Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Tuesday 23rd October 2035 Feyenoord (The Netherlands) v Viking (Norway) UEFA Champions League League Path -- -- -- We learnt a harsh lesson today. You have to take your chances at this level otherwise you get punished. We were all over Feyenoord in the opening 20 minutes, created plenty of chances, but didn't get any of them on target. Then 24 minutes in, with their first attack of any note, Feyenoord win a corner and score from it with a near post header. At half time we made three substitutions. To be fair to Feyenoord, they stepped it up after the break and doubled their lead after 59 minutes. We made another substitution then and changed to more of an Attacking mentality and shape. On 79 minutes, Bill Freeman's free-kick hit the top of the bar on its way over and that was as close as we got, other than a couple of shots that were comfortable for Tommy Setford to save. Overall I can't fault the effort and commitment, I thought we played well for the most part, but we didn't have our shooting boots on and Feyenoord did. -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Saturday 27th October 2035 Eliteserien Result -- -- Sunday's Preview Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) Preview - Rosenborg (home) Eliteserien -- Spoiler -- Spoiler -- We've played Rosenborg twice this season already, both away in Lerkendal within three days of each other in June. First was the Eliteserien match, a tight affair which we had the better of and won by the only goal of the game scored by Joakim Berg Nundal. But three days later, Rosenborg knocked us out in the fourth round of Cupen in a match we all want to get out of our system as we were very disappointed with the manner of our defeat. 2-0 up at half-time and in total control through goals by Henrique Araújo and Bill Freeman, Edvin Austbø saw red early in the second half, Rosenborg had levelled it by 90 minutes and, after a goalless extra-time, Rosenborg won the penalty shootout. Despite their poor Eliteserien form, Rosenborg have made it to Cupen Final where they will play Odds Ballklubb. Rosenborg would have started the season with ambitions of European qualification so will be bitterly disappointed to find themselves 15th with four matches to play, one point off the Playout spot and three points off safety. Rosenborg are on their second manager of the season and find themselves in a worse league position now than they were when they sacked Magnus Powell. Both our previous encounters this season were with Magnus in charge so today is the first time we've faced Rasmus Bertelsen's Rosenborg. Spoiler Isak Vural is a very good player and we'll have to keep a close eye on him today. Spoiler It's too early to say, on that one. Peter Vesterbekkmo is out of contract at the end of the season but he wants to stay. We're currently in talks with Peter's agent. Assuming Peter signs his new contract, we'll assess him in pre-season when he returns from his loan at Sandnes Ulf, where he's been playing very well, and make a decision on his 2036 season then. We have a Champions mentality and we're going to be professional and play like Champions in an attempt to win every remaining game this season. -- Expected Line-up -- Edited September 12 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BML Posted September 12 Share Posted September 12 As we discussed before your commitment to the league is commendable, I'd be resting everyone either side of Champions League games at this point (probably sooner based on your lead) to give me the best chance of getting something from those games and the money/rep that comes with it. RE: What to do with the save - if you're enjoying it at Viking, why leave? As you've said before you're not the dominant club in the country (yet) and the Champions League is obviously another level of competition, so you have room to grow and heights yet to reach. However, with no international management in FM25, if the opportunity arises you really should take the Norway job. Once you have had your fill, you could stroll into Odd without the pressure of playing 'your' Viking side and the added benefit of the league being more 'level' due to no human involvement for 4/8/12 seasons. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Sunday 28th October 2035 Viking (1st) v Rosenborg (15th) Eliteserien -- -- -- This game just goes to prove that there's no easy games in Eliteserien. I thought Rosenborg were a credit to themselves and their manager Rasmus Bertelsen... if anything, they worked harder than our players did. The first half was very cagey with very few chances. Bill Freeman thought he'd given us the lead on 29 minutes but he was a yard offside. We made two substitutions at half time. After the break we were much better and Rosenborg hardly got the ball out of their own half. We created plenty of chances but, just like against Feyenoord in midweek, we didn't have our shooting boots on. On 72 minutes we went more Attacking. Late on, Roberto Heitinga (7.4) made a fantastic save low down by the post to keep out Joakim Berg Nundal's powerful downward header. On the bench, we thought Joakim had scored and that kind of summed up our day. -- Evening Result Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) 50 minutes ago, BML said: As we discussed before your commitment to the league is commendable, I'd be resting everyone either side of Champions League games at this point (probably sooner based on your lead) to give me the best chance of getting something from those games and the money/rep that comes with it. This season I'm inclined to agree with you, @BML. Our remaining three Eliteserien matches are against Molde who look set to finish in the European qualification places, Sandnes Ulf who are unlikely to make the top five, and Lillestrøm who are currently in the Playout position. There's two or three players I definitely want to give playing time to so that I can assess if they are ready to step up next season. 50 minutes ago, BML said: RE: What to do with the save - if you're enjoying it at Viking, why leave? I am enjoying it at Viking... absolutely loving it to be perfectly honest. 50 minutes ago, BML said: As you've said before you're not the dominant club in the country (yet) and the Champions League is obviously another level of competition, so you have room to grow and heights yet to reach. That's the thing, I may - and I use that word may very lightly - but I may be on the verge of turning Viking into the dominant club force in Norway if we can use this season (15 points clear with three to play) as a springboard to continue this season's form into next season and beyond... but, whilst we are competitive in Europe, Europa League more so than Champions League, there's clearly some way to go before we're seriously challenging to win European club silverware. 50 minutes ago, BML said: However, with no international management in FM25, if the opportunity arises you really should take the Norway job. Once you have had your fill, you could stroll into Odd without the pressure of playing 'your' Viking side and the added benefit of the league being more 'level' due to no human involvement for 4/8/12 seasons. That's my thinking as well, BML, and right now I think this save (still on FM24) will continue into the FM25 cycle as my Career Update save (very much like @Punch is doing with his [FM23] Another Island Life - Green Lion Pride - A Guernsey FC Youth Story update on here) whilst probably playing a private save or two on FM25. Managing Norway is something Stuni Stuniverse would love to do but if Kjetil Knutsen wants to stay on beyond the European Championship for the 2038 World Cup then it could be at least three more seasons before the Norway job is available. And, of course, there's Stuni Stuniverse's dream job of managing Odds Ballklubb, the team he's supported all his life. Not to mention the unexpecgted.... after all Viking have a new Chairperson and we're still forming a working relationship although, from my perspective, it's been positive so far. So, yes, I think there's a lot more mileage left in my Norwegian Adventure. Edited September 12 by Stuniverse 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Wednesday 31st October 2035 Viking U19s Finish Runners-Up -- Nasjonal G19 Serie -- -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Thursday 1st November 2035 Episode 166 - Retained Our Eliteserien Crown "Viking First Team Squad" -- News Spoiler -- Appearances -- Reports -- Players Out on Loan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Thursday 1st November 2035 Episode 166 - Retained Our Eliteserien Crown "Månedens Awards" -- Månedens Trener -- Månedens Spiller Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Thursday 1st November 2035 Episode 166 - Retained Our Eliteserien Crown "Monthly Review" -- Results -- Board Confidence -- Supporter Confidence -- Finances -- Dynamics Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Thursday 1st November 2035 Until Next Time... ... when we play two more Eliteserien matches, and... ... another two UEFA Champions League League Path matches, plus... ... we'll see if Kjetil Knutsen's Norway can qualify for next year's European Championship Finals. -- November's Fixtures - Viking -- Norway's Fixtures -- Thoughts, comments, general feedback appreciated. Any questions, just ask and I'll answer them if I can. Thank you for reading and following... and I greatly appreciate the comments as that's what genuinely keeps me motivated to continue updating about this save. Until next time... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Saturday 3rd November 2035 Viking II Win Third Straight Title -- -- -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Tuesday 6th November 2035 Youth Intake -- -- Just checking, we do have Exceptional youth recruitment, right? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) Tuesday 6th November 2035 Youth Intake -- With no sign of any half-decent goalkeepers in our youth intake, we decided to go shopping and our scouting team highlighted Rosenborg's Thomas Karlsen. Spoiler -- Our midfielder Brede Norbye has played with Thomas Karlsen for Norway Youth so we asked Brede to speak to him about Viking Fotballklubb. Spoiler -- We made an offer at the bottom end of Thomas Karlsen's valuation and Rosenborg accepted it. I'd have liked personal term negotiations to have gone smoother as I wasn't keen on the future playing time promises but Thomas's agent insisted on them. -- Now we cross our fingers and hope Thomas Karlsen decides to join Viking Fotballklub. Edited September 12 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Preview - Sparta Praha (home) UEFA Champions League League Path -- -- Actually, Anders Hartveit Ryste has been out of form recently, but I had a word with him in the build-up to the recent Feyenoord match, and hopefully he'll be back to his normal self very soon. When it works, and it's been working this season, for the most part, it's a very exciting way to play football. We played Sparta Praha in the Europa League Semi Final earlier this season and an away draw and home win saw us progress over two legs to the Final so, hopefully, we can get a similar result tonight. -- Expected Line-up Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Tuesday 6th November 2035 Viking (Norway) v Sparta Praha (Czechia) UEFA Champions League League Path -- -- -- I sent Ola Johannes Kleppa Christensen on at half time, replacing Edvin Austbø and Ola Johannes was superb, scoring in the 59th and 90+4th minutes to turn a one-goal deficit into a dramatic win. If Ola Johannes carries on like that he'll be starting before long. I'm delighted we won the game because, for long periods, it didn't look like it was going to happen, even though we dominated the match from the 13th minute onwards. Our game plan lasted all of 44 seconds. From a throw-in, Sparta Praha hit a cross from their right, Petr Hubinek escaped Jasper Robertsen at the far post, and headed the ball into the net. Another Sparta Praha header hit the bar after 13 minutes. After that we settled into the game and took control as Sparta Praha seemed content to sit back and soak up pressure, which they did very well. At the break, we switched Ola Johannes Kleppa Christensen on for Edvin Austbø and went with an Attacking mentality. Less than a minute into the second half, we were making another substitution after Henrik Skogvold got clattered from behind so we changed to a more attacking shape at the same time. It looked like it wasn't going to be our day, on 53 minutes, Ola Johannes Kleppa Christensen hit the post, Anders Hartveit Ryste poked the rebound towards goal and Sparta Praha cleared the ball off the line. Six minutes later, we were level when Ola Johannes Kleppa Christensen hit a very similar shot and this time it took a deflection on its way into the net. We kept pushing forward, kept creating chances, and Sparta Praha defended robustly, sometimes to robustly for my liking, and Armin Otuzbir made some fine saves. It looked like we'd have to settle for a draw when Bill Freeman and Henrique Araújo both sent great late chances narrowly wide. But then, deep into added-on time, Øyvind Bekkevold hit a long, diagonal ball towards the far post, Ola Johannes Kleppa Christensen got away from his marker and headed the ball home. We were all up off the bench going crazy but, no, the assistant raised his flag and the referee disallowed it... but then, VAR reviewed it, overruled the on-field officials, and the goal stood. I thought we thoroughly deserved the win today, but we left it very late. -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) Thursday 8th November 2035 Petersen Will Join Viking in January -- -- 1 hour ago, Stuniverse said: Tuesday 6th November 2035 Youth Intake - Goalkeeper Shopping -- With no sign of any half-decent goalkeepers in our youth intake, we decided to go shopping and our scouting team highlighted Rosenborg's Thomas Karlsen. Reveal hidden contents -- Our midfielder Brede Norbye has played with Thomas Karlsen for Norway Youth so we asked Brede to speak to him about Viking Fotballklubb. Reveal hidden contents -- We made an offer at the bottom end of Thomas Karlsen's valuation and Rosenborg accepted it. I'd have liked personal term negotiations to have gone smoother as I wasn't keen on the future playing time promises but Thomas's agent insisted on them. -- Now we cross our fingers and hope Thomas Karlsen decides to join Viking Fotballklub. Edited September 12 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) Thursday 8th November 2035 Viking International Call-ups -- -- -- Rosenborg's Thomas Karlsen, who will join Viking on 9th January 2036, has also been called up to the Norway Under 21s. Edited September 12 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Saturday 10th November 2035 Eliteserien Result -- -- Sunday's Preview Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) Preview - Lillestrøm (away) Eliteserien -- -- Joachim Paulsen has done a brilliant job at Haugesund this season and they finished 2nd in OBOS-ligaen. I look forward to renewing the Viking-Haugesund derby again next season. Yes. Of course. Bill Freeman has been brilliant this season. It's very important and is the foundation on which our success has been built. Although we have a clean bill of health, we'll be rotating and using our squad against Lillestrøm today. -- Expected Line-up Edited September 12 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) Sunday 11th November 2035 Lillestrøm (14th) v Viking (1st) Eliteserien -- -- -- Yeah, Jacob Blixt Blunde scored a wonder goal on the hour that probably sealed the win for Lillestrøm. We were 1-2 down at half time, but were having much the better of it in the second half, really threatening to equalise, so when that screamer went in to give Lillestrøm a two-goal lead it made for a very difficult last half hour for us. We were treated to some special goals today. Henrique Araújo hit a pile-driver of a free-kick, over the wall into the top corner, that levelled the scores on 24 minutes. Lillestrøm took an early lead when they passed their way through our defence and Oskar Siira Sivertsen scored from close range. When we equalised, I thought we'd go on to win but two minutes later, Per Joar Hægstad Johnsen conceded a penalty. We thought it was a harsh decision but VAR upheld the referee's decision and Lillestrøm restored their lead from the penalty spot. On the stroke of half time, Kasper Jakobsen hit the post with a fierce shot. At the break we made three substitutions. We were better after the break and Mads Christiansen (7.1) made some fine saves to preserve Lillestrøm's lead. Lillestrøm hit the post after 58 minutes and then, two minutes later, Jacob Blixt Blunde scored his wonder goal. We made more changes then and went Attacking. Mads Christiansen made more saves to keep us out before, unfortunately, he had to go off with what looked like a broken arm. Back-up goalkeeper, Josh Clarke replaced him. Edvin Austbø thought he'd pulled one back late on but he'd made his run fractionally early and was offside. I guess this one's on me for making so many changes but I honestly thought the team selected were more than good enough to get a result against Lillestrøm and we did create far more chances than Lillestrøm did. After the game, my assistant manager, Egil Ulfstein, did his bad-cop act and, to be fair, the players deserved it because they weren't good enough today. There's an international break now so we'll give those players who aren't away with their Nations a week off so they can get this one out of their system. -- Evening Result Edited September 12 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Friday 16th November 2035 Norway v Malta UEFA European Championship Qualifying Group I -- -- -- -- -- None of the six Viking players in the Norway squad got on the pitch against Malta. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 12 Share Posted September 12 3 hours ago, Stuniverse said: Just checking, we do have Exceptional youth recruitment, right? The ratings are affected by your First Team to which they are compared. It's like the star rating system. Example: If you had poor DM's then one of the Youth DM's might be rated an A or B if they were close to the first teamer in ability. An A player in the youth intake should be able to get minutes with the first team right away. All the rest need some development time. Even the A players need development time usually to play first team football if your playing in a Top League. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 1 minute ago, Hootieleece said: The ratings are affected by your First Team to which they are compared. It's like the star rating system. Example: If you had poor DM's then one of the Youth DM's might be rated an A or B if they were close to the first teamer in ability. An A player in the youth intake should be able to get minutes with the first team right away. All the rest need some development time. Even the A players need development time usually to play first team football if your playing in a Top League. Thank you, @Hootieleece Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 Monday 19th November 2035 Norway v Kazakhstan UEFA European Championship Qualifying Group I -- -- -- -- -- Four of Viking's players featured for Norway against Kazakhstan. Aleksander Liland (32nd cap) and Ove Benjamin Modell (2nd cap) started in central defence. Tinius Sundell (15th cap) put the ball in the back of the net on 12 minutes after a Norway free-kick led to a goalmouth scramble but Tinius had strayed into an offside position. Sindre Grønvold (7th cap) came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute. Goalkeepers Jasper Torkildsen (15 caps) and Hans Jørgen Solberg (8 caps) were unused substitutes. -- Knutsen to step down after UEFA European Championship Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blarney Posted September 12 Share Posted September 12 17 hours ago, Stuniverse said: Sunday 14th October 2035 Skeid (12th) v Viking (1st) Eliteserien -- -- -- -- I'm absolutely delighted. We sure made life difficult for ourselves but we got the win in the end and now we've retained our Eliteserien crown and are Champions again. Yes. Definitely. But that was a real Jekyll and Hyde performance. In the first half we were awful. We attacked straight from the kick-off but, when we lost possession, Skeid went right down the other end and scored with a thunderbolt shot. That first minute goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of us, which isn't like us. Anders Hartveit Ryste took a knock but we decided to nurse him through it as he wanted to stay on. Then Johan Bakke, a player we know well after his five season's playing for us, after a year playing for me at Hødd, doubled Skeid's lead with a 26th minute header. And our luck was really out when we lost Edvin Austbø with a gashed leg and ankle injury on 37 minutes. At half time I gave the players a piece of my mind because the first 45 minutes was way below the standards we've set ourselves. I made two more substitutions and changed to a more Attacking mentality and shape. Seven minutes into the second half, Bill Freeman pulled a goal back for us. On 56 minutes we had a great chance to equalise when Henrik Skogvold was tripped in the penalty area. The referee awarded the penalty straight away, but VAR sent him to the monitor and the referee changed his mind. No penalty. But it was all us and Skeid were holding on. Bill Freeman scored his second goal after 66 minutes and we were back on level terms. Three minutes later, Henrique Araújo scored to give us the lead for the first time in the match. On 77 minutes, Bill Freeman rattled the bar from a direct free-kick. A couple of minutes after that we made our final substitution and asked the wing-backs and inverted wingers to support rather than attack. Ola Johannes Kleppa Christensen headed our fourth goal on 86 minutes, making the game safe and clinching the Eliteseien title for us. I think we're all running on adrenalin right now. There were 300 Viking fans here in an Ullern CC Vest Arena attendance of 4,024 and boy did those travelling de mørkeblå make themselves heard. -- Evening Result Another impressive season. Your goal difference is incredible, truly a testament to playing well on both sides of the ball for your club. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) 7 minutes ago, Blarney said: Another impressive season. Your goal difference is incredible, truly a testament to playing well on both sides of the ball for your club. Thank you, @Blarney... much appreciated. It's taken eight seasons at Viking to reach this level of dominance in Norway. Hopefully we can continue the momentum into next season and build on it so that we are more of a force in European competition. Edited September 12 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) Friday 23rd November 2035 500 Games For Stuniverse -- Edited September 12 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) Friday 23rd November 2035 My Agent Calls -- Hedda Berg: Hi, Stuni. How are you? Stuniverse: I'm great, thank you, Hedda. You? Hedda Berg: I'm good. Congratulations on another Eliteserien title. Stuniverse: Thank you. It never gets old. Hedda Berg: And congratulations for tomorrow on your 500th game in management. I hope it goes well. Stuniverse: Thanks. Molde won't be easy, but at least it's a home game. Hedda Berg: You'll be fine. Viking will win. Stuniverse: We have Marseille on Tuesday so I doubt I'll select my strongest team for the Molde game. Hedda Berg: Decisions, decisions, decisions. Stuniverse: Tell me about it. Hedda Berg: And how good were Norway in qualifying? Stuniverse: They were fantastic and four of my players were involved in the Kazakhstan game that clinched it. Kjetil [Knutsen] is doing an amazing job. Hedda Berg: He is, he really is... but Kjetil's also gone public with his intention to step down after the European Championships. Stuniverse: I know. That surprised me. Not so much that he's stepping down, but that it's been announced this early. The European Championships are June next year and it could affect the players as well. Hedda Berg: I agree. But the fact is the Norway job will be up for grabs in June or July next season. Are you interested? Stuniverse: Yes. Of course. If Norway want me then I'd be honoured to manage them... but I'm contracted to Viking until the end of 2037. Hedda Berg: If Norway offered you the job, you could resign from Viking or you could manage both Norway and Viking until your Viking contract came up for renewal and make a decision then. Stuniverse: True. But I'm not sure how easy doing both jobs concurrently would be. Hedda Berg: That's ok, you don't need to decide now. We can talk more closer to the European Championships, or whenever Norway open up for applications. Right now, I just need to know if you'd like the job. Stuniverse: Which I would. Yes. Hedda Berg: OK. Great. We'll keep talking and good luck. Stuniverse: Thank you. Hedda Berg: My pleasure... and... for what it's worth... I think you'd make a great Norway manager. Stuniverse: Thanks. But Kjetil Knutsen will be a tough act to follow. Hedda Berg: He will, but one step at a time. I hope all goes well tomorrow and try to enjoy your 500th game. Stuniverse: Thanks, Hedda. I will. Talk soon. Edited September 12 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) Friday 23rd November 2035 Viking's Internationals -- Edited September 12 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) Friday 23rd November 2035 Daga and Diambou to miss the rest of the season -- -- Mamady Diambou -- Daniel Daga -- We've registered Jan Erik Dang and Robert Reyes and will try and get them some playing time before the end of the season if we can. Spoiler Edited September 12 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 (edited) 20 hours ago, BML said: As we discussed before your commitment to the league is commendable, I'd be resting everyone either side of Champions League games at this point (probably sooner based on your lead) to give me the best chance of getting something from those games and the money/rep that comes with it. Now this is why I don't like resting players en-masse and doing a full rotation @BML 14 hours ago, Stuniverse said: Sunday 11th November 2035 Lillestrøm (14th) v Viking (1st) Eliteserien -- -- -- Yeah, Jacob Blixt Blunde scored a wonder goal on the hour that probably sealed the win for Lillestrøm. We were 1-2 down at half time, but were having much the better of it in the second half, really threatening to equalise, so when that screamer went in to give Lillestrøm a two-goal lead it made for a very difficult last half hour for us. We were treated to some special goals today. Henrique Araújo hit a pile-driver of a free-kick, over the wall into the top corner, that levelled the scores on 24 minutes. Lillestrøm took an early lead when they passed their way through our defence and Oskar Siira Sivertsen scored from close range. When we equalised, I thought we'd go on to win but two minutes later, Per Joar Hægstad Johnsen conceded a penalty. We thought it was a harsh decision but VAR upheld the referee's decision and Lillestrøm restored their lead from the penalty spot. On the stroke of half time, Kasper Jakobsen hit the post with a fierce shot. At the break we made three substitutions. We were better after the break and Mads Christiansen (7.1) made some fine saves to preserve Lillestrøm's lead. Lillestrøm hit the post after 58 minutes and then, two minutes later, Jacob Blixt Blunde scored his wonder goal. We made more changes then and went Attacking. Mads Christiansen made more saves to keep us out before, unfortunately, he had to go off with what looked like a broken arm. Back-up goalkeeper, Josh Clarke replaced him. Edvin Austbø thought he'd pulled one back late on but he'd made his run fractionally early and was offside. I guess this one's on me for making so many changes but I honestly thought the team selected were more than good enough to get a result against Lillestrøm and we did create far more chances than Lillestrøm did. After the game, my assistant manager, Egil Ulfstein, did his bad-cop act and, to be fair, the players deserved it because they weren't good enough today. There's an international break now so we'll give those players who aren't away with their Nations a week off so they can get this one out of their system. -- Evening Result Even though the team I selected and sent out should have been good enough to beat Lillestrøm. And, based on the stats, we were the better side... ... but in the only stat that matters, Lillestrøm got three and we only got one. A real banana skin of a football match indeed. Which is making me second guess myself on how much to rotate in the next match at home to Molde... ... with the Marseille match just three days later. Edited September 13 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 (edited) Saturday 24th November 2035 Preparations for Molde at home -- As you've probably gathered from the post above, and the earlier match report post, I wasn't happy with the 1-3 defeat by relegation threatened Lillestrøm last time out and let my assistant manager, Egil Ulfstein, do his bad-cop routine immediately after the match. -- To be fair, Tinius Sundell and Brede Norbye in midfield put in a good shift against Lillestrøm, as did Henrique Araújo up front but, with a couple of exceptions (Henrik Skogvold and Ove Benjamin Modell probably did ok) the other six starters had a below average game. So one by one I called them into my office. -- I'm tempted to give them another chance at home to Molde and see how they react, but... ... I may have to change the midfield with Danial Daga and Mamady Diambou being away on CAF Africa Cup of Nations duty until the end of December, potentially. Edited September 13 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 (edited) Preview - Molde (home) Eliteserien -- -- Spoiler Molde are in pretty good form, unbeaten in their last four Eliteserien matches with two wins and two draws, and unbeaten in their last seven in all competitions if you also include their impressive Europa League wins over Juventus, Partizan Beograd and Knattspyrnufélagið Víkingur. Jacob Neestrup has Molde playing very well at the moment. Our record against Molde is patchy, to say the least, during my time here at Viking so I'm hoping to build on the goalless draw earlier in the season at Aker Stadion with a positive result in our SR-Bank Arena in front of our own fans. But with a very important Champions League match here against Marseille on Tuesday night, and the Eliteserien trophy already in the Trophy Cabinet, I'll be rotating the side again today and using the extended squad. Well all the players out on international duty reported back early this week, all of them fit and healthy, so we have been able to work with the full squad in training. Although two of our players did fly out to Zambia yesterday for the Africa Cup of Nations and I doubt they'll be back before the end of the season. Yesterday, I had a quiet word with six players about their below average form recently. 1 hour ago, Stuniverse said: Saturday 24th November 2035 Preparations for Molde at home -- As you've probably gathered from the post above, and the earlier match report post, I wasn't happy with the 1-3 defeat by relegation threatened Lillestrøm last time out and let my assistant manager, Egil Ulfstein, do his bad-cop routine immediately after the match. -- To be fair, Tinius Sundell and Brede Norbye in midfield put in a good shift against Lillestrøm, as did Henrique Araújo up front but, with a couple of exceptions (Henrik Skogvold and Ove Benjamin Modell probably did ok) the other six starters had a below average game. So one by one I called them into my office. -- I'm tempted to give them another chance at home to Molde and see how they react, but... ... I may have to change the midfield with Danial Daga and Mamady Diambou being away on CAF Africa Cup of Nations duty until the end of December, potentially. And, having slept on it, I've had a quiet word with three more players this morning. It will be interesting to see how they react against Molde today. -- Expected Line-up I've made three changes, I think, from the Lillestrøm game. Jens Hjertø-Dahl starts in midfield and the plan is to give Tinius Sundell and Brede Norbye 45 minutes each so that they're reasonably fresh for the Marseille game on Tuesday night. That's the plan unless Jens picks up a yellow card, at which point I may have to rethink. Joakim Berg Nundal comes in for Kasper Jakobsen. Joakim was unfortunate not to start against Lillestrøm so I'm giving him a chance today as Kasper didn't do himself justice against Lillestrøm. Up front, Anders Hartveit Ryste comes in for Henrique Araújo. Henrique had an impressive game against Lillestrøm and I'm resting him so that he's fresh for the Marseille game. Edited September 13 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 (edited) Saturday 24th November 2035 Viking (1st) v Molde (5th) Eliteserien -- -- -- I had a quiet word with Anders Hartveit Ryste ahead of this game and I'm delighted that he responded with a goal today and a fantastic performance to boot. I wanted a reaction after the Lillestrøm defeat last time out and we got one after only two minutes when Sindre Grønvold and Ola Johannes Kleppa Christensen combined down the right and Anders Hartveit Ryste turned in Ola Johannes's low cross into the penalty area. Molde put us under a lot of pressure for the rest of the half but we defended well and Hans Jørgen Solberg only had one save to make, getting down low to his left to keep out a powerful close range header. At the other end, Joakim Berg Nundal had a couple of good chances, one he blazed wide and the other he headed the ball straight at the goalkeeper. During the break, we made the pre-arranged substitution in midfield. Molde really put us under pressure in the second half and we had Hans Jørgen Solberg to thank for preserving our lead with a couple of excellent saves. We did create chances though, and only a superb save from Molde's goalkeeper André Moreira denied Henrik Skogvold. On 66 minutes, substitute Kasper Jakobsen doubled our lead with a stunning finish after Jan Rune Hansen had put him through with a lovely pass. And Joakim Berg Nundal made it three, getting on the end of a stunning cross from Anders Hartveit Ryste to finish superbly. They did. Our supporters have been magnificent all season - 17,338 of them in a 17,555 SR-Bank Arena crowd today. I'm thrilled we could produce such a good win for our wonderful supporters against a Molde team we traditionally struggle against. Molde are a very good team and they showed it today but the players worked hard, defended magnificently, and were clinical in front of goal. I was critical of them after the lacklustre performance against Lillestrøm but today I'm so proud of them - they responded like true Champions and deserved to win this match. -- Edited September 13 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 22 hours ago, BML said: As we discussed before your commitment to the league is commendable, I'd be resting everyone either side of Champions League games at this point (probably sooner based on your lead) to give me the best chance of getting something from those games and the money/rep that comes with it. Maybe this rotating the squad isn't so bad after all, @BML 3 minutes ago, Stuniverse said: Saturday 24th November 2035 Viking (1st) v Molde (5th) Eliteserien -- -- -- I had a quiet word with Anders Hartveit Ryste ahead of this game and I'm delighted that he responded with a goal today and a fantastic performance to boot. I wanted a reaction after the Lillestrøm defeat last time out and we got one after only two minutes when Sindre Grønvold and Ola Johannes Kleppa Christensen combined down the right and Anders Hartveit Ryste turned in Ola Johannes's low cross into the penalty area. Molde put us under a lot of pressure for the rest of the half but we defended well and Hans Jørgen Solberg only had one save to make, getting down low to his left to keep out a powerful close range header. At the other end, Joakim Berg Nundal had a couple of good chances, one he blazed wide and the other he headed the ball straight at the goalkeeper. During the break, we made the pre-arranged substitution in midfield. Molde really put us under pressure in the second half and we had Hans Jørgen Solberg to thank for preserving our lead with a couple of excellent saves. We did create chances though, and only a superb save from Molde's goalkeeper André Moreira denied Henrik Skogvold. On 66 minutes, substitute Kasper Jakobsen doubled our lead with a stunning finish after Jan Rune Hansen had put him through with a lovely pass. And Joakim Berg Nundal made it three, getting on the end of a stunning cross from Anders Hartveit Ryste to finish superbly. They did. Our supporters have been magnificent all season - 17,338 of them in a 17,555 SR-Bank Arena crowd today. I'm thrilled we could finish off our home Eliteserien fixtures for them with such a good win against a Molde team we traditionally struggle against. Molde are a very good team and they showed it today but the players worked hard, defended magnificently, and were clinical in front of goal. I was critical of them after the lacklustre performance against Lillestrøm but today I'm so proud of them - they responded like true Champions and deserved to win this match. -- 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 Saturday 24th November 2035 Sunday's Eliteserien Preview -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 Sunday 25th November 2035 Eliteserien Results -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 13 Share Posted September 13 (edited) 44 minutes ago, Stuniverse said: Maybe this rotating the squad isn't so bad after all, @BML Rotation is key to winning Championships according to Toranaga......Play the First XI against all challengers and mostly away matches. Use the backups against the relegation threatened teams especially at home. Benefits less playing time squabbles. Edited September 13 by Hootieleece added words I forgot 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 (edited) Sunday 25th November 2035 Bids For Diambou -- Spoiler I spoke to Mamady Diambou's agent before Mamady flew out to Zambia for the Africa Cup of Nations because at 33 years of age, and with some good young midfielders coming through like Brede Norbye, I thought it might be time to cash-in on Mamady if we could. Mamady's agent said his client would be open to a move and that he would get on the phone as he was confident there were teams that would be willing to make a bid. And, true to his word, three bids have come in. All three bids accepted. Having to continue to pay some of Mamady's wages isn't ideal, but it's not like we don't have the wage budget to accommodate it. Edited September 13 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 Sunday 25th November 2035 Daga Thinks He's Outgrown Viking -- Spoiler -- - -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 (edited) 14 minutes ago, Hootieleece said: Rotation is key to winning Championships according to Toranaga......Play the First XI against all challengers and mostly away matches. Use the backups against the relegation threatened teams especially at home. Benefits less playing time squabbles. I've had mixed results on this save when I've made wholesale changes and rotated in 8, 9 sometimes 11 players to the starting line-up, including sometimes going out of Cupen against lower league teams. But I guess it is a good guage as to how strong the squad actually is @Hootieleece -- Tagged: @BML Edited September 13 by Stuniverse 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 (edited) Preview - Marseille (home) UEFA Champions League League Path -- -- We played Marseille about a year ago in the Europa League League Path and, I have to admit, we were well beaten on the day. But that match was in France, in Marseille's Stade Orange Vélodrome. We're confident we'll put in a much better display tonight in front of our own supporters in our SR-Bank Arena. We rested our key players in the last two Eliteserien matches against Lillestrøm and Molde, or at least managed their playing time. The onus is very much on those players to come back in tonight and prove they are key players by producing a performance the Viking supporters can be proud of. We have no injury concerns, but we do have two players away at the Africa Cup of Nations. I've had a quiet word with Edvin Austbø about his recent form. -- Expected Line-up Edited September 13 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BML Posted September 13 Share Posted September 13 4 hours ago, Stuniverse said: Now this is why I don't like resting players en-masse and doing a full rotation @BML Even though the team I selected and sent out should have been good enough to beat Lillestrøm. And, based on the stats, we were the better side... ... but in the only stat that matters, Lillestrøm got three and we only got one. A real banana skin of a football match indeed. Which is making me second guess myself on how much to rotate in the next match at home to Molde... ... with the Marseille match just three days later. In fairness, nearly the entire team were red and orange match-sharpness which does make a huge difference! Like @Hootieleece I run two XI's and rotate regularly (typically a weekend and mid-week team) which means that everyone stays fit and the effect of that many players lacking sharpness never really happens (they all get plenty of time pre-season). What's the plan for next season, obviously the Norway job will be coming up in the summer and I would infer that's your next stop - will you leave Viking at the end of the season and sit unemployed for six months, play out half the season then resign with the Norway job or dual-role for six months after the Euros? (All assuming you get it of course). It's a shame the game doesn't include a Euro 96 style setup England had where Hoddle was already appointed to take over after the tournament as Venebles was leaving. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 Tuesday 27th November 2035 Viking (Norway) v Marseille (France) UEFA Champions League League Path -- -- -- I am so tremendously proud of the Viking players tonight, I don't have the words to describe how proud I am of them. A year ago, almost to the day, Marseille completely out-played us in Stade Orange Vélodrome and tonight, in the SR-Bank Arena, we completely out-played Marseille. We were on top from the first whistle to the last whistle and thoroughly deserved this victory. It was goalless at the break but not because we didn't have our shooting boots on but because Bartosz Żelazowski made some world class saves in Marseille's goal. After the break we continued to dominate the play and two goals in two minutes - Bill Freeman after 55 minutes and Edvin Austbø a minute later - put us in complete control. Both goals were initially disallowed for offside by the on-field officials but both were overturned by VAR and allowed to stand. Substitute Kasper Jakobsen sealed the win from a rebound after Edvin Austbø's shot came back off the post. We defended magnificently and were superb in all departments tonight. This was as perfect a performance as you can get and I'm sure it will go down in the annals of Viking Fotballklubb history. I've said it before and I never tire of saying it. This is a fantastic bunch of players. Norway manager Kjetil Knutsen was here tonight and I hope he was as impressed with our players as I am. For me, they all deserve Norway call-ups. Well the Norwegians do, Costel Tilincă and Bill Freeman wouldn't be eligible to play for Norway. -- 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 Wednesday 28th November 2035 UEFA Champions League League Path -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 (edited) 2 hours ago, BML said: In fairness, nearly the entire team were red and orange match-sharpness which does make a huge difference! That's a very good point, @BML and one I hadn't picked up on. Thank you. And once the Lillestrøm game had improved the match-sharpness of those players who came in, the Molde and Marseille games were very successful. The Molde game with virtually the same players who played against Lillestrøm Marseille with the players I'd rested, in the main, for the Lillestrøm and Molde games. So I'm guessing I need to rotate more and keep an eye on the match-sharpness of the whole squad because, clearly, they are good enough if I can keep them fit and match-sharp. 2 hours ago, BML said: Like @Hootieleece I run two XI's and rotate regularly (typically a weekend and mid-week team) which means that everyone stays fit and the effect of that many players lacking sharpness never really happens (they all get plenty of time pre-season). I've learnt about being more of a bad-cop on this save from @warlock and I'm now learning about squad rotation from @BML and @Hootieleece. Thank you all. 2 hours ago, BML said: What's the plan for next season, obviously the Norway job will be coming up in the summer and I would infer that's your next stop Well it's... ... on my save and I'm under contract with Viking until the end of 2037. That's all I know for now other than... Kjetil Knutsen has announced his intention to step-down as Norway manager after the 2036 European Championship which I think will be in June and/or July next year. I would love the Norway job but, of course, there's no guarantee I will get it, although... ... Henning Berg has just taken the Finland job so, hopefully, that's one rival out of the way. 2 hours ago, BML said: will you leave Viking at the end of the season and sit unemployed for six months, play out half the season then resign with the Norway job or dual-role for six months after the Euros? (All assuming you get it of course). There's no guarantee I will get the Norway job so I definitely won't be quitting Viking at the end of the season and twiddling my thumbs for six or seven months in the hope of getting the Norway job. I did apply for the Norway job when Kjetil Knutsen got it in July 2032 and the Norwegian FA completely dismissed my application out-of-hand even though I was four-and-a-half years into my Viking tenure and had won four trophies (three Eliteserien titles, one Cupen) and seven awards by then. But I guess that was minor compared to Kjetil Knutsen's unrivalled success over many years at Bodø/Glimt. So there's no guarantee I will get the Norway job but, if I did, I assume it would be the Nations League immediately after the European Championship so I'd probably look to do both jobs until the end of the 2036 season and then make a decision with a year left on my Viking contract. But I'm getting ahead of myself... Norway didn't want me last time and they may not want me this time either. 2 hours ago, BML said: It's a shame the game doesn't include a Euro 96 style setup England had where Hoddle was already appointed to take over after the tournament as Venebles was leaving. I know. I keep checking just to see if there's a vacancy to apply for as I don't want to miss the boat although I'd blame my agent if I did. As far as I can see, I can't even declare interest in the Norway job. Edited September 13 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deisler26 Posted September 13 Share Posted September 13 I forsee an unparalled spell of dominance for Norway, should they appoint you as manager. You could be up there with Morten Olsen himself 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 (edited) 35 minutes ago, Deisler26 said: I forsee an unparalled spell of dominance for Norway, should they appoint you as manager. Thank you for the massive vote of confidence, @Deisler26 Although you do have more faith in my managerial abilities than I do 35 minutes ago, Deisler26 said: You could be up there with Morten Olsen himself Morten Olsen? Do you mean Morten Per Olsen? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morten_Olsen The Danish football manager and former player who was the head coach of the Denmark national team for 15 years from 2000 until 2015, guiding Denmark to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, 2004 European Championship, 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2012 European Championship? Edited September 13 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted September 13 Author Share Posted September 13 (edited) 45 minutes ago, Deisler26 said: You could be up there with Morten Olsen himself This prompted me to wonder, who is the most successful Norway International manager ever? Tagged: @Deisler26 @XaW @I have nothing to say Edited September 13 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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