[FM24] : Glorious Reinvention (The Rebirth Of UC Sampdoria)

[The TurnstileTimes]

On November 6th Football Manager 2024 (FM24) will be released and has a longtime player of the series I have decided to embark on a save with Italian club UC Sampdoria who find themselves a long way from the glory days of the late 80’s and early 90’s.

The club find themselves in Serie B (the second tier of the Italian system) were in real life they are languishing at the wrong end of the table. I have a plan to make them into the number one team in Italy and challenge for European honours but before that there is a lot of work to do and I have put together a plan, which I will detail in my next post, before that though he is a brief overview of The Rise and Fall of the club.

Once upon a time in the vibrant city of Genoa, Italy, there was a football club that captured the hearts of its supporters and created moments of glory that would be etched in the annals of football history. This was the story of Sampdoria FC, a club that experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows.

The Rise:
In the early 1980s, Sampdoria was a relatively modest club in Italian football, competing in Serie A but without much fanfare. However, things were about to change. A visionary president named Paolo Mantovani took the helm of the club, and under his leadership, Sampdoria embarked on a remarkable journey.

Mantovani’s first major move was to appoint Vujadin Boskov as the head coach. Boskov instilled a winning mentality and an attacking style of play that delighted fans. The squad boasted talents like Roberto Mancini, Gianluca Vialli, and Pietro Vierchowod. In the 1984-85 season, Sampdoria won their first-ever Coppa Italia, a sign of things to come.

The real glory arrived in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Sampdoria, led by their inspirational captain Gianluca Vialli, clinched the Serie A title in the 1990-91 season, completing a stunning rise to the top of Italian football. Their journey culminated with a victory in the 1990-91 European Cup Winners’ Cup, where they defeated AS Monaco in the final.

The Fall:
As is often the case with sporting success, maintaining that level proved challenging. Key players began to depart, and financial struggles loomed. Mantovani passed away in 1993, leaving a void that was difficult to fill. Sampdoria’s fortunes took a nosedive.

Relegation to Serie B became a bitter reality, and financial problems plagued the club. Prominent players left for other teams, and the glory days of the early ’90s felt like a distant memory. Despite brief returns to Serie A, Sampdoria struggled to regain their former status.

In the 21st century, the club found themselves bouncing between Serie A and Serie B, unable to replicate the success of their golden era. The stadium that had once roared with the cheers of passionate fans began to echo with disappointment.

The Legacy:
While Sampdoria FC experienced a meteoric rise and a subsequent fall from grace, their legacy endures. The memories of those magical moments in the early ’90s still warm the hearts of their loyal supporters. The club’s blue and white colors continue to be proudly worn by fans who remember the days when Sampdoria conquered Italy and Europe.

Football is a cycle of highs and lows, and Sampdoria’s story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of the game and the love of the supporters remain undying. The rise and fall of Sampdoria FC is a testament to the enduring passion and unpredictable nature of football.

The Tribute:

In loving memory of Gianluca Vialli, a football legend and an inspiration to us all. Gianluca’s passing in January of this year left a void in the world of sports that can never be filled. His courageous battle against pancreatic cancer since 2017 showcased his unwavering determination and strength.

As a player, Gianluca Vialli graced the football pitch with elegance and skill. His contributions to Italian football and beyond were nothing short of remarkable. From his time with Sampdoria, where he achieved success in Serie A and the UEFA Cup, to his pivotal role at Juventus, where he won numerous trophies, Gianluca left an indelible mark on the sport.

But it wasn’t just his on-field prowess that made Gianluca Vialli special; it was his charisma, leadership, and sportsmanship that endeared him to fans worldwide. His leadership both on and off the field, particularly during his time as Chelsea’s player-manager, exemplified his passion for the beautiful game.

Beyond football, Gianluca’s resilience in the face of pancreatic cancer served as an inspiration to countless individuals battling the same disease. He never shied away from sharing his journey, offering hope and raising awareness about this devastating illness.

Though Gianluca Vialli may have left us physically, his legacy lives on in the hearts of football enthusiasts and cancer survivors alike. He will forever be remembered as a true sportsman, a fighter, and a beacon of hope. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli, you will always be cherished and never forgotten.

Check back soon for the next part of Glorious Reinvention when I will be outlying my Philosophy.

Edited October 3, 2023 by The TurnstileTimes
Update title

[The TurnstileTimes]

FM24 : Glorious Reinvention (The Rebirth Of UC Sampdoria) Part Two : The Philosophy

On FM24 I will be taking charge of Italian club UC Sampdoria with the aim of taking the club back to the top of the game using a philosophy based on both Ajax Amsterdam and FC Barcelona.

The club find themselves in Serie B after a woeful campaign that saw the club rooted to the bottom of Serie A with just 19 points, just 3 wins scoring just 24 goals whilst conceding 74.

I am looking forward to the release of the new game after having somewhat of a long lay off from the game from around January of the FM23 cycle occasionally loading the game up and staring at the screen hopelessly trying to find a save that would get me back in to the game but after several failed attempts I decided to recharge my FM batteries and wait for FM24 to be announced.

I have got to say that the announcement and features that have been showcased so far have got me looking forward to the new game cycle with a plan in mind.

Playing Style:

Possession-based Football: Emulate Ajax and Barcelona by focusing on ball retention and intricate passing.
High Pressing: Apply intense pressing when out of possession to regain the ball quickly.
Attacking Full-backs: Encourage full-backs to overlap and contribute to the attack.
Versatile Midfielders: Develop midfielders capable of controlling the game, both defensively and offensively.

Backroom Staff:

Continually look to improve the quality of the clubs backroom staff building a team that match the clubs philosophy.

Recruitment Philosophy:

Priority on Under-23 Italian Players: Sign young, promising Italian talents as a core strategy.
Scouting Network: Establish a robust scouting network across Italy to identify hidden gems.
Homegrown Talent: Promote youth academy products whenever possible.
Exceptional Non-Italian Talent: Consider non-Italian players if they offer exceptional quality or fill specific positional needs.

Youth Development:

State-of-the-Art Academy: Invest in top-notch youth facilities and coaching staff.
Youth Progression: Ensure a clear pathway for youth prospects into the first team.
Mentorship Program: Pair young talents with experienced players to foster development.

Financial Outlook:

Prudent Spending: Maintain a strict budget, avoiding excessive spending on transfers or wages.
Financial Sustainability: Operate within the club’s means to prevent financial instability.

Yearly Plan:

Year 1-2: Focus on gaining Promotion from SerievB , giving playing time to young talents when possible
Year 3-4 Establish the club in Serie A, targeting mid-table stability by nurturing the squad’s develo
Year 5-6: Begin European qualification push, targeting UEFA competitions.
Year 7-10: Challenge for Serie A title and Coppa Italia, with a focus on youth development.
Beyond Year 10: Aim for European glory, while maintaining a strong youth pipeline.

Remembering that patience and a long-term vision will be crucial to building a sustainable, successful club in the image of Ajax and Barcelona. Developing young Italian talents and integrating them into the first team will be the key to achieving my goals while maintaining financial stability.

Thanks for reading and hope you return to see how the save develops. 

[TelcontarTargaryen]

My favourite clubs in Italy are the fallen or the sleeping giants, Parma, Fiorentina and Sampdoria. Will follow this one for sure.

[The TurnstileTimes]

On 03/10/2023 at 11:24, TelcontarTargaryen said:

My favourite clubs in Italy are the fallen or the sleeping giants, Parma, Fiorentina and Sampdoria. Will follow this one for sure.

Yes 3 special clubs you named. I was debating between Samp and Parma before going for Sampdoria. 

[bigmattb28]

Love a good Sampdoria save. Following.

[The TurnstileTimes]

On 04/10/2023 at 15:25, bigmattb28 said:

Love a good Sampdoria save. Following.

Cheers I am looking forward to getting underway with Samp on the new game 

[SanTullo]

I will be following. I prefer samp' over Genoa anyways!

[The TurnstileTimes]

Been a while since I have done a save in Italy and was debating between Sampdoria and Parma, two clubs who bring back fond memories of my time watching the Italian game back in the 90's. I think a Sampdoria project on FM24 will be interesting following the philosophy that I have wrote above in the second post. 

[The TurnstileTimes]

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