Another fantastic update mate. Great writing. Unlucky in the CL final but like you say you're only getting better. Hadjuk for the CL win next year 
Need to make it through the off-season. I have made one signing, and I'm pretty sure that's going to be all this time... Still, going to have to wait for the end before I make an update
Bendiš was sitting in his office. It was 20 years since that day in Barcelona. 20 long years. His café's business was booming, and his first son was front lining the attack at the Hajduk which he had formed into nothing but his own. The owners had given him a 10% stake in the club for his 35th birthday... then his 40th, than his 45th. It was a small token of their gratitude, as only Bendiš could have made Hajduk into what it was.
The new Poljud was visible from the giant floor-to-ceiling windows of his much larger office; all 70 000 seats of its glory. It was as beautiful as it had always been, but now, it was much bigger. Croatia had recently held a very successful European Championship, as José Mourinho lead Bendiš's Hajduk squad to their first European championship, before leading the same team to the World Cup in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
And the Champions League had just wrapped up. Split had gone home for the evening, and Bendiš sat, with his feet on his massive mahogany desk, and a large scotch in his hand. The scotch, a gift from Daniel Moyes, was given when Manchester City had lost to Hajduk in last year's semifinal. 15 framed newspapers lined his office, with screaming headlines. Dated in 2018, a yellowing copy of Jutarnji listed "THE TEARS OF THE ADRIATIC"
Dated two years later, there was a copy with "SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR." Steven Gerrard had to watch as Liverpool lifted their first Champions League trophy under Simon Grayson.
It was followed by "LJUBIČIĆ TORMENTS KIŠ TO LIFT 11 FOR REAL MADRID". Tomislav Kiš retired Hajduk's top goalscorer by a huge margin, in 2030, at the age of 35. Ivan Džoni had retired the same year at 34. He had won all but one trophy in his career. There were several more newspapers, all with a similar headline. A solitary headline of victory was around halfway through the wall, when "HAJDUK LIFT EUROPA LEAGUE TROPHY" followed by "SUPER CUP IN CROATIA", when Kiš, in an act of despair, scored a hat trick in both matches.
It ended though, right above Bendiš's desk. Bendiš was looking at it now. The newspaper - dated just last week - had a picture of him, shedding a single tear, and the headline "THE UNLUCKIEST MAN ALIVE". It could hardly be more true. Bendiš had never won a Champions League trophy. He had been to the final 15 times in 20 years, and had never won, even when it was in his own back-yard.
A knock on the door came. One of the owners of the club entered, followed by a minority owner, and the club managing director.
"Mr. Bendiš, we've decided to let you go. You have been an excellent servant to the club, and you will always be welcome on the board. But, right now, we feel that you simply cannot get the result that we want."
Bendiš sat there, stone faced. Even at 46, he still cut an imposing figure, but he was tired. Not physically, not mentally, but emotionally...
"We've decided to bring in José Mourinho. He's worked with your entire team and has actually brought results, big results... and that is really the direction we'd like to be moving in. Again, we'd like to thank you for your time, but really, you're just not the man for the job."
--
A much younger Bendiš woke up with a cold sweat. He checked his watch, and he checked on his fiancée, before he went back to sleep. In the morning, he remembered the dream, but only just. He could only hope that he would avoid the same fate.
The new Poljud was visible from the giant floor-to-ceiling windows of his much larger office; all 70 000 seats of its glory. It was as beautiful as it had always been, but now, it was much bigger. Croatia had recently held a very successful European Championship, as José Mourinho lead Bendiš's Hajduk squad to their first European championship, before leading the same team to the World Cup in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
And the Champions League had just wrapped up. Split had gone home for the evening, and Bendiš sat, with his feet on his massive mahogany desk, and a large scotch in his hand. The scotch, a gift from Daniel Moyes, was given when Manchester City had lost to Hajduk in last year's semifinal. 15 framed newspapers lined his office, with screaming headlines. Dated in 2018, a yellowing copy of Jutarnji listed "THE TEARS OF THE ADRIATIC"
Dated two years later, there was a copy with "SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR." Steven Gerrard had to watch as Liverpool lifted their first Champions League trophy under Simon Grayson.
It was followed by "LJUBIČIĆ TORMENTS KIŠ TO LIFT 11 FOR REAL MADRID". Tomislav Kiš retired Hajduk's top goalscorer by a huge margin, in 2030, at the age of 35. Ivan Džoni had retired the same year at 34. He had won all but one trophy in his career. There were several more newspapers, all with a similar headline. A solitary headline of victory was around halfway through the wall, when "HAJDUK LIFT EUROPA LEAGUE TROPHY" followed by "SUPER CUP IN CROATIA", when Kiš, in an act of despair, scored a hat trick in both matches.
It ended though, right above Bendiš's desk. Bendiš was looking at it now. The newspaper - dated just last week - had a picture of him, shedding a single tear, and the headline "THE UNLUCKIEST MAN ALIVE". It could hardly be more true. Bendiš had never won a Champions League trophy. He had been to the final 15 times in 20 years, and had never won, even when it was in his own back-yard.
A knock on the door came. One of the owners of the club entered, followed by a minority owner, and the club managing director.
"Mr. Bendiš, we've decided to let you go. You have been an excellent servant to the club, and you will always be welcome on the board. But, right now, we feel that you simply cannot get the result that we want."
Bendiš sat there, stone faced. Even at 46, he still cut an imposing figure, but he was tired. Not physically, not mentally, but emotionally...
"We've decided to bring in José Mourinho. He's worked with your entire team and has actually brought results, big results... and that is really the direction we'd like to be moving in. Again, we'd like to thank you for your time, but really, you're just not the man for the job."
--
A much younger Bendiš woke up with a cold sweat. He checked his watch, and he checked on his fiancée, before he went back to sleep. In the morning, he remembered the dream, but only just. He could only hope that he would avoid the same fate.
#MindBlown. I got scared when they let you go for the ex Special One. Did you play ahead of the save and got those results? Those damn Hajduk board!
2013-09-23 14:39#135607 Pauker : #MindBlown. I got scared when they let you go for the ex Special One. Did you play ahead of the save and got those results? Those damn Hajduk board!
Twenty years? No, it was just a dream
Excellent Update Bendis! Drunk in every word! Glad its only a dream though! Would've been catastrophic not having this story on the site.
Great update
2013-09-24 01:00#135704 Neal : 15 UCL final lossesMay that fate never befall anyone!
Even worse: 15 UCL final losses, and 1 loss at home
HAJDUK DOING THE BAYERN
HRVOJE ŽLIDAR, NIKICA IVAN?I?: FIRST PLAYERS TO JOIN HAJDUK IN TWO YEARS
As Bayern did it for years and years, Hajduk is doing it now. At this given moment, Hajduk is buying the greatest young talent in Croatia. But the fundamental difference? Hajduk is buying their talent so young, most of them will even be considered youth academy graduates from the club.
Hrvoje Žlidar, 17, marked Hajduk's first buy in two years, as they spent 100 000 € on a replacement for the aging Goran Jozinovi? at left back. While Erik Janža currently has that position locked down, there has always been rumours about Everton coming in for the sublime full-back. Also, Žlidar should be able to play instead of Josip Baši? or Erik Janža. A decent substitute across the back-line is always useful, especially at 17.
http://i44.tinypic.com/2j600lv.jpg
Then, Hajduk looked for more. And they found it. Recently relegated Rijeka was having a tough time holding onto their youth academy, and, with Hajduk knocking, they just couldn't hold onto Nikica Ivan?i?, an excellent prospect for a defensive midfielder position. The 16 year old did cost Hajduk a bit more, but Bendiš was pleased to get the deal secured.
http://i39.tinypic.com/52xn2t.jpg
Hajduk, however, is looking into selling striker, Hrvoje Maji?. There are a few interested parties, and it is said that the sale of Maji? could bring in close to two million euros for the club, enough to finance all transfer shenanigans this year and the next. Hrvoje Maji?, notable for being Ligue 1s 4th best goalscorer at the age of 19, could move to Warsaw. But, while he was a key player for Caen and Pescara, he just isn't considered good enough to compete with Kiš or Ljubi?i?
http://i44.tinypic.com/10p69sn.jpg
HRVOJE ŽLIDAR, NIKICA IVAN?I?: FIRST PLAYERS TO JOIN HAJDUK IN TWO YEARS
As Bayern did it for years and years, Hajduk is doing it now. At this given moment, Hajduk is buying the greatest young talent in Croatia. But the fundamental difference? Hajduk is buying their talent so young, most of them will even be considered youth academy graduates from the club.
Hrvoje Žlidar, 17, marked Hajduk's first buy in two years, as they spent 100 000 € on a replacement for the aging Goran Jozinovi? at left back. While Erik Janža currently has that position locked down, there has always been rumours about Everton coming in for the sublime full-back. Also, Žlidar should be able to play instead of Josip Baši? or Erik Janža. A decent substitute across the back-line is always useful, especially at 17.
http://i44.tinypic.com/2j600lv.jpg
Then, Hajduk looked for more. And they found it. Recently relegated Rijeka was having a tough time holding onto their youth academy, and, with Hajduk knocking, they just couldn't hold onto Nikica Ivan?i?, an excellent prospect for a defensive midfielder position. The 16 year old did cost Hajduk a bit more, but Bendiš was pleased to get the deal secured.
http://i39.tinypic.com/52xn2t.jpg
Hajduk, however, is looking into selling striker, Hrvoje Maji?. There are a few interested parties, and it is said that the sale of Maji? could bring in close to two million euros for the club, enough to finance all transfer shenanigans this year and the next. Hrvoje Maji?, notable for being Ligue 1s 4th best goalscorer at the age of 19, could move to Warsaw. But, while he was a key player for Caen and Pescara, he just isn't considered good enough to compete with Kiš or Ljubi?i?
http://i44.tinypic.com/10p69sn.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/fx6t1i.jpg
KIŠ LIFTS SUPER CUP AT HOME
HAJDUK 2-1 DINAMO A. MILI?, T. KIŠ
Twice in a row now, Dinamo has denied Hajduk their double dreams. Twice. But Bendiš wasn't having them take the trophy that he won every. Single. Year. The Croatian Super Cup is Hajduk's, and it always has been.
And to be honest, Dinamo didn't stand a chance. They did open the scoring though. Against the run of play, Dinamo academy graduate, Frano Mlinar lofted a ball forward for Jefferson, who managed to dink it past a rushing Goran Blaževi?. Mlinar, who started at Dinamo, but spent 6 years touring various minor European clubs, finishing off in Denmark, celebrated his re-début, as a 200 000 € signing for the fallen Croatian former champions.
But Hajduk had the better side, and soon, it showed. Erik Janža took an excellent throw in, right to Antonio Mili?'s head. The Slovenian full-back has shown that you do not need Rory Delap to throw in the ball. It remains, despite Janža being an attacking full-back, one of Janža's primary sources of assists. After the teams came back out for the second half, Ljubi?i?, Kiš, and Mujan paired up for an excellent chance, but Mujan, primarily a winger with a terrible shot, buckled under pressure, for the leading goal.
Kiš, given the same chance, didn't make the same mistake. Now 24, the 4 time winner for the Croatian golden boot scored off a counter, and took the trophy with it. 2-1, final score. Dinamo didn't stand a chance.
MEANWHILE... IN PARIS
BENDIŠ TAKES FRANCE POST
Offered the position as head coach in Rio di Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Paris, Bendiš took the France post, to the tune of an extra 2.1 million euros a year. Brazil, the 2nd best team in the world, is said to have been rejected due to the lack of time to scout all of Brazil's talent and the lack of a larger salary, while, realistically, Argentina wasn't even in the running. This is Bendiš's first chance at a larger national team, despite trying to get the Croatia post on several occasions. France looks forward to an excellent tenure though, as Bendiš is thought to be one of the best managers of the world, ever since leading Hajduk to the Champions League final. And, his new backroom staff is, frankly, stunning, with Thierry Henry, Xavi, and Mauro Tassotti all making appearances. Perhaps France can get back from 6th place, and make a run for #1.
KIŠ LIFTS SUPER CUP AT HOME
HAJDUK 2-1 DINAMO A. MILI?, T. KIŠ
Twice in a row now, Dinamo has denied Hajduk their double dreams. Twice. But Bendiš wasn't having them take the trophy that he won every. Single. Year. The Croatian Super Cup is Hajduk's, and it always has been.
And to be honest, Dinamo didn't stand a chance. They did open the scoring though. Against the run of play, Dinamo academy graduate, Frano Mlinar lofted a ball forward for Jefferson, who managed to dink it past a rushing Goran Blaževi?. Mlinar, who started at Dinamo, but spent 6 years touring various minor European clubs, finishing off in Denmark, celebrated his re-début, as a 200 000 € signing for the fallen Croatian former champions.
But Hajduk had the better side, and soon, it showed. Erik Janža took an excellent throw in, right to Antonio Mili?'s head. The Slovenian full-back has shown that you do not need Rory Delap to throw in the ball. It remains, despite Janža being an attacking full-back, one of Janža's primary sources of assists. After the teams came back out for the second half, Ljubi?i?, Kiš, and Mujan paired up for an excellent chance, but Mujan, primarily a winger with a terrible shot, buckled under pressure, for the leading goal.
Kiš, given the same chance, didn't make the same mistake. Now 24, the 4 time winner for the Croatian golden boot scored off a counter, and took the trophy with it. 2-1, final score. Dinamo didn't stand a chance.
MEANWHILE... IN PARIS
BENDIŠ TAKES FRANCE POST
Offered the position as head coach in Rio di Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Paris, Bendiš took the France post, to the tune of an extra 2.1 million euros a year. Brazil, the 2nd best team in the world, is said to have been rejected due to the lack of time to scout all of Brazil's talent and the lack of a larger salary, while, realistically, Argentina wasn't even in the running. This is Bendiš's first chance at a larger national team, despite trying to get the Croatia post on several occasions. France looks forward to an excellent tenure though, as Bendiš is thought to be one of the best managers of the world, ever since leading Hajduk to the Champions League final. And, his new backroom staff is, frankly, stunning, with Thierry Henry, Xavi, and Mauro Tassotti all making appearances. Perhaps France can get back from 6th place, and make a run for #1.
Good win the in the Supercup, and also interesting choice taking the France job. I hope you succeed with them!
Also, CONGRATS!! 10k views
Also, CONGRATS!! 10k views
http://i49.tinypic.com/fx6t1i.jpg
KIŠ SCORES TWO AS HAJDUK KICK OFF TITLE DEFENSE
SLAVEN BELUPO 0-2 HAJDUK T. KIŠ (29, PEN '46)
Hajduk, who are probably one of the only major European teams to not play a possession game, dominated with 63% of the possession, and Slaven Belupo dropped without a trace. Realistically, against their less than stellar opposition, Hajduk can afford to put anyone they want in goal. But, with each team providing surprises in the competition, and no decent back-up goalkeeper, Bendiš isn't keen on losing any points.
But against Slaven Belupo? Ivan Džoni might as well have stood in on goal, as Slaven only had 1 shot on goal, which went straight to Goran Blaževi?'s hands.
Tomislav Kiš showed up with the first goal, and while it was Mario Ljubi?i? who looked better last season, Kiš showed why he is still the top dog at Hajduk. His first strike was after a beautiful run coming in from the left and placing the ball under the goalkeeper, while he won the second penalty himself, right after half-time.
With the season just underway, it remains to be seen whether anyone can stop Hajduk. Slaven Belupo is, by no means, a bad team. They have former Hajduk striker (who left to Dinamo for money, before "playing" in England) Duje ?op and former Arsenal man, Eduardo da Silva. But, against Hajduk? Neither had a chance, and after a cup of coffee with a few friends in Zagreb, Bendiš took off home, to celebrate the victory with his fiancé and his café.
KIŠ SCORES TWO AS HAJDUK KICK OFF TITLE DEFENSE
SLAVEN BELUPO 0-2 HAJDUK T. KIŠ (29, PEN '46)
Hajduk, who are probably one of the only major European teams to not play a possession game, dominated with 63% of the possession, and Slaven Belupo dropped without a trace. Realistically, against their less than stellar opposition, Hajduk can afford to put anyone they want in goal. But, with each team providing surprises in the competition, and no decent back-up goalkeeper, Bendiš isn't keen on losing any points.
But against Slaven Belupo? Ivan Džoni might as well have stood in on goal, as Slaven only had 1 shot on goal, which went straight to Goran Blaževi?'s hands.
Tomislav Kiš showed up with the first goal, and while it was Mario Ljubi?i? who looked better last season, Kiš showed why he is still the top dog at Hajduk. His first strike was after a beautiful run coming in from the left and placing the ball under the goalkeeper, while he won the second penalty himself, right after half-time.
With the season just underway, it remains to be seen whether anyone can stop Hajduk. Slaven Belupo is, by no means, a bad team. They have former Hajduk striker (who left to Dinamo for money, before "playing" in England) Duje ?op and former Arsenal man, Eduardo da Silva. But, against Hajduk? Neither had a chance, and after a cup of coffee with a few friends in Zagreb, Bendiš took off home, to celebrate the victory with his fiancé and his café.
You are reading "[FM13]The Adriatic Adventure [Hajduk Split]".
