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tongey
SEPTEMBER 2020 UPDATE - STEAUA BUCURESTI
I've been in charge for a few weeks now and I'm trying to get the team to play my new tactic and they're adapting well to it. I like to play with no width and control the game with possession and it seems to be working for us so far. I'll be looking at bringing in some players when I can that fit my tactic better than the ones we have at the moment.
17.09.2020 - Europa League Group I - Sparta Prague (A) - 2-0
2 days after my appointment, I had my first game in charge. A tricky away tie against Sparta Prague in the Europa League. I didn't expect to win but I did expect a good performance and my players at least gave me that despite the result. They're learning a new tactic and this game was all about learning that. Radim Novak put them ahead in the 6th minute before they solidified the lead through Lukas Julius.
20.09.2020 - Romanian First Division - CFR Cluj - 2-0
Our first taste of the Romanian First Division kicked off against our rivals CFR Cluj, another team you may have heard of. The player that I had picked out when I took charge was the difference maker. Robert Vilceanu dominated the game from start to finish. He slotted home a penalty in the 7th minute before doubling his tally by scoring a well worked goal in the 27th minute. A solid 2-0 win and a clean sheet to go with it.
23.09.2020 - Romanian League Cup Qtr FInal - CFR Cluj - 4-0
For the second time in 6 days we played our rivals CFR Cluj. This time we played even better and we progressed nicely into the semi finals of the Romanian League Cup. That man against Robert Vilceanu played outstandingly well this time scoring a hattrick within 30 minutes. Another penalty in the 2nd minute meant that he had the chance to score the first. A cooly slotted goal from 12 yards gave him his second and a fantastic volley following a corner was his hattrick. What a day for the young lad. Dennis Man finished the job off in the 74th minute to give us a flattering 4-0 victory.
27.09.2020 - Romanian First Division - FC Viitorul - 1-1
We came back down to earth a little after 2 straight victories against our rivals and played well in the league game against FC Viitorul. They performed above expectations and didn't panic when Dennis Man made it 2 in 2 for him and gave us the lead. 2 minutes later they went on the counter attack and Christian Gavra gave them an equaliser. A draw at this stage is acceptable and I'm looking forward to seeing how we progress in the league from here.
After a busy couple of weeks in a variety of competitions, we have ended up rising 1 place in the league and sit in 4th position. We are still 2 points behind the league leaders Dinamo Bucuresti who also dropped points when we did. I'm confident of moving up further in the next month.
Dan
tongey
OCTOBER 2020 UPDATE - STEAUA BUCURESTI
It's been one hell of a busy month with action in 3 competitions taking place. The tactic is coming along nicely and the players are starting to really get what I'm trying to instil in them. We definitely need re-enforcements as they are starting to become tired as they are playing so often. Thats the peril of being in Europe though.
01.10.2020 - Europe League Group I - Dortmund (H) - 4-1
We played one of the best teams in Europe (why they aren't in the Champions League I don't know) and they showed their class. I'm not too disappointed in the result as I know success isn't on the cards in this competition but we could've perhaps been tighter at the back and made them battle a bit harder. Aleksander Isak scored twice in the second half to put them ahead before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a brace with a lovely solo goal from Bernard Parker separating them.
04.10.2020 - Romanian First Division - CS U Craiova (H) - 3-0
Back to league action and we were well on top against Craiova who didn't turn up to play, they had their tactic of trying to injure our players. Luckily they didn't manage to and we played our own game. Bernard Parker got things going when he scored a placed shot in the 18th minute, and followed that up by scoring a header in the 40th minute. Dennis Man rounded things off with a wonderful strike in the 58th minute and that was that.
17.10.2020 - Romanian First Division - UTA Batrana Doamna (A) - 3-0
Bernard Parker had himself one of those days where he couldn't put a foot wrong. He set things going when he dribbled past their defence and slotted home in the 13th minute. He then did almost the same thing and scored a well taken goal in the 65th minute. Their defender scored a comical own goal where it bounced back off him, off the keeper and then back off him again to make it 3-0.
22.10.2020 - Europa League Group I - Rijeka (H) - 1-0
We faced an old foe of mine from my Novigrad days when we played in the Europa League game against Rijeka. They didn't offer much as we outplayed them but could only score the one goal. Once again it was that man Bernard Parker who smashed it in from the edge of the area when they failed to clear a corner. A solid performance and our first 3 points in the group.
25.10.2020 - Romanian First Division - Juventus Bucuresti - 1-1
We played our cross city rivals in the league. What a game this was. I thought we could have stolen it at the end but their keeper pulled of a spectacular save to keep it at 2-2. Before that though, Dennis Man had put us ahead with a great header in the 4th minute. They equalised through Florin Cazan after he sped through 1 on 1. A minute later we had been put back in front when Dennis Man rounded the keeper and slotted home. Unfortunately we gave a penalty away in the 81st minute and Adilson blasted home from 12 yards.
28.10.2020 - Romanian Cup 6th Round - FC Alexandria (H) - 2-0
A cup that is high on no-ones list is always going to be high on mine. A great chance of winning a trophy early on in my career, so I put a strong team out albeit having made changes to rest a few. We showed our strength in depth and comfortably won the game. Fali got us off to a flyer when he scored a header from a well worked corner routine before an own goal made it 2-0. Into the next round we go.
It's looking alright in the league. Our busy schedule is meaning we are dropping points as players are tired so going to have to come up with a way round that. We're 5 points off the lead but with a game in hand so could move up to 2nd if we win that. I'm happy with the direction we are going in though.
In the Europa League, we could grab 2nd place and realistically that's all we can aim for. We will have to beat Sparta Prague at some point to make this happen but for now we sit in 3rd after 2 losses and 1 win.
tongey
Another ridiculously busy month and another month where my players need rests and I'm struggling to give one to them. We will keep on going though and they can rest at the end of the season! This month we played in the league, and the Europa League
01.11.2020 - Romanian First Division - CSM Poli Iasi (A) - 3-1
We started off the league form this month in fine fettle, scoring 3 wonderful goals. The only downside was the fact we conceded. Bernard Parker weaved through the defence and passed it past the keeper to make it 1-0. On the 30th minute, Ovidiu Popescu hit a thunderbolt from 25 yards that flew into the top corner to make it 2-0. Just before half time Dennis Man connected with a corner to make it 3-0. A fine performance from the lads ended in 3-1.
05.11.2020 - Europa League Group I - Rijeka (A) - 2-2
A game that we really needed all 3 points to realistically aim for qualification. We started off perfectly by going 2-0 up. Bernard Parker and Robert Vilceanu with the goals. I thought we had done enough and made substitutions around the 60th minute and then it all went downhill. They scored 2 goals in the last 10 minutes to crush our dreams. Qualification is still on but it's going to be a tough ask now.
08.11.2020 - Romanian First Division - Botosani (H) - 2-0
We carried on our run in the league of unbeaten games. To be honest, it was like a friendly match and we outplayed them without really trying. Ovidiu Popescu carried on his good form with a well taken penalty in the 69th minute. Ivan Sunjic scored 3 minutes later to round the result off. A solid performance.
11.11.2020 - Romanian First Division - Astra Giurgiu (A) - 2-0
Astra Giurgiu are a team that you may well know of as they've had some adventures in Europe within the past few seasons I think. The main man Bernard Parker scored a fantastic team goal as we played it around the whole pitch before Parker slotted home. Youngster Doru Nistor then scored his 1st goal in the league for the club late on to make it 2-0. A good performance against a team that could've caused me problems.
22.11.2020 - Romanian First Division - Gaz Metan Medias (H) - 3-0
I really don't think our goalkeeper is getting enough credit. He very rarely concedes goals in the league and it really helps when you can rely on your keeper. We know we can outscore most teams and that means 3 points every time. Iheb M'barki grabbed the first goal with a great header. Bernard Parker scored a goal late on in the 82nd minute to make it 2-0 and then an own goal on the 84th minute made it a comfortable 3-0. A great performance.
26.11.2020 - Europa League Group I - Sparta Prague (H) - 2-0
Our chances are still on...we can still qualify and actually sit in a qualification position after this great win. I didn't expect a win here as they controlled the game last time we played them. Dennis Man scored the important first goal by rounding the keeper and slotting home. I always love it when we round the keeper for some reason. Robert Vilceanu finally found his scoring feet again and put the result beyond doubt. A great all round performance and keeps our hopes alive.
29.11.2020 - Romanian First Division - Pandurii TG (A) - 3-1
We had an unbeaten month in the league and won all our games. A fantastic testament to the lads after a busy month. We weren't troubled in this game at all apart from the goal. Robert Vilceanu grabbed the opening goal within 4 minutes and then 5 minutes later Bernard Parker scored to make it 2-0. Fali completed the scoring in the 19th minute and that was that. 3-0 and 3 points.
WE SIT TOP. We've finally climbed our final place and sit in the top position. We made it and I intend to stay here.
We sit in the qualification position with 1 game to go. Unfortunately that game is against Dortmund and I don't really expect any points so I'm hoping that RIjeka and Sparta Prague draw. Fingers crossed.
AWMG
Hope you sneak out a cheeky win against Dortmund
tongey
DECEMBER 2020 UPDATE - STEAUA BUCURESTI
02.12.2020 - Romanian First Division - Dinamo Bucuresti (A) - 2-0
The biggest game of the season in terms of the league campaign. What a victory it was. We dominated them in possession and chances created. We took two of chances and this proved to be the difference. Robert Vilceanu scored a cracker of an opening goal and going round one man to the end of the area then fnishing round the keeper. 1-0. Dennis Man finished things off late in the day with a tidy finish on the 82nd minute. A great way to start the month.
06.12.2020 - Romanian First Division - Concordia Chiajna (H) - 3-1
Another game in the league, another win. I've really come into a good squad here in terms of the league and we're showing our dominance in most games. Dennis Man
had another game to remember as he scored a brace and set up the other. First of all on 20 minutes and then on 31st minute! The 3rd goal was an 8th minute penalty from that man Robert Vilceanu who is an accomplished penalty taker.
10.12.2020 - Europa League Group I - Dortmund (A) - 6-2
The big game in the Europa League and we fluffed it. We got absolutely battered. It's quite an embarrassing result really. 6 goals from 6 different scorers. The only positive is that I didn't see us going far in the competition and it eases our schedule a bit now so the players won't be that tired anymore. The less said about this game the better really.
13.12.2020 - Romanian First Division - Astra Giurgiu (H) - 1-0
We lost our first game in the league for ages. I'm so disappointed with how we played but all credit to the visitors. They took their chance and held on well. They went ahead in the 33rd minute and we couldn't take one of our few chances to equaliser. A shame but we continue onto the next game.
17.12.2020 - Romanian Cup 7th Round - SCM Pitesti (H) - 4-0
A very easy victory in the Cup means we progress to the Qtr Final. A comprehensive victory after a fine display of football against team who never really turned up. Dennis Man, Bernard Parker (2), and Mihai Balasa all scored to help us on our way.
23.12.2020 - Romanian League Cup Semi Final Leg 1 (H) - 3-0
The first leg in our semi final game went as expected. Another comprehensive victory and no goals conceded. This puts us in a strong position for the 2nd leg and hopefully we will make it to the final. Robert Vilceanu scored the first, followed by a lovely chip from Bernard Parker in the 29th minute. Oualid El Hasni rounded things off in the 82nd minute to put us in control next time round.
We've dropped to 2nd in the league, but we have a game in hand which I fully expect us to win. The win against Dinamo Bucuresti means we should be in control from now on. It's time for the winter break now so time to get some reinforcements in...
The huge loss against Dortmund meant that we finished in 3rd and went out of the Europa League at the group stage. I'm not too disappointed as it gives us a chance to focus on other competitions.
tongey
Transfers:
It wasn't a busy transfer window for me as I only bought in two players. Joona Toivo joins from Molde for £155k and has come in to add a bit of experience and to rotate in at centre back. A great signing to help rest some players legs when tired. We also managed to get in Borko Stojanovic on loan from Partizan. He's a keeper who is there to be back up. A youngster who will benefit from working with my players day in day out. We only got him in because our other keeper wanted to go out on loan himself.
I've also just realised we had Jason Puncheon just before I came in. Decent player but too old in the game now.
We played a number of friendlies during the winter break to keep the players fit and healthy and to practice our brand of football. I must say it worked quite well. We went on a tour of Cyprus and played a few different teams from there. We only drew one friendly and that was against Hannover who provide a sterner test than we usually play. As for the rest of the games, we won them all scoring a total of 16 goals and conceding just 2. A good quality effort by the lads.
07.02.2021 - Romanian First Division - CFR Cluj (A) - 1-0
Back to league action and we started off with a good win over CFR Cluj who are still struggling and find themselves bottom of the league unexpectedly. The main man himself Dennis Man scored a good goal early on in the game to put us ahead and we defended stoutly after that to seal the win. A good performance after the winter break to get ourselves back into the swing of things.
10.02.2021 - Romanian First Division - FC Voluntari (A) - 2-1
Once again we took the win home with us. Another good display and the fans seem to be loving our football at the moment. Our two danger men popped up with the goals once again. Robert Vilceanu scored in the 18th minute and Dennis Man followed that up by heading in the goal to make it 2-0. Franko Kovacevic pulled one back but we were in control till the end after that. 3 more points.
13.02.2021 - Romanian First Division - FC Vitorul (H) - 3-1
Another game, another win. This time at our home stadium and in front of our fans. We turned on the style and were 2-0 up within the first 25 minutes through goals from Fernando Aristeguieta who is in for the injured Bernard Parker (out for 4 months). Dennis Man continued his scoring form as he got the 2nd after a tidy run into the box. They pulled one back in the 33rd minute but just before half time we pulled ahead once more through attacking right back Mahai Balasa. The game was won.
19.02.2021 - Romanian First Division - CU U Craiova (A) - 3-1
We ended the home teams run of 8 games unbeaten and we did it in style. Like we always do, we managed to outscore them and take the win home with us. This time we left it until the 2nd half to do the damage. Robert Vilceanu took it upon himself to score the opener on 54 minutes before they equalised in the 72nd minute. We weren't going to take a draw home with us and Edgar Le scored a header from a corner in the 86th. A minute later our other center half scored another header from another corner. A fine 2 minutes to show our class.
28.02.2021 - Romanian First Division - Juventus Bucuresti (H) - 5-0
We gave our fans something to cheer about in the derby match. A fantastic performance as we put them to the sword. Dennis Man grabbed a hattrick by scoring in the 34th, 41st and 57th minute. Robert Vilceanu scored in the 33rd minute with a wonderful strike outside the area. Joona Toivo took a penalty to open his account for the club. An awesome match and an awesome result. One to savour for the fans.
We pulled ahead of Dinamo Bucuresti this month as we were unbeaten and they dropped points. The lead is now 4 as we near the latter stages of the competition. We also play them in the semi final of the Romanian Cup so that's going to be a tasty affair.
tongey
I should tell you first of all that the league got split in two half way through the month: the Championship Playoff Group and the Relegation Playoff Group. Of course we made it to the Championship Playoff Group. You start this phase with 50% of your points at the end of the original season so we ended up starting on 32 points. Strange way of doing things but we will go with the flow.
03.03.2021 - Romanian League Cup Semi Final Leg 2 - Pandurii TG. Jiu (A) - 2-1
The second leg of the cup semi final was up first this month and we already had a 3-0 lead going into it on aggregate so we just had to hold firm in this game. We ended up winning the game fairly comfortably and sailed through to the final. Fernando Aristeguieta got us off to a flyer by opening the scoring in the 5th minute. Fali then scored a well placed shot in the 11th. Pandurii got a goal back in the 50th minute but were unable to score again and the score remained 2-1.
07.03.2021 - Romanian First Division - UTA Batrana Domana (H) - 5-0
We gave them a real good thumping. A dominant performance to end the original phase of the league and to confirm we had come top of this phase.
Very comfortable win and thats the end of the original league stage.[/i]
13.03.2021 - Romanian Championship Playoff Group - CS U Craiova (H) - 2-0
What a great way to start this secondary phase off. A very good performance and the man with the golden boot did it again. Two decent goals from the 22 year old Dennis Man sent us on our way to a comfortable 2-0 win. Not much else to say other than we were excellent.
20.03.2021 - Romanian Championship Playoff Group - FC Vitorul (A) - 1-1
A rare draw for the club on this fine day. We didn't turn up at the races and couldn't score which is strange for us. What a shame as we could've edged home our advantage in the league. Dennis Man wasn't in the line up as he picked up a slight injury so maybe thats why the goals didn't come. We kept a clean sheet to end on a positive note.
31.03.2021 - Romanian Cup Quarter Final - Dinamo Bucuresti (A) - 4-2
A game against your rivals in a cup quarter final, you can't beat it. Well we can, we hammered them. They scored from 2 defensive mistakes so they shouldn't have scored at all if we had stayed switched on. Robert Vilceanu was man of the match and he deserved it after his 2 goals and 2 assists. Ivan Sunjic and Fran Carbia were the other scorers. What a day. Into the semi final we go.
This is how we look after 2 games played in the Championship Playoff Group. We have dropped to second after we dropped points against Vitorul. I'm still confident we can topple Dinamo Bucresti and we have them to play twice.
tongey
Once again it's been a busy month, I accidentally played a game extra into May so forgive me for that. It's been probably my worst month since I took over at FCSB but we're still doing really well. Only a couple of games to go as well...
03.04.2021 - Romanian Championship Group - Concordia Chiajna (A) - 3-2
This is probably my proudest victory of the season. We went 2-0 down early on and I thought we were done for. We were playing poorly but I told them to buck up at half time and to improve or be embarrassed and they sure did. What a turn around. Fernando Aristeguieta got things started for us in the second half by finishing a great move off. Fali got the equaliser 2 minutes later and we were back. Mihai Basala got the winner later on in the half with a cracking volley! Cue mad scenes. A great comeback win there.
07.04.2021 - Romanian Championship Group - Dinamo Bucuresti (H) - 4-4
A tremendous derby match. It had the atmosphere, it had the goals, it had everything you want from a derby. We went down early as they took a 1-0 lead, we brought it back to 1-1 through a Fernando Aristeguieta goal, then took the lead when the same man hit home from 20 yards. We gave away a penalty minutes later and we were back to all square. 2-2. Ivan Sunji grabbed a goal and we were back in front and when Dennis Man scored I thought the win was ours. Once again though Dinamo hit back and with 2 late goals it ended up being a draw. A good point however against our league rivals.
10.04.2021 - Romanian Championship Group - CS U Craiova (A) - 2-0
Another game, and this time we got the win. An important win at that considering we had drawn the last one so needed to get maximum points to stay on top. Defender Edgar Le scored a cracking powerful header to put us in the lead, and then that was followed up by a lovely strike from Ivan Sunjic to round the performance off and make it 2-0. 3 points in the bag.
18.04.2021 - Romanian Championship Group - Astra Giurgiu (A) - 2-1
What can I say? We had to lose at some point and it came against a team on the resurgence. They've been flying up the table and aren't that far behind us now which is worrying. We didn't show up and didn't play well at all. The only plus is that Fernando Aristeguieta scored an absolute belter from 35 yards. Lets move on quickly from this?
24.04.2021 - Romanian Championship Group - FC Vitorul (H) - 1-0
This is why it's my worst month in charge. 2 games in a row we've lost and I'm not happy about it. We were so poor and I don't really know what's happened. I hope this form doesn't last. It's one of the few games where we hadn't scored. I'm lost for words at this one. A game we should have won really.
29.04.2021 - Romanain Cup Semi Final Leg 1 - CS U Craiova (H) - 2-1
Back to winning ways and I couldn't be happier. Could we be headed to our 2nd final of the season? We're headed for the treble as of right now. Robert Vilceanu grabbed the opener in true style when he lobbed the keeper. A stunning finish! The main man Dennis Man got the eventual winner when he rounded the keeper. We seem to score a lot like this. Great stuff from the boys after a tough few games.
02.05.2021 - Romanian Championship Group - Concordia Chiajne (H) - 1-0
The man Robert Vilceanu got the games only goal. it could've been so much more but a win is a win and they are important at this moment in the game. We needed to get back to winning ways in the league and we did that. Not spectacularly but we got the win.
8 games in, 2 to go and we still sit top. The games are against Astra Giurgiu and Dinamo Bucuresti. If I do my maths correctly, if we win against Astra then we win the league so I'll be hoping to do just that. Lets get this done.
Jamie3
tongey
LEAGUE ROUND UP 2021 - STEAUA BUCURESTI
If you can remember, we had 2 games left: one against Astra Giurgiu who sit in 2nd, and one against Dinamo Bucuresti who sit in 3rd. Two massive games. If I win either of them, I win the league. So what happened?...
Astra Giurgiu (H)
We so nearly won it at the first time of asking. We were 3-2 up with 8 minutes to go before we conceded late on. So heartbreaking but atleast we get another chance at it on the last game of the season. The two usual suspects were up to their old tricks and grabbed the goals for me: Robert Vilceanu grabbed one and Dennis Man got a brace. A superb performance by both. The main thing is, we didn't lose. So it goes down to the last day...
Dinamo Bucuresti (A)
WE DID IT! WE WON THE LEAGUE IN MY FIRST SEASON IN CHARGE! A fantastic performance and shows just what we brought to the league all season: GOALS! An own goal in the 22nd minute meant that we took the lead. Edgar Le grabbed the second and we were firmly in control. Just after half time Dennis Man grabbed his usual goal of the game and we were going out of sight. It was made even better when Ivan Sunjic scored a pearler to make it 4-0. A minute later Dinamo grabbed a consolation goal to make it 4-1 but I didn't care. WE WON THE LEAGUE!
LEAGUE TABLE 2020/2021
Jamie3
tongey
CUPS UPDATE 2020/2021 - STEAUA BUCURESTI
We had two cup finals to look forward to after celebrating the league success. First up was the Romanian League Cup against FC Vitorul, and then 7 days after that, it's the Romanian Cup against, FC Vitorul once again. Can we celebrate a treble in my first season at the club? The club has already won the Super Cup this year so I'll be aiming to win that at the start of next season as well.
ROMANIAN LEAGUE CUP FINAL
What a game this was. It had everything and it was nerve wracking. I have no nails left after this one. We went 2-0 up after Ovidiu Popescu and Robert Vilceanu scored either side of half time. Everything was going to plan! They pegged back late in the half though to make it 2-1. Dennis Man grabbed a late strike to make it 3-1 to help calm my nerves but when they scored in the 85th minute and kept attacking I couldn't bare to watch. WE HELD ON THOUGH! 3-2 the final score. 1 more trophy to add to the collection.
ROMANIAN CUP FINAL
Another tight game ensued in the next cup final. Both teams had learnt from the other final and both set out to try and get the first goal. Vlad Achim grabbed that all important first goal and we were 1-0 up and on the way to my 3rd trophy in charge. They pegged us back later in the 1st half and it stayed that way until half time. A passionate team talk later and the lads were back out. Immediately we had scored to make it 2-1 through Dennis Man! We continued to attack and controlled the 2nd half, and nothing much of note happened. The game petered out really and the trophy was ours! 3 TROPHIES IN A YEAR FOR TONGE.
Dan
DNZY
tongey
Thanks for the kind words @DNZY, i intend to keep things rolling.
MY TIME IN BUCHAREST HAS COME TO AN END. WHERE NEXT?
So I won the treble with Steaua Bucharest in my first season in charge. All that was left for me with the club is the Super Cup. We played CFR Cluj so this is what happened?
We had won an incredible quadruple. What a ridiculous achievement although I'm pretty sure anyone could've come in and done this. They had a good team assembled and they're by far the best team in Romania. Anyway back to match action. Robert Vilceanu got us off to our usual fast start and raced through one on one and slotted it past the keeper to make it 1-0. Ovidiu Popescu made it 2-0 when he volleyed home from a corner on the 15th minute. An unusual scorer in the form of Thulani Hlatshwayo who made it 3-0. The result was rounded off nicely when Stefan Popescu bundled the ball into his own net following a goalmouth scramble to make it 4-0.
AND WITH THAT...
I'll be sad to leave the National Arena and Steaua Bucuresti who have been incredible for me. 4 trophies in 1 season. That leaves me with only 1 to go in Romania so I'll be back to conquer the 2nd league if I can. For now though, where will I end up...
tongey
I've spent the past few months since resigning as manager of FCSB travelling around Eastern Europe and settled in the wonderful country of:
SLOVENIA!
Another country where I haven't managed before so now seems like the right time to start. It has 2 divisions, 1 cup competition and a Super Cup. I'm excited to start here and to learn about some new clubs. It's an interesting and beautiful country and one that football is definitely a rising sport. Let's get this career started then...I'll introduce you to my new employers...
tongey
I've taken control of ND Gorica who are currently playing in the Slovenian First League. They were founded in 1847 and have won the division on 4 occasions with the most recent being 2005/06 so not recently. It'll be aim to win the division within 3 years so it's a building project for now.
Along with the 4 league titles, they've won the Slovenian Cup on 3 occasions and the Super Cup just the once. So they've got history just not recently. It'll be job to change all that. It'll be hard but I'm sure I'm up for the task.
They play their home games at the Sportni Park which has a capacity of 3,066 which is a lot smaller than where I've just come from. They boast average training facilities,average youth facilitiesp/b] and [b]average junior coaching. So they're average all round.
tongey
So this is the squad that I've got at my disposal, and it looks average, just like the club facilities. Andrej Kotnic looks like the pick of the bunch, the attacking midfield player is rated as a 4* player and has played fairly well so far this season. The lack of goals is a concern with the strikers having scored only 1 between then this season. I've always scored goals wherever I go so this should turn around. I may look at bringing in a striker that scores when I can.
Their form as of late isn't too bad, but it was shocking at the beginning of the season. As you can see they played in the Europa League which means they can't be too bad.
They're already out of the cup so I can just concentrate on the league which is helpful. They haven't lost in the last 5 games so I'll be aiming to continue this form over the next few months.
As of now, we lie in 6th position in the league on 26 points. Maribor the leaders are on 43 points so a bit far away to catch but you never know. I'll be looking to rise up the table and set ourselves for a charge next season. Let's get going.
Grimnir
Good luck with Gordica. I know next to nothing about Slovenian football either!
tongey
MARCH UPDATE 2022 - GORICA
So I didn't realise that when I took over, it was just before the Winter Break which lasts a staggering 4 months. That's insane! It gave me time to get the team drilled into my preferred formation and style of play. I also signed a few players for the team to help strengthen in some key areas.
27.02.2022 - Slovenian First League - Maribor (A) - 2-1
Once the league finally came around and the players returned from their winter break we had the hardest possible start. Maribor away. Things went as expected and we ended up losing the game 2-1. Things didn't start well as we conceded a penalty in the 15th minute and the cooly converted it to take the lead. They went 2-0 up when their player went on a crazy run round 3 of my players and into the box to slot it past the keeper. In the 90th minute, we got our consolation goal through defender Goran Terziev who headed home from a corner.
04.03.2022 - Slovenian First League - Domzale (H) - 1-1
My first game in charge of the club at home and it ended in a stalemate. We went behind in the first half when they hit a thunderbolt of a strike to take the lead in the 25th minute. On the 40th minute things went bad to worse when Andrej Kotnic got himself a straight red card for a bad tackle. We seem to be the kings of late goals as when the clock hit the 91st minute we decided it would be a good time to score an equaliser. Better late than never eh? Striker Tilen Nagode with the goal as he calmly slotted it past the keeper on a 1 on 1.
09.03.2022 - Slovenian First League - Rudar Velenje (A) - 6-1
I got my first win in charge of the club. What a win it was! A huge performance from the players as they racked up a 6-1 win. Bede Amarichi Osuji opened the scoring when he rounded the keeper and put the ball in the net. They equalised later in the 1st half to make the score 1-1 at half time. This is when we kicked into 2nd gear and Tilen Nagode made it 2 with a well worked team goal. An own goal made it 3-1 before Bede Amarichi Osuji got his 2nd of the game with a cool chip. New boy in the squad Matko Paunovic got his first for the club to make it 5-1 and then Tilen Nagode got his 2nd and the clubs 6th. A great performance and shows that my tactic means goals.
12.03.2022 - Slovenian First League - Olimpija (H) - 5-2
Another game, another huge haul of goals. This time against the team in 2nd place so I wasn't really expecting this result. We continued our form of goals though when Amel Dzuzdanovic got us off to a flyer in the 3rd minute. Rok Grudina scored a cracking header to make it 2-0. They pulled one back to make the score 2-1 before Tilen Nagode made it 3-1 just before the stroke of half time. Once again they showed their class to pull it back to 3-2 but Bede Amarichi Osuji grabbed his goal to make it 4-2. Tilen Nagode made it a brace when he got the 5th in a huge 5-2 win for the club.
18.03.2022 - Slovenian First League - Ankaran (A) - 2-1
We made it 3 wins on the bounce and we're starting to find some form. A close encounter considering they are bottom of the league I expected to win by a few more. We went behind in the 19th minute and left it really late to come back. In the 81st minute we equalised through an absolute stunner from Tilen Nagode and then we got our deserved 2nd goal when the ref gave a penalty in the 87th minute. Rok Grudina slotted home to earn the 3 points for us.
A great month from the club having won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1. I'll take that every month to be honest and we've rocketed up the league into 3rd. Who knows what may happen but I seem to have made the players find their scoring boots. Happy days and a great start to my time in charge.
Dan
Jamie3
tongey
Cheers @Jamie3, Like I just said to Dan, I have a lot of spare time after work so just fly through it. Seasons are quite short once you consider the winter break.
APRIL 2022 UPDATE - GORICA
Another month, another unbeaten one and thats 12 points from 12 for us. It's quite remarkable what a bit of form and a good tactic can do. I knew they must be a decent side in the league as they qualified for Europe last season so it must have been a blip at the start of this season.
02.04.2022 - Slovenian First League - Radomlje (H) - 4-1
We kick started the month with an emphatic win. What a performance from the lads. Amel Dzuzdanovic got us off to a flyer by scoring a placed shot from the edge of the area on 30 mins. Bede Amarachi Osije scored the 2nd 3 minutes later and we were home an dry. He made it 3-0 just before half time. Radomlje got one back mid way through the second half but we weren't finished yet. Jan Humar scored the goal of the month in the 72nd minute when he scored a freekick from nearly 40 yards.
09.04.2022 - Slovenian First League - Koper (1-0) - 1-0
We got away with this one a little bit. We weren't impressive and should have lost really but Koper couldn't take their many chances and we took ours on the breakaway in the 78th minute to take the 1-0 win. Mark Gulic the super sub with the pace to get in behind their defence and slotted it home past the keeper, cue big celebrations.
16.04.2022 - Slovenian First League - Celje (H) - 3-2
I think this has been the closest game of the season for me so far. It literally could have gone either way and I didn't know which way it was going to go. Rok Grudina scored a penalty as he blasted it down the middle in the 6th minute. It wasn't long before they were level as they scored in the 14th minute. They went ahead in the 26th minute before 2 minutes late Bede Amarachi Osije equalised with a tidy finish. It was settled in the 31st minute when Grudina scored his 2nd of the game and that was that. We soaked up the pressure that they kept bringing and got a bit lucky with some of the chances they missed but a win is a win.
23.04.2022 - Slovenian First League - Dob (A) - 4-0
From one of the closest games of the season to one of the most one sided. Two players got a brace each and that was the game right there. [Amel Dzuzdanovic/b] got his with two great finishes. He's a key player in the midfield and chips in with goals and assists every now and then. Striker [b]Bede Amarichi Osije got his brace with two fantastic headers from corners. Unusual for a striker to do it that way but goals are goals.
The league hasn't changed much in terms of positions, but we are catching! We now only sit 9 points behind Maribor and who knows what could happen. We still need to play them and I think we could take our chances against them. I won't hold my breath though, the league surely can't be mine can it?
Dan
tongey
We've had another unbeaten month. I can't quite believe our form. The way we are playing is ridiculous and who knows what I could have achieved if I had them for the whole season.
01.05.2022 - Slovenian First League - Maribor (A) - 2-1
We went to their place and dominated them. A great performance from the lads who showed no fear as we played our normal game, passing it around nicely looking for the opening. Jan Humar who was starting because Bede Amarachi Osije was out injured got us going when he ran through 1 on 1 to place it round the keeper. 1-0. Late in the second half Tilen Nagode made sure that his freekick found the back of net by blasting it in the top corner. 2-0. In the 1st minute of added time, they got a consolation after some shoddy defending but I don't care. We got a massive win and clawed some points back.
07.05.2022 - Slovenian First League - Rudar Velenje (H) - 1-0
Another game, and the 3 points were never in doubt. We controlled the game and took our chance. That man in midfield did it again. Amel Dzuzdanovic with a mazy run and great finish to make the score 1-0. Everything went smoothly from then on and we took the 3 points.
11.05.2022 - Slovenian First League - Domzale (A) - 1-0
Another 1-0 win makes it 2 out of 2 in 4 days. Another game we controlled, and I can't see us losing. Bede Amarachi Osije back from injury scored the goal, a simple tap in from a great cross. 3 more points, but what was happening ahead of us?
14.05.2022 - Slovenian First League - Olimpija (A) - 3-0
We seem to have a good streak against them. They are meant to be the better team but we find a way to beat them everytime. Comfortable win from the boys, and it makes it 4 out of 4 for the month once again. Andrej Kotnic got the first with another simple tap in. Tilen Nagode scored a fine curling effort from the edge of the area and an own goal took us on our way to 3 points. A stunning defensive performance meant we didn't concede which is pleasing.
Maribor must be feeling the pressure as they are dropping points and keeping us in it. We still have a chance with 1 game to which I didn't expect. Who knows what may happen but stay tuned...
tongey
So we had 1 game to go. We're 1 point behind Maribor. Surely we can't win the league. It would take a monumental effort to have come back from where we were when I took charge. Here's hoping...
Gorica vs Ankaran (H)
A late strike gave me hope that the league title could be ours. We nearly ended up drawing the match but a late winner from Marko Jakolic meant that the 3 points were ours and the pressure was on Maribor. Two goals early in the game from Andrej Kotnic set us on our way.
Dob vs Maribor
They went and won didn't they! A comfortable win by all reports and they went ahead in the 3rd minute and didn't look like conceding. A shame but it's on for next year now.
League Table
What a season we had since I came in as manager. We climbed the table and pushed Maribor all the way. I can't believe the run of form we went on and I'll be looking at continuing it into next season when I will hopefully fight for the title once again. The cup is also high on my list.
tongey
The transfer window really annoyed me. We had a great end to the season last year and that put my players in the shop window and a lot of them refused to resign because they wanted a chance at the better leagues so I couldn't keep hold of some. Amel Dzuzdanovic went off to CSM Poli lasi for £165k. Rok Grudina was the biggest sale for £275k to Terek and I sold a player to my former club Novigrad for £145k.
On the incoming side of things, I bought in 2 midfielders to help solidify considering my best midfielder had been sold. Lan Struna who is a Deep Lying Playmaker comes in from Maribor for £94k will rotate in an out of the squad like most of them will. Anze Pisek, a central midfielder arrived from Rudar Velenje for £89k. I'm hoping for a big contribution from both players this season.
We started our Europa League campaign this month as well, starting off in the 1st Qualifying Round against AS Trencin.[/i]
30.06.2022 - Europa League 1st Qualifying Round 1st Leg- AS Trencin (A) - 6-0
What a start to our campaign. I'm not to sure how good Trencin are compared to us but I'll take a 6-0 away win any day. Tilen Nagode was the star of the show as he scored a massive 5 goals in the game. I thought he was done when he finished his hattrick but he didn't stop there. What a performance from the man with the golden boot from last year. Andrej Kotnik with the other to put us firmly in control of this tie.
07.07.2022 - Europa League 1st Qualifying Round 2nd Leg - AS Trencin (H) - 2-1
We got the job done professionally at home. Not the same fireworks as the away game but we got the win. Rok Grudina in his penultimate game for the club said goodbye in style and scored an absolute screamer of a free kick. Tilen Nagode made it 6 in 2 games in the competition to seal the win.
14.07.2022 - Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round 1st Leg - Vojvodina (H) - 6-1
Nearly a repeat of the 1st leg of the previous round but we managed to concede this time around. I'm not sure what it is about these games but the attacking players switch it on and go for it. Tjaz Polajzer got the first with a sparkling solo run. David Bucar who will get more gametime this year got 2 in the game on the 43rd minute and 84th. Anze Pisek got his first for the club and look impressive. Bede Amarachi Osije also got a brace to complete the rout off.
21.07.2022 - Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round 2nd Leg - Vojvodina (A) - 2-2
Once again we got the job done and qualified. We didn't play as well as the 1st leg but we didn't need to. The hard work was complete and we just needed to go about or job professionally. David Bucar got the brace to make sure we stole a draw from them.
28.07.2022 - Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round 1st Leg (H) - Young Boys (H) - 2-1
We've taken the advantage with us as we beat them 2-1. The only disappointment is that we conceded the away goal which may come back to bite us. Anze Pisek scored once again and has made a good start for the club. Andrej Kotnik got the all important winner after they had equalised. The job isn't done yet.
17.07.2022 - Slovenian First League - Olimpija (H) - 4-2
An awesome way to kick of the new league campaign against a team who are the favourites for the league. We out played them and they didn't deserve to even score 2 goals. Andrej Kotnik has started off well and is scoring freely and opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. They equalised in the 18th minute before Rok Grudina really did say goodbye in style this time to put us back in the lead. Jan Humar made it 3-1 with a bullet header from 5 yards out before David Bucar made it 4-1. They scored a consolation goal against the run of play to make the final score 4-2.
24.07.2022 - Slovenian First League - Dob (A) - 3-3
A game we should have ended up winning but we ended up going home with a share of the points. We played well but couldn't hold on at the end. David Bucar got us off to a flyer with a goal in the 1st minute but we went into half time at 2-1 due to a wonder strike from Andrej Kotnic after a Dob equaliser. Once again they came back and scored to make it 2-2. We took the lead for a final time in the 82nd minute when Andrej Kotnic got his second, but we couldn't hold out til the end as 2 minutes later they equalised for a 3rd time. A game that never stopped giving to the fans.
31.07.2022 - Slovenian First League - Triglav (H) - 1-0
A much simpler result this time and the 3 points were ours. It wasn't spectacular and it wasn't all that pretty but we got the win. Jan Humar who didn't get much game time last season due to the inspired form of the other 2 strikers staked his claim for more time as he scored the only goal of the game when he rounded the keeper after racing through.
We sit top of the tree after the first check. 3 games in and 7 points on the board. We only sit there on goal difference but we're still on top and hopefully we can stay there.
DNZY
tongey
04.08.2022 - Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round 2nd Leg - Young Boys (A) - 2-1
Another win that I didn't expect. We've got further into this competition than I thought so another win is a nice surprise. Jan Humar really is pushing for a starting place more often now and he repayed my faith in him by scoring in the 7th minute to put us ahead. Tilen Nagode put us 2-0 ahead and that was the 2nd away goal which could of been crucial. We were playing really well and it's nice to see. Young Boys pulled one back in the 86th minute to make it 4-2 on aggregate. We were going through to the playoff.
18.08.2022 - Europa League Playoff Leg 1 - FC Red Bull Salzburg (H) - 2-2
Red Bull Salzburg are a team that should be beating us so I'm proud of the lads. They showed a never say die attitude and really battled well. We could of won this game as well which is the annoying thing. We went 2-0 up through goals from Jan Humar and Bede Amarachi Osije. Jani Curk got himself sent off for a bad tackle to make things a bit harder for us. We were comfortable at 2-0 but let the lead slip when we conceded 2 late on in the game. A credible draw with 10 men though.
25.08.2022 - Europa League Playoff Leg 2 - FC Red Bull Salzburg (A) - 1-0
The dream of making the group stage is over. A narrow defeat away to Salzburg. They left it late and scored in the 80th minute but they would have gone through on away goals if we had held onto the draw. We battled well once again but just couldn't take one of our few chances. The Europa League is over for us now.
07.08.2022 - Slovenian First League - Celje (A) - 2-1
Our first defeat for absolutely ages in the league and it ranckles with me. We were the better team and deserved to win. Blaz Poljanec got us into the lead with a great run and finish past the keeper. We couldn't hold on and make our dominance count as they came back and scored 2 goals against the run of play. You can't win them all though.
10.08.2022 - Slovenian First League - Maribor (H) - 2-2
Our first game against last years champions and a credible draw. I'd have like to have won the game but i'll take a draw in the circumstances. They went ahead through a well worked team goal. Tilen Nagode equalised with a good header from a corner and we went ahead when Anze Pisek scored a placed curling effort from the edge of the area. It wasn't to be though as in the 83rd minute they got the equaliser to secure a point.
14.08.2022 - Slovenian First League - Koper (A) - 1-1
We played bottom club Koper and we didn't perform for some reason. We were lucky to grab a draw and didn't deserve to get anything. They went ahead through a penalty which was nearly saved and 2 minutes later Tilen Nagode drew us back level with a thunderbolt from 20 yards. The score stayed the same but I let them know this wasn't a good result.
21.08.2022 - Slovenian First League - Radomlje (A) - 2-0
A much better display and finally 3 points this month. We had been on a bad run of form and I'm happy to have turned that around with a solid display. Jani Curk got us the lead when he converted a penalty in the 47th minute. Jan Humar made sure of the result when he went through 1 and 1 and slotted the ball past the keeper. 2-0 the final score.
28.08.2022 - Slovenian First League - Krsko (A) - 2-0
A third straight away game and a second straight victory. Another pleasing performance and another win. Matija Bozic played superbly and grabbed the first goal with a simple tap in from a great cross from the right wing. Jan Humar made it 2 from 2 with a late 92nd minute strike. We grabbed a well deserved 2-0 win.
The poor form this month meant we have dropped to second position and sit 3 points behind leaders Celje. We can come back from this and I'm looking at building some good form now we're out of Europe and don't have to travel every other week.