[FM23] & [FM24] Ernst Happel Challenge - If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again

[Jogo Bonito]

1 minute ago, SixPointer said:

Thanks my man!

yeah I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to Malaysia, Brazil, Norway and soon Angola through work. It’s a challenging project and 12 hours everyday. Throw in my fitness routine and FM isn’t going to be an option. So I think I’ll leave it behind as it will just frustrate me only being able to play it at a glimpse. 

I've often gone long spells without playing FM. But whether I'm living in Africa, Middle East or Europe, I cannot be strong enough to leave it 'at home'. Good mental strength needed to do that!

But yes, unless you're @warlock most of us have to commit to work first 

[SixPointer]

Just now, Jogo Bonito said:

I've often gone long spells without playing FM. But whether I'm living in Africa, Middle East or Europe, I cannot be strong enough to leave it 'at home'. Good mental strength needed to do that!

But yes, unless you're @warlock most of us have to commit to work first 

I think it’s more the fact I couldn’t do the game justice! Life would be better if FM was work 

Warlock has it right!

[warlock]

53 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

unless you're @warlock most of us have to commit to work first 

51 minutes ago, SixPointer said:

Warlock has it right!

I stand as a humble example to you all

[SixPointer]

21 hours ago, warlock said:

I stand as a humble example to you all

One can only dream 

[SixPointer]

Must say I’ve enjoyed my holiday in Greece and it may inspire a little Greek save on FM24.

With the announcement of positional play, anyone who has followed me for a while and my tactical styles will know just how exciting that is for me.

I hadn’t intended to get it or write about it as work is going to take over my life in Africa as of mid November but I’ve had some news it may push back till January!!! 

[karanhsingh]

Wow what a phenomenal way to win the Champions League and end the curse! Just caught up on the last (several) updates mate, amazing stuff! Been a thoroughly enjoyable read

[SixPointer]

13 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Wow what a phenomenal way to win the Champions League and end the curse! Just caught up on the last (several) updates mate, amazing stuff! Been a thoroughly enjoyable read

Thanks bro! Back from holiday today. So back to it tomorrow try get this thing challenge put to bed 

[13th Man]

Great progress while I was away from FM! CL victory for Benfica is massive.  What’s next in the challenge? You have enough time?

[SixPointer]

11 hours ago, 13th Man said:

Great progress while I was away from FM! CL victory for Benfica is massive.  What’s next in the challenge? You have enough time?

I need three more league titles before I open up the next stage. I think the only chance I’ve got of making it. Is doing yearly updates 

[Hootieleece]

I think that you need to have a stadium named after you as well! 

 

Every preseason in Austria, Schalke04 has been playing matches in Ernst Happel Stadion.

[Carambau]

3 hours ago, SixPointer said:

I need three more league titles before I open up the next stage. I think the only chance I’ve got of making it. Is doing yearly updates 

Yeah thats what I ended up with in many career updates here. Sometimes its just too much to go into detail and then you resort to those seasonal updates (which I think is totally fine , hope to read more here from you soon ) 

[Deisler26]

Glad to see you back!

[SixPointer]

19 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

I think that you need to have a stadium named after you as well! 

 

Every preseason in Austria, Schalke04 has been playing matches in Ernst Happel Stadion.

I’ll try my best!

18 hours ago, Carambau said:

Yeah thats what I ended up with in many career updates here. Sometimes its just too much to go into detail and then you resort to those seasonal updates (which I think is totally fine , hope to read more here from you soon ) 

I’m 100% resorting to it. Even trying to get back into the flow of playing yesterday was tricky. I lost two of the the first 5 games, so getting back into writing I think I’ll do year by year. I need to try and get this thing out to bed.

17 hours ago, Deisler26 said:

Glad to see you back!

Thanks man. I’ll need to try catch up on everyone else’s updates as well. Feel like I’ve missed a lot! 

[SixPointer]

Season is finally over the line. A full year of update will probably take me a couple of days to put together.

With the news that saves carry over into FM24 and the fact I have a hectic work schedule commencing at the start of December for 4-6 months. The challenge is very much Alive as I will just carry it over until December when I leave for Africa. 

[SixPointer]

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall......

My first attempt at a full season write up, so bare with me as I try to find the perfect balance of capturing the right amount of info without going overboard. My aim is to simplify the update to help increase speed of play while not making the update bland.

Transfers 2030/31

Lucas the young brazilian wonderkid was the biggest departure of the summer, sold for a whopping 45 million euros with potential of 72 million in total. A huge profit considering he was bought for 1.5 million the previous year, he was outstanding and i can see why Arsenal UCL runner up have moved for him. He wouldn't need replacing with Simon Diallo returning from a loan spell the sale is covered.

Daniel Martinez left for 14.5 million profit, Ronaldo Leites left after falling out with Franz about an improved contract, he was sold for 16 million euros worth of profit. Originally he was covered but Granelli damaged his cruciate ligaments and Franca was still recovering from his broken leg.

Miggy Silvério arrived for 37 million euros from Vitroia Gumaires, he hadn't been prolific there by any stretch and was under performing. Franz liked the look of him and felt he was being deployed wrong and would make a great false 9. Franz was vindicated as he scored 32 goals and topped the clubs scoring charts, hitting hat tricks on both his league and champions league debuts, winning young player of the year in the league and Uefa young player.

Franz identified both wingback slots as areas for vast improvement, the big summer signing was Tino Livramento from relegated Southampton activating his relegation release clause of 40 million. An elite full back he would prove to be a bargain at that price, gaining recognition as the signing of the season. He set up 17 goals, scored 2 and had an average rating of 7.31, rarely did the Englishmen not perform.

Raffaele Donati was added to the left side, the Italian cost half of what Tino did. While it took him a little longer to settle in Lisbon he still supplied 9 goals and scored one himself, he averaged 7.09. He broke into the national side being capped 7 times, he is now attracting the attention of Real Madrid.

Over the full season we turned a 10 million profit, there were a few younger signings most loaned back out, which I am sure we will hear more of in the future. The last big sale came in January as Walter Caceres fell out with Franz about not being played RB even though he was playing RWB and actually pushing Tino. He was sold to Genk for 23 million, a nice 16 million profit.

Again Franz seemed to be flawless in the market, turning a profit, getting the best out of an under performing Miggy and helping him realize his potential. Added real quality in Tino, who helped take the right hand side of attack to the next level.

Youth Graduates

Benfica is a team renowned for its player development. Franz is already bearing fruits from the promotion of Jose Dias to the first team, twice under 21 player of the year. Palmeirim is of course another who achieved godlike status last year after his champions league final heroics, which led to him becoming European Golden Boy. He added another 20 goals this season as well.

This is something Franz is keen to continue progressing, and the two players this year would be Ruben Caramajo, who perhaps at 20 years old felt his time had passed him by, he finished the season with 16 direct goal involvements. The fact he managed to break in and make any sort of effect with the array of talent in the forward positions is quite the statement. Is he world class no, there will be a doubt about it but he's doubled in price and looks like someone who can outperform what's expected of him.

Olívio Durâo looks like another one to follow in the footsteps of Dias and Palmeirim. Already the youngest super cup player, the young defensive mid already boasts some tremendous qualities. You can see his progression as well from this 15 year old to what he is now.

He finished the season with 17 appearances (12 as sub) he scored his first goal for the club, and set up three goals while averaging 7.07. at 17 it's quite the breakthrough into what is one of the most successful Benfica teams ever, i think next season he will play a huge part. He has some real competition for places with Lavia, Rodrigues but I feel like he has the ability to push them both.

With the squads covered lets get right into the season.

Season 2030/31

Its safe to say this Benfica team led by Franz Scheimer will go down as one of the greatest Benfica teams of all time. They regained the Liga Portugal, retained the Allianz cup, Taca de Placard and the Champions League. Had they won the Super cup and Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira it would have been a clean sweep.

Normally i like to build up to these moments but lets work backwards this time.

The traditional curtain raiser went to Braga, who continued to inflict pain on Franz's Benfica side. They would again start the season in great form, with a superb strikeforce they looked to be up for the challenge again and winning the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira sent them on their way.

AC Milan took home the UEFA Super Cup, in an incredible encounter. Ironically they beat us in a penalty shootout, something that provided us a feeling that we didn't want to feel for the rest of the season and would put us in good stead for future moments from 12 yards.

Allianz Cup (League Cup)

The league cup was the first of a famous four trophies to land, and land in some style with a 9-0 demolition of Portimonense. For the second year running Portimonense fell short at the last hurdle, Benfica on the other hand made it three Allianz cups in a row.

Liga Portugal

The red half of Lisbon rejoiced as the league title return to the Estadio da Luz. Winning it by four points from the classic rival Porto. If Benfica's historic season wasn't bad enough for the green half of Lisbon they fell to sixth place, and by some distance and were lucky in the end. It signals further decline after four fourth place finishes.

Famalicao were the surprise package and actually led the way in the beginning as did Vitoria de Guimaraes, each of them inflicted defeats on us, as did Porto and Gil Vicente. In-fact the early season was anything but plain sailing, we didn't actually hit the front until the turn of the year, with Braga leading the way into the new year, only just.

The title race would go right down to the wire, with Porto and Benfica neck and neck with five games to play. Porto did flop instantly losing 3-1 at Vitoria de Guimaraes, to give Benfica the upperhand. However a 2-0 defeat at home to Famalicao stirred the pot once more and brought us back down to earth.

Porto drew two of their last three games, but the pivotal moment came in the Lisbon derby on the second last game of the season. Benfica were 1-0 up before being reduced to ten men for a shocking two foot tackle from Lavia. Sporting equalized six minutes later. They went for broke and it played into Franz hands, as we broke in behind them three times to take a massive leap towards the title.

An emphatic  8-1 final day victory ensured the party got under way in style. This is my favorite title across the whole save. We faced some early adversity, we had some surprise challengers and a full blown title race against an historic rival, with  our local derby playing a huge part in the end.

UEFA Champions League

Retaining the Champions League is right up there with my biggest achievements. Ironically the last time Benfica won it and the curse was cast they also retained it, 1961/61 & 1961/62.

No one can have any complaints about our route to the trophy taking out some huge scalps. Starting by qualifying in 5th place from our league phase. Only losing away from home to Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.

Onto the knockout round and we were fortunate to leave Munich with only a 1 goal deficit to turn around, thanks to the heroics of Nikolay Kosev who at the time was on a run of record equaling 9 clean sheets in a row, having displaced Dennis Siemen with his incredible form.

The second leg was a whole different story, Devastating Bayern Munich the German powerhouse 6-1 is simply breathtaking stuff. Such a ruthless and clinical performance, scoring six goals from an XG of 1.96, In the early stages Bayern looked up to the task, bouncing back from our early goal, but once we got ahead again there was no stopping us. Nagelsman himself knew they deserved nothing.

Pep and Manchester City were up next. The first leg was all Benfica, how the game finished only 1-0 is beyond me. We dominated the game and restricted Man City to only four shots none of which hit the target. Hidalgo eventually found the back of the net, Haaland had one ruled out but at this stage i felt hard done by and that we should be going to the Etihad with a more comfortable lead.

The second leg was a very even match, both teams had their moments and both found the back of the net. Badiashile was at the heart of two goals, his slack pass cost City but he made up for it to take the match to pens. Tezgel missed and we produced perfect penalties to send us into the semi final.

Not only were we up against a great side and arguably the greatest manager of all time, the ref was very extremely harsh on us as we tacked up 30 fouls.

A famous 3-1 in the Santiago Bernabéu. 1-0 down after a minute i thought the wheels were about to fall off, but Fonseca made up fro his early mistake by heading home a corner to level 6 minutes later.

The game was even stevens until the second half when substitutes Tino Livarmento, Carlos Rodriguez and Rui Mendes made all the difference. The squad depth proved absolutely crucial especially fighting on four fronts.

The second leg finished 1-0 as we just did enough to seal our place in the final. Not our greatest performance but beating over Real Madrid the kings of Europe over two legs is always impressive.

We took on the eight time winners Liverpool in the final, who had lifted the trophy the previous two finals before we won last year. Knowing their European pedigree it was always going to be a tough match. The teams host some of the best names in European football, a standout mention to Antonio Silva who had started his Career in Lisbon and would now be up against his boyhood club.

Liverpool took the lead after some good work from Declan Rice down the left then picking out an unmarked Nico on the edge of the box, he finished well and Franz blew his top. Such an avoidable goal. We hit the post twice on 20 & 27 minutes both through Giovane and I feared the worst.

However It was 1-1 before the half ended, that man Palmeirim was at it again scoring in another European Cup final. Latching on to a sloppy pass in the Liverpool box as the press pays off. The second half both sides looked like they didn't want to lose, in extra time Benfica looked the more likely of the two to win. In the end it would be settled from 12 yards.

Dennis Seimen was the hero, saving Liverpool's first penalty from Kessie and Declan Rice's who was fourth. Three perfect penalties from Benfica meant if Franca scored we would remain champions of Europe, he did just that. I spoke about the penalties in the UEFA super cup standing us in good stead to not lose again and City and Liverpool have paid the price.

Taça de Portugal (FA Cup)

The quadruple was sealed on the final day of the season, running out 3-1 winners in a Clasico final against Porto. Unlike the league cup we had to beat both the big clubs on our run in, smashing our local rivals Sporting CP 5-0 a real highlight on the road to the final.

Famalicao gave us a scare taking us to extra time, we eventually ran out 4-2 winners. The recently relegated Estrela da Amadora SAD were brushed aside in the two legged semi final to set up the Clasico final. We now reign supreme not only in Europe this year but also domestically.

Summary

With the release of FM24 I now plan to carry the save over into that and complete this challenge. In order to complete stage four we need one more league title with Benfica! I will see you on FM24 for hopefully just that!

[Rikulec]

Two in a row, top work mate. 

[SixPointer]

2 hours ago, Rikulec said:

Two in a row, top work mate. 

Thanks man. Looking forward to taking it on further in FM24

[Lestri]

Excited to see how it goes in FM24!

[Hootieleece]

Congratulations on your Victory!

What other parts of the Challenge do you have to finish?

 

 

[Carambau]

Thats how you do it, mate  Congratulations!

[warlock]

Magnificent season 

[13th Man]

Wow!  Wow wow wow!

Repeat in the CL with Benfica.  It's a good side with resources, but still.  Agree that it has to be one of the biggest achievements.

[SixPointer]

15 hours ago, Lestri said:

Excited to see how it goes in FM24!

I’ve spent today sorting all the graphic packs and things like that so should be ready to go tomorrow.

14 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Congratulations on your Victory!

What other parts of the Challenge do you have to finish?

 

 

Thanks dude 

We have one more league title in Portugal. Then that opens stage five. Which consists of two league titles, one domestic cup and champions league. This is with a team in a 4+ star league. 

14 hours ago, Carambau said:

Thats how you do it, mate  Congratulations!

 

14 hours ago, warlock said:

Magnificent season 

Thanks guys! It’s all come together nicely in the end after a shaky start!

8 hours ago, 13th Man said:

Wow!  Wow wow wow!

Repeat in the CL with Benfica.  It's a good side with resources, but still.  Agree that it has to be one of the biggest achievements.

It’s definitely up there, especially when you consider the teams in the knock out phase. Bayern, City, Real and Liverpool. Yes we needed penalties twice but I still think we bossed those games.

Think next season on the FM24 engine will be a test as not sure how there 343 will play out but am looking forward to the challenge 

[rich ruzzian]

What a season. Interesting to see where you do end up when it is time for stage 5. 

[SixPointer]

15 hours ago, rich ruzzian said:

What a season. Interesting to see where you do end up when it is time for stage 5. 

Thanks man! Am halfway through the season now. It would take a serious collapse in form to not win the league and open stage five! 

[SixPointer]

I have to say. Am really enjoying FM 24.

The new graphics are brilliant. Players move a lot more like they should, goals look more like goals should 🤣.

I have only dipped my toes into the new set piece creator and as you would imagine my passion for this area I’m over the moon. I was worried my old corner ideas wouldn’t carry over it’s safe to say they do.

As for selling players thank god they have finally done work on it. Much better.

I haven’t played with any new roles having carried my save over I stuck with my old system. But what is clear is my wing backs act so much better and as for my VOLANTE it works exactly as I want!

I do however feel am exploiting the AI managers with my front three and two AF’s as most now use inverted full backs or wing backs. Which leaves me a huge amount of space for AF in the transition phase. 

[Hootieleece]

Even though I am playing a new save for career updates. I have played a few matches with Jester's Schalke04 and they play more fluidly definitely.

[DavidBeckham]

2 hours ago, SixPointer said:

I have to say. Am really enjoying FM 24.

The new graphics are brilliant. Players move a lot more like they should, goals look more like goals should 🤣.

I have only dipped my toes into the new set piece creator and as you would imagine my passion for this area I’m over the moon. I was worried my old corner ideas wouldn’t carry over it’s safe to say they do.

As for selling players thank god they have finally done work on it. Much better.

I haven’t played with any new roles having carried my save over I stuck with my old system. But what is clear is my wing backs act so much better and as for my VOLANTE it works exactly as I want!

I do however feel am exploiting the AI managers with my front three and two AF’s as most now use inverted full backs or wing backs. Which leaves me a huge amount of space for AF in the transition phase. 

Fantastic end to FM 2023 and looking forward to your start in FM 2024!  

On the new game, do you find yourself at a disadvantage if you don’t use inverted FB/WBs too? I’m hesitant to switch back to the traditional wing backs as I’m afraid that we will start to concede goals!

[SixPointer]

2 hours ago, DavidBeckham said:

Fantastic end to FM 2023 and looking forward to your start in FM 2024!  

On the new game, do you find yourself at a disadvantage if you don’t use inverted FB/WBs too? I’m hesitant to switch back to the traditional wing backs as I’m afraid that we will start to concede goals!

I use wing backs, but in the WB strata with a back three behind. So I can’t really comment on using the new roles. But I have no issues with the traditional ones. Infact there lethal for getting to the byline and getting cut backs. 

[SixPointer]

Season is finished will be starting the right up today.

First season in the FM24 match engine and I really can’t help but feel my tactical system is extremely overpowered.

I managed to play every game on key highlights, I only ever changed players and mentality throughout the season and i broke all sorts of records. Granted I have a great team but no greater than previous seasons on FM23 where it was much more hard fought and I had to be tactically aware. 

[13th Man]

I’m wondering if those of us who focused so much on movement will be ‘overpowered’ with the FM24 improvements in these areas. I know I’m always trying to encourage certain movements and shapes through use of player traits with role combinations etc etc, so if the players are ‘smarter’ now it might be extra devastating?

Unless you’ve just put together a truly dominant team? 

[SixPointer]

6 minutes ago, 13th Man said:

I’m wondering if those of us who focused so much on movement will be ‘overpowered’ with the FM24 improvements in these areas. I know I’m always trying to encourage certain movements and shapes through use of player traits with role combinations etc etc, so if the players are ‘smarter’ now it might be extra devastating?

Unless you’ve just put together a truly dominant team? 

I really think you have hit the nail on the head. I have been trying to play positional play for may years now. Overloads and 1v1s with a limited match engine, now the match engine is capable of it perhaps it’s made it really overpowering.

A good example is the Volante role. The season previously you’re lucky if the players hit double figures between them. The two players who have rotated in that position have 25 goals between them. Along with 20 assists. The role now truly acts how I wanted it too and makes use of the space I create for it.

[13th Man]

Makes me both want to switch over to FM24, and not at the same time. Especially as the VOL is a key role in my system…

[SixPointer]

13 minutes ago, 13th Man said:

Makes me both want to switch over to FM24, and not at the same time. Especially as the VOL is a key role in my system…

I’m glad a did. Because I think they have really done well with it. When a leave Benfica for the next stage I will find out if it’s overpowered or a really good team.

The graphics are a lot better the way players move etc, and the set play creator is my favourite addition in years 

[Rikulec]

As someone who uses a 4-3-3 that becomes a 3-2-5 in attack I can confirm that it seems a bit overpowered. This particular setup with two IWBs and two Mezzalas on attack duty did however work very well and was just as strong on FM23 too.

[SixPointer]

42 minutes ago, Rikulec said:

As someone who uses a 4-3-3 that becomes a 3-2-5 in attack I can confirm that it seems a bit overpowered. This particular setup with two IWBs and two Mezzalas on attack duty did however work very well and was just as strong on FM23 too.

I think my flat front three with two AF’s just exploit the AI and there inverted roles. Catching them out of position in the transition. 

[SixPointer]

When you go out, go out with a bang...

This will be my final update from my time at Benfica, it's safe to say it's been a success, in fact it's maybe one of my greatest successes in FM in terms of trophy haul. Like I said, the switch to FM24 I have enjoyed, but I really do think I have been exposing the AI tactical systems.

Transfers 2031/32

Business was highly profitable this year, shrewd signings replaced some big outgoings. Franz once again showed he is a high class when it comes to recruiting the right players.

One thing he has stuck to throughout his career is if a player doesn't want to play for him they aren't kept around, also if a fair price is offered he often leaves it to the player to decide, offering them a improved deal but leaving the ball in their court.

Saudi money flowed into Lisbon, Franca and Donati leaving for a combined total of 174 million euros an astonishing 138 million profit after both players had signed for 18 million piece. Granted the inflated money from the middle east played a big part nevertheless sublime business for the club, very Benfica.

Kosev wanted assurance that he would become first choice. I foolishly opted for Seimen, who huffed and puffed until January when I loaned him to Real Madrid. Kosev had departed and made the club 36 million in the process having signed for 4 million.

Incoming was Max Hesse, a young countryman off Franz who he has been keeping an eye on. Eventually he became the clubs new number one. He had a solid first season in the big time, 16 clean sheets, prevented an expected 7.10 goals and made 82% of his expected 84% of saves.

Rui Mendes was a tough one to take. I had nurtured him into a solid anchorman ready to take the place of Danilo in the coming season, but once Real Madrid came knocking he was upset and I knocked back a 40 million bid. I agreed that if the club got fifty he could leave.

The exact same thing happened with Miggy Silverio, i made him the player he was in one season and he wanted out as soon as Real came. I turned down 32 million and was holding out for 40 but it never came, angered by someone whose career I had turned around I transfer listed him and accepted a loss of investment totaling to six million.

Andric, Dego, Martim, Caramujo all wanted first team football and again i couldnt provide that for them. The club profited a huge 66 million on our original investments not to shabby from a host of squad players.

Petr Hranoš is without a shadow of doubt the signing of the season. Joining for 4.8 million Euros from Slovacko he arrived in Lisbon as a tricky right winger.

Fast forward a season and he is the winner of the Next Gen 50, he's scored 20 goals in all competitions and has been transformed by Franz into a potent striker. It's another masterclass from Franz finding value in eastern european strikers, like Kulenkovic at SV Ried or Milosevic at Standard Liege.

A couple of Portuguese legends returned back to the country of their birth. Diogo Jota arrived on a free from Liverpool where he had won two champions leagues. At 35 years of age it would be his swan song final season, however he did not arrive to relax, notching 16 goals in 18 starts, he did become somewhat of a supersub

Bernardo Silva arrived in January before his retirement back to where it all began, again he provided big moments from the subs bench, with 13 direct goal involvements at the age of 37. He felt like a real Benfica touch bringing back a former player to finish their career.

Esquerdinha and Pancadas would come in the winter window to help provide competition at wingback both had reasonable seasons but both found it hard to displace Livramento and Fratta. Diaz and Morabito are also wing backs but are more ones for the future.

Season 2031/2032

Another quadruple for Franz and Benfica. Although I am not sure you can count the UEFA super cup as the same as the Portuguese FA cup like last season. Three Champions league in a row, joining the likes of Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Liverpool and Barcelona as teams to win three in a row.

The League title opens up stage five, moving to a four star league and trying to win two league titles, domestic cup and the Champions league. I'm not sure where i'll go or what sort of club i will take, perhaps someone in need of a rebuild giving me a little project, seeing as i'm in no rush to start an official FM 24 save now.

My issue with a project is a three time champions league winning manager going to drop down to anyone less than the likes of Real and Barcelona. The plan will be to resign and see what happens. The time at Benfica now sees me leapfrog the great Ernst Happel himself in terms of the Austrian hall of fame.

FA Cup

Our great city rivals stopped us from going one better this year and making it five. They beat us on penalties in the sixth round, and went on to win the trophy, their first FA cup since 2019 and their first trophy in five years. A bitter way to lose it, especially after everything else falling into place perfectly.

League Cup

Won with a little fuss, 5-0 in the final against Braga who caused us problems in previous seasons shows how much we habe imporved and matured as a team. In total we scored fithteen goals and concedd only three. 

UEFA Champions League

Qualified in 7th place from our league phase, Man City and Newcastle inflicting defeats while Turkish side Trabzonspor took points off us as well in a draw. In truth I had the domestic league as the priority, we needed that for the next stage of the challenge. It was only after that was won the UCL took precedence.

The knockout stages we had an epic battle with Napoli, both teams going all out to outscore each other. Dortmund were disposed of in a relatively easy manner winning the home leg 4-0 allowed us breathing space for the second leg. Real Madrid will be sick of the sight of us, but my god what a battle and a great spectacle. 13 goals scored across two legs, and we almost threw it away in the second leg.

Winning our third title against a familiar foe in Arsenal who we beat in the final two years ago. 

Arsenal were the better side in all truth, and our hero from last time was missing as was Lavia. The game would go to penalties unlike the previous final. Jota and Silva stepped up and led the way with their experience and netted, the pressure got to Arsenal who missed. Pancadas, the young Portugese right back, slammed home followed by club captain Morato. Argentinian player of the year Hidalgo wasn't missing!

Premier league

As you can see our league season was nothing short of breathtaking.

100 points is a new record, which of course most wins goes along with. The most goals in a single season was smashed, a record that had stood for over a century 145 compared to the previous 123. Invincible again, but even more impressively we only dropped points in one match, in the Lisbon derby of all games!

A new message that I really like from FM24, helps give a quick overview of the season.

As you would expect when come out on top of pretty much everything good. Expected to score 3.41 and showed our clinical edge by scoring 4.26 per game. Expected 0.72 and our keeper did his job and only conceded 0.58.

Yes yes yes the big one i was very interested in, set piece goals, we scored an incredible 33 goals, with 19 coming from the corners, 13 from indirect freekicks. I was really worried that my set plays wouldn't carry over into the new engine, especially with the whole new creation module, thankfully my ideas still translate into FM24.

I would also say they did a great job adding the feature: it's a lot more clean and the fact it's not tedious to set up. Changing formations or personnel doesn't undo everything like previously. It's a huge yes from me and we all know how much I love a set play.

Player Performance

Tino had another stellar season, he is right up there with the best right backs in the world, if not the best. Eleven goals from right wing back shows how attacking that side became, add in the nineteen assists and it's a highly productive season, backed up by his 7.48 average.

Matias Fratta has burst onto the scene, signed last year and loaned back out, the Uruguayan wonderkid supplied 20 assists and he doesn't take any set pieces much like Tino. Even Esquerdinha and Pancadas chipped in when called upon. This is another sign that the system was really effective in FM24, both also made the dream UCL 11.

Our back three is the foundations of everything good, at the heart of that is two academy products in wonderkid Jose Dias and mr consistent Joao Fonseca followed by club captain and legend Morato. Morato and Fonseca scored an impressive 13 and 11 goals, the focal points of all our set plays; they reaped the benefits.

Diallo the french wonderkid and Amundsen the Norwegian wonderkid were rotated in and out when needed. Martinez is also capable but Fonseca and Morato were rarely dropped at the same time.

Romeo Lavia was phenomenal this season, with the loss of Rui Mendes he showed his versatility in covering both roles in the pivot when required. 13 goals and 10 assists one better than Carlos Rodriguez who really established himself this year, in what became a rotating three man midfield.

Danilo plays exclusively as the anchor, but he still chips in. His experience and intelligence are vital in the middle either with Lavia or Carlos. Bernardo got quite the medal haul and retired champion of Europe and Portugal, something special for a special player.

57 direct goal involvements from Giovane are just incredible numbers, he does take set plays as so his numbers are skewed in that sense, but still. Hidalgo also takes corners, but he had his injury problems this year, but incredibly still had 30 goal involvements.

Palmeirim has gone from wonderkid who does it in flashes to the main man, 32 goals in 31 starts and 10 sub appearances. 21 years old he is going to the very, very top if he keeps this up, if three champions league winners medals and goals in two finals isn't the top already.

Granelli was back for his first full season after a horrible injury, the pre season under his belt worked wonders and he also had 30 goal involvements. He was frustrated with game time much like Hidalgo but with the emergence of Petr Hranoš and Jota still packing a punch at 35 the game time was at a premium, if you didn't perform one week you were out the next.

Summary

My time at Benfica is coming to an end. Its mission accomplished and then some.

Three Champions League titles will forever be a highlight to me, As is breaking nearly every league record this season. Arrived at the club in a time of domestic dominance from Porto and leaving the undisputed champions of europe and the invincible champions of Portugal.

What's next, who knows? France, Germany, Italy, Spain or England are the four star leagues.
 

[Hootieleece]

Good Luck! I hope you get a "Sleeping Giant" in one of those big leagues. Even though the thought of you at Barcelona or Bayern has it appeal just to see what kind of tactical wizardry you would do with unlimited budgets and really good players. Even though it would probably be a rerun of your Benefica years.

 

[Rikulec]

What a season and what a transfer window. 

[warlock]

Congratulations! What a fantastic way to wrap up your time at Benfica.

The list of trophies is impressive but... back-to-back invincible seasons? That's miraculous, A testament to tactical nous, ultra-smart squad building and man management.

Well done, that man 

Looking forward to the next chapter.

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, Hootieleece said:

Good Luck! I hope you get a "Sleeping Giant" in one of those big leagues. Even though the thought of you at Barcelona or Bayern has it appeal just to see what kind of tactical wizardry you would do with unlimited budgets and really good players. Even though it would probably be a rerun of your Benefica years.

 

Thanks man. I’ve consider a project but I can’t help but feel the realistic approach is a big hitter. Winning the UCL three times in a row I think it would be an elite club.

1 hour ago, Rikulec said:

What a season and what a transfer window. 

Thanks bud. You can see how I felt it was overpowered though?

36 minutes ago, warlock said:

Congratulations! What a fantastic way to wrap up your time at Benfica.

The list of trophies is impressive but... back-to-back invincible seasons? That's miraculous, A testament to tactical nous, ultra-smart squad building and man management.

Well done, that man 

Looking forward to the next chapter.

Thanks dude! Yeah Benfica is definitely one of the most successful teams I’ve built. Granted they are elite in Portugal from the start. But three UCL is special. 

[Rikulec]

6 minutes ago, SixPointer said:

Thanks bud. You can see how I felt it was overpowered though?

I do. This seems to have been the case with FM for years, whenever a new role is introduced or the tactical module is generally reworked, the new stuff they put in is usually overpowered.

[Lestri]

What a way to sign off at Benfica!

[SixPointer]

8 hours ago, Lestri said:

What a way to sign off at Benfica!

Thanks my man! New job hunting today 🤩

[SixPointer]

17 hours ago, 13th Man said:

I’m wondering if those of us who focused so much on movement will be ‘overpowered’ with the FM24 improvements in these areas. I know I’m always trying to encourage certain movements and shapes through use of player traits with role combinations etc etc, so if the players are ‘smarter’ now it might be extra devastating?

Unless you’ve just put together a truly dominant team? 

@Rikulec I think 13th man makes a great point here.

[SixPointer]

I entered the managerial merry go round once again.

At the time of my resignation the Chelsea job had just become available. Massimo Allegri just won the league with Chelsea but moved to City to replace Pep. Chelsea saw Franz as the main man, but in truth it didn't really excite me. Pep And Massimo change places in the end.

If it was to be England the main attraction would be Man Utd, they still haven't won an EPL title since Alex Ferguson left. Ten Hag is still at the helm but has overseen three 10th place finishes, an 11th place finish and has never finished in the top 4. He did win the Europa League but I still can't believe he is in charge.

Another in England would be Newcastle, my favorite team having some family down there. They have yet to hit the heights under the new regime, it would be a nice task to take them to the next level. gino gattuso is in charge in the north east.

Rennes was another early option, PSG are totally dominant as you would expect but Rennes have been top three a few times and have a team with an abundance of talent. I went for an interview, but then Big Ange took my place in Lisbon and freed up the AC Milan job. This allowed Tuchel to take the Rennes job.

AC piqued my interest. They have won four of the last ten league titles, the last two Scudettos going their way. The big thing that drew me to them was they have not won the champions league since 2007. The only thing was I noticed their interest in Ten Hag and Gattuso, I would really have preferred Man United over anyone.

A host of national managers left or were sacked after the Euros, France, England, Italy and Holland all came calling. Knocking back the France job proved to be a masterstroke.

Zidane has handed in his notice and he is off to take charge of his national side. Zizou had left Real in 2024 to join Napoli where he won the 2026 Champions League. He then joined Arsenal in 2028 but was sacked in 2029 after a poor spell.

He rejoined Real Madrid in 2029, he won back to back doubles but left for France.

The kings of Europe come calling, no surprise after back to back UEFA Champions League.

A few familiar faces meet me there, Simon Diallo has left Benfica and joined before i arrived and Rui Mendes who had left last season.

I'm out on the beer tonight so it will be monday before i get stuck right into the last stage of this journey.

Edited October 28, 2023 by SixPointer

[keeper#1]

The national team openings should create top club openings as the managerial merry-go-around starts to spin.

[SixPointer]

3 minutes ago, keeper#1 said:

The national team openings should create top club openings as the managerial merry-go-around starts to spin.

exactly that my friend, i never meant to post it without who i joined. 

[Hootieleece]

Galacticos For the Win! This should end up a ROFL stomp.

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, Hootieleece said:

Galacticos For the Win! This should end up a ROFL stomp.

It makes sense in the end. Real or Barce or Man United we’re really the only true options.

While Real certainly isn’t a project they do have a few aging stars and of course the demand to win is greater than at any other club. Especially the UCL.

This should really give me a good chance to have the challenge wrapped up in the next 2/3 seasons. All going well that is…..