PompeyLibertine

Saturday 4th March

I arrived in Sweden late Saturday night, I had barely got a wink of sleep, I was far too enthused to be meeting with Bengt Madsen about the vacant Malmo job. I drew up my presentation and my ideas and couldn’t wait to meet with the board of directors at Malmo Stadion. I was fairly pessimistic about my chances of landing one of the top jobs in Sweden, as my only previous experience of coaching was at Portsmouth University where I studied Sports Science, but this was many years ago, but nonetheless I couldn’t help but dream of the possibilities that could arise from this opportunity.

The next morning I headed to Malmo city centre to meet Bengt Madsen at their stadium, Malmo Stadion, he invited me in to his office to discuss the future of Malmo and his aspirations for the club. I sat in the chair opposite him nervously as we talked over my own hopes for the club. My aim was simple: to dominate Swedish football for the coming years. I wanted Malmo FF to be the team on everyone’s lips, the team nobody wanted to play against. Madsen said to me while causally leaning back on his desk-chair that he liked my approach and asked me to look around the clubs training facilities with him. I was at this point beginning to get very hopeful of securing the position.

We stood on the north terrace of the ground as Bengt talked of his love for the club and how he’d been a life-long fan of Malmo. I looked around at the fairly average training facilities, but knew the potential of the club and with the chairman’s backing I could get this team really firing. We returned back to his office and he went on by saying I’d have the full support of the clubs board and pushed the contract to me. I couldn’t believe it, I’d landed my first managerial job, I stood up and shook his hand, then signed the contract, it was a one-year contract with a view of a more permanent position with all going well toward the end of the season.

I returned back to my hotel room just south of the city centre and started to look for permanent residence, as I turned on the the TV to SVT2 which was showing the news, I saw Bengt Madsen confirming my appointment as coach. I was elated and couldn’t wait to meet up with the players and board of directors the next day.

PompeyLibertine

Sunday 5th March

I walked in to my quarters in the office block by the stadium to meet up with Bengt Madsen and some of the other staff. It was an absolutely freezing day, about 1 celsius, I had bought a huge coat with me from England but it would probably be wise of me to buy a better one! He welcomed me with open arms and introduced me to the director of football, his name was Hasse Borg and he shook my hand. Next was Anders Johansson he was one of the two assistant managers at Malmo, he impressed me with his tactical knowledge and his determination to the Malmo cause, he jokingly asked me if it was cold enough in Sweden, everyone laughed as I must have looked freezing when I arrived. We all sat around a big oak table and discussed the amount of funds available for players and for wages for the coming year that I’d be in charge. I was pleasantly surprised to know I’d have some money to play with, even if it wasn’t a great deal. I’d need to send my scouts out far and wide if I was going to find talent on the cheap.


Twenty minutes in to the meeting came a rather large fellow called Alf Westerberg, he was dropping papers everywhere and didn’t even apologise to anybody for turning up late. I was surprised to know he was the second assistant manager at Malmo, I greeted him kindly even though his ignorance would not be forgotten. I asked both of my assistants about the talent I had at the current squad and decided it to be wise to take a backseat for the friendlies. I’d watch from the sidelines and hope my presence would urge the team on to victory, I had no problems with Anders taking control of the team as he seemed to be a very balanced character and would get the best out of the players.

After the meeting, I had a private chat with Bengt Madsen about Mr. Westerbergs future at the club, he was a 63 year old man who hadn’t impressed me from the off. I was sure one assistant manager would be enough and decided to terminate Alfs contract with the permission of Mr.Madsen. He let me know that Westerbergs career at the club had been winding down ever-since they bought in Anders Johansson. Madsen advised me to look in to the possibilities of employing more coaches of a high pedigree so the current team and the potential stars of Malmo could grow in to a strong squad which could compete to a much higher level.

So that was my first job, to scan the footballing world for coaches with a greater ability to some of the deadwood I have at the moment.

PompeyLibertine

Monday 6th March

I was awoken by a phone call earlier this morning, it was Bengt Madsen informing me I had an interview with a spokesman from the Malmo FF Supporters Club. I hurried out of bed and got myself ready for the interview, it was being recorded for Malmo TV and would be seen by probably every Malmo supporter. I was really nervous, as this was my first interview, I’d avoided the press so far in my career but knew I couldn’t avoid the clubs supporters.


I arrived at the stadium where the interview was set to take place and I met up with Tobias Sofia, he approached me with Bengt Madsen and we began to discuss my aspirations. I stated I was 100% committed to Malmo and I wasn’t going to let anyone down. Mr.Sofia seemed impressed with my basic intentions, but his next few questions weren’t so easy to answer.

Mr. Sofia went on by saying “You were a surprise appointment, I for one am not particulary happy that you got the job over any of the other candidates. As the clubs spokesman, I would like to ask you about what you can deliver for us?”

I went on by saying “I want Malmo to meet my ambitions and without the supporters backing this would make my job a much harder task. The club finished outside of the top 3 in the Allsvenska and this is unacceptable, this season we will finish champions. Believe me.”

Mr. Sofia seemed to be taken back by my public declaration of faith in the squad and our chances to win the title back from Djurgarden. He went on by asking about the current friendlies and what I expected to achieve from these. I made it clear the coming friendlies were a learning curve for me and I want to see the ability of both my team and my backroom staff.

The interview lasted about 20 minutes and was due to air later that evening, I hoped that the clubs fans could see my ambition and drive. Mr. Sofia seemed impressed and wished me all the luck in Sweden for me to turn Malmo’s fortunes around.

Next up was the friendly game away at Landskrona, finally I get to see the team in action.

PompeyLibertine

Tuesday 7th March

Anders Johansson was in charge of the match against Landskrona, while I sat in the stands judging the players performances from afar. Early that day I had been talking to my scouts, one in particular, his name was Max Shala. I’d asked him to look closely at Pape Pate Diouf who is currently playing for Molde. I approached Bengt Madsen, who was delighted to see I was trailing players of quality and youth, these are the traits he looked for in players and luckily they were my priorities too. I asked Max to watch Diouf play and report back to me of his weaknesses and potential, I was enthusiastic to sign my first player in charge of Malmo. I can see big things for Pape Pate Diouf, I hope to conclude a deal for him if he meets my scouts criteria.


The game kicked off in the early evening, it was a brisk day and I was hoping for a positive response from my team due to my arrival at the club. I sat next to Bengt Madsen who looked excited for the season to be starting, his enthusiasm was rubbing off on me and I gave the team a warm reception when they entered the field of play. The game started off slowly with neither team really expressing any sort of attacking football, unfortunately Landskrona took a one-goal lead just before the half-time interval. Anders and the players went in to the dressing room a goal down but playing well enough to be one goal up. Just before the second-half started I had a phone call from Hasse Borg (Director of Football) he informed me that I should act on the Pape Pate Diouf situation sooner rather than later as Max had returned with glowing references about the young Senegalese forward. I informed Bengt who told me to contact Molde about a potential offer, I left the stadium and sent an enquiry to Molde for the player.

Later on that night, Bengt Madsen called me informing me of the full-time result, I was disappointed to say the least. Landskrona 4 Malmo FF 1, a very disappointing start to the friendly campaign, but as I informed Anders this is a learning curve. I’d rather find out sooner rather than later if I need to invest in the current squad in order to succeed. A lot of work was needed I feared, maybe I was too ambitious in my claims to Mr. Sofia, only time would tell.

scholesy18

lookin good m8, KUTGW =)

peteranthony01

interesting story so far, looking forward to the next Malmo installment !

Email/MSN: peteranthony001@gmail.com

PompeyLibertine

Friday 10th March

I began thoroughly assessing my squad after the embarrassing friendly defeat to Landskrona, it was obvious to me I needed to invest in a new centre-back to partner Olof Persson. Anders Johansson knocked on my hotel room door and invited me out for a game of badminton, on the drive from the hotel we discussed the current players at the squad and I asked about some of potential stars in the Malmo U18s. He pointed out to me that Malmo had a strong tradition of nursing youngsters to the pinnacle of their ability, he referenced none other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He also apologised for the performance, or lack of one, against Landskrona and asked me whether or not I’d like to be in charge of the dressing room and the team selection ahead of the match we were playing tonight against Follo. I agreed to this and couldn’t wait to start planning the road to victory.

We arrived at a rather large house, just outside of Malmo in a town called Youlska. We parked up outside and I was invited in, to my surprise it was Anders house, it was a grand house which had it’s own gym, indoor swimming pool and courts for badminton and tennis. When we entered I jokingly said “Where’s the furniture?” the house was very minimalist, he was a slave to the IKEA brand and his house was perfectly laid out and spotlessly tidy. He offered me an ice-tea and showed me round the house, I was envious of his place as I was staying in a 2 roomed hotel suite and hadn’t yet got a chance to look around for a property. We played several games of badminton, not surprisingly I lost every single game to him. I felt we’d bonded though and was as confident as ever about our chances to regain Malmo’s dominance of Sweden.

Anders Johnassons Home

We met the players at the Ski Stadion in a town called Ski where Follo played their home games. I was excited to be in charge of the game as Anders gave me some last minute advice about our squad. I told the players to enjoy the outing and wished them luck in the pre-match team talk, I set out a basic 4-4-2 system with attacking wingers, I informed our keeper Jonas Sandqvist to distribute the ball short to the nearest defender as I thought it was important for us to keep possession. The team left the dressing room as myself and Anders went up in to the small stadium to meet with Bengt who’d already arrived, then we entered the dugout with the rest of the players who hadn’t been chosen to play.

Ski Stadion

The game started off sluggishly, I asked the team to increase the tempo of play, soon after Daniel Andersson came close to opening the scoring with a shot from outside the area. Jonas Sandqvist looked comfortable between the sticks and hadn’t had much to do up to now. Minutes later Junior scored for us, I was delighted, my first goal scored in charge of Malmo! Deep in to the first half Marcus Pode, who had impressed me throughout the first half, had a goal disallowed. We went in to the dressing room Follo 0 Malmo 1. I made a few changes at half-time, I felt the team had been playing well, so kept to the same system. A poor clearance form substitute Gabriel nearly let in Follo for the equaliser but Sandqvist was equal to it. Marcus Pode slid the ball home after 60 minutes and I felt that was enough to kill the game off, but I was wrong…The game began winding down as I sent on some of the younger players on for experience. Follo began to enforce their dominances over my youthful second string and they hit back with 2 late goals, as it finished Follo 2 Malmo 2. I was pleased with the performance but let the team know this wouldn’t cut it in the Allsvenska.

PompeyLibertine

Thanks for the replies, I'd like to improve on my story. So any ideas would be gratefully recieved. Play Up Malmo!

evertonfan

nice story mate KUTGW

thanks to James M for the sig, cheers buddy :D

EFC Diddy
FMF Unittttt :P

PompeyLibertine

Saturday 11th March

After the disappointing result against Follo the night before, I knew it was necessary I needed more strength in depth. Bengt Madsen informed me my enquiry for Pape Pate Diouf was successful and Molde were willing to accept an offer of around £875,000, Madsen informed me would back this transfer and contract negotiations would start later that day. Meanwhile, my second target Niklas Tarvajarvi a 22 year old Finnish forward from Heerenveen would be able to join me on-loan for the rest of the season. This came as a great relief as Rickard Dahan one of the physiotherapists at the club informed me that Niklas Skoog would be ruled out for 5 months with damaged knee cartilage. Although the deal for Tarvajarvi had not been finalised, I was confident he would agree the terms of the loan deal.

Niklas Tarvajarvi

Pape Pate Diouf arrived at the stadium with his agent Saloman Toure, I greeted them both and informed them of my plans for Malmo and that Diouf would be used in conjunction with my other strikers throughout the season. Mr. Toure seemed satisfied with the contract laid on the table by Bengt Madsen and we waited for their decision within the next few days. We shook hands and invited them both to watch our friendly game against Sandefjord on Monday night, they agreed to watch which I hoped would be Diouf’s team-mates by the end of the week.

PompeyLibertine

Monday 13th March

The game between Sandefjord and Malmo had been eagerly anticipated as I knew Saloman Toure & Pape Pate Diouf would be in the stands watching, maybe a good performance would help them with coming to a decision. I took charge of the match with Anders aiding me in the team-talk before the game, we told the players to relax and enjoy the run out as we knew they’d all of been disappointed with the result against Follo. I was interested to see how both strikers, Junior and Pode would react to the news spreading fast around the club that Diouf may be signing a deal with us. Hoping for a positive affect on the team, I took my place in the dugout and urged the team on.

Sandefjord started brightly and rattled the post within the first 5 minutes, I glanced at Anders as he leapt out of the dugout to sort out the defence. We managed to gain more momentum and had a header from Pode flick off the top of the bar. Then the deadlock was broken after 24 minutes, Jonathan Johansson the former Charlton man punished Sandefjords defensive frailties and slipped it past a helpless Vegerd Berg. 7 minutes later I was off the bench again in celebration as Daniel Andersson thumped home a 25-yard screamer, we were in a commanding lead, I was determined not to have the same outcome as the Follo game. We went in at half-time Sandefjord 0 Malmo 2, I told the players I was pleased with their performance but reminded them of what happened against Follo.

The second half started and Sandefjord had a shot cleared off the line by Christian Jardler, we were living dangerously. I began to make changes 60 minutes in to the match, I’d learnt from my last game not to make wholesale changes, as this was my downfall in my previous friendly. My defensive pairing of Olof Persson and Jon Inge Hoiland had played solid all game and except for an early scare never looked like conceding. I slowed the tempo of the game down and Leutrim Jasiqi tapped in the third on the counter-attack, the 16-year-old deserved his goal, I’d be keeping an eye on him. The full-time whistle went, it finished Sandefjord 0 Malmo 3. I went back to my hotel room happy that I’d got my first win, albeit a friendly game.

PompeyLibertine

Tuesday 14th March

I received a phone call from Saloman Toure regarding the deal to bring Pape Pate Diouf to Malmo, I sat nervously and listened hard, his English wasn’t the best and I had my fingers crossed the deal had been negotiated successfully. He confirmed that Diouf was enthusiastic about the prospect of playing for a well-supported and traditional club. Saloman confirmed the deal with Bengt Madsen in the early hours of the morning and all the deal needed was my signature, I said I would confirm the deal when I meet up with Bengt after the training session and I was looking for forward to seeing Diouf there too.

I arrived at training at 9am and informed Anders that Pape would need time to settle in and I introduced him to the his new team-mates, they all seemed happy to have him join. I was delighted with this signing and left Anders with the training schedule I arranged for him as I went to see Bengt in the board room. The board room was a beautiful sight, it was huge with a great view over the city, he had a surprise for me as he showed me to my new office which had finally been completed for me. I signed my half of the contract to officially bring Diouf to the club on a two-year deal, he was a young player with great technique and I couldn’t wait to see him play some part in the friendly against Eskilstuna City FK. Bengt also informed me that we’d been unsuccessful in our bid to capture the signature of Niklas Tarvajarvi, I was naturally disappointed but thought my squad had enough strength upfront to challenge for the title this season.

Bengt Madsens Board Room

I returned back to the training session, where I noticed Diouf & Pode getting along quite well, maybe this could be the start of a partnership upfront which could destroy my competition to the title, we’d have to wait and see. I’d give them the chance to play against Eskilstuna City FK this coming Friday, I’m hopeful they can work well together.

ConryBfc06

KUTGW

PompeyLibertine

Friday 17th March

I arrived at my office and gazed over the letters and fax’s my PA – Lisa Runstrom had bought in for me. I was curious to find a fax from the Gerd Rehberg and Mirko Slomka from Gelsenkirchen, it was about the availability of Gustavo Varela the Uruguayan right winger. He’s a vastly experienced player, who is available for a loan-deal for the season, I was aware of his qualities but was unsure if he’d be interested in a transfer to Malmo. I approached Bengt Madsen who had also received the fax, he was interested but Gelsenkirchens wage demands for the player were far too high. Bengt, however, informed me if I could lower the wage request he would fund the loan move, we came to a figure of 20% of his current wage (about £3,700 p/week) and enquired whether this would be acceptable. Gelsenkirchen responded immediately saying that our offer had been considered and accepted, all we needed now was for Varela to accept the move, something we weren’t expecting to happen.

Gustavo Varela

We had more important things to be focusing on, our trip to Tunavallen for the game against Eskilstuna City FK. It was Dioufs debut and I’d paired him upfront with Marcus Pode who had impressed me from day one. We travelled down to Tunavallen on the club coach and discussed the game, we arrived an hour before kick-off and I told the lads to enjoy the game and focus on doing the little things right. I stuck to my 4-4-2 formation, which I hadn’t lost with as yet and was confident of back to back successes. Although, this game wouldn’t be an easy one, I knew we could do it.

The game started off frantic as Daniel Andersson screamed in a 30 yarder after just 45 seconds, an unbelievable start. A pin-point pass from Yskel Osmanovski found Diouf who slipped it past a helpless keeper, a two goal lead after 4 minutes, I was delighted with the fantastic approach play. The goals were flying as Marcus Pode grabbed one after an incisive break from the back, Diouf then grabbed his second goal of the game with a cool finish. A whipped in cross from right winger Osmanovski landed on the head of Joakim Nilsson who thundered it home for 5-0. I was shell shocked at the way the team were playing, then Marcus Pode pounced on a rebound to make it a comprehensive 6-0 at half-time. I was obviously delighted with my players performance and congratulated them all on the manner in which the game was going.

The second half was much quieter, as Eskilstuna tried to prevent any more damage occurring by packing the midfield. Diouf hit a shot against Mellqvist, which unfortunately for him went in, the game was rapped up by 16-year-old striker Leutrim Jasiqi. It finished Eskilstuna City FK 0 Malmo 8, Pape Pate Diouf was later awarded man of the match for his outstanding performance. I gave Anders a high-five as we headed down the tunnel while Bengt Madsen gave us a rewarding thumbs up from the stands.

Tazskool

nice start.. hope you can keep it up.. maybe you can use FM screenshots of tacitcs the same way that the Premiership managers nwoadays use their program to reivew the whole match and process data....

something along the lines of .. Pompy brings new technology to Malmo in the form of this.... its shows... Modernise Malmo :P

PompeyLibertine

Thanks everyone for your positive comments, it makes writing the story easier. Cheers, PUM (Play Up Malmo)...

Tazskool

shame its not Malmo Ath.... then you'd have Play Up Malmo Ath (PUMA) :P

PompeyLibertine

Haha, POOR! They're Malmo FF, but PUMFF sounds just wrong! =P

evertonfan

brilliant story pompey i hope this goes on and on and on and so you get the drift well done mate

thanks to James M for the sig, cheers buddy :D

EFC Diddy
FMF Unittttt :P

PompeyLibertine

Saturday 18th March

During my days at Portsmouth University studying Sports Science, I learnt that technologies, such as, video sensors can be used to record the performances of athletes. This can be very useful in assessing weaknesses and strengths of players. A company called FMF (Football Manager Facts) have constructed an experimental program to use during game play also it receives the latest information of the footballing world. For example, it contains, facts and stats of players, league tables analysis, fixture lists, tactics etc.

Malmo Tactics

I approached Bengt Madsen about using this program to aid the success of Malmo FF, he seemed enthusiastic about the new approach and immediately funded this venture. To manipulate all of the information gathered by FMF, I would need the help of my assistant Anders Johansson who would do the bulk of the analytical work, as it takes time to gather the necessary information. He also informed me that Gustavo Varela’s agent Ricci Silva had been in contact, I wasn’t too hopeful of this being good news and I was right to be. Varela has no intention to join us on-loan this season and we have cancelled our interest in him as a candidate for our team.