The progression of Ruprecht Prusseit as one of the best young managers around was confirmed as he led an unfancied Union Berlin side to survival in his first season in Bundesliga. But the Dresden-born manager was keen to progress both his managerial abilities and the club he was working with to avoid any suggestion of second-season syndrome.
Union Berlin enjoyed a strong start to manager Ruprecht Prusseit's first-ever season in top-flight football. They'd been as high as fifth in the early stages of Bundesliga and went into the winter break just a few points behind the European places.
After 10 years of life as a proper Football Manager, Ruprecht Prusseit had gone from virtual obscurity to joining Germany's elite in Bundesliga. He led Union Berlin back to Bundesliga in 2031/32, lifting only the club's second professional trophy as 2. Bundesliga Champions.
Hertha Berlin were on track to secure an immediate return to Bundesliga after manager Ruprecht Prusseit made a solid start to his biggest job so far on his OstDeutscher Sieg journey. But there was plenty of pressure on the Dresden-born boss to make that promotion happen.
The summer of 2031 saw a massive opportunity come Ruprecht Prusseit's away as, fresh from Bundesliga relegation, Union Berlin sacked Dan Putrescu and soon approached him for an interview.
Ruprecht Prusseit had cobbled together a squad of freebies and loanees in the summer of 2030 but somehow put together a team potentially capable of mounting a 3. Liga title challenge. Indeed, his Energie Cottbus sat top of 3. Liga heading into 2031.
The unusual decision to join a club in the division below your current club was seemingly working out well for Ruprecht Prusseit, who'd led Energie Cottbus to 18 wins in his first 19 league games in charge. That immediate success saw the Cottbus board move quickly to lock down their prized asset, handing Prusseit a £500 weekly wage increase until the end of the next season.
Ruprecht Prusseit felt his career would be best off at a club that wasn't a B Team. He soon received an invitation to an interview from Energie Cottbus, who'd just been relegated from 3. Liga, after having to reject an interview offer from Bundesliga side Augsburg.
Hansa Rostock II made a strong start to their first-ever season as a professional club, sitting safely in 3. Liga mid-table heading into the winter break. But manager Ruprecht Prusseit was acutely aware that a slip in form could quickly drag them into danger.
Ruprecht Prusseit overcame his hometown club to lead Hansa Rostock II to his first-ever title then defeated professional rivals Hannover II to gain promotion to 3. Liga for the first time. Now they faced a huge challenge as a professional club.
Football Manager Addict 