DP91's European Glory

When In Rome


So taking on the Roma position it was pretty clear that with a midfield of; Pjanic, Strootman, Florenzi, De Rossi, Kondogbia and Classie I sadly didn't actually need to bring in some of my favourite stars from Shakhtar, namely the Romero's. I did however look to prize away Bernard whom was priced close to £40m and therefore way out of my league.

Here is a summary of the transfers conducted by Shakhtar since my departure.

Well that's a kick in the teeth! Nearly every star has been sold, for less than they should have I might add, and additionally most to rivals! Brilliant.

So moving on, Roma transfers in.


With so many departures to reduce the wage bill and such the first team players leaving the club were: Gervinho - Lille £3.4m. Leandro Castan - Napoli £1m. Adriano - Palermo £550k. Lukas Podolski - Betis £350k & Boninsegna - Sampdoria £1.7m. Wages for Gervinho, Castan, Adriano and Podolski had totalled over £95k each!



Shock News

So by this stage I'd have expected to see the Champions League draw with Roma having finished in second place in the season prior to my appointment. Upon checking the competition it appears we are not involved in the competition this season, nor the Europa League. I have come to the conclusion that this must be a financial fair play enforcement even with the small spending conducted by Roma in the past seasons? Either way, onwards we go. A year out of the Champions League for me and Roma shockingly. Has anyone else had such an issue occur? I was at least expecting a message to inform me we were not able to participate in Europe for whatever reason!?

So this season we focus on nailing down our first team squad and hopefully challenging Juventus for their somewhat comfortable position on top of Italy.

Rome Was Built In A Day


So with the knowledge that we would have no Champions League football this season for whatever the reason, I still have no concrete idea, the past 24 hours have been sailing past and so has the first season in Rome.

Briefly a quick look back at our departed Shakhtar side, or should I say Koeman's Shakhtar side after he well and truly saw it torn apart to build a-new.

Still winning, and still pretty dominant in Ukraine which is good to see.

As for Rome, it truly was built in a day. The first half of the season saw plenty of squad rotation as the new signings, Sakho in defence, and the trio of new wingers, Rotariu, Daniel and Depay saw a mixed bag of game time as slowly Daniel and Sakho's performances started to really stand out. As we approached January we found ourselves some 6 points behind Juventus in 3rd place with AC Milan under new boss Zinedine Zidane sitting 4 points behind the Turin outfit.

2017 Fixtures


The second half of the season needed to improve if we were to challenge Juventus for the title which had not left their clutches for near 10 seasons and mid-way through February we still found ourselves some 6 points behind in the title race after a disappointing loss to Bari and poor performance against Inter just after we managed to claw back 3 vital points against Juventus themselves. This meant that with 14 games remaining we had beaten Juventus twice but still found ourselves trailing them by the 6 points we had done nearly all season.

Then came the streak, 11 games unbeaten and only 2 points dropped saw us leapfrog Juventus and lead them by 3 points with only 3 games remaining after they drew to rivals Torino and were defeated by AC Milan and Udinese. The race however was not over. An early lead against Napoli put us right in the picture to take the title as our two remaining fixtures against Parma and Palermo should be relatively easy. Two goals in the last 15 saw Napoli end the streak and draw up a table a little something like this!


We were now only sitting on top of the table due to our two wins over joint top Juventus whom had actually acquired a better goal difference than ourselves over the season so far. The title would be decided by our last two games of the season. Parma at home and Palermo away on the last day.

2018 Fixtures



According to this we won the title on goal-difference however it wasn't the case otherwise we would have finished second.

17 years since Roma had last won the Serie A title and in hindsight I really do think this has only been achieved due to the fact we were not competing in the Champions League this season and furthermore saw ourselves eliminated from the Italian Cup quite early on in the season. The 2017 fixtures saw a fairly rotated squad but our 2018 fixtures saw a very strict first 11 play when available and fit and I think these factors made a huge difference. To see Juventus drop 7 points in 3 consecutive games was crazy also, for that blip I have no explanation!

When joining Roma is was also pretty clear that Wilfried Bony was the star striker for the club and youngster Tony Sanabria was on the fringe with just the odd appearance for the club. Bony started the first month out injured and never saw a way back into the first team. I don't known how well know Sanabria is to everyone else but this kid gets a huge recommendation from me, he was incredible this season and broke the scoring record for the club. Additionally Daniel also broke the assists and player of the match award records proving a fantastic signing.

Tony Sanabria


Next Up - Summer 2018

The Bank Of Rome


So as we head into the summer break after our domestic triumph last season in Serie A last season we were given the news of our transfer budget for the season.

It appears the bank of Rome are broke! Two seasons in a row and we've been handed a budget total of less than £2m! The plan from here is to take a bit of a risk this season in hope we get a good budget next season and potentially continue the quest for European Glory with Roma. I plan to sell quite a few players in order to raise the balance of the club for an improvement in transfer budget. Thankfully we have a strong squad which will allow for departures in certain areas also based upon our incoming bosman signings. Our transfer percentage of those players sold is currently set at 0% so it may be a huge risk.

Transfers Out
Jordy Clasie - Dortmund - £20m
Geoffrey Kondogbia - Man Utd - £11.25m
Wilfried Bony - Everton - £13.5m
Davide Astori - Toulouse - £2.5m
Valerio Trani - Bologna - £350k
Silvio Anocic - Pescara - £900k
Elio Capradossi - Pescara - £800k
Luca Mazzitelli - Atalanta - £1.1m
Michele Troiani - Modena - £500k

Total £51.5m

Transfers In


Total £5.25m

So this season we will take on Europe for the first time in 'When in Rome' but I am unsure as to whether or not right now this may be our first and last venture for European Glory. As good a side as this Roma team is I don't quite feel right now that we could achieve much more than whatever we achieve this season should we not receive a transfer budget of some sort!


Next Up - Roma Take on Europe

Roman Empire


So Rome's attempts to conquer Europe once more begin as we are this season granted our hard earned spot in Europe with a group which should be pretty simple even as 3rd seeds.

The group see's me yet again face off against Diego Simeone and his Atletico Madrid side.

Elsewhere a quick look at our finances after the ploy to raise future funds over the summer.

Our financial status is now classified as 'Rich' and we have a very healthy projected balance. Hopefully come the end of the season we will have a healthy budget to improve the squad and should we not achieve 'European Glory' this time I will still see it as a possible task with Roma.

So a few games into the season now and a very good start to this campaign. A confident start in Europe with a win against Crvena coming as no shock. Elsewhere domestically big wins against Inter and Juventus mean were en route to another good season in Italy.

A couple of hiccups



Our great start to the campaign was not to be long lived. The great start, including wins over Inter and Juve, was short lived as I tasted defeat once again away to Atletico meaning a 2-1 record in games played at the Vicente Calderon. The defeat however did inspire a short run of form before a disappointing defeat to Atalanta. It appears though that the odd defeat seems to just chuck us right back into form though as 4 games unbeaten followed the poor performance including a second 4 goal haul against Porto which with the second 3-0 win over Crvena saw us qualify for the first knockout stage of the Champions league.

13 games into the season our difference over Juventus is just the 3 points we gained by beating them earlier in the season. The disappointing defeat to Atalanta stands as our only current league defeat but it has put Juve right back on our tails as it looks to be another close fought season.

Elsewhere a landmark and two job offers during this run up until December.



Both offers were turned down, I'm unsure that an international role will ever be on the cards in this career and Sampdoria whilst offering a transfer budget of £19.25m which is exactly what I'm after with Roma, the squad and current league position meant that Champions League football next year was probably out of reach for them leaving a stingy Roma the better club for now.

Can't Catch A Break


The half-way stage of the season is upon us and a good start so far to the season.

Juventus have made up 2 points on us in the past 6 games and Inter are having a good season themselves and now sit only 6 points behind in the title race. Elsewhere as previously mentioned we had qualified with relative ease for the knockout stages of the Champions League after a demolition job over Atletico in the home fixture.



Of course with the transfer window now upon us we have seen no increase to our transfer revenue or budget so far and with the likes of Ljajic, Schär and Daniel all subject to various interest it's going to be a struggle to keep harmony in the squad without being forced to sell anyone for the measly 20% revenue of transfers.

Early 2019


Champions League - Last 16

A good draw for the round of 16 for us drawing arguably the easiest opposition remaining in the competition.


We suffered a shock defeat to the hands of Chievo as we entered February and not just a small one. The team completely fell apart after the early dismissal of De Rossi for a second yellow which was followed by a penalty after a foul committed by Schär.
Progression in the Italian Cup and a decisive victory over Inter once more meant it was not a bad month as we furthermore avoided defeat to Juventus however started March with a poor defeat against Napoli whom made a fantastic comeback from a 2-0 deficit.

Those two defeats have seen a big turnaround in the league table additionally as Juventus capitalised on our 2 defeats extending an unbeaten run to take a 5 point lead with 13 games remaining this season.

Searching for the Winning Formula


As we enter March we start a pretty hectic fixture schedule of 8 games in just over a month and with Juventus in fantastic form yet again at this stage of the season it was always going to be a hard run of fixtures as we started things off with the first leg of the Italian Cup Semi final against Inter. The game however was dominated as we again demolished the Milan side in what is starting to become a very easy fixture for us.
Things from there however started to falter as we were unable to find the Winning Formula which was very much needed, dropping points to both Udinese and Cagliari before a very poor performance at home to Olympiacos which could have potentially see us eliminated from the competition even after our brilliant first leg performance.

Our form did pick up again towards the end of March and start of April however and if it wasn't for more points dropped to Verona mid-way through April I'm sure we may have still had a chance at the title with 8 games remaining although Juventus appeared to have other ideas.

11 points behind the leaders now and I believe that to be the title race over for this season as Juventus continue with their impressive form which will no doubt see them regain the Serie A title. Last season the title was won with a total of 92 points which with 8 games to go this season, Juventus can still potentially record a very impressive 102 point total for the season. The big difference of course is our second half of the season slump which has seen us draw far too many games.

Champions League - Quarter Final Draw
Elsewhere a tough draw for the next stage of the Champions League as we face Real Madrid who had just knocked out Shakhtar from the competition.

Additionally we had some very badly timed injury news as our two dominant midfielders this season both acquired injuries seeing them ruled out for the next 6-7 weeks along with the very handy Vrsaljiko who was now ruled out for 4 weeks. All of that just in time for the final 8 games, Real Madrid in the QF stage and maybe even the Italian Cup final.

Three is the magic number


The losses of especially Florenzi who had been tipped for the 'Ballon d'or' this season and also Pjanic in central midfield and our rotational LB/RB Vrsaljko really hit us hard as we entered April and our first leg at home to Real Madrid in the QF stage of the Champions League. It was in this game that we took a 3-0 lead after 22 minutes and I genuinely started to think that maybe this was to be an easy game against tough Spanish opposition. Madrid had other ideas though as a collapse ensued in the second half which saw us come away with only a draw and worse, 3 away goals against.

A simple 3-1 win against Lazio was matched by Juventus meaning they etched closer to the Serie A title before our away fixture against Real Madrid which was wrapped up with ease as Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a hat-trick on a night which he himself had more chances on goal than our whole team.

Things really do come in three's though as we went on to score said number 8 times during the run into the end season! 8 times! Not only that, but on only one occasion from 10 did either side not score 3 during a game as Modena crashed the party bagging themselves a 1-1 draw.



Juventus wrapped up the title after a little slip up in dramatic fashion with a huge win which demonstrated their dominance in Serie A this season.



Juventus yet again finished on 92 points alike to last season but this time were not to be prevented as we dropped 7 points in comparison to our title winning season. Much closer in the end than I had expected and also a good points finish I felt for us having only 8 games ago expected to finish well off of the pace.

Our final game of the season was the Italian Cup Final which saw us play Torino who had a fantastic season finishing 4th and qualifying for next seasons Champions League. Of course, I'm sure if you're reading this you may have guessed the final score for this game or at least guessed how many goals either side may have scored!

On the whole a good season I thought. We sold plenty of players in order to improve financial stability at the club so that we may in time improve the squad in order to achieve the career aim of 'European Glory'. A league finish of 2nd, my first season without a domestic league title but only by 7 points in the end which I felt was not bad at all. Additionally we managed to secure the Italian League cup for Roma which hadn't been achieved for quite some time by the club.

Rome Waits?


This is where I will leave this post for now. A look at what has just occurred.



That is also a Man City side yet to taste 'European Glory' leaving me with a little dilemma as to whether or not I should struggle on with Roma or look to move on at this point in time and maybe in the future look to return to Italy and maybe even Roma in order to attain some European Glory for an Italian side yet to achieve such heights.

Roman Conquest Stalls


With another season over and now financial backing from the board for a third consecutive season it is perhaps time for a change. The squad has plenty of interest but in the wrong areas, areas which are very strong and capable of achieving the elusive 'European Glory' however it would be yet another step backwards in an attempt to move forwards.
Near the start of the season I received an offer to manage Sampdoria who had not been performing too well since my appointment in Rome however had previously achieved a Champions League position the year before I arrived in Italy. With their offer for my services even they were willing to offer a budget of around £20m which was yet another tell that the time is perhaps not right for Rome to move to the next level I would like them to. Therefore the change required for now is me. I do not think this is the end of our Italian quest however the end to this chapter!

Chapter Three - England


Having made my interest in taking the vacant position at Man City known they were quick to approach me with an offer the standard interview procedure. The budget is a good one, which is a very welcome change and additionally the squad is one which is very capable, in my first season in Rome they actually narrowly lost out in the Champions League final to rivals United so the foundations are as good as ever. No shocks there.


The squad as mentioned is strong however is one which I would like to implement my own stamp on and so will risk a longer stay than is perhaps needed. I'm sure that with near £70m to spend a signing here or there could make the difference and attain that 'European Glory' however I'd prefer to do it My Way! Prepare yourselves for plenty of transfer activity. I've been restrained at Rome and now the shackles are well and truly off!

Mayhem in Manchester


It's safe to say that the busiest people in Manchester right now are the estate agents as players are coming and going left, right and centre at City.
Right away I identified those players who I wanted to keep around the club and additionally quickly sold those whom were not needed any longer that had interest from clubs. Heading up those leaving the club right away was Douglas Costa. Whilst I liked the idea of being reunited with the player from Shakhtar he had not lived up to previous form in England and was quickly sold to Hoffenheim, whilst fellow colleague at Shakhtar, Kaderabek was also sold to Real Madrid for the same fee as other targets were lined up.

Brace Yourselves
The full list of summer window departures.

A total of £324m was raised from the squad departures, not included on this list were Yaya Toure & David Silva whose contracts came to an end from the previous reign of Jorge Jesus and thankfully so with their astronomical wages. Only the one departure occurred for a player whom I didn't want to leave too much however due to a certain signing I felt would not see adequate game and that was Ricardo Rodriguez.

The full list of summer arrivals.

Juan Bernat's arrival was the reasoning behind the decision to let follow left back Ricardo Rodriguez go. John Stones arrived once again on the behalf of the Jorge Jesus reign and a fantastic signing I feel he is too, would have made a move for him or Calum Chambers anyway.
I was reunited with Youri Tielemans from our time at Shakhtar, having been rivals in Italy. The deal actually cost an initial £26m with the further fee's the basis of International appearances and fee's over a 48 month period. My limit was £40m initially for targets, however I was desperate to make Youri the heart of Man City's future being only 22.

I additionally brought in other previous players, Rulli from Shakhtar as a replacement for Joe Hart whom has been faltering of late for Man City. Balanta also arrived from Shakhtar for what I felt was another great fee, similar to that paid for Rulli. Romagnoli joined from Roma having been incredible in defence for the two seasons I was there and finally ex-player again from our Shakhtar days having moved to Bayern since my departure, William Carvalho.

If anyone would like to see the attributes and such of any of these players please let me know!

My signings were made in order to yet again play my favoured 4-3-3-DM formation that has achieved much success so far. All players signed were also done so due to their abilities to play multiple positions. John Stones RB and CB, Alessio Romagnoli LB and CB, Alvarez Balanta CB and LB, Malcom on loan AMR and ST, Patrick Roberts AMR and AML, William Carvalho DM and CM and so on. Fluidity and the ability to play various positions is key for me as I like to ensure the players do not get frustrated with a lack of game time, an example being Romagnoli and Balanta being able to cover Bernat at left back rather than keeping Ricardo Rodriguez on the bench.

A look at the first choice 11 for the forth coming season.


The expectations from the board were as expected with big targets set although surprisingly only Champions League qualification was demanded in the Premier league.


We have also played our first game, the community shield as Man City won the Premier League last season. Due to the ridiculous crashes my and many others are having on their Mac version of the game I did have to play the game twice however thankfully did only lose 10 days worth of game days.
Take 1

A fantastic performance which was set to be a brilliant start to the season but it wasn't meant to be!
Take 2

Not as glamorous but still a nice win to get the season started!

And Finally!
The Champions League group was revealed and it's pretty straight forward.


Of course this season we have near enough had a complete re-haul of the squad which means that whilst we have assembled what I obviously believe to be a great squad, capable to achieving 'European Glory' I am unsure as to how quickly we will be able to do so. The squad will no doubt need some time to gel even with a few of the players having played at previous clubs together. The back 4 and keeper are completely new as well and even with the full first 11 only 4 have played before whilst at Shakhtar. Let's hope that the talent will shine through, the last thing I need is to get the sack early doors!