Don't think anyone expected that, good luck!
1
Welcome To The Club
Schäfer Discussed The Managerial Vacancy At JJK With The Club's Chairman
09/12/2024
To describe Markus Knuutinen in one word would have been difficult. The chairman of JJK Jyväskylä had invited me to an interview to discuss the possibility of contracting me as the club's new football manager, following my arrival in Finland, and I had graciously accepted the opportunity to discuss the future of my career, and the future of JJK, with the man.
First and foremost, Markus was kind and polite. He welcomed me warmly upon my arrival and broke the ice as gently as possible. He was a passionate individual, and he had certainly done his research. He listed many key events in my career as a manager, and in more detail than I could have possibly done. He spoke fluently of why he was impressed with my managerial career and why my name stood out above the other applicants.
We discussed at length the position of the club and how we both envisaged Finnish football in the future. We shared similar ambitions and aims, which allowed us to feel more comfortable in conversation, and we both understood the values of continuing the traditions of the football club throughout a period of transition.
"Christian, with the club only just earning promotion back to Ykkönen, the second division of Finland, I felt it was time for dramatic change in the backroom staff. As a result, the previous manager, along with all the other staff, have had their contracts terminated. They had done the club much service and I can assure you that they received generous compensation fees.
Of course, not having any staff member now means that a new staff team must be built. If you do take the job, Christian, you will have full responsibility with putting together your own team of staff, while staying within our agreed wage budget. Is this something you feel comfortable doing?"
"This is a prospect which thoroughly excites me, to be fully honest. During my time with Dynamo Dresden, I was required to reconstruct my staff team on several occasions. As a result, I would consider myself to be well versed in the process of building a staff team, and I would be delighted to be have a hands-on role when it comes to selecting each member."
"That is excellent news! Now, let us move on to some philosophies I would like to implement. I would like for you to refrain from signing too many players at all, especially foreign nationals who may request higher than average wages and signing-on fees. The club plummeted from the Veikkausliiga, FInland's top flight, due to being unable to withstand financial pressure, and we would prefer it if this did not happen again. The club's policy in recent years has been to promote players from within, or to sign young players to play a part in the squad for a long period of time, and we would like to continue this."
"I think that this is certainly a fantastic idea. It is not something I have been able to do in my recent jobs. During my time with Dynamo Dresden, the more reputable clubs in Germany purchased all of the top young talents, leaving us with no youngsters who were capable of performing at a high level. At Real Madrid, I attempted to blend young players in, with eighteen year old Juan Torres playing in the Copa del Rey final, but the board demanded ready-made stars be brought in which made it difficult to bring Real Madrid's youth in to the senior team.
I feel that I could spend many years at this football club, and this would allow me to nurture the development of the club's youth players, promising a bright future for JJK. Should you give me the opportunity, I can promise you that I will focus on bringing in young Finnish players through the academy, or elsewhere, to strengthen the team. We would not need significant transfer investment, in my opinion."
"That is fantastic to hear, Christian. I do have one more qualm, unfortunately. While you have experience in a number of different countries, you do not speak Finnish. Will this be an issue?"
"Listen, Markus. I arrived in Brazil two years ago without a single word of Portuguese. At times, there was difficulty when it came to communicating with my players, but ultimately we won the Copa América. A year later, I arrived in Spain without a control of the Spanish language. We went unbeaten that season, winning six trophies.
While I did not speak the language of these countries when I first arrived, I can now say that I am fluent in both Español and Portugués. Of course, it will be difficult for me at first. But I can promise you that I will be fluent in Finnish within a year. And, as it happens, the league season does not begin for a number of months, giving me plenty of time to learn in preparation for the campaign."
"Okay. To tell you the truth, Christian, I had my mind made up before you even stepped in the door. It is very rare for a manager with your reputation and accomplishments to wish to come manage in a country like this, and to manage a team like JJK. I would be a fool to turn you down.
You are certainly interested in taking charge here, and you speak of a long career with JJK. This excites me, and it will certainly excite the fans. We just need to finalise a contract offer on our part, and fill in the relevant official documents. This should not take more than a few days. Until we can make the deal official, I would like to extend to you the gratitude of JJK Jyväskylä for choosing to work here. Welcome to the club!"
First and foremost, Markus was kind and polite. He welcomed me warmly upon my arrival and broke the ice as gently as possible. He was a passionate individual, and he had certainly done his research. He listed many key events in my career as a manager, and in more detail than I could have possibly done. He spoke fluently of why he was impressed with my managerial career and why my name stood out above the other applicants.
We discussed at length the position of the club and how we both envisaged Finnish football in the future. We shared similar ambitions and aims, which allowed us to feel more comfortable in conversation, and we both understood the values of continuing the traditions of the football club throughout a period of transition.
"Christian, with the club only just earning promotion back to Ykkönen, the second division of Finland, I felt it was time for dramatic change in the backroom staff. As a result, the previous manager, along with all the other staff, have had their contracts terminated. They had done the club much service and I can assure you that they received generous compensation fees.
Of course, not having any staff member now means that a new staff team must be built. If you do take the job, Christian, you will have full responsibility with putting together your own team of staff, while staying within our agreed wage budget. Is this something you feel comfortable doing?"
"This is a prospect which thoroughly excites me, to be fully honest. During my time with Dynamo Dresden, I was required to reconstruct my staff team on several occasions. As a result, I would consider myself to be well versed in the process of building a staff team, and I would be delighted to be have a hands-on role when it comes to selecting each member."
"That is excellent news! Now, let us move on to some philosophies I would like to implement. I would like for you to refrain from signing too many players at all, especially foreign nationals who may request higher than average wages and signing-on fees. The club plummeted from the Veikkausliiga, FInland's top flight, due to being unable to withstand financial pressure, and we would prefer it if this did not happen again. The club's policy in recent years has been to promote players from within, or to sign young players to play a part in the squad for a long period of time, and we would like to continue this."
"I think that this is certainly a fantastic idea. It is not something I have been able to do in my recent jobs. During my time with Dynamo Dresden, the more reputable clubs in Germany purchased all of the top young talents, leaving us with no youngsters who were capable of performing at a high level. At Real Madrid, I attempted to blend young players in, with eighteen year old Juan Torres playing in the Copa del Rey final, but the board demanded ready-made stars be brought in which made it difficult to bring Real Madrid's youth in to the senior team.
I feel that I could spend many years at this football club, and this would allow me to nurture the development of the club's youth players, promising a bright future for JJK. Should you give me the opportunity, I can promise you that I will focus on bringing in young Finnish players through the academy, or elsewhere, to strengthen the team. We would not need significant transfer investment, in my opinion."
"That is fantastic to hear, Christian. I do have one more qualm, unfortunately. While you have experience in a number of different countries, you do not speak Finnish. Will this be an issue?"
"Listen, Markus. I arrived in Brazil two years ago without a single word of Portuguese. At times, there was difficulty when it came to communicating with my players, but ultimately we won the Copa América. A year later, I arrived in Spain without a control of the Spanish language. We went unbeaten that season, winning six trophies.
While I did not speak the language of these countries when I first arrived, I can now say that I am fluent in both Español and Portugués. Of course, it will be difficult for me at first. But I can promise you that I will be fluent in Finnish within a year. And, as it happens, the league season does not begin for a number of months, giving me plenty of time to learn in preparation for the campaign."
"Okay. To tell you the truth, Christian, I had my mind made up before you even stepped in the door. It is very rare for a manager with your reputation and accomplishments to wish to come manage in a country like this, and to manage a team like JJK. I would be a fool to turn you down.
You are certainly interested in taking charge here, and you speak of a long career with JJK. This excites me, and it will certainly excite the fans. We just need to finalise a contract offer on our part, and fill in the relevant official documents. This should not take more than a few days. Until we can make the deal official, I would like to extend to you the gratitude of JJK Jyväskylä for choosing to work here. Welcome to the club!"
Previous Update: #83 - Settling Down
Next Update: #85 - Club Overview
It looks like it's a new club so you'll be part of the history! Good luck with the pre-season, and the regular one!
Veikkausliiga
Ykkönen
Suomen Cup
Liigacup
