The selection of a manager for a football club is a pretty discursive process. The hierarchy scrutinizes the gaffer’s experience, achievements and even his or her playing career. Can a gamer fill the role? Yes! In today’s episode of bizarre football news, Serbian football club FK Bežanija has chosen a Football Manager enthusiast to take the helm!
While the Prva liga Srbije side from Novi Beograd is struggling under coach Goran Dragoljić and are facing relegation due to financial troubles, 22 year old Andrej Pavlović is taking the Lavovi to glory in the virtual world.
In the game, it took him 16 seasons to get his club 10 successive PLS titles and six Kup Srbije, and also got Bežanija to the UEFA Champions League semis, overpowering European heavyweights such as the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Pavlović’s digital resume is so rich, the club actually responded to his application, offering him a job as a Data Analyst for the club.
“I reached out to them with my achievements on FM and suggested I could help them. I didn’t expect they would call me.” he told in an interview with SPORTbible.
Graduated in medical sciences, Pavlović’s dream job is however to offer his service to his favourite club, as a scout or a data analyst, even though not on a payroll yet.
“Currently I am not paid by FK Bežanija but i do this because I love the club and the job. I hope to be paid by a club in the future for doing something I love.” he added.