Why Board Expectations Matter in FM Success?
Football Manager doesn’t offer the usual difficulty levels like “easy,” “normal,” or “hard” that you might find in other games.
Instead, the real test lies in managing the Club Vision, where the board lays out both short-term and long-term goals.
These objectives become central to your success and directly impact how you approach each season!
Before we go any further, let’s take a look at the results I’ve managed to achieve this season at Partizan.
Partizan Board Expectations: Challenge or Opportunity?
No matter which team you manage in Football Manager, I believe the objectives set by the board align with the current state of the club – its infrastructure, squad depth, and finances.
When it comes to Partizan, the board expects me to keep the club competitive in the UEFA Champions League and to secure either the SuperLeague title or the Serbian Cup.
For someone new to Football Manager or looking to explore Serbian football, these goals might feel like a real challenge.
Balancing European ambitions with domestic dominance can be tricky without experience.
However, for me, it’s an exciting opportunity to achieve solid European results with my favourite club and secure financial stability.
The aim is to create an environment where young talents can thrive and develop into key players for the future.
There’s little uncertainty when it comes to winning domestic silverware – only Red Star poses a real threat. Easy level game, isn’t it?
Board Feedback on Italy’s Latest Results
As the Head Coach of the Italy’s National Team, I had a straightforward objective set by the board: reach the quarter-finals of the European Football Championship (minimum).
Given the players I had at my disposal, I believed anything less than reaching the final would be a failure.
In fact, I was so confident that I vowed to resign immediately if we were eliminated before achieving that goal.
Unfortunately, Germany edged us out 1-0 in a tense semi-final clash.
The defeat left a sombre mood in the dressing room, with players and staff visibly disheartened.
Despite the disappointment, the board expressed their full support for me to lead the team through the next qualification cycle.
However, staying on didn’t feel like the right decision.
The semi-final loss weighed heavily, and I decided to step down as manager.
How Newcastle United’s Board Sets the Bar for Success?
When I saw Newcastle United finish 7th in the Premier League and then part ways with their manager, I couldn’t resist clicking on the “apply for job” option.
It wasn’t long before I received a warm welcome from the club, but the real challenge lay ahead – the board’s expectations.
Here’s where two key terms come into play: required and preferred.
The board outlined their must-achieves alongside their “nice-to-haves,” setting the stage for my managerial stint.
Personally, I had two priorities in mind: securing a spot in the upper half of the Premier League table and lifting the Carabao Cup.
A strong league finish would mean qualifying for a competitive European tournament, while a trophy would not only add silverware to the club but also delight the passionate Newcastle supporters.
Balancing these objectives would define my early days at St. James’ Park, and I couldn’t wait to get started.
Key Goals in Manchester City’s Long-Term Strategy
When you receive an interview invitation from Manchester City’s board, it’s hard to say no.
A club with a rich history, a bank account full of zeros, world-class training facilities, and the chance to lift some of football’s most prestigious trophies – sounds like every manager’s dream, doesn’t it?
But my approach was different. My focus wasn’t just about winning silverware!
I wanted to see if players aged 35 and over could still perform at the very highest level.
That’s why, in my first season, my primary objective was to secure the Premier League title, while the Champions League took a back seat.
A Look Back: Partizan’s Most Notable Transfer Moves!
Despite having over €80 million in the bank, finding the right player who can truly make a difference in the Champions League has proven to be a challenge.
The issue isn’t the wages – it’s the lack of competition in the SuperLeague.
With the domestic league not offering the level of quality needed to attract top talent, I’ve had to be more strategic.
One of the key strategies I’ve employed is bringing back two players who have a strong connection to Partizan, both having come through the youth ranks at the club.
Filip Stevanovic and Strahinja Pavlovic were two fantastic signings.
Stevanovic, with his incredible dribbling skills and attacking flair, and Pavlovic, a solid centre-back with great leadership qualities, have both made a significant impact since returning.
Although the transfer market can be challenging, the decision to bring these two players back to the club proved to be a smart one.
Their familiarity with Partizan’s style and values has added much-needed quality to our squad, especially in our Champions League campaign, where they’ve been key to strengthening the team.
What Happens When the Board Disapproves of Your Approach?
In Football Manager, keeping the board satisfied isn’t always straightforward, but as long as you’re delivering top results on the pitch, there’s usually little reason to worry.
Meeting specific objectives, however, can sometimes prove challenging.
For instance, when I signed my contract, I agreed with the board to focus on scoring goals from set pieces – a target we’ve struggled to fully achieve.
It’s crucial to set clear priorities, but the real problems start if you lose the dressing room.
I experienced this firsthand during my stint with the Italian national team. When that happens, the best decision is often to resign before things go further downhill.
Thanks for taking the time to read, and remember – always know when it’s time to step aside.
Author: Alen Stefanovic Game: Football Manager 2023
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