The wonderkid factory project at AZ Alkmaar was progressing very nicely as Robinho Lazaró led the club to two 2nd-place finishes in three seasons. He'd also reduced the AZ squad to just five players who didn't come through the club's academy heading into the summer of 2026.
Robaato Rasamu had achieved a task that seemed almost impossible 23 years ago. The Japanese manager had gone from total obscurity to lifting all five major continental trophies in Europe, South America, North America, Asia and Africa.
The city of Stuttgart was awash with football fans celebrating VfB Stuttgart becoming Champions of Germany for the first time in 37 years. The fans were unanimous that Japanese manager Robaato Rasamu was the man responsible for this success, and celebrated shoulder to shoulder with their hero sinking pints of craft beer across the city's numerous beer halls.
VfB Stuttgart came into 2044 absolutely flying and posing serious questions over FC Bayern's ability to make it 32 consecutive Bundesliga titles. So manager Robaato Rasamu didn't think too much work was required in the January transfer window.
Trebor Mahtal had well and truly rewritten Bolton Wanderers history as, four years on from the departure of Big Sam Allardyce, he led the Trotters to their maiden English title. But he wasn't content with that, as he eyed up defending the title and improving their European form.
A tactical switch had seen VfB Stuttgart kick onto a new level at the end of 2042, sitting nicely in the Champions League group phase but massively trailing the seemingly unbeatable FC Bayern. And that uptick in form saw 58-year-old Japanese manager Robaato Rasamu handed a new deal worth £31k per week until June 2047 to continue his good work at the club.
VfB Stuttgart enjoyed a strong season but found themselves well short of a relentless Bayern, who'd now won 30 Bundesliga titles on the bounce. So Robaato Rasamu felt changes were needed to attempt to close the gap in his third season in Germany.
A historic season at Reebok Stadium saw Bolton Wanderers tie their all-time record league finish and reach a first European Final. So things were on the up for Trebor Mahtal as he usurped Big Sam Allardyce's achievements within two seasons.
After one season in Germany, Robaato Rasamu had worked his magic to inspire VfB Stuttgart to their highest league position in 34 years and European Champions League qualification. So it was feasible - unlikely - but feasible that he could wrap up this Pentagon Pursuit inside 19 years of management.
Merry Christmas everyone! To celebrate, we've got a special festive blog as Kris Kringle leads FC Santa Claus, fresh from winning the European Conference League, into the Champions League group stage as bookies' favourites to win the competition.
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