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"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close
they were to success when they gave up."
- Thomas A. Edison
What's really ironic is that I had actually written a winning PR already five weeks before the season was over. Not sure why. I wasn't necessarily sure I'd win it. Although I had been leading since round 2 and - from a statistical point of view - been the most consistent manager of the season. Then again, I had been that many times before. And yet I had to endure seasons like these: S28 & S29.
It's kinda pointless trying to describe the amount of frustration you feel if you're a really competitive person as myself - losing in such harsh ways. Especially when both came under rather questionable circumstances. The first would probably never have occurred if Holma's manager hadn't forgot to log in to their home game against Fäjmus and thus ending up losing 0-3. And in the latter goal difference loss I for example was just 1 minute away from Hall of Fame. Holma FC scored in the 92nd minute in that last round.
Painful? Yeah. Made me almost quit the league? Never. I had promised myself to never quit Xpert Ladies without that Hall of Fame icon. Not because HOF is so super important that it changes lives - it's after all just a game on the internet when it comes down to it. It's more a matter of principle - I had decided I'd be there. Period. No matter how many times I'd lose and no matter how many times I'd lose unfairly - quitting was never ever an option.
This season wasn't necessarily the one I thought was realistic I'd pull it off. Both FC Botosani and High Heels Babes had stronger squads. Mine was rather thin. Money was poor. I had to try minimize injuries while simultaneously being excellent tactically - preferably from start to finish. And to my surprise - the curse that had been lingering over me from previous teams finally seemed to have been broken. The injuries didn't came. Not to any greater extent anyway. And the best midfielder in the team never got her third yellow card - because a suspension there could have got me in trouble. Tactics were brilliant. Averaging 4.57 in star statistics ahead of mr.Xpert's & Oltion's 4.21. Followed by 4.14, 4.07, 3.93, 3.86 & 3.43.
Good season? Oh yeah. 12 wins. 1 draw. 1 loss. 37 points. 40% conversion rate. Five points ahead of the rest of the pack. One of my best seasons ever. I could say I am over the moon happy about all this of course, but what I really feel most of all - and what I've felt this past week - is RELIEF. It's a comfortable feeling knowing you don't have to chase this anymore. Whatever happens from now on - it's OK.
Obviously, as the competitor I am, I'll have the same determination to win Xpert Champions League too. And it would be really cool to be the first manager in history to be in the Hall of Fame on both sides. But there's no rush. No hurry. I have time on my side. If I fail this season - it's OK. If I fail next season - it's OK. And the one after that? Totally OK. Failure is never an end destination. Just a way of learning.
Finally, there are a few people I like to thank for their support. These people are mainly Paradoxinaz, Sympathique & Duffster - all of which I adore deeply. If it wasn't for characters like these - Xperteleven would be a lot more empty for me. It's one thing to lose titles - but it's even more painful to lose friends.
I also like to thank Bon Iver, seriously, for making the album 'For Emma, Forever Ago', an album I've had on repeat every time I was heartbroken over Xpert Ladies. You're laughing? WELL EXCUUUSE ME FOR BEING A LITTLE EMOTIONAL SOMETIMES! :@ Hehehe. Sorry about that. But seriously. Bon Iver - thank you for being you. You're a humble & genuine bloke and I adore your music. OK? Thanks.
Also, I've always liked ending with a quote, so how's this for a quote?
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