Real Manager vs Football Manager Pro

Am I the next Will Still? Will clubs be fined to have me as a coach every game just because I am very good at Football Manager? Honestly saying I’m very good at FM still sounds stupid, I just play the game a ton, but we’ve done some magical things in the Football Manager world so it’s time that I put myself to the test against real life manager.
Who then is better than the actual manager of my current Football Manager club? He’s trying to do what it was much easier for me to do in Football Manager, which is take Taunton all the way to the Premier League. I feel like in real life after a promotion the goal is really to stay up and Rob Dray has already done that, so he’s the right manager to go up against. He has the skills.
Much Love,
The Zealand
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#FootballManager #Football #Soccer #Hashtags

[@MrEjwheeler]

I'm disappointed that none of his answers involving shouting "ENCOURAGE!" at the team every 10 minutes.

[@jayer.]

Didn't even mention throwing the water bottle at half time

[@konfuchie357]

Hahahaha I loled man.

[@mattjames6349]

I do wish you could shout encourage when you’re winning . You should be able to when the match is turning against you to you know ? ‘Buck up your ideas!’ Not go yay! Match over after 20 minutes ! Or maybe it’s just my teams lol

[@hartingtherealone]

​@@mattjames6349 "yay" qualifies more as a praise. Encouraging means saying "You can do this!"

[@Ignats75]

@@hartingtherealone I much prefer, "I want to see more from you!"

[@jordansifleet9651]

genuinely think its time for Zealand to go for at least a level one coaching licence, take the dream and make it a reality

[@paulleach3612]

Now that would be an interesting series.

[@Hartley_Hare]

That's an awesome idea. How much would it cost?

[@RARARASPUTIN1914]

​@@Hartley_Hare in the uk its free for level 1 I think

[@maviarab]

@@RARARASPUTIN1914 £160 and is completely online. Absolutely no reason not to get it if serious about football management. Level 2 is only £400 and mostly online also. Why starting in FM with no badges is utterly stupid and unrealistic imo. Anyone can pretty much get their level 2 at least (3 does require being involved in junior coaching for an actual club of some description).

[@youngwonmun5444]

Would be cool to watch videos of him actually coaching a team

[@ateam1151]

He went from singing about loans to actually becoming manager .

[@vanbaasten17]

Oh, i can see zealand singing about loans to the director of football asking for one more pass merchant

[@slips.]

actually heard thats what sir alex used to do in his office

[@mrfreeland123]

Jose Mourinhloan ,I'll get my coat

[@Tajul2810]

Could we get Coach Rob to join the Zealand stream for a day once the season is over? I would love to see how he translates his real life knowledge into the game with the Premier League Peacocks. Also, loved his energy in this video!

[@akunwanneprosper7016]

I hope Zealand sees this, very nice idea 💡

[@GGMatt]

In concept its a great idea but Football Manager is literally just about exploiting a game engine at this point so

[@kevin48269]

ohhh yess

[@Tajul2810]

@@GGMatt I feel the same way about the game as of late. But that is precisely why I think a fresh opinion from someone not used to the game and with real world coaching experience would be, at the very least, fun to watch!

[@1882osr]

@@GGMatt In which case... it'd be interesting to see how far apart the real world based advice and planning is from what football manager's engine ends up promoting

[@PepeSilvia6721]

I’ll admit I wasn’t initially the biggest fan of the transition from purely football manager related content to more real life football content. But man, this is so fucking cool. It’s crazy to see the places someone can go from playing a game on twitch. Mad props, Z

[@paulleach3612]

Did you not hear about the lad who was so good that he completed FM and got a job as an England coach?

[@arx.swervez7204]

@@paulleach3612 also the reims manager, hes 29 and is only the manager purely through his love for fm, its what got him into coaching proffesionally

[@EyebrowsGaming]

@@arx.swervez7204 That's Will Still, who they mentioned in the video. Reims have had a tough few games recently, losing 2-1 to a 10-man lens side. But they're hanging tough in the middle of Ligue 1, currently one position higher than they managed last season

[@maikatiemuj2706]

and Ange played FM tooo he even talked about it with passion lol

[@mattjames6349]

I don't think i've ever seen Zealand look stressed ? It's obvious he was giving it full respect to someone who does it for real! Congrats! I'm loving these videos!

[@shacozzi4888]

Never seen Rob before, but I'm pretty sure he's my long lost uncle or something. He has that bear hug aura.

[@onceflover]

The animation to visualize what Z and Rob were talking about made this video so much easier to follow, especially as someone who is new to football manager (and football in general!)

[@Ignasir_]

Honeslty the editing in this videos is so good. To be able to translate visually what they are saying made it so much easier to understand and also learn a thing or too. I actually felt like I was playing FM while watching this video.

[@yordandimitrov5557]

As an editor myself I absolutely love the work on Zealand’s vids. It’s super clean and subtle yet engaging. If you are reading this bro or sis, GREAT JOB! P.s please don’t use the wix song anymore 😂

[@theperformancelocker744]

I’m a head coach at Walton & Hersham mate. 1 league below Taunton. Really good answers. Looking toward to FM24.

[@coyootje]

What a nice and knowledgable guy! Seeing stuff like this makes me wish I'd be able to be a part of a lower league team and to contribute to their success. It's a shame we don't really have such an elaborate league system in the Netherlands. Maybe I should go visit some non-league games in England sometime.

[@AdamSmith75th]

I go to non-league regularly. It’s amazing! I’ve made friends, good memories and also have something to seriously look forward to each week. It’s also not expensive at all and any money you do spend goes straight into the running of the club. Highly recommended 👍

[@donkarnage6986]

Offcourse you have... Open your Eyes and get out.... there are alot

[@coyootje]

@@donkarnage6986 there are teams but the league system is a bit flawed. The top 2 leagues are basically closed off, there's no relegation from the second league for some reason. So any teams that play in the third division can never make their way up, which kind of removes the fun. There's also a number of B-teams / youth teams in the second division from the top teams which makes the league a bit of a lottery at times due to who plays in those teams that week.

[@gottes1stsenpai30]

Germany defo has it as well

[@coyootje]

@@gottes1stsenpai30 German football had been really appealing to me lately in general with their fans and ownership rules. I might pop accross the border for a game sometime soon.

[@bigrandomun9267]

As someone who has played Football Manager for years and is currently coaching a local club, it’s really good to know actual coaches take the FM way into coaching seriously and don’t take the piss out of you for it.

[@ThePodunkboy]

This is seriously one of the greatest "FM vs real life" videos I've seen. As someone who plays lower league in FM, it gives me a factual basis for how to handle a part time squad. Kudos for your questions and insight with the gaffer.

[@samcross6204]

Great video! I went to school with Rob’s son - he actually coached a handful of our schools training sessions when I was a teenager. Great to see him getting the recognition he deserves, a truly great guy. Z needs to get a coaching licence, too. The arc has begun.

[@sergejmilinkovic3876]

Go for it Zealand! Start your career analysing games for clubs (like will still) and work your way up to becoming a manager. Or at least something in the world of football

[@yuklaldo]

In youtube we see a lot of series of guys trying to become real footballers... I REALLY think you should start a series where you try to become a real manager. I'm sure there's a plenty of teams that would love to have you (marketing) as an assistant, coach or even THE manager while you're "studying" to become one and we would love to watch the process!

[@StoutProper]

Definitely

[@jopearson6321]

This video was adorable. Possibly your best ever.

[@Loeffellux]

Almost feels like a series finale

[@sirgamer3795]

The look on his face when zealand was giving good answers.... "I paid good money for these badges" 😂 on yer self Ze!!

[@drdement1]

Great content. Love the questions and the talk about how it works in real life. Is non-league, but its really fun to hear about how a manager thinks, what i takes and just talk about being part of that level of footb all. Keep it up. Would love to se more analysis of real life managers and their style and how they pick their players. Maybe translating to FM tactics. All levels of football really (not just england though)

[@SinofThrash]

This is one of the best videos you have ever done Zealand. It's really interesting to hear you and Rob both talk about tactics and situations that present itself in both the game and real life. I've not been taking notes, I swear...

[@AlexTheFou]

I am a manager at lower leagues and i can tell that the bold guy is trying to adapt to every possible scenario. He looks like a very flexible coach. Those coaches you wish NOT to play against because when their team is in defending phase, they will change their tactics so much in order to destroy your game.

[@LJMahomes]

This video is so fucking good. I had multiple times where I though „wow this professional tv crew got great Football manager knowledge because they actually visualise what Zealand is talking about very well“. I forgot multiple times this is Zealands channel and him and his cutters all know FM and he himself can direct stuff in post production, which is usually not the case for those high production value things

[@AWA1L]

Zealand PLEASE go find a mentor and start learning to manage IRL at some level. Im an animator and was always a wannabe until I sought mentorship. After a year of mentorship with 2 world-class animators, I now work as a Junior level animator at the greatest studio in the world (imo). What coach Rob did for you in the vid were the kernels of mentorship and it just put the biggest smile on my face seeing someone be coachable, start their learning journey, and get the validation they needed for their hardwork and passion. It was like watching Gordon Ramsay mentor on Masterchef. And just like those dark arts Rob mentioned, theres a million little tips and tricks and concepts of knowledge awaiting you during your mentorship. So go for it my dood! And take us with you along the way! Road to IRL Manager.

[@arw8719]

You should get hold of Wrexham, they might be interested in giving you some role within the academy or something. Would definitely add more drama and spectacle to their story. Anyway would LOVE to see that. But I guarantee, there is an owner in the world that would give you a chance, you just have to find them

[@Sirjohnfootball]

Hahahah the idea that a professional football club in the EFL system would give some KZbin bloke an actual role in their setup is beyond hilarious hahahahahah You Disney+ FC plastic fans really do know nothing about real world football Hahahaahah I can’t stop laughing at this suggestion. Do you think the Royal Marines would give some fella who is really good at Call of Duty a place in an active platoon as well? Hahahahahah

[@mgradiant]

Honestly, I could see you doing it. I can see you becoming a manager, Z. You already know how to inspire people, you’re really good with media, and you know your tactics. I say go for it.

[@johannkraut1224]

Honestly, really good understanding for someone that didn't grow up playing football in an organized team which explains the oversight on the last question. Zealand has a better grasp on tactics than some lower league managers I know that do this for a living.

[@-dizzoj-]

I'd like to hear more from Rob honestly! Fascinating little insight into what it takes to manage a semi-professional club. I know this maybe isn't aligned with the goals of the channel, but I assume there's a lot of human, man-management insights that he can give, the stuff that separates the virtual/simulated world from real life. Would be interesting to dig into that, and analyse what makes those two worlds so different.

[@Prederick]

This is incredibly well done, like in total, and is exactly the kind of "FM vs. real life" content I've always wondered about. Great job Zealand!

[@jezdunn8399]

This is absolutely amazing stuff, Zealand content has reached the next level

[@xToffux]

I love this type of analytic. Would be amazing to see more stuff like that. just a great video. Keeping going Zealand!

[@therealMeastro]

one thing i like to add here, z is now given certain scenario's and answers accordingly. it is impressive what he answered. what i would like to see is z given a clip of around 30 seconds to a minute with the question being what are you going to do after seeing the clip. you could have a lot a varietes there

[@absurdist5134]

... I think you talking about tactics here, is the first time I've really "got" the fun of on field tactics. And the logic behind it. Might have to start up a new FM game.

[@StoutProper]

This content is gold, love to see Zealand take over a struggling non league club and see if he can turn it round, I feel like he actually could you know, and it would make superb content either way.

[@macario8836]

He already did that virtually. Time for the REAL stuff?

[@StoutProper]

@@macario8836 yeah that’s exactly what I mean

[@Babbitty81]

Anyone else get the feeling that the actual coach was thinking “Damn, this lad knows more than me” and was taking notes while Z was answering 🤣

[@StoutProper]

I think he was definitely impressed, that English Belgium guy in France has opened people’s eyes up

[@spencergrout6320]

definitely was like 'oh shoot he does have a decent grasp' but Rob managing a club from tier 8 to tier 6 is a huge achievement - he's very good at what he does. (sorry to be the fun killer

[@maviarab]

@@spencergrout6320 As the saying goes, saying, knowing...and doing are all very different things.

[@Constanza235]

To be fair, the fact that Zeeland had to be told on how to slow a game down shows he's, at the very least, very naive about the game. Give the faster or more talented lad a hard tackle or two at the begining of the game, slow the game restarts, freeze the game until they get their nerves up. Either that or that is just my Portuguese anti-game experience talking!

[@macario8836]

​@@Constanza235Trust me, even the Portuguese hate that... at least, the ones of us that really love to watch games

[@Temarisboy]

This was fascinating. As someone currently studying to get the lowest level coaching badge in America this was so wonderful to watch.

[@jurassicattack01]

I'm really loving these videos from your trip to Taunton town, can't wait for the next one

[@SmokeyJohnson1234]

This video is great. Liked that you added the FM visual on screen while you answered the questions!

[@keithcostello6219]

Amazing video. I have played FM for far too many hours at a very amateur skill level tactically and felt my head exploding listening to this and learning a lot.

[@conorck2343]

This is maybe the best football/fm crossover vid ever. Big up zealand you the goat

[@Alphawave2000]

As a season ticket holder at Hampton And Richmond (same league as Taunton) this was fascinating.

[@forcinghandlesisdumb]

I think coach Rob was legitimately impressed at the quality of your answers. I know I was.

[@Sprite8822]

Brilliant video Zealand. I think It is great how you are engaging with teams and vice versa in real life off of the back of FM. Your passion for football comes over really well and, as a coach myself, it is clear that you understand phases and area's of the game that a lot of fans don't. One criticism though...very disappointed you didn't sing 'loans' at him as a response to the injury crisis. 🤣

[@introaether937]

Massive respect to Taunton for taking the time to do this!

[@Oshidashi]

This was so much more informative and entertaining than any football show I watch on TV in the Netherlands. Great job from all involved, including the editors with the vital visualisations of Zeeland's ideas. Had a good laugh about "the dark arts!"

[@EmptyGlass99]

This is good! Mixing the FM stuff in with the real-life stuff works really well here.

[@jonathontaylor-o1t]

Weymouth are my local team shocked to see them being mentioned in one of your vids one day hope to see you become a prem manager up the Zealand ❤

[@gottes1stsenpai30]

Congrats on staying up for now!!

[@jonathontaylor-o1t]

Thank you, I hope we can improve next year, fingers crossed at the very least qe avoid the drop again

[@1nnu3ndo]

This was really fun to watch, compliments to Rob Dray for doing this and being very genuine and open-minded as well. Enjoyed the dynamic between you two.

[@russhunter5696]

Again, an absolutely brilliant video. The quality of this recent content is amazing. Blown away.

[@fpsoccer9791]

I'm also a coach with licenses (B and Youth B), currently coaching a high school level select team and a 18+ recreational team. A lot of what was said is really close to what I would consider doing in my own games. Though, with the question about preventing the long diagonal from the RCB and RCM, I actually would've considered playing a piston press with the two strikers. I agree with standing off, and essentially the team would surround the players near that winger so that we can win the second ball.

[@darthurza]

I may be wrong, but this is actually best video on the channel so far. Absolutely fantastic!

[@jensroberthelland319]

Honestly this is so goddamn cool, you get to see even at the lower levels the knowledge a manager and a coach has, makes one wonder about the extreme level in the upper levels, just in the sky bet leagues or in smaller footballing countries upper divisions. I need more of this kind of content, it is so damn good. Also... Damn he is a charismatic manager, I want him to manage my life.

[@ronniebiruintza]

Awesome my man, Absolutely awesome. Keep up the amazing work. Shoutout from Romania

[@StarbornQM]

I loved this. Brought me back to interviewing the lower league and academy managers up here back in the day.

[@luissilva-oh6vd]

the edit is absolutely incredible, it makes it so easy to understand what you are both saying, keep it going!

[@NathanGehrke]

This guy is so impressed with Zealands knowledge

[@grantosjones]

this is genuinely one of the most enjoyable videos I've ever watched, really interesting. Zealand should interview more managers!

[@hollyjonesist]

Have always enjoyed your stuff that video had such a good energy and fun vibe.great job, way to think out of box on creating content

[@broefkip]

It's amazing how tactically sound you guys are, I for one definitely have a lot to learn before I reach such a level.

[@earthnine16420]

I'm honestly so happy that there was the 11v11 in the middle otherwise I would be so lost

[@acleedsunited]

You both xame across well in this video. Good under pressure answers Zealand.

[@Ottocide]

As Kev would say, you are a button presser, Zealand. But to be a real manager, you need to be pressing ALL the buttons. I genuinely believe that you could become a solid manager. You understand the game, unafraid to take risks, and you're very passionate. I'd love to see you try!

[@michaeluzoho5838]

Big up yourself Zealand. Gave really good answers.

[@t.c.4321]

Zealand mate, you probably don't count on still being a youtuber by the time you are say 40. Have you considered becoming a real life coach or manager? Seriously I think you could be great, especially in the States

[@JuanNunez2023]

There's probably USL League Two teams in America that could use Zealand as a manager.

[@StoutProper]

The USA could

[@vic_cafc]

This is some good content, really interesting interview

[@harrysalter1155]

love this vid with the graphics this should be a series

[@mcyawnface991]

Great video ^_^ seems like you had a lot of fun over there

[@brianbru]

Can tell the real manager was genuinely impressed during the answer of question 3 lmao

[@robertontiu]

Hey Zealand, Love these videos. Not only are they funny but they are very insightful! Coach Rob seems like a really nice and charismatic guy.

[@loganadams1205]

Manager is actually really likable.

[@phillewis4833]

Absolutely loved this episode. Great vid.

[@hurts2308]

Great content. The thing this is missing is you don't follow up with the team, or analyze how the formations played out in the actual match that evening. Would be great to see that post mortem, maybe featuring this manager once again, and it probably could have made for two videos at that point.

[@gutika113]

Absolutely love your channel - and love this crossover even more!

[@dianabialaskahansen2972]

This was super cool. Shows that knowledge from Football Manager translate, at least partially, into the real world, definitely in understanding tactics, adapting to circumstances, etc.

[@mmkvat]

I love everything about this video.

[@sneakerjuice1856]

I already love Taunton, what a club what a manager!

[@dronesclubhighjinks]

This was a really interesting video! It's so cool you actually got to visit your club!

[@patricioulano]

I enjoyed the actual concern you had over his answer on the subject of your ability to be a manager. To be fair, as I watched I would have yelled at me screen if he had said anything different

[@grilledtortilla]

I hope Zealand actually does go for his coaching bages

[@StoutProper]

He could take the USA job

[@xowormsfan1]

never played football manager at all and i rarely watch soccer but i love this video haha

[@bammbamm1226]

This was amazing to watch. Was actually nice seeing this interaction the coach seems like a good guy. I'd have a beer with him and I don't drink

[@FMZweierkette]

Heartwarming video

[@owlyroy5330]

Love how Rob paused for dramatic effect. He understood the assignment

[@KingWeir]

In fairness alot of these questions were about tactics and formation, the bread and butter of FM. The difference really between real life and a game, is talking to your players directly, yeah you have chats in the game but they are all just a preset options and the players are programmed to react according with slight differences on their preprogrammed personality, obviously real life isn't so clear cut.

[@Kadesh86]

Trully amazing... Honestly, congratulations! That must have felt incredible.

[@TheGibShow]

Love this. Proper on the spot to visualise and come up with the answers.

[@DominoGaming97]

Zealand would have got the last one more right if there was a option in FM to tell the players to roll around like they have been shot when tackled.

[@fentonkroll]

Great content. Really enjoyed.

[@gamesretweets9979]

Zealand didn't know about the dark arts of professional shithousery.

[@COYBIG1967]

I didn’t realise how tall Zealand was

[@JakeMay]

I can see Zealand getting lured into the beauty of english non-league, like many of us English football fans who feel increasingly jaded by the Premier League have in recent years. This is great content

[@scpjack7856]

Am I the only one who saw "Real Manager" and thought "Wait, Z met Ancelotti?"

[@moealhanash8053]

this is just amazing , much love to you both

[@Benito264]

Zealand just graduated from football manager

[@OrangeBananaPear]

Outstanding interview, loved it. Anyone else pause and answer the questions before Z?

[@YaBoyRagnarsty]

As someone who has spent a lot of time in that area of the country, Rob just sums up people from that part of the world... friendly, smiley, happy. Unlike us Londoners! 😉

[@christianboeckh3449]

Just an amazing chat between two bloke's that share a passion. 👌

[@Vollergamerhater2]

Great concept Zealand. However, next time you could differentiat the questions afsked a bit. They were primarily only tactical now while this is important but only a fraction of a managers job at a club.. things like people management, real training drills, management of the dressing room should be considered as important if not more and is likewise the things differentiating fm from real life. Just some stuff for thought if you are seriously considering going into management

[@giovanigoncalves7089]

Great work and material. Thanks, Z

[@astrodunkbg]

I feel like Z's grandma - just happy for how tall and smart he is

[@matttias3]

Great video as always. However, given how well you picked apart the coaches questions and scenarios and then they later lost, I would say it’s a given that you’ll be appointed real life manager in the coming days. #AnnounceZealand