The Hitch hiker's guide to FM12

[deltablue]

Cup winners get a Champions League spot! I'm liking the sound of that

Well played to SI then,the MLS do the same in game.The US Open Cup semi finals are Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs Richmond Kickers and Colorado vs Minnesota Stars.As for Red Bulls,they reap what they sow,I can't stand sides who would actually put out the equivalent to a C team in the cup but that's more down to me liking cup competitions.

Quite agreed.

[iHeadHunta x]

Good start so far!

[B.W.G]

Thanks

We've beaten Minnesota 3-0 in the semi-final and will now face Richmond Kickers in the final so only 1 step away from silverware and a Champions League spot!

[B.W.G]

Coming January 2025 to Colorado Rapids....introducing Spanish international.....Iker Muniain! I know he will be 32 but I couldn't really turn him down with stats like that!

[HotChocolate]

I remember when he was similar to Freddy Adu, nice signing

(if you signed him, that's what it sounds like but the screenshot shows him unattached)

[B.W.G]

He's joining 21/01/25,stupid transfer window won't let me have him now.Tells you just under his picture

[HotChocolate]

Oh yeah.

At least it wasn't the most obvious of things, then I'd feel stupid, but that's common as it is

[cragswfc]

Iker Muniain great capture

[Dejay]

Great signing there

[B.W.G]

Thanks guys

What makes it better for me is that he decided to accept a £4k p/w contract offer and will be contracted till the end of 2026

[deltablue]

Great deal.

[B.W.G]

Indeed

Got one game left of the season,the MLS Cup where we will face Columbus Crew.We both have 1 win a piece this season so it really is winner take all.

[Jason the Yank]

Cup winners get a Champions League spot! I'm liking the sound of that

Well played to SI then,the MLS do the same in game.The US Open Cup semi finals are Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs Richmond Kickers and Colorado vs Minnesota Stars.As for Red Bulls,they reap what they sow,I can't stand sides who would actually put out the equivalent to a C team in the cup but that's more down to me liking cup competitions.

Yeah, the US representatives in the Champions League are typically (this isn't a set rule, but it's who they've sent)
1. MLS Cup winner
2. MLS Cup runner-up
3. Supporters Shield winner
4. US Open Cup winner

If there is an unfilled slot (because one of the Canadian teams reached the MLS Cup final or won the Supporters Shield, or because a team has 2 ways into the Champions League), then the next best team in the overall table gets in.

The Canadians only get 1 spot in the Champions League, and they determine that through the Canadian Championship competition (basically a 4-team knockout)

[jackripper]

How much you pay for Munain. he should tear that league up

[B.W.G]

Jason the Yank - Least I know I'm guaranteed a spot now Also thanks for the info on the MLS as it's my first time playing it

jackripper - He was a free transfer,I wasn't even interested in him till his agent came to us

[Jason the Yank]

Jason the Yank - Least I know I'm guaranteed a spot now Also thanks for the info on the MLS as it's my first time playing it

It's not the Premiership, but it's our league so I evangelize on its behalf.

[cragswfc]

jackripper - He was a free transfer,I wasn't even interested in him till his agent came to us

I love that when agent's come with a brilliant player, What you never going to get until he comes

[B.W.G]

Think I'm more shocked that he accepted a £4k p/w contract and didn't want designated player status

[jackripper]

that is shocking lol

[B.W.G]

Colorado Rapids - End of Season - 2024

2024 Transfers - Had very little to work with when I took over so I bought in a lot of players to fill the team out.Most of the players with exception to Gernot Trauner are youngsters who have a bright future at the club and will all become leading MLS players according to my assistant manager.Daniel Williams is the only incoming player that I had to do with.As for the outgoings,the only players I let leave were the players who were waivered on the 7/3/24 as I didn't need them and did not have the quality to become anything decent in the future.This will be my busiest transfer activity at the club as we don't really need any more players,another 4 players should see us have the perfect team.

Competitions
MLS - League Table - Western Semi-Final - Western Final - MLS Cup - Overall,it was a very good season even I do think we could have performed much better then we did.At times we were brilliant then at other times we looked lost and showed complacency.We could have easily gone the season unbeaten but didn't perform to their best.Although in the Western Conference Semi-Final and Final we showed why we were the best in the West as our defence was brilliant and we showed how we can finish our chances to end up the winners of the Western Conference Final.The MLS Cup bought out what was probably one of our worst performances during the season,we raced to a 3-0 lead before Columbus pulled it back to 3-2.We did get a 4th goal but again Columbus got another and made it a nervy finish during injury time.Stuck a rocket up the player's asses after that game was over!

US Open Cup - Winners - I didn't play a single MLS team in the competition,sounds like an easy run doesn't it?It was anything but easy,these so called lower league knocked out all the other MLS teams to the point where we were the only MLS team in the semi-finals!We beat Rochester Rhinos 2-0 in the 3rd round,eased past Atlanta Silverbacks 4-1 in the quarter finals.We beat Minnesota 3-0 in the semi-finals,in reality it was much closer then the score suggested but we just finished better.The final on the other hand was a nervy affair which I have to be honest,Richmond were probably the better team but even so we were the better finishers as we took a 3 goal lead before complacency in the last 30 mins nearly cost us.

Players,Stats and Awards
Quick look at the http://i770.photoOverall Squad Stats.

Lucas was the clubs top scorer hitting 26 goals as well as providing 14 assists in 43 appearances.Not bad for the number two striker but he will face some serious competition from the incoming Muniain next season.

Freddy Adu topped the assist chart with 17 assists,he also scored 5 goals in 35 appearances so not shabby for a 35 year old!He maybe coming up for retirement from playing in the next couple of years but he can still get among the awards,he picked up Humanitarian of the Year.

Wilfredo Arroyo won the Fair Play Award.To be fair,I am actually quite astounded,he received no cards in 42 appearances for the club and nor did he receive any cards in his 4 international appearances.This is certainly a record for me,he also had a very good season scoring 9 goals and providing 14 assists.

Fernando Frontini won Fans Player of the Year.He was brilliant for most of the season and this was proved with 24 goals and 13 assists he contributed throughout the season.Scary thing is that he could do even better so next season will certainly be interesting for him.

Colorado were awarded the Supporters Shield!

Overview
My first season in the United States saw us win the Western Conference,MLS Cup and the US Open Cup as well as crash out of the Champions League in the Semi-Final so it wasn't too bad a first season for me!I feel I have been helped by my previous scouting of South America when I was managing Sao Paulo as that allowed us to get quality players for dirt cheap in from Bolivia and Peru.We still have a pretty young squad as we have an average age of 23 years old so there is still room to grow in most of the players so the key will be to keep the players together to make next season a bit easier.

We won't be competing in the Champions League for the 2024/25 season due to failing to qualify in 2023 so we won't have a continental game till September 2025 when we will go into the group stages.The earliest I will be leaving is 2026 as that will be the earliest year we could win the Champions League but it's still a long way off and things can change.We will have a good squad next season and have bought in a bit of experience by signing Iker Muniain and have identified the weaknesses in the team which I will be looking to solve.

Season     Club         Division       Country      League       Cup       Continental    Avg.Att            Notes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12  Persepam    Prem Division    Indonesia      2nd       1st Rnd        N/A           739            Promotion!
2012/13  Persepam    Super League     Indonesia      4th       4th Rnd        N/A          1400           Top 4 Finish!
2013/14  Dag + Red    BSB Premier      England       4th       2nd Rnd        N/A          2040        Started Oct,Promoted!
2014/15  Dag + Red     League 2        England       8th       6th Rnd        N/A          3742          FA Cup Last 8
2015/16  Dag + Red     League 2        England       1st       6th Rnd        N/A          3778            Promotion!
2016/17  Dag + Red     League 1        England       4th       4th Rnd        N/A          5828          Playoff Winners!
2017/18  RB Leipzig  3.fußball liga    Germany       1st         N/A          N/A          7899            Promotion!
2018/19  RB Leipzig   2.Bundesliga     Germany       1st       1st Rnd        N/A          13209        Title + Promotion!
2019/20  RB Leipzig   1.Bundesliga     Germany       3rd      RUNNER-UP       N/A          21573        CL Qualification!
2020/21  RB Leipzig   1.Bundesliga     Germany       2nd       WINNERS       GS/RU         27012        DFB-POKAL winners!
2021/22  RB Leipzig   1.Bundesliga     Germany       1st       WINNERS      WINNERS        36664           Won Treble!
2022     Sao Paulo      Serie A        Brazil        1st         N/A         Group         58710           Won Double!
2023     Sao Paulo      Serie A        Brazil        1st         N/A        WINNERS        57771          Clean Sweep!
2024     Colorado         MLS          U.S.A        1st/WIN    WINNERS       Semis         17595           Won Double!

[B.W.G]

From next season,I will be changing the layout to my updates to make it look more presentable then just blocking it together like I currently do.

[HotChocolate]

Great double shame about the Champions League but even so it was a great first season in charge

[B.W.G]

Thanks

Throughout the new season,I will curse Carlos Valderrama as it's his fault I'm not in the Champions League due to undervperforming in 2023 and I don't care if he is in retirement

[rancer890]

You won in MLS without trading for anyone. You should try it out before you leave in a few seasons...

[B.W.G]

Most of the teams were only willing to trade players for draft picks which I didn't really need but still need a DL and have seen a really good Striker I like so maybe see if teams are interested in a player exchange.

[Dejay]

Nice work winning the MLS

You will tear it up next year

[B.W.G]

Thanks

Hopefully so,I have strengthened where necessary so it should be an exciting season!

[Raware]

Another decent debut season in a new country!

Interesting to see you say that you're changing the layout of your updates. Any reason for this?

[B.W.G]

Thanks

Due to university,I've always done reports/assignments in that sort of layout.I decided to change it as I wanted to give it a fresh look and also put bit more detail into each report.

[B.W.G]

Colorado Rapids - Pre-Season - 2025

Club Overview - Finances - Board Overview - Competition Expectations

The Team
Pre-season Transfers
A bit more action in the transfer window then I originally anticipated,six came in and six went out and two players were on each list as I thought I'd take a random on the supplementary draft,needless to say I won't be doing that again.The first two came in from the main draft who definitely have a future at the club,everybody already knew about Muniain coming in and Tai Bang was Vancouver's best player by a mile so I got the better end of the exchange.I have no regrets about the players leaving as they were not really going to make the cut.

Team Report - Squad and Tactics
Moez Nafti - GK
Signed on a free transfer after his agent offered him to the club,would have been a very stupid move not to sign him.Took a bit of time to settle in but when he did,he was very good.Conceded 37 goals in 37 appearances but did keep 13 clean sheets,has a better defence in front of him this season so I am expecting the number conceded to be much lower.

Tang Bai - DLC
A new signing on a part exchange,I did say he was Vancouver's best player by a mile.He is an unusual hybrid as he is a Canadian-American-Chinese person.He is stronger at centre back but due to me having good options in that positon,Tang Bai will be playing at left back.I can't judge on pre-season form as he wasn't challenged enough.

Abdiel Lopez - MC
I decided to throw him in the deep end last season and he just about managed to swim.This season,he is a much better player and has been capped by the national team so his performances have been rewarded.He is the 2nd best MC in the team but if he carries on the way he is doing then it is only a matter of time before he is first choice.He averaged at 6.87 from 22 appearances last season,I am hoping he will be around the 7.00 mark this season.

Fernando Frontini - ST/AMC
Regarded as the number one striker according to the assistant manager,he finished the season with 24 goals and 13 assists which is a very good return for a striker.This season,he should be better as he does have a stronger team around him,I will be looking for him to push the 30 goal barrier as this will definitely be possible.He can be temperamental at times but when he plays to his best,he is pretty much unstoppable.

Pre-Season Fixtures

Not going to make any judgement on pre-season fixtures as I left the assistant manager in charge,we won all them fairly convincingly so that leaves me with the question of do I leave him in charge for the Cup games as every time I'm in charge against similar teams,we make hard work of them!

Overview
Not really much to say as all I am looking to do is retain the competitions we won last season,we have strengthened where necessary so I feel it will be achievable.It's quite disappointing that we only have domestic competitions to concentrate on till September,hopefully there will be a big gap by then so we give some of the less experienced members some game time as we will start the Champions League in Septmeber.Won't be moving from Colorado till at least the end of 2026 even if my contract does end 2027.

[City2000]

Cracking double at the first attempt just a shame you have to wait to get back into the CL.

[B.W.G]

Thanks

It is a shame but only got to wait five more months till the new one starts

[AK22]

Excellent first season with Colorado. Hopefully you can add the CONCACAF Champions League to your trophy collection soon

[B.W.G]

Thanks

I'm looking at the 2026 CONCACAF Champions League,maybe a bit ambitious but Chicago Fire knocking out Mexican sides in the current one has given me hope.

[HotChocolate]

Team report is one of the best I've seen so far

[B.W.G]

Thanks for the feedback

Having quite a successful season even if the games are amounting up due to international call ups.Hopefully will have the mid-season update no later then tomorrow.

[B.W.G]

Colorado Rapids - Mid-Season - 2025

Competitions
MLS


CONCACAF Champions League
Only the preliminaries have been drawn and we enter in later then that.I will be aiming for the semi-finals as my lower expectations,ideally I would like to win it.

US Open Cup
Not done too bad in the Cup,we beat FC Tampa Bay 3-1 in the third round before edging past Columbus Crew 1-0 in the Quarter Finals.We will face Charleston Battery in the Semi-Final,there is the potential for a all MLS tie in the final as Seattle Sounders face Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the other Semi-Final.

Overview
Our form has been nothing short of scary as we do not really deserve to have gone unbeaten so far this season.We really should have been beat by Vancouver twice,Seattle and Columbus so we have definitely had luck on our side.Other then that,I am pleased with how things have gone as we are topping the Western Conference even though we have up to four games in hands on some teams.Happy with the cup run,I feel we can retain the cup if we play to our fullest.Champions League starts soon and I feel that we are probably one of the strongest teams in it so I am expecting us to reach the latter stages and maybe even possibly win it.

[deltablue]

Storming your conference!

[B.W.G]

Indeed,also storming the overall Playoff table as well as Chivas USA are 2nd in that as well.Columbus Crew are the highest East Conference side who are 3rd with 37 points

[SRL88]

Jesus. You have walked it so far .

[abulezz]

The important thing is you ARE unbeaten! Hopefully the team can really start living up to its position

[duffy89]

Just spent the last hour reading through this B.W.G. What a career!

[B.W.G]

SRL88 - You can add another 10 points from 4 games to the tally.The one game we dropped points is one of those where better finishing would have won the game...we drew 0-0.

abulezz - That's true The team have started living up to it's position in the last few games,won 4-0,3-1,4-0 then drew 0-0 in a game where we couldn't finish properly.

duffy89 - Thanks for reading,hope you've enjoyed it

Looking at my records,we are currently 35 games unbeaten which stretches back to 28/9/24!

[B.W.G]

Colorado Rapids - End of Season - 2025

2025 Transfers
Those who left didn't really have a future at the club although I sold Badji as he did nothing but whine about first team football when he was a fourth choice central defender.Those who came in were to strengthen the depth of the team so we would be able to rotate and have more quality in case the games started to congest.Muniain was a surprise signing as his agent offered him to us then he accepted a £4k p/w contract to my delight,he should be able to feature quite heavily over the next few years.

Competitions

MLS
League Table - Semi-Final - Final - MLS Cup
With league form,it flattered us very much as we didn't deserve to finish with only one defeat in the regular season,we lost to Toronto in our only defeat which gave the players the wake up call they needed.The semi-final against San Jose wasn't even a challenge as we were that much superior then them and we showed our potential as we beat them 7-2 on agg.This set up a final against Vancouver,the game actually flattered Vancouver more then it did us as we did dominate the majority of the match and easily could have scored seven or eight but four was enough to see Vancouver off.The MLS Cup saw us up against the only team to beat us this season,Toronto.Was a fairly even game and it did look like it would be one goal that would settle it,luckily for us that it was Lucas who scored it to secure a second successive MLS Cup

CONCACAF Champions League
Group Stages - Quarter Final Draw
The group was a walk in the part with only Chivas giving us any problems.We drew and beat Chivas which in reality decided who was top of the group.The other games gave us very little problems.Our biggest win was 8-0 vs Motagua on matchday 3.The quarter final draw was rather interesting as we drew Mexican side Irapuato who have never done anything of note so they are probably the weakest of the Mexican sides in the competition.I feel we have a good chance of winning it as America (Mex) are probably the only real threat.

US Open Cup
WINNERS
I am pleased to have retained the US Open cup.We beat FC Tampa Bay 3-1 in the third round before edging past MLS side Columbus Crew 1-0 in the 4th round.The semi final should have been more comfortable then it was but we still ended up winning 2-1 against Charleston Battery to set up a final against West Conference rivals Seattle.Seattle took a deserved lead in the 6th minute but we showed our superiority to no avail as it was 1-0 at half time.Seattle had a brief spell in the second half before we turned up the heat and scored three goals in fourteen minutes to win the cup.

Players,Stats and Awards
Player Stats

Fernando Frontini
Frontini was the clubs top scorer has he hit 28 goals in 43 appearances which was a new club record.Seems to have confidence issues affect him when he doesn't score but when he is confident then he is near unstoppable.His performances have improved and it's only a matter of time before he does hit 30 goals in a season.He was awarded with Fans Player of the Year.

Wilfredo Arroyo
Arroyo topped the assist chart with 17 as well as scoring 11 times in his 37 appearances.He is still only 21 so will probably have another six years before he reaches his peak which is quite scary due to his consistency.He has attracted attention from Europe as Dutch side De Graafschap.

Iker Muniain
Had a slow start to life at Colorado but he soon found his form and score 16 goals in 32 appearances.Unfortunately for him,a torn calf muscle ruled him out for three months which ended his season.If it wasn't that injury,I have the confidence to say he would have scored more then 20 in the season.Despite that setback,he still managed to win Newcomer of the Year.

Tang Bai
To the Canadians,he is nothing more then a traitor.To the Americans,he is their number one left back.In his first season at Colorado,he performed brilliantly as he averaged at 7.43 from 33 games.He has made himself at home and I am quite surprised that no bigger clubs have come in for him after impressing.He won Rookie of the Year in what I can say isn't much of a surprise.

Abdiel Lopez
The youngster has really made the MC position his own and has now featured for the U.S.A five times but he still has quite a bit of room for improvement so he could potentially making the MC position his own for the national team.He featured 30 times,scored 9 goals and provided 6 assists.He won U.S.A Young Player of the Year.

Moez Nafti
The Tunisian international continued to impress throughout the season,played 42 times during the season and conceded 32 goals while keeping 18 clean sheets so was very impressive indeed.For his performances,he won Goalkeeper of the Year.

Armand Bassole
The Ivorian was brilliant throughout the season and was eventually called by the U.S.A national team.For his performances in the league, he won Defender of the Year.

Overview
Was a pretty amazing season in which we were only beat once in the entire of 2025 and that is while taking friendlies into account.We were probably lucky to have a record like this as we were pretty fortunate to beat several teams.The MLS season saw us set two records for most points with 85 and most goals with 103,I am very pleased to retain the US Open Cup in which Seattle did give us a battle for most of the game.The CONCACAF Champions League bar the two games against Chivas has been a walk in the park which was to be expected so I am looking to progress further seeing as we do have a favourable draw.I am pretty confident we can do the same next season but may need to replace two of the players retiring.

Will most definitely be staying at the club for the whole of 2026 as I feel we can potentially win the CONCACAF Champions League in the new season so will only be fair to stay to see if I can,my contract ends in 2027 so that does give me an extra year in case I do manage to mess things up.There a couple of interesting things that have cropped up around the world,the biggest one is a real life Premiership Club who are fighting against relegation in League 2 and for once it isn't Wigan.I would love to manage them and get them back to the Premiership so maybe I will go there in a future.

Season     Club         Division       Country      League       Cup       Continental    Avg.Att            Notes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12  Persepam    Prem Division    Indonesia      2nd       1st Rnd        N/A           739            Promotion!
2012/13  Persepam    Super League     Indonesia      4th       4th Rnd        N/A          1400           Top 4 Finish!
2013/14  Dag + Red    BSB Premier      England       4th       2nd Rnd        N/A          2040        Started Oct,Promoted!
2014/15  Dag + Red     League 2        England       8th       6th Rnd        N/A          3742          FA Cup Last 8
2015/16  Dag + Red     League 2        England       1st       6th Rnd        N/A          3778            Promotion!
2016/17  Dag + Red     League 1        England       4th       4th Rnd        N/A          5828          Playoff Winners!
2017/18  RB Leipzig  3.fußball liga    Germany       1st         N/A          N/A          7899            Promotion!
2018/19  RB Leipzig   2.Bundesliga     Germany       1st       1st Rnd        N/A          13209        Title + Promotion!
2019/20  RB Leipzig   1.Bundesliga     Germany       3rd      RUNNER-UP       N/A          21573        CL Qualification!
2020/21  RB Leipzig   1.Bundesliga     Germany       2nd       WINNERS       GS/RU         27012        DFB-POKAL winners!
2021/22  RB Leipzig   1.Bundesliga     Germany       1st       WINNERS      WINNERS        36664           Won Treble!
2022     Sao Paulo      Serie A        Brazil        1st         N/A         Group         58710           Won Double!
2023     Sao Paulo      Serie A        Brazil        1st         N/A        WINNERS        57771          Clean Sweep!
2024     Colorado         MLS          U.S.A        1st/WIN    WINNERS       Semis         17595           Won Double!
2025     Colorado         MLS          U.S.A        1st/WIN    WINNERS      Quarters*      17572           Won Double!

*Tie to be played

[deltablue]

Definitely piling on the trophies every year.

[AK22]

Another cracking season. Good draw for the Champions League too, should be looking at semi-finals at worse.

[HotChocolate]

You win the double in your first year in charge and what happens?

The average attendance goes down. There is no pleasing some people is there?

[B.W.G]

deltablue - It's about time after a rather dull start in Indonesia

AK22 - Thanks I agree,there is only America (Mex) who I would be worried about from the remaining clubs.

HotChocolate - I know,absolute disgrace!I hope those who didn't turn up during the season get lost in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

[B.W.G]

Sorry I've not updated recently but real life has got in the way.

[B.W.G]

Colorado Rapids - Pre-Season - 2026

Information - Finances - Board Overview - Expectations

Pre-Season Activity
Pre-Season Transfers - 0 in 0 out
I feel absolutely confident with the team I currently have at my disposal,two players did actually leave the club but it was through retirement with the most notable being Freddy Adu.

Pre-Season Fixtures


The Team
Team Report - Squad and Tactics

Key Players
Moez Nafti - Gk - 4*/4.5*
During Pre-season,he has attracted alot of attention from clubs in France who have been offering over £3million for him so we are still lucky to have him here.Last seasons Goalkeeper of the Year,I am hoping he can produce more of the same and especially in the Champions League as he has been virtually unbeatable at times.Conceded 32 goals in 42 appearances.I will be nothing short of pleased if he can get the number conceded below 30.

Tang Bai - DLC - 3.5*/4.5*
Played 33 times,scored 5 goals....a traitor to his home country of Canada but a new found hero to the USA.He played the majority of the season at Centre back for us while he was played at left back for the USA even though DC is his stronger position.Only young but is starting to attract attention from Holland and England as well as Rosenborg.He is a brilliant player even if he lacks at being a team player,he makes up for in his personality as he is a perfectionist.

Diego Mercado - MC - 3*/4.5*
Mercado seems to be the rising star of midfield and I reckon he could actually be better then Lopez.Came to the club in last seasons draft,he played 33 times while scoring three and providing 2 assists but he was mainly played in the more defensive of my two MC's.He was fully capped by the end of the season and I fully expect him to compete in more serious games for the USA soon.Will probably play more then 33 times this season if he can avoid injuries which seems to be his weak point but I still have alot of hope for him.

Fernando Frontini - AMC,ST - 4.5*/4.5*
Top scorer last season and will more then likely be top scorer this season.If he can maintain his confidence throughout the whole season then he could break the 30 goal barrier but with the younger players improving,they will be able to give Frontini alot more support when attacking,has noone interested in him which is surprising as he could probably play for a lower English Premiership side.He is a regular scorer in the league as in his entire career,he has 171 goals in 293 appearances which is no easy feat.Hoping he breaks the 30 goal mark and maybe near 35 goals for the season.

Overview

I decided to do practically zero in pre-season as I feel we have a very strong team to compete on every front.The youngsters are improving with each season which makes our team stronger.Pre-Season fixtures were a breeze and our defence was very rarely challenged,in fact all three teams managed ten shots between them which says it all for our defence.The MLS and Champions League will be main priority but will field strong teams in regards to the US Open Cup to see if I can challenge for it with our second XI.We're also in the planning of stages for a new stadium which is news to me as I've not seen anything about it in my inbox.

Whether I stay or go at the end of the season will depend on how we perform in the Champions League.If we win in then I will leave but if we don't then I'll make sure we win it in 2027 which will be the final year of my contract at Colorado.Have been offered several jobs from Brazil,Argentina and across Europe but one of the jobs I've been linked to has put a smile on my face.I have been linked to my old club Red Bull Leipzig even though they haven't really been underperforming but it seems like that due to my success the new manager has had alot of pressure put on him.

[B.W.G]

CONCACAF Champions League Quarter-Finals

Quarter-Final Results

We struggled to win in the first leg as we just about won 2-1 in the first leg which saw striker Fernando Frontini pick up a injury which ruled him out for five weeks.The 2nd leg was the Iker Muniain show as he hit a hat-trick in our very one sided 4-0 Victory!

Semi-Final Draw

We avoided the holders and drew Chivas USA who I know all too well from playing them in the MLS so I am quite confident we can make the final.Tough break for Vancouver who will face America(Mex) in the other semi-final.An interesting thing to note,all the MLS representatives are in the Western Conference!

[deltablue]

East needs to step up.

[B.W.G]

They certainly do,even in the MLS the West is dominant.West 11-4 East in title victories!

[B.W.G]

CONCACAF Champions League Semi-Finals

Semi-Final Results

The first leg we won 2-0 which was undeserved as we did play pretty rubbish for most of the game but our finish was much more superior which helped us secure the victory.The 2nd leg gives a result which doesn't show how close the actual game was,51-49 possession in our favour,10-8 shots in our favour,final score 4-0.Can't complain as it secured a victory which sent us in to the final where we face the biggest North American side,America(Mex).

Final

This is probably the toughest tie I could ask for,I secretly did want Vancouver to somehow get through but they didn't have luck on their side.We are away for the first leg which I think it will be important to get an away goal or two before the second leg in which we will have home advantage.Will be hard to pick what tactic to use as they have a tendency of chopping and changing.

[arinceo]

Congrats on making the final mate, hopefully you can knock over America in the final.

[B.W.G]

So do I,played the first leg and I have to say I was lucky to get out of it with a draw!

[B.W.G]

CONCACAF Champions League Final

America(Mex) vs Colorado Rapids

1st Leg

We started off as the brighter side and took a deserved lead on 19 minutes when Muniain scored,from then on the rest of the half was all America(Mex) but we manahed to keep them at bay.The second half was pretty much a repeat of the first half,we started off brighter before they came back into it but only this time we couldn't keep them at bay and they got a well deserved equalizer on 86 minutes.Not happy the way we played but we got a vital away goal to take back with us and was also relieved to hear the final whistle.

2nd Leg

We performed much better in the second leg to my delight.It was a frantic start in midfield but when we to our delight we took the lead with our first shot on target through Frontini.It was still back and forth after that but our superior finishing showed as Mercado put us 2-0 up but America(Mex) would pull on back to make me think that the second half would be uncomfortable.It was to start off with but Anderson's sending off pretty much took the sting out of the game,this then followed off by Tang Bai getting injured which made after it very dull.Lucas got the decisive third goal with a tap in from a corner to give us a 3-1 win and a 4-2 aggregate victory!

Colorado Rapids - CONCACAF Champions League Winners 2026!

[B.W.G]

Colorado Rapids - Mid-Season - 2026

Competitions
MLS

7

CONCACAF Champions League - WINNERS
Absolutely delighted to win the Champions League and without actually losing a game,more detail on the victory in the final is in the post above.Winning this has guaranteed me a shot at the Club World Cup in December.Iker Muniain was undoubtedly our MVP as he top scored in the competition for us and had the highest average rating from the team.Hopefully winning the competition will give us a boost in the North America rankings,especially considering we beat the number one North American side America (Mex) in the final.

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup - Currently in 4th Round
We've only played the one game so far which was against Carolina RailHawks.Played my 2nd XI like I said I would and we were rewarded with a 6-4 win,I was quite angry with how we performed as we were 4-2 up at half time,we then go and score another two to put us 6-2 up.We then decided to take the foot off the gas and Carolina score another two to make it alot more nervier then it should had been.Star performer was youth academy graduate Thomas Stott who scored twice on his debut.He may not get another first team chance as I've accepted a loan bid from QPR for him.

Overview

So far,so good.I have managed to get the most important trophy in North America which was my main aim,with this victory we will get another chance of going for silveware in the shape of the Club World Cup in December.On the domestic front,it has been a perfect season so far and the best one we have had yet as we have not really been threatened by any of the teams we've faced.In the cup,we got through but we need to pick up the performances as we were very sloppy,if Carolina were better finishers then we could have been knocked out.Not going to make any incoming transfers as it will ruin the harmony of the squad,there may be one player going out on loan but that will be it.That will be Thomas Stott,he won't have any work permit issues as he was born in Canvey Island,UK so he is dual nationality (U.S.A/England).

With regards to my future,I won the Champions league and have decided I will leave at the end of the season,don't have a preference where as long as it's not in South America.I've still got the Asian and African Champions League to win but at the same time,I've not actually managed any of Europe's biggest clubs or even the bigger clubs in a nation who need a bit of work e.g clubs like Napoli,Valencia,any club in France outside Lyon and Mareille,any club outside big 5 in England.

[AK22]

Excellent Champions League win

Looks like you just need to play out your remaining league fixtures, and secure another MLS Cup before leaving. It's been a very successful 'soccerball' adventure!

[B.W.G]

Thanks

Might take a bit longer to finish the 2nd half of the season as I'll be doing a World Cup update and a 15 year global update!I'll make sure I'll win the MLS Cup before leaving,my 'soccerball' adventure can be put down to beginners luck seeing as it was my first time in the MLS

[cragswfc]

Nice unbeaten run. Well done on you CONCACAF Champions League win

[B.W.G]

Thanks It's a case of so far so good and take it one game at a time.

[B.W.G]

Before I do any updates,I've just got something to ask!

On my mid-season update,I mentioned I've not managed any of Europe's biggest clubs...well I've just had this through in which I will be replacing the special one himself


Should I stay or should I go?

[Gambit]

From Colorado to Real Madrid.....yes. Go for it.

[rancer890]

Any sane person would go to Madrid...even if I hate them it's hard to turn down realistically (oh if only those managerial wages were real... )

The only possible drawback is that the squad will more or less be set and there's nothing much for you to do in terms of transfers, and it could get boring for you.

[withnail316]

Definitely some positives to going to Real, but personally I'd get bored of that pretty quickly. Still, can you really turn down Real? I'm sure not many of us would...

[arinceo]

Go to Madrid definitely. You can always resign after a couple of seasons if it doesn't interest you.

[B.W.G]

I've accepted the Real Madrid offer and will get round to the Club Takeover update some point today after the other updates I was planning (I hope!).

[arinceo]

Awesome, can't wait to take a look at your new squad

[B.W.G]

After seeing the squad,it's quite worrying,there is a strong first XI but after that it's actually quite weak.This is how it looks at the moment:


Needless to say I've got my scouts out and about to get quality in.One thing which interested me is that Thomas Stemmer is the 2nd best DC,I actually signed him on a free when I was at Redbull Leipzig

[arinceo]

Oh wow, that is a rather thin squad. On the upside you've got a rather large transfer budget. You can probably raid your old clubs for players too. Some of your Leipzig youngsters should be peaking now yeah?

[Crispypaul]

Time to put that £483m transfer budget to good use then!

[B.W.G]

Great minds think alike.....Leipzig will be raided,hopefully I will sign at least three players from there,two are German and the other is English!I'm also familiar with Marvin Laux as he was playing for Bayern Munich at the same time I was managing Leipzig.

[B.W.G]

Time to put that £483m transfer budget to good use then!

Think I will probably spend about £250-300 million of it,my primary target for the MC position is currently worth £29.5 million!

[B.W.G]

World Cup 2026
Holders - Argentina - Hosts - Mexico

Group Stages

                    Group A                                             Group B                 
                  P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts                                  P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
1st Mexico        3  2  0  1  6  4   6                  1st Bosnia       3  3  0  0  9  4   9
2nd Uruguay       3  2  0  1  5  4   6                  2nd Italy        3  2  0  1  7  4   6
3rd Ukraine       3  1  1  1  4  3   4                  3rd Guatemala    3  1  0  2  7  10  3
4th New Zealand   3  0  1  2  1  5   1                  4th Mozambique   3  0  0  3  2  7   0

                    Group C                                             Group D
                  P  W  D  L  F  A  PTS                                  P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
1st Brazil        3  2  1  0  4  2   7                  1st England      3  2  1  0  5  3   7
2nd Netherlands   3  1  2  0  5  3   5                  2nd Paraguay     3  1  1  1  3  3   4
3rd Ivory Coast   3  1  1  1  6  5   4                  3rd Turkey       3  1  0  2  5  6   3
4th Saudi Arabia  3  0  0  3  1  6   3                  4th Iran         3  1  0  2  5  4   3

                    Group E                                             Group F
                  P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts                                  P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
1st Spain         3  2  1  0  8  5   7                  1st Algeria      3  2  1  0  6  1   7
2nd Russia        3  1  1  1  4  2   4                  2nd France       3  1  1  1  2  2   4
3rd Colombia      3  0  3  0  5  5   3                  3rd Belgium      3  1  0  2  4  5   3
4th Chile         3  0  1  2  3  8   1                  4th South Korea  3  1  0  2  3  7   3

                    Group G                                             Group H
                  P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts                                  P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
1st Portugal      3  1  2  0  5  2   5                  1st Germany      3  3  0  0  7  1   9
2nd United States 3  1  2  0  5  4   5                  2nd Denmark      3  1  0  2  3  4   3
3rd Cameroon      3  0  2  1  5  6   2                  3rd Morocco      3  1  0  2  2  4   3
4th Argentina     3  0  2  1  3  6   2                  4th Costa Rica   3  1  0  2  1  4   3

Knockout Stages


Overview
First major talking point,the 2022 winners Argentina crashed out in the group stages which was the first major casualty of the competition.The biggest surprise came from the continent of Africa as Algeria topped their group which contained France and Belgium.The knockout stages were as expected to with the bigger nations knocking out the smaller ones in the 2nd round.Quarter-Finals saw 3 all European ties and a all South American affair.Both Denmark and Russia were dubbed the smaller teams left but Russia showed that they were the dark horses by destroying Denmark.Russia then knocked out a strong looking England side while the favourites Brazil pushed France aside.France beat England 1-0 in the 3rd place playoff,the final saw an upset as Russia overcame Brazil to claim the World Cup!

[B.W.G]

Next few posts will look at the changes in football after 15 years starting off with Intercontinental competitions for both clubs and country.

[B.W.G]

International
World Rankings - 2 - 3- 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Competitions
World Cup Winners - Confederations Cup Winners - Olympic Winners - Under-20 World Cup Winners

Club Football
Major Clubs - Richest Clubs

Competitions
Club World Cup Winners

[B.W.G]

Oceania

International
Oceania Nation Rankings

Competions
OFC Nations Cup Winners - Pacific Games Winners

Club Football
Oceania Competitions Rankings - Major Oceania Clubs

Competitions
O-League Winners

Overview
Oceania didn't have any playable nations so with regards to club football,no comments can be made.On the international front,Fiji may want to forget the 2020 Nations Cup as they lost 9-0 to New Zealand in the final with home field advantage.....Ouch!!

[arinceo]

Atletico has a bigger reputation than Real!?! You've got some work to do

[B.W.G]

They do unfortunately although I'm more stunned at Liverpool having a bigger reputation

[B.W.G]

Africa

International
Africa Nations Rankings - 2 - 3

Competitions
Orange Africa Cup of Nations Winners - CAF African Youth Championship Winners

Club Football - Continental
Africa Competition Rankings - Major African Clubs

Competitions
CAF Champions League Winners - CAF Confederation Cup Winners - CAF Super Cup Winners

Club Football - Domestic
South Africa
ABSA Premiership Winners - National First Division Winners
Telkom Knockout Winners - MTN8 Winners - Nedbank Cup Winners - National First Division Cup Winners

Biggest Risers - Platinum Stars - Up 8 Places Biggest Fallers - Golden Arrows - Down 14 Places

Overview
With only the one nation playable,it is hard to determine if the quality of domestic football is South Africa has improved.On the international front,South Africa won a three successive African Cup of Nations trophies but on club continental football,it appears South Africa are still quite behind the Northern African clubs but they have started making slow progress.

[AK22]

Interesting career move; they are rolling in money! I'd imagine it'll be pretty easy to win everything with that kind of financial backing.

[B.W.G]

Might take a bit of time,they've not won a Champions League or the Cope el Rey since 2016 and it's two years since La Liga was last won so I know what to focus on.I'm going to have to be patient with regards to gelling as we need new signings.

[B.W.G]

Asia

International
Asia Rankings - 2 - 3

Competitions
AFC Asian Cup Winners - AFC Challenge Cup Winners - EAC Winners - WAFF Championship Winners - ASEAN Championship Winners - Asian Games Winners

Club Football - Continental
Asia Competition Rankings - Major Asia Clubs

Competitions
AFC Champions League Winners - AFC Cup Winners - AFC Presidents Cup Winners

Club Football -Domestic
Australia
Hyundai A-League Winners - Hyundai A-League Finals Series Winners

China
Pirelli Super League Winners - Jia League Winners
CFA Cup Winners - Super Cup Winners - CSL All-Star Game Winners

Hong Kong
bma First Division Winners
Challenge Shield Winners - FA Cup Winners - HKFA League Cup Winners - Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup Winners

India
ONGCI-League Winners
Osians Durand Cup Winners - Federation Cup Winners - ONGC Super Cup Winners

Indonesia
Djarum Super League Winners - Liga Ti-Phone Winners - Divisi Satu Liga Winners
Super Piala Winners - Piala Indonesia Winners

South Korea
K-League Winners - National League Winners
KFA Cup Winners - Peace Cup Korea Winners - National League Cup Winners - All Star JOMO Cup Winners

Overview

The tagline for the AFC is the Futures Asia,so far it's more the Middle-Eastern who have been the more dominant teams in both International and Club football.Things are starting to improve outside the Middle-East as Japan and Australia have started to show improvements in the Asian Champions League.Maybe in another fifteen years,Asia will be a stronger force and maybe be a stronger force outside the continent.

[B.W.G]

North America

International
North America Rankings - 2

Competitions
Gold Cup Winners -Caribbean Cup Winners - Copa Centroamericana Winners - Under-20 Tournament Winners

Club Football-Continental
North America Competition Rankings - North America Major Clubs

Competitions
Champions League Winners - Canadian Championship Winners

Club Football - Domestic
Mexico
Primera Division de Mexico Winners - 2 - Liga de Ascenso Winners - 2

United States of America
Major League Soccer Winners
Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Winners - Pepsi All-Star Winners

Overview

The football on the continent is improving just not as fast America (Mex) are,the Mexican side have won two Champions League titles,were runners-up twice and also have a Club World Cup to their name.They are literally in a league of their own.The Mexican sides were the best by quite a bit at the start but the Americans have started to close the gap so will be interesting in the future.On the international front,the main competition is dominated by USA and Mexico but as at club level,the Mexicans have been the better side although both went out in the 2nd round of the 2026 World Cup.Think it's only a matter of time before U.S.A or Mexico reach the latter stages of the World Cup.

[B.W.G]

South America

International
South America Rankings

Competitions
Copa America Winners - Campeonato Sudamericano Sub-20 Winners

Club Football - Continental
South America Competition Rankings - Major South America Clubs

Competitions
Copa Libertadores Winners - Copa Sudamericana Winners - Recopa Sudamericana Winners

Club Football - Domestic
Argentina
Primera Divisinde Winners - 2 - Primera B Nacional Winners
Copa Argentina Winners

Brazil
Serie A Winners - Serie B Winners - Serie C Winners
Copa Kia do Brasil Winners

Chile
Nacional Primera Division Winners - 2 - Nacional Primera B Winners
Copa Chile Winners

Peru
Copa Movistar Winners

Uruguay
Primera Division Winners - Segunda Division Winners

Overview
It is as your are in South America,Brazil and Argentiana are the powerhouses with Uruguay,Paraguay,Colombia,Chile in the next mix with the rest just behind.The gap between the big two and Paraguay is slowly closing with Colombia and Uruguay a bit further along.On the lower national sides,Bolivia look set to start moving up as they have some good youngsters so they're one to watch.A curious case for the big two,Brazil generally do have the better youngsters coming through but unlike Argentina's they generally don't reach their potential.On the club front,Brazil are the dominant force,Corinthians are top but Sao Paulo have become pretty unstoppable winning the last 4 Serie A titles.The improving quality of Paraguay can be seen in the clubs with Libertad being former Copa Libertadores winners.

[B.W.G]

Europe

International
European Nations Rankings - 2 - 3

Competitions
European Championship Winners - Carling Nations Cup Winners - Under-21 Championship Winners - Under-19 Championship Winners

Club Football - Continental
Europe Competition Rankings - European Major Clubs

Competitions
Champions League Winners - Europa League Winners - Super Cup Winners - NextGen Series Winners

Club Football - Domestic
Austria
tipp3-Bundesliga Winners - Erste Liga Winners
OFB-Samsung-Cup Winners

Belgium
Jupiler Pro League Winners - Tweede Klasse Winners - Derde Klasse A Winners - Derde Klasse B Winners
Cofidis Cup Winners - Supercoupe Winners

Croatia
MAXtv Prva Liga Winners - Druga Hrvatska Liga Winners
Hrvatski Kup Winners - Superkup Hrvatske Winners

Czech Republic
Gambrinus Liga Winners - Druha Liga Winners
Ondrasovka Cup Winners - Cesky Superpohar Winners

Denamrk
Superligaen Winners - 1.Division Winners - 2.Division Øst Winners - 2.Division Vest Winners
DBU Pokalen Winners

England
Premiership Winners - Championship Winners - League One Winners - League Two Winners - BSB Premier Winners - BSB North Winners - BSB South Winners
FA Cup Winners - Carling Cup Winners - Community Shield Winners - JP Trophy Winners - FA Trophy Winners

France
Ligue 1 Winners - Ligue 2 Winners - Championnat National Winners
Coupe de France Winners - Coupe de la Ligue Winners - Trophee des Champions Winners

Germany
1.Bundesliga Winners - 2.Bundesliga Winners - 3.Liga Winners
DFB-Pokal Winners - DFL-Supercup Winners

Iceland
Pepsideild karla Winners - 1.Deild karla Winners
VISA-Bikar karla Winners - Íslenska Frábær Bikar Winners - Lengjubikarinn Winners

Ireland
Airtricity Premier Division Winners - Airtricity First Division Winners
FAI Ford Cup Winners - EA Sports Cup Winners - Munster Senior Cup Winners

Italy
Serie A Winners - Serie B Winners - Lega Pro Prima Divisione Girone A Winners - B Winners - Lega Pro Seconda Divisione Girone A Winners - B Winners
TIM Cup Winners - Supercoppa Winners - Supercoppa-Prima Divisione Winners - Coppa Italia di Lega Pro Winners - Supercoppa-Seconda Divisione Winners

Netherlands
Eredivisie Winners - Jupiler League Winners
KNVB Beker Winners - Johan Cruijff Schaal Winners

Northern Ireland
Carling Premiership Winners - Championship One Winners - Championship Two Winners
Irish Cup Winners - League Cup Winners - County Antrim Shield Winners - Steel Cup Winners - Intermediate Cup Winners - Mid-Ulster Cup Winners - Setanta Cup Winners

Norway
Tippeligaen Winners - Adeccoligaen Winners - Fair Play-ligaen Avdeling 1 Winners - 2 Winners - 3 Winners - 4 Winners
Norgesmesterskap Frisk Forsikring Cup Winners

Portugal
Liga ZON SAGRES Winners - Liga Orangina Winners - Segunda Divisao Norte Winners - Centro Winners - Sul Winners
Taca de Portugal Winners - Bwin Cup Winners - Supertaca Winners

Romania
Liga I Winners - Liga 2 Seria I Winners - Liga 2 Seria II Winners
Cupa României Winners - Supercupa Winners

Russia
Prem'er Liga Winners - Pervyj Divizion Winners
Kubok Rossii Winners - Superkubok Winners

Scotland
Premier League Winners - First Division Winners - Second Division Winners - Third Division Winners
Scottish Cup Winners - Scottish League Cup Winners - Challenge Cup Winners

Slovakia
Corgoň Liga Winners - 2.liga Winners
Slovnaft Cup Winners - Superpohár Winners

Spain
Liga BBVA Winners - Liga Adelante Winners - Segunda B1 Winners - SegundaB2 Winners - Segunda B3 Winners - Segunda B4 Winners
Copa del Rey Winners - Supercopa Winners - Copa RFEF Winners

Sweden
Allsvenskan Winners - Superettan Winners - Division 1 Norra Winners - Division 1 Södra Winners
Svenska Cupen Winners - Supercupen Winners

Switzerland
Axpo Super League Winners - Challenge League Winners
Schweizer Cup Winners

Turkey
Süper Lig Winners - 1.Lig Winners - 2.Lig Winners
Türkiye Kupası Winners - Süper Kupa Winners

Wales
Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League Winners
FAW Welsh Cup Winners - Loosemores League Cup Winners

Overview
For the time being,the big leagues five leagues are still the big five but competition is starting to heat up with Netherlands,Portugal and Turkey's top flight leagues all matching Frances Ligue 1.European competition is still really dominated by the big five but with others starting to make the latter stages in both the Champions League and Europa League,it's only a matter of time before there are regular winners from outside the big five.Internationally,it has pretty much remained the same as at club level with exception to Euro 2016 which saw Ukraine win the tournament.On the downside,Wales still have the worst reputation out of the leagues selected which is rated at 152nd but it is closing in on two star status so maybe in another 15 years it will have it!

[B.W.G]

Real Madrid - Pre-Season - 2026/27
Boardroom Overview - Finances - Expectations

Pre-Season Activity
Pre-Season Transfers - 8 in - £329 milll - 11 out - £0
I identified my targets pretty quickly and went and raided three old clubs for five different players.Stemmer was actually signed by Mourinho so I will take that as a good luck present.Brasanac,Stott and Selmi have been bought in for the future while the rest will be able to make an impact of the teams first XI.I had no say in those going out but I will trust my judgement in Mourinho as he was the one who let them go.

Pre-Season Fixture

Just the one fixture arranged,I mainly used fringe players to see what the lower end of the scale of the team was like,they bossed the game against a Wolves side who survived relegation last season.How we didn't win this,only the officials will know as we had three goals disallowed!

The Team
Team Report - Tactics and First XI

Key Players
Matthias Lechner - GK
New signing from my old club,Red Bull Leipzig.He wasn't actually a regular starter for the club so it may seem that I have overpaid for him but he does come to the club with the undisputed fact that he is Germany's number one keeper.I needed to strengthen my goalkeeping position and with Lechner signing,he is now my number one but will need to be on top of his game at all times as I have a top class number two as well.An interesting fact about Lechner is that he has played more times for Germany then he did for Leipzig.

Nuno Ribeiro - DC
Signed for Real Madrid back in 2018,he is the strongest defender in the squad and also one of the oldest.He has played extremely well over the years and I will be hoping he is able to do the same for me in which I have total faith in him.He was once at Arsenal who loaned him to numerous clubs in the lower English Leagues,it was after moving to RC Lens where he got his break and turned into a top class defender before signing for Real for £16.25 million.Looking at his stats,he looks to be a tough tackler who very rarely lets his man get past him.

Neil Nicell - DM/MC
The new world record transfer holder costing a staggering £88 million.He was the highest valued player at £29.5 million when I put in a bid for him,Redbull Leipzig originally wanted £119 million for him so I did well to get it down to £88 million.Nicell is England's best player and also their captain,I am very familiar with him as I was the one who originally signed him for RB Leipzig so I know what he is all about.Not sure which MC position I will play in him yet so I will experiment him in both.Incidentally,all three of his England goals have come during the 2026 World Cup!Nicell has cost me a total of £92.8 million in transfer fees,£88 million for Real and £4.8 for RB Leipzig.

Nicky Hensel - ST
Another player I know from my days managing Redbull Leipzig,hard to believe he was once dubbed 'the next Mario Gomez' back when he was 15 years old.Seven years later,he is now at one of the biggest clubs in Europe.Only 22 years old but his international record is quite astounding for someone of his age.Hensel has left me with one question regarding last season and that is why was he not played in the league?He made 16 appearances while scoring 12 goals but none in the league.He is the clubs number one striker and hopefully he will get around the 25-30 mark for this season but he has alot more quality supporting him here so he may get more.

Overview
Well that's my first pre-season done with Real Madrid and I am glad it's over.It may sound a bit damning but I was getting annoyed with negotiations for every single player bar Thomas Stott,I am extremely happy with who I have managed to get in and am looking forward to the competitive football over the coming season.My main focus will be reclaiming the La Liga title for the first time since 2024 and winning the Copa del Rey for the first time since 2016!We have the players who can do this but the main problem will probably be gelling as there has been a lot of change occurring.My first major task will be qualifying for the Champions League group stages as we face Ukrainian side Metalist in the Best Placed Playoff.

With regards to contract,I signed a five year deal which expires in 2031 so I have plenty of time to do what I need to,bring in youngsters so the next manager has plenty of young talent at his disposal.I have a basic idea of when the Youth Candidate intakes happen so I will be scouting around these dates to get the best youngsters in from across Europe!As I'm at Real Madrid,there would only be one team I would leave these for and that would be Man City as they are the team I support,they also happen to be the third biggest team in the world behind Bayern Munich and Barcelona while we sit in eighth so another target will to be try and overthrow Barcelona!

[B.W.G]

First competitive game for Real Madrid against Metalist in the first leg of the Best Placed Playoff.....think I may just have the away goal advantage

[deltablue]

I don't fancy their chances.

[Raware]

A great summary of the past 15 years and not a bad way to start at Real .

[AK22]

You've certainly splashed the cash there! Good start too!

[B.W.G]

deltablue - you never know,football is a funny sport

Raware - Thanks.Glad you enjoyed the summary.

AK22 - Thanks I'm a Man City fan so you can say I've had my Hughes/Mancini spending spree.

I've hit this problem:

I've tried restoring the save to a previous state,tried the backups,deleted the local content on Steam,took off custom skins and logos.Any other ideas I could try as it won't let me past the 23/8/26!

[AK22]

Bummer!