[FM23] A Room with a Aue

[keeper#1]

To start FM23, I'm headed into Germany and down in the 3.Liga.  It's one of my favorite places to play and build a club from the ground up.  I have chosen Erzgebirge Aue as my club.  The club is based in the tiny town of Aue-Bad Schemla which only has a population of just over 20,000 people.  The stadium, Erzgerbirgsstadion, holds close to 18,000 people so almost the entire town can fit inside the stadium.  Aue is based in the old East Germany which is another reason why I was attracted to the club.  The club has a successful past with three East German titles and one East German Cup.  They are not as successful as their East German rivals: Chemnitz and Dynamo Dresden.  Aue has reached the quarterfinals of the European Club Champions Cup (aka the Champions League) in 1959 (lost to Young Boys) and 1960 (lost to Rapid Wien).  They are club with plenty of history but not a lot of current expectations.  A perfect club to take over.

The media has, the newly relegated club, predicted to finish 7th which doesn't put us anywhere near the promotion places.  That's where I want us to be.  We should be in the 2.Bundesliga.  There's no prize money in the 3.Liga which doesn't help the clubs at all.  We need to be in the 2.Bundesliga and need to be there for a few years before we can start to put money into the facilities of the club.

This stadium and infrastructure just screams Post World War II Eastern Europe.

Adrian Shriver was born and raised in Aue to Czech parents given that the town is only 30 minutes from the Czech Republic border.  That is one of the things that I want to focus on with this save.  I want to build the club in two ways.  The first is develop players through the Aue Youth Academy.  The other way is to build a pipeline that brings players from the Czech Republic to Aue with the hope of selling those players to bigger German clubs and allowing the cycle to start again.

The board only wants a top-half finish so expectations are low.  The major problem I have with the board, at least this season, is they do not want to improve the youth facilities and they do not want to expand our scouting network beyond Germany so my goals of building a Czech pipeline will have to wait for another season.

As of right now, we are family oriented club with some casual fans (I lump the fair weather fans into this group).  The corporations are basically staying away from the club.  The fans are more interested, as they should be, are focused on beating our rivals: Dresden, Zwickau and Chemnitzer.

 

[keeper#1]

KEY STAFF

Oliver Gorgiev is one of the two assistant manager.  Gorgiev also doubles as our Head Performance Analyst and also handles all of the media requests.  He's not the greatest assistant manager and is someone who is ripe for replacement.  But right now, I can't afford to fire and replace him until his contract expires at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Matthias Heidrich is a quality Director of Football for this level.  He has a contract through June 2025 and will likely stay at the club until then and possibly beyond.

Martin Hasek, as the Head of Youth Development, is the one person that I hired at the beginning of the save.  He has a Czech nationality which will hopefully allow us to start building that pipeline into talent from the Czech Republic.

[keeper#1]

2023 Youth Intake

I've played the entire first season before I started posting because I wanted to get into the save and make sure that I didn't get sacked part of the way through the season.

With this intake, I like the personality mix that I got.  Some professionalism at the very top along with a player who just wants to win and another who wants to work hard.  A good intake that should help the club going forward.

I tag the players with the year that they come through (23) and a letter to designate their rank within the intake (A).  Abel Alemayehu 23A is the best of this year's crop.  He comes in a player who can play in both the attacking and central midfield strata.  My base formation is 4-3-3 with no AM so I would prefer that he learn how to be an effective central midfielder but that's my Head of Youth Development's job  - to train him until he reaches the senior team when it becomes my job.

Left winger Keabetswe Mothata 23B is a speedy left-winger.  He is very attack minded and does not want to mark his opposing full back if he gets involved in the offensive phase of play.  My hope is the HoYD works on his defensive liabilities and make him a more complete winger.

John Okonkwo 23C is a player who can play almost everywhere on the field.  He looks best suited be a defensive midfielder.  He's a good tackler who is not very fast (I like having some speed in my center backs).  He doesn't see the field very well so playing as a deep-lying playmaker is out.  He looks to be a good ass-kicking defensive mid who the opposition does not want to see on the field.

Bassirou Diagne 23D is a more attack-minded midfielder.  Another player who is slow and not very strong but he's young and the strength should develop naturally but he is not a very technically sound player which worries me in the midfield.  Hopefully, my HoYD can work on that side of his game.

Karim Ashour 23E is an interesting player.  He's a center back who isn't interested in marking the opposition.  But he's very smart (you can't teach smarts) and he's an absolute unit at 6'3".  If he learns how to mark, he could be a solid option off the bench at the center back position.

 

[keeper#1]

2022-23 Season Review

We got off to a torrid start which set the tone for the entire season.  We ran into a bit of a Morale Manager issue during the winter when we just couldn't win a game and slowly started to slide down the table to our media predicted finish of 7th place.  After a 1-0 win in front a hostile crowd at Dresden, we were able to turn around our form and slowly pull ourselves back into the promotion mix.

The 3-0 victory against Bayruth was what we needed on the last day of the season to secure the second automatic promotion slot and leave Dresden in the playoffs.  A double win in the minds of our fans.

Our second place finish was exactly where the math expected us to finish even though we exceed both our expected goals and expected point totals.

I'm liking this new Manager Timeline feature.

[ToMexico!!]

Good start with promotion, its a shock to see Hallescher so far up the table in season one though! 

[Vakama2619]

Looking forward to where this takes off mate, loved the Oldham save and loving the start of this one too

[Hootieleece]

What tactic are you using to get off to such a fast start?

Gengenpress 4-3-3? or a Bayern 4-2-3-1?

[SixPointer]

Bouncing back from relegation at the first time of asking is always pleasing, great start and I have a soft spot for the East German side of the save. 

[keeper#1]

5 hours ago, Vakama2619 said:

Looking forward to where this takes off mate, loved the Oldham save and loving the start of this one too

Thank you.  I enjoyed the Oldham save too.  Most fun I've had with a save in a few years.

3 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

What tactic are you using to get off to such a fast start?

Gengenpress 4-3-3? or a Bayern 4-2-3-1?

Nothing crazy.  I imported my Oldham 433 from FM22 and made a few tweaks to it.  Still need to refine it a bit more for FM23.

2 hours ago, SixPointer said:

Bouncing back from relegation at the first time of asking is always pleasing, great start and I have a soft spot for the East German side of the save. 

I love the East German clubs too.  Had a decent save with Chemnitzer a few versions ago.

[keeper#1]

2024 Summer Transfer Market

It was a very busy summer transfer for us.  We brought in 12 new faces and 11 players left for a variety of reasons.  We have started to lay the groundwork for our Czech pipeline with a pair of signings.  Michal Cernak, a right winger from Jablonec.  Cernak will step right into the starting lineup.  He has spent time with U21 national team and should be a great asset to the squad this season.  Denis Budinsky, a midfielder from Pribram, is not as heralded as Cernak but should see some time in a rotation role in the midfield while hopefully transitioning into a starting role. 

Most of the players, who left the club, left because they lacked the talent to play in the 2.Bundesliga.  But some, like Marvin Stefaniak, left because they became unsettled.  Actually, the Stefanik departure was a result of the Alexander Sorge departure.  Sorge wanted a new contract but did not have the talent to deserve a new contract so he cried to anybody who would listen that he wanted a new contract and that big bad manager wouldn't give him one.  If he was so talented, someone larger than Varnsdorf would have paid more than 35k for his services.  I didn't want that type of locker room cancer in the squad so he departed.  Stefaniak continued the crying and Bochum came in with an offer that I couldn't refuse even to a team in the same division.

Goalkeepers

Goalkeeper was the only position that didn't have any changes.  Phillip Klewin remains the starter.  Tim Kips will be the likely backup with last year's backup Luka Sedlak moving to the 3rd string.

Wingbacks

Newly signed Kilian Jakob moves into the starting left back spot while Kaan Kurt will battle with Steffan Nkansah for the starting right back position.  Nkaansah is a very good utility option along the backline since he can play in all three positions.  Marco Schikora is an adequate but not great reserve option.  Don't be fooled by the high star rating for Barylia, he just hasn't performed when he's been given the chance.

Centerbacks

The plan was to go with Kraus and Gottlicher as the starting center back pairing.  Gottlischer has shown (see next post) that he is completely out of his depth right now especially late in the game.  Serge Muller was a deadline day loan signing to shore up the center back position.  Mfundu and Ferjani are going to be the reserve options for the season and grow into the position with spot starts and time off the bench in blowout (either way) situations.

Midfielders

The midfield has been completely transformed from last season.  Irvine and the injured Albrecht will be the new midfield pairing while Taffertshofer and Lockl will split time at the holding defensive midfield position.  The problem is we don't have depth behind those three players.  There's Majetschak and Walther but they are either not good or complaining about something for me to trust them.  Budinsky is the top choice as the first midfielder off the bench.

Wing Forwards

We have lots of options at the wing forward positions.  The problem is most of them aren't very good.  Cernak will be the starter at the right forward position.  Loanee Justin Diehl will have the first opportunity to take the left forward position.  Behind them are variety of meh options.  Elias Huth isn't cut out for this level.  Schreck spent last year on loan because he couldn't cut it in the 3.Liga.  Injuries here and we could be in big trouble and probably have to have a tactical rethink in the short term.

Center Forwards

Ivan Saric will be the starter with the experienced Dimitny Nazarov, last year's starter, as his backup.

[keeper#1]

June-August 2023

A tough friendly season to see how we could handle the step up in competition.  The verdict: not well.

I want to change how I post where I give you my notes as "scouting report" and then how that scouting report played out.  I did not do it for the Rostock game which we lost 2-0 and the 3-2 victory over newly promoted Saarbrucken.  So, we will start with the Kiel match:

vs. Holstein Kiel

• They play 5-3-2 with three center backs including a ball playing center back
• Tightly mark the ball playing center back's closest passing options: defensive midfielder, center back, mezzala
• Very left sided
• Don't give back three time on the ball to by-pass the midfield with a long ball

Result: 1-2 LOSS Kiel goals came on a low % 25 yard shot by a midfielder and a tap-in after the initial shot hit the post and the center back (Gottlicher) switched off and let Arp in

vs. Eintract Frankfurt

• Short quick passing game
• Play through middle - counter by packing the middle and forcing the play wide
• Conversely they allow the opposition to play through the middle as well - one of our strengths
• Right forward weak in possession
• Mark AMC Pheral out of the game
• Their CF drops deep and pulls the CB out of position to break up the back line
• Play direct

Result: 0-3 LOSS Pheral with 1 goal and 2 assists (both off corners) - played terrible

[keeper#1]

October 2023

Five matches in the month of September with very mixed results.  Our terrible defense isn't helping.  As a former goalkeeper, I like having a clean sheet.  

vs. Hamburg

• 4-4-2 Diamond formation
• Strong attack
• Get our fullbacks/wingbacks involved in the play
• Will high press

Result: 1-3 Couldn't get the fullbacks involved in the play.  Got down 1-0 early and quickly tied it up.  Gave up two late goals in the loss.

at Furth

• 4-4-2 with a Treq. in the forward pair
• CM Raschl plays a deep lying playmaker with a likely defend role.  Press him and tightly mark his passing outlets to force turnovers.
• They overload the right side of the attack.  Attack that overload and get players behind them on the counter.

Result: 3-3 DRAW Game plan worked to perfect as we jumped out to a 3-0 lead including two goals when got behind their right side.  Took over left back Jakob when we led 3-0 and he was on a yellow card.  Brought Schikora on as a sub.  He gave away possession on crosses in front of the goal.  Led to two goals.

at Dusseldorf

• Narrow 4-2-3-1 formation
• They do not high press like us
• Outperforming their stats
• Jensen in the attacking midfield pair is the playmaker
• They look to funnel the play into the middle where they have the numerical advantage

Result: 0-1 LOSS  The two counter-attacking teams negated each other.  Dusseldorf scored on the only real chance in the match.  

vs. Bochum

• 3-4-2-1 Formation
• No real playmaker -- Use a central defender as a ball playing defender in the three-back formation -- has a lot of passing options to build from the back
• We need a big game from our midfield
• Cut off crosses from wide while choking off central areas
• Six central players

Result: 2-1 WIN Laser shot from Albrecht on the game winner and first-ever goal from right forward Schreck.  Klewin played great in goal.  Moved out of the relegation.

at Karlsruhe

• 4-3-3 formation like us
• Reitz is their playmaker
• Kaufmann is a big target forward -- need a big aerial presence at CB
• Wingers pinch inside to pack the middle
• Play very centrally

Results: 0-1 LOSS  Saved penalty in 26th minute.  Gave up a low % 25-yarder from the midfield late in the first half which was the only goal.  Offense took the night off.  Back in the relegation zone.

My scouts discovered that Christian Herc was available on a free.  As a midfielder, I quickly moved in to obtain his services to help strengthen our midfield.

[SixPointer]

Battling hard! It’s tight all the way up to 11th if you out a few good results together am sure you’ll survive! 

[Shrewnaldo]

I like the idea of the Czech pipeline (obviously)

Good work on the immediate promotion but that 2Bundesliga looks so difficult - lots of big teams that you probably just aren't ready to compete with. What's usual target for survival in Germany? 34? Good luck! 

[keeper#1]

8 hours ago, Shrewnaldo said:

I like the idea of the Czech pipeline (obviously)

Good work on the immediate promotion but that 2Bundesliga looks so difficult - lots of big teams that you probably just aren't ready to compete with. What's usual target for survival in Germany? 34? Good luck! 

It's only an eighteen team league as opposed to a twenty team league.  My target for a twenty team league is typically 40 points over 38 matches (1.05 pts/game).  With a 34 match season, it works out 36 points so that's my target.

I need a couple of years in the bottom half fighting against relegation before I can build up enough of a bank balance to afford the wage bill to push for the top half.

[keeper#1]

October-November 2023

Only five matches over these two months.  A perfect chance for us to play our best XI and not worry about players getting overused...maybe a chance to win some matches that we don't deserve to win on paper.

vs Hannover

• 3-4-1-2 formation and play with a central ball playing defender like Bochum
• Going to try to high press and isolate their three attackers by breaking the links to the midfield
• Isolate and get behind their wingbacks
• They like to attack down the left side

We gave away a penalty early in the match by we quickly responded by scoring on a direct free kick by Taffershofer.  In the second half, we defended like our lives depended on it and earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw with one of the top teams in the league.

at Dresden

• Another 3-4-1-2 formation with a central ball playing defender
• They use Weinrauch as a second playmaker in the hole between the two center forwards
• Kutschke is a big mobile target forward
• Massive rivalry game for the supporters

Defense was in absolute shambles the entire night.  Confidence dropped after we gave away an early goal.  They crossed easily into the box and the initial shot rang off the post and we switched off as Dresden easily tapped the ball home.  Then, Kutschke dominated our back line as he scored two goals to give Dresden a 3-0 lead.  At halftime, we switched to a more progressive and attacking 4-3-3 that we used last season to try to spark the offense.  Old man turned super sub Nazarov made sure we didn't get shutout.  Still don't losing 3-1 and being completely dominated in a rivalry game.

I had been using Diehl as a left forward as opposed to a right forward like Koln wanted me to even though I told him that Diehl was playing better on the left side and getting playing time.  So, I'm down to one true left forward on the roster until the January transfer window.

After the Dresden disaster, I decided to go back to the 4-3-3 which earned us promotion and away from more defense-minded 4-3-3 which has us doing nothing but absorb pressure which we can't handle.  Maybe if we can get the ball away from our goal, we can start to play better and take the pressure off our defense.  Try to win games 3-2/2-1 instead of hoping that we can win 1-0.  We just aren't good enough to keep a clean sheet on a consistent basis.

vs Paderborn

• 4-2-3-1 formation
• Justvar operates as an advanced playmaker in the attacking midfield
• They want to dominate possession
• Defensive midfield appear to sit back and shield the two center backs
• They want to attack the wings
• Weak on the left side

We took the ball away from them and won the possession battle.  We got shots off but they were low quality and really didn't threaten the goal.  We did the same to them but we gave away a penalty in stoppage time which they converted and stole a point from us as they won 1-0.

at Heidenheim

• 4-4-2 formation
• Damar as an advanced playmaker who likes to link with Lobkemper as a pressing forward
• Weak linking along both wings
• More attacking on the right but they try to overload the left side
• Underperforming
• Key relegation battle - three points is a must

Another slow start as Otto scored to give them a 1-0 lead.  We responded to tie the game late in the first half as Albrecht scored the game-tying goal.  He added a second goal to give us a 3-1 lead after Christian Herc gave us the lead midway through the second half.  The win moved us out of the relegation zone.

at Augsburg

• 4-2-3-1 formation
• Strong defensive midfield partnership
• They will attack down the right side
• Want to play a quick direct game - maybe regroup instead of counter press after we lose possession or maybe drop deeper so we don't get beat over the top

We took the lead on a quick counter attack which led to a Nazarov goal.  Taffershofer doubled the lead on a direct free kick.  Once we got a 2-0 lead, we dropped the line to standard from high.  At halftime, we adjusted further by regrouping after we lost possession.  Then, we choked the life out of the game by slowing the play down after our goalkeeper got the ball and then decided to waste time some of the time during stoppages and finally switched it to frequently.  A HUGE 2-0 road win against one of the playoff contenders.

We've up to 15th place and have some separation from Heidenheim and Karlsruhe who occupy the two automatic relegation places.  We are locked in a battle with Rostock for the relegation playoff spot.  We have three weeks until our next match which will be spent on the training ground working on the defense and transition into offense.

 

[Deisler26]

Some good results this month

[keeper#1]

3 minutes ago, Deisler26 said:

Some good results this month

Seven points out of possible 15.  That's close to 50% of the available points.  Keep that up for a couple more months and relegation won't be an issue.

[keeper#1]

2024 Youth Intake Preview

The less I talk about this intake, the better I will feel.

[Shrewnaldo]

Ouch. At least the results on the pitch have been picking up though

[keeper#1]

December 2023-January 2024

vs St. Pauli

• 4-3-3 formation like we play
• Kolorod plays an advanced playmaker on the left wing - can easily be marked out of the game - keep right back hanging back on defense
• Dual Mezzala in the middle of the pitch
• Nemeth as a ball playing defender
• Can get behind Zanda at right back

Result: St. Paul play an odd formation for their 4-3-3.  Play making left wing.  Double mezz in the middle.  Ball player at the back.  Just a lot of odd exploitable role choices.  We start out lucky when Julian Albrecht scored on a low % screamer (.07 xG) from outside the box.  The gods look down with favor once again when right forward Crenak scored (.07 xG) after a long probing pass from midfielder Jackson Irvine.  Our halftime adjustments were the standard adjustments: regroup after we lose the ball and drop the line back a notch..  Irvine put the game away with a late goal.

at Nurnberg

• 4-2-3-1 formation with Daehli playing as a playmaker in the hole of the attacking strata behind the forward
• They have good linking play on the wings - try to funnel to the middle
• They want to counter attack - don't get sucked into the play and get beat in transition
• Solid core on defense

Result: Nurnberg start out hot but have their early goal wiped away by an offsides call.  Late in the game, we switched to playing through the middle as a change of look to our attack.  Defense play great holding Nurnberg to just one shot on target (out of 17 total shots).

vs Regensburg

• Play a solid 4-4-2 formation with strong linking play down the left side (plays into our strength of defending the right side of our formation)
• Camilo works as a deep lying playmaker on the right - switch the midfield from attack on the right and carrelo on the left to attack left and carrelo right
• They like to use their players on the right as supporting players to the attackers on the left
• Right back is one yellow card away from a suspension so attack him

Result: Kurt, at right back, gave away possession in the midfield which led to a Regensburg counter attack and a goal.  We saved a controversial penalty late the first half to  keep the deficit, 1-0.  It was still 1-0 late in the second half so we switched our mentality from balanced to attacking to try to equalize.  Gave away a second penalty which was scored to give Regensburg the cushion that they were looking for.

So basic table stats at the halfway point of the season:  14th place 5W 3D 9L 20 GF 26 GA 18 pts.  12th in xG  18th in xGA

After Christmas, Qabala, one of the top clubs in Azerbaijan, made an offer on Dimitrij Nazarov, a legend in the country.  He wanted to return home and I really did want to stand in his way since at age 33 I really wasn't going to have much long-term for him after this season.  A nice little sum of money to bring into the club for an aging veteran who wanted to go home.

I quickly hit the transfer market for a replacement and had Seydou Traore from The Ivory Coast on my shortlist.  I quickly moved in before the January window open so I wasn't fighting other clubs for his services. 

Already cut out for this level at age 19.

We also brought in a young left winger from Bayern to take some pressure off of Huth at that position.

vs Rostock

• Play a unique wide 3-4-2-1 formation
• Weak linking on the right side and with the defensive midfield pairing
• Central defender one card away from a yellow card suspension
• Can isolate and get behind their wingbacks
• No playmaker on the field
• Like to counter attack so drop defense back one notch

Result:  Traore makes me look like a genius by scoring in the first ten minutes of the game.  We fall victim to a Rostock press and they quickly counter to tie the game 1-1.  Traore does it again early in the second half on a headed goal from a corner kick.  We hold on for a 2-1 win.

at Saarbrucken

• 4-2-3-1 formation with Couilbuly in the attacking midfield as their playmaker and leading goal scorer
• Weak partnership on the left and with the defensive midfielders
• They want to play a short quick passing game - deny them time and space

Result: We play over their mid-block to Gonzalez who had isolated his marker 1v1 and scored to give us a 1-0 lead.  A Jacob tackle on their right winger starts a counter attack with right forward Cernak doubling our lead.  We continued to choke off their midfield passing lanes and central midfielder Herc played in Gonzalez which led to a penalty (our first of the season) and Herc put us ahead 3-0 heading into halftime.  Traore adds two second half goals off of assists from Gonzalez and Herc as we cruise to a 5-1 victory.

10 points from our last five matches have seen us move up the table to 12th and eight points clear of the relegation zone.

[keeper#1]

February-March 2024

vs Dusseldorf

• They play a unique narrow 4-3-3 formation with two attacking midfielders
• Applekamp is their primary playmaker
• Their central three (DM and two CBs) sit deep)
• Wingbacks don't push forward a lot
• Eight players in the middle -- trap inside and exploit the flanks
• Outperforming their stats

Result: Jensen, for Dusseldorf, scores on a low percentage drive from outside the box to take a 1-0 lead.  They miss a chance to double their lead when they miss a penalty.  Taffertshofer finds a streaking Gonzalez to allow us to tie the game.  Dusseldorf pull out two center backs apart and find the center forward sitting in the space and retake the lead.

at Kiel

• 3-4-1-2 where Thesker is a central ball playing defender.  They like to support on the right side while attacking on the left
• Becker is a more forward than Handwerker at the wingback position -- another reason to attack down the left side
• Skrzybski is an advanced playmakers sitting behind two central forwards and has a good link with them
• Poor Form

Result: Lost a 50-50 in the midfield, two quick passes to Pichler led to a goal and 1-0 Kiel lead.  Long ball over the midfield to Traore ties the game.  Kurt crosses in from the right side and Jackson Irvine gets a toe on in it and it ends up in the back of the net to gives us the 2-1 lead.  A turnover in the midfield goes our way and Albrecht plays in right forward Cernak to double our lead.  3-1 WIN

vs Braunschweig

• Defensive 4-2-3-1 -  Schultz at left centerback is a ball playing defender and Pherai plays an attacking playmaker in the midfield three
• Poor partnerships in the center of the field at both the defensive midfield and center back position
• Wingbacks push high especially on the right side

Result:  Pherai starts the play which Ujah finishes and Braunschweig is out an early 1-0 lead.  We catch a break.  While they were dominating the play, Ujah, the goal scorer, picks up a red card early in the first half.  We pounce on the numerical advantage.  A penalty kick converted by Herc and Irvine who arrived late in the box during the play build up were enough to give us a 2-1 WIN and a game that looks like it was going to go the other way.

at Hamburg

• 4-3-3 formation like us but they use right center back David as a ball playing defender and Benes, at left midfield, as an advanced playmaker
• Like to attack down the left with support on the right side - opposite of us
• Want to play a direct style of play

Result: A quick counter started by Taffertshofer to Herc to Traore gave us a early 1-0 lead.  Leading goalscorer Ricardo Pepi got behind the defense and pushed a side wide.  Later in the half, he pounced on a rebound when a free kick was not handling cleanly by our goalkeeper to tie the game.  Hamburg continued to dominate the play but Taffertshofer scored on a direct free kick and we retook the lead.  Right back Albrecht had a poor giveaway in the box and Hamburg tied the game.  Pepi showed us why he's the leading goalscorer as he scored late to give Hamburg the win.  2-3 LOSS

vs Furth

• 4-2-3-1 formation with no real playmaker
• Weak partnership on the left side -- they attack right and support left
• Raschl is one yellow card away from a suspension
• Hrgote can be isolated as their lone forward
• Wingbacks sit very deep and don't get involved in the attacking phase of play

Result:  We get off to a terrible start when Furth take the early 1-0 lead on a Raeburger is left wide open at the penalty spot.  Hrgota doubles Furth's advantage.  We battle back to tie the game with goals from Albrecht and Gonzalez, on an Albrecht assist.  Hrgota gives Furth the win they deserve with a goal in stoppage time.  2-3 LOSS

at Bochum

• 3-4-2-1 formation with just a central ball playing defender
• Wide wingers and a lone central forward
• Man mark wingers (?)
• Wingbacks appear to support but do not attack
• Strong DM partnership

Result:  I decided to man mark their wings and wingbacks to force the play in the center of the field.  Traore scores his 7th goal of the season on a quick counter attack started by Muller in the central defense.  We thought he doubled our lead by he was ruled offside.  Herc did double the lead but not before the goal went to VAR for a potential offside.  Losilla cut the deficit in half right before halftime.  We make the following halftime adjustments: sometimes waste time, regroup and we lower our pressing intensity.  Bochum earn a quick second half penalty and tie the game.  We adjust back to full pressing intensity and counter pressing.  Kraus scores off a set piece after he was played in by Taffertshofer.  We switch to a more cautious outlook.  We have a heart stopping moment when Bochum tie the game but it gets overruled by VAR.  3-2 WIN

at Karlsruhle

• 4-3-3 formation using right central midfielder Reitz as a supporting playmaker
• Kauffman at left forward is a big target
• LB Heise is one yellow card away from a suspension
• Weak link on both wings and between the two center backs - a 3rd weak link between the DM Gondorf and Reitz
• Not strong dribbles
• Low crosses - goalkeeper is strong in the air

Result: We take advantage of Karlsruhle's poor passing in the back and Traore finds the net to give us a 1-0 lead.  Their poor dribbling and first touch lead to a second Traore goal.  Their best chance came on a recycled corner which hit the post.  We put up a solid defensive effort and dominated play.  2-0 WIN

at Hannover

• 4-2-3-1 with no real playmaker outside of left center back Kempf playing as a ball playing defender
• They crowd the middle with their attacking four (shadow striker and two inside forwards)
• Strong links between the two center backs and defensive midfielders
• Not fast off the line but will press

Result: Herc knocks a long ball down for Traore who dishes off to Gonzalez and we jump out to a 1-0 lead.  Kempf scores on a glancing header to tie the game.  Traore scores his 10th goal of the season after a cross from left back Jakob.  Kraus missed a header to allow Hannover in and they tie the game at two.  Muller hits a long back to Gonzalez, who has gotten behind his marker, to score the game winner.  3-2 WIN

TEAM STATS UPDATE:  12W 3D 12L 45 GF (3rd) 42 GA (12th)  xG: 8th  xGA: 18th

39 points has us above the 36 points I think we need to stay out of the relegation zone.  Relegation will not be an issue this season.

 

 

Edited November 1, 2022 by keeper#1

[SixPointer]

Congratulations on the survival my man!

[keeper#1]

18 minutes ago, SixPointer said:

Congratulations on the survival my man!

It's not official yet but we have a 13 point lead over 16th place with only 21 points left to play for.

[Hootieleece]

23 minutes ago, keeper#1 said:

It's not official yet but we have a 13 point lead over 16th place with only 21 points left to play for.

Don't be so pessimistic! 35 points usually ensures survival in an 18-team League. Rule of thumb. (Number of matches +1=survival)

Another:  (number of matches*2 points= Champions or Champions League Place)

Edited November 1, 2022 by Hootieleece
added words I forgot

[keeper#1]

23 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Don't be so pessimistic! 35 points usually ensures survival in an 18-team League. Rule of thumb. (Number of matches +1=survival)

Another:  (number of matches*2 points= Champions or Champions League Place)

I'm a goalie....it isn't over until the math says it's over.  

[keeper#1]

Our two winter signings (one loan - one permanent) have been key to our 2nd half turnaround this season.

[Deisler26]

Ooh. Sexy!

[SixPointer]

5 hours ago, keeper#1 said:

Our two winter signings (one loan - one permanent) have been key to our 2nd half turnaround this season.

Always a nice message 

[keeper#1]

2024 Youth Intake

Well, it was an improvement from the winter preview but that's not saying much.  It improved from .5* to 1*.  Really not a great improvement.  A lot of players who will likely never see the field for us but we will sign a good portion of them just so we have some numbers for the youth team.  Hopefully, they will be replaced by more talented players in future intakes.

Slow left winger Benson Daka 24A is the best of the bunch.  Not only is he slow, he's short as well.  Not good on the ball.  Can't mark and not willing to track back on defense.  Not smart on the ball.  If this is the best that the intake has to offer, I really don't have high hopes for this group.

Francois's versality may be enough to earn him a spot on the bench with the senior team if we have an injury crisis at a couple of offensive position.  He has decent all-around skills but nothing that truly stands up to earn a consistent spot on the bench.

It's hard to figure out what type of midfielder Yannick Kunz 24C is.  He can tackle but doesn't make good decisions.  He's not a strong passer or dribbler.  Not really a good finisher.  But he can read the play and is willing to get stuck in.  Not strong but can run for days.  Maybe he should take up track and field.

Another slow player with Sadiki Said 24D.  I want my fullbacks to be good supporting options and be willing to press the ball if needed.  For that you need speed.  Said doesn't have it.  He's also not a strong dribbler.  He could become a decent central option but I'm not sure.  Maybe a bench option in the defensive midfield.

Did our hidden youth coaches do any speed training?  Michel Alter 24E is yet another slow player.  Not good on the ball.  Willing to get stuck in but doesn't see the whole field and can't really pass.  Also looks like that he's never seen the inside of a weight room.  I can't see Alter 24E making an impact with the senior team.

[keeper#1]

17 hours ago, keeper#1 said:

Our two winter signings (one loan - one permanent) have been key to our 2nd half turnaround this season.

Wanted to give you a closer look at Gonzalez and Traore since they have carried our team in the second half of the season.

Gonzalez is a very quick player who is a strong dribbler.  Both are huge pluses in this league.  Completes 36% of his crosses which would put him 7th in the league if he had enough league minutes to qualify.  Creates, at least, one chance for us per game.  Tied for 5th on the team with four goals and 3rd on the team with four assists.  He would be a top three player in both categories if he was with us from the beginning of the season.

Seydou Traore came to us from RD Abidjan for 225k.  He has been worth every penny.  A quick player who has great off the ball movement and a lethal finisher.  In just half a season, he has 11 goals.  Strong in the air and smart on the ball.  Team leader in goals, shots per 90, and shots on target per 90,  Already a Bundeliga level talent.  The only thing I need to get rid of is his 1M release clause.  Some Bundesliga team is going to discover that clause and pay him off.  A 4X ROI is not what I want for him.  I'd like that to be 10-20X ROI.

[Deisler26]

That is a screen, I cannot get on with. I need an octogon to read a player lol

[keeper#1]

54 minutes ago, Deisler26 said:

That is a screen, I cannot get on with. I need an octogon to read a player lol

Take it up with the Statman, @_Ben_  

[vara]

excellent pickup of form, looking far less daunting a task as it did early on. great work.

intake leaves a bit to the imagination eh. that's frustrating, even as a reader!

[Deisler26]

8 hours ago, keeper#1 said:

Take it up with the Statman, @_Ben_  

[keeper#1]

April-May 2024

April 5 vs Dresden

• 3-4-2-1 narrow formation - Right attacking midfielder Weinrauch is used as an advanced playmaker
• They have a good partnership between their two defensive midfielders
• Weak partnership on the left side with Kade and Kastawaras
• They push higher on the right side which plays into our natural supporting left side
• Quick passing with an average level of pressing

Result: Herc receives a passes from Jakob on the left.  Herc dribbles past the defensive line and into a 1v1 with the goalie which he buries to give us a 1-0 lead.  Kasatwaras has some great off the ball movement to get away from our two center backs and ties the game.  Our defense falls apart again.  This time, it's a missed header by Taffertshofer which gives Weinrauch a clear chance at goal and gives Dresden the 2-1 lead.  The fans implore us to push forward to tie the game against our rivals.  Gonzalez gets free on the left wing and finds Cernak who has beaten his marker and we find a way to tie the game.  2-2 DRAW

April 12 at Paderborn

• 4-2-3-1 formation with Justvar as their primary playmaker
• Cuni stays wide on the right wing and Conteh cuts in from the left wing
• Mikebrencis attacks on the right side to set up Conteh as the attacking option on the left side
• Overall poor 1st touch but will press

Result:  Probably the most boring match of the season.  Tied with nothing of note in the first half.  We pushed hard to get an early second half goal.  Cernak does the job and we take an 1-0 lead which we do not give up.  1-0 WIN

April 19 vs Heidenheim

• 4-2-3-1 formation using Barnic at the left defensive midfield position as a Regista
• Play right back and left forward play high while the left back and right forward supporting on the other side creating a double teeter totter (more at the end)
• Want to get the ball up the field quickly
• Press when opponent has the ball
• Get low crosses in to negate their goalkeepers strong aerial ability

Okay, you probably read the phrase "double teeter totter" and said, "what the heck is he talking about."  A teeter totter is a field hockey defensive concept @Guimy and I work as a field hockey umpire so it is easy for me to spot.  It is a concept where if the ball is on the right side, the right back pushes high to press while the center back drops deeper behind and the left back drops even further back.  If the ball is transferred to the left, the teeter totter pushes up on the left and drops back on the right.  What this creates is wave after wave of bodies that the attack has to get to move the ball forward.  When executed correctly, it is very difficult to break down and hard to  pass over the top because there is always someone in a supporting role to get the ball....

Result: We fall victim to the teeter totter early in the game which leads to a quick Heidenheim counter and a 1-0 lead.  Irvine breaks through the middle of the teeter totter will some fine dribbling to find an open Traore which ties the game at one.  We give away a penalty kick and Heidenheim breaks out to a 2-1 lead which they only add to when Klaus dribbles through the heart of our defense after a recycled corner kick.  1-3 LOSS  Poor defense and soft attack

27 April vs Augsburg

• 4-2-3-1 formation using Scholl as a ball playing defender and Haraguchi as an advanced playmaker
• Wing forwards will pinch inside
• Framberger at right back likes to push forward so we can play in behind him with Gonzalez
• Will press and then turn defense to offense with quick direct play
• Team full of strong passers and are good in the air (more low crosses)

Result:  Another tactical battle in the first half where neither team can gain a foothold.  0-0 at halftime.  Augsburg have a great chance in the 65th minute which is pushed wide by the shooter.  Cernak gets caught in possession and Lazaro finishes off the play to give Augsburg a 1-0 win.  0-1 LOSS

May 4 at St. Pauli

• 4-3-3 formation  Kalotobas as an advanced playmaker and Nemeth as a ball playing defender
• Fullbacks will stay back
• Good centerback partnership
• Want to attack but will not press

Result:  We jump out to an early 1-0 lead where Irvine is left wide open at the top of the box when a header is cleared by the defense right to his feet.  That was the high point of the game from us.  Otto jumps all over a misplay by Klewin in goal to tie the game.  This shatters Jakob for some reason.  He leaves Klewin out to dry when he dwells on the ball and gets it stolen leading to a St. Pauli breakaway.  Later, Jakob is caught out of position and gets beat over the top.  The centerback tries to come over and cover for Jakob's mistake but in doing so leaves Otto wide open at the penalty spot and it's 3-1 St. Pauli.  1-3 LOSS

May 11 vs Nurnburg

• 3-4-2-1 formation with Daehli as the main playmaker
• Weak partnership between (notes unreadable)
• Not strong decision makers - we should press them into turnovers
• They like to press and play through the middle

Result:  Irvine and Herc team up for a goal in the first minute of play and we are off.  Traore doubles the lead in the 8th minute after Irvine plays him in behind the Nurnburg defense.  Jakob makes up for his poor game against St. Pauli with a goal, off a free kick, to give us a 3-0 lead.  Daehli makes it 3-1 before halftime but that's all the scoring they would get.  We strangle the game in the second half to maintain the lead but do not add to it ourselves.  3-1 WIN

May 19 at Regensburg

• Basic 4-4-2 formation.  Camilo at right midfield is their only playmaker
• Good partnership on the left
• Like to sit deep but press when given the chance
• We should try to force their goalie into 1v1 situations

Result:  Gimber sneaks to the back post on a Regensburg corner and finds the back of the net to give Regensburg a 1-0 lead.  Traore gets behind the defense after an Irvine pass.  Left 1v1 on the goal, it's tie game.  We take the lead when Gonzalez drives all the away to the end line and is able to get a ball through to Traone who can just tap it home for 2-1 lead.  Because we can't make things easy, we give up another goal on a corner kick which gives Regensburg a way back into the game.  Huth, who came on for an underperforming Eric Majetschak, scores the goal-ahead goal after a beautiful pass from Traore.  Huth continues his good play earning a penalty kick which allows Traore to score a hat-trick in the last match of the season.  4-2 WIN

TEAM UPDATE: 15W 4D 15L 57 GF (4th) 54 GA (16th) xG 6th  xGA 18th - SEASON OVER (UPDATE COMING)

 

 

 

Edited November 3, 2022 by keeper#1

[keeper#1]

2023-24 Season Review

9th place was much more than I could even dream about when the season started.  Credit goes to the scouting department for finding Seydou Traore.  This 19-year old talent scored 15 goals and added two assists in the 17 matches after we signed him.  His goalscoring allowed the team to overcome a shaky defense, one of the worst in the league, and push us to the middle of the table.  We will not have to worry about league champions Hamburg nor the league runner-ups in Hannover.  Karlsruhle fought off Zwickau on penalties in the relegation playoffs.  Bochum used penalties to upset Darmstadt to earn themselves promotion to the Bundesliga.  Ingolstadt won the 3.Liga and will be joined by Osnabruck as the two promoted teams for the 24-25 season.  Dropping down into the 2.Bundesliga will be Eintracht Frankfurt and Bielefeld.

We did not overperform by that much in terms of position - we only overperformed by two places and the numbers say we were a solid mid-table team.  However in terms of goals, we WAY overperformed (+11.5).  I really want to shore up the defense to improve the team but also as a hedge if the offense regresses to the mean.

This shows how bad our defense was....we had an xGA of 1.50/game.  That is unacceptable.  I want that number closer to 1.00/game.  That won't happen in one season but with some good signings in the summer, I would be happy with an improvement to 1.20-1.30/game.

Only six players with an average rating above 7.00.  None of those players are on the defense.  Seydou Traore - center forward (15 G, 2 A).  Gabriel Gonzalez - left forward (4 G, 5 A), Jackson Irvine - center midfielder (5 G, 6 A) Ulrich Taffertshofer - defensive midfield (3 G, 1 A) Christian Herc - central midfielder (7 G, 6 A).  We had two significant contributors on the defensive line RB Kaan Kurt and CB Felix Gottlicher have an average rating below 6.60.  New CB signing Kevin Kraus was not much better at 6.69.

The Class of 2023 remained a strong class as they were one of the top teams in their regional youth league and earned us a promotion to the national youth league but I don't know if that will lead to better intakes.  As stated before, the Class of 2024 was awful.

We were able to sign Traore to a new contract.  It increased his Minimum Fee Release Clause from 1M to 4.6M.  Given we signed him for a total of 225K, this will increase our ROI from 4.44X to 20.44X.  That's a number I can live with.

Some slight movement in the supporter make-up.  The fan base lost 1% of it's core group and that 1% became more fair weather.

 

[Deisler26]

Great move on resigning Traore

[keeper#1]

Summer 2024 Transfers and Roster Construction

I went into the summer transfer window with one goal....improve the defense.  We had the worst defense in the league last season and the only reason we finished in 9th place was the goalscoring of Seydou Traore.  

So, we went out and hit the free transfer and inexpensive transfer market and rebuilt our entire backline.  We start in net with Lennart Grill who couldn't break into the starting lineup at Leverkusen and wanted a new challenge.  We could guarantee him the starting job.  The center back pairing is brand new with Mamadou Doucoure, who is in a similar situation as Grill, a player who just can't break into the first team at a Bundesliga club and looking for a place to play.  Well, come join us at Aue, Mamadou, we've got a place for you.  Our scouts and agents like pitching African players to me.  They came in with an interesting option in Issiaka Samake.  He's in his back end of his prime, at age 29, and has played his entire career in Africa with 17 caps for Mali to his name.  But no European club has come in for his services.  Since he's an older African player, Horoya was willing to let him go for cheap only 20k.  The right full back position was our biggest signing in terms of cash.  Guy Mizrahi comes over from league rival Regensburg.  They didn't let him come over for cheap costing us 325K with clauses that can boost the sale to 575k.  But we needed the help at right back and he was the best option that we could fit into our wage budget.  The last piece of the back line puzzle was hard.  We had blown through most of our transfer budget and the wage budget was tight.  We had to ship a couple of players out.  Big signing Kevin Kraus was first to go to Braunschweig where his poor defending, at least, stays in the division.  A couple more players in Kaan Kurt, ineffective but young, went out on loan and Elias Huth was shown the door completely.  This gave us enough wage budget to bring in Niels Nkounkou, a left back, from Gladbach and midfielder Aleix Garrido from Zaragoza.  We also added to our wing forward depth with the signing of Mateo Kilmowicz from Stuttgart and Maxima Texeira from Sochaux.  

2024-25 Aue Roster

Goalkeepers

Only two goalkeepers on the roster.  Grill, who takes over the starter job, and Klewin, who moves from started to backup.

Wingbacks

A lot of versatility in our wingback players.  Guy Mizrahi is the new starter on the right side.  He will be backed up by Issiaka Samake.  My assistant manager thinks Samake is best suited on the right side but he lacks pace so he will be starter in the center of the defense.  Albrecht can drop back into the right back position if needed.  He played some there last year.  On the left, Niels Nkounkou is on loan and the starter.  Killian Jakob, last year's starter, moves into the reserve role.

Centerbacks

Only four centerbacks in the roster, new signings Doucoure and Samake will be the starters.  Felix Gottlicher, who is has some promise, is the first backup .  He has good ratings but fails to live up to them on the field.  Andy Mfundu is a solid 4th centerback who can step into the defensive midfield as well.

Central Midfield

Lots of options in the central midfield, assistant captain leads a decent group of defensive midfielders.  He will be pushed by both Per Locki and Julian Albrecht, who can be plugged into every midfield role.  The central midfield partnership remains unchanged from last season with Christain Herc pushing up from attack while Jackson Irvine sits back and does all the hard work of regaining/retaining possession and linking the defensive midfield to the attack.  Aleix Garrido is the Spanish version of Herc, a player who can play all the midfield positions.

Wing Forwards

Lots of options on the left but Gabriel Gonzalez was willing to return to us on loan for a second season.  The two new signings are best on the left but one of them will win the starting right wing forward job with Cernak as the backup.  

Center Forwards

Yeah.  This is Traore's job and there really isn't much he can do to lose it.  Saric is a decent backup but there is a big dropoff from Traore. 

 

[keeper#1]

July-End of Summer Transfer Window 2024

Six fixtures in this window.  Five league matches and an easy cup game against a non-league team.

July 28 Dusseldorf

Both the board and the supporters want to see an improved defense.  The supporters really want to see all the new signings make their debut for us.

• 4-2-3-1 formation with Appelkamp still their primary playmaker behind the center forward
• Strong links down both wings and between the two defensive midfielders
• Goalkeeper can play the ball long - should we sit deeper?
• Goalkeeper is weak all around
• Will play a quick passing game and will press when given the chance

Result:  We come out with five new starters.  Dusseldorf are on the back foot immediately with an early red card.  We try to push the advantage and switch from a balanced to positive style of play.  Herc, Jakob, and Gonzalez play a neat passing triangle.  Herc found Jakob in space and Jakob was given plenty of time on the ball to pick out a streaking Gonzalez who buried the chance and give us a 1-0 lead.  Jakob hooks up with Herc who streaks through the middle to double our lead.  Jakob finishes with +1 as he fumbled away possession cheaply in the box and Dusseldorf get one back but can not find a tying goal.  2-1 WIN

Re

August 3 at Darmstadt

• 4-3-3 formation with Melhem as an advanced playmaker
• No strong partnerships anywhere on the field
• Honick stays out wide on the left and Pusica cuts inside on the right side
• Fullbacks will stay back
• Not strong dribblers - close them down since they also do not read the play well
• Strong in goal

Result: The first half was devoid of any real action.  Nkounkou comes on for a struggling Jakob and picks up two yellow cards inside 10 minutes and puts us a man down.  Darmstadt score a stoppage time winner.  0-1 LOSS

August 17 at Kiel

• 3-4-1-2 formation with Skrzybski as a playmaker in the hole behind the strikers
• Play with two wide center backs to support the wingbacks
• Play in a very balanced manner
• Hard working team
• Not fast
• It will be like playing our clone

Result: Center forward Pichler, who has quickly become a thorn in our side, scored taking advantage of a center back that I forgot to rotate out of the lineup from our cup match a week earlier.  He, then, has two more goals ruled out due to being offsides.  Traore keeps the VAR Official busy with a goal of his own ruled offside.  0-1 LOSS and I take full responsibility for this one since I left a backup in the starting lineup and got punished for it.

August 24 vs Braunschweig

• 4-3-3 formation - Phenai remains their playmaker and Cohen plays as a MEZ behind an inside forward on the left
• Fullbacks sit deep
• GK not strong in the air - high crosses
• Strong tacklers in defense
• They press often

Result: Another tactical duel with not a lot of action.  Traore finally breaks the deadline in the 71st minute when he finds the back of the net.  Albrecht tries his hardest to give the win with a terrible turnover which led to a breakaway.  Last year, Klewin would have allowed the goal and a win would have turned into a draw.  This year, Grill makes the save and preserves the win.  1-0 WIN

September 1 vs Saarbrucken

• 4-2-3-1 formation with Sertdemir as the playmaker
• Wing forwards will pinch inside - force them wide
• Outperforming stats
• Will sit back and defend but will press when the opportunity is there
• Not strong markers but will shoot from deep - close them down

Result:  Another defensive tactical battle.  We break the deadlock when Kilmowicz forces a turnover to start a counter attack which Herc finishes off.  1-0 WIN

SEASON UPDATE:   3W 0D 2L  4 GF (14th)  3 GA (T1st)  5th xG  8th xGA

 

Our top two prospects are out getting playing time with other clubs.  All the other 17 year olds were offered out on loan but there were no takers.

Edited November 6, 2022 by keeper#1

[Shrewnaldo]

On 01/11/2022 at 18:37, keeper#1 said:

February-March 2024

vs Dusseldorf

• They play a unique narrow 4-3-3 formation with two attacking midfielders
• Applekamp is their primary playmaker
• Their central three (DM and two CBs) sit deep)
• Wingbacks don't push forward a lot
• Eight players in the middle -- trap inside and exploit the flanks
• Outperforming their stats

sorry to go back a bit but this was interesting to me so wanted to get your view. If the opposition had only two players out wide and eight players through the middle then my initial reaction would be to trap them outside, rather than inside. My thinking is that pushing them into the middle plays to their strengths where you are overloaded. If you have a 2v1 on the flanks, I'd look to trap outside and then press their wingbacks where you have an overload.

I appreciate that there's an opposite justification, but just keen to get your view on why you pressed inside - very happy to accept that I could be wrong. Almost worked for you, after all.

[keeper#1]

3 hours ago, Shrewnaldo said:

sorry to go back a bit but this was interesting to me so wanted to get your view. If the opposition had only two players out wide and eight players through the middle then my initial reaction would be to trap them outside, rather than inside. My thinking is that pushing them into the middle plays to their strengths where you are overloaded. If you have a 2v1 on the flanks, I'd look to trap outside and then press their wingbacks where you have an overload.

I appreciate that there's an opposite justification, but just keen to get your view on why you pressed inside - very happy to accept that I could be wrong. Almost worked for you, after all.

My thinking was if I flooded the middle with more bodies by pressing and trapping that it would force them into long hopeful balls to the front line where I outnumber them 4 to 3 since their wingbacks don't like to  get involved in the offensive phase of play.  Also, since the wingbacks don't like to get involved, their main progressive passing option would be the two narrow attacking midfielders.  If I cut those passing lanes off, I could force them into passing wide and pulling those AMs out leaving my two CBs to double team the lone forward.  I could win the ball and quickly cycle possession to the wings where I have the advantage as they scramble back to defend.  Getting scored on early in the match by less than 0.10xG shot was not in the gameplan and likely the difference maker.

[Shrewnaldo]

16 minutes ago, keeper#1 said:

My thinking was if I flooded the middle with more bodies by pressing and trapping that it would force them into long hopeful balls to the front line where I outnumber them 4 to 3 since their wingbacks don't like to  get involved in the offensive phase of play.  Also, since the wingbacks don't like to get involved, their main progressive passing option would be the two narrow attacking midfielders.  If I cut those passing lanes off, I could force them into passing wide and pulling those AMs out leaving my two CBs to double team the lone forward.  I could win the ball and quickly cycle possession to the wings where I have the advantage as they scramble back to defend.  Getting scored on early in the match by less than 0.10xG shot was not in the gameplan and likely the difference maker.

Decent. I do enjoy stuff like this - the same problem but different, entirely logical ways of trying to counteract it, neither of which is right or wrong. 

[keeper#1]

September-October 2024 Update

This is a busy update with seven matches over the two months.

Started out September by keeping our heads above water with three draws.  Then rebounded to take nine points from the next 12 points available and crashed out of the cup in extra time.

September 14 vs Furth

• 4-3-3 formation using Hyun-Ju as the playmaker and Hajjar as a ball-playing defender
• Both wing forwards pinch inside
• Underperforming across all stats
• GK is strong in the 1vs1 but doesn't command the area very well
• Overall the team is not strong in the air and they will press when they can

Result: We jump out to a 2-0 lead with two very different types of goals.  The first goal, Traore forces a turnover and sees Gonzalez running in behind on the counter.  The goalkeeper makes the initial save by Kilmowicz is there to put home the rebound for a 1-0 lead.  Gonzalez is involved in the second goal as well.  He drives down the end line and draws two defenders.  He picks out Traore wide open in front of goal and it's 2-0.  Per Lockl lets Furth back into the game as he is caught trying to dribble through traffic.  He turns the ball over and starts a Furth counter to cut the lead to 2-1.  Furth level the game when Meyerhofer dribbles through our defense in injury time.  2-2 DRAW

September 18 vs Heidenheim

• 4-2-3-1 formation using Pickl as a Raumdeuter.  Gruszkowski pushes up from his right position.
• They have an average partnership between the two DCMs
• Overperforming from their expected stats
• Not strong crossing team and do not work very hard

Result: Herc wakes the fans up from their slumber in the 41st minute as he takes us out to 1-0 lead.   The two teams had combined for just one shot with .04 xG up until the Herc goal.  Pickl finally breaks free of his marker and finds an open Yahaya in the box who ties the game 1-1.  This is the eventual final as Heidenheim just swarmed Traore with players every time he touched the ball and gave him zero room to operate.   1-1 DRAW

September 22 at St. Pauli

• 4-3-3 formation with Egloff as an advanced playmaker and Nemeth as a ball playing defender
• Wingers pinch inside
• Way over performing their expected stats but on a two match losing streak
• Good decision makers who are always in the right place
• Don't like to press the opposition

Result:  Another tactical snoozefest.  We jump out to a 1-0 lead when Traore finally breaks free of his markers and hits a hopeful shot that gives us a 1-0 lead.  We give away the lead again when Egloff is left open at the top of the box and can pick his corner to shoot out to tie the game 1-1.  1-1 DRAW 

September 28 vs Karlsruhle

• 4-4-2 formation using Wawitzck as a deep lying playmaker
• They use a big target forward with a pressing forward playing off of him - left side is more attacking than the right
• The back four sit back and don't get involved in the attacking play
• Underperforming
• Best on the wings and in goal.  Sound like a good time to play through the middle to dominate that vertical third of the field
• Not strong tacklers or markers

Result:  We put together a very clinical 2-0 victory against Karlsruhle.  Traore broke away from a double team and found Irvine getting into the box late to open the scoring.  Traore is involved in the second goal as he is able to pull away from his marker on a set piece to double our lead.  2-0 WIN

October 6 at Augsburg

• 4-2-3-1 formation using an interesting left side combo of Kangu (inside forward)-Rhein (Regista)-Mercau (Complete Wing Back)
• Selke is a big target at the top of the formation
• Very strong in attack (2.0 xG/game)
• Not many weaknesses
• Gonna need our A game to win - just going to play to our strengths and hope it's enough - try to counter their strengths is too hard (too many of them - will leave us with areas for them to exploit)

Result:  Their attacking central midfielder puts our centerback, Samake, under pressure and forces a turnover.  This allows for a very quick counter attack which leaves Selke open and they take a 1-0 lead.  Our problems get compounded in the 65th minute when RB Mizrachi picks up a second yellow card and is sent off.  Haraguchi puts the game out of reach with another goal.  Traore tries to rally the troops with a late goal but it is too much to overcome.  1-2 LOSS

October 20 vs Ingolstadt

• 3-4-2-1 formation with two wide attacking forwards behind a central center forward - only playmaker is Musliu who is a ball playing defender
• Wingbacks will sit deeper to create a back five
• NO playmaker in the midfield
• Goalkeepers are not strong ball handlers or command the area well
• Collective poor first touch - press them at every opportunity
• They love to attack and press

Result:  We completely dominated this match even though the stats don't show it.  We jumped out to a 3-0 lead and then sat back to hold the lead after seeing three leads slip away in prior matches.  Goals were scored by Gonzalez, Irvine, and Traore.  They really pushed to score after falling behind 3-0 but were only able to tack on one goal to prevent the shutout.  3-1 WIN

October 26 vs Bielefeld

• 4-4-2 formation with Jensen as a deep lying playmaker and Arrey-Mbi as a ball playing defender
• Klunter pushes high from the right full back position
• Goalkeepers prefer to catch the ball over punching the ball
• They are a direct, attacking and pressing squad

Result:  Okay, this game was absolutely crazy.  They score early to take 1-0 lead.  We respond with four goals from three different players (Traore (2), Gonzalez and Albrecht) to jump to a 4-1 lead.  They added a first half injury time goal to cut the lead to 4-2.  That gives them the opportunity to fight early in the second half and tie the game at four.  At this point, I thought we would completely collapse and watch a three-goal lead turn into a loss.  Nope, they pick up a red card in the 56th minute.  They pull back some.  That gave us the opening to push for a win.  Gonzalez added his second goal of the night to give us the lead back at 5-4.  Traore nets his hat trick to give us the insurance goal that we needed to keep the victory and the three points.  WIN 6-4

SEASON UPDATE: 6W 3D 3L  20 GF (T4th)  14 GA (T7th)  xG (5th)  xGA (9th)

 

[keeper#1]

November-December 2024

Just five matches over the last two months.  We were well rested and it showed on offense.  Defense....not so much but we have become the masters of 2-1 win.

November 3 vs Eintracht Frankfurt

• 4-3-3 formation using Koumitis as a ball playing defender, Foti as a mezzala and Zurkowski as an advanced playmaker
• Dedic also works as an inverted wingback on the left side
• They create a lot of chances and have a high xG/game (1.7) but are underperforming
• They can move the ball well and move without the ball creating chances
• Like to pass on offense and quickly press on defense to return to offense
• Tough former Bundesliga team 

Result:  As expected, they put us under pressure for the entire game.  Mizrachi makes a mistake with a poor clearance across our goal which is intercepted and turned into a goal.  Schade finishes a direct attack from the defensive line to put the game out of reach.  We held them way below their average xG but still found a way to lose, 2-0.  0-2 LOSS

November 9 vs Osnabruck

• 4-4-2 narrow diamond - they flood the left side with Janitzcki as a ball playing defender, Kunze as a carriello ad Raimund as an advanced playmaker
• Kolher plays narrow as an inverted full back also on the left side
• Playing to their stats - which is bad for them, good for us
• Don't play well as a team or work hard
• poor passers - press the hell out of them

Result:  The schedule makers were kind and gave us struggling Osnabruck right after a tough match with Eintracht Frankfurt.  We piled on the misery in the form of a first half hat-trick from Traore.  They added a consolation goal in the second half and we tried to let them back in the game after Kilmowicz gave away a stupid penalty late in the second half.  WIN 3-2

November 30 at Paderborn

• 4-2-3-1 formation - Schallenberg as a ball playing defender and Papela as an advanced playmaker
• Good partnership between both wings - play through middle where their linking play is a little softer
• Playing as expected (midtable) based on their stats
• Good goalkeeper but poor in the air - however, he is protected by two big center backs who are strong in the air - stick with whipped crosses
• Poor decision makers who will press - need to take advantage of them getting themselves out of position

Result:  Three full weeks off since the Osnabruck game so we come in well rested.  Traore continues his red hot form and scores his 4th goal in two games to open the scoring.  Loanee Aleix Garrido earns some playing time and rewards us with a second half strike when he is given all the time in the world from 20 yards out.  He picks the top corner and buries it.  Leipertz cuts the lead in half but it is too little too late.  2-1 WIN

December 7 vs Regensburg

• 4-4-2 formation using Camilo as a deep lying playmaker and Copado sits in the vacated space not used by Camilo as a treq.
• Average partnership between the CBs and very poor on the wings - attack the wings and trap outside to exploit this
• Like to quickly transition in a pressing game when they lose the ball
• Good goalkeeper but defense is weak when it comes to tackling
• Copado is in poor form
• Way underperforming their stats

Result:  Traore scores for the third game in a row when he splits the center backs after a pass from Christian Herc.  We turn the ball right to Copedo, who despite his poor form, finds the goal to tie the game.  This time, Budinsky gives Traore a through ball behind the defense which ends up being the game winner.  Six goals in three games for Traore.  2-1 WIN

December 20 at Dresden

• BIG RIVALRY GAME - FANS WANT A WIN
• Narrow 3-4-2-1 formation - Akoto as a ball playing defender and Weihrauch as an advanced playmaker
• tightly mark the two attacking midfielders and make them play over the top where we have an advantage
• They are performing in line with their stats and have a defensive midfielder Hauptman in great form (mark him out of the game too)
• Strong in goal
• Very balanced team

Result:  After about 20 minutes, I switched the roles for the two fullbacks from FB (s) to WB(s) to get them more involved in the play and overload the one wing player on each side of their formation.  Gonzalez is able to recycle possession after a set piece and beat the lone wing player to get into the box.  He finds Kilmowicz with a low crossed ball which leads to a tap-in and a 1-0 lead.  Herc hits a long hopeful ball up the field to Kilmowicz.  Herc doesn't give up on the play and makes a lung busting run into the box.  Kilmowicz rewards Herc for his effort and we have a 2-0 lead.  We start to close up shop.  Fullbacks go back to FB(s).  We start to slow the play down.  We even shift into a 4-1-4-1 formation to clog up the middle some more.  We want to reward the fans with a clean sheet.  Hauptman makes sure that doesn't happen when he scores in stoppage time.  2-1 WIN

We are somehow at the top of the table.  It is a very even league this year outside of Osnabruck who are well on their way to getting relegated.  Only seven separate 15th place Dresden and 2nd place Furth.  One bad run of form or one really good run of form can greatly impact a team's league standing this season.

Better than last season's intake but that's not saying much.  Hopefully, I can get a couple of decent players from this season's group.

[keeper#1]

January-February 2025 Fixtures

The Ivory Coast exposed us to life without Seydou Traore by calling him to the African Cup of Nations where he did nothing but sit on the bench.  Thanks, Ivory Coast!  We have a big dropoff at the center forward position without Traore in the lineup.  He missed the first four matches after the winter break and we took three points from a possible twelve while scoring just three goals in four matches.

January 18 vs Dusseldorf

• 4-2-3-1 formation with no real playmaker on the field
• Arroyo pushes up from his right back position while Kownacki pushes up at the left forward position creating that double teeter totter
• Way under performing (averaging 1.6 xG/game but only in 8th place)
• Weak in net
• Like to press

Result:  No real first half action of note.  In the second half, Dusseldorf strike on a quick counter attack to win the game 1-0.  0-1 LOSS

January 25 vs Darmstadt

• 4-3-3 formation using Mehlem as a playmaker
• Decent partnership on both wings - play through the middle
• Based on xG, they are performing as expected
• Good in goal and on both wings - play through the middle
• Not strong in the air or reading the play

Result:  Pretty much a replica of our Dusseldorf match, nothing happening the first half.  Late in the game, Leipold loses his marker and breaks the deadlock.  0-1 LOSS

February 2 at Heidenheim

• 4-2-3-1 formation with no real playmaker
• Good central partnership and on the right side - focus play on their weaker left side
• Way overperforming their xG stats
• Kleindiest in great form
• Poor teamwork and not strong in the air

Result:  Gonzalez gets a hard low cross across the goal to a wide open Kilmowicz on the right wing and we are off to an early 1-0 lead.  Herc is forced to control a bad pass which he turns over and Heidenheim counter to tie the game.  Our corner kick defense breaks down.  Grill spills a rebound to a Heidenheim attacker, Breithaupt, who buries the chances and gives Heidenheim a 2-1 lead which they hold on to until the final whistle giving us our third loss in a row.  1-2 LOSS

February 7 vs Kiel

• Last match without Traore
• 3-4-1-2 narrow formation with Skrzybski as a playmaker behind the two center forwards
• Underperforming
• Strong in the air but not very fast
• Thesken not in good form

Result:  Saric finally shows some life in the center forward position and breaks his long goal scoring drought when he forces a turnover and quickly fires on net to give us a 1-0 lead.  Grill keeps the lead when he saves a Handwerker penalty kick.  Saric doubles our lead when Herc works hard to win the ball back and plays Saric in behind the defense.  Skrzybski ruins our clean sheet with a late goal.  2-1 WIN

February 14 at Braunschweig

• 4-2-3-1 formation with Pherai as an advanced player behind a pressing forward
• Weak partnership on the left - attack down the right side
• Reinhardsen pushes up from the right wingback position giving us a chance to play in behind him
• Low xG/game (1.0)
• Work hard and can tackle but weak in goal

Result:  Traore is welcomed back into the starting lineup with a goal after he take the ball away from a center back who is loose with a first touch.  We give the win away when Grill makes a poor pass out of the back and Braunschweig counter to tie the game.  1-1 DRAW

February 22 vs Sarrbrucken

• 4-2-3-1 formation with Sertdemir as an advanced playmaker
• Weak partnerships everywhere across the field
• Wing forwards will pinch in
• Not fast but make up for not pressing
• Will press

Result:  Traore slice Saarbrucken apart with a first half hattrick to give us a 3-0 lead heading into halftime.  Jackson Irvine makes it 4-0 when he wins a near post header on a corner kick.  4-0 WIN

Even with our poor form while Traore was gone "playing" in the African Cup of Nations, we are still in first place.  It is still very tight from top to 15th.  We have three clear candidates for relegation: Braunschwegh, Saarbrucken and Osnabruck.

•  

[keeper#1]

2025 Youth Intake

We need a better intake than we had last season.  It won't take much to be an improvement over last season.  This year's intake found a way to just ooze over the low bar set last season.

Just one potential elite talent and four top talents.  I'm not expecting a team full of world beaters in the intakes but something has to improve going forward.  We just can't compete with the bigger clubs if the intakes look like this every season.

At least, the personalities are good and by good, I mean, it's not an intake full of malcontents and slackers.

If we can teach up the mental side of the game with Manjang, he has the potential to be a good player.  He's a strong dribber and a physical talent for the wing position.  But his on the field smarts are just not there right now.  Teach him up and he could be a solid player for us in a few seasons.

I like the looks of Diaby more than Manjang but my HoYD says that Manjang has the higher ceiling.  Diaby is more of a ready-made player than Manjang.  He's a smart player for his age of the field and is a technically sound player.  He just needs to grow into his body and he, too, could be a solid contributing player for us.

Indjai is a really interesting player.  He's not really good at anything right now but my HoYD rates him highly.  Hopefully, he's one of those players who is better on the field than his attributes because right now I'm just not seeing it.

I don't have high hopes for Koroma given that he doesn't want to try to improve himself.  Overall, he doesn't look like a great player either.  It's going to take a combination of mentoring, a swift kick in the ass and on the field improvement for him to fulfill his promise.

I like the looks of Aamir.  He could be a good all-around central midfield player for us.  Needs a lot of work on the technical and physical side of his game.  Potential is there.

[keeper#1]

March-End of Season 2025

I have to deviate from my normal style of post breaking down my scouting report and game plan for each match.  I'm traveling, my daughter is currently asleep, and, more importantly, there are 11 games to report on so it would have made for a really long post.

Five wins.  Three draws.  Three losses.  18 points from a possible 33.  +10 goal difference thanks to some big wins over St. Pauli (4-0) and Bielefeld (5-1).  Where does leave the final table?

With one of the lowest point totals to win the 2.Bundesliga, we won the league with just 58 points - an all-time low in the three points per win era.  Looking back at the history of the 2. Bundesliga, 58 points would have finished 2nd three times and made the promotion three times.  We are dealing with something truly historic and unexpected here.  Even looking at last year's table, 58 points would have only been good enough for 5th place.

This year, it was just a league where everyone was evenly matched and no one really got out ahead of the pack and cruised to the league title.

How did we do it?  Well, we hopped on the back of Seydou Traore and let his goalscoring ability carry us to the league title.  He was our best (and really only) goalscorer with 28 goals across all competitions.  Nobody else on the team scored more than seven.  When Traore was off "playing" in the African Cup of Nations, we lost three of the four matches when we had to rely on someone else to play that center forward position.  Traore was assisted on a long of his goals by right winger Mateo Kilmowicz who had 13 and left winger Gabriel Gonzalez who had eight.  How did the new signings on defense do?  Mamadou Doucoure was a solid signing providing us stability along the back line.  Loanee Niels Nkounkou played next to Doucoure on the left side of defense creating a nice partnership there.  The right side was a little weaker but still solid.  Grill was a big stabilizing force in net.  Grill finished the season with 0.96 goals allowed/90 and a 79% save percentage (130 saves on 165 shots on target).

The board, however, has completely put me in financial handcuffs.  What the actual hell is that transfer budget?!?!?!?

We picked up some more fair weather fans at the expense of our family-minded fans.

Only two of our top prospects were a) old enough and b) had interest from other clubs to go out on loan.  They did a good job in the 3rd and 4th German tier this season.  Hopefully, I have a bigger loan class next season to develop some young talent at the club since the board won't really let me hit the transfer market.

 

[DefinitelyTaylor]

Wow. An incredible story to win the division with such a low points tally, making history in the process.  It’s rather disappointing that the board have given you peanuts to work with. It’s going to be a serious ask to survive but enjoy the ride!

[Deisler26]

Bloody hell, lightning definitely struck that season!