Only losing 1-0 was decent as I thought they would spank us. So onto the last game vs Jamaica in what was a straight shoot out for second place in the group and we melted. Losing the game 3-1 and deservedly too. After this I resigned instantly, as impressive as Senegal's front line is, the back line minus Koulibaly is pretty average and so are the GKs. Admittedly I may have to change my tactics for the international scene as at club level I play very attacking, and in the lesser nations this has so far worked wonders. Maybe when I get to the big leagues I will have to change my approach.
In club news I have moved on from Atlanta, after our disastrous Champions League final loss to Club America I remained in charge until 25/06/2022, when Orlando Pirates manager resigned, I knew they wouldn't be able to afford my compensation package so immediately resigned from Atlanta and applied for the Pirates role. This backfired as after an interview they hired Benni McCarthy, i mean who is he? hes no South African or Pirates legend
. So stuck unemployed I applied for the only other available role open. Also in South Africa, Bloemfontein Celtic, recently promoted last season they finished 3rd in the National First Division. I know this could add a year or 2 onto my challenge but having won the 2 champions league is Asia and N America with teams with no previous wins, I'm hoping to make it a third team.
Appointment Bloemfontein - A Background
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3RD Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3RD Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. 2022 USA MLS Atlanta United R.U Gained Pro License, Lost in NACL FINAL, Resigned on 25/05/22. 22/23 RSA ABSA Bloemfontein Appointed on 31/07/22 INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup. 2022 Senegal Group Stage Resigned on 25/06/22 CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 2/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019,2020. MLS-Atlanta 2021. 1/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. 2/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. 0/1 Club World Cups International 1/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. 0/2 World Tournaments All Achievements Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021.0 -
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14 hours ago, vikeologist said:
Dafuge challenge completed, so I'm going to continue my Ultimate Challenge save at Villanovense. Last played it in November, so it was started on a fairly old build of FM18. Would probably be better to start on the latest update, and indeed I'll probably do that, but I might as well continue to get used to FM18, if that's even possible, and then start afresh if appropriate.
I actually plan to leave Villanovense once my 6 month promise to stay is up, so if i can't get a new job, I may re-start sooner rather than later.
@GloryFan2002 So you've moved to Juventus? I didn't spot that at first reading. You sort of buried the lead. Probably a good idea. If you're not with a team that can immediately win landmarks, it can prolong the challenge. Of course, we don't have much choice in the early seasons, but once you can manage a contender, it's probably a good idea. And you did get a cup at West Ham, so you're making good progress. Hard luck with Switzerland. One puts in a lot of hard work with a nation, so it sucks to see it all go down the toilet. Of course, maybe you didn't invest a lot of time into Switzerland, in which case, maybe you should have.
@Lewis89 Congrats on getting something out of the MLS. I feel your pain. I had a nightmare there myself in a challenge attempt. Partly because the game at the time had so many challenge-killing bugs, but mostly because the MLS itself seemed to be a bug. Never going back there, that's for sure. Anyway, you're starting to rack up the trophies.
Oh, hold on, you're staying! That must be an update to your post. Good luck with the cup, but I myself, tend not to sweat missing out on the odd cup too much. Chances are at some point you're going to do what GF2002 did, and win the cup but not the league in a nation. I'm not sure we've ever been certain that quitting a club is worse than applying for other jobs while employed. They're both bad. Who knows, maybe @yugular has the right idea, and we should be a jerk until the board sacks us.
Anyway, you should be in the next Confederations Cup, whenever that is. Definitely worth considering staying for it if it's in the next couple of years, as chances to participate don't come around very often.
Cheers. Its a weird league, the standard isnt great and the transfer system is awful. But i dont really want to leave and end up without a job for 6 months or so. I am actively going to look and apply for jobs when they come up so hopefully wont even be here for a full season. Who knows maybe ill do the famous "vike"and steal a cup later on in the challenge. Thanks for awnsering my confed cup question aswel.
Good to hear youre back on this challenge aswel, the more the merrier as they say.
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Season 4 2021
Atlanta
Season Preview Season Review Squad Transfers Results 1 Results 2 Manager Profile
League/MLS Cup - Champions. Don't ask how we did it, in the supporters shield of the season, we finished 3rd, behind 2 teams who's squads are both stronger than ours. Yes we have 2 ageing worldies in Meertens and Dembele, and quite a few decent others, but NY Red bulls young American talent is very strong. If i was in charge there, I would have walked this league. Anyway onto the MLS Cup section and we drew NY City and progressed with a hard fought 5-4 Aggregate victory. Two tight games ending 3-3 and 2-1. Onto the Eastern Conference final, where we faced our nemesis NY red bulls. They had beaten us 3 times already this season but we pulled off our best performance of the season recording an amazing 6-1 home victory, even then we almost threw it away with a very poor 5-2 away leg loss. Onto the final and in what was a very tight affair, we beat Dallas 3-2 giving me my 2nd top division title of the challenge.
Lamar Hunt US Open Cup - Drew the NY red bulls in the 4th round (our 1st game in the cup) and lost 2-1
CONCACAF Champions League - For me the surprise of the season. Having taken over with the club already qualified, the format is different to elsewhere, with no group stages and straight into the knockout rounds involving 16 teams. Tournament tree. I was honestly expecting to go out early here as the player registration date had passed before my appointment so couldn't play any of my own signings. The squad was pretty average but somehow pulled through, and ended up lifting Atlanta's first continental crown. Ticking of our 2nd continental club title. Champions League Review
FIFA CWC - Expectations were low for this. so to end up winning the 3rd place play off was satisfying. We dispatched Vancouver 3-0 in the quarter finals. In the semis we faced Barcelona of all teams, having faced Real last season with Beijing. We bravely took the game to extra time, but the extra quality shone through as they nicked a winner in the 121st min to seal the tie 4-3. In the 3rd placed play off we faced Copa Libertadores champions San Lorenzo and managed to seal a win on penalties after drawing 2-2.
Senegal
Appointment AFCON Tree Results
My first year as on the international scene couldn't have gone any better. I took over ahead of the 2021 AFCON, and even though we lost our first game in charge, a friendly against Togo. With Senegal's current squad, I had quite an easy task in steering them to the glory. Winning the AFCON at the very first attempt. I also managed to seal Qualification for next summers World cup in Australia. We were drawn in Group E, alongside France, Japan and Jamaica. With the likes of Mane, keita, Gueye etc, I feel its a good chance to at least get out the group stages and then who knows. maybe even a good run to the latter stages and a boost to my rep. Does anyone know the qualification criteria for the confederations cup?
Next season
After a successful season in the U.S.A I will be leaving after the CWC in December, having kept an eye on Africa as I really want to go there next and try get that out the way before heading to Brazil and then onto Europe. However nobody is sacking there manager, so It may have to be Brazil and then onto Africa. I have applied and had interviews with Internacional and Flamengo, who finished 5th last season so managing them is my preferred choice as 5th place in Brazil means champions league football. I know leaving here without a domestic cup means ill be chasing one later on in the challenge but id much rather that be in a league with less transfer rules and regulations. Despite this seasons success I haven't really enjoyed it too much, I am going to stay at Senegal for the time being as the world cup is near, and I'm hoping for a shot at the Confederations cup.
UPDATE: Having clicked on for a while, I failed to get both jobs I had applied for. I remember reading earlier on in the thread that resigning can harm your rep and even some hidden attributes. So having second thoughts about resigning and then this happens Golden Generation. This has swayed me to hang on with Atlanta, even if not for the full season, but just until a job comes up that's appealing. I could do with winning the US Open Cup anyway.
CLUB CAREER Leagues Cups Season Nation League Club 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Cont CWC Other Notes and Achievements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 CHI CJL Beijing Renhe 1st SF Appointed DEC 2017, Gained C & B License, Manager of the Season 2019 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st WON Gained National A, CON C License, Manager of the season, Double Winners 2020 CHI CSL Beijing Renhe 1st R.U WON 3RD Gained CON B License, Manager of the year, CSL & ACL Winners, Resigned on 22/12/2020 2021 USA MLS Atlanta United 3rd WON RD4 WON 3RD Gained CON A License, MLS CUP and NACL Winners, Coach of the year. INTERNATIONAL CAREER Competitions Season Nation World Cup Confed Cup Euro Cup Asian Cup Afcon Gold Cup Copa A Other Notes and Achievements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2021 SENEGAL WON Appointed on 21/03/2021, Qualified for World Cup. CHALLENGE PROGRESS CLUB 2/10 Top Domestic Leagues CSL-Beijing Renhe 2019,2020. MLS-Atlanta 2021. 1/10 Domestic Cups CFA-Beijing Renhe 2019. 2/5 Club Continental Championships Asia-Beijing Renhe 2020. CONCACAF-Atlanta 2021. 0/1 Club World Cups International 1/5 Continental Tournaments AFCON-Senegal 2021. 0/2 World Tournaments All Achievements Beijing Renhe - Chinese Jia League 2018. Chinese Super League 2019, 2020. Asian Champions League 2020. Chinese FA Cup 2019. Chinese Super Cup 2020. Manager of the season 2018, 2019, 2020. Atlanta United - MLS Cup 2021. CONCACAF 2021. MLS coach of the year 2021.0
though not sure what I did to get him riled up.
. Over the course of the season we had some really strong runs of games but ultimately, drawing 6 and losing 7 games, meant we didn't deserve the title. Corinthians lost just once. Even so our cup successes meant I received the 
.
. This time though I have a team who maybe could win this, usually decided between the South American and European team, and with 3 of the 
, so I at least have another 18 months in Africa. With the average age of the squad just 22, I think my squad is strong enough to have a good push at another league title. I will look for a couple of new signings but they will need to be very good, and since I will be here for the foreseeable future, I will be trying to win everything next season. It can only help with my rep and the moving up the hall of fame.
The Ultimate Football Manager Challenge - Silver Age Archive
in Challenges, Sign-Ups & Experiments
Posted · Edited by Lewis89
So having left leverkusen before the world cup, and having resigned from my role as Spain manager after winning the world cup I was on a job hunt. It took a few weeks but I have landed 2 excellent jobs. Taking over as Barcelona boss and a few weeks later landing the role as USA manager. With this being my first role in charge of a European Heavyweight, I fancy my chances in the Champions League. The squad is stacked and the youth team also looks to have a few gems. Internationally there is a Gold Cup in 12 months time, and we look to be the strongest side involved.
welcome to the challenge mate.