The Emperor is dead. Long live the Emperor!

[TooDear]

Il Colosseo, Rome 15.5.2025.

Dozens of journalists crowd a small conference room in the aging stadium of the Italian club. Cameras flash and microphones are checked as the arrival of the new Organizational Manager of Romana and London seems immanent. Journalists of all the other SSL clubs, both Minor and Major, found their way to Rome as quickly as possible. The news of Ryan van Eyndhoven, the pervious manager, stepping down broke early into the season and as such lots of speculation has been had on who would take up the position. The front runner was obvious to everyone, the vice captain and assistant manager Predrag Dobrić would be by far the favorite to take over. Having been assistant manager for three seasons now, a tactician for Istanbul FK and Montreal United before that and in the mean time region manager of the WSFC semi finalists East Europe. He was also on paper currently their best player. Even if he was coming off of a goalless season and that currently he wasn't even top scorer of his club.

The room goes quiet as the door across the seating opens. Predrag approaches the podium and adjusts the microphone.

-Is this thing on? Okay, it is, good.

A small pause as he cleared his throat.

-Greetings everyone, thank you for coming here from all over the world on such short notice for this press conference. As you know, my teammate and former manager Ryan has stepped down from his position. Because of that, it was up to the Board of Directors of the SSL to select a new manager for the organization. I put my name in as I thought it was the best move for us and because I have been here for some time now. Ladies and gentleman, I have the results that were given to me by the Board of Directors on who was voted in. I have not looked at the results beforehand and I will be finding out alongside all of you.

Predrag opens the envelope, taking the paper with the name out.

-The new organization manager, set to take over at the start of season 26 is...Predrag Dobrić! With 9 out of 9 votes For.

The room erupts into a cacophony of camera shutters as lights flash and pictures are taken.

-It would appear as though I ran unopposed. I knew that everyone else in the organization wanted me to take over, so I wouldn't face any internal conflict but I wasn't sure if there was any external interest for the position. Maybe from other clubs or even one of the rookies. Now, granted, I knew that it was likely always going to be me. Mostly because I am a veteran player, proven manager and I have been a part of the org for a while now. All of these things made me a safe pick for the BoD and they highly dislike risk.

Predrag corrected his tie.

-Not to sound ungrateful or critical of the BoD. I thank them for this opportunity and promise to do my best to lead Romana to glory. I will now be taking questions.

Predrag points to a random journalist in the crowd.

-Thank you sir. I am Murilo Pinheiro Henriques, journalist for the Sao Paulo Sun. My question for you is "What tactical changes can we expect from now on?"
-Quick and to the point, I like that. Well the first thing I definitely want to do is to add much more variety in how we set up against our opponents. I fully believe that being less predictable will lead to more points on the board. Next...you.

Predrag points to a different reporter.

-Ulrich Schaefer here for the Black Forest Press. My question is "Are we going to see a change of culture in the organization?"
-That is very unlikely. I like how we are now and I don't see a need to change anything. In addition, we just recently went through a rebranding with new logos and kits. As such, any change would come later and it would only be cosmetic. Alright, next question.

Another reporter stood up.

-Hello boss, Licia Gattone for the Romana Forum. My question for our new coach is "Will there be any transfers now that you are in charge?"
-Nice to hear something from you Licia that isn't harsh judgment on my missed chances.

Predrag chuckled.

-Jokes aside. It is possible but I'd rather not shake up the locker room. Besides, the transfer window has passed so any deal would only be done next season. I will use this opportunity to go over another rumor about Ryan. Yes, he has spoken to me about the possibility of leaving. As he has stepped down he is now looking for new possibilities on what he could do with his career. He has not however, pushed for any club in particular nor has he even completely decided that he's done with Romana. He will only transfer if it leaves Romana in a good position.

A bunch of hands shot up immediately as journalists nearly climbed over themselves.

-You there, I think you're also one of our own.

Predrag pointed to the London representative.

-Robert White for the London Times. You said you're here to take over and push us higher but you are a well known loser in the SSL.
-Excuse you?
-You lost the title race with Istanbul in the Academy and ended up 4th. After Montreal finally broke their Minor title drought in season 19, you joined and the organization immediately went backwards. The organization hasn't won a title since. The best you could muster was a finish in 2nd place. You then transfer to Romana where despite being bronze boot in your debut season you still don't win anything and fail to even qualify for Division 1. You then get East Europe into the semi finals of the WSFC but you miss your penalty and fail to make it to the final. And somehow after that disappointment, you manage the impossible and finish a season goalless despite being Romana's lone striker.

Predrag looked at the reporter for a moment, no emotion visible on his face.

-Was there a question somewhere in there?
-Yes, here's my question. "Are you a joke?"

The room went quiet as the rest of the journalists waited for Predrag's response.

-I'm sure many of you are waiting with bated breath for what I'll say to this...very charming question. Firstly I'll say that he said nothing incorrect. I'll be the first to tell you that I am fantastic at being "almost good enough". I was silver boot in the Academy, bench for Minor TOTS, bench for Major TOTS. In fact, I'm not yet at my peak but I am getting close and I haven't won a single trophy yet. Alarming honestly. If I had to answer this two seasons ago I would have probably said some words I'd regret and I'd storm out of here.

Predrag took a sip of water.

-The truth of the matter is that I have no real long term plan. I don't know how I'll guarantee Divison 1 for both our teams, let alone a title. I can't explain how my form dropped of the edge of a cliff last season and I can't promise anything sooner or later. But I am here. Every day, every hour. I work with my teammates whenever I can. I advise them how to best use their talents, I analyze our opponents. I form a tactical plan for every game, even if it's flawed. One thing that you can never take away from me is that I give my all, even if it's not enough.

Predrag took a moment. Waited and sighed before continuing.

-I'm scared of London losing the Divison 2 title to Cairo. I'm scared of falling out of the semis again, only this time with Romana instead of Eastern Europe. But I will not quit, I will not hide. I will stand tall and take whatever fate dishes out against me! Ave Romana and come on you Inter boys! We'll do everything we can to claw our way to the top, kicking and screaming if we have to!

Predrag raised his fist high into the air, pointing upwards.

-There's only one direction we can go. Thank you for your time, the press conference has ended.

This article was written by Predrag and sponsored by nobody. I answer to only myself now! Muahahahaha.