"O Produto Acabado": The Finished Product

[ZeCarlos]

July

FC Porto have today announced that Vitor Pereira will leave his role as First Team Manager at the club. After successfully winning the Liga ZON Sagres in his first year, Pereira will leave the club this summer - citing health complications as his reason for leaving. It is widely reported that the Porto hierarchy are hugely disappointed with the Portuguese manager's performance in his first year - although chairman Pinto da Costa has moved to quash claims of a falling out between the board and Pereira. Despite winning the domestic league in his first year, the 44-year-old manager led his team to frustrating performances in Europe through the Champions League and Europa League. The Portuguese domestic cup - the Taça de Portugal - was also hugely disheartening for Pereira and Porto; having been knocked out in the fourth round by eventual winners Academica. Fan favourite's Alvaro Pereira, Fredy Guarin and Hulk have already left Estadio do Dragao during the summer for a combined fee of just over £65 million - leaving the club without three key players.

In the wake of the decision, FC Porto moved quickly to appoint Pereira's replacement. Jason Mann, formerly of Jose Mourinho's coaching staff at Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid has been appointed as First Team Manager on a two-year contract. Despite having no managerial experience, Mann has proved countless times to be very tactically aware - with Mourinho taking the young Englishman - part Portuguese - with him to his three biggest clubs to date as a 'Tactical Advisor'. Despite the great friendship between the two, Mann has now taken his opportunity to be First Team Manager at a well-respected club; following in the footsteps of Andre Villas-Boas who famously left Mourinho's coaching staff to take charge of FC Porto - causing a falling out with "The Special One" who claimed Villas-Boas was a traitor. However, despite the past argument with Villas Boas, it is understood that Mourinho harbours no hate for Mann - with the former stating the two are still "great friends".

Chairman Pinto da Costa is said to be delighted with the capture of another of Mourinho's "disciple's". A war chest of around £18 million has been promised to the Englishman - who takes over a side seeded 1st in the Champions League Group Stage. Huge pressure is already forming on the young manager - with a need for silverware engulfing Porto supporters. Youngsters James Rodriguez, Danilo and Alex Sandro are said to be key players for The Dragons this season; although Mann is yet to take a close look at the first team.

[ZeCarlos]

August

Transfers

Following Jason Mann's first team inspection, several key areas were highlighted for improvement. Despite recent club signing Jackson Martinez having a high level of ability, young manager Mann scoured high scouts' reports of several young strikers with the hope of adding two more attackers to his squad by the end of August. Sao Paulo striker Ademilson was soon heading for Estadio do Dragao - along with Chivas' Mexian striker Carlos Fierro. The two wonderkids signed at FC Porto for a combined fee of £10 million. Young defender Jores Okore was signed for £1.3 million from FC Nordsjaelland while Brazilian midfielder Adryan joined for a fee of £900,000 from Flamengo. On the final day of the transfer window, Argentinian midfielder Mario Bolatti joined Jason Mann's side on loan until the end of the season to add cover in midfield. A deal was also struck with Fluminense which will see midfield maestro Wellington Nem join Porto for a fee of £3.5 million in January. Three youngsters left the club in loan since Jason Mann's arrival: Toze, Kadu and Thibaut Vion joined Aves, Braga and Leixoes respectively.

Results

Jason Mann enjoyed a great start to his career with FC Porto in August. The month began with a difficult Supertaça fixture against last years domestic cup winners, Academica. A brace by Brazilian striker Ademilson on his debut ensured Porto won their first silverware under Englishman Jason Mann. Two games within three days of each other then followed as Porto visited English sides Burnley and Middlesbrough. A 0-0 bore draw at Turf Moor ensured Porto had saved all their goals for the game at the Riverside against the team from Northern England. Jackson Martinez grabbed a hat-trick in his first start under Jason Mann.

A weak Nacional da Madeira side visited Estadio do Dragao on the opening day of the domestic season and suffered a heavy loss to the giants. Five different goalscorers ensured an easy victory in Jason Mann's first every managerial league game. Last seasons 9th placed finishers Gil Vicente then hosted FC Porto and nearly earned all three points with a threatening display. However, the class of midfielder Adryan shone through as after opening the scoring; he also earned a penalty for fellow midfielder Joao Moutinho to give Jason Mann's side a 2-1 lead.

Champions League Group Stage Draw

Having been seeded 1st for the Champions League Group Stage, Jason Mann was surely hoping for a reasonable draw. Spanish giants Valencia were the first team to be drawn alongside Porto - followed by Dutch side Ajax and FC Porto's Jores Okore will face his former side as FC Nordsjaelland were the final team to be drawn in Group B. Valencia are sure to be Porto's biggest rivals to be group winners - although Dutch side Ajax will be no pushovers when it comes to qualification. Three fantastic teams will battle it out for the two available qualification; whilst Danish side FC Nordsjaelland will prove to be stern opposition as they are the group underdogs.

[ZeCarlos]

September and October

Results

September and October continued Jason Mann's fantastic start as FC Porto manager. September promised to be a hard month for young manager Mann and his players - with fixtures against league contenders Sporting Lisbon and Braga being key to the domestic campaign; while a Champions League group game against Valencia ensured FC Porto would have no time for recovery in a frantic month. A fantastic 5-0 scoreline at home to Sporting Lisbon started FC Porto's month off in great style. A 2-1 away win was followed by an important Champions League group game against Valencia. A superb individual performance by young Brazilian midfielder Adryan guaranteed all three points against the Spanish giants. A visit to Braga just four days later threatened to stop FC Porto in their tracks - although a fantastic team performance ensured a 4-0 win for The Blue and Whites. To end the month, striker Jackson Martinez scored a fine goal in a disappointing draw with Olhanesnse.

October started with a trip to Holland to face giants Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena. A weakened team travelled as wingers James Rodriguez and Silvestre Valera were out injured for 3 months and a week respectively. Two second-half goals ensured FC Porto moved into a dominating position at the top of Group B in the Champions League. A 4-0 league win was then followed by a 5-2 victory in the domestic cup. A reserve side was fielded against Torreense as Jason Mann seen an opportunity to field young players. Another three points were picked up in the Champions League campaign as FC Porto travelled to Danish side FC Nordsjaelland - with star striker Jackson Martinez scoring yet another. The month was rounded off with a 3-0 away win at struggling Beria-Mar.

League Statistics

After three months in charge, Jason Mann's side currently lead the domestic league. 7 wins and 1 draw from 8 games leave them on 22 points - after scoring 26 goals and conceding just 3. Guimaraes are currently the only team within touching distance of FC Porto - after early season favourite's Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and Braga currently sit mid-table. Colombian forward Jackson Martinez has been in scintillating form since joining FC Porto in the summer. He currently leagues the league's goal scoring charts with an amazing 10 goals - 5 ahead of second place.

Champions League Group Stage

Portuguese team FC Porto currently lead Group B in the Champions League Group Stage. A home win was followed by two away victories - and they currently sit in first place with a three point lead. A win in the next game at home against Nordsjaelland would assure FC Porto of qualification into the Round of 16.

[ZeCarlos]

Any thoughts on the story so far guys? Feedback is appreciated!

[amc67x]

loving the layout. KIU

[Seabear]

i remember reading your stories from before and as soon as i saw you were the author i wanted to read it! Great layout! Hoping for more updates soon!

[ZeCarlos]

i remember reading your stories from before and as soon as i saw you were the author i wanted to read it! Great layout! Hoping for more updates soon!

loving the layout. KIU

Thanks for your feedback! Should have an update out tonight!

[ZeCarlos]

November and December

Results

FC Porto's dream season under Jason Mann continued through November and December. November had tough games against Benfica, Nordsjaelland and Valencia while December played host to the final game of the Champions League Group Stage against Ajax - followed by two cup ties and the same number of league games. A great start to November was rounded off after a double from centre half Rolando as FC Porto ran out 4-1 winners over early season rivals Benfica. Jason Mann's team then hosted Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland; needing a win to secure qualification with two games left. Two second-half strikers ensured the 2-0 win for FC Porto. Two easy 4-0 victories for The Blue and Whites followed in the league and Taça de Portugal before a trip to Spanish giants Valencia. A scintillating attacking display from FC Porto ensured all three points in Group B - after a 6-2 victory. The month ended after a poor performance meant FC Porto could only pick up a point in a 2-2 draw as they travelled to Rio Ave.

A promising start to December set the tone for the month as Dutch giants Ajax were easily disposed of at Estadio do Dragao with a 3-0 scoreline. A 5-0 victory then followed for FC Porto against struggling Vit. Setubal as striker Jackson Martinez returned to the scoring charts. A 5th round cup tie then followed against Oriental; and a second-string side was fielded by manager Jason Mann. A 5-1 victory ensued, before Academica were demolished in the league after James Rodriguez marked his return with a hat-trick in a 9-2 win. The month came to an end as FC Porto picked up another win at home against Moreirense in the 3rd phase of the League Cup.

League Statistics

Jason Mann's FC Porto continue to dominate the Portuguese Premier League after opening up a 6 point lead at the top of the table over surprise package Vit. Guimaraes. After scoring 50 league goals in just 13 games, Porto are well on course to being the league's top scoring team. Some great defensive work has also ensured that only 8 goals have been conceded; leaving the team on a goal difference of +42 as they near the half-way point of the season. Vit. Guimaraes continue to pick up points wherever they go - as early season favourite's Benfica and Sporting Lisbon have started a gradual increase up the league table. Striker Jackson Martinez continues to lead the goal scoring charts after scoring a further three goals in November and December; leaving him on a total of 13 so far this season.

Champions League Group Stage and First Knockout Round

FC Porto dominated Group B throughout the Group Stages of the Champions League. 6 wins out of 6 leave them on a maximum points total of 18. An incredible 20 goals were scored in 6 games - while only 5 were conceded against attacking teams Valencia and Ajax. Second placed Valencia proceeded through to the First Knockout Round in second place; as Ajax missed out by just 3 points. Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland finished bottom of the group - after losing all 6 games. In the First Knockout Round, FC Porto were drawn against Galatasaray. The first leg will be played away on the 19th of February while the Turkish side while travel to Portugal for the second leg on the 13th of March.

[ZeCarlos]

January

Results

January was a busy month for Jason Mann and his side as they extended their lead at the top of the league while also progressing in both domestic cups. In the opening game of the new year, P. Ferreira played host to FC Porto and lost the match 6-2 as new signing Wellington Nem scored twice. In the following game, Estoril visited Estadio do Dragao and were soundly beaten 5-0; including a brace from Ademilson. A double trip to FC Porto's nearest rivals in the League Cup and league then followed; with FC Porto being victorious in both games against Vit. Guimaraes with a 1-0 win followed by a 3-2 result.

Vit. Setubal then hosted FC Porto and were beaten 3-2 in a well contested game; ensuring FC Porto continue on their great run int the Taça de Portugal Semi Final. A trip to Nacional de Madeira then followed for Jason's Mann team and two goals from midfielder Moutinho helped in a 3-0 win. A double trip to Sporting Lisbon then followed for FC Porto in the league and Taça de Portugal Semi Final. A 2-1 victory meant FC Porto picked up another three points in the league while the first-leg of the Semi Final was won 1-0.

League Statistics

FC Porto doubled their lead at the top of the Portuguese Premier League during January. Some impressive results saw the team pull 12 points ahead of second placed Vit. Guimaraes. Giants Benfica closed the gap on second place to just 4 points - although they're now 16 points away from leaders FC Porto. In 17 league games, Jason Mann's side have scored 63 and conceded just 11 leaving the team on a goal difference of +52 with 47 points. Striker Jackson Martinez failed to score a league goal this month - therefore dropping to second place in the goal scoring charts on 13 as Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo has netted 14.

Transfers

Brazilian midfielder Wellington Nem was the first addition to FC Porto in January as the deal had already been agreed for £3.5 million from Fluminense. A long spell passed before Jason Mann began making deals again - as Urby Emanuelson was the second player to join the Portuguese leaders in January. A loan deal was struck with A.C Milan for the winger to join until the end of the season. The final day of the transfer market was a busy time for FC Porto as 4 deals were completed. Brazilian striker Eduardo, formerly of Arsenal, joined on a loan deal until the end of the season as Mohamed Sissoko, formerly of Liverpool, and Laurentiu Branescu signed similar deals. Experienced centre half Ricardo Carvalho re-joined FC Porto for a mere £100,000 from giants Real Madrid after leaving 10 years ago.

[amc67x]

great story mate, give mines a read if you get the chance, A maldini revolution its called