[FM 17] If You’re Not First, You’re Last Redux – Redemption For The “Nearly Men” Of Europe

[ManUtd1]

The first step is admitting you have a problem.  I, for one, am not ready to take that step.

Meet my new right back, to replace my 26 year-old backup, Vuckovic.  $9.75M from 1860 Munchen.  My scouts had a much higher opinion of his potential than my coaches seem to...

I swear I'm done now.  You can trust me.

Edited December 16, 2017 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

 

 

 

 

[ManUtd1]

Ludwig has it bang on.  54 years ago...Telleus went a little crazy.  Not "keeping urine in jars" crazy, though...that would come later.

In all fairness, this transfer window was exponentially crazier than Telleus.

[oriole01]

Pretty sure you did the same at Partizan too, iirc. What a crazy window that is. I just hope it's worth it!

[ManUtd1]

2 minutes ago, oriole01 said:

Pretty sure you did the same at Partizan too, iirc. What a crazy window that is. I just hope it's worth it!

[ManUtd1]

The world is probably funnier to people who don't live here.

KV Oostende / Turkey

September 2077 Mini-Update

There were always two ways this could go...massive instability followed by a crash, or we keep it together and click against inferior opposition.  Keeping the core of my 1st XI might be the difference-maker.  The media don't know if I'm mad or a genius...this is a squad that reached the Champions League final, after all.

But they don't see what I've come to see -- an aging side, with some big holes that can be exploited.  Sometimes you have to burn down the village, to save it.  Or something like that, but less dramatic.  There's no question that the side are walking on eggshells, fully aware that I have no problem throwing them to the wolves if I believe it is for the best, from a long-term perspective.

"Manic" is the only way to describe the summer we've had here on the coast, and we've hit the ground running.  The proof will be when the Champions League campaign kicks off in just a few short days.  For now, we have to relax and appreciate where we are -- top of the league, with the Supercup in hand -- while maintaining focus on where we're going.

With the national team, September began with what should be -- on paper -- our biggest test during qualifying.  Away to Ukraine.  A clinical display of counter-attacking football, aided by the remarkably poor-decisionmaking of their keeper, led us to a 4-0 romp.  We followed that with a slightly less impressive 4-2 win away to Belarus ensuring that we remain in top spot, one point clear of the Ukrainians.

 

Edited December 16, 2017 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

 

[ManUtd1]

I must obey the inscrutable exhortations of my soul.

KV Oostende / Turkey

October 2077 Mini-Update

A solid month, with De Kustboys and Turkey.  But one thing has become apparent.

Well, no.  That's not correct.  2 things.

First of all, playing a bunch of kids who don't know each other or my tactics, away at Zulte?  Not the best decision, leading to a 5-nil thumping.  My bad, guys.  That one's on me, as I angled to keep legs fresh for Matchday 1 of the Champions League Group Stage.

(And before you ask, the BOGO Skittlebräu promotion was a stonking success, commercially.  It's delicious, naturally.  The only problem being it's like Buckfast, only sweeter.  I hear there was quite the party on the promenade later, if you catch my drift.)

But I digress.  Second, there's no way Suzuki can hack it at this level any more.  Against Chelsea, he gave up two goals that my grandmother, may she rest in peace, would have saved.  He's done for.  I'm already scouting and in the market, as Ahmet is not ready to step in.

There's no room for sentiment in this game.  But, as the catchy jingle says, "There's always room for Skittlebräu!"  Ugh...now I'll have it in my head all day.  Seriously.

 

Edited December 17, 2017 by ManUtd1

[HawkAussie]

It is the save that just continues to go. Also can see the world ranking of the best and worse teams in the world. 

[Fer Fuchs Ake]

Can't get over seeing Chelsea matches being played at the Terry Arena. 

[ManUtd1]

10 hours ago, HawkAussie said:

It is the save that just continues to go. Also can see the world ranking of the best and worse teams in the world. 

Honestly, the "worst" rankings (by reputation and coefficient) are pretty boring.  Here are the top clubs in the World by reputation, and Europe by reputation/coefficient:

   

Leading transfers:

 

2 hours ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

Can't get over seeing Chelsea matches being played at the Terry Arena. 

Back before he passed away due to [REDACTED], he had reserved seating at "The Terry" (as he called it) with the players' wives.

[ManUtd1]

It's funny how day-by-day nothing changes. But when you look back  everything is different.

KV Oostende / Turkey

November 2077 Mini-Update

Mission accomplished.  With a solid win over Estonia, we're through.

That's right.  The Turks will be invading Germany next summer.  Wave after wave of rabid, Skittlebräu-fueled young men, unwilling to listen to reason as we march from one venue to the next.

I should find a better, different way to  way to phrase that.

 

   

[ManUtd1]

History is the fiction we invent to persuade ourselves that events are knowable and that life has order and direction.

KV Oostende / Turkey

December 2077 Mini-Update

We're on track.  Granted, dropping all 3 points against Shakhtar meant that we'd go into the final matchday (home against Chelsea) needing all 3 points to ensure our progression.  But, Chelsea managed to lose to Stuttgart, so we were also in with a shout to claim the Group title and seeding for the knockout rounds.  Since we were at home, we attacked and were rewarded -- all three points and the Group title.

When it came to the draw, I was hoping to see Dijon...but instead we drew Rennes.  Back to Brittany, for a tie that will likely be less amicable than my prior encounters with former clubs, given the "luring" of Eksi to Oostende this past summer.  The man is 22.  There was no "luring," no matter what the red-top press claims.  As if he could be swayed by candy.  Not that we tried.  Honestly.

Regardless, we're in great shape on all fronts.  With the Turks, the World Cup draw ended quite favorably, as we'll face top-ranked Colombia, Canada and Romania.  Colombia will be a delight, per usual...the other 2 should prove to be little more than speedbumps on our path to the knockout round.

The bad news?  Jaume is out for the season, having done his Achilles.  At 32, this could be it for him.  It's an open question as to whether he'll have the ability to come back after this.

I did get a surprise Christmas present, though, from my predecessor -- a talented young Argentinian kid, Patricio Osvaldo, that I only just learned will be joining us in a few days' time.  Perhaps someone should have told me that he was on his way...even the kitman knew!  I only found out when I asked why gear was being gathered for two players, as Patricio will be joined by Marcus Westerberg, a young Swedish keeper I've had my eye on for some time now.  Suzuki has been told that he will be released at year's end -- Westerberg is cup-tied in Europe but will take over almost immediately in all domestic competitions.

 

  

[ManUtd1]

The hushed phone call at 11pm.  The frantic race to put some solid numbers in front of him.  To make him an offer he can't refuse...only without the severed horse's head.

Bent Bach, that brilliantly-named Danish youngster I'd signed while at Rennes?  The fools had let his contract run down.

So I launched a midnight raid on my former club.  We'd quadruple his salary.  Get him into the side.

Sure, it would engender a bit of bad blood...especially given my signing of Eksi over the summer (after months of tapping up that was as subtle as a cracked-out monkey with a jackhammer) and the imminent 2-legged CL tie...but, he'd be worth it.

Several hours of self-congratulatory back-patting later ("We're just that ****ing clever, yeah...") and the news of our approach leaked. 

"Never mind that...what can they do?  He's free to negotiate!"

We'd even brought in the social media team, to prepare the meme onslaught -- "Bach to the Oostende," with images from Back to the Future, being the preferred choice.  Second choice?  Jack from Lost, screaming and crying "We have to go Bach!"

(Much to my chagrin, Ernesto's suggestion of tweaking the lyrics to Falco's "Rock Me Amadeus" got a surprising amount of support until I pointed out the obvious problem...perhaps we shouldn't have brought in Skittlebräu to "fuel" the creative process...)

And then the news struck.

Rennes had scuppered the deal, by triggering Bach's contract extension clause.

The same 3-year contract extension clause I'd negotiated when I brought him to Rennes in the first place.

Doh.

 

 

 

I really hope those memes weren't released prematurely...that would be embarrassing, and only serve to fuel the fire of this brewing rivalry even further.

 

Oh, for urCristiano's sake, Ernesto.

Edited December 18, 2017 by ManUtd1

[noikeee]

10 hours ago, ManUtd1 said:

I wouldn't have pinned down Jack as a Oostende fan. He always seemed the boring, lacking personality kind. If he's gonna support a Belgian side I reckon he'd run out of imagination and pick the first team you can think of, which is boring Anderlecht.

I enjoyed that list of biggest teams in Europe, it reads as the list of sides you've managed.  Proper twilight zone stuff for those of us who are used to the Barcelona/Real Madrid/Bayern/Man Utd universe.

[bigmattb28]

What a read. What leagues have you got as playable at the minute mate? Is it running quite slow, I'm on with a pentagon challenge myself and haven't got any European leagues loaded as yet, am hoping to have as long a save as you!

[ManUtd1]

3 hours ago, noikeee said:

I wouldn't have pinned down Jack as a Oostende fan. He always seemed the boring, lacking personality kind. If he's gonna support a Belgian side I reckon he'd run out of imagination and pick the first team you can think of, which is boring Anderlecht.

I enjoyed that list of biggest teams in Europe, it reads as the list of sides you've managed.  Proper twilight zone stuff for those of us who are used to the Barcelona/Real Madrid/Bayern/Man Utd universe.

He'd be the most insufferable Anderlecht supporter, too...whiny, entitled, etc.  Kate was clearly a Club Brugge supporter, because reasons.

The fall from grace of many "big" clubs has been great for long-term playability.  Chelsea and City have been enjoying a bit of a resurgence, as has Real Madrid.  But, many of the others have either fallen completely (Liverpool), or just faded into the background for the most part (United is the new Arsenal, content to challenge for the top 4).  That, combined with the rise of the Belgian and French leagues (at the expense of La Liga, for decades, and now Italy) is delightfully bonkers.

27 minutes ago, bigmattb28 said:

What a read. What leagues have you got as playable at the minute mate? Is it running quite slow, I'm on with a pentagon challenge myself and haven't got any European leagues loaded as yet, am hoping to have as long a save as you!

I've got the same active leagues that I began with, plus the Turkish league to support the national side: 

 

I'd originally planned to remove Sweden and Serbia once Malmo and Partizan were complete...but I just can't bring myself to do it.  I want to know how they're doing.  It was absolutely worth it to watch Malmo dominate for 20-ish years after Hakan left, to fall into a tailspin for 20-odd years, and then come back out of it to dominate further.

The save still runs pretty quickly, with the savefile at 250M right now (up from around 70M at the start).  I've be surprised at how little effect the the passage of time has had on gameplay.  It doesn't run as fast as it did, but I'm not pulling my hair out either.

Thanks for reading/commenting, by the way!

[ManUtd1]

The past few weeks have been tense.  The social media frenzy following our efforts to “steal” Bach were only intensified when I activated the sale clauses in Bayka and Kilic’s loan agreements.  They’re now here on permanent moves, and the Internet chuckleheads aren’t pleased.

I get the frustration, honestly.  But this is business.  There’s no room here for sentiment.  If the supporters should be mad at anyone, it’s at the Rennes management who signed the agreements.  We didn’t take advantage.  They just didn’t think through the consequences of their actions.

I tried explaining that, and was burned in effigy across Brittany.  A “warm” welcome awaits us, indeed.

[ManUtd1]

So, tonight’s first-leg tie at Rennes looks to be one for the ages.  Riot police surround the stadium, but social media is awash with rumors that Rennes supporters have been allowed in with flares, lead pipes and copious amounts of illicit alcohol. 

We’re greeted during warm-ups with showers of coin and abuse, tens of thousands already present and aiming to unnerve us.

I complain to the officials who, incredibly, turn a blind eye, claiming that kickoff will inevitably calm tensions.

I’m beside myself with shock.  The stadium is a power keg.  All it will take is a single incident to set it all off. 

While you should expect some measure of tension with any high-profile European tie, this is something else entirely.  A rematch of the 2076 final, both sides riding high domestically, with massive resentment and bitterness on the French side, and a profound sense of superiority on the Belgian side…neither recognizing that success (for anyone) is fleeting.

This could get ugly.  Fast.

[ManUtd1]

The chants are vicious as we walk out of the tunnel.  Burning effigies.  Flares.  A visceral hatred that I've not experienced before, even in the days of the Belgrade derbies with **** Star.

How could they have mistaken what they were getting, when I came to Brittany?  It isn't like my means, methodology and goals blindsided anyone, beyond the willfully ignorant.

Amidst the chaos, we set out in Foquiado with Rennes in a narrow 433.  There's been more turnover here since my departure, than at either Leverkusen or Valencia.  Those sides, at least I recognize.  This lot...more strangers than familiar faces.  Perhaps that is the source of the anger, albeit misplaced? 

The first 10 minutes are, fortunately, quiet.  We manage a few tepid shots from distance, which are greeted with jeers and a new song I haven't heard before.  My focus remains on the field, but it hard to not heard the words, mocking my bastardy, as if I were ashamed...though the jibes against my mother are well out-of-bounds.

Don't react.  Don't react.  Focus.

30 minutes in, and we've accomplished one of our primary tasks -- kill the game in its infancy, and thus neutralize the crowd.  We haven't given them a meaningful look.  Another hour of this will suit me just fine.

Right before the half, we win a corner.  Vargas lofts a ball to the back post, that Rojas comes to claim...but he's caught in the crowd, a poor decision...Rennes attempt to clear, but the ball spins to Calvo who attempts a shot, off-balance, with Rojas in no-man's land...he cracks it...OFF OF MALDONADO'S LEG AND INTO THE GOAL!!!  1-NIL!!! THE AWAY SUPPORT ARE GOING MAD!!!

Flares are launched in the direction of our support, and the riot police engage...this is getting ugly.  Chairs ripped up and thrown.  Flares thrown on the pitch, and back and forth between the thronging masses of supporters.  Fortunately, halftime is called and we retreat into the bowels of the stadium, from where we can hear the madness above.

When we return to the pitch, smoke hangs over the field but order has been restored.  Temporarily.  We remain focused -- knowing that another goal could seal the tie in our favor, but not willing to risk it all to grab it.  We grab one in the 57th, but it is called back for offside.  The home crowd is restless, sensing the tie might slip away from them.  

Moments later, we give away a stupid free kick on the edge of our box.  Mateo Tomas steps forward and curls it into top corner.  Unstoppable.  Back in the level.  All to play for.  So much for things calming down, as once again the flares are lit and the home support begin to sing.

Frankly, I don't think that many their suggestions are anatomically possible, much less sanitary.  And that Cleveland thing...sure, it rhymes with "Beamer," which I do happen to drive...but...just...why?!?!

Just when the match looked poised to finish without any further incident, Lopes goes on a run...beating not one, not two but three men, and curling the ball into the far post.  Suzuki should have had it.  Not good enough, and now we're gasping for breath as Rennes push for a third.  

The flares are lit.  The supporters baying for blood, figuratively and literally.  We need to stay firm.  

At the final whistle, a massive roar erupts from the crowd, followed by a storm of coins.  It'll be hours before the police let us leave the stadium under heavy escort -- straight to the airport for a short flight home.

We're trailed the entire way by an angry mob.  

One thing is for sure.  Well, two.  We've got a job to do in the second leg.  And I dare not show my face again in Brittany any time soon.

         

Edited December 18, 2017 by ManUtd1
Typo; clarification

[ManUtd1]

 

 

[ManUtd1]

I've never seen the tension on the promenade so high.  The brave, traveling Rennes support are in for a fight if they show up.

Social media is awash with threats, promises of violence to repay the events in Brittany five-fold.

[ManUtd1]

Kickoff is nigh.  Thus far, tempers have yet to boil over.

The traveling French have been escorted from the airport by law enforcement, and rumors that the caravan would be waylaid have proven false...although some are concerned that the return trip is where the real violence will erupt.

I'm convinced that the only way to avoid that is to annihilate the French on the field, leaving our supporters joyous and confident in their superiority...anything less and they may feel a need to prove themselves.

Balaj is out.  Arslan will take his place in the XI.  Westerberg sits in the stands behind the bench...close enough to cause me extensive anxiety at my inability to call on him tonight.  Suzuki is done for, and he knows it.  During the week of downtime before the match, we scrimmaged the U21s to maintain fitness...and Suzuki was a mess.  Fingers are crossed throughout West Flanders.

Calvo has been scintillating in Jaume's spot...we'll rely on he and Kilic tonight, to see us through...

The stadium is brimming with joy and anticipation...yet Rennes draw first blood on a counter in the 6th minute.  Suzuki to blame.  This is not a good start, lads.  BUT THAT'S THE WAY TO RESPOND!  BARELY A MINUTE HAS PASSED, AND WE'VE RESPONDED!!!  1-1 ON THE NIGHT, AND THE STADIUM ERUPTS!!!

The match returns to a low boil until the 26th, when Suzuki is once again to blame.  1-2 on the night, 2-4 on aggregate.  We need to attack...Calvo hits our 2nd in the 36th, but we need more.  Another goal to draw level on aggregate, a 4th to take the lead.

Halftime.  We've got 45 minutes, lads.  Don't come back here without giving it your all.  One goal, and they'll crack.

It comes in the 57th minute, with Santos rising at the back post on a corner, in off the crossbar.  Buckle your seatbelts, folks...the flares are lit, the songs are being sung at full voice, and you can taste the hatred.  One more goal...that's all it will take.

With 20 minutes to play, Stivaletta is tapped to replace Kilic...the young Turk having had an off night, under the harsh pressure of the French defense.  Almost immediately, Stivaletta is involved in the attack, with Rojas denying Vargas from close range, having been fed by the young substitute.  So close...

...and another chance doesn't come.  The French defense holds firm.  We're eliminated by the thinnest of margins, on away goals.

The away support are on the verge of rioting...not that I could blame them, given the circumstances.  Putting aside the emotion of the moment, I wonder just how they anticipate getting out of the stadium safely.

Meanwhile, we've got to sort ourselves out.  We have to do better.  And I can't help to think how things would be different if we had a better goalkeeper...next year, we will do better.

         

[ManUtd1]

I'm not going to lie.  That hurt.  The side wasn't ready to win the whole thing, but we're good enough to do better...even against Rennes who is a tremendous side.  

Westerberg stepping in next year will help.  A little.

It is time to look towards next year, though.  No room for sentiment.

 

 

 

[ManUtd1]

Quick glance around Europe...Dijon has a slight edge on Rennes, while Leeds is resurgent in England and looking for their first title since 2049/50.  Much of the rest is par for the course...at least, par for the course for Europe in 2078.

  

Edited December 19, 2017 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

Poor Australia.  They came close to being eligible, and have a generational talent in Leverkusen's Reynolds, but...ouch.

  

[The_Gato_In_Goal]

Wow, I've seen (and used) good players out of the FFA COE, but I've never seen a player like that. Then again, I don't usually play until 2078  

[ManUtd1]

A 2-0 win over Sint-Truiden means we enter the Championship Group 4 points clear of Antwerp.  We should see this through.

The question then becomes what reinforcements to aim for this summer, and whether Gunnar makes use of the vast resources of the tycoon owner or stays true to his father's methods.  *cue dramatic soap opera music*

 

[kidthekid]

Always Suzuki screwing up

[ManUtd1]

2 hours ago, kidthekid said:

Always Suzuki screwing up

He's dead to me. Perhaps this was his revenge for telling him in January that we were going to release him in June, when his contract expires.

[Fer Fuchs Ake]

2 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

He's dead to me. Perhaps this was his revenge for telling him in January that we were going to release him in June, when his contract expires.

1. Terminate his contract.

2. Rehire him as a scout and give him a permanent assignment in the Yemen for 5 star wonderkids.

3. ???

4. Profit.

 

[BoxToBox]

4 hours ago, The_Gato_In_Goal said:

Wow, I've seen (and used) good players out of the FFA COE, but I've never seen a player like that. Then again, I don't usually play until 2078  

They're one of my favourite hunting grounds, can get some amazing players off them.

[ManUtd1]

5 hours ago, The_Gato_In_Goal said:

Wow, I've seen (and used) good players out of the FFA COE, but I've never seen a player like that. Then again, I don't usually play until 2078  

1 hour ago, BoxToBox said:

They're one of my favourite hunting grounds, can get some amazing players off them.

Agreed, @BoxToBox.  I make a point of personally going through the FFA COE youngsters with some frequency, as world-class players can absolutely come through there.  I had another during Hakan's tenure at Fiorentina -- Matt Austin.  There will be screenshots somewhere earlier in the thread, but here's his retirement page:

 

[ManUtd1]

2 hours ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

1. Terminate his contract.

2. Rehire him as a scout and give him a permanent assignment in the Yemen for 5 star wonderkids.

3. ???

4. Profit.

Genius.  I certainly can't argue with that logic.

[BoxToBox]

13 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

Agreed, @BoxToBox.  I make a point of personally going through the FFA COE youngsters with some frequency, as world-class players can absolutely come through there.  I had another during Hakan's tenure at Fiorentina -- Matt Austin.  There will be screenshots somewhere earlier in the thread, but here's his retirement page:

 

I remember getting a lad that had starts for Australia at 16 in a save last FM.

[ManUtd1]

We're 7 points clear with 3 matches to play.  

Away to Antwerp next, lads.  Let's bury them and finish the year in style.

 

Meanwhile, Leeds heads to Old Trafford on the final matchday, with the thinnest possible margin over Tottenham...and Dijon look to reclaim their title from Rennes.

  

[ManUtd1]

9 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

I remember getting a lad that had starts for Australia at 16 in a save last FM.

Not at all surprising.  They're a veritable fountain of talent.

[BoxToBox]

4 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

Not at all surprising.  They're a veritable fountain of talent.

For FM fans, it's a shame it seems like they're closing in real life.

Them, and if you have the MLS active, the US Developmental Academy(I've already pinched two for Murciélagos).

[ManUtd1]

Tottenham Tottenham'd it, like only Tottenham can Tottenham.

 

Dijon held their nerve.  Gustav is back on top.

 

[BoxToBox]

5 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

Tottenham Tottenham'd it, like only Tottenham can Tottenham.

 

Dijon held their nerve.  Gustav is back on top.

 

Spurs with shades of their most historic glory.

[ManUtd1]

2 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Spurs with shades of their most historic glory.

Talk about a bottle job from Spuds.

[noikeee]

I'm trying to come up with a good car/bike pun for Suzuki and can't, in disappointing fashion.

Guess it's a good thing he'll ride off into the distance at the end of the season then (god this is horrendous).

[Fer Fuchs Ake]

They'll be sad to see Suzuki go Alto they'll appreciate that you can't afford to Carry anyone. They're also reassured by the fact that signing a replacement will be at the Fronte of your mind. 

 

[ManUtd1]

What’s the point of wearing your favorite rocketship underpants if nobody ever asks to see ’em?

KV Oostende / Turkey

2077/78 Season Review

I would be lying if I said this was a bad year.  We've clearly had success.  Massive signings, while staying well into the black on net transfer spend.  A domestic treble, with the only trophy eluding us being the Champions League which saw us eliminated on away goals.

The squad rebuild is not complete, though.  I only have one strong centerback in Eksi, with Santos not being good enough for the 1st XI.  The less said about Scepovic and Reuse, the better.  I've promoted Wittesaele from the Reserves -- a defensive midfielder who is retraining at centerback, who will pair with Santos in the 2nd XI next year.  Scepovic can **** off to Yemen, for all I care.  For we've secured another big signing...Can Durmus, from Schalke.  He cost a ****ton of money, but will be worth every penny.  We've been basking in the social media afterglow of his signing for weeks now.  He and Eksi will be solid, in front of Westerberg who will be free to take over for Suzuki in all competitions.  Suzuki can get on his bike to Yemen, too.  Get it?  On his...because his name...nevermind.

I've considered other signings, but have yet to make any final decisions.  Calvo is aging, and Gomez already has one foot out the door as he returns from injury.  He's expressed a desire to return home, and I won't deny him that opportunity.  But we have depth in spades up top, so no reinforcements are necessary.  And the youth prospects working their way up in our own system are sharp.  They should get a chance, if a position in the squad were to open up.

As in all things, change is inevitable.  The only question is whether we face the rising tide on our feet, or on our knees.

Or something like that. Only more profound.  Can I try it again?  I'm not sure what to do with my hands.

Goals for 2077/78: Win the Jupiler Pro League.  Make a run in the Champions League knockout rounds.  Make a run through the knockout rounds at Germany 2078.

Squad|League Overview|Finances Overview|Income Detail|Expenditures Detail|Transfers

JPL Fixtures|JPL Championship Group Fixtures|Croky Cup Fixtures|Champions League Fixtures

Champions League Review

West Ham and Inter faced off in the final, a rematch of the 2074/75 final in Anderlecht.  This time, 10-man West Ham won in extra time, claiming their 6th Champions League title.

Somewhere, a Liverpool supporter is hoisting his hand in a "5" salute, crying tears of shame as they languish in the Championship, having promoted back to the 2nd tier after 3 years in League 1.

 

Challenge Overview

[ManUtd1]

3 hours ago, noikeee said:

I'm trying to come up with a good car/bike pun for Suzuki and can't, in disappointing fashion.

Guess it's a good thing he'll ride off into the distance at the end of the season then (god this is horrendous).

I can't help but think of the Inbetweeners frog on a motorcycle scene now...  sigh

56 minutes ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

They'll be sad to see Suzuki go Alto they'll appreciate that you can't afford to Carry anyone. They're also reassured by the fact that signing a replacement will be at the Fronte of your mind. 

Edited December 20, 2017 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

Lionel Guehi, a Partizan, West Ham and Ivorian legend, is set to retire after the World Cup.

 

Immense.

Edited December 20, 2017 by ManUtd1
Typo

[ManUtd1]

Forgot to note: expansion confirmed, another 16k seats.

[ManUtd1]

Germany 2078

World Cup Preview and Squad Overview

After the quarterfinal showing in the Euros, I think this is a side who can make something of a run.  We've got a favorable Group draw, but would likely face Argentina or Belgium in the 2nd Round.Alright, alright, alright...  The 23-man squad has been selected, and most of them remain utter and complete strangers to me.

At the end of the day, though, we've got a strong squad.  I don't expect us to get out of the Group, but we should be ok going forward.

We're playing the same Cafetero Aguardiente tactics I've been using for years now.  Whether we stick with those tactics will depend on landing the right club position to bring in a bunch of prospects.  For example, if Vikander goes to Panathinaikos we likely won't have the resources to bring in everyone I'd like to retrain, thus requiring a shift to a more "standard" tactical approach (harkening back to Telleus' early 4411 or 442).  A club with more resources (the likes of Oostende or Leipzig)  would allow for a major influx of talent.

The pre-tournament friendlies didn't tell me much of anything, really.  Spain are the defending champions, and we've got arguably the toughest draw...although Portugal/Spain is pretty brutal in Group A, with the Czechs being a solid force.

 

 

Goalkeepers

  

Sukru Koc has been my starter for the last 2 years, replacing Gunaydin.  I've thought that Ercan Yilmaz had long-term potential, and he likely still does.  But he seems nowhere near taking over in the national side.  He and Muhittin Cengiz will serve as Sukru's understudies.

Liberos

 

I've spent the last 2 years developing Eren Bayka to serve as the national side's libero and am very happy with him.  In Germany, Mustafa is a very capable understudy at this point, having spent the last year at Oostende training in the position and recently getting a one-point determination boost thanks to the squad's "general character."  Between the two of them, we should be set at libero for the next decade.

Defenders

       

I continue to be pleased with my back line.  Durmus and Kara are the rocks at the heart of the defense, with the former joining Oostende for an initial $89M fee in a few weeks.  Gundogan and Bolukbasi will provide attacking flair from the fullback positions, as the latter has taken over for Durmaz.  Durmaz and Unal are my backup fullbacks, with Sari and Rennes-lad Ozkalfa deputizing in the middle.

Central Midfielders

   

Here, we'll start with Deri and Ulgen, with Cecen and Arslan providing the depth from the bench.  Lots of strength here.  Deri and Cecen are intended to fill the more attack-minded slots, although Arslan can cover in both.

Attacking Midfielders

     

Up top, Fatih Ekici retains his position and will occupy one of the Shadow Striker roles with Ismet Kilic taking the other.  Hizarci wlll be the pivot of our attack in the deep-lying targetman role, he's a massive presence for us.  Aydin, Baris and Gundogdu are very capable backups.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think this is a very strong squad.  I'm pleased with our pre-tournament friendlies, even if we should have won the first by more.  The Serbia match was tremendous, against a side we'll face in the Nations League this fall.

The talent is here.  There are some new faces (as compared to the Euros in 2076), given the activation of the Turkish league.  We've also got a slew of young talent that simply needs time to develop.  While we should make a run this summer, my eyes are on 2082 where the Turks should be a very strong force to reckon with.

[ManUtd1]

Germany 2078 -- Group Stage Review

Firing blanks against Romania?!  Not the way to start the tournament, lads.  I had intended to rest my 1st XI for the Canada match, but the draw against our Eastern European brethren left us in dire need of points, especially given that the Canadians had managed a draw against my former side, Colombia.

The 1st XI vanquished Canada 3-0 and, much to my surprise, Romania had knocked off Colombia 2-0.  Nightmare.  That left us level with Romania on 4 points, but vulnerable to elimination with a loss to Colombia.  My 1st XI is knackered, to the point of being unable to play...and Gundogan is out for the tournament with strained knee ligaments.

Nevertheless, the 2nd XI does the job, grabbing a 2-0 lead against the run of play before Los Cafeteros storm back to equalize.  We finish level.  Through to the 2nd round, in 2nd place behind the Romanians.

Anyone who predicted this would have been tossed into the looney bin.

We'll face perennial bottlers Belgium.  Romania have been rewarded with a tie against Cameroon, who finished 2nd in their Group over Argentina.

   

 

[ManUtd1]

Germany 2078 -- Second Round Review

The tension is high in Hamburg.  We've been misfiring.  Belgium are favored.  Yet, we come out and control the match.  The only chance for either side in the 1st half falls to Kilic 10 yards from goal, in space...and he cannot even hit the target.  All level at the half despite our dominance.

I worry that our chance has passed us by.  10 minutes of sheer madness would prove me wrong.

In the 53rd, an early cross from Unal finds Bolukbasi darting in, unmarked...1-nil.  Within moments of kicking off, though, we lose possession and Belgium seize the opportunity.  1-1.

Not to be outdone, the lads take the match by the scruff of the neck and hit right back.  2-1.  3 goals in 2 minutes.  7 minutes later, Kilic makes good on his earlier miss.  3-1.  Belgium's spirit is crushed.  They fail to mount any meaningful attack, and we see out the match in style.

Through to the Quarterfinals.  To face the French.

 

   

 

Edited December 21, 2017 by ManUtd1