FM15: FC Barcelona - Més que un Club

Disclaimer: Welcome to the FC Barcelona thread for FM15. I've been a massive fan of FC Barcelona for many years and always enjoy watching them when I can. I've done my best to research as much about the club and give you a brief overview of Barça; so please forgive any mistakes that I may have made. I'm very open for people to correct me on anything that I have written or perhaps missed out.

Located in the city of Barcelona, Spain; FC Barcelona was founded 1899 by a “group of young foreigners living in Barcelona”. It was a result of “the increasing popularity of football, and other British sports, across Europe”. Due to this, the club are not only represented via football, having a multi-sport focus that includes Basketball, Rugby, Hockey & Futsal. The official founder is Joan Gamper, whom acted as “ player, director and president” during his time. He “aimed to create an organisation that was open to everyone, regardless of their origin”; while “envisaging a club that served as a means of social integration, in which everyone could speak their mind, and he created a democratic society that was freely governed by its members”. It’s also stated that Gamper was so a great deal of gratitude towards the autonomous community of Catalonia, that he “imbued FC Barcelona with the essence that has come to define it ever since: its commitment to Catalan identity”.

[The founding group of foreigners whom founded FC Barcelona]

FC Barcelona is undeniably one of the biggest clubs within world football, having been host to some of the greatest teams to have ever played the game. The likes of Cruyff, Ronaldinho, Maradona and Zubizarreta are just a pinch of the all time greats to have graced the Barça shirt. Therefore it’s no surprise that Barça have been a prevalent force domestically, having won 22 ‘La Liga’ titles, along with 26 ‘Copa de Reys’ as of the start of the 2014/15 season. There’s similar trait within Europe having claimed 4 UEFA Champions Leagues and UEFA Cups. However Barça are not just about the great players and trophies that they’ve won, they are “more than a club”. Barça have been committed to “beyond what belongs in the realm of sport”, particularly within the autonomous community of Catalonia; which for “many decades of the 20th century lived under dictatorships that persecuted its language and culture”. Barça “always supported Catalan sentiments, and the defence of its own language and culture” during these times which has lead to the robust relationship the club shares with the people of Catalonia. With this said, Barça adhere to the Catalan identity which “defends the idea of a multicultural, integrating, fair and caring Catalonia”.

[Barcelona's Neymar wears the club's 2013/14 away strip, inspired by the Catalonia colours]

La Masia

“Thus, the objective of this residence has been to educate, both sportingly and intellectually, young people who have left their families and their communities to pursue a career with Barça.”

The name given to the Barcelona Training facilities is La Masia de Can Planes, which is universally shortened to ‘La Masia’. Located next to the Camp Nou, La Masia is a huge part of Barça’s footballing ethos. It was originally used as a “workshop for making models, and a work studio for architects and builders, as well as a starting point for visits from people associated with construction”. After the construction of the Camp Nou, La Masia was shut down in 1957 and unused until 1966, in which it became the headquarters of the club. However due to the growth that Barça experienced, the club decided that La Masia wasn’t big enough to be it’s headquarters, which lead for then president Josep Lluís Núñez to decide the fate of 300 year old residence. He came, with help of then manager Johan Cruyff, to the decision for La Masia to become “the residence of the youth players who lived outside the city”, which was swifty done and in 1979, La Masia was once again re-opened for it’s new purpose. Being modelled on Dutch giants Ajax’s youth system, La Masia swiftly became one of the most efficient academy’s in world football, producing world class footballers for both club and country.

[La Masia has become a rich part of the Barça culture]

However, rather unfortunately in 2011 the club decided to redesign and relocate La Masia. This lead to the original La Masia de Can Planes building which was located adjacent to the Nou Camp, being demolished. With the new complex, the ‘Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper’, named after the founder Joan Gamper, it's replacement. The complex also acts as the 1st team’s training facilities, while taking over the responsibilities of the former building. Despite this change, the philosophy of the La Masia continues, despite the rich culture of La Masia de Can Planes gone.

[The original La Masia de Can Planes (Top), bares little resemblance to the new Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper (Bottom)]

Best Years

Barça have had some great teams their history, with two era’s in particular standing out. Firstly Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’ which resulted in the European Cup success of 1992 and Josep Guardiola’s Tiki-Taka system that is widely regarded as the greatest side of the modern era.

When Barça’s legend Johan Cruyff returned to the club in 1988 to become the manager after wining the European Cup with Ajax the year before; he brought with him a philosophy to which the club would aspire to for years come. This is confirmed by ex-president Joan Laporta, who famously said that “the modern-day Barca started with him, he is the expression of our identity, he brought us a style of football we love”. Cruyff brought two main aspects of the Ajax side he managed with him to Barça, the Academy system and the Style of Play. In terms of Barça academy, Cruyff played a vital part in the development of La Masia. He modelled it after the infamous youth system employed when he was both a player and manager of Ajax Amsterdam, to which it has been dais that La Masia “has replaced the fabled Ajax Academy as football's foremost production line”. Onto the pitch and Cruyff brought his Rinus Michels’s inspired system from Ajax to Barça. With the calibre of players within his squad, including Laudrup, Romario, Koeman, Stoichkov and Guardiola, whom was one of the first graduates of Cruyff’s new La Masia initiative. Therefore Cryuff was able to build a team worthy of not only challenging but winning competitions. Cruyff went onto win 4 successive ‘La Liga' titles between the years of 1991-1994; to which he also won the European Cup in 1992 at Wembley. It was a glorious 4 year period of Cruyff's reign which spanned 8 years in total, to which he won a total of 11 trophies which also included Copa del Rey & Supercopa de España.

[Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team' helped him claim 11 trophies in his spell as Manager]

Out of all the players within the ‘Dream Team’, one of the shining lights was the academy-raised midfielder, Josep ‘Pep’ Gaurdiola. Pep played at the heart of the Dream Team’s midfield and represented everything Barcelona wanted to embody, a catalan-born midfielder who’d come through La Masia. It was at Barça and under Cruyff's tutelage that Pep formed a strong understanding of the footballing ethos that Cruyff had drilled into the club, a possession-based system built on the principles of Rinus Micheal’s ‘Total Football’. After Pep’s retirement from playing he assumed the position in charge of the Barcelona ‘B’ team. He made a subtle yet impressive start to his coaching career, earning promotion to the Segunda Division B. Pep earned plaudits with the Barcelona hierarchy by the way in which he achieved his success, playing the ‘Barcelona’ way. This was enough for him to convince then president Joan Laporta to appoint him as coach of the 1st team in 2008. With the initial departures of high profile players such as Ronaldinho, Thuram, Deco & Zambrotta, there was a large sense of optimism of what Pep’s tenure would bring.

[Josep Guardiola i Sala, a true Barça legend]

In his first season, despite losing his first league game, Pep’s Barça would then go undefeated for 20 matches; eventually winning La Liga over arch enemies, Real Madrid by 9 points. He would ultimately finish the season with a treble; beating Athletic Bilbao 3-1 to claim the Copa Del Rey & beating Man Utd to the Champions League, 2-0. It was the perfect start for Pep and laid a marker for his tenure which would intimately finish with him being Barça’s most successful coach in their history; wining 14 trophies in fours years, including two league titles and two Champions Leagues. However, it was not only the trophies that caught the eye of the football world, but the style football in which they played. Inspired by his mentor Johan Cruyff, Pep reintroduced Cruyff’s possession style to the modern era. Utilising some of the world’s best technicians such as Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Alves & Messi, Pep was able to dominate possession; pinning the opposition back deep into their own half. He also moved Lionel Messi into a central forward position adopting a false nine role, making him the focal point of his system, which would ultimately lead to him becoming widely regarded as one of the greatest footballer of all time. Pep’s tenure at Barça would also play a large part in the Spanish national team’s success, with the majority of team playing for Barça, such as Pique, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa & Pedro.

[The 2010/11 season could be seen as the perfect way to define what Barça is about]

Within FM

Barça are rightly a powerhouse within FM, with 'Excellent' Training Facilities and 'Top' Youth Facilities providing them with a superb base in which to not only attract the world's best, but also to further develop them. Adding this they have 'Excellent' Junior Coaching and 'Extensive' Youth Recruitment resulting in high grade regens capable of pushing into the first-team. The edition of having the Barcelona 'B' side at your disposal enables you to give your youngsters valid game time without having to risk the first-team's fortunes by mixing youngsters that perhaps are quite ready.

The Camp Nou provides a fantastic cash cow for club seating 99,394 fans, meaning a large amount of income will generated from match receipts alone; not to mention to Barça's exclusive TV deals, Sponsorship, Season Tickets and Merchandising. This gives the club a huge of income per season that only a selected amount of clubs in world can even compare with.

Club Info

Nation: Spain

Year Founded: 1899

Nickname: Los Culés

League: Liga BBVA

Continental Competition: European Champions Cup

Chairman: Josep Maria Bartomeu

Club Captain: Xavi

Media Prediction: 1st

Fierce Rivals: Real Madrid (Competitive) & Espanyol (Local)

Other Rivals: Valencia (Competitive), Athletico Madrid (Competitive) & Sevilla (Competitive)

Expectations

There is debating what your expectations are within your first season with Barça; reclaim the domestic title back of Real Madrid. Anything sort of this is regarded as a failure to both the fans and the board; however your also expected to make the Final of the Champions League which is a tough ask. However with the players at your disposal it is a realistic aim for you to achieve; with good man-management and an effective tactic you shouldn't find this as difficult as it seems.

Squad Analysis

Goalkeepers

Marc-André ter Stegen, (22): Signed for £9.5M at the beginning of this season from Borussia Mönchengladbach, Marc-André has the potential to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He is already a top-class, well-rounded goalkeeper with little weakness to his game. He is particularly strong when coming out his box to close of space for an attacker, which represented in FM with a Rushing Out stat of 18. This makes him a great option for you as a possible Sweeper Keeper. Keep good care of Marc-André as he is a potential world-beater and is capable of serving Barça for the next 10 years.

Recommended Role: Sweeper Keeper (Support)

Verdict: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Claudio Bravo, (31): Another new arrival to Barça who was signed from fellow La Liga rivals Real Sociedad for £10.25M; earning his move to Barça after an impressive performance in the recent Brazil 2014 World Cup with Chile. He is another fantastic option for you in goal and provides very healthy competition for Marc-André. Claudio is starting his 9th successive season in Spanish football, having won promotion with Real Sociedad back in 2010; therefore gives you a more experienced option if you don't trust Marc-André quite yet.

Recommended Role: Goalkeeper (Defend)

Verdict: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Jordi Masip, (25): An academy player whom is yet to make his debut for the first-team; Jordi is unquestionably your 3rd choice goalkeeper. Lacking the physical presence needed to truly compete at the highest level means that Jordi can sometimes find himself being 'bullied'. However despite this apparent weakness he is a good enough option as a 3rd choice keeper and is able to hold his own should the opportunity arise.

Recommended Role: Sweeper Keeper (Support)

Verdict: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

[Marc-André ter Stegen, your No.1 Goalkeeper?]

Defenders

Centrebacks

Gerard Piqué, (27): A La Masia product who retuned to the club in 2008 after a four year spell at Manchester Utd. Gerard has become a top defender having won 15 trophies since his return to the Camp Nou; as well as being an integral part of the national team's success of both the World Cup & European Championships in 2010 & 2012 respectively. However rather surprisingly there are questions that still hang over whether or not he is truly world-class; having shown his fair share of questionable defending throughout his career. With his partner, Carles Puyol having now retired; this season provides the perfect opportunity for Gerard to silence his critics and prove his status as world-class defender. Gerard is your 1st choice central defender and at 6'4 he provides some much needed height to the team at dead ball situations.

Recommended Role: Ball-Playing Defender (Defend)

Verdict: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Javier Mascherano, (30): Despite being one of the best defensive-midfielders in the world; Javier has found himself as a central defender during the majority of his Barça career. Standing at a mere 5'9, Javier has somehow managed make it work when standing in for the injury ridden Puyol. There's no doubting the ability of El Jefecito, however you can't help think that he's wasted at centre-back; with his raw graft and aggression having to be held back by his more disciplined adopted position. It's up to you whether you see him as a defender or a midfielder; but you mustn't waste what I believe to one of the most consistent talents in world football.

Recommended Role: Central Defender (Defend) or Ball-Winning Midfielder (Defend)

Verdict: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Marc Batra, (23): After having made his breakthrough year last season with 30 appearances in all competitions, Marc has become an established member of the squad. Another to have come through the famed academy, the jury is still out on whether Marc is good enough to play for Barça; with the sight of Gareth Bale's Copa del Rey winner their evidence. However with the right amount of game time, Batra can grow into a top player within FM; whether he is given this or sold to the numerous amount of clubs interested, is up to you.

Recommended Role: Ball-Playing Defender (Cover)

Verdict: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Jérémy Mathieu, (30): After an impressive season with Valencia last term, Mathieu was signed in an attempt to replace the experience lost with the departing Puyol. A transfer fee of £17M is a lot for 30 year old, however shows how important Barça regard the void left by Puyol. The 6'4 frenchman adds much needed presence to the team while also being confident with the ball at his feet, meaning he shouldn't have to many troubles adapting to Barça's playing style. He's also able to play either within the central or left of the defence, making him a very useful addition to the squad this season. The sheer presence of Jérémy may be enough to justify a starting spot alongside Piqué.

Recommended Role: Central Defender (Defend) or Full Back (Support)

Verdict: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Thomas Vermaelen, (28): Having beat Manchester Utd to his signature, Thomas is looking to get his career back on track at Barça after a disappointing end to his Arsenal career. With a transfer fee of only £8.5M, it could be said that Barça have pulled of a slight bargain considering the amount experience and ability that Thomas offers the squad. Capable of challenging for a starting spot from day one, Thomas is brilliant addition to the squad whom you can fully rely on no matter the occasion, perhaps your 'big game' player?

Recommended Role: Central Defender (Stopper)

Verdict: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

[Your starting central pair? Gerard Piqué (left) & Javier Mascherano (right) look to disposes Athletico's Adrián]

Right-Backs

Dani-Alves, (31): Signed back in 2008 for a reported initial fee of £23.5M from Sevilla, Dani-Alves became the most expensive right-back ever; a record that he still holds to this day. The Brazilian has been arguably one the best full backs in the world for the past decade; however now aged 31, time isn't on Dani's side. Returning to domestic football after a disastrous end to his home World Cup; Dani is still one of the leading full backs in world football and would still walk into any side. He provides you with an excellent attacking threat from deep while still able capable of dealing with the most problematic of wingers; Dani is a vital member of your squad.

Recommended Role: Complete Wing Back (Support)

Verdict: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Martín Montoya, (23): Having been on the peripheries of the 1st team for a while, Martín made his 'breakthrough' into the squad two years ago having come through the famed youth sides. Undoubtably a talented footballer; the jury is still very much out on whether Martín has what it takes to fill Alves' shoes. Now aged 23, Martín no longer has any excuse on his side and either needs to step up or risk being moved on. He provides more than adequate cover for Dani Alves, capable of playing as either an offensive or defensive full back. Be that as it may unfortunately Martín won't quite reach the ability of Alves, which may lead to you moving him on to help finance Alves' successor.

Recommended Role: Wingback (Support)

Verdict: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

[Dani Alves is arguably the best right-back in the world]

Left-Backs

Jordi Alba, (25): A player whom like Piqué had to take an unorthodox route into the first team, having left the club as 17 year old. He initially went to neighbouring club Cornellá before signing for Valencia where he would establish himself as top-class full back. He then re-signed for his boyhood club back in 2012 for £11.25M, he has now further developed into one of the best left-backs in the world. Possessing immense speed benefiting him not only in attack but also defence, Jordi is an intelligent and reliable shoe-in for your starting left full back slot.

Recommended Role: Fullback (Attack)

Verdict: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Adriano, (29): Arrived to the Camp Nou in 2010 for £8.5M; having followed his close friend Dani Alves from Sevilla. Adriano is the perfect back-up fullback, capable playing on either flank and being completely ambidextrous. Adriano has fantastic balance of stats, meaning he can slot into pretty much any kind of system your looking play. Adriano's versatility adds so much to your squad, being able to deputise of his teammates without comprising on the ability on the pitch. An underrated member of your squad whom attracts plenty of interest; therefore selling him on isn't difficult and being 29 there is a argue to do this.

Recommended Role: Complete Wingback (Attack)

Verdict: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

[Adriano (left) comes on as a replacement for Jordi Alba (right)]

Midfielders

Central Midfielders

Javier Mascherano: Having already mentioned Javier earlier in thread, I don't see much point repeating myself. A World-Class defensive maestro whom is more suited to a midfield role rather than at central defender.

Recommended Role: Central Defender (Defend) or Ball-Winning Midfielder (Defend)

Verdict: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Sergio Busquets, (25): A lot of people have questioned how Barça were so successful under Guardiola; having so many attack minded players while being so defensively solid, only conceding 0.43 goals a game. A large part of that was down to the immense talent that Sergio possesses; always being in the right place, cutting out passes and recycling possession for his teammates. His ability has drawn admirer's from big footballing names, including former World Cup winning coach César Menotti whom said about Sergio, "I saw a player from an extinct species’, he's a star". Sergio has played a pivotal role in Barça's and Spain's recent success, often playing the Unsung Hero; providing the perfect counter-weight to Xavi and Iniesta. He also has a fantastic passing range, capable of providing starting moves from deep.

Recommended Role: Half Back (Defend)

Verdict: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Xavi Hernández, (34): Spain's most successful footballer of all time (25 trophies); Xavi is simply one the greatest players to have played the game, period. He has been the embodiment Barça's 'Tiki-Taka' passing style, dictating the play and setting the tempo for not only his teammates but also his opposition. Having almost left the summer, Luis Enrique managed to convince Xavi to sign a further two year contract; meaning that arguably one the greatest playmakers all of time is a your disposal. Despite being 34, Xavi still has so much to offer you, even if he lacks the mobility he once had.

Recommended Role: Deep-Lying Playmaker (Support)

Verdict: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Andrés Iniesta, (30): Arguably one the most elegant footballers in the modern game; Andrés oozes class. The way he glides effortlessly around the pitch, sliding off challenges; is one of the my favourite things about watching Barça play. Andrés, like Xavi, is one the greatest modern-day midfielders; having won a World Cup in 2010, in which he scored the winning goal. To add to this he was the shinning light in Spain's European Championship success in 2012, which he won alongside many of his Barça teammates. He is the national team's golden boy and arguably the most flamboyant midfielder in world football, a natural-born superstar.

Recommended Role: Advanced Playmaker (Attack)

Verdict: ★★★★★★★★★☆

Reserved for Transfers

Reserved for Tactics

Team Records

Games won in a row: 30 - Lew

Games without losing: 49 - Lew

Most Goals scored in a season: 129 - Lew

Least Goals conceded in a season:27 - Lew

Most Points acquired: 106 - Lew

Highest Goal Difference: 102 - Lew

Player Records

Most Goals with Messi: 69 - Lew

Most Goals by a single player:

Most Assists with Xavi:

Most Assists with a single player:

finally a thread for my team barca just a wee note the ter stegen fee was about 12 million euros not free

finally a thread for my team barca just a wee note the ter stegen fee was about 12 million euros not free

That's so bizarre, I could of sworn he was a free transfer! Alas your right . Corrected.

Finally a Barca thread.

Hopefully have it fully done by christmas, forgot how much there is to write about.

I was wondering if Barcelona can offer contracts to their own regens due the transfer embargo?

I was wondering if Barcelona can offer contracts to their own regens due the transfer embargo?

Yes, they can.

How long is the transfer embargo for? It starts after september right?

How long is the transfer embargo for? It starts after september right?

As far as I'm aware the embargo becomes active from 02/09/2014 and is active until 01/01/2016.

Thanks for setting up the thread.

I would recommend selling pedro and adriano. Can get £38m + 50% future fee and £14m for adriano.

Started as Barca. Sold Pedro, replaced with Xherdan Shaqiri, and so far, it's working out pretty well. First game of the season, a 5-0 win over Elche, with Shaqiri claiming 3 goals, including an awesome left-footed strike from 30 yards. Amazing start. As for Pedro, he went to Chelsea for £40, has played 2 games and has an average rating of 6.8. Heh.

I kept Pedro and he plays every now and again, normally off the bench, but he's doing well for me so far. Sold Adriano and Mascherano and tied Munir and Samper down to contracts as their buyout clauses were too low. Bartra will be next to get one as his buyout clause is only £25 million and I've seen him go upwards of £40mill on some saves.

Also, Rafinha has a buyout clause too of about £25million

Also have a Barca game somewhere. Made these transfers:

Out: Dani Alves (PSG - 10M€), Bartra (PSG - 30M€), Adriano (Man Utd - 17M€), Sergi Roberto (Zenit - 8M€)

In: Danilo (Porto - 18M€), Reus (Dortmund - 25M€), T. Silva (PSG - 50M€)

Replacing the ageing Alves with Danilo is pretty good imo. Reus is always a steal due to his release clause, even though I don't think he's better than Pedro in the game. Also Thiago Silva was bought, for a price way too high but I've always wanted to see him play for Barca so why not

On another note, in my other save where I am not Barca, they bought Kevin Volland on the last transfer window day and never registered him for any competitions so he never played a game for them during their transfer ban. Seems buggy or they didn't like him...

I kept Pedro and he plays every now and again, normally off the bench, but he's doing well for me so far. Sold Adriano and Mascherano and tied Munir and Samper down to contracts as their buyout clauses were too low. Bartra will be next to get one as his buyout clause is only £25 million and I've seen him go upwards of £40mill on some saves.

Also, Rafinha has a buyout clause too of about £25million

How much were you able to get for Mascherano? I only bought Balanta and Tielemens on my save, didn't sell anyone as I didn't get any bids. I think at the end of the season I'll try to offload Mascherno, Mathieu, and maybe Adriano.

£19.5m - Mascherano

£13.25m - Adriano

£2.1m - Xavi

Then I bought in Lucas Romero, Gaston Gil Romero (Season long loan to Valencia), Paco Alcacer, Odegaard and Umtiti. They cost me a total of £34.5m and bought in £35.1m in sales

Sell Mascherano and Xavi ?> bad bad. Sold Munir + Adriano + Alba + Alves and play 3-4-1-2 and i think that is best. Buy Muller+Silva and i think we can create best Barca forever.

Sold :

Adriano

Alba

Alves

Busquets

Pedro

Munir

Roberto

Buy :

Silva

Muller

Aguero

Odegard

Toure

Insigne

Selling Busquets? NO WAY!

No one is playing with the embargo? I'm doing that and had to use Patric, Bagnack, Gafarot, Samper, Halilovic, Adama, Songou, Sandro.

No one is playing with the embargo? I'm doing that and had to use Patric, Bagnack, Gafarot, Samper, Halilovic, Adama, Songou, Sandro.

In the first season and the embargo just began for me, but I think if you don't sell many players you should still be OK. I didn't sell anyone, only bought Balanta and Tielemens and I think the squad will still be OK through the embargo. Just beat Madrid away 3-1, even with Alves being sent off after 18 minutes.

Keep up the good work mate. Looking forward to the finished thread.

Xavi hardly played for me... even from the bench, and Mascherano I felt like I could do without him which enabled me to improve my squad

finally a barca thread

Yes please done thread.

No sell Busquets ? why ? i wanna up Mascherano in DP and sell Busquets that is better.

Busquets is younger and better

barca don't really need to buy players.

barca don't really need to buy players.

I agree. Although I only bought young players to develop them

updates for tactics, transfers and records ?

Yeah please update squad transfers tactics etc )

Struggling for time at the moment, patience please

Just finished my first season with Barcelona. The only players I brought in were Balanta and Tielemans. I used the usual 4-3-3 tactic, won the league with six games to spare, finishing with 96 points (26 ahead of Madrid in 2nd), beat Madrid 5-2 in the final of the Copa del Rey, but lost to Madrid 3-0 in the final of the Champions League.

Squad:

GK: ter Stegen, Bravo (Use Bravo in cup games and the odd Champions League match)

DR: Alves, Montoya (Montoya was excellent, Alves was good but had some injuries)

CD: Pique, Mathieu

CD: Bartra, Balanta, Vermaelen (first choice pairing was Pique and Bartra, Mathieu was very good but just sold him)

DL: Alba, Adriano (Adriano is very good, highly recommend keeping him)

DM: Busquets, Mascherano, Semper (Mascherano was keeping Busquets out of the team towards the end of the season)

CM: Iniesta, Xavi

CM: Rakitic, Rafinha

AMR: Pedro, Suarez, Rafinha, Munir (I don't know why anyone would sell Pedro, he was outstanding with 21 goals in total, great finisher)

AML: Neymar, Suarez (Suarez and Pedro kept Neymar on the bench by the end of the year)

ST: Messi, Munir (Messi ended with 49 goals in all appearances)

Just about to start season 2, Rafinha left for Tottenham for 25.5 million, and Mathieu left for 2.5 million to Lazio.

In my 2nd season now, approaching January, which will be when I will be able to sign players again. Am I the only one who isn't impressed with Rakitic? Debating selling him and Dani Alves as Montoya is my 1st choice RB and Patric has been doing well as a back up to Montoya so he has now moved ahead of Alves in the pecking order

In my 2nd season now, approaching January, which will be when I will be able to sign players again. Am I the only one who isn't impressed with Rakitic? Debating selling him and Dani Alves as Montoya is my 1st choice RB and Patric has been doing well as a back up to Montoya so he has now moved ahead of Alves in the pecking order

Just finished my first season with Barcelona. The only players I brought in were Balanta and Tielemans. I used the usual 4-3-3 tactic, won the league with six games to spare, finishing with 96 points (26 ahead of Madrid in 2nd), beat Madrid 5-2 in the final of the Copa del Rey, but lost to Madrid 3-0 in the final of the Champions League.

Squad:

GK: ter Stegen, Bravo (Use Bravo in cup games and the odd Champions League match)

DR: Alves, Montoya (Montoya was excellent, Alves was good but had some injuries)

CD: Pique, Mathieu

CD: Bartra, Balanta, Vermaelen (first choice pairing was Pique and Bartra, Mathieu was very good but just sold him)

DL: Alba, Adriano (Adriano is very good, highly recommend keeping him)

DM: Busquets, Mascherano, Semper (Mascherano was keeping Busquets out of the team towards the end of the season)

CM: Iniesta, Xavi

CM: Rakitic, Rafinha

AMR: Pedro, Suarez, Rafinha, Munir (I don't know why anyone would sell Pedro, he was outstanding with 21 goals in total, great finisher)

AML: Neymar, Suarez (Suarez and Pedro kept Neymar on the bench by the end of the year)

ST: Messi, Munir (Messi ended with 49 goals in all appearances)

Just about to start season 2, Rafinha left for Tottenham for 25.5 million, and Mathieu left for 2.5 million to Lazio.

Could you post a screen of Messi's goal tally, can add you to the hall of fame?

Ended up selling him along with Pedro and Dani Alves and bought in Diego Costa, Schrijvers and Sterling

Could you post a screen of Messi's goal tally, can add you to the hall of fame?

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Messi's first season.

Nice So what do u think about Afellay ? u are out him ?

Nice So what do u think about Afellay ? u are out him ?

He leaves on a free at the end of the year, which is fine because he isn't half the player as most of the players on Barca's squad.

Could you post a screen of Messi's goal tally, can add you to the hall of fame?

Messi got around 64 for me in all competitions

Bagnack, who is in the under 19s at the start of the game I think, if not the B team, has played about 10 times for me in the second season before i'd hit January, and he's been nothing short of brilliant. Give him a chance lads

Messi got around 64 for me in all competitions

Need to provide a screenshot then my friend.

Need to provide a screenshot then my friend.

didn't know if you wanted it cropped etc so left it.

that's impressive.

Not only is my team pushing for honours in every season I've played so far, the youngsters that I'm signing and brining through along with some who start at the club on the game, i'm extremely optimistic

At last a Barca Thread (and a good one at that )

Hi all. Just took over as manager of Barcelona after a successful first season with Arsenal. Obviously we are still in the transfer embargo (which ends in January 2016 I believe), so have to get through the first 6 months of the second season.

Luis Enrique only bought in Bonnuci from Juventus in the first transfer window. I sold him as I don't rate him. Also gone are Samper and Munir in the first season, so the squad is by and large as it was at the start of the game.

What I would like to know, are the big, big earners worth keeping? I am particularly thinking of Suarez, Xavi (1 year left on his contract), Alves, Rakitic, Pique & Busquets. Don't get me wrong, some of these are brilliant players, but are they that much better than some others? Busquets for example is on 170k per week. I could replace him with Lucas Silva/Romero/Kranvietter etc. Is he that good to warrant those wages? Same for Rakitic really. Suarez I am not sure on. He is one of the worlds best, but as I don't play with 2 up front he will be pushed out to AMR or AML.

Are the finances good enough to sustain these types of wages?

Thanks.