FM13: VfL Wolfsburg

[DirtyJoe]

WILLKOMMEN BEI DEN WöLFEN

Welcome to Wolfsburg 2013 Season thread. The 2012 season saw what many considered an under performing Wolfsburg team. The expectation within the club and by many is UEFA Europa League qualification.

SEASON 2012/2013

The club has already invested significantly with the squad, with 2 Brazilian stars Naldo [Werder Bremen] & Fanger [Vasco] along with Dutch Target Man Bas Dost.

ONWARDS TO VICTORY

To achieve success the club needs to run at sustainable profit levels per season. With a 30,000-stadium capacity in a small catchment area of Germany, extra revenue will be critical to the success of the club.

Revenue needs to be from alternative sources other than traditional gate receipts as compared to league rivals of Bayern Munich, Schalke, Leverkusen, & Dortmund, with host of others who have Stadiums over the 40,000 capacity.

The most logical addition to revenue would be to qualify for Champions League with its attractive TV Revenue and additional matches to help boost the clubs coffers, but this will need to be sustained over the long term. The reality is that if the club fails to reach this competition, it would severely impact the clubs finances the following season, with the most likely out come that club runs at a loss.

To move forward, the clubs financial model needs to be refocused on multiple levels and not be dependent on one revenue stream for survival. We need restructure our wage model and transfer policy of the past regime, and look for more value in the players we attract to the club. The club supporters will need to adapt to this model as the club adopts return on investment approach to player transfers as this will become a future source of income.

INFORMATION

The city of Wolfsburg sits in northern Saxony, nestle between Hanover (Fierce Rivals) and Berlin and Hamburg to the North. VfL Wolfsburg has now been some fifteen years in the top flight of the Bundesliga without interruption and is long since an established force. Looking back to the beginning of the club’s success story, one particular occurrence remains unforgettable – an occurrence that dates back 20 years this year! Exactly two decades ago, after many years of third division football, VfL Wolfsburg returned to the second division. Beginning with promotion in 1992, the club has only a single Bundesliga Title to its name in 2009.

The current stadium is called “VOLKSWAGEN ARENA” with the official opening in December of 2002 with strong to ties with the local car manufacturer Volkswagon, which also doubles has the clubs’ major sponsor.

FINANCES

The club even though after already spending $17M this season on new signings, it has lavishly left $10.5M to spend on new acquisitions. Be mindful that you will likely run at a loss and this could turn dire come December. The current wage budget will need to be managed with some detail in order to trim the $1,207,753 against $1,296,000.

There are currently no affiliated clubs, and this is something that you should look to remedy over the coming seasons.

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Bernd Hollerbach / German / Assistant Manager

Fabian Wohlgemuth / German / Head of Youth Development

Lorenz-Gunther Kostner / German / Under 23s Manager

Alexander Strehmel / German / Under 23s Assistant Manager

Dirk Kunert / German / Under 19s Manager

Andrew Hilfiker / Swiss / Goalkeeeping Coach

Dennis Rudel / German / Under 23s Goalkeeping Coach

Andries Jonker / Dutch / Coach

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SCOUTING

World Knowledge 16%

Central Europe – 62%

East Asia – 33%

Eastern Europe – 17%

Scandinavia -12%

South Europe – 9%

Chief Scout – Pierre Littbarski JA12/JP10

Scout – Rudi Wojowicz JA15/JP15

Scout – Andre Lenz – JA11/JP11

Scout – Uli Mohr – JA12/JP11

Scout – Andreas Steppat – JA12/JP12

A reorganisation of your scouting team is highly recommended, along with a full compliment of scouts. I would look at assigning scouts to Brazil, as you have a number of players already within the squad. In addition boosting the local scouting network of promising German & Austrian talent.

[DirtyJoe]

FIRST TEAM

Wolfsburg first team squad has a starting list of 39 players, of which 9 players have “Trained in Nation” Status and 3 with “Trained at Club” Status. This is an area for future improvement.

GOAL KEEPERS

The club has a total of 5 keepers at its disposal with only Diego Benaglio as your real first team choice.

Team Rating – Good

Potential Targets - Oliver Baumann (Freiburg) - $2.4M - $5M, Laurentiu Branescu (Juventus) - $200K - $2.5M

DEFENDERS

The Wolfsburg squad has an abundance of central defenders, with Naldo and Kjaer you first choice pairing, with excellent choices of Felipe and Pogatetz as cover. This leaves Kyrgiakos, Russ, Schlimpert and Madlung as surplus, with maybe Madlung as a possiable tutor. You will not need to strengthen in this part of the squad.

Team Rating – Excellent

Potential Targets – None

FULLBACKS

With the recent addition of Fagner your defense looks very capable this season. Last season signing of left back Rodriguez now gives you the option of utilizing your full backs as support and attack, whilst providing a balance to the central 2 defenders. However, the problem is you have no suitable cover or back ups if they get injured.

Team Rating – Outstanding

Potential Targets – Sime Vrsaljko (Dinamo) $2.3M - $3.5M, Florin Hartherz (Werder Bremen) - $550K - $3.5M

MIDFIELDERS

Diego is clearly your best player in this group of players, but with a hefty wage of $150K p/w. Christin Trasch is another quality player whom you should look to keep. The depth in the central midfield is very good with Makoto Hasebe, Josue, Jan Polak Thomas Kahlenberg, Kevin Pannewitz and promising Slobodan Medojevic. Young exciting winger Ibrahim Sissoko is out on loan with Panathinaikos with a $1.7M buy out.

Team Rating – Excellent

Potential Targets – Felipe Anderson (Santos) - $1.5-$5,25M Min Release Clause.

WINGERS

The team does lack right sided winger. Vierinha and new acquisition Vaclav Pilar are more suited to the left but can cover the right if needed. Further additions here are a must for a well balanced squad.

Team Rating – Good

Potential Targets – Patrick Herman (Gladbach) - $2.3M - $5M, Karim Bellarabi – Leverkusen) - $4.1M-$7.5M, Marcel Risse – (Mainz) - $2.9M-$3.5M

FORWARDS

Early season signings has seen Ivica Olic move from Bayern for free and Mario Mandzukic move the other way for $11.25. The club has been able to add Dutch youngster Bas Dost who stands at 192cm. Even though he will tower over most Centre Backs, his best position is as a poacher or advanced forward. You have good options up front with Srdjan Lakic, Rasmus Jonsson and injured Patrick Helmes (9 months).

Team Rating – Good

Potential Signings – Guillaume Hoaru (PSG Trasnfer Listed) - $7.5M, Carlos Fierro (Chivas) $7M-$8M – I signed him last season for Wolfsburg, highly recommended.

OVERALL

The squad is very good, and there is certainly room for improvements. I would suggest that some reshaping of the team is needed to take a more balanced approach. Controlling the wage structure and adding to the areas that will give you the biggest bang for your buck. A Right Winger is a must, followed by a solid midfield signing and a forward if you can fit it in.

Strengths – Your defense along with your defensive midfield players are among the best in the league.

Weakness – Out wide and the lack of a world-class forward, will limit your team’s creativity.

UNDER 23s & 19s

The under 23s & 19s have 7 players worth keeping an eye out for. 4 are current out on loan with other clubs.

[DirtyJoe]

TEAM PHILOSOPHY

The squad is more than capable of meeting the seasons expectations, with the current squad as is. The best option is to look to play a counter attacking brand or football, utilizing your key players as best as possible and to control the midfield corridor with a presence, whilst tearing down the flanks on the counter.

4-3-3

A popular formation and very much suit for counter attacking football, with Vieirinha and Vilar acting up high as inside forwards to either Olic or Dost. Fagner and Rodrigiuz again offer the width to the shape by hugging the line and overlapping the inside forwards. The strength in this shape again is the solid midfield of Trasch, Hasebe with Kahlenberg the creative player.

4-1-2-1-2

This utilizes the best that your team can offer. Adventurous full backs at their best in Fagner & Rodrigiuz getting forward to provide width. Trasch sitting in the hole to cover any gaps, of a industrious midfield. Deigo adding creativity and flair to Olic & Dost partnership up front.

4-4-2

While its not going to be the teams natural shape, but and effective formation to have up the sleeve. Hasebe rolls over to a the right wing as a wide midfield player, with Schafer the best player on the left side. If you are able to invest in natural right winger, you will be able to tinker with this option further.

[DirtyJoe]

RECOMMENDED SIGNINGS

KEEPERS

Oliver Baumann (Freiburg) - $2.4M - $5M

Laurentiu Branescu (Juventus) - $200K - $2.5M

FULL BACKS

Sime Vrsaljko (Dinamo) $2.3M - $3.5M

Florin Hartherz (Werder Bremen) - $550K - $3.5M

Sebastian Jung (Frankfurt) - $3.5M

Jesper Juelsgard (FC Midtjylland) - $2.4M

CENTRAL DEFENDERS

Jores Okore (FC Nordsjaeland) - $1.3M

MIDFIELDERS

Fernando (Gremio) - $6.25M

Ruben Yttergard Jenssen (Tromso) - $1.7M

FORWARDS

Marcel Risse (Mainz) $3.4M

Daniel Caligiuri (Frieburg) -$3.8M

[DirtyJoe]

Potential Signings

[tyro]

Nice thread. I have decided to play with Wolfsburg for my first save. I hadn't thought about the 4-1-2-1-2. Gives me a good alternative.

I'm still trying to learn all the new features and screens of FM 13 but like it so far.

[SRL88]

Nice thread dude.

[DirtyJoe]

Nice thread. I have decided to play with Wolfsburg for my first save. I hadn't thought about the 4-1-2-1-2. Gives me a good alternative.

I'm still trying to learn all the new features and screens of FM 13 but like it so far.

Good choice, they are exciting team and you have the flexibility to reshape if needed.

Nice thread dude.

Cheers matey

[DirtyJoe]

Season 2012/2013

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August 2012

OVERVIEW

I have made a significant number of changes to my back room staff by terminating contracts to all coaches and scoutings staff with 1 or 2 exceptions. On the player front, I am focusing on wage reduction with the aim of being under the $750K p/w by the start of the following season. That is a $500K saving p/w of the current allowed of $1.2M p/w. Therefore a large number of players will either sign new contracts or I will look to off load them as the season progress.

TACTICS

I have opted for 2 tactics with a 433/451 as my primary formation and a flat 442 as a back up. This will reduce the amount of forwards I will require within the squad and utilise my midfield depth.

TRANSFERS

Outs -

Felipe - Santos $1.5M

Kyrgiakos - Valencia $100K

Klich - St Pauli $100K

Russ - Freiburg $500K

Deigo - Udinese $5M

Cale - Furth $120K

Polak - Stuttgart $1M

Jouse - Stutgart $500K

Madlung - Gladbach $500K

Loans -

Lakic - Nurnberg $6K p/w 50% wages

Vieirinha - Olympiacos $60K p/w 50% wages

Medojevic - 1860 Munchen

Total $9.5M

Ins -

Marcel Risse AM R/L (Mainz) $3.4M

Fernando DMC/MC (Gremio) $6.25M

Sebastion Jung DR (Frankfurt) $3.5M

Ruben Yttergard Jenssen (Tromso) $1.7M

Jores Okore (FC Nordsjaelland) $1.3M

Total - $16.25M

(Figures Sterling)

BUNDESLIGA

Augsburg (A) 3-1, Pilar 2, Kjaer

Hoffenheim (H) 3-0, Olic 2, Risse

Mainz (A) 4-1, Hasebe 2, Olic, Trasch

Frankfurt (H) 3-1, Olic 2, Arnold

[DirtyJoe]

Season 2012/2013

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June 2013

An eventful season, which saw an overhaul of the squad in an effort to reduce the massive wage bill. I was surprised that we managed to put together a nice run of 4 wins towards the latter part of the season, but a loss to Dortmund and a draw to Furth was enough to separate top and runners up. Earlier in the season we trumped FC Bayern 5-1 at home, but had to swallow a 4 nil defeat away, ouch!. The pick of the players were Olic and Risse, with Olic later being sold at the end of the season to lift his heavy $74K wages.

Table

Dortmund 77pts

Wolfsburg 71

Schalke 67

Frankfurt 58

FC Bayern 57

[Saint_Lane]

Nice thread! After getting the chance to watch Wolfsburg over the holidays and adopting them as my FIFA team, I thought I'd start with them on FM and hopefully do better than they're in the Bundesliga at the moment!

Just finished my first season and it has been one of the most enjoyable seasons I've ever played on any FM series! I love the new features of FM13 and my first season Wolfsburg has been pretty intense. Some great highs, I've been so pleased with how the team have played - far surpassing my expectation!

I've stuck religiously to a 4-1-2-1-2 formation, playing a rigid, high pressure style, very aggressive and in the face of opponents to stop them playing, Worked very well throughout the season, we proved very difficult to beat - but there was heavy reliance on the front 3 - particularly the AMC to provide the spark and make things happen in front of goal.

Team & Trasnsfers

I wanted a very combative midfield, Wanyama wanted out of Celtic and he seemed to fit the bill perfectly - he was excellent all season - despite a number of injuries (And Yellow Cards) he bossed the midfield all season - Helenius proved a great signing and formed a formidable partnership with ex Munich man Ollic, bagging 46 goals between them.

Very pleased with finishing top of league - it was decided on the last 2 game of the season - and it was pretty intense. Level on points with Bayern Munich and needing a result at the Aliianz Arena to have a shot at the title. Went 1-0 down to a Robben wonder goal, only for Bas and Helenius to score 2 goals in the second half and turn it around.

The goal is to steady the clubs finance structure and enjoy a European run and the revenue it generates. Fingers crossed we are there or there abouts for competing for the Bundesliga next season!

Good Luck Everyone

[DirtyJoe]

Nice work Saint_Lane on the title. How have you gone in reducing the wage debt and what are your finances like?

[Saint_Lane]

Nice work Saint_Lane on the title. How have you gone in reducing the wage debt and what are your finances like?

Getting there. Offloaded the alot of the big earners at the end of the season; Ollic & Vierinha etc. The wage total is £920k atm as opposed to £1.3m at start. I think getting into Europa ASAP is important for the revenue it generates...

[iArsenal]

I had a bit of a problem with finances in FM 12 when I played with Wolfsburg but that is pretty much because of Srdjan Lakic's wages which are rediculous. 96k per week for a player who is "fairly good". I might have a go with Wolfsburg in FM 13 and see what I can do.

[DirtyJoe]

I have managed to get the wages down to $650K, but you really need to offload some of your big earners.

[Gungner]

Started a game with Die Wölfe, and it's going above expectations...

I'm at the end of October and currently lying in 1st place, 4 points ahead of Leverkusen. So far, Ivica Olic has been super-human, banging in 12 goals in 9 appearances. I would like to bring in some new faces in january, but that means that someone will have to leave.

[Taktiker]

Thanks for this guide. Today I was thinking about starting a new save to get myself more familiar with FM13 and this guide really motivates me to start with Wolfsburg. Moreover it is nice to have a few tips for the first season as I'm not that good at FM.

[DirtyJoe]

Started a game with Die Wölfe, and it's going above expectations...

I'm at the end of October and currently lying in 1st place, 4 points ahead of Leverkusen. So far, Ivica Olic has been super-human, banging in 12 goals in 9 appearances. I would like to bring in some new faces in january, but that means that someone will have to leave.

Olic, I found to be very good, but his wages are incredibly high. I offloaded him at the end of my first season.

Welcome Taktiker, They are a team that has the potential to break into the top 3 the first season. You will need to really watch your wage bill as it is way to high for the likes of the club.

[Taktiker]

Unfortunately I don't have that much time at th moment due to my studies. Nevertheless, I started the save and had a first look at the club. For me, there is one question which comes up when I have a look at the finances: Is it really necessary to decrease the player wages for the long-term health of the club?

If I get it correctly we don't use all our budget at the moment so we should be fine right? But no doubt that we should reduce it if we want to sign new players?

Is there actually anything else we can to to impove the financial health besides reducing player salaries and selling players expesively? Sorry fot those very basic question but this is the first time I reall made my mind up about a club's finances.

Regards,

[DirtyJoe]

Please the below thread, I started a little project in FM12

http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/284280-VfL-WOLFSBURG-A-fairy-tale-in-Green-White

A couple of points -

1. You are a selling club. Try not get to attached to players, as you need to always be looking to sell for a profit.

2. Endure that you have an adequate replacement ready to be promoted.

3. Wages need to be kept in check. I used the following as a guide - key players ($50k) 1 or 2 players, First Team ($30k), Rotation ($20k) TPP (total player payments) without European football $600k.

[Gungner]

So first season has just ended and.... We are the champions!

Somehow we did it. Beat both Schalke and Bayern Münich in the title race. But it was close. From matchday 15 and up to matchday 29, no more than 2 points separated the top 3. I managed to win the title on the last day of the season with a home win over Mainz.

Now Milan has come sniffing for Simon Kjær, and should they make a bid, I think I'll sell. I can get good money for him, plus he's on a very high wage. Ivica Olic finished 2nd on the topscorer list, with 24 goals in 34 matches. He is also wanted by a few clubs, but like Kjær, I will sell if an acceptable offer comes along due to his wages. I have Ademilson, Dost, Eduardo & Helmes as replacements, so no worries there. Despite the financial situation, this is probably the most fun game I've had in FM for a long time.

[DirtyJoe]

Nice stuff on the Title Win.

Your forwards look very good, even with Olic gone.

I am hoping to back onbaord at the weekend one my ISP gets me connected.

[Babak G]

DirtyJoe, when you say you are a selling club is that in terms of real-life or in-game the board specify that to you?

[DirtyJoe]

DirtyJoe, when you say you are a selling club is that in terms of real-life or in-game the board specify that to you?

Just my in game view. You have a stadium capacity of 30k, you will always run a loss. To minimise that, you need to keep your wage level at around $600k p/w and try and be very shrewd in the transfer market & always look to cash in when you can.

[Babak G]

I get it now.

Just a quick question, I'm considering a Bayer Leverkusen game (they're on my final short-list with Wolfsburg/Bremen/Stuttgart) but their young German core is tempting me as I prefer building a more "national" side. What do you think of the challenge & going to the Bundesliga in particular?

[DirtyJoe]

I get it now.

Just a quick question, I'm considering a Bayer Leverkusen game (they're on my final short-list with Wolfsburg/Bremen/Stuttgart) but their young German core is tempting me as I prefer building a more "national" side. What do you think of the challenge & going to the Bundesliga in particular?

I think it's doable over a number of seasons. German national players are quite expensive, but I managed to pick a couple up on frees. Watch the relegated teams closely.

[Deano_NUFC]

Well I've just been on the receiving end of possibly one of the harshest sackings ever. After only 13 league games and in 10th place. I know the board want European qualification, but I was only a few points off a place. I turned off first window budgets to dabble with the current real life squad but I realised its just not good enough. The club is also in a severe financial mess. Aside from this, I suffered a lot of injuries, including Bas Dost for 5 months.

Still, 13 games... ridiculous. The club won the league in 2009 and seem to be living on past glories. They are a small club in real life and have overspent beyond their means. Is Mr. Garcia just trigger happy or have I missed something? I'm not a happy bunny.

[Babak G]

That's harsh. What was your record until then and were you knocked out of any cups?

[Deano_NUFC]

5 wins, 5 defeats, 3 draws. Still in the cup. Goals scored 12, goals conceded 10.

[Babak G]

I was 1 game away from the sack at Leverkusen but turned around my form after 8 games of not winning in a row and having been knocked out in both cups. I had drawn most of the games to be fair. But I think you were harshly treated.

[Gungner]

Second season has started pretty good. Signed Alberto Aquilani, Dennis Aogo & Ibrahim Afellay.

Laying 2nd, 1 point after Dortmund, 4 matches played.

Been given a Champions League group of AC Milan, Shakthar Donetsk & Hapoel Tel-Aviv

[DirtyJoe]

I decided to start a new save after the last update and since moving house. The save will start with the same goals as I set out for my long term FM12 Save.

Project Dynasty

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Mission Statement

Ranked Number One Club in Germany - Ranked Number One Coefficient Club in Europe

Summary -

To achieve the above the club needs to run at sustainable profit levels per season. With a 30,000 stadium capcity in a small catchment area of Germany, extra revenue will be critical to the success of the club. Revenue needs to be from alternative sources other than traditional gate receipts as compared to league rivals of Bayern Munich, Schalke, Leverkusen, & Dortmund, with host of others who have Stadiums over the 40,000 capacity.

The most logical addition to revenue would be to qualify for Champions League with its attractive TV Revenue and additional matches to help boost the clubs coffers, but this will need to be sustain over the long term. The reality is that if the club fails to reach this competition, it would severely impact the clubs finances the following season, with the most likely out come that club runs at a loss.

To move forward, the clubs financial model needs to be refocused on multiple levels and not be dependant on one revenue stream for survival. We need restructure our wage model and transfer policy of the past regime, and look for more value in the players we attract to the club. The club supporters will need to adapt to this model as the club adopts return on investment approach to player transfers as this will become a future source of income.

Financial Model -

Season 2013/2014

Wage Budget - $1.2M (Weekly) Actual - $650K (Weekly) - Difference $550K

Balance - $10,000,000M

Current Season Profit/(Loss) - $20,830,000M

Transfer Budget - $19,980,000

Remaining Budget - $15,960,000

Wage Structure -

(Maximum Shown)

Key Player - $50,000p/w, Appearance Fee $5000,

First Team Player - $35,000p/w, AF $5000

Rotation - $25,000p/w, AF $5000

Back Up - $15,000p/w. AF 5000

Note- figures represented are maximum allowed and players despite squad status may have wages under maximum figure.

Transfer Policy -

The transfer policy in the mainstay is to buy cheap and sell for the maximum profit, despite squad status. This requires a diligent approach to the transfer market and to the scouting process - Constantly tracking targets that fit into the squad requirements as well as wage structure.

Players are identified in the following ways - 1) Will the player be serviceable to the squad. 2) is the player saleable after one season. 3) Is the player under 26, If the answer is yes, yes & yes, We look at the cheapest possible way of acquiring them, usually out of contract or unsettling them, of if team is relegated.

Selling players is vital to the clubs financial success, for the reasons outlined above. Its a constant process with high wage earners or players with high wages demands are cashed in upon and this allows for the next player to evolve and to develop into the first team.

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Season 2012/2013

The aim of the first season was to qualify for the Champions League which I did through finishing 3rd.

Transfers

Well player wise, I wanted to offload as many high earners as I could to attempt to lower my wages down to around the $650K.

I was able to pick up a number of very handy players, such as Vanden Borre, who is an excellent cover for Fagner, as well as the likes John Chibuke and Andreas Cornelius relativity cheap.

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Formation -

Tactic wise I am playing a 41221 counter attacking, which really suits the strengths of the team, from the back in Fagner and Rodriguez/Insua, with the only position that needs attention is the creative forward. I have model the tactic around Cleons thread here - http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/334248-Understanding-Your-Tactic-The-Discussion