patrick917

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I was born in Hungary, and spent all of my playing career over there, but unfortunately that career ended so quickly because of injuries.

I played my youth career on regional level as a left back. So many big teams thought that im a really big talent and some of them wanted to sign me from the first division as well. But the problems and the injuries started when i was 16. My right ankle twisted so many times, causing bigger problems... i got ostreoarthritis in my right knee.
The big teams didnt want to sign me anymore because of my leg problems, and honestly.. i wasnt myself on the pitch anymore, so i had to retire from football at the age of 18...

I want to stay close to the football pitch, so i decided if i cant play i want to help and work in the backroom staff. My ex-coaches said that i should try to get a managerial license, because i would be capable to manage a team. While i work at their youth department in a part time job they paid me the managerial course.


Right now I'm not even 22 yet with a National C license, without any experience as a coach, or a manager, but i feel its time to step out to the market and take a shot.

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Ukraine or Romania?


I saw some Ukranian and Romanian teams are looking for a new manager. All of them is in the second tier though, but i dont care, i want the chance to manage a professional football team. I had several interviews in Ukraine with Nyva Ternopil, Girnik-Sport Komsomolsk and Naftovyk-Ukrnafta Okhtyrka and there was a Romanian team as well: ACS Rapid CFR Suceava.


The days passed without any answer, and i started to worry... 3 days after the interview i got an e-mail from Romania. They sent me a contract offer.

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I didnt want them to wait, so i accepted it immediately. 2 years ago they were in the 3rd tier.
That will be their 3rd season in the second division, and the board want me to guide the team into the mid-table. The media predicts us to the 6th place from 11, and thats my goal as well... the top six is going to the promotion playoffs.




 
As a Hungarian and as a Ferencváros supporter I'll follow your story mate, hope you'll be the next Guttmann, or Sebes ;)
 
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Few right moves then you can certainly challenge then!
Wont be easy because i didnt get any wage budget either, but i will do my best :)

As a Hungarian and as a Ferencváros supporter I'll follow your story mate, hope you'll be the next Guttmann, or Sebes ;)
Thanks mate! :) Im on it, it will be a long road, but im ready for the challange.
 
Time to revive Hungarian football and find a new Puskás! In the meanwhile though good luck in Romania ;)
 
ACS Rapid CFR Suceava


On my first day, the chairman, Gabriel Clim wanted to see me again, and talked about the background of the club, about his expectations in the season, and introduced my assistant, Mihai Gurita. It was pleasing... fair to say.


We went with Mihai to the staff office where everyone welcomed me from the backroom staff. I had some chat with them about the team, and the players as well. We agreed that we start the next day with a meeting. Before i left, my assistant gave me a report about the players. A long night waiting for me.

"Morning everyone! As i can see everyone is here, so we can start. First of all i want to clear something. I have a clear idea about football of course, i bring my own tactic to the team, and if someone cant fit... i think you know the answer."


"Boss, i think it would be easier to find a tactic what fits to our squad."

"Some managers working this way, but i think differently alright? Believe me, it will work." then i said my tactical plans and expectations about each role.
"So, lets run through the players and discuss our ideas.
Start with the keepers. Both of them seems good, i guess Rohetki will be the #1. Jump to the defenders"

"Boss, you said you want four central defender in the squad, but we have just three"

"At least all of them seems good for us, but we still need one more, lets see the wing backs"

"I think they can fit to that system"

"Youre right Bogdan, theyre not the youngest players, but they will be good. Midfield?"


"We afraid that we are very short on that part of the pitch Mr Gregor"

"I agree that we're a bit short, but the situation is not disastrous at all. Our strikers will be good as well for this season.
We have two months before the season opener, and we have so much work to do.Thank you guys"

After the meeting its obvious that i have to visit our Director of Football and scouts about our possibilities. I need four more players, we have two months to find them.
 
2014/15 Preseason

"Alright Mr. Gregor, I think we found the missing pieces for the team." Neculai Grosu, our Director of Football said, as he gave me a folder with five names who are available for us, and we need them.

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Sérgio Marques 21, ST

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Gábor Sztehlik 21, DM

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Doru Toncea 27, CD

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Balázs Terék 20, MC

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Zoltán Majláth 21, MC

"Good job guys, i think the team is ready for the upcoming challenge."

I couldnt say that our preseason went well, but there was some good signs, and our duty was to make the tactic familiar to the guys.
We lost against Europa League participants Vojvodina, they're stronger and its visible on the result as well.
Two loss against two Romanian lower side teams and its not so promising for the upcoming season, but we won two games as well.

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The season starts with a cup match, we join in the fourth round into the Romanian Cup, and we have a tough opponent: ACS Poli
They relegated from the First League last season, and they're expected to bounce back this year...



 
2014 August/September

Romanian Cup 4th Round - ACS Poli (N)
So, it begins... Our opponent is one of the best teams of the second side, and after our preseason... i was worried fair to say.
I didnt have any expectations about that match. As the board sees, we should hit the Sixth Round in the cup, but for me the league is more important. On the match we showed some heroic defense, but before half-time they hit the net. After 45 we come back to the game, and there was no more goal. In the penalty shootout we lost 22-23,
but i'm so proud of the guys and with that result.

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Round 1 - FC Voluntari(a)
I cant ask any better start for the season. Buziuc hit the net again, its a shame that he's on loan here. Everything happened as we wanted, they had a few chances in the first 15, but they were unlucky, and Rohetki saved us from the goal as well. After that we controlled the whole game, Velescu hit the rebound after a corner in the 33rd, and Buziuc secured us the three point in the 66th.


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Round 2 - Academica Arges(h)
Another game, where we dominated the park, and its good to see that the guys doing exactly what im expecting. Academica gave us the advantage after a red card in the 39th. Buziuc was the one who broke the ice again, and after that they collapsed and we take all three points with a comfortable win.

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Round 3 - CF Bralia(a)
First error from the defense this year, and we conceded our first goal... The good point that we still played our game, created changes and such, but they scored again after an offside... at least i think that was offside. In the last 20 Buziuc scored again, thats his fourth in the league. That was more likely a draw, but thats football...

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Round 4 - FCM Dorohoi(a)
In the first half we took the control, and got the lead just after the 30 minute mark. Our game looked so good, but after the half time we sat back, and they turned the game after 78th. In the 80th we got a penalty, and Negru saved us a point with that.

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Round 5 - Gloria Buzau(h)
After the last two games we needed a bounce back, and this game seemed a good opportunity for this. We started great, everything went as i wanted. We scored three before half time, but we didnt stop, and finished the month with a knockout victory.

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Table and awards

Alexandru Buziuc became the Player of the Month in September after a sucessful month. He scored 7 and gave 2 assists on 5 games.
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After September we are sitting on the second place in the league and we are above the expectations so far. We are in a respectable position, but the season just started, so we have to keep up the good work.

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2014 October

Round 6 - ACS Berceni(h)
We kept the Berceni before their goal line in the first half,and we took the lead after a superb shot from Sztehlik in the 25th. After the half time we slept about 15 mins, and they found the equaliser in the 58th. We tried to win the match hardly, but we cant score again. We just let two points slip away.

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Round 7 - CS Balotesti(a)
What a game!!! First of all i feel that we didnt deserve that win, but Buziuc saved the team again... Somehow i have to get that guy, we need him. We were lucky that they scored just one in the first 45. In the half time i told the guys that was unacceptable, we didnt play football, we were just out in the park. Then Buziuc came with a double, and won us the game.

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Round 8 - Farul(a)
It was an interesting game to be honest. They have four shots under the whole 90 minutes while we have 20, but i have to say we wouldnt deserve the win. The draw is a fair result, were maintaining our good form, and its good to know that we can stand up when were behind.

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Round 9 - Un. 04 Slobozia(h)
On the 9th game, our other striker Marinkovici started the season as well. He scored a hat-trick in the first 30. After the half-time, our lead melted away, they scored three within 30 as well. I guess i dont have to say who scored in the 88th...

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Table
On the end of October were leading the league by 2 points, but everyone have a game in hand. If Farul wins their game in hand they will take the lead by one. Were one games away from "half-time" the top 6 wont be a problem, i want to aim the promotion, but im afraid were not enough for it. We will see...


 
2014 Novemer/December

Round 10 - ASC Bacau(h)
The Bacau is laying on the 9th place so i expected a victory from the guys.We took the early lead after a corner in the 9th minute, so we started the game very well. After half-time they tried to lead some counter-attacks, but as their defense became weaker Buziuc extended the lead in the 72nd. After that we sat back, and Rusu scored for Bacau in the 84th.

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Round 11 - FC Voluntari(h)
Disaster... There is nothing more to say. They had 3 shots on goal, and scored two. We came out sleepy, outplayed us in the first 20. We woke up too late and there was no way back. It hurts that we missed this opportunity, and after this game we have to bounce back.

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Round 12 - Academica Arges(a)
There was no real opportunities for scoring from either side. After the restart we came out strong again and took the lead in the 49th minute. In the 58th minute we gave a penalty for our opponent again, and they thanked that so much. and 10 minutes later Popa secured them the victory. We played without passion all 90 minutes, and we have to change that... at least the next game looking good for this porpuse.

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Round 13 - CF Bralia(h)
We dominated the park again, but its not visible on the result unfortunately. We made a hero from Bralia's keeper. We cant find the net so far, but we have one game before winter break, would be good to finish the automn campaign with a win.

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Round 14 - Gloria Buzau(a)
There cant be a better chance for a win, we travelled into the last placed Gloria Buzau.
A sent off in the 6th minute didnt help us too much, we cant play our own game, and our unfortunate run went further... just before half-time Rohetki kicked the ball onto Plencanciuc's back, and the ball bounced back to the net. We lost with an own goal. I think the winter break comes in time.

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Table
We started the month just like we wanted, but after that we were disastrous. After that bad month we slide back to the 3rd place, and if we wont grab ourselves together we will have bigger problems...

 
Winter Break


After i came back from my christmas holiday Mr. Clim called me into his office, and at this point i started to afraid. Were in an instable financial position, and the team is on a downhill as well.

"Good morning Mr. Gregor, take a seat please."

"Good morning Mr. Clim."

"Listen... Your contract gonna expire on the end of the season. The board is so satistied with the team, and with your job, so we want to extend it, we want you to stay with us."

"Well... uh, I really appriciate that, but i cant accept this extension yet."

"Could you tell me why?"

"Of course. As you know we have limited resources, and we have 7 players who have contract for the next season. I just want to know the teams budget for the next season... If i have to build a whole new team i will need some money. If i think i got acceptable ammount of money i will extend my contract."

"What do you think about yourself? Youre leading a team for 6 months and you think youre the god here? Do you know what? We dont need you... Youre fired, so you can look after a team who can give you what you want, but here... I am the boss."


Well... 5 minutes ago they wanted to keep me here, and now im unemployed. Its the middle of the season, so it wont be easy to find a new job right now, but i have to try it.
 
2015. January 6. I will never forget that day. That was the day when my career ended in Suceava. After the meeting with the chairman and pack my stuff, i just sat in my car and watch the clubhouse... Maybe i screwed up, i should keep my mouth. I drove back to Hungary, and met with my agent to discuss my future. He is a great guy, John West from England. He wanted to be my agent when i was a player. He noticed me on a youth tournament. I called him when i decided that i want to try myself in that managerial work, and we started to work together. He is a really professional, he knows what is the best for his clients, doesnt care about his own money... He is doing that because of passion.

"You know, it will be hard to find you a new job. That wont be a secret that you need money to build a successfull team. Everyone thinks youre not good enough."

"Look at my results in Suceava. It tells everything about my capabilities. Im sure youre great, and maybe im asking too much to find me a new club, and i know that you will have to do your best."

"Alright, we will see what can we do, but i cant promise too much right now. Im gonna ask around in the next days, and keep you updated"

"Thanks John, i really appriciate that"


 
John can arrange some interview for me, and of course the main topic was the reason of my sacking... These interviews were complete nightmares for me. I knew thats a complete misunderstanding, but i have to keep my head cold if a want some job. But be honest if i would be a president of a team i wouldnt give a managerial job for a guy who said what i did... at least what they can read in the press.


After a few unsuccessfull interview (as they said i wouldnt be capable to control the team and they couldnt guarantee me enough money to build a team) i had an interview with Ivory Coast U20. Of course the main topic was the same, and here i lost the control, it was enough that everyone has a prejudice about me.

"Why are you guys even asking that? For that role no budget needed, but i can tell you my opinion about the club presidents.theyre sitting on a big ammount of money and theyre the ones who are talking. The guys out there spitting out their lungs for their club, they try to do everything, but theyre just sitting in their comfortable office, and counting their money. They just bought a football club because its so cool, and its a good business... Let me send this message to all of them, without investments you cant expect profit. I experienced it on my own, and when i was an assistant as well, that these guys think we are some kind of wizards. Now, in this modern era every team needs money for success. You can blame me because of that, i never said i need millions, or something like that... But why should i explain to you? I guess that interview is over."

After that monologue i left, and on the next day they offered me the role... I guess the good guys days are over. Ivory Coast awaits.​
 
22nd February. The day when i take the charge in Ivory Coast U20. The African U20 Championship starts on 9th March, so i have slightly more than two weeks to prepare the guys. I have two friendly games to find the best eleven and everyones role on the park. We have the groups for the tournament, and i have to say that wont be easy to qualify into the semis.
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That will be a big challenge, i want to give these young african lads something special. There are no expectations about this tournament from the FA, but i have. I want to qualify for the next stage from that hard group, and after that.... well, a medal would be good.
 
After a surprising 1-1 draw against Benin U20 we took the 2-1 win against Uganda U20 sides, and it was time to travel to Senegal for the tournament. After this two games its obvious that the squad is way too short. i have 17 players to work with, and some quality backups would be needed, but i have to do my best with this squad...

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Round 1 - Egypt U20


We started the tour against the reigning champions and What a missed chance... we totally controlled the game, but with heroic defense, and with our unlucky day before their goal line, they hold out for a draw.

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Round 2 - Senegal U20


In the second round we played against the hosts. They played a 0-0 draw in the first round as well, and they want to advance into the semis at home, so they needed a win just like usand the lads didnt let me down. We took the lead in the 18th minute, but the hosts fought their way back to the game in the 36th minute. Two minutes later we hit the net again, and we went to the dressing room with the lead. Right after the whistle Sengeal equalised again. In the last 20 minutes the guys were completely tired, but they put their heart to the pitch, and i can be so proud of them despite the result.

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Round 3 - Cameroon U20


Three days wasnt enough for this young lads to rest, so i had to send some of them out with tired legs, and its not a good sign, if we want to advance. We broke the ice in the 51st minutes after a penalty, and Cameroon wasnt capable to come back, and as Egypt beat Senegal on the other game, that meant we are in the Semi-Finals, and we can travel to New Zealand for the FIFA U20 World Cup!

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Nice work getting through the group stage with such a limited squad!

Keep it up :)
 
Thank you! :)

i just got the team after the selection, so i cant change the squad at all. The truth is 15 of them are "greyed out" but the other squads arent better either... so its an interesting tournament. At least i can pick my own squad for the U20 WC, and i want to make some surprise there as well. ;)
 
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