Final Meeting of the Season
31 October 2020
So now that the season has finally finished I am ready to head back home to France for a little break in the next few weeks. I have meet with the club one last time and they are all pleased about how this year turned out and are ready to win again next season. I am very pleased that they feel ready to defend for a third time in a row.
Before I leave for FranceI have one more meeting to attend to. It is a meeting with chairman Olli-Pekka Lyytikäinen on a review of this season and what to expect for next season. Olli is in my opinion the best chairman that I have worked with, he is clear and very reasonable. SO far we have never had any issues and that is a first for me. The chairman and manager relationship is the most important aspect to a successful club.
OPL: “Kévin, I just want to say thank for such a great first season with us, I am very proud of what you have done domestically and in Europe and I just want to go over a few things about the year.”
KG: “No problem boss it was a great season and I look forward to what is in store next season.”
OPL: “I first want to go over the league, obviously you did great with such a gap in the final table but there were a few losses I was not pleased about could you tell me what went wrong in the TPS match last month??”
KG: “Well I am just as upset as you on it because we SHOULD have done better, it was my fault though because I was a bit lazy to be fair, the thing was I wanted to test our reserves and youth and I guess it backfired, it sucked that we lost but oh well it didn’t really hurt anything.”
OPL: “Very fair, on Europe you did very really good, I just want you to know that next season I want you to aim for the group stage in either competition but I will not harshly judge you depending on the draw who we get, can you deliver on this?”
KG: “Absolutely, I think this offseason we should be able to add some players that might be of service, I want the group stage as well and it should be achievable.”
OPL: “In cup play I have no issues at all I think you can win both next season but once again I will not judge harshly on that.”
KG: “Good I am hoping we can get the Liigacup back here, last year’s defeat really hurt.”
OPL: “I want you to keep Juho for the squad can you??”
KG: “I think I can but it is getting harder every day with so many calls coming in, I think he will but if a club comes in and makes a bid I need you to block it.”
OPL: “There is one we need to talk about first before I let you go. For transfers I wanted you to bring in high profile players, well you did but I am looking for better players and I am expecting you to find a few more especially on defense where I feel we lack the most. “
KG: “Yeah that is something I agree on as well and I have made a few bad moves in the next two windows I am really hoping I can get some quality players but I need more cash, currently it seems we don’t have enough in wages that will attract better and bigger names, can you please help.”
OPL: “Of course but I won’t be giving you a ton as our finances are a bit lower than we want at the moment and that is why I want you in the group stage. Anyways When are you coming back for everyone to report??”
KG: “I am thinking the fourth of January as it gives the players enough rest and time to enjoy the Christmas season and gives us enough time to get ready for the Liigacup. The coaching staff and I will be here during the break getting ready for the seasons and the players will have voluntary workouts and training sessions, does that all sound good??”
OPL: “That sounds good, I hope you enjoy this break and see you in a few weeks!!!”
KG: “Same to you, if you need anything let me know and I will be there!!”
This was an amazing season here in Helsinki and I feel this is the club that I was meant for. I know with it only being early November and I am getting a ton of calls for open jobs all across Europe but honestly I am staying with this club. We have tons of talent coming through and I still have a lot to do here. I am honoured that clubs are interested but for now Klubi is my home and I won’t leave for a long time.
Now I am getting ready to head back to France for a little bit before I return. I want to catch a few Ligue 1 and 2 matches to scout a few players and also just catch up with some family. I will be back in Helsinki around the first of December and spend Christmas here. I am looking forward to 2021 and I hope we can improve upon some of our weaknesses of this season.