retired_aldo chella

Diary Entry – October 14, 2005

Doubt, doubt doubt. Everyone I talk to, everywhere I go, there seems to be doubt. I’m beginning to regret my comments, not because I don’t think we can win the division, but because all focus has been put on the end of the season, and not on the current game at hand. Thankfully, the players have remained focused, and trained really well this week. Morale is as high as its ever been around here, and these players are really believing in themselves. That’s all I can really ask for.

My little discussion with Chairman Duarte was not the greatest, but we both drew our lines in the sand. While I don’t think things will be unbearable between the two of us, we seem to have a silent understanding that we don’t really get along, and that we shouldn’t push it. Works fine with me. I just wish he would’ve been a little more willing to negotiate on the budget. We are pretty much maxed out on our wages now, and while I can still sign players, the board won’t be happy.

Speaking of unhappy, Taio is beginning to get upset over his lack of playing time. I just don’t have the space for him right now, and because we have avoided injury, he hasn’t been able to crack the lineup. I have told him to stay patient, as his time will come, but he wants to play now. If he continues to object to his status with the squad, I will consider transfer listing him, as I know he could probably crack a lineup elsewhere, but we’ll wait for that time to come.

Most interesting to note though was the discussion with my staff members. While I would like to ignore their words of warning, I do value their opinions, and I do have to consider them, but they offered very little in advice to improve our chances. I don’t mind them having doubts, but when they don’t offer up any solutions to their suggested problems, it is hard for me to take their criticisms to heart. I just have to hope our upcoming results can speak for themselves.

retired_aldo chella

Oliveira do Bairro vs. Pampilhosa (Second Division – Group C) – October 16, 2005

Match day has finally arrived, and we are well rested and still riding high after our third round cup win, so I was quite confident that we would hold our own. I reverted back to the 4-4-2 after my little 4-5-1 experiment from last match. With a full squad to choose from, I went with the following for my starting eleven:

GK – Marafona
DR – Vinagre
DL – Ricardo Correia
DC – Luis Miguel
DC – Vicente
MR – Bebe
ML – Pazito I
MC – Hugo Paulo
MC – Vitor Corvilha
ST – David
ST – Toninho

We stumbled a bit out of the blocks in this one, with some poor defending nearly costing us a goal in the 3rd minute, but the chance for O. Bairro sailed wide. We settled in at that point and truly put on a clinic. Our chances began in the 5th minute, and after relentless pressure for about 5 minutes, Toninho got us on the scoreboard with a great individual effort, getting through the defense and burying it in the goal to give us a 1-0 lead through 10 minutes. Toninho wasn’t done there though. On what seemed to be a replay, he burst the defense again, and played it past a helpless keeper to put us up 2-0 15 minutes in. We settled back after the second goal and let Marafona push aside three quality chances. Instead of laying back and letting them back into the game, I elected to push the boys forward again, and keep the pressure on. Our chances definitely increased, but we were thwarted repeatedly by some strong goaltending. We went into halftime up by two, and I warned the team of letting O. Bairro back into the match. I never could have foreseen what was to come.

The boys came out inspired in the second half, and it took only 6 minutes for Bebe to make his mark. He broke through clean and put the ball top shelf for his first goal with the club, and gave us a 3-0 lead in the 51st minute. Toninho decided shortly after that he wanted back into the action and was narrowly denied his hat-trick after a fine save, but David was left unmarked for the rebound, and tapped it in to put us 4-0 up after 56 minutes. With the game clearly in hand, I elected to sub off a couple players to allow them rest. One of those subs, Helder Garcia, carried on the onslaught splitting through the defense and knocked another goal past the keeper. We were up 5-0 after 66 minutes. We maintained superior possession for the remainder of the half, but just for good measure, Garcia scored his brace by finishing off a fantastic cross from Pazito I in the 87 minute. We were up an unbelieveable 6-0. The final whistle blew soon after, and we ran off the pitch with likely the greatest performance in club history.

Oliviera Do Bairro – 0
Pampilhosa – 6 (Toninho 10, 15, Bebe 51, David 56, Garcia 66, 87)
MOM – David (Pampilhosa)
Attendance – 636

Diary Entry – October 16, 2005

I’ll probably laugh at this entry when I look back at this because I’m half cut. How could I not be after that performance? Six goals, and contributions from everyone. All I can remember from that game was goals and goals and more goals. It was simply stunning. Maybe now the rest of the division will take notice of the mighty Pampilhosa, and the millions and millions…okay hundreds…of our fans will be dancing in the streets when we win the Champions League. Oh…we’re not in the Champions League. Crap…In any case, I’m pretty sure that the best teams in Europe wouldn’t have beat us today. We were awesome, and I am the awesomest manager in the world. No…in the universe.

My good buddy Duarte left me a message saying the board was thrilled with the result. I was going to call him back, but its three in the morning, so I better wait. But it would be pretty funny to phone him right now and ask for more money. Ahhhh….can’t keep my eyes open. I’ll continue this tomorrow.

retired_aldo chella

Diary Entry – October 17, 2005

Ohh….my head hurts a bit today. But it’s a deserved headache I suppose. I think I’ll reassess my self-evaluation of being the awesomest(?) manager in the universe. A little too bold I think. It was only one day…one game. I think the biggest issue is going to be keeping the team on track for the following match. Egos are likely to be high, and I’ll have to try to keep that in check, but it’ll be tough, especially after a game like that.

It’s a little frustrating at this time of the season, because there are not a lot of things from a front office perspective to take care of. Most of the players available for free transfer are not that great of players. Most players available through Bosman won’t be available until January, and with the majority of my transfer funds depleted, there isn’t anyone listed that will make an impact come January. So for the most part, I am just sitting back, waiting for the occasional report from a scout about a fringe player who could at best cover as a backup, or hit the U-19 squad. Nonetheless, I’ll keep them out an about, scouring the lands for a new addition, while I concentrate on building the squad at hand.

I contacted Chairman Duarte, but he was out of the office. I left a message thanking him for the kind words, but not much else. No point bringing up the conversation from the other day, and stirring up more tension between us. I figure if I just show them that I’m a team player, they might feel that some additional funding is warranted to give us a push towards the division. Before that can happen though, we need to concentrate on things one game a time. Well, back to the training facility, and the hopes of getting the squad up for the next game.

retired_perilousfaith

Hey, vitamincmos

I have to say this is a very nice and well-written story! I sure enjoyed reading this between my FM06 matches (Ack, pre-season holidays kicking in).

Keep up the excellent work!

retired_marnett

Where are you in the league now?

retired_aldo chella

Thank a lot fin! Glad you are enjoying it...hopefully there is enough to follow to keep you entertained throughout the pre-season

pauli...as I had played quite a bit of the game before I decided to start writing a story on it, I can't give you the exact position, as my standing were quite a bit further ahead in the season, but as of this game, we were 3 wins, 3 losses, so we sitting mid-table I'm sure...lets just hope it gets better

Pampilhosa vs. B.C. Branco (Second Division – Group C) – October 23, 2005

Match day has arrived, and we face a very stiff test in B.C. Branco. The boys are still feeling invincible after the last match, and I am concerned of that attitude being our downfall. We are sticking with our 4-4-2 formation, and the following starting eleven:

GK – Marafona
DR – Vinagre
DL – Ricardo Correia
DC – Luis Miguel
DC – Vicente
MR – Bebe
ML – Riccardo Perreira
MC – Carlos Miguel
MC – Vitor Corvilha
ST – David
ST – Helder Garcia

We came out strong right off the opening whistle, and it was clear that the boys felt they could repeat the performance of a week ago. A fine save off a volley by David in only the 5th minute saw us denied of scoring the opener. From there, things got frustrating. Some pressure from B.C. Branco seemed to be handled, and at that point, everyone seemed to let up. A couple quick passes, and Miguel Vaz saw Marafona out of position, and curled a 30 yarder into the goal in the 9th minute. We were down 1-0. We were definitely out of sorts, and I was not happy with Marafona for giving up such a weak goal. He gave me further reason to become furious though, as only 4 minutes later, Marafona was stripped of the ball 35 yards out of his goal, and Carrapito looped it into the open net. 2-0 B.C. Branco only 13 minutes in. All I could do was shake my head. Overconfidence definitely played a part, and while I was absolutely furious at the start, I wanted to see what kind of heart the club had. We ended up regaining control of the play, and had a couple quality chances, but couldn’t hit the scoresheet. We headed into the half down 2-0. I told the boys that we were unlucky to be down two, but as we headed back to the pitch, I pulled Marafona aside and expressed my anger in his play.

The second half saw us continue to maintain control of the match, but the Branco keeper was up to the task, stoning Garcia in the 47th. A couple close calls followed, but the shots narrowly missed the goal. Branco had dropped back into a defensive shell, and proved very difficult to crack, but our possession was dominant. Unfortunately, we struck one back just a little too late. Shortly after the fourth official showed two minutes of added time, Helder Garcia took a great cross from Corvilha and headed it home in injury time. We now trailed 2-1. Of course, shortly after the ensuing kickoff, the referee blew for full time, and we came away a disappointed bunch.

Truth be told, we played a very solid game, but it was two careless mistakes by Marafona that led to both goals, and despite dominating much of that game, we couldn’t get both goals back.

Pampilosa – 1 (Helder Garcia 90)
B.C. Branco – 2 (Vax 9, Carrapito 13)
MOM – Mesquita (B.C. Branco)
Attendance - 2205

Diary Entry – October 23, 2005

Well, my concerns about overconfidence surfaced in the game today, and it only took about 10 minutes for us to get behind the eight ball. However, it wasn’t the players I expected…in fact it was only one. Marafona had an atrocious game and is solely responsible for both those goals. I don’t really know what he was thinking out there, and rest assured I’ll be letting him think about it on the bench next week. The rest of team had a fairly solid outing. We definitely outchanced them that game. After seeing the stats, it turns out the only on target shots B.C. Branco had on goal were the two that went in. It’s unfortunate, but it’s a good reminder to the team that we can’t take any opponent for granted.

I’m feeling very bad about the fact that we had 2200 people in attendance for that game, and this was the showing that they got. They actually saw a pretty good game, but for those two mistakes by Marafona. I hope they maintain their interest in the club though, as I know results like this are not going to be common.

We had the draw for the 4th round of the league cup, and we have come out with a favorable opponent. The club is non-league team, R. Agueda, and its on our home turf. This is a good opportunity to move further into the cup, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. The game is still a month away, but rest assured it will be a fixture that I keep in my mind in terms of player management.

Not much else to say. Things are very quiet on the front office area, and its pretty much training as usual with the squad. The scouts are still out and looking, but coming up relatively empty handed. Just looking ahead to the next match now.

retired_aldo chella

O. Hospital vs. Pampilhosa (Second Division – Group C) – October 30, 2005

Why I decided to change things up tactically, I don’t really know. I stuck with a 4-4-2 but went to much more of a counter attacking mentality. We weren’t really experienced in this style of play, but I was expecting a steady attack from O. Hospital, and felt this was the best way to deal with it. The starting eleven were as follows:

GK – Bruno Sousa
DR – Vinagre
DL – Ricardo Correia
DC – Luis Miguel
DC – Vicente
MR – Bebe
ML – Pazito I
MC – Miguel Tomas
MC – Vitor Corvilha
ST – David
ST – Toninho

Right from the opening kick off, I could see that the players weren’t comfortable with the tactical change, and they were on their heels. Vicente took a yellow card in just the 3rd minute with a poorly timed challenge. We did muster a couple offensive chances, but couldn’t get shots away before the opposing defenders did a great job of clearing the ball out of danger. Mental mistakes and poor goaltending did us in again though, as in the 15th minute Correia’s throw in from our zone went straight to an opposing player. While it appeared to still be harmless, Rui Lopes attempted a cross that didn’t cross, and it floated into the net behind an out of position Bruno Sousa. We were trailing 1-0. That goal seemed to shake the confidence of our players, and we were fortunate to have Sousa sort his game out and bail us out numerous times in the first half. Corvilha had a great chance just before the first half came to a close, but his free kick was parried brilliantly by Matos.

The second half was a display of true defensive skills by O. Hospital. While they hardly got a chance at our goal, we just could not break down their defensive wall. Repeatedly, we would mount an offensive challenge, only to see it cleared away. They put on a defensive clinic in the 2nd half, and before we new it, the final whistle had sounded, and we were handed a rather uninspiring 1-0 loss.

This game was all about defense, and O. Hospital had the upper hand in that area. They showed us how to defend a lead, and did a picture perfect job of it.

O. Hospital – 1 (Rui Lopes 15)
Pampilhosa – 0
MOM – Luis Miguel (Pampilhosa)
Attendance – 198

Diary Entry – October 30, 2005

I don’t really want to talk about today’s game. It was just an uninspiring game from start to finish. The boys were very lazy out there, and lacked the fire I’ve seen from them in previous games. There is no question that training this week is going to be intense. I want them to realize my disappointment in their play the past two weeks, and to straighten it out. Another bonehead play by the keeper cost us the win in this one. Sousa did make some impressive stops, but it was his error in positioning that led to the goal. These results better not continue, or I will be out of a job next season guaranteed.

Chairman Duarte left me a message of disappointment with the performance today. Perhaps he is coming to expect more of this club, and starting to believe that we should be a challenger for the title. I’m going to hope that we all sort this out next game, or I’ll be making massive changes to the starting eleven. If the current group doesn’t want to give 100%, I don’t want them playing.

retired_thoiyaba

This is a GREAT piece of work. I'm actually working on one currently. It's much more autobiographical than yours is, at least now. I'm just reviewing the first few years of my career, at this point. I'll have something to post in a day or two.

retired_thoiyaba

...let me clarify.. LOL. I don't use the same "diary entry" format that you do. At least, not yet.

retired_aldo chella

Thanks HerefordMgr...Glad you are enjoying it. Looking forward to seeing yours up and running :thup:

Media Release – November 1, 2005

Player of the Month awards have been handed out today, and Pampilhosa central defender Luis Miguel has been awarded the honor for the Second Division. In five league matches, Miguel was a rock for the defense, winning an astounding 88% of the balls in the air that were directed in his area. Not only was Miguel solid through the air, he was great on the ground, averaging five tackles per game during the month of October. Miguel also added two goals, an uncommon occurrence for a player in a defensive position. These solid lines all contributed to the deserved award of Player of the Month for Luis Miguel in October.

Diary Entry – November 2, 2005

A couple bits of good news to pass on. Of course, Luis Miguel earning the player of the month honors is fantastic. He has been solid for us all year long, and having his sureness on the penalty spot is an added bonus. I’m hoping this is the type of honor that is going to lead him to dedicating more effort into the squad, and being a leader for the squad.

The other good news is that of the U-19’s. They are following our footsteps in cup play, as they won their 3rd round match in the U-19 cup. They beat Casa Pia 1-0 in what looked to be a pretty boring affair, but what matters is they did enough to win. Rossi has been doing a good job with those boys, and while they are struggling somewhat in their group, they are mixed in with teams from the top flight as well, so they are playing quite respectable. In any case, the experience is good for these youngsters and will only help in their development.

Now lets just hope these bits of good news help inspire the club to turn things around for us this weekend.