olliedemiguel

The Eto’o Odyssey I’m taking on a unique challenge in FM24 — recreating the legendary career of Samuel Eto’o, but in a non-linear journey. From Africa to La Liga, Serie A to Russia, England to Qatar — we’ll follow his footsteps across clubs and continents, not by chronology, but by narrative. 🔴 The Journey Begins: RCD Mallorca B Our first stop is where Eto’o truly began to shine. I’m starting as manager of Mallorca B, working under the radar, focused on youth development, tactical identity, and breaking into the senior scene. With a custom database to reflect up-to-date squads and league structures (including Qatar), we’re all set. 🧠 The Philosophy Eto’o the player was bold, direct, and relentless — and that’s the spirit I’ll bring as a manager. Fast transitions, wide forwards, and fearless football. We’ll build a tactical legacy to match the man’s career. 🌍 The Goal From here, we’ll hopefully move on to clubs Eto’o played for — Barcelona, Inter, Chelsea, Antalyaspor, Qatar SC, and more. Every stop brings new tactical evolution, recruitment challenges, and storylines. Season 1 Pre Season In a headline that has thrilled fans of African football and romantics of the beautiful game alike, Samuel Eto’o has officially begun his managerial journey with Mallorca B, the reserve team of the club where his European legacy first took flight. The Cameroonian icon, once the spearhead of Mallorca’s attack in the early 2000s, returns not just as a legend of the game, but as a coach with a vision. His arrival is the start of a new era at the Son Bibiloni training complex—one built on discipline, pace, and purpose. 🔁 Philosophy Aligned with the First Team Eto’o’s appointment signals a clear alignment between the reserve squad and Mallorca’s first team. The club has confirmed that Mallorca B will implement the same tactical system as the senior side, ensuring a smoother transition for promising talents climbing the ranks. Eto’o, known for his intelligent movement and relentless work rate as a player, is expected to demand nothing less from his new squad. There’s a strong sense that this isn’t just a nostalgic move—it’s a calculated step to build the club from within, giving the academy a clear structure and an unmistakable identity. 🧠 Backroom Staff Changes 30/6/25 - Further excitement comes with the news that Geremi, Eto’o’s former Cameroon teammate and fellow two-time AFCON winner, has joined the Mallorca B staff as a coach. With over 100 international caps and Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League experience, Geremi brings a wealth of tactical knowledge, leadership, and professionalism to the group. This reunion of two iconic Lions Indomptables adds both charisma and credibility to the Mallorca B dugout. It’s a statement that this isn’t just about development—it’s about creating winners. 26/7/25 - Samuel Eto'o's backroom staff is almost complete. Héctor Rincón has been appointed as Eto'o's assistant for the season, whilst former Huesca and Las Palmas fitness coach, Rayco Mederos, jons the Mallorca B team. 27/7/25 - The final piece of the coaching team has been finalised, with 32-year-old Pol Fresneda becoming the clubs new Goalkeeper coach 👋 Player Departures Three young figures have left the squad: David Pons has completed a free transfer to Sant Andreu, where he’ll look to continue his development path in a senior setup. Álex Jaraiz has also departed on a free, joining CD Coria. Rimvydas Kiriejevas joins C.D. Ibiza on a season-long loan Both moves were made with the full support of the club, and Mallorca B has thanked them for their service and professionalism. These changes make room for Eto’o and his staff to bring in fresh ideas and shape the squad in their own image. 📅 Mallorca B Pre-Season Fixtures Preparations for the new season are already underway, with a busy pre-season schedule giving Eto’o the chance to assess his squad and implement his tactical vision: July 20 – vs Ibiza (A) July 30 – vs Atlético Baleares (H) August 5 – vs Andrtax (H) August 12 – vs Manacor (A) August 14 – vs Mercudal (A) August 21 – vs Alcudia (H) August 28 – vs Llosetense (H) With a mix of home and away challenges across the Balearic Islands, the fixture list is designed to test the team’s fitness, structure, and mentality before the league kicks off. 🚀 What’s Next? With a modern tactical identity, a clear link to the first team, and a coaching staff brimming with international pedigree, Mallorca B is poised to become one of the most exciting projects in Spanish football’s lower tiers. Under Samuel Eto’o’s guidance, don’t be surprised if Mallorca B becomes not just a development squad—but a competitive force in its own right. Stay tuned. The Eto’o era has officially begun.

2025/26 After years of loyal service as a commanding centre-back, Christophe Berra has returned to Heart of Midlothian — this time not as captain, but as manager. With no previous experience in senior management, the appointment raised some eyebrows, but the Hearts board were swayed by Berra’s deep connection to the club, leadership pedigree, and desire to restore a strong Scottish identity to the team. Berra’s approach has been grounded in the principles that made him a stalwart on the pitch: defensive discipline, work rate, and physicality. Adopting a pragmatic 4-4-2 system dubbed “Gorgie Grit”, the team is set up to be hard to break down, efficient in transitions, and capable of grinding out results on cold Wednesday nights at Tynecastle. He’s building around familiar faces: Craig Halkett and Frankie Kent form a solid base at the back, while Cammy Devlin and Beni Baningime bring tenacity and legs to the engine room. Up front, Lawrence Shankland is tasked with leading the line, offering a mix of aerial presence and finishing touch. So far, the focus has been on establishing identity, steadying the squad, and winning over the dressing room. The Gorgie faithful are cautiously optimistic — this isn’t flashy, but it’s honest football, played by a man who gets the club.

Season 1 - Finished 9th in La Liga 2, following Malaga's promotion from the third Spanish division Season 2 - Finished top of La Liga 2, collating a record number of points and gaining promotion to La Liga Season 3 - Finished 6th in our first season in La Liga, gaining qualification to the Europa League