Magician's Dover Saga - S6E11 Trip To Wembley

February started with a trip to London to face Fulham. We scored in the 30th minute, and that proved to be our only goal despite having 11 shots on target. Kamil Grabara had a strong game in goal for them. A win and three points are what matter most at this stage, and that’s exactly what we achieved.


Now it’s time for some off-field news.

Firstly, despite Campos signing a new deal that would come into effect next season, we decided to sell him to Bari for £1.4 million. He was only a backup player, and next season I will likely bring in someone stronger to make the squad more competitive, so letting him go was an easy decision.


Tommy Marques wanted to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season, so when Salernitana made an offer, he accepted it. He will join them at the end of the season as free agent.


My scout recommended a Chilean youth prospect, Josué Guajardo from Universidad de Chile. He had already attracted interest from Chelsea F.C. and top Italian clubs, so I moved quickly. I made an offer, and the deal was completed within two days, including the work permit.




I wasn’t happy with Monterisi’s performances at wing-back, so I decided to sign Alex Freeman from Orlando City.





The final signing was a loan. After Borussia Mönchengladbach terminated Pereira’s loan, I needed a backup urgently. I brought in Stefan Smarkalev on loan from Werder Bremen.


That concludes our January transfer business. Below is a summary of the top transfers that took place during this transfer window.




On the 5th we played second leg against Chelsea in the EFL Cup. We started with the RAF formation on a Positive mentality, but we conceded first. We equalized, only for them to score again. With the same result as in the first leg, the tie went to extra time.

I didn’t want penalties, as they have stronger individual players, so I instructed the team to push higher, be more creative, and press aggressively. That decision paid off as Raimondo intercepted the ball as they tried to play out from the back and scored.

We then immediately switched to a more defensive approach, turning off counter-attacking and focusing on discipline. We were the better team in extra time, and in my opinion, we fully deserved it. We are finally learning how to see games out.


We are off to the final at Wembley to face Manchester City.

On the 8th of February, we hosted Crystal Palace. It was an even contest until the 80th minute. We had already switched to an attacking mentality around the 65th minute, but it wasn’t enough to break them down. So, around the 80th minute, I switched to Very Attacking. Three minutes later, Otto scored.


After taking the lead, I returned to an attacking mentality, and we added two more goals in the 90th and 93rd minutes. What seemed like a tough match ended in a convincing 3–0 win.


We then had a short international break, during which I scheduled a friendly against Hastings, which we won 5–0. This was mainly to improve match sharpness for rotation players ahead of our FA Cup clash with Reading.

Despite being the better side, we only won 4–3. It wasn’t the style of performance I wanted, but progress is still being made. Unfortunately, Bonfanti picked up an injury and will be out for 11–13 days.

On the 21 February we traveled to Liverpool. They were in excellent form, and with Hugo Ekitike scoring 18 goals, I have decided to use 433 formation. Despite a poor overall performance, we managed to come away with a goalless draw. Maarten deserves a lot of credit — he was outstanding in goal.


Then fallowed another away match with Chelsea. This time, they switched to a 4-2-4, which surprised me as they usually play 4-2-3-1. I started with RAF, but it didn’t work well, and they took the lead in the 54th minute.
I immediately made changes — Sangaré off for Killian, Talbi off for Dorgeles — and instructed the players to be more creative. I also adjusted Bate’s role from BBM to BBP. We equalized in the 67th minute.

They pushed forward aggressively, and their pace caused us problems, so I switched to a more controlled approach; lowering the defensive line and focusing on counter-attacks. The match ended 1–1, which is a solid result against another top side.


Our next match was at home against Sunderland. They were bottom of the table and play very defensive, so we went on the attack from the start. Despite dominating, we couldn’t score until the 51st minute, but then we added four more to win 5–1.


Off the pitch, the board were delighted and offered me a new contract — a three-year deal worth £33,000 per week. Considering the club’s financial health and my commitment, I accepted a slightly reduced wage of £30,000 per week.




Then we headed back to Liverpool to take on Everton. Despite clearly being the stronger side, we had to settle for a frustrating 0–0 draw. It felt like Arteta was determined not to lose another match against me, setting his team up very defensively. Unfortunately, Jordan Pickford was in outstanding form, and we just couldn’t find a way past him. Despite it only being a draw, it’s still another point collected.


In the next round of the FA Cup, we faced Swansea. I made a few rotations, as I thought we should be able to win this, but it almost cost us. Luckily, Diego stepped up and scored the only goal. We’re through to the next round.




Our next match will be a trip to Wembley to play in the Carabao Cup Final against Man City.

I’ve uploaded a goals from the match, but only on the SI page since I wasn’t sure how to upload it here. If you’d like to see it, here’s the link.

https://community.sports-interactive.com/forums/topic/600704-fm26-magicians-dover-saga-s6e11-trip-to-wembley/page/2/#comment-15054583











Welcome. We are here to cover the live Carabao Cup match: Dover vs Manchester City.

Kelly: I’m going to ask you, Gary — since you know the Dover coach better than anyone, did you get a chance to speak with “The Magician” about this match?

Gary: Yes, I gave him a call just to get a sense of what he was thinking tactically. And to be fair, he was very honest — he said he took a lot from the last City game, learned some hard lessons. So, look, what he’s saying is we’re going to see a completely different Dover today. The big question now is whether they can actually deliver that on the pitch.

Kelly: What do you think, Micah?

Micah: That 5-1 thrashing by City, that was a tough one for them. You could see the gap in quality that day, City were just too clinical. But fair play to them, they’ve shown real character since then. The way they’ve bounced back with big results against Chelsea and Spurs says a lot about how they've regrouped. They’re definitely not the same team they were earlier in the season.

That last Liverpool game, solid defensively. They were more organized than a Sunday League manager’s clipboard. You could tell they’d really worked on their shape and discipline. Liverpool still carried some threat, but the way they shut down the space was impressive.

If they use the 4-3-3 formation they will be playing counter attacking football. In possession it looks like a standard 4-3-3, but out of possession one of the midfielders drops into the back line, effectively forming a back five. That makes it difficult for opponents to find gaps.

It’s also a mid-block with a lower defensive line. It’s simple, but very effective — they’ve only lost five matches in all competitions.

They frustrate opponents and then hit on the counter. He also frequently adjusts instructions during matches, which makes it difficult for the opposition team to adjust quickly enough.







Gary: I don’t see him going with that formation. It just doesn’t feel right based on what he have said before. He mentioned that cup matches need a different approach, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the RAF formation, especially given his track record with it. He’s been using it for years, and it’s clearly brought him success, from the Conference South all the way to the Premier League. It’s a system he trusts.

Kelly: Gary you were right. We have the official team squad confirmation news, and both sides will start in a 4-2-3-1 formation.


Roy: That’s a strong lineup from City. Haaland up top, obviously but adding Cherki to the mix is interesting — he's got that flair and unpredictability, which can cause problems for any defense. Ruben’s rock-solid at the back, and Rodri pulling the strings in midfield? That’s a massive advantage.

As for the Magician, going with Finn on the left and Dorgeles on the right is a bit of a curveball. Dropping Talbi, though? A bit of a shocker, considering how crucial he's been. Maybe the Magician’s got something up his sleeve. Finn and Dorgeles could offer a bit more width and pace, so maybe he's playing for a more direct approach. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.

Micah: It might be a tough one for Talbi, but competition for places is always a good thing. If Dorgeles keeps up his performances, it’s hard to argue against him getting more minutes.

Kelly: Gary, what can you tell us about the RAF formation?

Gary: The 4-2-3-1 with two inside forwards (IF) on the wing and the two defensive midfielders (DM), where one plays that disruptor role but this is usually a player with decent passing and vision so he allow him to make more risk passes. That’s the key with this system — it's structured, but it has fluidity in how it adapts, especially when they’re lacking chances.

It’s smart that when things aren’t clicking creatively, he encourages them to dribble more and take risks. It gives the players the freedom to unlock defences on their own. If that doesn’t pay off, switching to a more attacking mentality. It’s a fine balance — keep the structure but let the players express themselves when needed. Always interesting to see how he adapts.

This tactics also introduces high line of engagement for pressing.







Kelly: What we can expect from Man City approach?

Roy: They will board them with the possession and try to score a goal maybe two. The question is how the Magician is going to react. If City doesn’t win, it’s on them. Simple as that. You don’t need fancy tactics when you’ve got players like Haaland, Cherki and that midfield engine room. Just get the job done.

Kelly: Quick predictions — who wins? I will go with City

Gary: Dover.

Micah: City, of course.

Roy: I’m going with Dover. My love for Man City is like Magician support for Arsenal.

Kelly: Let’s get the match underway.



We started the match in the RAF formation on a Balanced mentality. I turned off the instruction for distribution to centre-backs, as City were pressing very high up the pitch.

A long ball from Maarten created the opening goal — after just six minutes, we were 1–0 up.

We controlled the game until the 67th minute, when a misplaced pass playing out from Killian Phillips was intercepted by City player. Two passes later, it was 1–1.

I had just made four substitutions minutes earlier, so my only option was tactical adjustment. I switched to a Positive mentality, as momentum suggested we still had an advantage.

Looking at the stats, we were still the better team, so around the 80th minute I went to an attacking mentality. Three minutes later, we scored — Diego finished with a backheel.



From there, it was about game management. I switched back to Positive and turned on time wasting to maximum. That was enough.

We did it. History made again. We won.



Dorgeles was Man of the Match, while City’s best player was their goalkeeper — that says it all.




Back in the studio…
Kelly: Wow, I didn’t see that coming!
Roy: Before the kickoff we were discussing Magician dropping Talbi for Dorgeles, and look at that now — Dorgeles stepping up and taking the spotlight as Man of the Match. That’s the kind of gamble that pays off. A lot of managers wouldn't have the guts to make a change like that but sometimes you need that unexpected spark, and Dorgeles delivered big time. It’s a masterstroke.

Micah: They really did show something different in that game — it’s clear the recent results have given them confidence and belief. You could see the team was way more organised, pressing with intent, and covering the spaces that City usually exploit. It’s like they finally clicked into gear and realised, "Hang on, we can do this."

Gary: Yeah, I said Dover could win, but even I didn’t expect them to put on a performance like this. 3.11 xG and 13 shots on target. That’s absolutely ruthless. City have to count themselves lucky that Donnarumma was in goal — he pulled off some massive saves.
If Dover keep this kind of performance up, they’re going to be a real threat for remaining season.

Kelly: Dover fans can hardly believe it. They’re living in a dream. Dover already avoid relegation and now by winning this they will be playing in Europa Conference League. The Magician is at the heart of it all, celebrating wildly with players and supporters. Supporters are signing their new chants.



Magician, magician, what have you done?
Pulled from your hat — another one won!
Best trick yet, the job is done
Carabao Cup is finally won!

Roy: He’s earning every bit of that credit now. The doubters are eating their words right now, no question. The Magician's proving he knows exactly what he's doing. In this game, it’s all about results, and he's delivering.

Kelly: I was surprised when the Magician told the Dover player to push forward in the 80th minute. I thought he’d settle for a draw and go to penalties.

Gary: He’s not a fan of penalties, that’s clear. It’s interesting how he’s instilled this new mentality — that fearless approach at this stage of the season. That shift in mindset made a huge difference, especially with the way they reacted. They didn’t panic, they just imposed their rhythm and kept the pressure on.
That switch in mentality is why they were able to ride out the pressure after the goal and just manage the game. It’s a massive mental step for the team, and it paid off.

Kelly: We are going to switch now to the field celebration — thank you for watching.




Our next league match will also be against Manchester City — but that’s a story for the next episode.