Ramon Tribulietx is still getting phone calls and emails that make his eyes water. Not so much about coaching assignments - he's locked in to guide Auckland City for another season - but agents touting players the Spaniard might want to sign.
They are players from first division clubs in Mexico, Chile and Argentina and others of real pedigree but with extraordinary price tags.
"People think we have players here on massive money," says Tribulietx. "I'm getting offered some names I just can't believe ... I can't even reply to the emails."
It's a byproduct of the stunning third place at last year's Club World Cup, when Auckland City beat the champions of Morocco, Africa and North America. They also took the Copa Libertadores champions to extra time and were a scuffed shot away from facing Real Madrid in the final. Say it again ... Real Madrid.
"People in football overseas can't really comprehend where we have come from because what we did doesn't really happen in football," says Tribulietx. "They think we are there, but we are not. We were there in that tournament but to achieve that took a huge effort preparing.
"It is unbelievable, yes, because teams like San Lorenzo and Cruz Azul are 20 times bigger than us. I don't think I'm exaggerating. Cruz Azul had five players on the field against us on US$1.5 million [$2.37 million] a year. Imagine that."
It's also hard to believe Tribulietx is still at Kiwitea St -- he was supposed to be whisked away to a professional club after Morocco. It almost happened, firstly with the Brisbane Roar, then Hong Kong champions Kitchee.
Tribulietx spent a week in Brisbane in May, watching their game against Urawa Reds in a pub so media wouldn't be alerted, and the deal seemed done.
"Brisbane is known for 4-3-3, the passing style, and they wanted someone who could coach the same way," says Tribulietx. "They talked to me and it was pretty close. It looked good. Unfortunately, the two people who were supporting me stepped down and things changed.
"The club decided to employ someone else [John Aloisi]. That's it. Life continues and these things happen in football. They treated me well and I wish them all the best."
Aloisi's coaching abilities are unproven. He didn't impress at Melbourne Heart but his name can sway a boardroom and delight sponsors and marketing departments.
Tribulietx was flown to Hong Kong for a week after former Adelaide coach Josep Gombau recommended his compatriot to the club. Kitchee have been the best side in Hong Kong four of the past five seasons and their squad includes four Brazilians, four Spaniards and a Nigerian.
"They decided I was the person," says Tribulietx. "Unfortunately, we didn't reach an agreement in terms of coaching -- not money or anything like that -- and I thought it wasn't for me. The day I dedicate myself to this because of money, I might have to go. I'm here because I love the game and so it has to be something football-wise better than what I have."
Tribulietx has a blank canvas at Auckland City, and the thought of interference from above in his "football projects" sounds unpalatable.
"I'm happy to be back at Auckland City, the only club that has trusted me and the way I see the game. I owe them big time."
He admits he's a football obsessive, watching at least 10 games a week and devoting countless hours to his craft. That sometimes leads to difficulties - some players can't match the commitment levels - but Tribulietx makes no apologies.
"I am demanding but otherwise it won't work," he says. "If you are too flexible, it doesn't happen. It's either fully committed or nothing; 50-50 things don't work. You have to go full-on or you are wasting your time."
It's hard to see Tribulietx in New Zealand for much longer - sooner or later a professional club will come calling - but for now, the 43-year-old is focused on Auckland City.
After yesterday's match against the Phoenix, they have several more pre-season fixtures before the ASB Premiership kicks off on November 8 with a televised clash against Waitakere. Then it's back to Japan for another tilt at the Club World Cup.
"Obviously it will be harder this year," says Tribulietx. "Playing a Japanese team in a one-off game, they are individually very fast and it is difficult to defend these sorts of players. And because of last year, everyone knows Auckland City now.
"No one will take us lightly. That makes the game harder but it also means we will have some more respect. That might allow other things to happen in the game."
-Â By Michael Burgess of the Herald on Sunday
