Manager Profiles on Top 100

Top 100 First Take: Gav Harmer on Atletico's Ambition

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:13:42 +0100

Podcast Episode Summary

In the inaugural episode of the Top 100 podcast series, host Regan Thompson chats with Atlético Madrid manager Gav Harmer, a “real life legend” and “veteran of the game” who is part of the 1,000-game club.

Gav reflects on Atlético Madrid’s heartbreaking end to last season, where they missed out on a playoff place due to an 89th-minute goal from Tyrone Mings — “in the last minute of the game”. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic for the future, saying his side is “starting to get better, get bigger, bigger ratings” and that “things are looking good.”

The conversation then turns to key player movements:

The successful acquisition of Pedro, now “banging them in for Chelsea.”
The “big move” of Ilya Zabarnyi to PSG, with his stock expected to rise quickly.
Angelo Stiller, described as “too good for Stuttgart.”
Robert Sánchez, who has regained his “number one spot” at Chelsea.

Looking ahead, Gav recognises the tough competition awaiting in Division Two. Strong sides like Sporting Lisbon, Espanyol, Tottenham, and Cologne have all come down from Division One, while clubs like CSKA Moscow and Augsburg are coming up from Division Three.

His strategy is firmly focused on developing his current squad, explaining he’s “very happy with the team” and doesn’t expect much transfer activity “unless something major happens.” He likens the journey to “taking two steps back to take one forward.”

The episode wraps up with Gav praising the community spirit and offering a big thank you to David Marsden for his “absolutely fantastic” work on the archive.

Very Brief Timeline Guide

The Near Miss: Atlético Madrid’s playoff heartbreak and the infamous Tyrone Mings last-minute goal.
New Season Challenges: Insights into strong relegated sides from Division One, new arrivals from Division Three, and big transfer moves (Pedro, Zabarnyi, Stiller, Sánchez).
Future Outlook: Gav’s development-first strategy, his “two steps back” philosophy, and appreciation for community contributions like David’s archive.

Top Soccer Managers: Unique Philosophies Revealed

Sun, 04 May 2025 17:34:30 +0100

Inside the Dugout: Diverse Philosophies from Top 100 Managers

Published: May 4, 2025 | By: Top 100 Blog Team

Ever wondered what makes some of the Top 100's most intriguing managers tick? Our very own Toni Pinto recently sat down with three distinct personalities shaping the game world: Chris Baggio (Dynamo Kyiv), Chris Meida (CSKA MoskvaTexas), and Glen Mullan (Espanyol). Their interviews reveal fascinatingly diverse approaches to Soccer Manager success.

Chris Baggio (Dynamo Kyiv): The Passionate Rebuilder

Hailing from Greece and an SM veteran since 2009, Baggio is on a clear mission: restore Dynamo Kyiv to Division Four. He describes management as "tough work" but thrives on learning about real-world players through the game and interacting with fellow managers. His philosophy centers on team chemistry, bringing back Ukrainian players who'll "give everything," and employing fast, attacking football.

Chris Meida (CSKA MoskvaTexas): The Candid American Dreamer

The "new sheriff in town," Meida manages the recently promoted CSKA MoskvaTexas with a blend of Zen-like wisdom and passionate intensity. He rejoined SM during the pandemic and loves discovering unknown players. While focused on building a united team and enjoying the journey, he's refreshingly candid, even criticizing the game's rating system. His tactical approach is pragmatic, leveraging key strengths to compete against tougher opposition.

Glen Mullan (Espanyol): The Enigmatic Gem Polisher

Described as a "Diamond In The Rough," Blackburn's Glen Mullan is a master scout obsessed with unearthing young talent for Espanyol, a club he sees as his ultimate long-term project. Known for his shrewdness and speed in the transfer market ("be decisive," he advises), Mullan balances his focus on youth development with a clear understanding that ratings and tactical nous win games now. His current large, young squad is both a weakness and a strength for the future.

Common Threads, Different Paths

While Baggio seeks chemistry, Meida emphasizes the journey, and Mullan focuses on long-term development through scouting, common themes emerge. All share a deep passion for the game and player discovery. Youth development is key, though integration strategies vary. The transfer market is crucial, demanding different negotiation styles – from Baggio's caution after mistakes to Mullan's rapid-fire approach.

These interviews paint a vivid picture of the dedication, strategic thinking, and diverse personalities that make the Top 100 Gameworld so compelling. It's clear there's more than one way to build a legacy in Soccer Manager!

Full and original interviews.

Top Journalist Toni Pinto Signs for Top 100!

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:14:25 +0100

UPDATE: As we approach the mid-season point, Toni is now ready with questions about your season so far.

World famous fictional Portuguese sports journalist Antonio Silva "Toni" Pinto has signed for the Top 100 blog, and will be conducting a series of interviews with Top 100 managers, writing them up and then publishing them here on the Top 100 blog at a later date.

The interview is in five parts: Introduction, Club Management, Tactics and Strategy, Success and Failure, and SM Worlds.

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Chris Meida: An American Dreamer

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 11:35:02 +0100

Part four of a Top 100 exclusive new series, world famous fictional Portuguese sports journalist Toni Pinto talks to CSKA ~~Moskva~~Texas manager Chris Meida.

In the Wild West that is SM Worlds there’s a dusty old town called Top 100, and there is a new sheriff in town: his name is Chris. He is a Yank from Boston but he's found a home in Texas, where he leads the CSKA charge.

Chris's interview is a reflection on his journey from humble beginnings to his current position as manager of CSKA ~~Moskva~~Texas, recently promoted to D3 in Top 100. He shares his thoughts on the game, his team, and his philosophy of management.

In his interview, Chris talks about the importance of building a team that is united in spirit and purpose. It is about enjoying the journey.

Chris's story is a reminder that success in Top 100 is not always about winning trophies or being the most popular manager. It is about finding your own path and staying true to yourself.

Chris's story is the American Dream in microcosm. He started off as a small-time manager, but he worked hard and never gave up on his dream.

Toni Pinto (TP): What is your name and where are you from?
Chris - from the US - originally from Boston

TP: Hi, thanks for taking the time to chat with me today. Let's get right to it! What's it like to be the most successful manager in Top 100?! And tell me, how did you begin playing SM?
Chris: I picked up SM many years ago when I was home from college. I played in a variety of leagues initially and then gave up my teams except one that I used to track players with American eligibility. During the pandemic I picked it back up and joined Top 120, then Top 100.

TP: What is your favourite thing about SM?
Chris: It gives me an opportunity to track soccer players I never would have heard of. Soccer isn't exactly front page news in the US!

TP: What are your goals for this season in Top 100?
Chris: I manage CSKA. We were promoted to D3 last year, losing to Gursi on the last day. Unfortunately, that seems to make us relegation fodder and I'll be trying to keep the team up. I've made many short term moves while trying to retain my young stars.

TP: Caramba! Now, let's talk about your star players. Who are the ones to watch this season?
Chris: Armand Lauriente and Gaetan Laborde have been my stars since taking over. They may be my only 2 legacy players at this point! I also acquired two 92s in Brozovic and Szczency who I'm hoping will keep us in a lot of games.

TP: How do you manage your squad to keep everyone happy?
Chris: We don't have a deep squad. I'm more interested in keeping everyone healthy than happy!

TP: How do you prepare for matches?
Chris: Not well based on this season's results!

TP: Tell me about the transfer market in Top 100!
Chris: I've done a lot of deals since taking over CSKA - we have very few original players. You get a feel for what each person values. I had the good luck of taking over a terrible team and rebuilding before contracts went away, so my team is relatively young.

Gunslingers and Goalkeepers

TP: É fenomenal! What are your strengths and weaknesses as a team? What is your tactical approach?
Chris: We have a solid GK and some creativity up top. We try to leverage that to stay in games against superior opponents.

TP: Oh, come on! Santo Deus! I'm sure there must be more to it than that! What's your secret to success?
Chris: My hope is that next year our young talent will replace our oldies and we'll have more opportunity to get creative with tactics.

TP: Do you always use the same formation, or do you like to tinker?
Chris: I tinker based on the opponent - but the 1-3-2-4B is a mainstay.

TP: How do you adapt your tactics to different opponents?
Chris: I look at how we compare with our opponent and adjust from there.

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

TP: Ratings? Experience? Youth?
Chris: I need a strong top 18 ideally but I don't want to beg teams for 87s forever, so my focus is bringing youth into the first team. Here's hoping players like Neves, Adingra, and Konate break through soon!

TP: What is your proudest achievement as a manager? How did that feel?
Chris: I've only been in Top 100 for a year, but I'm proud of our promotion to D3 and our youth scouting department.

TP: What advice would you give to new managers in Top 100?
Chris: Assess your team and figure out what brings you joy. Make the team your own.

TP: Que beleza! What is the biggest mistake you've made as a manager?
Chris: I've made some boneheaded transfers but I was also feeling sentimental having already clinched promotion last season and played some awful tactics. We were roundly booed off the field.

TP: What do you think of the current state of SM?
Chris: The ratings are too stagnant and it's generally not a great product.

TP: É uma loucura! What are some things you would like to see improved?
Chris: More real time rating changes.

TP: What are your hopes and dreams for the future of SM, and Top 100?
Chris: I'd love for Top 100 to stay strong for as long as SM does. We have a great group of managers and I enjoy playing against them.

TP: Well, thank you so much for your time today. It's been a pleasure talking to you. Eu realmente gosto do seu cabelo! And good luck for the rest of the season!
Chris: Come visit us in Texas anytime! Tremendous BBQ and I believe we're the only team in Top 100 with both cheerleaders and semi-automatics!

Toni's Thoughts

You know, I've been doing some thinking about this soccer manager game. It's a lot like life, you know. You have to build a team, develop your players, and make strategic decisions. But the most important thing is to have fun.

And that's where Chris comes in. He knows how to have fun. He's built a team of young guns, and he's not afraid to take risks. He's also a very gracious loser, which is always a good thing.

Chris is a true American original. He's a true patriot, and he makes Texas proud.

He's a man of few words, but when he does speak, it's with the wisdom of a Zen master and the passion of a raging bull. He's also a damn good soccer manager.

He's is the kind of manager who would walk into a saloon full of bad hombres and order a milk. And then he'd shoot 'em all dead before they could react.

I'm not sure about this whole "praying" thing Chris talks about. I mean, it's not like he's playing for the Yankees or something. Chris, the Top 100 manager who prays for game plans. What a world we live in!

But seriously, folks, Chris is a great manager. He's honest, he's funny, and he's committed to youth development. He's also not afraid to criticise the game, which I appreciate.

Chris, I've got one piece of advice for you: don't ever stop praying for game plans. It's a crazy world out there, and we need all the help we can get.

Chris is a great manager and a great person. He is a role model for all Soccer Managers. I wish him all the best for the rest of the season and for the future.
Toni Pinto

Glen Mullan: A Diamond In The Rough

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 08:08:00 +0100

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.

Winning games should be priority number one

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 League Is and Will Continue to Be the Most Important Competition

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.

I enjoy polishing rough gems into diamonds

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.

Game Time Is Key

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.

The Secret to a Deal with Me Is to Be Decisive

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.

Winning Is the Name of the Game

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.

I should have thrown the game

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

Chris Baggio: A Top 100 Odyssey

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 22:30:01 +0100

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.

Chris's story is a reminder that even when things are tough, we should never give up on our dreams. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Everyone can be a hero!

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?

It's just a game... or NOT!!!
Chris Baggio

Toni’s Thoughts

Chris is a man on a mission. He stayed on at Dynamo Kyiv after a disappointing relegation to Division 5, and he is determined to bring the club to new glory.

He has a clear vision for the team. He has strengthened the team's chemistry by bringing back Ukrainian players, and he has also made some key signings. Chris's playing style is direct, fast attacking football with wingers and a target man.

He’s a very down-to-earth guy, and he is not afraid to admit when he makes mistakes. He is also a very good listener, and he is always open to new ideas.

But he’s also a man of contradictions. He is passionate about the game, but he also knows that it is just a game. He is ambitious, but he is also realistic. He is a dreamer, but he is also a pragmatist.

I am very impressed with Chris, and I am confident that he will be a success at Dynamo Kyiv. He's not afraid to take risks.

I believe that Chris has the potential to lead Dynamo Kyiv back to the top of Ukrainian football. He is a very exciting manager, and I can't wait to see what he can achieve.
Toni Pinto

Tharani: The Stuttgart manager with a big heart and a passion for the game

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:03:50 +0100

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.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Tharani, a Top 100 manager with a unique approach to the game

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.

"I DREAM OF MANAGING MANCHESTER UNITED AND MAKING THEM INVINCIBLE"

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

Gino Kinnearo Q&A With David Senior

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 20:13:00 +0100

At the blunt end of investigative journalism as always Gino Kinnearo ventured outside of his Italian stomping ground and posed a series of questions to myself with the request that I post my answers on the Blog.

1) There was a recent article in the Marca entitled "The Rise of the Failure" which was an article based on an unnamed SM T100 manager who got given a big job despite a lack of success and has failed miserably. Your cross-city rival Tom Parfitt has claimed that it was about you? What are your thoughts?

Tom should probably concentrate more on developing his team to a position where they would warrant being called rivals rather than reading gutter journalism articles and worrying about whether another manager is bashing his supposed girlfriends front and back doors in.

Can’t say I’ve read the article you’re referring to in all honesty, more of a Whippet & Ferret Weekly reader myself, but as I was appointed with the sole remit of keeping Valencia in the top flight last season and as that objective was achieved I think it would be more accurate, if it is referring to me, if it read “succeeded miserably”.

2) Some say that your boot-room style of manager is stifling the creativity of some of your players and that you shouldn't be allowed near such levels of talent. Is this true? Or again do you think that this statement is not directed at yourself or rather an alternative manager.

It’s probably a fair comment, I’m old school & believe in breaking the game down to basics & playing it simply, which suits most of the players because to a man they are basic & simple.

If they want to be more creative they can take up painting, writing or basket weaving in their own time, but I won’t hold my breath, half of em can’t even tie their own bootlaces.

3) We all have seen the pictures of you and DP sipping ice tea working out deals - Is DP really a nice man? The Italian managers can't stand him... always interfering, irritating all and sundry - is this a true reflection on the man?

It’s Dan that drinks the ice tea, twatish drink if you ask me, I’ll stick to my builders brew.

Despite our different philosophies on how the game should be played we have a lot in common, we both think you’re a prick to start off with but other than that Dan was a great help in finding a decent plumber to disconnect the hot water supply to the showers.

Would I call him nice? If nice means I don’t want to smack him every time he opens his mouth then I guess so. As for interfering & irritating there was that time when he called round & I caught him ironing the training bibs, wasn’t a problem though as it made it easier to stitch the wire wool inside em.

4) What do you make of Genoa and Frank Hirst's seemingly rapid rise up the Divisions? Do you like many suspect that it is all fixed?

I’d hardly call it rapid, after all you’ve managed as many relegations as he has promotions in the same time.

In all honesty I’m too busy here checking the lads aren’t replacing the Izal toilet paper with that namby pamby Andrex stuff to worry about what other managers are up to but I think “the many” should either put up some evidence to support their conspiracy theory or stop tittle tattling like fish wives.

5) You are currently taking part in the Youth Cup with Valencia? How are you finding the whole experience? Going well and how far can you go? And what of the World Club Cup?

Have to admit I’ve been enjoying working with the Youth team, had to take over from Phil as he was insisting on doing it the “Fergie way”, if I’ve told him once I’ve told him a hundred times that you’ll never win anything with kids. Anyway didn’t take long before they grasped that one 70 yard punt up field is far more efficient than 9 or 10 tippy tap passes.

They’ve been doing well & if they qualify I may buy them a new toothbrush for cleaning out the shitters.

As for the World Club Cup I’m looking for a good showing against Bremen to see us through, it’s been a good opportunity to try out a few new fangled things, like passing.

6) You used to manage Olympiacos. Recently there was a poll of the greatest ever Olympiacos manager in all of history and you received only 5% of the vote with Alex McClean getting 94% and some guy called Watson getting 1%... are you offended by the fans view of your work there?

Not at all, I’m well aware of the accuracy of your “Fan Polls” but I know replacing Fruitopolis with Longley Farm yoghurt at the snack counters didn’t go down well with the majority.

I really enjoyed my time in Piraeus, until that unfortunate incident at the Blue Oyster club. Alex has finally got them motoring & deserves the plaudits, fair play & good luck to him.

7) And finally we all know that the Valencia fans expect a Top 4 finish but what is your aim? what is really realistic?

A bit disappointed that the fans don’t expect us to finish top to be honest, but at least it shows I’m doing a half decent job in driving down expectations.

Our primary aim for the season has to be to avoid the drop, I’ve stated publicly that I will resign if we get relegated, as I believe that is what any decent, self respecting manager should do & I will stand by my word.

Beyond that I’d like to think we have an outside chance of making the SMFA Shield for next season, oh & I’d finally like to get rid of the Neville Breville.

Gino Kinnearo meets...

Tue, 15 Mar 2016 13:30:00 +0100

Rahul (Aston Villa) and Mark Hewitt (Montpellier) have referred to him as a poor man’s Lukaku, while David Senior (Valencia) and Mark Stewart (Hertha) compared him to being as nothing more than a Kenyan long distance runner with about as much pace as a hippopotamus but Beddows was delighted to allow one of his 5 new signings Origi to sit down for a public interview.

Milan have made 5 new signings in the last 48 hours

Origi sat down this afternoon ahead his possible AC Milan debut this evening in Germany in the Top 100 Shield to speak to the No 1 journalist in Italy and Top 100, Gino Kinnearo…

1) “Origi, welcome to The San Siro, how does it differ from Liverpool?”

Well there is no sign of dirty Scousers and I already fully understand everything that I have been asked to do in training, Liverpool, was a difficult environment for me, I had 4 cars stolen in my time there, my house was burgled 3 times and I had 2 managers who made no sense, I just couldn’t understand their instructions, and Gordon Kinnear for example was commuting from Glasgow every day and didn’t even know about the Liverpool Superlambananas – culturally and tactically inept is how I would describe him!

2) “What are your first impressions of Milan and Beddows?”

Milan and Beddows for me are everything that I have ever dreamed of… for me the excitement of flying with Ryanair bound for Orio al Serio and then taking the shuttle bus to Milan city centre, visiting the Duomo and the Castello… it is all a dream and when I walked out on the San Siro pitch the feeling that I got can only be comparable with that feeling you get when you step into your first strip club at age 16… so many possibilities!

3) “Some said that you were bound for Genoa and the Don Frank Hirst?”

I don’t speak or read well in English but it is my understanding that in my contract a clause was entered when Gordon Kinnear got given the Liverpool job, despite their being a number of other candidates – it was something like IF I ‘Frank Hirst’ give you Gordon Kinnear the job then I get first refusal on Origi and Ojo… so I think this was the intention – Liverpool as a club stinks of corruption with that Hirst at the very top!

4) “Were you not linked to Juventus at one point as well?”

Ah… DP… A strange example of a human being – at one point he was following me around, after training he was there with his sunglasses, newspaper and iced tea – he never said anything – but I knew it was him – he was apparently checking that no one else was talking to me- I believe he paid off managers like Kevin Wallace (Marseille) Robert Downing (SC Internacional) and Josh McMillan (Sao Paulo) with promises of future stars… In the end with the aid of a translator I convinced Gordon to forcibly remove him.

5) “Some managers reacted angrily to your move to Milan, Greg Owen of Lokomotiv Moscow for example claims that you should be banned from professional football due to the doping crisis in Kenya, stating that as your father is Kenyan you yourself are therefore guilty by association. What do you say to this?”

LOL… it wasn’t only Greg Owen, both David Piero (Tottenham) and Tom Parfitt (Levante) have written strongly worded letter to Frank asking for me to be banned by association… ironic that all 3 of those managers are failures and places I would never ever consider going to…

6) “Do you expect to see much football at Milan this season?”

Beddows has been very clear that he doesn’t anticipate much of a first team chance this season but has said that I will lead the line in the Youth Cup and might get some Pavarotti Cup action as well. Both of these competitions excite me a lot.

Gino Kinnearo that proceeded to give a 5 hour long interview to Sky Sports News Italia about the merits of Beddows’ approach to football management and his tremendous dealings in the transfer market…

Fannie to Fannies: The Interviews, Number 1, MARK PHELPS (FLAMENGO)

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 15:59:00 +0100

FOREWORD:

Today sees the start of a new series where I have managed to tempt respected journalist Fannie Licker to come and do some work for the Top 100. She previously worked for Gold Championship 279 doing some press conferences and I do believe slept with Stephen Beddows and Frank Hirst in an interesting foursome. I am not at liberty to name the fourth participant due to legal reasons but do note that I didn’t say fourth person. The old parlour game Animal, vegetable or mineral comes to mind.

Fannie has agreed to do a series of one on one interviews with randomly selected managers of the Top 100. This is how it works. A RNG will select a manager from the list of Top 100 managers and they will be contacted asking if they wish to take part. There is no obligation to do so and if you decide not to participate then the next manager will be selected and there will be no issue of who didn’t want to take part. It will stay private. After the manager has agreed to take part, he will be sent a personal profile to fill in and while that is going on, questions will be constructed about his career in Top 100 and current situation. They will be no holds barred and nothing will be sacred. The manager can choose how to answer them. He may want to answer them seriously, comically or even eccentrically. Anyway he wishes. Once the answers are received then they will be published to the blog on a Thursday. These interviews will be published every fortnight with Gino’s Thursday blog on alternate Thursday’s. Ok? Now that it is clear we can move on to today’s first interview.

Fannie Licker loves football

THE INTERVIEW:

Good afternoon and welcome to the first in a series of interviews featuring managers of the Top 100. To start we have a quick word from the interviewer, Fannie Licker who will explain away her controversial series title.

Fannie Licker: Hi guys and welcome to my cute little new series of interviews. I am delighted to be invited to such a successful gameworld filled with little fannies of it’s own. The title of the series is Fannie to Fannies but please don’t be offended as it is just my little joke. I am looking forward to meeting some of you and please do not flirt with me as I don’t like it. If I think you are worth a shag then I will let you know after the interview in private.

Anyway, let’s get started and I am delighted to have as my first manager, Mark Phelps who is manager of Flamengo in Division 5. Mark has been manager since the introduction of Top 100 and just on Tuesday there, the cup win over Athletic Club was his 50th competitive match in charge of the Brazilian outfit. He has decided to only have Brazilian players in his squad, hoping that the legendary skill of the country’s players can carry them to promotion in his second season.
To start things off, here is his personal profile where you can learn a bit more about his likes and stuff.

MARK PHELPS PERSONAL PROFILE

Full Name: Mark Phelps
Born: Northallerton 1968
Height: 5' 8''
Marital Status: Single
Nickname: None
Favourite Sports teams: Darlington FC / Durham Cricket Club
Favourite food: Indian
Favourite drink: Tea, Guinness, Red wine
Favourite band/singer: The Smiths
Favourite Colour: Green
Favourite animal: GSD/ Tropical Fish
Favourite film: Jaws (plastic shark? I think not)
Your Car: Alfa Mito
Best Friend: Cousin David

What phone do you have: It’s called a Doro 612. It is an old thing (looks like something the Roman’s left behind) but I like it.
Best sport to watch: Football
What scares you most: Finishing in the bottom two
Phone, iPad or laptop to play SM: Laptop
Embarrassing moment: Difficult to say there have been so many. I guess the most recent thing was the works Xmas party. A couple of drinks and I think I am John Travolta
Ever won anything on the lottery: Played for about 20 years. Won peanuts.
If you could have any job in the world what would it be: Director of Football. You get paid a fortune for doing nothing
Who would you most like to meet (dead or alive): Two answers for this. Safe answer, Marilyn Monroe (lovely smile). Controversial answer (if you want one) - Robert Black (the child killer). Specifically I would have liked to meet him an hour after he was born. With a bucket of water.
If you could attend any sporting event in the world what would it be: Monaco Grand Prix. Event I am most looked forward to attending? Whitby Town away. Will be a good day out.

Now for the interview. 8 questions for Mark so let’s see how he copes with them.

FL: Flamengo have made a good start this season in the league. After finishing 13th last season, what would you say was the difference this season?

MP: My starting squad wasn’t the strongest (Flamengo..are they even in the top 100 clubs anyway?). Last season I prioritised the cups and I may do so again but I have quite difficult draws.
I have some higher rated players now but Division 5 is something of a lottery. There wasn’t much between 3rd and 13th last season and I expect it will be a similar story this season.

FL: Brazil is known for it’s silky soccer and it’s passionate fans. Is this the reason you decided to take on the job at Flamengo?

MP: In a word, yes. It is my ambition to be the top Brazilian team one day but it will be difficult as the other managers are giving their all.

FL: Do the fans seem happy at the direction you are taking the club? They couldn’t have been impressed with a below average first season in the Top 100. The 5-1 home defeat to Rubin Kazan must have had them calling for your head.

MP: They may have also been pleased that I made the Shield semi final. The league is not a priority for me and I think people understand that. It is more important at this time to find good youngsters and undervalued players e.g. Dyanfres Douglas. I have 100m in players and nearly 50m cash and few clubs in Division 5 can boast that.

FL: You have opted to make Flamengo an all-Brazilian club. What is the reason for this? Do you not think that foreign players settle well enough in Brazil. I mean, I have a Brazilian and I have had no problems getting used to that. Are you not worried that you will be looked upon as being prejudiced against foreigners?

MP: I had a couple of higher rated foreign players here but I moved them on. They were on big wages and seemed to spend more time in the beach bar than on the training pitch. The Brazilians are progressing well and the squad is a good mixture of youth and experience. Prejudiced against foreigners? Mmmm…well… everybody gets a warm greeting in Rio.

FL: Your best player Renato Augusto is out injured at the moment. How important is he to the club and will the injury mean you change your style of playing and your formation on the park?

MP: Renato Augusto played two games - two wins. Next two games - no wins including a defeat by Brugge! Yes he is important to me. I am short in CM so went out and bought Mauricio.
I have a lot of AM / Wingers so I may have to switch to a more attacking formation in the next game or so.

FL: Looking at the squad you have put together, it would be pretty obvious that Flamengo are a Division 5 club. Are the board not backing you with cash? Do you think they have full confidence in you to take the club up through the leagues or are they already searching for your successor?

MP: I got 1.4m this season. Chairman says all his money goes to his ex-wife and he is broke hence my wheeling and dealing in the transfer market. Attendances are up this season so I think fans are happy enough. Can’t say I have seen too many people banging on the chairman’s door wanting the Flamengo job either.

FL: Is there anyone in your youth squad that you think we should keep an eye on for the future?

MP: I went over to Chile recently to watch the young Brazilians in the semi-final of the u17 World Cup. Evander was our best player so I was pleased to pick him up for a small fee. Leo Bonatini has been scoring more than Yolanda Squatpump recently so he may be the first to break into my starting XI.

FL: Finally Mark, if you could manage any club in the Top 100, who would you choose and why?

MP: There were plenty of bigger teams I could have managed. I wasn’t interested then and I am not interested now. I am patient and here for the duration.

FL: Thanks Mark

So, that’s my first interview over and done with and Mark done quite well with his answers. I see Yolanda Squatpump got a mention. If she thinks she is going to be as famous as me then she can kiss my clit. Anyway, it’s a big thank you to Mark for taking part in the interview and I wish him and Flamengo good luck in their Division 5 campaign.
That’s it from me and the RNG will be selecting the next manager to be interviewed later tonight so watch for the message in your inbox. Thanks for taking the time to read this article and I will be back again in a fortnight’s time.

SLATERS

FANNIE LICKER.