_Ben_ Posted April 27 Author Share Posted April 27 It is with great sadness that, in this shorter-than-normal update, the title of Neverkusen will have to be used again, as we succumbed to a penalty defeat to Leipzig in the Pokal, making three final defeats in two years - this one, our Europa League final defeat to Rennes twelve months ago and the DLF-Supercup loss to Bayern at the start of this season. These failures, as well as the end of season tail-off have somewhat put a dampener on what has been a fantastic season for us, where we've broken the Bayern stronghold, although, in this case, Dortmund have just done it better than us. Following that, Bayern's Nagelsmann was given his marching orders, as was Leipzig's Marco Rose and Thomas Tuchel after PSG failed to win Ligue Une again, meaning that there is bound to be a busy summer window as the managerial merry-go-round rolls on. The overall squad performance suggests that I am somewhat at a crossroads within this save: continue to build my way or splash hundreds of millions from our rather expansive €140m budget on the missing gaps. For example - a new striker to upgrade Arkine would surely set us back upwards of €60m, but, with Jakush in the wings and only not playing simply because I have that Moukoko effect of him not being old enough, the future looks bright. I'm not scared to spend that money but it does reduce somewhat from the whole point of finding real bargains to develop as they're simply not good enough to get into the team right now. Focusing on these will - surely - set back my sights for domination by a couple of years but the developmental aspect of the game is one that I love and won't shy away from. The squad, with expected departure of Nmecha after a year of solid service and the promotion of Fynn Angerer looks strong, young, promising and fit for the purpose that I want it to be. That being said - I'll look into it in more detail over the summer, trying to make a marriage of statistical recruitment, player development from the academy and high ceiling bargains! With prospects of a new stadium and a drive from the board to become Bundesliga champions within five years, the ante is being upped for us to take that step to an elite club but it's a journey that I'm really enjoying! 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slipky Posted April 27 Share Posted April 27 A second-place finish is rather impressive and surely a great achievement. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for your team. It looks like you're steadily improving, and I'd be optimistic if I were you. Tactically - Do you plan on changing the tactic to a more relationist approach? Or the issue was the lack of a 'cutting-edge' player to give you the edge over Dortmund? I recently started a new save, building Esteban Granero's Marbella from the ground up, with a focus on youth development but without it being youth-only, so I'm taking a lot from this thread regarding scouting and development, it's been a huge help - So thank you for that! I plan to eventually post that one here on the forums but I'm going to see that I actually enjoy the save first. Groningen was too enjoyable and before I knew it, I was 3 seasons in with no way of actually summing up the progress I made. BTW - A great squad view there! I might do a similar one myself. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted April 27 Author Share Posted April 27 15 minutes ago, Slipky said: A second-place finish is rather impressive and surely a great achievement. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for your team. It looks like you're steadily improving, and I'd be optimistic if I were you. Tactically - Do you plan on changing the tactic to a more relationist approach? Or the issue was the lack of a 'cutting-edge' player to give you the edge over Dortmund? Yeah, I guess! It's all about the bigger picture and the improvements. 75 points is a new record for us that would've seen us win the league three times, too. I'll keep plugging away and looking at exactly how I can make the marginal gains. I don't think that I really need to change a lot; Dortmund's goal difference was ten greater than ours - scoring twenty more and conceding ten more. It, for me, is about having a top striker but I'm aware that costs a lot of money. I'd looked at Cooperman at Dusseldorf, but Real have just paid €106m for him so that's out of the question. I wonder whether moving Arkine back to a wider role - especially as I didn't give Khuroshvilli enough games to make his move permanent and look for a taller striker to compete with 5'11" Nikolic. But those are just pieces to the tactical jigsaw which is still kind of evolving: I want a 'very fluid' style and this does that - creating a false Shadow Striker but on a support role. Combined with a Positive approach, all three of the midfielders are 'Very Attacking' whilst the PF(s) - essentially using PI to become a carbon copy of the AF - is on 'Attacking' just offering that little bit more in build up and chaos play. That then leaves the defensive six to play a multitude of roles - dependent on how many players I want to build up with and whether that's centrally, using a Libero or wider using a CWB(s). The relationism comes from the intricacies within that, and I think that develops more through traits and individual skills. Someone like Duran - for example - is actually less impressive at unlocking a defence or creating a third man run than maybe I initially thought. Those will be the conversations I have with myself over the summer and see how I can strengthen, or - more likely - change the dynamic within the first team. 16 minutes ago, Slipky said: I recently started a new save, building Esteban Granero's Marbella from the ground up, with a focus on youth development but without it being youth-only, so I'm taking a lot from this thread regarding scouting and development, it's been a huge help - So thank you for that! I plan to eventually post that one here on the forums but I'm going to see that I actually enjoy the save first. Groningen was too enjoyable and before I knew it, I was 3 seasons in with no way of actually summing up the progress I made. Thank you! I've gone more towards youth development now I'm nearing that elite stage and I as I am less willing to spend ridiculous amounts of money. I look forward to reading about it! 16 minutes ago, Slipky said: BTW - A great squad view there! I might do a similar one myself. Home View 24.fmf There you go! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slipky Posted April 27 Share Posted April 27 51 minutes ago, _Ben_ said: Home View 24.fmf 14.72 kB · 0 downloads There you go! Appreciate that! Also sent you a PM regarding the skin since I don't want to derail the topic further. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick87 Posted April 27 Share Posted April 27 I agree, I love your skin, squad views and the way you lay out your updates. Sad end to the season, but as you say, with a new stadium upcoming hopefully that can be a catalyst to take the next step. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom14 Posted April 27 Share Posted April 27 Long been a fan of your threads Ben. I always learn something new/helpful and I absolutely love the real-life feel of your saves - something I try to do also. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrewnaldo Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 20 hours ago, _Ben_ said: . I wonder whether moving Arkine back to a wider role - especially as I didn't give Khuroshvilli enough games to make his move permanent and look for a taller striker to compete with 5'11" Nikolic. Nikolic almost trebling Arkine's goals per 90 would support this. Did Nikolic only deputise up front? What about Krassnitzer - I can't recall his physical stature? Completely understand your concerns about bringing Jakush in too early. I think this happened with Lozano for me. Looks like the perfect situation for a Giroud style signing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted April 28 Author Share Posted April 28 15 hours ago, Tom14 said: Long been a fan of your threads Ben. I always learn something new/helpful and I absolutely love the real-life feel of your saves - something I try to do also. 16 hours ago, Rick87 said: I agree, I love your skin, squad views and the way you lay out your updates. Sad end to the season, but as you say, with a new stadium upcoming hopefully that can be a catalyst to take the next step. Thanks for the kind words, both! The future here at Bayer is very much bright, indeed, it just took a dose of what could have been to really make me see that! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted April 28 Author Share Posted April 28 1 hour ago, Shrewnaldo said: Nikolic almost trebling Arkine's goals per 90 would support this. Did Nikolic only deputise up front? What about Krassnitzer - I can't recall his physical stature? I'm having second, third and fourth thoughts on this! Arkine is too good to just be a rotational right winger and Krassnitzer not suited to swap with him into this forward role. My style of play isn't built for a big target man but I'm missing physicality in battles - both on the ground and in the air. That being said, I am the coach here and it's my job to try and make Arkine's outputs better and adapt our play to what we have (albeit that I'm not entirely governed by unannounced DoF signings). My first thought is to remove the 'first time shots' from Arkine as that is hugely impacting his xG/shot value, whereas Nikolic has been seen to take a touch and compose himself first. An ideal world would be three attacking midfielders all with the attribute spread to play across those roles and a forward role - which would include being on the taller and more physical side as well as being able to create that chaos I desire. Also, I'm well into pre-season and, to be fair, my transfer business hasn't quite gone to plan - so there are still times where I'm second guessing myself! 1 hour ago, Shrewnaldo said: Completely understand your concerns about bringing Jakush in too early. I think this happened with Lozano for me. Looks like the perfect situation for a Giroud style signing. My current concern is that, because he's so good, he won't be playing at an appropriate level in the u19 division and, therefore needs first team football. However, given that I'm wanting to be so precise on his development, I'd rather he didn't have substandard coaching and training regimes. It's a real catch 22 for the next 18 to 24 months before I want to just give him first team football with us. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielgear Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 13 minutes ago, _Ben_ said: My current concern is that, because he's so good, he won't be playing at an appropriate level in the u19 division and, therefore needs first team football. However, given that I'm wanting to be so precise on his development, I'd rather he didn't have substandard coaching and training regimes. It's a real catch 22 for the next 18 to 24 months before I want to just give him first team football with us. I had the same concerns with Ekpe at QPR. But as long as he's performing to a decent standard (Average rating 6.87 after 38 appearances) Then I'm happy that he is ready for this level. I've always used match performance as an indicator to judge their readiness. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted April 28 Author Share Posted April 28 (edited) 7 hours ago, danielgear said: I had the same concerns with Ekpe at QPR. But as long as he's performing to a decent standard (Average rating 6.87 after 38 appearances) Then I'm happy that he is ready for this level. I've always used match performance as an indicator to judge their readiness. The scary part is that he's actually good enough for this level according to my backroom team. The bigger picture is that he was very poor during pre-season, which, in the grand scheme of things, will probably protect him from it for the next six months or so unless I hit a really bad injury patch. Edited April 28 by _Ben_ 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_ANZFM Posted April 29 Share Posted April 29 13 hours ago, _Ben_ said: Also, I'm well into pre-season and, to be fair, my transfer business hasn't quite gone to plan - so there are still times where I'm second guessing myself! This is exactly the type of chasing the dragon that keeps us all going too. Especially with an approach such as yours where it’s about built, not bought. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 1 Author Share Posted May 1 (edited) With Tuchel's Bayern return and Nagelsmann's Leipzig homecoming, I want to get this summer right as I’ll – surely – have two more teams trying to usurp Dortmund’s fantastic performances last season and charges to create a lasting legacy. I spent a little bit of time over the summer trying to nail down exactly what I wanted from each area of the pitch and look at the combination of their attributes and their statistical outputs in order to garner a decent understanding of the next steps with this massive club. Goalkeepers: No weaknesses but the big area for concern is keeping two high quality goalkeepers happer. Fischhaber is the de facto number one: in so much that he's on €90k p/w and his squad status matches that. However, I'd say that in both attribute distribution and performance, Simo usurps him. I don't really want to go full De Zerbi and rotate these two, playing the taller Bjorklund against more aerially-dominate teams but I really can't think of a solution that will keep both happy. The likelihood is that former number one Fischhaber will move on when he reaches the point of unhappiness as - should Bjorklund reach that first - he'll get the assurances of first team football to come. It's a cut throat world as a 'keeper and I'm delighted to have actually developed myself a good one but this is not the area to be micromanaging and panicking about! Defenders: Although I'm relatively happy with the quality and the depth here, I couldn't help but think that I was missing an elite centre back to partner Markovic. The shortlist I'd be collating across the season led me to Fabio Stutz, a converted midfielder who had, by the looks of it, spent at least some time there given his goal contribution totals. Whilst his defensive work wasn't as strong as the others, I felt that the positional change would account for a significant portion of it and that I could slowly bring him into the fold and see how he actually played as a ball playing defender. A bid of €14.5m was made - matching his release clause - but he chose the riches of PSG over us. Somewhat deterred by this knock back, I decided that nobody else on that shortlist met my expectations and demands, so I moved on. We've got Kahl in the youth team and the luxury that these players are mostly comfortably in a variety of roles. Deeper Midfielders: I feel that we can be a bit soft at times and, despite our core principles, lack that bit of physicality in the defensive area here. I build in a 3-2 most often, so, realistically, one of these deeper mids doesn't even really count in the defensive sense, however, he's still a body that forms a defensive block and is in charge of some defensive duties. None of the four listed are particularly proficient ball winners but it is both Sindelar and Angerer that concern me in these roles. With Reckert the go-to Volante, I really that I needed some muscle in the centre of the pitch. Again, my shortlist was consulted and Tamás Hirman stood out: a man whose work on retrieving and keeping the ball safe stood out to me. He's statistically expert ball-winner but I did have some reservations as to why literally nobody else has heard of him! I have recently added the Hungarian league to the save but he's been there from the start, moving from Sparta Prague, where he came through the academy, before a spell at Fehervar and then Ferencvarosi. A bid of just €1.2m was made by my DoF and he signed: his coach report indicating that I've perhaps got myself a good bargain here. But, as always, things change. Man Utd's bid for Sindelar is above my asking price and, as such - after writing this, I'll seek a replacement. Advanced Midfielders: An area I've talked about a lot of late but an area that is one man down; Khuroshvili returned to Freiburg as I wasn't able (and misunderstood what the clause meant) to reach 25 league appearances with only 17 left in the season and is now valued at around €55m. Not out of our reach by any means but, realistically, out of my desirable price range. I'd considered moving Arkine back to the winger role but felt that both he and Krassnitzer were too good to rotate so, as of right now, the search for a backup winger continues. Additionally, I'm playing the slow game with Mladen Mehanovic - a long term target from Augsburg. He's unsettled and has twelve months left on his deal - the same amount as Duran. However, I feel that the young German is far more aligned to my system and can play in a multitude of roles, unlike the Dutchman, who has fallen out of favour a little since Ozguneri signed. I'm notoriously bad at being patient with these things but it's a target - €0m is significantly more fun than €50m! Forwards: As I worked in a sensible order, I'd already kind of made my mind up that Arkine was staying as my forward but I'd look to remove his 'tries first time shots' trait in order to try and increase the amount of xG/shot he creates. I also think that he has been pretty low on confidence for a while and needs a strong start to the season to really kick on but, every time I've dropped him, Nikolic has come in and done really well - making the whole rotational element really quite tough. That being said, my shortlist pointed to two elite strikers: Niklas Coopmann and Owen Fort. The end goal is that their combined moves to Real Madrid and Liverpool, respectively, cost over €180m. Again, we could afford one of these but it's not my desired squad building method. With plenty of promise in young Jakush, the future could be bright in a couple of years but I have to manage my way to that time... --- It's a big season ahead. With some movement in the squad inevitable but an off-season that wasn't, honestly, ideal in terms of recruitment. Money is now - essentially - not an issue but that goes against what I'm trying to create here but I do feel that it's playing an even bigger role in how I shape this squad. Edited May 2 by _Ben_ 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lestri Posted May 2 Share Posted May 2 6 hours ago, _Ben_ said: With Tuchel's Bayern return and Nagelsmann's Leipzig homecoming, I want to get this summer right as I’ll – surely – have two more teams trying to usurp Dortmund’s fantastic performances last season and charges to create a lasting legacy. I spent a little bit of time over the summer trying to nail down exactly what I wanted from each area of the pitch and look at the combination of their attributes and their statistical outputs in order to garner a decent understanding of the next steps with this massive club. Goalkeepers: No weaknesses but the big area for concern is keeping two high quality goalkeepers happer. Fischhaber is the de facto number one: in so much that he's on €90k p/w and his squad status matches that. However, I'd say that in both attribute distribution and performance, Simo usurps him. I don't really want to go full De Zerbi and rotate these two, playing the taller Bjorklund against more aerially-dominate teams but I really can't think of a solution that will keep both happy. The likelihood is that former number one Fischhaber will move on when he reaches the point of unhappiness as - should Bjorklund reach that first - he'll get the assurances of first team football to come. It's a cut throat world as a 'keeper and I'm delighted to have actually developed myself a good one but this is not the area to be micromanaging and panicking about! Defenders: Although I'm relatively happy with the quality and the depth here, I couldn't help but think that I was missing an elite centre back to partner Markovic. The shortlist I'd be collating across the season led me to Fabio Stutz, a converted midfielder who had, by the looks of it, spent at least some time there given his goal contribution totals. Whilst his defensive work wasn't as strong as the others, I felt that the positional change would account for a significant portion of it and that I could slowly bring him into the fold and see how he actually played as a ball playing defender. A bid of €14.5m was made - matching his release clause - but he chose the riches of PSG over us. Somewhat deterred by this knock back, I decided that nobody else on that shortlist met my expectations and demands, so I moved on. We've got Kahl in the youth team and the luxury that these players are mostly comfortably in a variety of roles. Deeper Midfielders: I feel that we can be a bit soft at times and, despite our core principles, lack that bit of physicality in the defensive area here. I build in a 3-2 most often, so, realistically, one of these deeper mids doesn't even really count in the defensive sense, however, he's still a body that forms a defensive block and is in charge of some defensive duties. None of the four listed are particularly proficient ball winners but it is both Sindelar and Angerer that concern me in these roles. With Reckert the go-to Volante, I really that I needed some muscle in the centre of the pitch. Again, my shortlist was consulted and Tamás Herman stood out: a man whose work on retrieving and keeping the ball safe stood out to me. He's statistically expert ball-winner but I did have some reservations as to why literally nobody else has heard of him! I have recently added the Hungarian league to the save but he's been there from the start, moving from Sparta Prague, where he came through the academy, before a spell at Fehervar and then Ferencvarosi. A bid of just €1.2m was made by my DoF and he signed: his coach report indicating that I've perhaps got myself a good bargain here. But, as always, things change. Man Utd's bid for Sindelar is above my asking price and, as such - after writing this, I'll seek a replacement. Advanced Midfielders: An area I've talked about a lot of late but an area that is one man down; Khuroshvili returned to Freiburg as I wasn't able (and misunderstood what the clause meant) to reach 25 league appearances with only 17 left in the season and is now valued at around €55m. Not out of our reach by any means but, realistically, out of my desirable price range. I'd considered moving Arkine back to the winger role but felt that both he and Krassnitzer were too good to rotate so, as of right now, the search for a backup winger continues. Additionally, I'm playing the slow game with Mladen Mehanovic - a long term target from Augsburg. He's unsettled and has twelve months left on his deal - the same amount as Duran. However, I feel that the young German is far more aligned to my system and can play in a multitude of roles, unlike the Dutchman, who has fallen out of favour a little since Ozguneri signed. I'm notoriously bad at being patient with these things but it's a target - €0m is significantly more fun than €50m! Forwards: As I worked in a sensible order, I'd already kind of made my mind up that Arkine was staying as my forward but I'd look to remove his 'tries first time shots' trait in order to try and increase the amount of xG/shot he creates. I also think that he has been pretty low on confidence for a while and needs a strong start to the season to really kick on but, every time I've dropped him, Nikolic has come in and done really well - making the whole rotational element really quite tough. That being said, my shortlist pointed to two elite strikers: Niklas Coopmann and Owen Fort. The end goal is that their combined moves to Real Madrid and Liverpool, respectively, cost over €180m. Again, we could afford one of these but it's not my desired squad building method. With plenty of promise in young Jakush, the future could be bright in a couple of years but I have to manage my way to that time... --- It's a big season ahead. With some movement in the squad inevitable but an off-season that wasn't, honestly, ideal in terms of recruitment. Money is now - essentially - not an issue but that goes against what I'm trying to create here but I do feel that it's playing an even bigger role in how I shape this squad. Herman looks like an absolute bargain! Hope he can perform at the higher level. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 2 Author Share Posted May 2 4 hours ago, Lestri said: Herman looks like an absolute bargain! Hope he can perform at the higher level. I know! With over 250,000 players in my database - there are some real hidden gems that either my scouts or my statistical recruitment methods pick up. Feels very realistic! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted May 3 Share Posted May 3 On 13/04/2024 at 14:16, _Ben_ said: First game back to FM after a really busy week and this happens: We played most of the second half with a CWB(a) - L(s) - BPD(d) - IWB(s) backline as CSKA then decided to just not actually have any forwards. Of course, their keeper picked up man of the match. Welcome to the Champions League! Nothing worse especially after a lay off. I’ve been away some time and luckily finished the season of well to re focus my interest! Things are going very well at Leverkusen and I think everyone in real life now has a soft spot for the after Xabi’s exploits Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrewnaldo Posted May 5 Share Posted May 5 Shame that Sindelar has gone but I really like the look of Hirman, definitely a massive bargain at £1.2m. Also nice to see that you're sticking to the general principles of seeking bargains through the scouting and data route. Much more satisfying that lobbing serious money about. re Arkine's trait - it's interesting that you're looking to remove 'takes first time shots'. I went the opposite way and added this to Aguirre's game in my save. My logic was that he has great Technique but is not very strong - therefore I felt that he was losing opportunities by trying to take a touch and then getting muscled off the ball by bigger defenders. I can't recall Arkine's attributes off the top of my head but do you find he gets sufficient time and space to allow that extra touch? I wish there were stats which would show you how many of a player's shots are headers / left foot / right foot to help identify why there might be lower xG/shot or just poorer conversion rates. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 5 Author Share Posted May 5 On 03/05/2024 at 03:32, SixPointer said: Things are going very well at Leverkusen and I think everyone in real life now has a soft spot for the after Xabi’s exploits Thanks! Good to see you back and will dip into your thread when time allows! I think that the real life swell has only added to the pressure on me to turn Neverkusen into Neverlusen! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 5 Author Share Posted May 5 8 hours ago, Shrewnaldo said: Shame that Sindelar has gone but I really like the look of Hirman, definitely a massive bargain at £1.2m. Also nice to see that you're sticking to the general principles of seeking bargains through the scouting and data route. Much more satisfying that lobbing serious money about. re Arkine's trait - it's interesting that you're looking to remove 'takes first time shots'. I went the opposite way and added this to Aguirre's game in my save. My logic was that he has great Technique but is not very strong - therefore I felt that he was losing opportunities by trying to take a touch and then getting muscled off the ball by bigger defenders. I can't recall Arkine's attributes off the top of my head but do you find he gets sufficient time and space to allow that extra touch? I wish there were stats which would show you how many of a player's shots are headers / left foot / right foot to help identify why there might be lower xG/shot or just poorer conversion rates. Absolutely. I'll continue to stick to that methodology throughout probably every save I ever play on FM! Arkine: His first touch, technique and agility mean he should be able to bring the ball under control in a tight area and do something before getting his shot away. Far too many times, given the fact that I either want him involved in the build up - as a CF(s) - or as an W(s), he's getting the ball deep and then shooting immediately. I realise that this may not necessarily be down to his traits and more in that Positive + W(s) = Very Attacking mentality/risk but the difference between he and Nikolic is quite extreme. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 5 Author Share Posted May 5 "Necessity is the mother of all invention." --- I have to hold my hands up and say that I undersold the travesty that the summer transfer window was for Leverkusen. WIthout a replacement sourced for Khuroshvili, unhappy about the progression of regular loanee Schulz and utterly perplexed about the best positions of Krassnizter and Arkine - I went into the season with Duran (AMC only), Bangura, Krassnizter, Sarier and D'Anzi to cover what will hopefully be fifty-plus games across three very demanding attacking roles. Fine. Until the injuries hit. Soon though, I was without Sarier for two months or more with a torn hamstring, Duran for over a fortnight and repeated knocks for Krassnitzer and forward Nikolic, forcing me to keep the talented duo of Krassnitzer and Arkine free to rotate there. I needed to think outside of the box. Enter the 3-4-2-1 or the '5-2-2-1 DM AM' as the game wants to call it. Sacrificing an attacking player because I simply was unable to field four of them was a tough decision for me but has really paid dividends and feels even closer to home with how Xabi Alonso is currently playing. It's allowed me to keep my core principles - but provide us with a set in stone extra defender when building up against a formation with two up top. The joy though, for me, is that I can also keep a lot of our playing style principles the same, including the box midfield - formed by the L(s), DM(s), VOL(s) and AM(s). With our game adapting more and more to a higher pressing necessity, which, to be honest, suits our DNA, I'm finding that both crowding the middle in and out of possession is working well for us. I'm still not quite set on the roles of the wing backs - currently going with aWB(s) and a CWB(s) on the more aggressive left - and certainly feel that I don't have the Frimpong/Grimaldo combo locked down yet but they hold their width and provide attacking impetus; maybe the next steps are to have wingers that are able to play in the W(s) role in the 4231 and wing backs in this shape! I'm also able to explore different roles - particularly the WCB - which I just cannot do in a four man backline. The transitional movement I can create with liberos, wide centre backs, anchors and half backs is pretty incredible and - whilst I realise some of that is wasted and just for proof that 'I can' do it - there are certainly some beautiful bits of play that, once I'm back to a bit more playing time, will try and capture. The take away from this though is that, once I have a fully stocked team, I am now able to fluidly change shapes pre and mid game to counter specific shapes - particularly the use of a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1. Furthermore, once I can then identify their pressing triggers and pressing intensity, can amend defensive roles: WCB(s)-L(s)-WCB(s) - a highly aggressive back three against a low engaging two man front line - can morph into a WCB(s)-L(s)-BPD(d) with a HB(d) or A(d) ahead if they've switched to an pressing forward and a deeper runner, for example. Even looking at the formations we face will tell you the necessity of the changes - a chance conceded every 107 minutes against a 4-4-2 but 269 minutes against a 4-2-3-1 whereby my false back three was 'great' but also involved a lot of lateral movement and, when tired, you could see the players just dropping off. Three centre backs, where needed, should absolutely solve that issue. The data hub, early on into this experiment, validates the necessity of those changes: --- I want to win this league not because I'm playing a variant of gegenpress but because I've become a tactically astute manager who meticulously plans for games, identifies areas to exploit and areas to tighten up on and then unleashes a well-drilled and refined squad to do that. So far, it's working beyond my wildest dreams: Twelve straight wins. Three goals conceded. Wow. The start to the season, despite not having the toughest run, has been outstanding. Our shapes are holding up and we're looking strong attacking and solid defending. Our season started with the annual Pokal curtain raiser and we managed to hit ten against poor Norderstedt, with Jakub Janusch scoring twice on his competitive debut for the club. We've become so well rounded, too; six goals from corners, four from free kicks and eight from crosses - mainly those high xG low cutbacks - show that we aren't just a counter attacking team, despite seven from through balls and a - unreliable long term source - three from opposition mistakes. Bangura leads the way with along with Duran with seven goal contributions each whilst Reckert has found his scoring from from the VOL(s) role with four and a further two assists. In fact, sixteen different names have got themselves on the scoresheet this year so far: a true team performance! It's all coming together very nicely. Die Werkself! 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted May 5 Share Posted May 5 18 minutes ago, _Ben_ said: I want to win this league not because I'm playing a variant of gegenpress but because I've become a tactically astute manager who meticulously plans for games, identifies areas to exploit and areas to tighten up on and then unleashes a well-drilled and refined squad to do that. So far, it's working beyond my wildest dreams: You have certainly become that Ben. You have went an applied your data that you used for transfers way back and applied the logical thinking into the tactics, the change here looks like you could become unstoppable force. a chance every 49 minutes, 12 straight wins, 9 clean sheets that is formidable! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_ANZFM Posted May 6 Share Posted May 6 On 02/05/2024 at 18:24, _Ben_ said: I know! With over 250,000 players in my database - there are some real hidden gems that either my scouts or my statistical recruitment methods pick up. Feels very realistic! Finding the gems is something that I’ve found a lot harder following the changes to scouting. But man it feels good when you find them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_ANZFM Posted May 6 Share Posted May 6 5 hours ago, _Ben_ said: "Necessity is the mother of all invention." --- I have to hold my hands up and say that I undersold the travesty that the summer transfer window was for Leverkusen. WIthout a replacement sourced for Khuroshvili, unhappy about the progression of regular loanee Schulz and utterly perplexed about the best positions of Krassnizter and Arkine - I went into the season with Duran (AMC only), Bangura, Krassnizter, Sarier and D'Anzi to cover what will hopefully be fifty-plus games across three very demanding attacking roles. Fine. Until the injuries hit. Soon though, I was without Sarier for two months or more with a torn hamstring, Duran for over a fortnight and repeated knocks for Krassnitzer and forward Nikolic, forcing me to keep the talented duo of Krassnitzer and Arkine free to rotate there. I needed to think outside of the box. Enter the 3-4-2-1 or the '5-2-2-1 DM AM' as the game wants to call it. Sacrificing an attacking player because I simply was unable to field four of them was a tough decision for me but has really paid dividends and feels even closer to home with how Xabi Alonso is currently playing. It's allowed me to keep my core principles - but provide us with a set in stone extra defender when building up against a formation with two up top. The joy though, for me, is that I can also keep a lot of our playing style principles the same, including the box midfield - formed by the L(s), DM(s), VOL(s) and AM(s). With our game adapting more and more to a higher pressing necessity, which, to be honest, suits our DNA, I'm finding that both crowding the middle in and out of possession is working well for us. I'm still not quite set on the roles of the wing backs - currently going with aWB(s) and a CWB(s) on the more aggressive left - and certainly feel that I don't have the Frimpong/Grimaldo combo locked down yet but they hold their width and provide attacking impetus; maybe the next steps are to have wingers that are able to play in the W(s) role in the 4231 and wing backs in this shape! I'm also able to explore different roles - particularly the WCB - which I just cannot do in a four man backline. The transitional movement I can create with liberos, wide centre backs, anchors and half backs is pretty incredible and - whilst I realise some of that is wasted and just for proof that 'I can' do it - there are certainly some beautiful bits of play that, once I'm back to a bit more playing time, will try and capture. The take away from this though is that, once I have a fully stocked team, I am now able to fluidly change shapes pre and mid game to counter specific shapes - particularly the use of a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1. Furthermore, once I can then identify their pressing triggers and pressing intensity, can amend defensive roles: WCB(s)-L(s)-WCB(s) - a highly aggressive back three against a low engaging two man front line - can morph into a WCB(s)-L(s)-BPD(d) with a HB(d) or A(d) ahead if they've switched to an pressing forward and a deeper runner, for example. Even looking at the formations we face will tell you the necessity of the changes - a chance conceded every 107 minutes against a 4-4-2 but 269 minutes against a 4-2-3-1 whereby my false back three was 'great' but also involved a lot of lateral movement and, when tired, you could see the players just dropping off. Three centre backs, where needed, should absolutely solve that issue. The data hub, early on into this experiment, validates the necessity of those changes: --- I want to win this league not because I'm playing a variant of gegenpress but because I've become a tactically astute manager who meticulously plans for games, identifies areas to exploit and areas to tighten up on and then unleashes a well-drilled and refined squad to do that. So far, it's working beyond my wildest dreams: Twelve straight wins. Three goals conceded. Wow. The start to the season, despite not having the toughest run, has been outstanding. Our shapes are holding up and we're looking strong attacking and solid defending. Our season started with the annual Pokal curtain raiser and we managed to hit ten against poor Norderstedt, with Jakub Janusch scoring twice on his competitive debut for the club. We've become so well rounded, too; six goals from corners, four from free kicks and eight from crosses - mainly those high xG low cutbacks - show that we aren't just a counter attacking team, despite seven from through balls and a - unreliable long term source - three from opposition mistakes. Bangura leads the way with along with Duran with seven goal contributions each whilst Reckert has found his scoring from from the VOL(s) role with four and a further two assists. In fact, sixteen different names have got themselves on the scoresheet this year so far: a true team performance! It's all coming together very nicely. Die Werkself! What a magnificent response to the change in shape. Name a better feeling than instant gratification of your tactical decisions in FM Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 6 Author Share Posted May 6 16 hours ago, Chris_ANZFM said: What a magnificent response to the change in shape. Name a better feeling than instant gratification of your tactical decisions in FM I think that I've just added another bow to my collection and, for me, that feels great! 16 hours ago, Chris_ANZFM said: Finding the gems is something that I’ve found a lot harder following the changes to scouting. But man it feels good when you find them. I feel like I'm reaping the rewards... Yu Jae-Hoon popped up in my inbox with an €80k release clause! I like that - in the skin - I can tell that, technically he's underperforming his attributes, which are pretty strong anyway. He's the kind of player who I can bring in, polish and sell. But this is second tier Korea on their military loan system so there's much credit to the recruitment team for finding players like him! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
milenec11 Posted May 7 Share Posted May 7 15 hours ago, _Ben_ said: I think that I've just added another bow to my collection and, for me, that feels great! I feel like I'm reaping the rewards... Yu Jae-Hoon popped up in my inbox with an €80k release clause! I like that - in the skin - I can tell that, technically he's underperforming his attributes, which are pretty strong anyway. He's the kind of player who I can bring in, polish and sell. But this is second tier Korea on their military loan system so there's much credit to the recruitment team for finding players like him! he seems a leathal waepon in the final third with his movement and passing would be a very good SS or IF 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 13 Author Share Posted May 13 We head into the winter break as one of only two unbeaten teams in top six leagues: of which it's mainly the Premier League that shows differences between real life now and in game now. Our season, despite a blip in the Pokal - where I seem unable to actually piece together any success - and a second string Champions League loss to Bayern has been largely overshadowed by the league routing of Bayern and a wonderful last gap win over Dortmund. It was Bangura's goal vs Dortmund (a clip far too long for Gyazo and, as such, one I've been unable to record and share for your viewing pleasure) that was the pick of them and really demonstrates the style that we are trying to achieve: conscious beating of the press before aggressive, direct and lethal counter attacking football. There are, as you'd expect from a group performing like this, little in the way of weak links: Injuries - such as those that have limited Nikolic, Sarier, Hannibal and D'Anzi - have been the continued tale of the season but, with the majority returning to fitness, I can continue my exploratory tactical journeys. Jordan Bangura continues to be criminally underrated by just about everyone as he leads the scoring charts and has created three goals, too. Reckert has found his scoring form and sits level with Krassnitzer and Nikolic on seven each. Loanee Matteo Pilíc - an emergency bit of cover for the gaps within the defensive midfield area has done well but, realistically, won't be kept on as my idea of developing Leipzig players for them doesn't sit too well with me. My transfer business as I head into January, however, means there are significant changes within the team: Haris Besic - at €15m - is my record signing but a long term ball winner who will get minutes this season and allow Hannibal to live out his dream of retirement in the Middle East. Not ideal losing a Team Leader and, even less so with that being one of two team leaders to go. Ferhat Duran - completely unwilling to sign a new deal - moves to Barca for €20m, just days before they were able to approach him on a free transfer. It does secure them a good player now and, likewise - whilst bringing us more money (which we don't need) - leaves us with a gap now. In their places, two bosman deals have been agreed: Tornike Khuroshvili and Mladen Mehanovic. The former spent last season on loan and is a tricky winger and the latter is an insanely talented attacking midfielder or striker who is taller than what I already have here. Overall, the first team squad is pretty settled - both for now and into the future! With news of us leading the German national team production and appearing on the top academies in the world list, you'd be spot on to suggest that the future looks very, very bright for us. These six players, Schulz aside - given his less than six foot frame and poor first touch and technique - are likely to be given more and more minutes as the season goes on as I look to see if I can improve on an already strong core of eight academy graduates within the first team. You may notice that updates are becoming more sparse and less detailed and that's not necessarily coincidental. Whilst my next two games after I'd written the main body of this update did not go to plan: here and here, I'm finding that our successes have come at the cost of a little bit of immersion. I know I need to shake the Neverkusen tag off and win something - and, with CL football and league football all I have left, I know my what my realistic goal is - but I don't necessarily know what comes next, after that. Our squad is so aligned with my playing style and the amount of quality youth here means that I could pretty much never sign anyone else but that leaves me longing for the real intricacies of player development and tactical understanding. So much of my FM interest now revolves around tactical pieces - of which I've rarely dug into on a player by player basis - and player development, again, which feels somewhat linear and almost scripted given my immense facilities and strong starting points. Therefore, at some point during this (real life) summer, the Norseman could become the Norsemen as the son of Torbjorn provides me with the head coach job that I crave. Only an idea, at present, but this is something I've never done before in terms of my gameworld but, in a way, mirrors my FM23 save where Alex Barreto moved from title winners Atalanta to a rather more meagre Argentinian side. This time though, it's family business! 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_ANZFM Posted May 14 Share Posted May 14 8 hours ago, _Ben_ said: Only an idea, at present, but this is something I've never done before in terms of my gameworld but, in a way, mirrors my FM23 save where Alex Barreto moved from title winners Atalanta to a rather more meagre Argentinian side. This time though, it's family business! Are we talking about some kind of starting over situation here? But obviously in a vastly different game world. if so, I rate this idea highly. Something I’ve often thought about doing myself, but not yet had the chance to undertake. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slipky Posted May 15 Share Posted May 15 On 13/05/2024 at 20:10, _Ben_ said: It was Bangura's goal vs Dortmund (a clip far too long for Gyazo and, as such, one I've been unable to record and share for your viewing pleasure) For your information, I find Medal a perfect platform for longer clips. Great update as usual, Ben. Looks like the team really clicked together. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 15 Author Share Posted May 15 (edited) 6 hours ago, Slipky said: For your information, I find Medal a perfect platform for longer clips. Great update as usual, Ben. Looks like the team really clicked together. Thank you! WIth that, please enjoy some Bayer brilliance... https://medal.tv/games/football-manager-2024/clips/2dhDtgkobdSfBL/vPGvSGUPMq2R?mobilebypass=true I don't know if that works, is accessible or even is viewable but I enjoyed watching it back again and again! The way we pull their press apart to get space for Hannibal, who can then progress it nicely is just beautiful! Bangura made the interception and then finished the move with a good twenty seconds between. Edited May 15 by _Ben_ 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 15 Author Share Posted May 15 On 14/05/2024 at 02:20, Chris_ANZFM said: Are we talking about some kind of starting over situation here? But obviously in a vastly different game world. if so, I rate this idea highly. Something I’ve often thought about doing myself, but not yet had the chance to undertake. I'm not sure. I think that it'd be a side chapter but yes, in the same gameworld. I don't know (as I've never tried) the impact of setting Torbjorn to be on holiday, for example. Would 'he' still be active if I set the DoF to transfer, assistants to train player etc whilst I moved to something new with the spin-off character? However, I've added and removed leagues as I've gone and I don't know whether I've got the right setup and history (important for me in terms of immersion) to do that, especially when the draw of a random league - like the USL Pro in American - with it's strange rules, would appeal to me in terms of stepping in as a 'head coach...' Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slipky Posted May 15 Share Posted May 15 2 hours ago, _Ben_ said: Thank you! WIth that, please enjoy some Bayer brilliance... https://medal.tv/games/football-manager-2024/clips/2dhDtgkobdSfBL/vPGvSGUPMq2R?mobilebypass=true I don't know if that works, is accessible or even is viewable but I enjoyed watching it back again and again! The way we pull their press apart to get space for Hannibal, who can then progress it nicely is just beautiful! Bangura made the interception and then finished the move with a good twenty seconds between. Brilliant goal. Brilliant! Works perfectly. Glad I could help Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lfds89 Posted May 16 Share Posted May 16 Em 15/05/2024 em 17:55, _Ben_ disse: Thank you! WIth that, please enjoy some Bayer brilliance... https://medal.tv/games/football-manager-2024/clips/2dhDtgkobdSfBL/vPGvSGUPMq2R?mobilebypass=true I don't know if that works, is accessible or even is viewable but I enjoyed watching it back again and again! The way we pull their press apart to get space for Hannibal, who can then progress it nicely is just beautiful! Bangura made the interception and then finished the move with a good twenty seconds between. Great goal. Love the patience on the build-up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_ANZFM Posted May 17 Share Posted May 17 On 16/05/2024 at 04:59, _Ben_ said: I'm not sure. I think that it'd be a side chapter but yes, in the same gameworld. I don't know (as I've never tried) the impact of setting Torbjorn to be on holiday, for example. Would 'he' still be active if I set the DoF to transfer, assistants to train player etc whilst I moved to something new with the spin-off character? However, I've added and removed leagues as I've gone and I don't know whether I've got the right setup and history (important for me in terms of immersion) to do that, especially when the draw of a random league - like the USL Pro in American - with it's strange rules, would appeal to me in terms of stepping in as a 'head coach...' I can say for sure that I’ve been sacked while on holiday before. So that would strike me as “active”. I understand your uncertainty though. Feels dangerous adding/removing leagues when you’re already so deep. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 21 Author Share Posted May 21 (edited) In a turbulent time for me, dogged with work and real life commitments, having the time to sit and truly enjoy FM is something that I long for. With further thoughts about 'where next' I have found myself in something of a chaotic cycle: winning and finding little joy in it, losing and finding little fulfilment in stopping it and developing things that - quite frankly - need a lot more time that I am currently able to put in. I think that the next steps in this game are key to ensure that I can continue finding solace in a game that I love so much but one that is really fizzling out some months before it usually does. That being said - there is a job to be done here. Maybe that job is made a little better by the shocker of a season that Bayern and Tuchel are having and the fact that Nagelsmann has already departed a lifeless Leipzig team for pastures new: the red side of north London. Or maybe it's that we've just been so good - two goals a game scored and a goal conceded every two games, give or take a little bit means that we're essentially just demolishing everything we touch - either with the 4231 shape or the amended 3421. With failure in Europe - albeit in a game that I expected little from - we have seven games to turn Nerkusen into Neverlusen and bring home our first ever Bundesliga title. After that, I'll take some time to think about the direction I go in. It's things like this that really make me proud as a manager and it's things like this that i play FM for. To have two of the best young players in world football - both developed in different ways: Vogel through positional training with specific rotating foci just at the club and D'Anzi with generalised youth training and a loan to the right club - I've expanded my horizons from the 'one size fits all' approach that I've often taken to this. To bring through two players, both from the academy, into the team so successfully is a great achievement - only bettered by the notification I recieved, below: First team players Bjorklund, Vogel, Reckert, Niklas Schulz, D'Anzi, Bangura and Nikolic were joined by Gundogdu Celik, Carlo Rezepagic, Joel Kahl, Janis Schulz, Ibrahim Cevik, Jakub Jakusch, Fynn Angerer and Mohammed Sulley as I flexed the quality of the academy between crunch European ties. Along with strong domestic performance, this group of players is also pushing for continental honours and, honestly, that's another reason why a move to a smaller job will scratch some proverbial itches. It's just a little easy with developing these lads. I've been the luckiest manager ever to get crops of players as good as I have and, actually, the youth intake, some of which can be seen below, has been a nice reminder of that project player. Here, Terzi and Schulz could very easily become the attacking wing backs in the 3421 shape whilst Weinhart could develop into a nice rounded midfielder or even a more physical deeper forward. That kind of out of the box thinking hasn't been 'needed' with the quality of intakes I've had of late and I think, probably, that it's the most fun part of the game for me! I'd love to hear what people think about these three lads and how they'd develop. I think that my mind is pretty much made up now. It's a shame. As I press continue on my save, I can look back at the four years and ninety-three day tenure - so far - with immense pride. It's time to deliver Bayer their first ever Bundesliga title and then move to pastures new, with some man-made elements, such as me choosing my successor here. From there, I will force myself to re-enter the minutiae that is player development, tactical development and player performance with an added interest in creating a monologue that both builds a manager story and a picture of the league, to aid the reader. I think, and I thought this last year, the top five leagues just aren't really for me. I love the chase more than the winner's champagne. But, I tell you what, I've built a team here that it's gonna take a juggernaut to stop! Die Werkself! Edited May 22 by _Ben_ 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrewnaldo Posted May 21 Share Posted May 21 Completely get you on the general ennui with the game. Very much set in for me too. Do you think a change of scene is going to do it for you, or perhaps a wider break from the game overall? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielgear Posted May 21 Share Posted May 21 1 hour ago, _Ben_ said: that it's the most fun part of the game for me! I'd love to hear what people think about these three lads and how they'd develop. I love wing backs and these two at 15 look great. They should develop well. It will be interesting to keep an eye on them. 1 hour ago, _Ben_ said: I think, and I thought this last year, the top five leagues just aren't really for me. I love the chase more than the winner's champagne. One of my biggest issues with FM. Once I’ve reached the peak it feels like I’m too good for the AI to then topple again. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 22 Author Share Posted May 22 21 hours ago, Shrewnaldo said: Completely get you on the general ennui with the game. Very much set in for me too. Do you think a change of scene is going to do it for you, or perhaps a wider break from the game overall? I've got a really nice plan but it takes me to somewhere unfamiliar and I don't want to set myself up, write all about it and then find that - given that I'm adding the league - a whole load of unrealistic middle aged newgens with no history derail it for me! I'd feel that I couldn't step back but, annoyingly, it's going to be just as quick to play to that point as it would be to sim there. 21 hours ago, danielgear said: I love wing backs and these two at 15 look great. They should develop well. It will be interesting to keep an eye on them. Yeah, but, as I tried to allude to in that post - they're not even among the best youngsters I have but will likely grow into top players with little work on them. The micro managing is what I miss when at really big clubs! 21 hours ago, danielgear said: One of my biggest issues with FM. Once I’ve reached the peak it feels like I’m too good for the AI to then topple again. Yeah - agreed. I'd like to think Bayern will put up a fight next season but I'm not sure I'll be here to see it... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post _Ben_ Posted May 23 Author Popular Post Share Posted May 23 The final stand. The easiest, yet hardest yards the club have covered. The last hurrah. Bundesliga champions and, given where Mr Alonso has taken them this year, the last time that the first can ever be accomplished on an FM game. To win the title with a Jordan Bangura strike against Stuttgart, meaning htat Bayern Munich - in what I can only imagine to be a raucous Allianz Arena - were forced into the guard of honour must have only rubbed salt into the wounds of a division that has seen us, essentially, rip it to shreds. Towards the end of the season, Arkine found the scoring boots that he'd mislaid for the majority of the season whilst Nikolic and Sarier continue to develop a partnership that will strike fear into any opposition for, at least, the next decade. Our league stats show that we were simply the best team in the division and the tactical fluidity was the key to ensuring we coped best against the multitude of styles and shapes we faced. The Neverkusen tag is gone and, along with it, a huge sense of pride at the development work put into the club over the last decade, as five of my six best performers, below, are academy graduates: Simo has been a phenomenon between the sticks this season after returning from a loan spell in Sweden at Elfsborg, my old side. He's played every single minute this season, keeping a record number of clean sheets in the Bundesliga as well as keeping us in games with seven Player of the Match performances. For a keeper, his statistical outputs match what I want from our team as he keeps the ball well but is also not scared to progress it from outside of his box. Ahead of him is Maik Vogel, who is simply an outstanding player. Able to fulfil several roles across the backline, his versatility - in addition to his quality - made him a regular at a really young age and he's never looked back. Able to win defensive battles but also progress the ball and deliver assists and create chances means that I'm unlikely to see a better all-round defender ever. Archie - the club captain and youth graduate - is the heartbeat of the team and does everything pretty well from his Volante role. Sixteen goal contributions this season and a cemented spot in the middle of the national team midfield is a lot of pressure put on the shoulders of a 23-year old, but he's always there: Mr Consistent and just a pleasure to watch on the ball. Next is Bangura - the most undervalued player I think I've ever seen. Not recognised internationally and barely rated above a 'backup' by my staff - Jordan is a real game changer and has proved that with fourteen contributions this season and a progressive masterclass. What he also offers is an enthusiasm and drive to win the ball back higher up the pitch, allowing us to counter press, where a lot of his scoring action has come from. He's Bayer through and through and, whilst he's not the best, he's certainly a player I've really enjoyed trying to improve game by game and season by season. The only signing on this list - Ozguneri Sarier - who cost a measly €12m from Kasimpasa, has put on a creative masterclass and, honestly, his fifteen goal contributions do not do his season justice, especially when looking at the minutes he's played after a significant injury at the start of the season. His unpredictability on the ball and his ability to move into spaces, carrying the ball short distances and then moving it on, almost feels Ronaldinho-esque. In our style and, especially now that we are facing more defensive sides, a player like our Turk is just irreplaceable. Cementing himself as a top striker this year, Noa finished as top scorer and, had we not tried to become as offensive fluid and chaotic as possible, instead feeding him the ball to shoot, I think he could've had a hatful. Eighteen goals and four assists is a strong return for a player really developing his playmaking side and I think he'll go on to become a top striker. With the longest, most successful tenure here and with an announcement of a new stadium I think that the right time has come for the below decision to be made. I've said it a few times and also felt it at Elfsborg - the joy of actually winning is often less fun to me than the quest to win. This season hasn't been as challenging as I wanted; despite some beautiful football, I haven't had to think too hard about shapes, styles, player development and even things like squad rotation. Whilst I'm not at the Fergie levels, I've decided that I'm going to help out with the hiring process, 'promoting' my HoYD Jorgensen to the Bayer hot seat. I'm sure he'll sign a load of players, allow my promising youngsters to fade into nothingness (despite having a fantastic relationship with them) and slowly dismantle all of my hard work, falling, once again, behind Bayern and Dortmund but - for me - there are changes that I need to make to my FM experience that will ensure I see this game through until FM25. I've got a copy of the file before resignation and Torbjorn will be on long term holiday in case things don't turn out too well or I want to change the narrative into chapters going forward. But, in the short term, it's goodbye to Leverkusen. Goodbye to Archie Reckert. Goodbye to Jakub Jakusch and the rest of the all-conquering youth side. Goodbye to the backroom team I've painstakingly recruited and put time into developing. Bayer has become a favourite, just like Atalanta (how weird that I watched them play each other in the Conference League!) and I'll keep an eye on them across the future of this save and, probably, across the next few years in real life, too. There'll be more on my future plans soon... Die Werkself! 14 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielgear Posted May 23 Share Posted May 23 A great tenure Ben welL done Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted May 24 Share Posted May 24 Great way to bow out Ben. Look forward to what’s next Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post _Ben_ Posted May 27 Author Popular Post Share Posted May 27 As one chapter ends, another one begins... This chapter, in particular, has seen my reignite my passion for writing and creating as in-depth backstory as I can. If I know about Marcus, and you know about Marcus, and I know about where I want to start this journey, and you know where I want to start with journey - I think it has more chance of sticking! Early Life and Background Marcus Torbjörnsson was born on May 12, 2008, in the idyllic coastal city of Karlskrona, Sweden. Founded in 1680, Karlskrona is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its naval base and well-preserved 17th and 18th-century architecture. This city, sprawling across 30 islands in the eastern Blekinge archipelago, is renowned for its rich maritime heritage, vibrant cultural tapestry, and breathtaking natural vistas. The fusion of historical significance and natural splendour provided a stimulating backdrop for Marcus's formative years. Marcus is the eldest of three children. He has two younger sisters, Emma and Sofia, who channel their athletic inclinations into gymnastics and swimming, respectively. His father, Olof Torbjörnsson, is a distinguished football manager acclaimed for his strategic brilliance and leadership. Olof’s illustrious career includes steering GIF Sundsvall, clinching the Allsvenskan championship with IF Elfsborg, securing victory in the 2. Bundesliga with VfL Bochum, and triumphing in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. His mother, Maria, while not directly involved in football, provided steadfast support, nurturing the ambitions of Marcus and his siblings. Growing up in Karlskrona, Marcus was surrounded by historic naval edifices, serene waterfronts, and verdant parks. His free time was often spent exploring the islands, participating in local festivals, and engaging in outdoor activities such as sailing and cycling. The city’s dynamic environment and close-knit community fostered his insatiable curiosity and love for sports. Childhood and Football Enthusiasm From a tender age, Marcus was a fixture at football matches and training sessions. His father’s managerial role at GIF Sundsvall afforded him unparalleled access to the inner workings of a professional football team from an early age. This exposure allowed Marcus to develop a profound understanding of football tactics, team dynamics, and the meticulous efforts required to excel in the sport.Weekends were spent at the football stadium, where Marcus would keenly observe games, dissecting plays and strategies. He developed a routine of discussing match outcomes and player performances with his father, who encouraged him to think critically about the game. These discussions not only fortified their bond but also honed Marcus's analytical skills. Admiring his father’s achievements, Marcus aspired to follow in his footsteps, yearning to make a significant impact in the football world. Olof Torbjörnsson’s illustrious career provided Marcus with diverse experiences in various football cultures. From Olof's triumphs in Sweden with Elfsborg to his successes in Germany with VfL Bochum and Bayer Leverkusen, Marcus was exposed to top-tier football environments. These experiences further fuelled his passion for the sport and deepened his understanding of international football dynamics. In addition to his fervour for football, Marcus was an active child who enjoyed participating in various sports. He played football with local youth teams, honing his skills on the field and gaining firsthand experience of the sport he adored. His involvement in youth leagues instilled in him the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Education and Move to Canada At the age of 18, Marcus embarked on a significant journey to Calgary, Canada, to pursue higher education. This decision was driven by his ambition to delve deeper into sports analysis, a field that seamlessly combined his love for football with his interest in data and analytics. The University of Calgary, renowned for its robust sports analysis program, provided an ideal platform for Marcus to advance his education. Adjusting to life in Canada was a transformative experience for Marcus. Leaving behind the familiar surroundings of Karlskrona, he embraced the new challenges and opportunities that Calgary presented. The University of Calgary’s sports analysis program, known for its comprehensive curriculum integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, became his academic home. Marcus quickly adapted to his new environment, immersing himself in his studies, which included courses in sports statistics, data science, biomechanics, and performance analysis. These courses equipped him with the skills needed to interpret and utilize complex data to enhance athletic performance. The university's state-of-the-art facilities and access to advanced analytical tools provided Marcus with crucial hands-on experience. In addition to his coursework, Marcus actively engaged in extracurricular activities that enriched his university experience. He joined student organizations related to sports management and analytics, networking with peers and industry professionals. He also participated in workshops and seminars focused on the latest trends and technologies in sports analysis. Marcus's commitment to his education was evident through his involvement in numerous research projects. One notable project involved collaborating with the university's athletics department to analyse the performance metrics of student-athletes, optimizing their training programs. This project allowed Marcus to apply his classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, further refining his analytical skills. To gain practical experience, Marcus secured internships with local sports teams, where he worked closely with coaches and analysts to develop data-driven strategies for improving team performance. These internships provided him with invaluable insights into the practical applications of sports analysis and helped him build a robust professional network. Academic Pursuits and Career Aspirations During his time at the University of Calgary, Marcus’s passion for sports analysis flourished. His academic journey was marked by several notable achievements, including internships with local sports teams and contributions to research projects focused on optimizing athletic performance through data-driven strategies. His unique background and hands-on experience gave him a distinct edge in the field of sports analysis. Looking ahead, Marcus Torbjörnsson is poised to make significant contributions to the world of sports analysis. His blend of practical experience from his early years with GIF Sundsvall and his formal education in Canada positions him as a promising talent in the sports industry. His future aspirations extend beyond analysis; Marcus harbours a strong desire to transition into football management, following in his father's esteemed footsteps. He dreams of applying his deep-rooted knowledge of data analytics to his managerial approach, creating a unique fusion of traditional and modern football strategies. Marcus has developed a profound appreciation for the style of play his father championed—characterized by tactical discipline, aggressive pressing, and fluid attacking movements. He envisions himself implementing a similar philosophy in his managerial career, combining it with cutting-edge data analysis techniques to optimize team performance. In his personal life, Marcus remains a dedicated supporter of GIF Sundsvall, carrying forward the legacy of his father while forging his own path in the dynamic world of sports analysis and management. His journey from the historic stands of Sundsvall to the lecture halls of Calgary is a testament to his passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport he loves. From his extensive work in Canada, Marcus has been able to build a comprehensive picture of the footballing landscape and sees North America as a perfect springboard to start his managerial adventure... The Canadian Premier League (CPL) emerges from a long-standing desire within Canada's soccer community to establish a thriving professional league on home soil. It represents a culmination of years of discussions, planning, and collaborative efforts among various stakeholders passionate about advancing the sport in the country. In its embryonic stages, discussions centered around the need for a domestic league that not only provided a platform for Canadian talent but also bolstered the overall infrastructure of soccer in the nation. The absence of such a league had left a void, with aspiring players often seeking opportunities abroad and domestic soccer lacking a cohesive structure for development. Years of deliberation and groundwork laid the foundation for the CPL's eventual launch. Feasibility studies, consultations with experts, and engagement with the broader soccer community helped shape the league's structure and objectives. This meticulous planning aimed to ensure the CPL's viability and relevance in Canada's sporting landscape. The inaugural season of the CPL marked a watershed moment in Canadian soccer history. Amidst great anticipation, the league kicked off its first campaign, signaling the dawn of a new era for the sport in the country. The excitement surrounding the inaugural matches captured the imagination of soccer fans nationwide, underscoring the pent-up demand for a professional league of this caliber. As the league gained momentum, it prioritized not only on-field excellence but also off-field initiatives aimed at engaging fans and fostering community involvement. Partnerships with local organizations, outreach programs, and grassroots initiatives helped the CPL establish a strong presence within communities across Canada, further solidifying its role as a unifying force in the nation's soccer landscape. One of the CPL's defining characteristics is its commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. From the outset, the league prioritized the development of Canadian players, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and pursue professional careers within their own country. Through robust player development pathways and strategic partnerships with youth academies and grassroots programs, the CPL became instrumental in identifying and nurturing the next generation of Canadian soccer stars. As the league continued to evolve, it embraced diversity and inclusion as core principles. Recognizing Canada's multicultural fabric, the CPL celebrated the myriad of backgrounds and identities that contribute to the nation's soccer tapestry. Initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility ensured that the CPL remained a welcoming space for participants and fans from all walks of life. Innovation has been a driving force behind the CPL's growth trajectory. Leveraging advancements in technology, fan engagement strategies, and operational efficiencies, the league continually sought to enhance the soccer experience for its supporters. From digital platforms to interactive fan experiences, the CPL embraced innovation as a means to connect with its audience and drive sustained interest in the sport. Looking ahead, the Canadian Premier League stands poised to continue its journey of growth and development. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and the advancement of Canadian soccer, the CPL represents a beacon of hope and opportunity for the nation's soccer community. As the league charts its course into the future, its impact on Canadian soccer is poised to be profound and enduring. Currently, it has eight teams competing in it: Forge FC Among its eight teams, Forge FC of Hamilton, Ontario, has emerged as a dominant force. Hamilton is located on the western end of Lake Ontario and is known for its industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Established in 2017, Forge FC was one of the original CPL teams and quickly built a strong foundation. The team plays its home games at Tim Hortons Field, a multi-purpose stadium with a 10,000-seat capacity. Known for their striking orange and black kits, Forge FC has become synonymous with success in the league, capturing the CPL Championship in 2019, 2020, and 2022. Key players such as captain Kyle Bekker, a stalwart midfielder known for his leadership and playmaking abilities, and forward Tristan Borges, who won the CPL Golden Boot in 2019, have been instrumental in the team's success. Their consistent performance and robust fan base have made them a model franchise in Canadian soccer. Cavalry FC Cavalry FC, based in Calgary, Alberta, was founded in 2018 by Spruce Meadows Sports and Entertainment. Calgary, located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, is known for its stunning natural scenery and dynamic urban lifestyle. The team's creation was inspired by the desire to bring professional soccer to Calgary, leveraging the rich equestrian culture of Spruce Meadows. Cavalry FC plays at ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows, which accommodates about 6,000 fans and offers a unique game-day experience. With their vibrant red and green kits, Cavalry FC quickly established themselves as a formidable contender in the CPL. They finished as runners-up in the league's inaugural season in 2019 and have consistently been in the playoff mix. Key players like captain Nik Ledgerwood, a veteran midfielder with international experience, and forward Dominic Malonga, known for his goal-scoring prowess, have been central to their competitive spirit and strong organizational foundation. Pacific FC Pacific FC, representing Vancouver Island from Langford, British Columbia, was founded in 2018 as part of the CPL's westward expansion. Vancouver Island is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, from rugged coastlines to dense rainforests, and a strong sense of community. The club aimed to capture the vibrant soccer culture of Vancouver Island and provide a pathway for local talent. Pacific FC plays at Starlight Stadium, which has a capacity of 6,000 and offers an intimate and passionate atmosphere. The team's colors, purple and white, are a nod to the natural beauty of the region. Pacific FC won their first CPL Championship in 2021, solidifying their place as a competitive force in the league. Key players such as midfielder Marco Bustos, known for his creativity and technical skills, and defender Lukas MacNaughton, a reliable presence at the back, have played pivotal roles in the team’s success. York United FC York United FC, initially founded as York9 FC in 2018 and rebranded in 2020, is based in the Greater Toronto Area. This area is one of the most populous and diverse regions in Canada, encompassing bustling urban centres and serene suburban communities. The team was one of the CPL's original clubs and aimed to represent the nine municipalities of York Region. York United plays its home games at York Lions Stadium, which seats 4,000 spectators. The team's colours, green, white, and blue, symbolize unity and diversity. Despite experiencing mixed results on the field, often finishing mid-table, York United FC has shown resilience and ambition. Key players like forward Michael Petrasso, known for his attacking versatility, and midfielder Diyaeddine Abzi, recognized for his pace and defensive capabilities, have been crucial for the team's performance. The rebranding effort in 2020 marked a new chapter, aiming to unify and expand their fan base across the broader Toronto area. Valour FC Valour FC, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, was established in 2017 as one of the CPL's founding members. Winnipeg, located at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, is known for its cultural landmarks, vibrant arts scene, and cold winters. The club was named to honour Valour Road, a street in Winnipeg named for three World War I soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross. Valour FC plays at IG Field, a venue with a considerable capacity of 33,000, shared with the Canadian Football League's Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The team's maroon and gold kits reflect their historical inspiration. Valour FC has faced challenges on the pitch, often struggling to break into the upper echelons of the standings. Key players like midfielder Dylan Carreiro, known for his vision and passing, and forward Moses Dyer, an impactful goal scorer, have been essential to their efforts. Despite this, they remain a key part of the CPL, contributing to the league's growth and local soccer development. HFX Wanderers FC HFX Wanderers FC, representing Halifax, Nova Scotia, was founded in 2018 to bring professional soccer to the Atlantic provinces. Halifax, a major economic centre on Canada's East Coast, is known for its maritime history, vibrant waterfront, and lively cultural scene. The team's name, inspired by Halifax's historic Wanderers Grounds, pays homage to the city's rich sporting history. The Wanderers Grounds, with a capacity of 6,500, offers a historic and charming setting for matches. The team's colours, navy blue and aqua, are a nod to Halifax's maritime heritage. The Wanderers reached the CPL finals in 2020, showcasing their potential despite generally finishing in the middle of the table. Key players such as forward Akeem Garcia, who has been a prolific scorer for the team, and goalkeeper Christian Oxner, known for his shot-stopping abilities, have been crucial for their success. Their presence has been pivotal in expanding the league's footprint to the Atlantic region. Atlético Ottawa Atlético Ottawa, the second newest CPL team, was launched in 2020 with the backing of Spanish club Atlético Madrid, marking a significant milestone for the league in terms of international investment and partnership. Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is known for its historic sites, political significance, and vibrant cultural festivals. The club was established to bring top-tier soccer to the nation’s capital. Atlético Ottawa plays at TD Place Stadium, which has a 24,000-seat capacity and is shared with other sports teams in Ottawa. The team's red and white kits echo their parent club’s colours, symbolizing a blend of Canadian and Spanish soccer cultures. Despite being a recent addition to the league, Atlético Ottawa is steadily improving. Key players like midfielder Ben Fisk, known for his leadership and playmaking, and defender Drew Beckie, recognized for his defensive solidity, have helped build a strong foundation and competitive team. Vancouver FC Vancouver FC, from Langley, British Columbia, play their home games at Willoughby Community Park were founded in 2022 as a franchise club from SixFive Sports and Entertainment LP. Before the inception of the Canadian Premier League (CPL), Vancouver FC participated in various local and regional leagues, serving as a cornerstone of the city's soccer community. The club's roots run deep in Vancouver's neighborhoods, with grassroots initiatives and youth development programs fostering a strong connection with aspiring players and fans alike. With the establishment of the CPL in 2019, Vancouver FC seized the opportunity to elevate its status in Canadian soccer. Representing the bustling metropolis of Vancouver on a national stage, the club aimed to showcase the talent and passion that defines the city's soccer landscape. Since joining the CPL, Vancouver FC has proudly represented Vancouver and British Columbia, drawing support from a dedicated fanbase that fills stadiums with chants and cheers. The club's colors and crest pay homage to the city's iconic landmarks and natural beauty, embodying the spirit of Vancouver on and off the field. One of the most notable players in Vancouver FC's history is Alejandro "Alex" González, a dynamic midfielder known for his vision, creativity, and ability to control the tempo of the game. González, a fan favorite, played a pivotal role in the club's midfield, orchestrating attacks and providing crucial assists while also contributing defensively. His leadership qualities and dedication to the team made him a respected figure both within the club and throughout the league. Another standout player for Vancouver FC is Marcus Davies, a prolific forward whose clinical finishing and speed made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Davies, known for his ability to score goals in crucial moments, became a symbol of resilience and determination for Vancouver FC, inspiring teammates and fans alike with his performances on the field. Marcus's tactical methodology, deeply influenced by his upbringing under the guidance of his father, Torbjörn Olofsson, is characterised by a fluid defensive setup complemented by elements of gegenpressing. Drawing from Torbjörns coaching spells at Bayer Leverkusen, Bochum, Elfsborg, and GIF Sundsvall, Marcus has honed his coaching philosophy to prioritise defensive solidity and proactive defensive strategies. Central to Marcus's tactical blueprint is a fluid defensive setup that adapts seamlessly to different phases of play. Rather than adhering rigidly to a specific formation, Marcus focuses on creating a cohesive defensive structure that is adaptable and responsive to the dynamic nature of modern football. Gegenpressing serves as a cornerstone of Marcus's defensive strategy, emphasizing immediate pressure on the opposition to regain possession after losing the ball. This proactive defensive mindset not only disrupts the opponent's rhythm but also instills a sense of urgency and cohesion among his players. Vertical compactness is another fundamental aspect of Marcus's defensive organization. By condensing space between the lines, his teams limit the opponent's ability to penetrate the defensive block and force turnovers in dangerous areas. This disciplined approach is exemplified by the coordinated movements and positional awareness of his players. Transitioning swiftly from defense to attack is a hallmark of Marcus's teams, reminiscent of his father's coaching philosophy. Quick counter-attacks and fluid transitions catch opponents off guard, capitalizing on spaces left by the retreating defense. This seamless shift in gears is facilitated by the astute decision-making and intelligent movement of his players. One such example is Archie Reckert, a Bayer Leverkusen midfielder who serves as a Segundo Volante in Torbjörns system. Reckert's dynamic playing style allows him to seamlessly transition between defensive and attacking phases, providing defensive cover while also contributing to the team's offensive maneuvers. His ability to break up opposition play and initiate quick transitions embodies the essence of Marcus's tactical approach. In the final third, Marcus introduces a chaos element characterized by off-the-ball movement and fluid attacking patterns. Players are encouraged to interchange positions, make intelligent runs, and exploit spaces in the opposition defense. This unpredictable attacking approach creates confusion and disarray among the opposition, opening up scoring opportunities and maximizing offensive output. Furthermore, Marcus leverages defensive data analysis to assess the strengths and weaknesses of opposing tactics. By identifying opposition vulnerabilities and neutralizing their strengths, Marcus formulates bespoke defensive strategies tailored to nullify the opponent's attacking threat. - - - As the revered Head Coach of a football team, Marcus Torbjörnsson assumes a multifaceted role crucial to the team's success. First and foremost, Torbjörnsson is the architect of tactical brilliance, meticulously crafting game plans, formations, and strategic maneuvers aimed at exploiting the weaknesses of opponents while leveraging the team's strengths. His astute understanding of the game allows him to adapt these tactics on the fly, reacting to the ebb and flow of each match with a blend of intuition and strategic foresight. In the realm of training, Torbjörnsson's influence is omnipresent. He presides over rigorous training sessions, meticulously designed to hone individual player skills, forge cohesive team dynamics, and cultivate peak physical fitness. These sessions serve as the crucible in which raw talent is refined into polished prowess, ensuring that each player is primed to perform at their best come matchday. Furthermore, Torbjörnsson is the consummate leader in the crucible of team meetings. Here, he fosters an environment of open communication and camaraderie, encouraging players to share insights, voice concerns, and collectively strive for excellence. These meetings serve as a forum for tactical discussion, motivational pep talks, and the cultivation of a winning mentality that permeates every facet of the team's endeavors. However, beyond the realm of on-field tactics and training, Torbjörnsson's authority wanes. Critical tasks such as player recruitment, contract negotiations, and scouting assignments fall under the purview of the club's management team, not the Head Coach himself. While Torbjörnsson may provide input on the type of players needed to bolster the squad or offer insights into potential transfer targets, the ultimate decisions rest with the sporting director or general manager. Similarly, contract renewals and scouting assignments are managed by dedicated personnel within the club, allowing Torbjörnsson to focus his energies solely on coaching and maximizing the team's performance on the pitch. - - - With that, I'm now just simming up until the end of the 2036 year so that the CPL can be added to the game. Fortunately, most teams already have a pretty full squad of players so there shouldn't be too much in the way of immersion-sucking end of career players with no history! From there, my plan is to dive in, really get to know the club and - most importantly - the league. I really want these updates to show you an immersion into the CPL, the players and managers that play here and how I'm adapting and preparing for each match. I'm pretty blind to the rules - but I'm sure that there is a draft, plus, there is only one squad - so, for now, my youth development becomes so important but with players who are actually playing first team football. The idea to give everything away to my staff will need some explanation and work too, as I may utilise the 'suggest players' option to create my shortlists but I, honestly, want to develop a style of gameplay that makes the most of what I'm given - coming off the back of a Leverkusen squad that was solely built in my own style and, clearly, worked pretty well! TL;DR? It's Torbjörn's son! We're going to Canada! 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrewnaldo Posted May 27 Share Posted May 27 Got a club in mind? Cavalry for the Calgary connection? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
milenec11 Posted May 27 Share Posted May 27 (edited) If you have a club in mind my bet on Valour FC Edited May 27 by milenec11 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielgear Posted May 27 Share Posted May 27 A great in depth post, If we’re playing guess which club I’m going for HFX Wanderers FC, closest to Sweden. But I do think @Shrewnaldocould be right. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted May 27 Share Posted May 27 I've watched some of the Canadian Premier League matches on TV. The quality of play is shockingly poor. My vote is for Atletico Ottawa because it has ties to Europe and it's closest team to where I live. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 27 Author Share Posted May 27 4 hours ago, Shrewnaldo said: Got a club in mind? Cavalry for the Calgary connection? 4 hours ago, milenec11 said: If you have a club in mind my bet on Valour FC 2 hours ago, danielgear said: A great in depth post, If we’re playing guess which club I’m going for HFX Wanderers FC, closest to Sweden. But I do think @Shrewnaldocould be right. The league isn't active yet and, whilst I can see who has 'won' the previous editions, my plan is to take a job as an unemployed manager and go from there! 57 minutes ago, keeper#1 said: I've watched some of the Canadian Premier League matches on TV. The quality of play is shockingly poor. My vote is for Atletico Ottawa because it has ties to Europe and it's closest team to where I live. One of the draws, definitely! I like to manage outside the big leagues but also - if I can develop my tactical style at this level, that'll feel like a huge accomplishment, given the relative ease of being able to do so at an elite level. I would say that this is on a par with GIF Sundsvall, in the Swedish second tier so I want to go back and achieve the things I didn't whilst I was there - taking it slower and applying the things I've learnt across FM24. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted May 27 Share Posted May 27 Quite the plot twist to say the least. Canada very different but should make for some very very interesting reading. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 27 Author Share Posted May 27 With the gameworld now fifteen years old, some things have changed and moved on. With Canada not being loaded until now, there's been little transfer activity but the national team has some bright prospects - although largely from the Canadian based MLS clubs, Toronto, CF Montreal and Vancouver Whitecaps. In terms of the CPL history, Forge FC (8), Ottawa (5), Cavalry (3), HFX and Pacific FC (1) have all won competitions with Valour, Vancouver and York United the three remaining sides never to achieve anything, albeit third places for the Valour and York in the last two seasons. In continental competition, they've fared pretty badly, too: Forge FC - Quarter final of CONCACAF in 2024 Pacific FC - 2nd round of CONCACAF in 2028 Cavalry - 2nd round of CONCACAF in 2036 Ottawa - First round only However, Cavalry were runners up of Amway Canadian Championship in 2034, a competition that invites the Canadian MLS sides into it. - - - A humongous step down from Bayer and the riches and glory there, but I do feel that I've missed the hard graft at this level! The Canadian Premier League (CPL) is the premier professional soccer league in Canada, inaugurated in 2019 with the goal of advancing Canadian football talent and providing a professional platform for players, coaches, and officials. The CPL comprises several independently owned and operated teams, with the number of teams increasing over time, although this is not modelled in FM. The CPL season is divided into two main segments: the regular season and the playoffs. During the regular season, teams compete in a round-robin format, playing each other multiple times to accumulate points through wins and draws. A win earns a team 3 points, a draw earns 1 point, and a loss earns no points. At the end of the regular season, the top teams advance to the playoffs, which culminates in the CPL Championship. The winner of the CPL Championship qualifies for the CONCACAF Champions League, representing Canada in this prestigious international club competition. There are specific roster rules to promote Canadian talent and maintain competitive balance. Each team must have a minimum number of Canadian players on their roster and in their matchday squad. There are also limits on the number of international players that each team can sign and field in a match. Additionally, teams are required to provide a minimum number of playing minutes to Under-21 Canadian players over the course of the season, ensuring that young Canadian talent gets valuable playing experience. Composition and Limits Total Roster Size: Each CPL team typically has a roster consisting of up to 23 players. This includes both senior and youth players. Honestly, my preference is always with a smaller squad - so I think I'll like this. However, the concern is that includes youth graduates, too, which'll mean that the 23 is made of some very poor player. Canadian Content: A significant portion of the roster must be composed of Canadian players. The CPL mandates that at least 50% plus one of the players on a team's roster be Canadian. This requirement ensures that Canadian players have ample opportunities to play and develop in a professional environment. I absolutely am 100% for this part of the squad building and will always - well, as long as my staff bring them in - prioritise homegrown players. International Players: While the league encourages the development of Canadian talent, it also allows for the inclusion of international players. Teams are permitted to sign up to seven international players. This cap ensures a balance between developing local talent and bringing in international experience and skill. It'll be nice to see if I can bring some quality talent into the country and grow the league in the time that I am here. Matchday Squad Requirements Canadian Players in Matchday Squad: On matchdays, each team must include at least six Canadian players in their 18-player matchday squad. This rule is in place to guarantee that Canadian players consistently get playing time. Under-21 Canadian Players: The league has a specific requirement that teams must provide a minimum number of playing minutes to Under-21 Canadian players over the course of the season. For example, in recent seasons, teams were required to ensure that U-21 Canadian players collectively accumulate at least 2,000 minutes of playing time during the season. This regulation aims to foster the development of young Canadian talent by giving them significant playing opportunities. In FM, it is modelled by a fine and also not being allowed to take part in the playoffs, should a team reach it. I'm really interested to see whether this is strictly adhered to and, actually, whether it's even going to be tough to achieve. Player Designations Designated Players: Similar to other leagues, the CPL allows teams to have designated players whose salaries may exceed the team’s salary cap. This enables teams to attract higher-caliber talent without compromising the overall budget. Developmental Players: Teams are encouraged to sign young and developmental players. These players, often from local academies or youth setups, can be integrated into the first team and given opportunities to train and play with the senior squad. Salary Cap and Financial Regulations Salary Cap: The CPL enforces a salary cap to maintain financial parity among teams. Each team has a maximum budget for player salaries, ensuring that no single team can significantly outspend the others. This cap includes player wages, bonuses, and other compensation. Budget Management: Teams must manage their budgets to fit within the salary cap while balancing the need for experienced players and developing talent. This often involves strategic decisions regarding player contracts, transfers, and loans. Transfer and Loan Policies Transfers: Teams can acquire players through domestic and international transfers. The CPL has specific transfer windows during which teams can sign new players or transfer players to other clubs. Loans: Teams can loan players to and from other clubs, including those in different leagues. Loans are a common way for young players to gain experience and playing time. Development and Academies Youth Academies: Many CPL teams have associated youth academies that train and develop young players. These academies are integral to the league's mission of fostering homegrown talent. Homegrown Player Rule: Players developed through a team's academy system can be signed as homegrown players, often with certain benefits in terms of roster spots and salary cap exemptions. It feels like a slightly watered down MLS, which, honestly, was on my radar for this and any future save. But, with just eight teams, I think that I can really build the level of immersion and, hopefully, do pretty well with whichever club I end up at! Each thumbnail links to a profile of the manager. Sadly, with little representation and an unloaded league, seven of these eight managers are 'new' to the game, having replaced the original 'real' managers on the 1st January 2037, despite them all leaving a decade or so prior to that. However, that does create seven clean slates for these managers to impress their new bosses, or, ideally for me, to not - allowing me an opportunity to get my first taste of North American football in, I believe, any FM game. It'll be really interested to chart how their styles and formations change over time and also how they then build their teams around these as time goes on. Furthermore, with - once I'm through the door - just seven other managers to contend with, it'll be great to dig deeper tactically to try and create game plans as well as mind games between us. - - - The next job is to now let the game move on, on holiday, before taking up the reigns at whoever employs me. I, purposely, haven't included any information about the players at this point because that'll come next! 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
milenec11 Posted May 28 Share Posted May 28 (edited) The Canadian league you are using custom edited league for more depth? Or as it is the FM data ? This salary cup is the key factor. What restrictions rules has ( for foreign players ) Edited May 28 by milenec11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Ben_ Posted May 28 Author Share Posted May 28 44 minutes ago, milenec11 said: The Canadian league you are using custom edited league for more depth? Or as it is the FM data ? This salary cup is the key factor. What restrictions rules has ( for foreign players ) No. It's the original game database as this was started on the early access, way back in October. The current salary cap is €19,750 per week - so a huge reduction from Bundesliga wages and, to be fair, even MLS wages. The squad can have seven foreign players with no more than five in the matchday squad, so it's all about youth development - which is part of the reason I've chosen here. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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