Part three of a Top 100 exclusive new series, world famous fictional Portuguese sports journalist Toni Pinto talks to Espanyol manager Glen Mullan.

In a world where reality is a shifting illusion, where the line between man and machine is blurred, and where the future is uncertain, there is one thing that remains constant: the passion of football fans.

Soccer Manager Worlds is a microcosm of this world, where managers from all walks of life come together to build and manage their own teams. But in this world, where ratings are king and youth is valued above all else, there is one manager who stands out from the rest: Glen Mullan.

Mullan is a enigma, a man of contradictions. He is a shrewd businessman, yet he also has a deep understanding of the game. He is ruthless in the transfer market, yet he is also loyal to his players. He is a perfectionist, yet he is also willing to take risks.

But one thing is for sure: Glen Mullan is a winner.

In the following interview, Mullan shares his insights on the game, his philosophy on management, and his advice for new managers. But be warned: Mullan is not a man who minces his words. He is a straight talker who tells it like it is.

So if you're looking for an interview that is both informative and entertaining, then this is the one for you. But if you're not ready for the truth, then you may want to look away.

Toni Pinto (TM): What is your name and where are you from?
Glen Mullan, UK, Blackburn

TP: Hi, thanks for taking the time to chat with me today. Let's start with a general question: How did you start playing SM?
Glen: I joined in 2010 with a number of people initially in a custom Gameworld W64 When CM-Online ceased to be. The gameworld was named after the active GW we had been with in CM, and was run by the now sadly deceased Jim Savvides. I stayed in this GW For around 10 years managing Blackburn and later Spurs, but many managers left SM, and eventually only a handful remained. So I took the decision to cut back on my teams as I had 16 (now have just 3) and this was one I let go.

TP: What is your favourite thing about SM?
Glen: Above all I'm a football fan, and love the scouting aspect of football in general. So I enjoy looking for unheard of rough gems and polishing them into diamonds before they are on others' radars. I buy quite a few with the intention of getting them a couple of updates and then pairing them up in larger deals, usually when they are on the upgrade and are now in others' radars. I think it's important not to sit on players too long and even though you may be parting with a future 90, winning games should be priority number one.

TP: What are your goals for this season in Top 100?
GM: The SM Gods, based on stats, have predicted a tough season for Espanyol, and they are not usually too wrong in terms of their predictions. We have been ranked the 19th best team in division 2, or the 2nd worst if you want to take a pessimistic view of things.
Every season so far since I joined SM, I have exceeded the predicted finishing position, even last season when relegation was a formality from before a ball was kicked, I managed to avoid finishing rock bottom which was the predicted placing for my team.

This season's planning actually started last season, and it's always been about avoiding the drop, and a panel decision on my position as Manager. The aim is still the same despite a positive start to the season, which if achieved will keep our record of exceeding GW expectations going.

The cups, we will once again go second team/youth. We reached the quarters and the semi finals last season, which was progress on previous efforts, however the league is and will continue to be the most important competition in the game world.

The youth cup we have entered twice now, reaching the final in our first season and the semi-finals last season, where away goals sent us packing. We was going to miss it, this time around, but have opted to enter again. Looking at other squads, I think the quarter finals is the yard stick we should be looking at achieving. Although our youth team is coming along nicely, it still has some way to go to catch up to the established teams like Juventus etc.

TP: Can you tell us a little bit about your team? What is your playing style?
Glen: Espanyol has always been a long term project for me, and will be my last in the game world. I will either leave in a box, or be sacked, but won't be considering a club elsewhere.
When I took over I had no fewer than 23 players over the age of 30, with everyone of them on the decline. There was no stand out stars just honest veterans like Handanovic, Bonucci, Ander Herrera, Aspas, Koke and Di Maria. The one stand out player was probably Harry Maguire, however we've seen how his career has spiralled.

I then had around another 15-20 players aged 23 to 27 rated 80 to 85, where in the main they were external cannon fodder and had no place in a division 1 team. I could understand it a little if they were in division 5 where they might become 86 or 87, but Division 1?
There was no youth set up at all, so I knew taking the job on, it was going to take thousands of hours of work to totally overhaul the squad, a number of times to get the sweet spot.

Asset wise, the only teams looking at your players were division 3 to 5, so I needed to build a team where Division 1 and 2 teams fancied a player or two off you.

Joining the GW at such a late stage where many teams had 13 or 14 seasons head start on me, it was always going to be a tough ask to re-build, and remain competitive, however I like a challenge, and know long term the effort will pay dividends.

My style is very much win games, by servicing both the first team and the youth team. Buy a rough gem, polish to a diamond with a couple of updates and look to trade in better ratings for the first team, whilst finding some more rough diamonds. Of course, trying to maintain a core of young players who can conveyor to the first team at some point. With a squad cap of 50, I see little point having 35 players who won't impact the first 11 at any point soon or at all.

I play my first team strategy at Espanyol season by season, to allow my younger players to grow into the first team. Each season I'm on the look out for some short term fixes who can do a job for a season or two who can aid winning football matches.

TP: Who are some of your key players?
Glen: My long term key, is the succession planning I've put in place, however right now, my key players are two I identified as must sign players for this season's objectives.

Verratti we signed as a player expecting to move to the Arab world, we was also expecting a drop to maybe 92. He moved to Qatar and dropped to 93, so this minimal drop is a big bonus.

He is a game changer in our midfield, I can play 4-3-3, 4-2-4, 4-2-3-1, 3-5-2 and in all these formations, and I've used them all this season at some point, he is the difference to the team, and a major reason why we are currently sat third. He is one we can sit on now for 3 or 4 seasons and allow the likes of Fofana, Sangare, Lepenant and Oroz, to move up through the ratings with no pressure of having to sell to boost the team.

Muller is another we worked hard last season to get him pre-agreed. We'd owned him previously and know he will bring assists and goals to the team. He has been superb so far doing exactly that. We need to keep him fit and in the team along with Verratti as they are key to what we will do this season.

TP: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a team?
Glen: Strangely our weakness is our strength. We have 42 players 25 or under, and 35 under the age of 21. With this comes the gulf in ratings to some of our opponents who have older player or a more rounded rating across their first 11. For every Muller at 92, we have a Garcia at 86 holding fort in the first 11. The rating gulf is why we are predicted to finish 19th.

However we have a lot of versatility, across the whole squad. We've ensured we have 4 or 5 players in every position to cover injuries regardless of rating. We have a squad where every update will bring about far more rises than it will drops, which in turn will see the teams strength grow. We don't need to sell a single player, but have some major assets which we can move out for big ratings at any point should we struggle. Right now we are exactly where we planned to be.

TP: What is your approach to team and squad management?
Glen: Gametime is key for me, both in real life and in the game. If they are not playing in real life then the lucky breaks you need like rises, etc., are less likely to come to fruition. I like to utilise 85% of my squad throughout a season to control concerns but also to optimise morale peaks of less rated players, which has proved successful. An example of this is Ben Seghir who we gave minutes to last season in division 1, and he was scoring, assisting and even getting the man of the match. He was on song and we maximised this and have done with other players at the right time. Just this week we left out a 90 Sangare for an 88 Mcneil and he repaid us by assisting the winning goal, so squad management is something I put a lot of work into.

TP: How do you prepare for matches?
Glen: I watch a lot of games, look at trends and try to get to know the opposition. As I don't stick to one formula myself, for example i may win 4-0 but that does not stop me changing formation and personnel the next game I take each game on its own merit and look to line up with what's best for Espanyol.

TP: How do you approach transfers?
Glen: It’s no secret I consistently do the most deals in top 100, and it's probably due to my fairness. I'm not looking to rip people off, but at the same time, I won't be messed about.

If you have not agreed a deal within 24 hours with me, it's just not going to happen, and 100% of the time it's due to the other manager, messing about, or whoring their players to others and sharing your offer to try and get a better deal. Why do people do this? You will need to ask them, however so many of us talk in Top 100 that it comes out in the wash very quickly. On average I'd say from first contact via WhatsApp, the deal is agreed by both parties within 15 minutes. No one is ever off the table from me, which can make deals easier to make.

In-game messages can take up to 24 hours to complete a deal, though again sometimes you find you are doing all the work, being both the buyer and the seller. When it gets like that, again I just walk away.

I find it interesting later down the line when certain players go for far less than you offered, but football is a game of opinions I guess.

So the secret to a deal with me, is be decisive, let me know who you want if I approach you for a player and if its something I can do, we can progress, Or if you want a player from me, make me an offer. I will always let you know if you have players of interest, but I'm not a mind reader. Finally, be aware, your offers are being shared around as much as you're sharing offers with others. We all talk, and as much as you want to drive the price up, we will drive it back down if we get wind that we are being played!!!

TP: What is your favourite formation and why?
Glen: The winning formation!!! I'm not fixed on one, and don't buy into the idea that there are cheat formations. There are many variables on SM, it's understanding those more than the formation that should gain you fruit. It's no coincidence that some of the best squads continue to under-achieve, building a squad is one thing, being able to manage one is a totally different game.

TP: How do you adapt your tactics to different opponents?
Glen: I do study the opposition in all my games, and respect every opponent. Historically some of my finest nights have been against the best teams. Ratings will win you more games than you lose in most cases, though there are different approaches that may gain the weaker team an opportunity to close that gap slightly. The GW is getting very competitive where the margins are finer. That little bit of extra work, can go a long way in my opinion.

TP: What is the most important thing to you when developing a game plan?
Glen: Don't carry players you don't need or want. No one can have 35 of the next Messi it's impossible. I put so much time into looking at players before I bid for them, a quick google search is not enough for me. I read articles, scout reports, watch videos, watch games live, wait for certain players to be added to the database, not just bid on them because they have been added with a 73 at 18 years old, or are 16 or 17 which does seem to be the trend of some managers. I give quite a lot of tips to others on possible signings who have profited from this, as I just can't sign 500 players.

Ratings win games, don't be too quick to throw a rating away because they went to Saudi, or just turned 33 or 34. A 91 player in your 11, is better than an 84 rated sat in your (will not play) bin. That being said, I'm more selective on the young players I buy, which allows me to implement keeping or signing that 33 year old. If your youth set up is like "Pin the tail on the donkey" and you don't genuinely know a lot about that player, bar he plays for Manchester Utd or has been linked with Juventus, then he really should not be in your squad. Space is a premium and those 50 spots are so important, so making them count is my game plan.

TP: Ratings? Experience? Youth?
Glen: All of the above, winning is the name of the game. We hear the term "Builders" a lot, however what are they building if in their 20th season they are still no closer to winning the league? They still are underachieving and watching the parade go by.

Ratings coupled with a bit more tactical nous, will get you more success. Those experienced heads are key to all teams, due to hidden values of leadership, experience.

Youth is critical to either buying your next rating, or unearthing the next star who can fast track to your first team.

In most cases you are going to be waiting 15 seasons to get a 90 from the youth if you sign as a 16 year old. In the meantime that waiting don't get you results on the pitch.

So in an ideal world, you need ratings, experience and youth. Too much of one, and not enough of the other at some point will trip you up, leaving you requiring a re-build or facing the sack.

TP: What is your proudest achievement as a manager?
Glen: During my time at Espanyol I've recorded the teams highest league finish in division 1, won it's first trophy, gained a promotion and reached a youth cup final. I've now got a team that there will be at least one player that every single team in the league would want from my roster. That's probably 40 managers more than when I started this journey.

TP: What is the biggest mistake you've made as a manager?
Glen: I do weigh up the pros and cons of each decision, but strangely winning the play-offs two seasons ago to go back into Division 1. I'd secured a free season by league position and did not need to go up. Promotion was 3 seasons too early and ultimately it added a relegation to my CV, I should have thrown the game, but my competitive nature would not allow me to do this.

TP: What advice would you give to new managers in Top 100?
Glen: Engage, try and do some internal deals. Decide what the 1 season, 2 season 3 season plan looks like. If it's build a rounded squad, it may mean losing that one big player to build half a team. Don't be afraid to sacrifice, I've sacrificed many players. Guler is an example, he was sold just last season, it be world's end at some teams, but this season I signed Sesko. There is always another diamond in the rough if you put the time in.

TP: What do you think of the current state of SM?
Glen: It does not bother me too much, I pay for the Gold, but the game is offered for free too. For a free game it ain't bad is it?

TP: What are some things you would like to see improved?
Glen: Salary caps be good, and I do like transfer windows, I'd also like to see other values added to contracts to make it more competitive to sign a player rather than it be a random lottery.

TP: What are your hopes and dreams for the future of SM, and Top 100?
Glen: My hope is I'm here to see my team return to Division 1 and break into the top 4. I've dedicated so much time to this project, that it would pain me to see someone else take it on, and rip it all up in a month, which I've seen at other clubs.

TP: Is there anything else you would like to say to your fellow managers?
Glen: Play nice, play honest and most of all enjoy it.

Toni’s Thoughts

Glen Mullan, is a manager obsessed with youth and development. He has taken over a club in shambles and is rebuilding it from the ground up, one rough gem at a time. His goal is to create a team that is competitive and successful, but also sustainable in the long term.

Mullan's approach is unique. His strengths and weaknesses are intertwined. He is a man of many paradoxes. He is both decisive and patient, tactical and intuitive, and a builder and a winner.

Espanyol is a long-term project for Glen Mullan, and he will either leave the club in a box, or be sacked.

Mullan is a complex and fascinating figure. He is a manager who is always looking for ways to improve, and he is never afraid to challenge the status quo. He is a true visionary in the world of Top 100.

Toni Pinto

In the second of a Top 100 exclusive new series, world famous fictional Portuguese sports journalist Toni Pinto talks to Dynamo Kyiv manager Chris Baggio.

Chris is a man of passion and determination. He has been through thick and thin with his team, Dynamo Kyiv, but he has never given up on them. This season, he is determined to lead them back to Division Four, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

But Chris knows that the road ahead will be difficult. His team is young and inexperienced, and they will be facing some of the best teams in the division. However, Chris is confident that his team has what it takes to succeed. They have the talent, the heart, and the chemistry to win.

Toni Pinto (TP): What is your name and where are you from?

Chris Baggio (CB): My name is Chris. I'm from a small town in northern Greece, Alexandroupolis.

TP: Hi, thanks for taking the time to chat with me today. Let's start with a general question: How did you start playing SM?

CB: It was 11/11/2009 when we joined SM with some coworkers that we shared the same love for such games. For many years now I'm the only one left still playing the game! I don't blame them! It's a tough work to do. 

TP: What is your favourite thing about SM?

CB: Learning about every single player in all over the world. Watching their progress in real football through the game. And of course interacting with people from all over the world sharing thoughts and points of view about our favourite sport. 

TP: What are your goals for this season In Top 100?

CB: I hope we can be competitive this season for a promotion run. I was very disappointed last season about our relegation, especially right after a great season that we were leading division 4 for most of the time. We lost promotion to division 3 after a series of bad results in final games. Nothing foretold our bad last season that brought us to division 5. And I feel obligated to fix things and bring the team back to division 4.

TP: Can you tell us a little bit about your team? What is your playing style?

CB: Our team is a mix of great domestic and foreign players. From the first moment I came to Kiev I wanted to strengthen the chemistry of the team bringing back in Ukrainian players that would give everything for the team. This was always my first goal! And still is!

This year we made some great transfers like Dovbyk and Traore forming a very strong attacking trio with our captain Yarmolenko! Our playing style is fast attacking football using 4-3-3 formation with wingers and target man. 

TP: Who are some of your key players?

CB: As I said, we brought Adama and Artem to be our key players for this season. And it's working great till now! Also I believe Mariano is a very important player for us as a game changer. 

TP: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a team?

CB: I think our most important strength is chemistry. Also there are specific roles for every player. Everyone has a job to do. If they do it the plan will work and the result should be good. About weaknesses, I would say our low budget doesn't allow us to make things happen fast enough. We don't have the assets to find new talents all over the world or to bring top class players. 

TP: What is your approach to team and squad management?

CB: I work with a tight group of 15-16 players. I choose the first 11 due to fitness state. The rest of the players take time in cup matches. 

TP: How do you prepare for matches?

CB: Analysing the statistics and trying to fix things. I'm trying to help my players perform better. Adama and Dovbyk are performing great at the moment. Wijndal is not. I guess I'm doing something wrong with him. 

TP: How do you approach transfers?

CB: I'm trying to get as many domestic players as possible but not in cost of rating or value. I try to fill the rest of the squad with some high rated players and young talents. 

TP: What is your favourite formation and why?

CB: 4-3-3 with wingers. I like to play fast and direct and I think this formation is what we need. 

TP: How do you adapt your tactics to different opponents?

CB: We just try to make our game. We don't try to adapt to their game. We try to make them adapt to ours. 

TP: What is the most important thing to you when developing a game plan?

CB: Fitness. 

TP: Ratings? Experience? Youth?

CB: We need ratings, we get experience, we seek youth! 

TP: What is your proudest achievement as a manager?

CB: In game: winning division 4 with Olympique Marseille and building Dynamo Kyiv from ashes.

Out of game: I've learned a lot about Ukranian league and players. I knew almost nothing about it before I took over Dynamo.

TP: What is the biggest mistake you've made as a manager?

CB: Accepting bids before making the proper research. 

TP: What advice would you give to new managers in Top 100?

CB: Don't be hasty. Take your time to understand how the world is rolling. Don't believe what you read in the newsfeed. 

TP: What do you think of the current state of SM?

CB: At its best! 

TP: What are some things you would like to see improved?

CB: I've said it before, again and again. We need to spread the wealth. Squad cap should be edited. Either to be lower or to be first team and youth team caps. 

TP: What are your hopes and dreams for the future of SM, and Top 100?

CB: To be alive and healthy. 

TP: Is there anything else you would like to say to your fellow managers?

Toni’s Thoughts

Tharani is a passionate Top 100 manager from India who has a big heart and a love for the game. He is currently managing Stuttgart in Division 4 and is hoping to lead them to the top one day. Tharani is known for his friendly and interactive approach to the game, and he is always willing to help other managers.

In this interview, Tharani talks to world famous fictional Portuguese sports journalist Toni Pinto about his approach to team management, his hopes and dreams for the future, and why he thinks Soccer Manager Worlds needs a major update. He also gives some valuable advice to new managers in Top 100.

Toni Pinto (TP): What is your name and where are you from?
Tharani: Tharanidharan (shortly Tharani) from India.

TP: Hi, thanks for taking the time to chat with me today. Let's start with a general question: How did you start playing SM?
Tharani: It's my pleasure to talk to one of the best journalist. From my childhood I had interest in football but I was properly introduced to football with team names, leagues, rules and all other stuff through my friend when I was in college. He was the one who introduced me to SM.

TP: What is your favourite thing about SM?
Tharani: Funny that you ask. Many of my friends laughed at me when I told them about this game. They said - "How can you call this a game. You are not doing anything except reading reading reading". I realised maybe this is isn't for all. What I like most is that the interaction with fellow humans rather than computer AI. Through that we get to know different ideas, strategies and more importantly we get friend(s) with similar likings.

TP: What are your goals for this season In Top 100?
Tharani: I never had a big dream when I joined Top 100 but after interacting with many managers, I got inspired and currently my only dream is to manage Manchester United - the club I love - and make them invincible (or close to invincible) one day.

TP: Can you tell us a little bit about your team? What is your playing style?
Tharani: My club is Stuttgart - took over them last season after my good performances at Atheltic Bilbao. We got an automatic promotion last season and now we're in Div 4 and had a strong start to the season. Playing style - I usually give focus more on league than cups and shields. Try to concentrate one game at a time and try to win it. Don't look at league table very often.

TP: Who are some of your key players?
Tharani: I would say Ribeiro, Dudu, Skhiri and Isco. They form the core of the team, plays most of the games, injured rarely and had good G/A contributions.

TP: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a team?
Tharani: As long as we are staying together as a team, there's no weakness and that is our strength. We're in this together. We'll steer through all good and bad times together and taste the victory. Yeah, there are some areas we need to develop but currently I'm happy with squad and I feel it is strong enough to compete in the league. With few rises in upcoming reviews would make our team better. It's work in progress.

TP: What is your approach to team and squad management?
Tharani: Every player in this world wants to play. That's the basic human nature. But as a head coach, it's my responsibility to select the best XI for the day. And based on the opponents' weakness, second string of players will get game time (sometime they will start the game, sometimes from the bench). You can't make everyone happy but I'll be honest with them and make them understand why they weren't picked and it'll help them in developing as a player in long term.

TP: How do you prepare for matches?
Tharani: As soon as one match is over, we'll take a one day break and me along with my coaching team study the opponents, understand their strength and weakness and inject them into the players as much as possible. But you should be careful. Too much data driven tactics will disrupt the players' focus and it'll backfire. Only few important tips here and there, few tactical tweaks would work wonders.

TP: How do you approach transfers?
Tharani: First I'll fix my formation. For a long time, I've been using 4231 - once the formation is set, we have to see how's the first XI looks like. I'll try to strengthen it up. I'll start with first XI, next 8-9 players and then academy. Usually we sign players with some resale value no matter the age. If you're buying a player you should be able to sell them for a good value if circumstances arises. You keep doing this continuously and slowly you'll have a good team in your hand.

TP: What is your favourite formation and why?
Tharani: In old interface, I tried out many different formations and was successful but ever since the new interface came, other formation seem to not working effectively. 4231B is most preferred formation for me for last 2-3 years. It counters any formation and gives decent results in long term (as long as you have built a good team). I know people say you're just copycat but if something is proven successful, it's not a crime to follow the pattern. After all, everyone likes to win.

TP: How do you adapt your tactics to different opponents?
Tharani: As I already mentioned, too much changes in tactics and formations will confuse the players. We'll try to keep it simple formations with very minor changes based on opponents.

TP: What is the most important thing to you when developing a game plan?
Tharani: Analyse my squad for injuries, suspensions, fitness and morale. Analyse my opponent's team for same. Compare them and put out the best team possible and attack them where it hurts more. (Sorry if it sounded rude.. 😂😂)

TP: Ratings? Experience? Youth?
Tharani: I'd say mix of all. If I've gone for youths I wouldn't have got promotion and maybe sacked. If I've gone for ratings, I would have been forced to sell my best players for short term success and would affect my team strength, quality and depth. I'd say mix of all. Like I've taken Weverton and Dudu for Flekken (PL player who will rise continuously). It's a calculative risk. I get the rating which will help in 2 - 3 seasons in SM. You have to think broadly and decide what's best for the team.

TP: What is your proudest achievement as a manager?
Tharani: Getting Stuttgart promoted to Div 4 would be the proudest moment.

TP: What is the biggest mistake you've made as a manager?
I don't consider anything as a mistake. It's all learnings and from that you move on. As long as you don't regret it, it's all good.

TP: What advice would you give to new managers in Top 100?
Tharani: Be interactive, be friendly. Not just SM, anything in general. Talk to other people, learn about them. Don't give too much focus into the SM. It's just a game. It is supposed to be fun. If you're losing sleep over this, you're playing it wrongly.

TP: What do you think of the current state of SM?
Tharani: Just like anyone who had played SM for a long time would say, it needs update. Many interactive games are coming up everyday but this game hasn't been updated for years. Rumours of Google Play removing SM from their list is really pathetic.

TP: What are some things you would like to see improved?
Tharani: Almost everything - tactics (not just 4231, anything should be able to win), transfers, contracts to players, team talks, training etc.

TP: What are your hopes and dreams for the future of SM, and Top 100?
Tharani: I don't have a big hope on SM. It's not very far to see the owners pulling the plug and it's very sad to see the most loved game end this way. As far as Top 100 is concerned, it'll stay active and alive till the SM lives.

TP: Is there anything else you would like to say to your fellow managers?
Tharani: Be happy, have fun and enjoy the game.

Toni's Thoughts

Tharani is a thoughtful and intelligent manager. He takes a holistic approach to team and squad management, and he is always looking for ways to improve his team. He is also a strong advocate for community and interaction with other managers.

• Tharani is always looking for ways to improve his team. He regularly analyses his own squad and the opposition to identify areas where he can make changes.
• Tharani is not afraid to take risks. He believes that the best way to learn is by trying new things.
• Tharani's advice to new managers is to be patient and persistent. He believes that it takes time to build a successful team, and that there will be setbacks along the way.

Overall, Tharani is a great example of what it means to be a Top 100 manager. He is passionate about the game, he is always looking for ways to improve, and he is always willing to help others.

Tharani is a rising star in the Top 100 community, and he is sure to continue to achieve great things in the future.

Toni Pinto