Football Manager addict takes charge of real team after double relegation
A FOOTBALL MANAGER addict has become the boss of a professional team that has been relegated twice in a row at just 27 years old.
Orri Thorisson claims he has spent eight percent of his life playing the computer game.
And Icelandic fourth-tier side KV admit they have gone a “different route” by appointing the rookie to their top job.
Chairman Auounn Orn Gylfason agrees that Thorisson does not have a “magic wand”.
But he does have a wizard record on Football Manager.
Thorisson recently won his sixth consecutive Premier League crown with Leicester City – at least, on his keyboard and screen.
He logged 600 hours of playing time to achieve that feat… no doubt at the King Powered-up Stadium.
But that's not all it seems: until last year, he was a gamer of two halves.
Thorisson shared his love for Football Manager online with almost equal playing time on the pitch.
But hip surgery ended his physically active career, leaving him feeling like he had “lost something in my life.”
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But incredibly, Thorisson was quickly appointed head coach of sixth-tier Kria, thanks to his friends who owned the local club.
He immediately won promotion after 13 wins in 16 games, before agreeing to move to KV on a one-year contract.
Thorisson insists Football Manager has helped him in the dugout and in tackling personal demons.
He told Sports Bible: “I really believe it has had a positive impact on my real-life management skills.
“The game's intricate mechanics, strategic decision-making, and pressure-packed scenarios have allowed me to hone my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.”
Thorisson also called the game a “therapeutic escape during more difficult periods in my life”.
He added: “I find solace and distraction playing the game and it allows my mind to disconnect from the problems of the real world.
“I know it sounds bad, but if I do well in the game, I feel like I'm doing well in life.
“For me it is the thrill of leading your favorite team to victory and the satisfaction of nurturing young talents.
The job could be a really good stepping stone… And having some extra income for my family, including my pregnant girlfriend, is huge.
Orri Thorisson
“Oh, and the 4-2-3-1 formation I've used throughout my FM career? I'll definitely be playing some form of that tactic in real life.”
Thorisson dreams of one day being able to match the levels he has achieved in gaming with real-life achievements.
He said: 'I took the job knowing it could be a really good stepping stone in my career.
“And to have some extra income to take care of my family, including my pregnant girlfriend, is huge.”
Club chief executive Gylfason admitted: “We know that success in Football Manager doesn't just happen with the wave of a magic wand.
“You have to understand the game well and time will tell if he can live up to our expectations in real life.”