Should He Stay Or Should He Go?

Turning Point

After two whirlwind seasons and back-to-back promotions, Julien was on the cusp of a major decision in his coaching career. That summer, he found himself weighing two contrasting options. He could follow his mentor, Olivier Guégan, to Valenciennes, a small but ambitious club near the Belgian border. Guégan valued Julien’s tactical insight and reliability, promising new challenges and the adventure of working in a different region. The prospect was tempting—professional growth and the comfort of a proven partnership.

At the same time, back home in Grenoble, the directors appointed renowned manager Philippe Hinschberger as head coach. Hinschberger’s CV was impressive: fresh off a high-profile stint at Metz, where he masterminded promotion to Ligue 1 and then kept the club up—until a poor run the previous autumn led to his dismissal. The club made it clear they wanted Julien to continue as assistant under the new regime, yet, to his disappointment, he was never seriously considered for the head coach position. For a few weeks, Julien couldn’t help but feel overlooked and slightly bitter.
 

It was during this period of uncertainty—one sunny Saturday at the bustling Grenoble market—that life gave Julien the answer he needed. With Laura, Camille, and little Louis browsing the stalls of fruit and cheese, a man in his seventies approached him, his weathered face breaking into an emotional smile. The old supporter introduced himself and reminisced: he had witnessed Grenoble’s heartbreak in 1963 when they were relegated and never expected to see first division football again. But it happened under Julien’s captaincy in 2008. That moment, he said, was something he’d never forget. His eyes moistened with gratitude as he quietly thanked Julien for giving him those memories.

They spoke only for a few minutes, but as they parted ways, the old man’s tearful appreciation stayed with Julien. Laura, noticing the distant, thoughtful smile on Julien’s face as they strolled home, squeezed his hand. She recognized the shift.

Julien understood, then, that Grenoble was more than just another coaching job. Here, he was somebody—a part of the city’s footballing history and hopes. Whatever grievances he felt toward the board melted away before the simple truth: this was home, and a new chapter with Hinschberger was the right path. By the new season’s start, Julien was again on the Grenoble bench, ready to help guide the club’s next adventure—this time, with fresh belief in both himself and the place he’d come to mean so much for.
 

Next: Julien's partnership with Hinschberger!

First Steps In Coaching

Promotion Double In the Alps 

When Julien accepted the offer to become Grenoble Foot 38’s assistant coach in the summer of 2016, he was stepping into familiar territory with fresh credentials: he had just completed his UEFA B licence, making him eligible for an official staff role in the CFA. Returning to the club where he’d played his best football, Julien felt ready for the next step.

The challenges were significant—Grenoble was battling in France’s fourth tier. From the very first pre-season session, Julien’s focus was on transferring his experiences as a player into the daily grind of training and match preparation. He worked closely with the head coach, helping blend veterans with ambitious youth in a squad designed for a promotion push.
 

The 2016/17 season was a dream. Julien took charge of technical drills, guided midfield play, and acted as a bridge between staff and dressing room. Grenoble posted one of their strongest ever campaigns in CFA Groupe C and, by spring, clinched 1st place and a precious promotion to the Championnat National. For Julien, celebrating that night at Stade des Alpes was another highlight of his football life—this time from the bench.

The following year brought new challenges in the National, France’s tough third level. Early in the season, Julien took another leap and began his UEFA A licence course, balancing intensive studies with the demanding role of assistant coach. Even on matchdays, he worked new ideas from the course into his approach, pushing the team and himself to adapt to the tougher opposition.
 

As the National season wore on, Grenoble’s grit and organisation paid dividends. Julien was an integral part of the coaching staff throughout that 2017/18 promotion battle, his own development mirroring the club’s ambitions. By season’s end, Grenoble finished 3rd, earning yet another promotion—this time, back to Ligue 2.
 

Those two years were transformational: Grenoble’s double rise up the divisions and Julien’s journey through coaching qualifications cemented his status not just as a former player, but as an emerging professional coach. And as confetti swirled at the final whistle, Julien looked up into the stands—Louis and Camille waving excitedly—and recognised the beauty of new beginnings for both club and family.
 

At the end of season 2017/18 Olivier Guégan's contract as the manager of Grenoble has expired and he accepted the opportunity to take over at Valenciennes FC.

Next time we'll find out what Guégan's departure means for Julien!

Now this is storytelling, I can’t wait for the next part. Where do you need to finish to get promoted? Or is there a playoff? 

Guys! I found the club where Julien will start the save! This is so exciting... too bad you still have to wait a few more days 🙂

Let’s take a look at the other major club competitions across Europe.

England

After extensively discussing the Premier League, let’s look at how the FA Cup unfolded—where, unfortunately, we were knocked out in the fourth round. The tournament offered plenty of surprises. It was Brighton and Brentford who reached the final, which was quite unexpected. In the end, Brentford lifted the trophy for the first time in their history.

There were fewer surprises in the Carabao Cup.

Ipswich, Southampton, and Birmingham were promoted from the Championship. Birmingham defeated Sheffield United in the playoff final, returning to the Premier League after 15 years. 

France

There were no surprises in the French league. PSG won with a 10-point lead over Marseille, and Monaco finished third. 

FC Hyeres pulled off a miracle run in the French Cup, reaching the semi-finals despite playing in the fourth division. Another fourth-tier side, FC Dieppe, made it to the quarter-finals. In the end, though, the final went as expected—PSG comfortably defeated Brest to claim the trophy.

Germany

There were no surprises in Germany either; Bayern won the league by a wide margin. 

In the cup, the champions beat one of the newly promoted Bundesliga 2 sides. 

Italy

The Italian league also delivered the expected result. Inter narrowly finished ahead of Napoli and AC Milan.  It’s time for a name fix before the long save—the team names are pretty confusing like this…

Napoli also fell short against Inter in the cup. 

Spain

Once again, Spain saw a showdown between Real and Barca.

This time, it was Atletico who came out on top in the Spanish Cup final after a clash between the two Madrid giants. 

European cup competitions

In the Conference League, Crystal Palace went the furthest of the English teams. In a surprise result, the tournament was won by Austria’s SK Rapid Wien, who beat Mainz in the final. 

As a Hungarian, it makes me especially happy to see Fradi in the Europa League semi-finals, where they were eventually knocked out by the eventual winners—who went on to beat Aston Villa in the final.

Here I noticed that for the two-legged ties, it shows the second leg score instead of the aggregate result. There were still two English teams in the semi-finals, and in the final, the Spanish champions Real Madrid defeated the Premier League champions Arsenal. 

This was my very first season in FM26. It was great to share this with you. 

Thanks for reading!

New Beginnings

 Fatherhood, Friendship, and the First Steps Toward Coaching

The summer of 2015 arrived with sunlight and celebration for Julien and Laura. In late July, their long-awaited second child was born—a son named Louis. The newborn’s cries and sleepy smiles brought fresh energy and warmth to their quiet house in Grenoble. Julien, happily retired from football, dived into fatherhood with his whole heart, mastering the art of bottle-heating and nighttime comforting. Camille, now a lively and curious girl, was delighted by her baby brother, always eager to help and cheer Louis with gentle songs.

Life moved at a slower, richer rhythm. Morning walks became a ritual: Laura and Julien strolled through Grenoble’s leafy boulevards, Camille skipping ahead, Louis tucked safe in a sling. The parks echoed with laughter. Friends and family visited, marveling at how Julien—once so focused on football—now seemed perfectly content with the simple joys of home.

Yet the game was never far from his mind. As summer faded into autumn, Julien began to sense the familiar pull of the pitch—not as a player, but as a guide. Encouraged by Laura and by fond memories of years spent in team huddles, he signed up for a coaching course, eager to turn decades of experience into new skills for molding future generations.

At the first session of his UEFA B license course, Julien felt a wave of nostalgia and nervous energy. The classroom was filled with ex-pros, faded talents, and local youth coaches. Then, a grin spread across his face—a familiar figure approached: Nicolas Dieuze, another stalwart from Grenoble’s glory years, fresh from his own retirement after a solid career across France's leagues.

While their own children—Louis, Camille, and Nicolas’ twins—were much too young to play together, Julien and Nicolas quickly fell back into old routines. The coaching coursework was intense: classroom theory, video analysis, hands-on drills on chilly autumn mornings. Over coffee, they laughed about old matches, swapped stories about coaching ambitions, and the world of football.

Evenings often saw the two of them poring over tactics, challenging each other’s game models, or dreaming about starting an academy together one day. The camaraderie of teammates was instantly rekindled—now focused on learning, teaching, and passing on their love of the game.

Julien found the journey as rewarding as any championship chase—each module completed, every new concept mastered felt like a small victory. At night, in the peaceful hush of the nursery, Julien looked at Louis and imagined futures: perhaps his son would one day be coached by him, perhaps not. What mattered now was the moment, the fresh start for his family—and the quiet pride of a new purpose, growing alongside the greatest gifts life had given him.

See you next with Julien's first steps in coaching!

The Run In

May 2026

May is here, and the Premier League drama is at fever pitch. With just two points separating Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea, every match could swing the season. Our run-in is as high-stakes as it gets: we welcome Nottingham Forest before heading to Anfield for that potentially title-deciding clash with Liverpool, then face Spurs at home and finish the season at Sunderland. The table is packed tight at the top, and with four games to go, the dream is alive; everything will be decided in these final, nerve-wracking weeks. Buckle up—this title fight is going down to the wire.

Gameweek 35

Chelsea produced a confident and composed performance against Nottingham Forest, overcoming early nerves to secure a crucial 3-1 win in front of a home crowd. The tone was set early in the first half: Garnacho drifted in from the left, timed his run perfectly on the edge of the box, and buried a stunning finish into the top far corner straight after receiving a pinpoint pass from Fernández. Forest barely threatened, and we dominated possession throughout, carving out chances and keeping their back line under constant pressure.

Although the score stayed tight for much of the second half, our breakthrough finally came from a set-piece situation. After a dangerous corner, Forest goalkeeper Gunn could only parry the ball into the feet of Palmer, who calmly tucked home from close range, doubling our lead and letting the crowd breathe a little easier. Not long after, James sealed the result in style—dancing past defenders on the right side of the box and curling a well-placed shot into the net for our third.

While Forest pulled back a late consolation, it never looked like derailing our charge. The stats tell the story—dominant possession and clear-cut chances throughout. Three invaluable points, and another step forward in a thrilling title chase.

Our rivals stumbled at a crucial moment, and we’ve taken full advantage—Chelsea are top of the Premier League! With Arsenal held to a 1-1 draw at home against Fulham and Liverpool slipping to a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, we find ourselves leading the race on 79 points, with Arsenal and Liverpool just one behind on 78. Every match is growing in importance, the title fight is more dramatic than ever, and after all the twists and turns, the title is now in our hands heading into the final games.

Gameweek 36

After a painful defeat at home, Liverpool traveled to Madrid and could only manage a 1-1 draw against Real, seeing them eliminated from the Champions League at the semifinal stage. There was no time for recovery, as just days later they hosted us in another season-defining Premier League clash at Anfield.

The match itself was a tense, cagey affair from the start. Both sides clearly felt the pressure and the fatigue. The first half saw Liverpool edge possession while we created more set piece opportunities, but neither team could find a breakthrough. Statistically, there was little to separate us: we finished the game with slightly more shots and corners, but both teams had only one clear chance in the opening forty-five minutes.

Late in the second half, the tension ramped up as we came closest to stealing all three points—hitting the woodwork in the 80th minute—but ultimately, neither side could break the deadlock. The final whistle confirmed a goalless draw, a result that keeps everything alive at the top but doesn’t hand advantage to anyone. All eyes now turn to the final rounds, with every single point, and every near miss, mattering more than ever.

Meanwhile, Arsenal cruised to a convincing win, putting three past West Ham to get back to the top of the table. With just two games remaining, the Gunners now sit first on 81 points, Chelsea are right behind with 80, and Liverpool are still in the hunt with 79. The title race couldn’t be closer, and every match from here on will be decisive—the pressure is truly at its peak as the season comes to a dramatic finale.

Manchester United gave their survival hopes a huge boost with a convincing 3-1 win over Sunderland. Thanks to this result, they’re now just two points adrift of 17th-placed Fulham with two games left. The great escape is suddenly back on, and the fight to avoid relegation will go right down to the wire.

Gameweek 37

We delivered a thrilling attacking display to sweep aside Spurs 5-1 and keep our title hopes alive. The match started with a perfect combination: Garnacho, sharp and alert in the box, collected Palmer’s through ball and slotted home from close range to give us the lead in just the 8th minute. Moments later, Neto tested Spurs’ resolve, rattling the crossbar from point-blank range.

The energy never dropped, and the second goal was a mirror image—this time Palmer finished a move started by Garnacho, slipping past the defense and coolly finding the net in the 23rd minute. Just before halftime, Garnacho rose highest at the corner of the six-yard box to head home a precise right-wing cross from Caicedo, making it 3-0.

After the break, the onslaught continued. Palmer claimed his second of the match, unleashing a powerful strike from 17 meters out that zipped past a diving Vicario and into the bottom corner. Kolo Muani pulled one back for Spurs, but Chelsea were relentless; Guiu capped the performance with a tidy finish after Neto’s clever pass.

The fluid partnership between Garnacho and Palmer, plus a vibrant attacking rhythm, proved too much for Spurs all evening. With the title race so tight, this all-out performance was exactly what was needed at the season’s critical juncture.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool claimed crucial victories as the Premier League title race heads into the final day with almost nothing between the top three. Arsenal were dominant at home, sweeping aside Burnley 3-0 with goals from Gyökeres, Saka, and Ødegaard, keeping their hold on first place with 84 points. Liverpool showed resilience on the road, edging Aston Villa 3-2 thanks to a brace from Ekitiké and a goal from Isak, moving to 82 points. With these results, Arsenal top the table on 84, Chelsea are just behind on 83, and Liverpool are right in the mix on 82. The title will be decided in the last round.

The relegation battle is also wide open going into the final round. Fulham and Manchester United both picked up crucial wins to keep their hopes alive, while Bournemouth have secured safety thanks to their superior goal difference and 36 points.Fulham and Leeds are on 35 points, Manchester United are just behind on 33. Brighton and Wolves have already been relegated, but for those above the drop zone, everything comes down to the last ninety minutes. Expect plenty of drama as three clubs fight tooth and nail for Premier League survival.

Gameweek 38

Since mid-March, Chelsea have been able to field their strongest lineup week in, week out—one of the key reasons the team has stayed right in the hunt for the title. But just when it mattered most, disaster struck again: Sanchez picked up another injury right before the decisive final match against Sunderland. What a nightmare!

Chelsea finished the season in style, sweeping Sunderland aside with a commanding 4-0 victory. The opening goal set the tone—Reece James launched a long ball in behind the defense, Delap raced clear and coolly slotted past the keeper from ten meters. Not long after, Neto’s shot took a fortunate deflection off Sadiki and bounced into the net for our second. The first half stats underline our dominance: 12 shots to Sunderland’s 3, with 69% possession.

In the second half, the pressure continued. Neto wriggled free on the left edge of the box, beat his marker and curled an unstoppable shot inside the far post for the third. Then, in a fitting conclusion to the campaign, rarely-seen Tomiyasu added his name to the scoresheet, burying a chance for the fourth after coming on late.

Throughout the match, Chelsea controlled the ball, created chances with imagination, and finished clinically. The statline—24 shots, 11 on target, and twice as much possession—shows a team that rose to the occasion despite Sanchez’s absence. Job done, and an emphatic performance to close out a dramatic season.

But we needed Arsenal to slip…

They didn't. Arsenal held their nerve on the final day, grinding out a 1-0 victory away at Crystal Palace thanks to Martinelli’s first-half strike. Liverpool won their last game too, beating Brentford 1-0, with an own goal from Ajer in the first half. Both title rivals finished strong.

The closing weeks of this Premier League season were nothing short of breathtaking, with three contenders locked in a relentless fight for the title right up to the final whistle. Arsenal edged out Chelsea by just a single point, while Liverpool finished only two behind the champions. The top of the table was exceptionally tight—every result, every goal, and every moment counted like never before. This campaign showcased the drama and unpredictability that makes the English top flight so special, proving once again that nothing is guaranteed until the very last day. Manchester City qualified for the Champions League alongside the three title-chasing teams, Spurs will play in the Europa League, and Everton in the Conference League.

Manchester United did everything they could on the final day, securing a 1-0 win over Brighton. Leeds also claimed victory, while Fulham managed a draw. Manchester United and Fulham are both on 36 points. With Brighton and Wolves already down, the tension was all about who would join them: it ultimately came down to goal difference,

Manchester United’s relegation… honestly, it’s hard to even find the words. For a storied club like United to go down is almost unimaginable. They picked up 13 points from their final five matches, showing real fight and determination down the stretch—but in the end, it just wasn’t enough.

It just wasn’t meant to be... We started the season incredibly strongly, but by the end of January, Arsenal had pulled nine points clear at the top. Even though we put together an impressive run—going unbeaten in the last 14 league matches and winning 10 of them—we couldn’t quite make up the deficit. Our cup runs ended too soon, so we finished the campaign without any silverware, despite surprising even ourselves with how deep we stayed in the title race. Palmer finished as our top scorer with 19 goals, followed by Delap (17), Neto (13), and Garnacho (11).

In the next (and last) episode, we’ll take a tour around Europe to see if any other leagues delivered such dramatic surprises. And who knows… maybe one day, if I’m in the mood for a rebuild, I’ll dust off this save for another unforgettable adventure.

Still No Decision

April 2026

April brings a run of matches that could very well define our season. With both Manchester clubs—City and United—visiting Stamford Bridge in back-to-back home fixtures, the pressure doesn’t let up for a minute. City have been inconsistent, but we know their quality, while United’s relegation battle under Postecoglu means nothing can be taken for granted, especially with their recent fight for survival. Closing out the month, we head to Brighton, always a tricky away trip. These games won’t be easy, and while none of our remaining opponents are at the very top, they all have plenty to prove. As the finish line approaches, we have to keep our focus razor-sharp; every result can shift the balance in the title race.

Gameweek 32

Before the Manchester City match, I’m gathering the squad for a real team talk—no clichés, just honesty and belief. I’m reminding everyone that, realistically, nobody on the outside expects us to win the title this year. The pressure’s off; we have absolutely nothing to lose. But inside these walls, we know we’ve put ourselves in the position to chase something incredible. This is our chance—maybe the greatest opportunity some of us will ever have in our footballing lives. If we play with courage, togetherness, and that bit of daring spirit, there’s no telling how far we can go. Let’s seize the moment and make everyone remember us for how we rose to the challenge.

Our clash with Manchester City delivered all the drama you’d expect in a season-defining showdown. City struck first—Haaland netting inside ten minutes—but our response was defiant. Garnacho brought us level, then Delap fired us ahead shortly after halftime, thanks to a brilliant delivery from Reece James. For long spells we controlled possession and created plenty, but City refused to give up, snatching a point with a Reijnders goal in the final twenty minutes. The stats tell their own story: we edged the shot count and possession, but both sides had spells of danger and intent. A tough, hard-fought 2-2 draw with everything still to play for.

Elsewhere, our title rivals battled for their own crucial points. Arsenal overcame Bournemouth 1-0 thanks to Gyökeres, holding their top spot with another typically disciplined display. Liverpool’s afternoon was a wild one—they led, then trailed, but salvaged a draw against Fulham. These dropped points mean that Arsenal are 2 points ahead of Liverpool and 4 ahead of us.

And after weeks of struggle, Manchester United finally tasted victory, seeing off Leeds at Old Trafford. It’s been a long wait for their fans and a timely result as the relegation battle heats up. All across the league, the stakes just keep rising—every team, every result, every late goal matters more than ever now.

Gameweek 33

There’s always something special about facing Manchester United—a fixture steeped in Premier League history, iconic moments, and classic battles for silverware. Where once this matchup would decide titles and define eras, tonight’s clash felt very different: Chelsea locked in a hunt for the championship, United desperately scrambling to avoid relegation. The shifting fortunes of both clubs have made these occasions all the more poignant—old enemies, new stakes.

The first forty-five minutes were anything but straightforward. United stunned us early, Bruno Fernandes scoring against the run of play. We dominated possession, created chances, had more corners, but they held firm and took their lead into the break. It was a reminder that even struggling sides can rise to the big occasion, especially when history lingers in the air.

But the second half was a different story entirely. Our attacking intent finally paid off, with Garnacho bagging a quickfire double after the restart to flip the game on its head. Palmer and Lavia added gloss to the scoreline, as we ran out convincing 5-1 winners. In the end, the gulf in ambition and quality was clear, but for a long spell, it was a contest that recalled the tension and intensity of old Chelsea-United battles—just with the roles reversed. The campaign continues, but nights like these are a poignant reminder of how much has changed and how high the stakes have become.

It was a thrilling weekend for our title rivals. Liverpool faced a tricky Merseyside derby away at Everton and emerged victorious in a five-goal thriller, winning 3-2. Gravenberch, Ekitiké, and a fortunate own goal from Tarkowski handed Liverpool all three points, despite Everton’s best efforts and goals from Dibling and Ndiaye. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal were handed their toughest test of the season by Manchester City, who showed their class with an emphatic 3-0 win at the Etihad. Phil Foden struck twice and Cherki added a third, giving City a dominant result. That result sees Liverpool take the lead in the league, overtaking Arsenal at the top.

Both matches showcased just how fine the margins are at the top—the title race remains gripping, every match bringing fresh twists and nothing is settled yet.

At this point Liverpool are first on 75 points, Arsenal are second on74, we are third on 73.

Gameweek 34

Today’s opponents, Brighton, are living a remarkable football paradox this spring. In just a few weeks, they’ll be stepping out at Wembley for an FA Cup final – a dream for any club. Yet in the league, their situation couldn’t be more desperate: after eight straight defeats, they started this match in 18th, locked in a fierce relegation scrap.

As the game unfolded, we saw why form counts for so much in football. Brighton did start brightly enough, edging possession and carving out a few corners, but their attacking edge never truly materialized; our defense remained composed and untroubled. By halftime, we'd already set the tone, making the most of our chances: Reece James teed up Cole Palmer for the opener, before Palmer turned provider to tee up Enzo Fernández for our second. The first-half stats showed control and efficiency, and we went in two goals to the good.

Through the second half, the pattern held. Brighton kept the ball for spells and swung in plenty of corners, but always ran into a blue wall. We managed the game, defended with discipline, and kept our focus. With Palmer the standout once again, it was a confident, professional 2-0 win that never really looked in doubt.

It’s hard not to feel for our opponents, balancing dreams of cup glory with the worry of survival, but for us, every victory is another step towards a huge finish to this season. The title race stays red-hot, and momentum keeps building.

With just four games left in the season, only two points separate the top three—Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea—so this title race is shaping up to be one for the ages. The tension will only ramp up as the matches come thick and fast: Arsenal still have a huge Champions League rematch at home against PSG, while Liverpool face Real Madrid away. To make things even more dramatic, immediately after that European showdown, Liverpool host Chelsea in the Premier League in a match that could decide the title. The battle at the top is wide open, and every twist and turn in the final weeks will be crucial.

The relegation battle is no less intense than the fight for the title, with just four matches left to play and the margins as fine as ever. Leeds and Fulham are hovering right above the drop zone, but it’s Brighton, Man United, and Wolves who find themselves in the deepest trouble. Manchester United’s fans have been waiting for a spring revival, but April has brought nothing but frustration, as they’ve failed to make any progress toward safety and remain stuck in 19th place. With time rapidly running out, United will need a remarkable turnaround to avoid a catastrophic end to their season—the pressure and stakes couldn’t be higher heading into the final run-in.

In May we’ll host Nottingham Forest first, then play against Liverpool, Tottenham, and Sunderland.

See you next month!

Final Bow

The Farewell

We closed the previous chapter with the team and supporters filled with anticipation for the coming season. For one figure, however, thoughts took a different turn. Months earlier, Julien had begun discussions about his future with the club. Christophe Galtier spoke candidly: summer transfer plans were already forming, and while Julien’s leadership and experience were valued in the dressing room, his on-pitch role would be much reduced—only occasional appearances, no longer a key player.

Training camps grew harder with each year, and the rigors of preseason were taking their toll on Julien’s aging body. Towards the end of the season, the familiar ache of his right ankle resurfaced—a warning sign that perhaps the end was near.
 

They reached an agreement: the match on May 17th, against Ajaccio, would be Julien’s final professional game. When the 60th minute arrived and Saint-Étienne led 2–0, Julien was substituted for the last time. The crowd roared his name—“Gauthier, Gauthier!”—and tears mingled with his smile as he waved goodbye.

His journey had its share of poor decisions and untimely injuries, but Julien could look back knowing he’d hoisted a cup with Saint-Étienne, and ended his career on a high, with his best ever lague finish

He's never been a household name in Europe, not even in France except fotr the regions of Grenoble and St. Étienne. Relegated in his first full season with Le Havre, then moved to Everton where he never really lived up to the expexctations and spent a season and a half on loan at Preston, for the final season of his Everton contract he was sent on loan to Bochum, where he got relegated again. In 2005 he moved to Ligue 2 side Grenoble, where he became team captain gained promotion in 2008. In 2010 (after being relegated with Grenoble in the third season of his career ending in relegation) he moved to St. Étienne, where he has spent the last four years of his playing career and finished 10th, 7th 5th, then 4th in his final season, also won the Coup de la Ligue in 2013.
 

After his emotional farewell, Julien and Laura settled in Grenoble—the site of his fondest football memories. In a quiet neighborhood and a classic French home, Julien devoted the next year to his family. The rhythm of ordinary life replaced the highs and lows of match days; visits to his parents and sister in Le Havre became part of their new routine. He embraced the peace, grateful for a career fulfilled and a future with those who mattered most.

Let's see what happens next with Julien!

Yeah, I nearly fell off my chair when I saw Amorim pop up at Leeds! But I guess after this (half) season he had to take the first opportunity

Great read! Your team’s on fire—Nunes is a real superstar.  Can't wait for the Chelsea game!

Top Three Are Closer Than Ever

Before I start this post, please allow me to share a personal paragraph!

Now that we finally have a month with fewer matches, I’d like to give you a little taste of what you can expect in my “other” save, which I haven’t even started yet. In real life, I’m a father of two with a nine-to-five job who just happens to be on vacation, and that’s why I can blast through a league season in a week. In the long run, though, this simply isn’t feasible for me, so my plan is that there will be more stories and fewer results. So anyone who’s read (or is reading) my “other” save, which hasn’t even begun yet, can expect something like this—only together with the manager’s personal story.

March 2026

As the Premier League title race intensifies, the next run of fixtures will see us face Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Everton—teams who, at the start of the month, sat in 6th, 7th, and 8th place respectively. On paper, none of them seem like outright title contenders or truly daunting opponents, but there’s certainly no such thing as an easy, guaranteed win. Every point in these matches could prove pivotal, and these squads have enough quality and motivation to cause problems for anyone. We have to stay focused and hungry, embracing each hurdle as we fight for the crown in the home stretch.

Gameweek 29

Tonight’s clash with Aston Villa was another chapter in our rollercoaster campaign. Fresh off a tough FA Cup loss against Villa and still riding the emotional high of last week’s win over Arsenal, we knew every point mattered—especially with Arsenal and Liverpool both cruising to comfortable victories this round.

We started on the back foot, conceding early against Villa, but the team responded well. Palmer’s equalizer before halftime highlighted our determination and the creative spark we still possess, even away from home. Despite Villa’s defensive resilience, we pushed relentlessly, carving out a host of opportunities but, frustratingly, lacked the decisive edge in front of goal.

After the break, the story stayed much the same. We controlled the tempo, kept Villa penned in for long spells, and forced them into deep defending. Yet, the ball just wouldn’t find the back of the net again. These kinds of nights feel especially costly when the title race is this tight and our rivals continue to rack up wins.

Looking at the bigger picture, our recent form has been a mixed bag—moments of brilliance punctuated by missed chances and dropped points. The squad is giving everything, and the attitude remains spot on. As we approach the season’s final nine matches, the pressure is rising, and every result matters more than ever. It’s up to us now to turn attacking intent into victories, keep the faith, and fight for every single point. This story isn’t finished yet.

Gameweek 30

If you ever needed proof that the Premier League title race is truly wide open, the match against Newcastle delivered it. As Chelsea manager, I watched our team come out firing on all cylinders, pressing high and dominating possession from the very first whistle. Garnacho’s early goal set the tone, then Palmer doubled our lead soon after the break. We were aggressive, dynamic and never let Newcastle out of our grip, not just on the scoreboard but across every blade of grass.

Of course, football rarely allows for a clean getaway. Newcastle snatched one back late to keep us honest, but we held our nerve and secured three crucial points. The stats tell their own story, but it’s the energy, the control, and the rhythm we established that really stood out. Our midfield ran the show, our attack created chance after chance, and for long stretches Newcastle simply couldn’t get close.

But just as important as our win was keeping an eye on the scoreboard elsewhere. Arsenal, so often relentless at the top, were frustrated by Everton and had to settle for a goalless draw—maybe a sign their armor isn’t as thick as it seemed. Meanwhile, Liverpool picked up a clinical win over Spurs, putting more pressure on the pack.

So now, looking at the table after this round: Arsenal hang onto first place, but their lead has shrunk. Liverpool lstill in second with their victory, while we sit hot on their heels, just four points off top after thirty matches played. City and Spurs are trailing behind, but the race between the big three is reaching its boiling point.

With form returning and momentum building, we’re exactly where we need to be as the business end of the season arrives. The fight goes on, and right now—after a performance like this—belief is stronger than ever in the dressing room.

Gameweek 31

Taking on Everton was always going to be a real test, especially with the Toffees riding high in seventh place and chasing the European spots. The pressure was sky-high with Arsenal traveling to relegation-threatened Wolves and Liverpool facing a tricky trip to Brighton – every top side had something to prove this round.

The opening forty-five minutes at Goodison truly felt like a chess match. We enjoyed more of the ball, asserted ourselves in midfield, and spent much of the half probing Everton’s defensive line. Time and again, we pushed into promising positions, but the breakthrough just didn’t come. Everton sat deep, organized and stubborn. Even so, our composure on the ball was clear for all to see; we just needed that moment of inspiration.

After the break, that moment arrived at last. A quick, incisive attack down the flank was capped by Delap, who slotted home shortly after the restart. You could feel the lift across the team – suddenly, there was a surge of intent and the confidence to push forward. The rest of the match saw us dictating tempo, keeping Everton under pressure, and defending with calm focus whenever they threatened to break. We weren’t able to extend the lead, but never truly looked in danger of letting it slip away either.

Meanwhile, all eyes remained fixed on our title rivals. Arsenal couldn’t find a way through in Wolverhampton, settling for just a solitary point. Liverpool, ever the predators at this stage of the season, ground out a narrow 1-0 win at Brighton – exactly the kind of result that wins championships.

The Premier League table is as tight as ever: Arsenal and Liverpool share the lead on 71 points, with us just behind on 69. City and Spurs trail further back, and every goal, every result is set to take on massive significance as the run-in continues.

Meanwhile, there’s a dramatic story unfolding at the bottom of the table as well. Under Postecoglu’s leadership, Manchester United are inching closer to securing survival (still bottom of table, but only 6 points of safety), slowly clawing their way out of the danger zone. It’s remarkable to see such a historic club fighting for their lives, but their recent form suggests they’re not giving up without a battle.

In April we’ll host both Manchester teams at home, then visit Brighton. Meanwhile, Arsenal have 5 matches, and Liverpool have 6. 

See you in a month!

High Hopes and Harsh Realities

 Saint-Étienne's 2013/14

After a summer of anticipation, Julien, the team, and the Saint-Étienne supporters were filled with optimism for the new season—especially with the prospect of competing in the UEFA Europa League. The city buzzed with excitement, fueled by strong transfer arrivals and the hope that last year’s cup success would translate into league and European progress.

Saint-Étienne’s return to continental competition was, however, short-lived and disappointing. After winning comfortably in the third qualifying round (beating Milsami Orhei from Moldova 6–0 on aggregate), the team faltered at the final hurdle against Esbjerg. The first leg away ended 4–3 for Esbjerg, and back in France, Saint-Étienne couldn’t overturn the deficit, losing 0–1 at Geoffroy-Guichard and crashing out before reaching the group stage.​

Julien started both legs but struggled to impose himself against the Danish side’s pressing, and the team’s attacking spark faded. For both Julien and the club, the early exit felt bitter—this might well have been Julien’s last European adventure.

Domestically, Saint-Étienne had a solid if unspectacular Ligue 1 season, finishing 4th and securing Europa League qualification for the following year. Julien, now 33, was generally named in the starting eleven for the first half of the season, but Galtier often replaced him around the 60th minute—balancing experience and fresh legs. By spring, younger midfielders and tactical shifts saw Julien gradually fall out of the starting team, though he continued making substitute appearances.

Saint-Étienne’s Ligue 1 performance was an undeniable bright spot. The fourth place—edging out rivals and showing consistent improvement from previous years. While at times the football was cautious and defensively focused, the squad’s resilience earned them crucial points in tightly contested matches, helping them rise in the table as the season progressed.

Fans and players alike looked ahead with renewed hope, knowing that next year would bring another chance for European adventure on the back of domestic progress. The foundations were firmly laid; the future, though uncertain, full of possibility.

In the Coupe de France, the team suffered an early exit in the third round. In the Coupe de la Ligue, Saint-Étienne made it to the quarter-finals but were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain.

Team Statistics

Julien’s Season Stats

See you next time with the summer of 2014!
 

The new signings look good, I bet you’ll climb higher! Can’t wait to see how the new season goes—good luck! 

The Title Race is Still Wide Open

February 2026

In February, we continued our Champions League campaign against Basel and the FA Cup against Aston Villa. We also played 4 league matches, but really, everyone was looking forward to the last day of the month, when we would visit Arsenal—who started February with a 9-point lead—on their home turf. 

Before our first match, on the last day of the transfer window, we received an offer from Barcelona for Badiashile, which we gladly accepted. He’ll stay until the end of the season, but we preferred to seal the deal now, as his value would likely have dropped further by then. 

We had a harder time than expected against Wolves, but managed to win. The home team took the lead, but Neto equalized in the first half, and Sterling secured the final result in the 75th minute. Wolves–Chelsea 1–2. 

We dominated the match against Ruben Amorim's Leeds from start to finish. Schlotterbeck has already started to pay back his transfer fee—since he’s been in the starting eleven, the team hasn’t lost, and now he put us ahead in the 13th minute with a free-kick goal. Midway through the second half, Delap doubled the lead, then in the 75th minute Schlotterbeck broke into the box but was fouled. Delap converted the penalty, setting the final score at 3–0. 

In the FA Cup, Aston Villa schooled us under the leadership of Elliot and Sancho. We managed to pull one back through Buonanotte at the end, but we lost 3–1 and got knocked out of the competition earlier than expected.

What’s more, we also lost James for a few weeks during this match.

Next up was the away Champions League match against Basel. We played in total control throughout and could have decided the tie, but nothing worked up front. The best player of the match was Basel’s goalkeeper, Tim Pfeiffer, who received a rating of 8.6. In the end, Shaqiri scored in the last moments—there wasn’t even time to continue the match after the goal. Hopefully, we’ll be able to turn things around at home. Basel–Chelsea 1–0. 

Just before our match against Burnley, Arsenal drew with Spurs, so a truly important fixture awaited us. The stakes were clearly reflected on our players. We had much more possession and several chances, but we couldn’t create any clear-cut opportunities. The only real chance came late in the first half, when we were awarded a penalty after a handball. Delap stepped up and confidently converted. Chelsea–Burnley 1–0. 

Then came the return leg against Basel. The match was very similar to the first leg; it was almost incomprehensible how we failed to level the tie in the first half.

In the second half, the pattern of play didn’t change much, but after just over an hour Joao Pedro finally scored the goal the whole of Stamford Bridge had been waiting for. Six minutes from time, disaster struck. We kept possession throughout, Basel barely had any chances (they barely had the ball), yet Koindredi managed to equalize. It finished 1–1, 1–2 on aggregate—Basel advanced, and we were left with only the Premier League to play for… 

After being knocked out of the Champions League, we lost Estevao for most of the rest of the season. So far, he’s played 23 league matches with 1 goal and 5 assists, and in the Champions League he has 2 goals from 10 appearances. 

Next up was the match against Arsenal. Our opponent hadn’t lost since the opening round, when they were beaten by the still struggling Manchester United. So we faced a hellishly tough clash against the North Londoners, who led the league by 7 points. Judging by our recent form, the omens weren’t great. Yet we started the match better, and Palmer—returning from injury just in time for this game—quickly put us ahead. After that, the game was evenly balanced throughout, with Arsenal pressing hard in the final 10 minutes, but they couldn’t equalize. Arsenal–Chelsea 0–1. 

So in February we said goodbye to both the Champions League and the FA Cup, but we won all four of our league matches.

We managed to reduce our 9-point deficit against Arsenal to 4, but Liverpool also won all their matches in February, so we remain in 3rd place. It looks like the other teams have dropped out of the title race. Our two main rivals are still competing in both the FA Cup and the Champions League, while we can now focus solely on the Premier League. 

The battle to avoid relegation is also still wide open with 10 rounds to go, although Manchester United is already 8 points behind 17th-placed Burnley.

We have only three matches in March: against Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Everton. 

See you next month!

Thanks!

I'm really looking forward to it too, but for now I'll finish the season with Chelsea and stretch this story out until the full release. Honestly, I originally planned for Julien to turn out as a worse player, but as the story developed, these steps felt realistic for his character. At the beginning, when he got injured during Everton’s strong run and was loaned out again, it actually crossed my mind that he might become closer friends with a certain Paul Gascoigne, who was playing there at the time. But then I might not have been able to steer him back onto a path that would later turn into a managerial career 🙂

Europe Awaits

The Summer of 2013

After the exhausting but triumphant season, Julien took Laura and little Camille on a well-deserved holiday to the sun-drenched beaches of southern Spain. The sound of the waves, the haze of sand, and the easy laughter of his family set the scene for reflection: he was 33, and acutely aware that each summer brought him closer to the final chapters of his playing career.

The contract extension signed the previous summer—after lifting the Coupe de la Ligue—meant Julien would have another shot at showing himself on the European stage, even after the misadventure with Bochum a few years prior that had nearly ended his continental ambitions. He knew this could be his last real opportunity to make an impression outside France.

Back in Saint-Étienne, change was in the air. The club bid farewell to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, their electric striker, who moved to Borussia Dortmund for a club-record fee. Right winger Bănel Nicoliță left on loan to Nantes, while Josuha Guilavogui joined Atlético Madrid, marking a significant loss in midfield. In came Franck Tabanou from Toulouse, Benjamin Corgnet from Lorient, Paul Baysse from Brest, and the promising forward Mevlüt Erdinç from Rennes—all ready to reshape the team.

As July turned, Saint-Étienne’s pre-season kicked off with an intensive training camp in the Alps. For two weeks, the squad rose early for tactical drills and grueling fitness sessions on the mountain pitches. Julien felt the effect of every run and every touch, but also the camaraderie as old and new faces gelled into a united group. Christophe Galtier kept the atmosphere focused but upbeat, aware of the opportunity ahead in Europe.

The camp culminated in a series of friendlies where the new arrivals made an immediate impact. Julien started the opening game against Servette, testing his fitness and timing. Tabanou’s crosses and Erdinç’s movement quickly caught the eye, as Saint-Étienne swept their Swiss hosts aside 2–0.

A few days later, against Nîmes, Julien played the second half, picking up a smart assist with a well-placed through ball for Corgnet’s first goal in green. The final test came against Charleroi, where a strong defensive performance and a late Erdinç winner gave the team a 1–0 victory—the perfect end to pre-season.

As preseason unfolded, there was genuine excitement around the squad’s new-look midfield and attack—even if Paul Baysse would miss much of the autumn after a serious injury. The press tipped Saint-Étienne as outside contenders for the Champions League places, with their strong defense and a hungry group of new arrivals.

For Julien, the anticipation was tinged with urgency. He realized the chance to play in Europe—likely for the last time—was not just about legacy, but about proving to himself and his fans that he still belonged at the highest level.

He returned to France determined, quietly savoring the possibility that one final adventure awaited in the green of Les Verts.

See you next time with Julien's return to European football for the first time since 2004!

Is It Over?

January 2026

We had a lot of games in January

And don't forget about the tranfer window. As soon as it opened, we strengthened immediately. We offered Gittens out on loan to other clubs and re-registered Sterling and Disasi right away. Before our first match in January, an unpleasant surprise came. Bayern made an offer for Pedro Neto, but since he’s one of our best-performing players, it was clear that we couldn’t accept the offer. 

Of course, Neto wasn’t happy. After all, Bayern is one of the best clubs in the world today. 

Then came our first match in January against Manchester City, which was a completely even contest. In the end, the home side won thanks to Haaland’s goal in the 88th minute. Meanwhile, Arsenal won, and Liverpool lost.

In our next match, starting for the third time, Guiu scored his second goal of the season against Fulham. In the first half, Chelsea dominated the game, so the teams went into the break at 1–0. At the start of the second half, Fulham equalized immediately. For the rest of the half, we pinned Fulham back in front of their goal. Our overwhelming superiority turned into goals in the last ten minutes. First Palmer, then Fernandez scored. It ended 3–1, and Liverpool lost again. 

Dário Essugo, who played in only one match during the autumn, is joining St.-Étienne on loan.

We joined the FA Cup against Notts County. We went through comfortably with a 4–2 win. Slonina got his first opportunity in goal this season. Delap scored one goal and provided two assists—hopefully this will boost his confidence again. 

I was certain that during the winter transfer window I would only sign a player who would truly strengthen the team, and I really wanted this reinforcement to be an experienced central defender. In Schlotterbeck, I managed to achieve this: 

Our new signing played the full match against Brentford. In a relatively uneventful game, we won 1–0 thanks to Neto’s first-half goal. However, we lost Cole Palmer in the 7th minute. 

Next was the Champions League match against Union SG. This time, we didn’t experiment. Despite the busy schedule, we fielded our best possible lineup. After a 3–0 lead at halftime, with Delap scoring 2 and Neto 3 goals, we ended up winning 5–0. 

Against Crystal Palace, we played one of those matches where everything worked out for one team and nothing for the other. This time, we were on the wrong side—the result was a seemingly comfortable 3–0 victory for Crystal Palace, but it’s honestly inexplicable how that scoreline came about. Delap even hit the post with an open goal. 

Against Napoli, we won more easily than expected. Delap scored twice, and McTominay replied from a corner in the 94th minute. 2–1. 

Since we managed to secure all 6 points from our two January matches, we finished 14th in the Champions League table, qualifying comfortably for the next round. 

The Champions League draw was made right away, and we got Swiss side Basel for the next round. 

Our last game in January was a balanced contest that ended 1–1 against West Ham. 

So we managed to secure qualification to the next round in the Champions League but ended up dropping 8 league points. The result against Palace was especially painful. Hopefully, the arrival of Schlotterbeck will stabilize our defense (he couldn’t play in that particular match due to a minor injury), and we’re counting on Sanchez staying healthy for the rest of the season. 

In the league, Arsenal seems to be pulling away, Liverpool has overtaken us thanks to their better goal difference, and Spurs are also closing in. 

I still find it hard to believe this relegation battle: 

To be honest, we’re only doing so well in the league because of our performances in September and October, but there’s still a long way to go. We’ve had good results against strong teams, but also suffered one or two inexplicable setbacks. The truth is, our best eleven has only managed to play together once all season. Lots of minor injuries have been hitting the team continuously, on top of the painful cases I’ve already mentioned. 

In February, we continue our FA Cup campaign against Aston Villa, Basel awaits in the Champions League, and in the league we’ll go up against Wolves, Leeds, Burnley, before finishing the month with an away match at Arsenal. 

See you in a month!

Title Hopes Are Still Alive

December 2025 

December began with our first signing. We had already been considering bringing in Tomiyasu on a free transfer during the summer, after his contract with our rivals Arsenal expired at the end of last season. He was injured at the time, but has since recovered, and since he can play anywhere across the defense, we didn’t hesitate to move for him. We’re vulnerable on both flanks whenever Cucurella or James are unavailable for any reason. Since we signed him on a free, we were able to register him for the squad immediately. 

Two hours later, Todd Boehly increased the transfer budget to £56M. Had we known, we might have waited a bit with this signing. 

Let's see what matches awaited us in this month. 

We managed to secure the three points against Leeds relatively comfortably. After half an hour, Calvert-Lewin equalized Garnacho’s goal, and for a moment I was worried we might run into trouble again, but a few minutes later, following a Leeds corner, Palmer and Delap launched a counterattack, which ended with the former finding the net. In the middle of the second half, substitute Buonanotte sealed the 3–1 victory. Meanwhile, Arsenal drew with Brentford, which means we’re back on top of the league. 

We were starting to settle down a bit after the shaky November, but then Sánchez got injured again. He had played only four matches since his previous injury, and now our first-choice goalkeeper is out for another month and a half. 

If you remember, I wanted to sell Badiashile in the summer, but there was a bit of an uproar at the time. Since then, he’s only played as a substitute in a single Champions League match. Now he wants to leave. I won’t stand in the way of that. 

Against Bournemouth, it seemed like we had stayed in the dressing room. Evanilson put them ahead in the 3rd minute. Luckily, Garnacho quickly equalized. Our new signing Tomiyasu made his debut as a starter in this match. I thought that if he got injured or couldn’t cope, I’d take him off. That wasn’t the case. In the 17th minute, he was sent off after a poorly timed challenge. Bournemouth took the lead again, but Neto equalized before halftime, and the teams went into the break at 2-2. Tomiyasu got an earful during the interval. We created more chances in the second half, but the score stayed the same. 

Next up was the Champions League match against Leverkusen. We planned to play a patient game, but our plans quickly went up in smoke. We gave the hosts too much space and they created three chances in the first ten minutes. Only Jörgensen, our goalkeeper replacing the injured Sánchez, kept us in the game. I tweaked the team instructions a bit and Leverkusen’s chances dried up, we gradually took control and took the lead through Estevao. We dominated until halftime. We started the second half with  a lot of possession, but couldn’t extend our lead. We made two substitutions in the 60th minute, but it made no difference. Leverkusen not only made changes, but also switched formation, and we failed to react in time. They turned the game around with two quick goals in three minutes. After that, we kept fighting and Palmer equalized three minutes before the end. It finished 2-2.

From here it’ll be very hard to finish even in the top 24, knowing one of our 2 remaining games will be against Napoli.

Against Everton, we took a 2–0 lead within the first ten minutes. Grealish managed to pull one back in the first half, but in the end it was a comfortable 4–1 victory. 

Next up was the away game against Newcastle in matchday 17. It’s hard to say anything… In the opening minutes of the first half, the home side had Ramsdale to thank for not conceding more goals to us. We were better in every aspect of the game, but somehow Ramsey put the Magpies ahead. The flow of the game didn’t change. By the 75th minute, Newcastle had only managed one shot on target, we had 67% possession, tried crosses and long shots, but couldn’t equalize. In the final fifteen minutes, we pushed forward completely and they scored twice on the counter. Waltemade found the net both times. Jörgensen didn’t make a single save, we missed every chance up front, and the game ended 3–0 to Newcastle.

I started to lose patience with Delap and Joao Pedro as they have scored only 8 goals combined in all competitions. Considering they are our main strikers I couldn't be happy with that. Guiu started for the first time against Aston Villa, and he repaid the trust with a goal in the 13th minute. This match really went just as we had hoped. We hit the target 15 times, Villa only twice. The 2–0 final score was sealed by Palmer in what was a completely one-sided game. 

In our last match of 2025, after a 3–0 lead at halftime, we cruised to a 4–1 victory against Bournemouth. 

In the league during this period, we had 4 wins, 1 draw, and suffered one defeat, while in the Champions League we drew against Leverkusen.

In the league, we’re closely trailing the leaders Arsenal, with Liverpool behind us, and then Manchester City following a bit further back. 

On December 7, Manchester United appointed Postecoglou to replace Amorim, but nothing has changed so far. 

We’re still performing better than expected in the league, but now we’re really hungry and keen to turn the second half of the season in our favor. The next month, we’ll have 8 matches, and we’re starting against Manchester City, plus there are 2 decisive Champions League clashes ahead and of course, the january transfer window… 

See you in a month!

Saint-Étienne 2012/13

The Cup Run

After the summer handshake and contract extension, Julien accepted his role as a defensive midfielder, mostly featuring as a substitute. Christophe Galtier stuck to his word: Julien wasn’t a guaranteed starter, but he was trusted as the first man off the bench, especially in tough matches when experience was needed.

By Christmas, Saint-Étienne were in contention for European spots. The team had only lost a handful of games and boasted one of Ligue 1's stingiest defenses, but several frustrating draws kept them just outside the top four.

Julien had made an impact in the cup competitions and grown into a trusted piece in midfield, but his Ligue 1 minutes were still limited. Most of his starts came in cup matches.

The Tactical Switch

After the winter break, Galtier introduced a new system featuring two defensive midfielders, giving Julien regular starts—especially in matches against higher-ranked opponents and cup ties. This change paid off: the team improved its ball recovery and dictated play more assertively.

Julien’s league minutes rose steadily. In the knockout cups, he became indispensable for composure and experience, particularly as Saint-Étienne advanced in the Coupe de la Ligue. In three  rounds—against Lorient, PSG, and Lille—the team survived nerve-wracking penalty shootouts. Julien stepped up in each, coolly converting his spot-kick and earning the faith of the fans and teammates alike.

In the final, against Rennes at the Stade de France, Julien scored the only goal—a precise, powerful strike following a late run into the box. His name echoed in celebration as Saint-Étienne lifted the trophy.

In the league we didn't see such improvement, but still the 5th place at the and of the season was the teams best in years.

AS St-Étienne 2012/13:

Julien Gauthier's stats:

Julien’s journey from uncertain squad player to pivotal trophy-winner echoed the team’s resurgence. The tactical evolution—and his clutch performances in shootouts—turned the season into a personal and collective triumph.

See you next time with summer 2013!

Good luck with this save! it seems the team is getting stronger and stronger!

Dropping Points on Both Fronts

November seemed to be decisive in both the Champions League and the Premier League, as we faced real heavyweights in both competitions.

In the first half, Tottenham completely outplayed us. It seemed like we had no chance when we went into the break 1–0 down. Earlier, I mentioned that we need to address letting opponents back into matches when we’re comfortably ahead. This time, the opposite happened. Our fighting spirit was outstanding, and even though it was tough, Cole Palmer managed to equalize in a match where the opponent was the better side. It ended 1–1, and among our closest rivals, only Arsenal managed to win.

Next came the Champions League match against Slavia, where another serious issue became clear. We made five changes to the starting lineup, and it backfired. We attacked throughout the first half but couldn’t create any truly dangerous chances. In the second half, we put the opponent under immense pressure, but despite quality substitutions, it was the Czechs who took the lead after a scramble from a corner. It’s painfully obvious that although we have a very strong starting eleven, our backup players aren’t anywhere near the level we need. After getting 6 points against Dortmund and Benfica, we managed just one from the matches against Lech and Slavia…

After Saturday’s matches in the next round, Manchester United’s patience with Amorim ran out. Following a 1–6 defeat to Spurs, our old rivals dropped back to 19th place.

The next day, Chelsea continued their great run with an easy 2–0 win against Wolves.

In our first match after the international break, we started well against Burnley. In the first minute, James fired a shot from 20 meters that hit the crossbar, and the rebound bounced off Esteve’s back into the net. Throughout the rest of the first half, Chelsea worked hard for a second goal but couldn’t find it. The second half played out as usual: Chelsea attacked, but Burnley equalized. In the last 20 minutes, we put the opponent under enormous pressure, but in the end, Fernandez’s own goal gave the home side the lead. Burnley had just one shot on target, still won 2–1. With this, after losing our unbeaten run in the Champions League, our Premier League unbeaten streak also ended—especially painful since it happened against Burnley.

The Inter match really brought us back down to earth. Just over half an hour in, we were already 3–0 down and never really in the game. In the second half, Inter eased off, and we tried to get back, but only managed a consolation goal. It finished a comfortable 3–1 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

With this, we’ve ended up in a very difficult situation in the Champions League. The truth is, we simply underestimated two opponents. After five rounds, we’re in 2nd place with 7 points. In our remaining three matches, we need to secure qualification against Leverkusen, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Napoli—hopefully, we’ll still finish in the top 24.

However, the most anticipated match of November came after that. Second-place Chelsea, with 29 points, hosted league leaders Arsenal, also on 29 points. We made a few tactical tweaks, but stuck with the 4-2-3-1 formation. In the first half, only one shot was on target: Odegaard fired from 18 meters, Sanchez went the right way, but the ball ended up in the top left corner. At halftime, the visitors led 1–0. In the second half, we created more chances and attacked more than Arsenal, and the breakthrough finally came in the 67th minute. Enzo’s freekick, heading for the top left, was pushed away by Raya, but inside the six-yard box it fell to Adarabioyo, who volleyed it into the center of the net. Both teams had their chances in the last 20 minutes, but it ended 1–1.

In the league, we’re still in a good position, and now we’ve played against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham as well.

Sorry, but I have to show this… Most of my friends and my dad are United supporters.

We’re still in a better position than expected, but the last few matches have shown that we can’t take any opponent lightly.

In December, we have six league matches (Everton and Newcastle seem to be the hardest) and a Champions League game against Leverkusen ahead of us.

See you in a month!

Uncertainty and New Beginnings

 Summer 2012

The summer of 2012 found Julien Gauthier uneasy about his future. Though two years have already passed in Saint-Étienne, he never quite felt truly at home the way he had in Grenoble. The previous season’s struggles, the lingering effects of his injury, and joining preseason training later than usual filled him with doubt: did he really have a future with Les Verts? The thought of moving on crossed his mind often, especially with just one year left on his contract—perhaps there was still time for one last gamble elsewhere.

On a sunny June afternoon, Julien was unexpectedly called into the coach’s office. Christophe Galtier greeted him and spoke with disarming honesty:
“I know it must have been difficult being sidelined after your injury,” Galtier said. “I’ve seen how hard you’re working and how important you are to this squad. I can’t promise you’ll be a guaranteed starter, but I am counting on you, and you will play a lot this season.”
To make his faith unmistakable, Galtier offered Julien a one-year contract extension.

Julien was overjoyed—his worries vanished in an instant. He hardly hesitated before signing; ever since the end of his time at Everton, he’d handled his own negotiations. The new contract was a symbol of the club’s trust, and Julien welcomed the challenge to prove himself all over again.

But the summer brought even greater happiness beyond football. In 2012, Julien and Laura welcomed the birth of their first child—a baby girl named Camille. The arrival of Camille filled their family with a sense of joy and purpose that gave new meaning to every decision, both on and off the pitch.

With fresh hope for his football career and his growing family, Julien prepared to embrace the new season—and the new life waiting for him.

See you next with 2012/13!

Have we become title contenders? 

In October, we only had one truly strong opponent, but at least now we can’t say that we weren’t tested at all.

Our most important match in the month was clearly the one against Liverpool. We went into halftime with a 2–0 lead. Ekitike pulled one back for Liverpool in the 60th minute. After that, Liverpool were on the attack constantly, while Chelsea only managed an occasional counter. Enzo Fernandez cleared the ball off the line in the 95th minute, so it ended 2–1.

Fortunately, everyone returned healthy from the international break. Still, one of our players who stayed home picked up an injury during training:

Our first-choice goalkeeper is out for weeks, which isn’t a good sign for the upcoming matches, no matter how easy our schedule may seem.

We beat Nottingham Forest 2–0 without much effort. 

Then came our third Champions League match against Lech Poznan. We rested a few players, but still managed to go 2–0 up after just over half an hour. In the second half, we made three substitutions to keep our key players fresh. That was a mistake. Around the middle of the second half, our opponents pulled one back, and we couldn’t step up our game, so it ended 2–2.

The match against Sunderland seemed easy at first, but after going 2–0 up, the Black Cats, who were down to 10 men, pulled one back in the 84th minute. They even had a chance to equalize, but it ended 2–1.

We’ve started the season brilliantly— unbeaten after 9 matches. Arsenal are keeping up, but we’ve started to pull away from the rest of the teams. We really didn’t expect this, but it’s great to look at the table!

Maybe it’s worth taking a look at the Champions League table as well at this point.

So, overall things are going better than we expected, but there are two things that could be cause for concern. One is that we tend to start strong, but then usually let our opponents back into the match. So far, this has only cost us points against Lech Poznan, but it’s something to watch out for.

The other thing is this… Basically, I don’t really believe the xG stat means much, since the best strikers are precisely the ones who score from impossible situations—ones that others wouldn’t. It makes a huge difference whether you have Van Basten, Drogba, Haaland up front or, say, Billy Sharp or Cucurella. Still, based on this stat, it could look like we’re just lucky in front of goal:

Not that it matters much, but after August, I was named Manager of the Month again in October.

In November, we have matches against Spurs, Slavia Prague, Wolves, Burnley, Inter, and Arsenal. If we’re still unbeaten in both the Champions League and the Premier League after these games, we can start to believe that we’re in for a truly successful season.

See you in a month!

Thanks, let’s hope it stays this way for a while longer. United were really better… we had 2 shots on goal. You just need that bit of luck sometimes!

I forgot to mention that September started with an unpleasant surprise. I had plans for both Sterling and Disasi. They both played in the August matches, but since Chelsea didn’t register them for the league in real life, I couldn’t include them in my final squad either. These two players can’t play in any competition until January 1. The squad isn’t as big as many people think…

September 2025

In September, these were the matches awaiting us:

After the international break, Palmer was finally fit again, but he didn’t make it straight into the starting eleven against Brentford. This nearly backfired, as Brentford quickly took the lead. However, Chelsea kept playing with confidence, and after half an hour we were already ahead. In the second half, we managed to increase our advantage and we beat them 3-1.

In September, Chelsea finally made their debut in the Champions League. It wasn’t an easy start, as we were up against Dortmund. In a completely balanced match, we took the lead in the 72nd minute with a header from Garnacho following a corner. At the end, Dortmund pushed forward, but Chelsea scored again as Pedro made it 2–0 final.

But as a long-time Chelsea fan, the most important match of the year is really the one against Man Utd... They took the lead, we were second best in most of the stats, but look we’re still unbeaten!

The first blow came in the Carabao Cup, where Sunderland knocked us out by scoring from their only real chance in a match with very few events.

Against Brighton, I was finally able to field what I consider to be our strongest starting eleven for the first time, and the match ended 3–2 (even though we were already 3–0 up at one point).

For a long time, it looked like we were going to share the points with Benfica in our second Champions League match, but in the 89th minute, substitute Estevão scored his first goal for Chelsea to make it 2–1 and win our last match of the month.

Overall, we finished a very successful month. As good old Arsène Wenger would say about getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup: at least we can focus on the more important competitions.

In the league, as the only unbeaten team, we gained a 3-point lead over the chasers, but we haven’t faced any truly tough opponents yet.

We are one of the six teams in the Champions League with a 100% record after 2 games.

We start October against Liverpool, followed by two more league matches and a Champions League game.

See you in a month!

Hope, Battle, and Heartbreak

2011/12

After a peaceful summer and well-placed reinforcements, hopes were high in Saint-Étienne. New signings brought fresh optimism and healthy competition for spots, but for the first time in years, Julien Gauthier walked into preseason with uncertainty hanging over his place in the starting eleven. The club had invested in creative midfielders and dynamic young talents; tactical sessions revolved around new partnerships and formations.

In August, as Ligue 1 began, Julien found himself looking on from the bench more and more. For a player whose career had always centered around quiet leadership and steady presence, being relegated to a substitute role was a jarring change. He trained relentlessly, but pressing doubts crept in—did the tactical evolution of the team leave room for a traditional midfield general like him? Would he ever reclaim a place among the regulars?

Months of Patience – Fighting for Every Minute

The first months were a test of character. Julien’s minutes came and went; cup fixtures, late-game substitutions, rare league starts. With each appearance, he found flashes of rhythm—an assist here, a clever interception there—but it wasn’t enough for a sustained run. Frustration built as newer arrivals gelled quickly, supporters buzzed about “the new project,” and whispers swirled in the press about the “changing profile” of the Saint-Étienne midfield.

At home, Laura noticed the difference. There were more silent evenings, prolonged walks spent in contemplation, and less joy after matches. Yet she encouraged Julien to channel the doubt into work: more focus in training, digging deeper tactically, extra time with analysts and coaches. Julien responded by leading the younger bench players, helping them adapt to the demands of the top flight, and supplying encouragement, even as he longed for his own return.

Transformation – Earning His Place Back

By mid-season, Julien’s resolve—combined with opportunity—turned the tide. Injuries and suspensions gave him a chance to start, and once on the pitch, he proved his worth. Game by game, his confidence returned: a crucial assist to Aubameyang in a tense away match, a calm goal from the edge of the box that swung a derby, and countless controlling passes that settled the team’s tempo.

Gradually, coaches and fans realized Julien’s unique gifts—a sense of organization, an ability to calm nerves in heated moments, tactical intelligence that those stats sometimes missed. Old chants returned to the terraces; teammates sought him for advice, and for a few glorious months, Julien seemed once again essential to Les Verts.

Off the field, life brightened: dinners with the squad, Laura’s pride in his perseverance, renewed confidence at home.

Heartbreak – The Injury That Changed Everything

But football, cruel as ever, hits hardest when hope peaks. In a late-season match, with Saint-Étienne pushing for a European place, Julien chased a loose ball in midfield. In one brutal instant, he was clattered from the side; his right ankle twisted and searing pain forced him off. Scans brought devastating news: a serious ligament tear, with months rather than weeks of recovery. His season was over.

The days that followed were Julien’s hardest as a professional. For the first time, he felt powerless—not just against the injury, but against the silence that filled both home and stadium. Rehabilitation was slow and lonely. Laura’s support was unwavering, but Julien wrestled with ghosts of “what if”: Was his best behind him? Would the club move on without him? Could he ever lead again in green?

Medical teams offered reassurance and teammates rallied, but the sense of isolation never quite faded. Julien showed up at training, encouraged his teammates, and attended every match, cheering from the sideline, but the longing to play burned fiercely. The pain wasn’t only physical—it was the feeling of missing each battle, each joy, each chance to contribute.

Club Performance – Triumphs and Regrets

Remarkably, Saint-Étienne rallied as a unit. The team boasted its best league finish for years: 7th in Ligue 1, just shy of Europa League qualification. Aubameyang starred, but Julien’s contribution—on and off the pitch—was widely recognized. The cup runs, unfortunately, were disappointing, with early exits marring any sensation of silverware.

For Julien, spring and early summer blended pride in the club’s achievement with personal anguish. Supporters sent letters, coaches reassured, but behind every congratulation, he felt the ache of having lost control over his fate. Quiet moments often brought memories of triumph; public appearances forced practiced smiles.

Yet as the season faded into summer, Julien began to rediscover hope. Rehabilitation progressed, family support strengthened his spirit, and the knowledge that he had conquered setbacks before helped seed new determination. Uncertainty remained, but so did belief—if anyone could fight their way back, it would be him.

AS Saint-Étienne – 2011/12

Julien Gauthier – 2011/12

See you next time with the summer of 2012!

The First Month of Competitive Football

The previous post ended with the matches we’re playing in September:

Let’s see how the start of the season unfolds!

On the season opener against Crystal Palace, Chelsea were able to field their strongest starting lineup, except for Palmer. At the start, the visitors seemed more proactive, but the first real chance came for Chelsea after a James run down the flank. He played the ball into the box to Garnacho, who passed it to Buonanotte—starting in the absence of Palmer—who slotted it into the net from five meters out. So, in the 10th minute, it was 1–0. For the rest of the first half, Crystal Palace stayed in the game thanks to their goalkeeper Benitez, who made up for his earlier mistake on the goal.

Five minutes into the second half, another dangerous James run caused problems. Chelsea passed their way through the Palace defense, and in the end, a shot from Pedro Neto made it 2–0. Seven minutes later, Neto scored again, deciding the match. We then made three substitutions (both full-backs went off since we only have one truly reliable player in each position, and Santos came in for Fernandez), and Mateta pulled one back for Palace a few minutes later. Crystal Palace had several chances to get back in the game. Delap replaced Joao Pedro, and Chelsea began to defend a bit deeper. This completely nullified Palace’s opportunities, and Chelsea didn’t push for more goals.

Chelsea–Crystal Palace 3–1.

(Don’t worry, I won’t write something this long after every match—but this was my first competitive game in FM26!)

In the second round, there was another London derby, this time against West Ham. We made two changes to the starting lineup: Estevão started in place of Garnacho, and Jörgensen was in goal due to first-choice keeper Sanchez’s injury. We were totally dominant throughout, and West Ham had a lot to thank their goalkeeper Hermansen for—but to be fair, the hosts hit the post once too. Despite Chelsea’s dominance in possession and pressure, the match ended 0–0.

For the third round, after the disappointment against West Ham, Chelsea made a few changes. Andrey Santos got his first start of the season, Fofana replaced Adarabioyo, and Enzo Fernandez played higher up the pitch. Enzo gave Chelsea the lead after a solo run, then just before halftime Chalobah made it 2–0 after a set-piece combination. Chalobah then scored again, doubling his tally with a 20-meter strike following a corner. The final score was 4–0 after an own goal rounded things off.

Chelsea's impressive start didn't go unnoticed:

This is what the PL table looks like after the 3rd round:

Burnley 7th, Liverpool 9th… you can't see here, but Spurs are in 19th with 0 pts…

About the planned signings: No outs, no ins!

See you in a month…



Introduction/Preseason 2025/26

As promised in my other story, I'll try a quick save with Chelsea when beta drops. At first it seemed like it's not gonna happen for a while as the game kept crashing after matches. Gave it an other try and look… Preseason is already over!

I'm a fan Chelsea since the mid-nineties. My first save normally is with Chelsea, but I never really do more than a couple of seasons. In the third normally it doesn't really look like my real life team, so I just lose interest. That's when I normally start over with a non-league team and my goal becomes to take over at Chelsea at some point…

Let's start..

 

A few pre-season matches had been scheduled, which seemed suitable for testing the squad.

We got off to a terrible start. Less than three minutes had passed when Leicester took the lead. The thought immediately crossed my mind that if things went on like this, Boehly wouldn’t even wait for the season to start before making a move... Then we managed to equalize before halftime, and in the second half our huge dominance finally paid off. In the other matches, there was never any doubt about which team was better — even though we never managed to field our strongest lineup.

Regardless of the results, there wasn’t really a settled starting eleven by the beginning of the season. Many players were struggling with minor or more serious injuries, which meant the lineup had to be constantly rotated, and on top of that, we probably lost one of our most important players until the September international break

At the end I've decided to arrange a friendly which could really test the team one week before the season kicsks off:

Bilbao, unfortunately, looked like a tough opponent, but to be fair, we improved a lot in the second half after Garnacho and Sterling came on, and we came very close to equalizing. Garnacho, by the way, was one of the pleasant surprises of pre-season. By the start of the campaign, he had managed to push Estevão out of the starting lineup.

Looking at the squad, it was clear that the team needed another striker and a central defender (with the ability to play at the left) in case any of the current ones got suspended or injured. Since we only have £16.5M for transfers, it was clear that we wouldn’t be able to get both. Just like in real life, I promoted Marc Guiu to the first-team squad. It also seemed very likely that we wouldn’t be able to sign a young player who fits into Chelsea’s transfer policy for that amount, so after Wesley Fofana recovered, I tried to sell Badiashile — which caused a full-blown dressing room revolt. I backed down (perhaps a mistake).  We don't really need any more centre-backs. What we need is more of an upgrade compared to the ones we already have — but at left-back, it truly did seem like we were short on numbers.

Next time we'll find out if Chelsea can get that one missing defender and we'll see how the season starts: