MOURINHO'S APPRENTICE - from R.Madrid C to Los Galacticos!

MOURINHO'S APPRENTICE
from R.Madrid C to Los Galacticos!


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Notes:

After finally getting comfortable with FM2012; thanks to huge 3rd party graphic content and custom databases, I've decided to undertake the epic challenge of starting as Real Madrid C team manager in the Spanish 4th tier with the ambition of managing Los Galacticos senior team at some point in the game.

As Spanish reserve teams play in the same football structure with the senior teams, Real Madrid's second reserve side play in the Spanish 4th-level Tercera Division while Read Madrid Castilla (the first reserve team) plays in the 3rd-level Segunda Division B. My ultimate career checkpoints would be successfully managing the C team at the same time trying to get promoted to manage Castilla (B team) then maybe build reputation up elsewhere (probably at an another Madrid based club) with the aim of grabbing the ultimate prize: Becoming manager of Real Madrid!

I will be sharing the progress as real time as possible from here, trying to make it pleasant to look at.

This will be a micromanagement loaded session with only role playing career approach to game with the aforementioned goal in mind without sacrificing realism at least from the point of Real Madrid culture. Although, I will feel no shame using tools to sneak into CAs and PAs, mostly because I want to end up with the same players I've started, developing them along the way from C team to Castilla and then hopefully couple of them would be able to play in La Liga. Unfortunately, Spanish B team management still has awkward issues, surprisingly still not fixed in FM2012. The main thing is that you can't maintain more or less a competitive squad for the course of the season because sometimes the manager of the senior side decides to reduce your squad to 6-7 players with the least abilities while distributing your players you have established in your XI between other 3 sides (A,B,C or U19s) with no apparent logic at all. This especially happens around critical dates (in terms of database changes) in the game and tends to happen every two or three days when its the end of the transfer window. To make things worse, managing a C team can be even more frustrating now that you have two managers messing with your squad which for its division seems realistic.

In order to avoid this I will also be ghost managing Castilla team through another manager named Fernando Hierro (yes, him, its not that unthinkable that he can get that job). This way it seemed I can keep my intended roster for the season (at least I've made it through the transfer window so far) As Mourinho doesn't seem to mess up too much with the C squad like he does to Castilla, it seems safe for now since I ghost control Castilla as well. This manager (Hierro) will be on holiday indefinitely except for the cursed days when Mourinho decides to shuffle the squads like crazy. When that happens I will make him return from holiday, return the players I have lost to Castilla, U19 or even the senior squad to my C team again, make sure it's safe and then make him go on holiday again. Practically Castilla's Assistant Manager will be controlling them at the games. I will also feel no shame to make Fernando Hierro retire to make the position vacant at Castilla if I feel the time is right to switch. It's all for the ultimate goal.

Ok finally some more notes on the initial game setup and we're off:

- Large DB with lots of players included (whole of Africa as they count as non-EU in Spain, South American nations of course and Mediterranean nations)
- A patchwork of database changes with the most crucial one being enabling the Spanish Third Division where Real Madrid C is playing. So I'm starting at their original division at the start of the '11/'12 season, 4th-tier of Spanish football. Being just in the division just below the Real Madrid Castilla team, it seems what we won't be promoting unless they are promoted as well (to 2nd-tier Liga Adelante) Also youth talent database change is enabled to make Enzo Zidane and couple of other players available. Other minor changes mostly include youth tournaments (NextGen, Mediterranean Games, etc.)
- As mentioned there will be a holiday manager at the Castilla team styled as Fernando Hierro just to help with keeping reserve squads stable, making reserve team managing or at least this challenge playable. Also may be used to retire in the future to create vacancy for the Castilla job.
- The game seems the most fun to me when I play a role-playing kind of gameplay setting realistic goals along my career so bear with me

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Although this was an official Real Madrid media introduction event being hosted at their state-of-the-art Cuidad Real Madrid facilities; it lacked a certain, interest. Just like the lack of interest shown in the club to youth development during last couple of seasons. Although both reserve sides were doing fine in their respective divisions for the last years but Jose Mourinho, known for not being happy with the current setup, decided to establish a new reserve management system so close to the start of '11/'12 Spanish football season. There was I. About to be unveiled as the coach of Real Madrid's second reserve side the Real Madrid C, alongside club legend Fernando Hierro who is about to take control of the Castilla squad, the B team, a division above us. The obvious choice after he immediately resigned from his duites as Director in Malage and declared that he might take up coaching, i however was inexperienced and totally new to the Real Madrid family. Recently graduated from FC Internazionale's coaching academy, I was surprised when I got the call from club executives about possibility of a youth coaching position. I've met Mr. Mourinho during his days at Inter when he visited the academy for couple of lectures. After couple of calls and e-mails with senior club coaches and a meeting to tour the facilities, it was turned out I was about to manage the Real Madrid C side, competing in 4th-level regional Segunda Division B 7th Group pitted against small semi-pro clubs around Madrid Community. Mourinho never directly contacted me and we didn't talk during the whole thing at all. In fact he's nowhere to be seen right now at this unveiling of two new club managers, one being Hierro, a legend for the club. His message congratulating both of us at our new jobs came around when the press conference was about to end. Mr. Hierro couldn't hide his disappointment but for me it was a different story, I was looking forward meeting Mr. di Stefano, Mr. Butragenio, Mr. Zidane and Zidane Jnr. who might be able to play for my squad for that matter as he and his pals might step up a challenge this year.

After the press event we both were summoned by Senior Assistant Manager Aitor Karanka and briefed about the general outlook of the club just before the squad assignments, couple of days before the senior squad starts its world tour:

Real Madrid C


The squad under my responsibility. I will get the chance to fully study the squad and team history in the next couple of days. I was also introduced to my assistant Pedro Matías an ex-player for the club and like many graduates of Real Madrid Academy who left the club without representing the club at senior level. From what I'm getting the idea that he will be mostly covering the fitness training and relations with the media.

Real Madrid Castilla


Castilla is the first reserve team and has been in the 3rd-tier for nearly 15 years. During the briefing there were talks about some player possibly moving to Castilla from last year's C squad. We will sort these out after we have been introduced to the players and try to shape up the squads.

Real Madrid


Hmm. Nothing here I didn't know before, it was also nice to see Mourinho's face even on an spreadsheet.

It's my first training day with the youngsters today. After a brief meet and greet session, the boys have done pretty basic pre-season training followed by two 5-on-5 training matches. The line-up for today's session was basically the roster previous coach Jose Manuel Diaz handed over to me as I was still in the process of getting familiar with the players. In the end my first session ended pretty well and it was encouraging to finally train in these magnificent facilities. The players however seemed a bit sloppy though. This might well be because it was the first training session of the long season ahead but after I had conversations with a couple of them I had concerns about some of their level of ambition. I thought this situation might well be changed in the near future when their heroes, the Senior team starts training as well. This won't stop couple of players from really impressing me during the mini training matches though. Especially Derik, Jose Antonio Rios and Oscar Plano:







After the first half of the day, I was invited by senior assistant manager Aitor Karanka to watch U19 players training. Also joining us will be youth coach Ruben de la Red. Looking forward to meet this young youth coach and wishing him all the success and good health.

For the rest of the day I've watched U19 training at the adjacent pitch with Karanka and de la Red meanwhile my squad was handled by my assistant Pedro Matias and our youth coach Aleksandar Dyulgerov. The level of enthusiasm and potential seemed higher with the U19 guys as I watched from the stands listening to Aitor and Ruben and taking notes. We discussed about possible candidates for C team. Zinedine Zidane's son Enzo was obviously easy to single out as he showed signs of his father during the training session despite being one of the youngest at the U19 selection with 16 years of age. I was equally impressed with forward Jese and his powerful shots. Cristian Benavente seems he might become a creative and commanding midfielder. Also 17 year old goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero is regarded as the best young goalkeeper among many in the club where goalkeeping standards are set by Iker Casillas. After the session I've met all these players:









Before calling it a day, I had a quick chat with coaches that trained my team for the rest of the day, got their feedback and head back to my temporary "casa" within the facility to continue watching previous years league matches.

I have three more days of this same schedule, getting acknowledged to the club, the many talented young players and the facilities. Senior team will also start their season next day as well. So tomorrow with Jose, Christiano, Karim, Mesut and others showing up, the place will surely start to liven up.

Today is the season opener for all Real Madrid clubs and all the players were announced one by one. With 86 players spanning across 4 full squads, the ceremony left some of the star players extremely disappointed as most of them were hoping the whole thing to be over, then they are having the day off before they leave for China the next day marking the beginning of their worldwide tour. Apart from all that everyone was in good moods, Jose as well. He was giving out last minute directions to the remaining personnel, having a laugh with them along the way. He told a joke to me as well, in Italian, before we officially meet. He then welcomed me to the club and switched to someone else before he even finished his last sentence he was saying to me.

After some testimonials and some sponsor related mambo jambo I don't even knew what it was about, the senior squad left the facility to rest before their flight. The rest of the players remained as the remaining senior coaches with the help from Director of Football Zinedine Zidane, began allocating players to the B,C and U19 squads.

In the end, I got nearly all the players I have demanded. It seems my report about the current players and last seasons analysis was acknowledged. All coaches were informed all rosters were rather temporary for the time being. Here was mine:

Real Madrid C Temporary Squad

GOALKEEPERS
Alfonso Herrero (17, ESP) / Sergio Cabalenas (16, ESP)
Both keepers are highly rated and Alfonso Herrero even trained with senior goalkeeping coaches couple of times. But both are very young and at this level they will have to keep focused.

DEFENDERS
Ruben Dario (17, COL/ESP) / Diego Llorente (18, ESP) / Derik (18, ESP/NIG) / Ivan Saez (16, ESP) / Javier Garcia-Noblejas (18, ESP) / Diego Caballo (17, ESP)
I was hoping for a more experienced central defender although I am happy with the potential of these players as I had been monitoring them for a while now. Our defense lacks experience that's for sure.

MIDFIELDERS
Alex (18, ESP) / Omar (18, ESP) / Cristian Benavente (17, ESP/PER) / Jose Zamora (23, ESP) / Oscar Plano (20, ESP) / Jose Antonio Rios (21, ESP) / Enzo Zidane (16, FRA/ESP)
Absolutely thrilled with the talent and potential here. Zidane will be with us, that would be a boost for the squad. We could have given an extra central midfielder as the numbers seem sparse there. Also aged 23, Jose Zamora can make the jump to the Castilla squad any time so our right wing seems outnumbered as well. Also surprised with Alex decision cause I thought he would be assigned to Castilla, Mourinho even thought about including him to the world tour squad.

FORWARDS
Jese (18, ESP) / Ruben Sobrino (19, ESP) / Raul de Tomas (16, ESP)
Jese is one of the most dangerous players near the goal and could very well have a bright future at the club. He is constantly scoring at training matches but we will see if he can do the during the whole season. Ruben Sobrino was kind of a disappointment last season but he will get his second chance. Raul is very young at this age and have a long road ahead of him to become a worldclass player like his namesake. In the light of these our attack seems a bit outnumbered as well.

Although squad depth seemed like a real problem, I couldn't be more happier with some of the best starlets the club has are included in our roster. Thinking about finding a way to reinforce my ranks, I've decided to make a board request about bringing couple of players over for trial periods for the upcoming warm-up friendly games.

"I have given you Enzo, what now you want Luca and Theo as well?"

Mr. Zidane was joking, referring to his other sons playing at junior levels with the club. I had an appointment with him after today's training session, the first one with our refreshed roster. I had told him although I am very satisfied with the pure talent in my newly selected squad, I was worried about couple of positions that might require backup during the course of Tercera Division. Our group might include only small clubs from the greater community area but still their squads will be more or less consist of players with lower league experience, meanwhile my team now includes mostly players with first time experience outside junior football. He replied:

"Well, because of the very busy U19 schedule compared to your team's fixtures this year we had to make sure we had enough cover there, so we are aware of the situation. If you want your squad to be reinforced we can do that in a manner that a Tercera Division team making a transfer. It doesn't necessarily have to be a junior associated player as your team and the B team styled as clubs here in Spain. The players of course would have to be out of contract and also under 24 and preferably not from Spain. It might damage the reputation of our academy if we sign a local player for your division."

I have informed him about the positions that require attention: Central Defender, Central Midfielder, Right Winger and of course a Striker and whether there is a team policy for any tranfers to reserve teams this year or whether I should combine my own resources with the club's immense scouting options. He said:

"Regarding reserve teams the only policy that we can speak was of is the idea of giving African players with potential a shot in the lower divisions, a long term lesson the club learned from Eto'o. I am sure our scouting network always has candidates. I have to check with our scouts and send you player details if they come up with anything. You can also use your own resources and contacts as per the criteria I've said before. And about the forward position, I think I know just the person. It might just work, he's out from PSG academy now but the club didn't offer him a deal. Again, I will have to find and send you his details."

I thanked him and was completely impressed with him finding time for matters, which in a club like Real Madrid seem very unimportant stuff. I was hoping that I would take time evaluating candidates with scouts but it seems I will be given a list and not have much control over the thing, but that seemed fine thinking the players are being recommended from Real Madrid scouts. Zidane also wished me good luck and also informed me about preparations for pre-season and friendly fixtures are nearly finished and I should expect them soon in my inbox.

Next morning, I have received couple of important e-mails:

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From: Zinedine Zidane (Director of Football)

The scouting team is now informed about the situation and working on a shortlist of possible candidates suitable for your division. You might be able to trial these players over the friendlies for which the schedule is also ready. And I've found the forward player I've told you about. He's Jeremy Courbera, French guy from Paris. You might not want miss giving him a chance as he seems in talks with several French and English clubs. Don't worry I will arrange the business side of things.

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From: Arkaitz Mota (Scout)

As per Mr. Zidane's request we have arranged following footballers available. Let us remind you that these players are free agents who might be suitable and interested to play in Spanish 4th division filtered from our network of scouted players worldwide. Also a reminder that in the case of a possible transfer after their trial periods, we can only offer them one year semi-professional contracts asserting their positions as they have been transferred to Real Madrid only to provide backup for Real Madrid C in the Tercera Division, ensuring our youth development programme is not disrupted. Here are the players:

Felix Orode (21, NIG): Nigerian attacking player who can play as an attacking midfielder and as a wingman but also had been deployed as a striker. He chose a career in Argentina after Nigerian club Sharks FC. We have always wandered what San Lorenzo team from Argentina found in this young Nigerian although after one year at San Lorenzo he had spells with lower profile sides, becoming a free agent this summer. He is having difficulties finding clubs because he is relatively unknown in Europe, so he might consider an offer from the C team.

Leoh Digbeu (21, CIV): Product of Ivorian club FC Bibo, we started scouted him when he was in Romania first with FC Baia Mare and then much high profile CFR Cluj but then he went on loan to a second division club. He is a central midfielder can adapt a left wing role.

Thierry Ano Clovis (18, CIV): We have spotted this player from Ivory Coast in Georgia, hugely impressing in the Georgian top division. Still young and skilled in dribbling, he can play on right wing but also known for his talent in scoring goals.

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.
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We also have French player Jeremy Courbera on standby as requested by Zinedine Zidane, and awaiting your reply about possible trial agreements with those players.

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From: Andrea Gaspari (DC, 23, ITA)

Thanks for contacting me, I am absolutely delighted about the opportunity for playing for Real Madrid at any level and have no problem considering a one year agreement to play in the Tercera League. Thanks again for the interest you have shown in me and i'm looking forward for a challenge outside Italy.


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From: Aitor Karanka (Seinor Assistant Manager)

We have tried to offer you both challenge and a chance to evaluate all the new players during the upcoming pre-season match schedule. We have confirmed with all the clubs so here's your schedule:

30 July 2011, vs. Zamora CF (H)
Zamora Football Club from a town nearby will visit our facilities and we have offered a game between your side and them. Remind you that, although not performing well during last two seasons they are relatively strong side in Segunda Division B, which is one higher than your current division.

1 August 2011, vs. Real Avila CF (H)
For you to see the level of players in your division we have arranged a match between your side and Real Avila, although they are in Castille and Leon group not yours and they have finished that group no less than 4th for the last 4 years. The match will be played here.

5 August 2011, vs. Rayo B (H)
You will have visitors again this time the B squad of fellow Madrid club Rayo Vallecano. We are unsure about their selection for this year but are again one step higher than you in the pyramid.

10 August 2011, vs. Villarubia CF (A)
14 August 2011, vs. UD Santa Marta (A)
Daily visits to these two teams from relatively nearby towns, and your calendar will be complete. Villarubia plays in the same division again in a different group and Santa Marta who have been relegated to 5th level, finishing your schedule with a weaker team we are hoping to relieve some of the pre-season stress from you and your players.

This morning, with the arrival of the last remaining player that we were having talks with, my squad seems complete. And it was about time because we have 5 days ahead of us until our first friendly game. With training going right on schedule, this will give me enough time to prepare some starting elevens and assess new players.

First to arrive was Andrea Gaspari, Italian defender. I've approached him personally and he was assigned a temporary fitness schedule while waiting for other players. Then next day Ivorian Coast players Leoh Digbeu and Thierry Ano Clovis and Jeremy Courbera arrived from Paris, followed by Nigerian Felix Orode and an 24 year old Argentinian player named Leandro Depetris finally arriving the following day starting their trial periods.

It took two training sessions before we had to end Depetris' trial contract prematurely as he seemed way off and unambitious. He might have been a fine backup for our Tercera Division campaign but it was highly unlikely that he will be offered a playing contact and he was playing on the left wing where I had adequate cover.

Now the squad seems complete, we have started doing some tactical training and also started working on set game plays with the new arrivals still syncing up fitness level with the rest of the team. I will be more involved in the tactical side of things for the next days, till our first game against Zamora.

Pre-season Friendly against Zamora CF (H): 3-3 Enzo Zidane (45+2), Ivan Saez (68), Felix Orode (84) - Matias Alonso (34), Jairo (78,81)

Real Madrid C: Cabalenas (Molina), Llorente (Alex), Derik (Saez), Gaspari (Molero), Garcia-Noblejas, Omar (Aguza), Digbeu, Clovis (Orode), Zidane (Rios), Sobrino (Plano), Jese (De Tomas)

Man of the Match: Jairo (Zamora CF)

At my 25th day on post as manager of Real Madrid C, I had my first game. I was nervous all day trying to select a line-up from my temporary squad plus the new players on trial, also trying to select a formation. It was going to be my first game ever as well. The Zamora team arrived at our facilities around 5 o'clock and was training at one of the pitches until the match. Zamora is an Segundo Division B club, established itself by playing 11 seasons of football at that level. They are one step higher on the football pyramid. We should pay special attention to 26 year old striker Uruguayan Matias Alonso and 35 year old local player Juan Carlos as they are experienced players and seems like their top talents.

When me and my team arrived at the venue, (which was basically an another training pitch with couple of more stands for increased capacity and renamed as Deportiva de Valdebebas) I was shocked to see a decent number of spectators already waiting at the stands. As it turned out they more mostly families of our players (watching their son progressing through Real Madrid ranks as we have included lots of former junior players in my squad) and some hardcore Zamora fans who wouldn't miss to watch a game here at Real Madrid's training facilities.

With the kick-off, the game and my career was officially started. A defensive error caused Matias Alonso to score in the 34th minute, then Zidane scored an impressive long distance goal from left wing. For second half I've almost changed the line-up trying to make everyone play in this very first game in front of their families. One of those players, defender Saez made it 2-1 for us with a header on 68th minute. But our defense seemed they have a long way to go when Jairo scored twice in 3 minutes making us trail again. Nigerian trialist Felix Orode impressed by scoring at 84th minute and the match ended with 3 goals all.

It was a good start to the season and everybody had a fine afternoon. I was happy my team earned a draw from a much experienced and established team giving the fact that our squad was mostly consisting of players playing first time as a team, despite this I was thinking about the defensive errors we did on my mind returning to my residence from the pitch.

vs

1 August 2011 8:00PM - Ciudad Real Madrid Deportiva de Valdebebas
Attendance: 61

Pre-season Friendly against Avila CF (H): 2-3 Jose Zamora (11, 50) - Raul (18), Ivan Saez (o.g. 53), Mario Juez (74)

Real Madrid C: Cabalenas (Ricardo), Garrido (Dario), Gaspari (Molero), Saez, Rios (Garcia-Noblejas), Omar, Aguza (Antonio), Zamora , Zidane (Vidal), Courbera, Sobrino (Sol)

Man of the Match: Jose Zamora (Real Madrid C)

I was still experimenting with the squad and the tactics when we had an another friendly two days later, this time the visitors are Avila CF, a Tercera Division side in the Castille-Leon group, tipped as candidates for the top spot. It would have been nice not to lose this one but conceding 3 goals again was my worry. I'm not happy with the goalkeepers that I have been trying. Herrero is on international duty with Spanish U19 team and Cabalenas, Ricardo and Molina is not living up to expectations at the moment. Also defense seems lagging as well, our defender Ivan Saez even scored an own goal in this match. I was also giving some of the Castilla players like Fran Sol some game time due to Hierro's request. Two goals from our right winger Jose Zamora was the only positive outcome in this match. Two games and still no win, still got a long way ahead of us.

Not been on the site for a while but came across your story. Stunning visuals. Good luck for the season ahead mate

Great read. Really enjoying this one. You make it so realistic and fun.



-CantGetEnoughOfJelavic