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[FM 17] If You’re Not First, You’re Last Redux – Redemption For The “Nearly Men” Of Europe


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7 hours ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

Very solid team. Looks like one that can take you deep into the Champions League this year.

I love how Besevic makes the list of most expensive transfers twice.:D

Sasa was unreal. Facing him, as I've done a few times since leaving Italy, was always nervy.

4 hours ago, Keano16 said:

PSG have wayyyyy too much money.

Hahaha...they've spent so much, you can hardly count it all. I'm proud to have never sold them a player :lol:

25 minutes ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

Just noticed two of your old teams are facing each other tonight. Gladbach vs. Fiorentina. There's such a sharp contrast between how you won the Champions League at both clubs as well.

Gladbach ended way, way too quickly.  Given registration issues, a number of my key signings couldn't even feature in the CL run. It just goes to show how much of a factor luck and RNGeebus play in the knockout rounds.  One outstanding display will turn the tide completely - see, e.g., PSG and Munich this week.

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12 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

Sasa was unreal. Facing him, as I've done a few times since leaving Italy, was always nervy.

Hahaha...they've spent so much, you can hardly count it all. I'm proud to have never sold them a player :lol:

Gladbach ended way, way too quickly.  Given registration issues, a number of my key signings couldn't even feature in the CL run. It just goes to show how much of a factor luck and RNGeebus play in the knockout rounds.  One outstanding display will turn the tide completely - see, e.g., PSG and Munich this week.

I don't know which result made me happier, PSG’s or Bayern's. Arsenal Fan TV made for some great viewing 😁😁😁.

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14 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

Hahaha...they've spent so much, you can hardly count it all. I'm proud to have never sold them a player :lol:

They ruined a save for me in FM16, started unemployed and ended up at Nice in a relegation battle, turned the tide and finished in an Europa spot(in fact, IIRC the same spot they finished in real life), PSG then went and bought about a third of my squad on a lark for 20-25m a pop. I bought all the wonderkids and demolished them. They bankrolled their own doom. :lol:

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2 hours ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

I don't know which result made me happier, PSG’s or Bayern's. Arsenal Fan TV made for some great viewing 😁😁😁.

I didn't watch, as that stuff drives me utterly insane.  I suspect it was priceless, though.  My Gooner colleague was apoplectic.  

2 hours ago, BoxToBox said:

They ruined a save for me in FM16, started unemployed and ended up at Nice in a relegation battle, turned the tide and finished in an Europa spot(in fact, IIRC the same spot they finished in real life), PSG then went and bought about a third of my squad on a lark for 20-25m a pop. I bought all the wonderkids and demolished them. They bankrolled their own doom. :lol:

The best kind of revenge :D

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A solid start to the season.  3 wins and a draw in Ligue 1.  The Champions League draw will set the tone for the fall.  As a 4th seed, it's going to be dicey.

Why is that **** Jamie Vardy running the draw?  He played in 7 continental matches in his entire career, and now manages Palace.  Give me a break.  We've all heard the story, son, just start picking the feckin' balls out of the hopper.

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Ouch.  Maybe I shouldn't have yelled that last part...Jamie just keeps staring daggers at me.  Come on, Group A, D or F....Nope.  Group C, with Dinamo taking the last slot.

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To be fair, this is a favorable draw as the Belgians are the weakest top seed and I fancy a go at Sporting.  We can get through this Group.

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3 hours ago, Keano16 said:

Should be able to finish at least second there. Also, Fiorentiana and Gladbach together! 

I know!  I wanted that group quite badly.  Or Bobby Manc's Leeds.

Instead, I get Genk who refused to play and parked the bus.  We pulled it off in Les Verts' first CL match since 1981. though.

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Just spent the last 4 hrs reading the entire thread, loving every minute. Reading that a club like Fiorentina dominates the world actually makes me happy, even if it is only in the virtual world. Keep up the good work, looking forward to an attempt with Panathinaikos. 

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16 minutes ago, Velodromè said:

Just spent the last 4 hrs reading the entire thread, loving every minute. Reading that a club like Fiorentina dominates the world actually makes me happy, even if it is only in the virtual world. Keep up the good work, looking forward to an attempt with Panathinaikos. 

Hey, thanks, man :)

Glad you've enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to a weekend of progress, with any luck... Greece is very much on my mind!

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What an amazing day. Apples called. I haven't spoken to her in months, although it feels like years. Ludwig would say I'm being overly optimistic, but she sounded genuinely happy to hear my voice.

She's coming to visit over the holidays. She wants to talk. In person. Talk! In person!!!

I can barely contain my glee and want to celebrate, but Ludwig isn't back yet.

He's out meeting the local ultras, trying to convince them that, while the atmosphere in the stadium has been immense, the lads would be motivated by a grand gesture of sorts away from the ground in advance of the City match in two days' time. Something to lift the spirits, to encourage that fighting spirit we'll need on Tuesday and over the next 6 months.

Away from the ground, it seems all these Ultras do is smoke, drink cappuccino and complain about their mistresses. Now that we're about to play the final match of the group stage, at home, with a chance to finish top?  In the club's first foray into the Champions League in more than fifty yards? The margins are razor thin. Any extra but of get-up-and-go could make the difference.

Seriously, gentlemen.

A wee bit of mayhem never hurt anyone. 

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FADE IN

EXT. LUXURY APARTMENT BUILDING,  SAINT-ÉTIENNE -- EARLY AFTERNOON

A cloudy day, fraught with tension as local football side Saint-Étienne prepare for their big night on the European stage.  Hosting British powerhouse Manchester City, whose players have been burned in effigy across the whole of rural France over the past 2 nights.  Chaos has ruled the street, unexpected, violent and unabated.  

INT. APARTMENT

The television blares in the background, with updates of the running battles between law enforcement and masked, green-clad hooligans across the region.

HAKAN TELLEUS and LUDWIG HAMMAR sit, dumbfounded, on the plush couch.  Football memorabilia adorn the apartment.

HAKAN (eyes unfocused):  What have we done, Ludwig?

LUDWIG: I...I don't know what to say, man.  This is...beyond...anything I discussed with the boys.

HAKAN: They...burned Lyon's training ground.  It's a pile of ****ing ashes, mate.  City have complained to UEFA about the non-stop airhorns and fire alarms at the hotel last night.

LUDWIG (slowly): It has been an impressive, terrifying display.  No doubt.

HAKAN (chuckling nervously): You should have heard Wienzerl on the phone earlier.  He' wa absolutlely ****ting it, begging to reschedule for a neutral venue.

LUDWIG: I know, Hakan.  The journos are talking about it like trips to Turkey , the old "welcome to Hell" insanity.  This is rural France, for ****'s sake!

HAKAN (arching an eyebrow): What did you say to them, anyways?  I mean...this is...surreal.  It's a war zone out there.

LUDWIG (patiently): Honestly, I just told them stories about the old days in Malmo, sang a few of the songs for them.  They didn't seem to get it, so I popped in that Green Street flick to try and help get the idea across, and left.

HAKAN (mumbling): The flick with that whiny Hobbit kid?

LUDWIG: That's the one.  The last I heard from Pierre was some drunken voicemail about how they wouldn't let that puny Hobbit ****er get all the glory.

HAKAN (shaking his head):  That makes no sense.  No sense at all...

LUDWIG nods, and both turn back to the television.  There's nothing more to be said.  Both HAKAN and LUDWIG are transfixed watching live video of dumpsters being lit on fire and rolled down a hillside towards a line of law enforcement surrounding a luxury hotel.  The Manchester City logo can be seen on a bus in the distance.

HAKAN (mumbling quietly): What have we done....?  

LUDWIG (shaking his head): We've got to go, man.  The escort is here.  Kickoff is in a few hours.  Time to get to the ground.

FADE OUT

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L'enfer Vert was a seething cauldron of hate at kickoff.

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City sat back, fear in their eyes, trying not to lose.  We controlled, but couldn't break through until an Eteme thunderbolt from distance in the 85th.

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City sought a way back into the match, but we held our nerve and maintained complete control.

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A massive victory under the bright lights of Europe, kicking off joyous celebrations throughout the city.  Except for the pack of green-clad hooligans who chased the City bus to the airport to give them a proper send-off.

I swear to RNGeebus I saw Toothless Bob leading them.  I must've been mistaken.

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It's Deja Vu All Over Again

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AS Saint-Étienne

December 2035 Mini-Update

Who's happy?  This guy, that's who.  

We hit the Winter Break a solid 2nd in Ligue 1, having won our Champions League group on the final day with the victory over City.   It certainly didn't hurt that Genk played more poorly than any 1st seed in Champions League history...  We've drawn Allegri's Dortmund, the defending champions -- perfect.

The Ultras are in full voice, albeit with less arson for which we are all thankful.  I'm still convinced Bob has left Yorkshire to orchestrate it all...

Spain even dropped their extradition request, allowed Mr. Leto to leave the Czech embassy in Rome after a year of confinement.

Life is good.

And, I'm off to see Apples in a few hours.  I've bought her an orchid -- her favorite flower -- and a bottle of our favorite wine.

Yep, everything's coming up Hakan.

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FADE IN

EXT. SMALL CAFE,  NEAR SAINT-ÉTIENNE -- EARLY AFTERNOON

A brisk winter day, without a cloud in the sky.   

INT. CAFE

HAKAN TELLEUS sits, nervously checking his watch his watch every few minutes.  John Mayer's Greatest Hits plays softly in the background.  HAKAN hums along to "Your Body Is A Wonderland," thinking back on all the happy times with Apples.

The door opens and HAKAN glances over, a look of childlike glee adorning his face.  No, it isn't her.  Not yet.  HAKAN settles back into his seat, sipping his cappuccino.  It is his 10th of the day.  He's been here since 9:00 a.m.

The bell jingles as the door opens again, and in walks APOLLONIA QUINTINO-WATSON, glamorous, with hair like sun-kissed ebony, smiling warmly at the sight of HAKAN.

HAKAN leaps up to greet APOLLONIA with a hug and two quick kisses on each cheek.  Holding her hand gently, HAKAN guides APOLLONIA to a seat.

HAKAN (joyfully): Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes.  It's wonderful to see you, truly.

APOLLONIA (blushing): The years have treated you well, Hakan.  It has been too long.

HAKAN: What has it been, 2 years?  3?

APOLLONIA:  The restraining order expired in 2033, so... yes, it would have been 3 years in March.

HAKAN (chuckling): Incredible how time flies, isn't it?  

APOLLONIA (warmly): It is, with the additional benefit of memories fading -- the good times, with a rose-colored tint, and the bad, forgotten.

HAKAN (smiling sheepishly): I've been a bit of a fool, I know.  Love makes you do crazy things, doesn't it? 

APOLLONIA (laughing openly): So does methamphetamine, you idiot...

HAKAN and APOLLONIA chuckle and smile warmly at each other, their gazes lingering as an easy silence fills the air.  Hakan reaches for APOLLONIA's hand.  She glances down at his touch, but does not pull away.

HAKAN: I was so happy to receive your call, and just can't believe that you're here.

APOLLONIA: It's been too long and...well, I've been wanting to talk to you.

HAKAN (leaning forward, smiling): I'm right here, Apples.  I always have been, and always will be.

APOLLONIA (hesitantly): I've never...been...you know, good at talking about these kind of things. 

HAKAN kisses APOLLONIA'S hand gently.

HAKAN: Don't be silly.  I'm here.  You can tell me anything.

APOLLONIA (struggling to find the words): Well, you know I've always wanted a family.  But with your schedule...and then Emma's schedule...it's been --

HAKAN: I know.  It's hard.  The time somehow is always and never right.

APOLLONIA (laughing softly): Yes, that's exactly right.  But, Hakan.  You have to know, and I have to tell you.  Not over the phone, or an email.  I had to see you, to hear your voice and feel your hand in mine.

HAKAN's heart skips a beat.  A warmth grows within him, as he struggles to contain his joy.

APOLLONIA: I'm ready.  For children.  It's time to put this carefree life behind me, and grow up a bit, you know?

HAKAN cannot speak.  His heart is racing.  His eyes brimming with tears of joy.

HAKAN: Are you saying what I think you're saying?

APOLLONIA: Yes, Hakan.  We're pregnant.

HAKAN (chuckling): Well, we always joked about my...err...talented little fella, but that just doesn't seem likely!  Not that I'm not up to the task, of course!

APOLLONIA: Hakan, no, I need you to --

HAKAN (now gushing with excitement): My place is close by, it's clean and simple, but it's cozy for a family.  A child! It's...it's...everything we every wanted, this --

APOLLONIA (interrupting): Hakan, you need to listen to me.

HAKAN stops talking, a look of confusion dawning on his face like the rising sun.

HAKAN: We're pregnant, yeah?

APOLLONIA: Yes and no, Hakan.  

HAKAN (laughing): I'm not a doctor, but I think this is a pretty black-and-white deal, you can't be half-pregnant!  Kind of an all-or-nothing thing.

APOLLONIA: It isn't that simple.

HAKAN (confused): What's not simple?  This isn't making sense.  You're not pregnant?  But you said --

APOLLONIA (patiently): I'm not pregnant.  Emma is.

HAKAN (even more confused): But...you said "we."  "We're pregnant."  It's you and I talking.  Wait, is Emma here?

APOLLONIA (patiently):  She's at the chateau, resting.

HAKAN: I don't...I don't understand.

APOLLONIA (taking a deep breath): Do you remember, in the divorce, our agreement that you would take everything in Leeds, and I would have the rest?

A look of sheer horror passes over HAKAN's face.

HAKAN: Wait, you don't mean.

APOLLONIA: The freezer, Hakan.  We'd saved some of your...umm..."guys," just in case too much time had passed before I was ready.  Remember?

HAKAN: Oh, I remember.  But, how...that...they're my guys.  You can't just take my guys, and use them like that!  And you aren't even pregnant!  What the actual -- the logistics alone are...so many questions...

APOLLONIA: Emma is pregnant, Hakan.

HAKAN is stunned.

HAKAN: Wait, you're telling me that --

APOLLONIA: Emma is pregnant, Hakan.

For the seventh time today, HAKAN is stunned into complete silence.

APOLLONIA (after several minutes): Are you ok, Hakan?

HAKAN: I just ... I don't ... so ... questions ...

APOLLONIA: Take your time, dear.  This is a lot to process.

HAKAN (pausing): I just want to make sure I understand, Apples.  Emma Watson, your wife, is carrying our child?

APOLLONIA: Yes and no.  Legally, the ... swimmers ... are my property.  S,o Emma and I are the legal parents.  But, you are the biological father, if you will.

HAKAN: If I will? If I will, what?!  What does THAT even mean?  Emma is pregnant with my child, and I wasn't even there at the conception?!  This is like every man's greatest dream and worst nightmare come to life!

HAKAN begins to hyperventilate.

APOLLONIA: Take it easy, Hakan.  I'm here because we want you to be a part of this.  A part of our lives.

HAKAN: But, ok...so how would that work?  I mean...practically.  The three of us can't get married, this isn't the American South, after all.

APOLLONIA:  Well, this doesn't have to be complicated.  We'd come live here, in France.  You could even...move in?

HAKAN (stunned into silence, yet again):  So...ok...I see... I was watching a ... documentary ... yes, a documentary the other night, where this kind of thing was explored.  Multiple people in a relationsh--

APOLLONIA: That was pornography, wasn't it?

HAKAN (offended): It was a documenta--

APOLLONIA (firmly): You were watching pornography, Hakan.

HAKAN (sheepishly): It...it...I was watching pornography.  But the lighting and cinematography was top notch.  I think the director has been to Cannes.

APOLLONIA: This wouldn't be anything like that, Hakan.  You have to understand that.

HAKAN (carefully): Not even a ittle bit?  What about Naked Tuesdays like we used to have?

APOLLONIA (firmly): No.

HAKAN (pausing): Well, I mean... I guess... Not even... Emma?  The thing is... Err.. How could I say no to you, Apples?

APOLLONIA (smiling warmly): I've missed you, Hakan.

HAKAN (staring into the middle distance): Has Emma told Ludwig yet?  I'm not sure how he's going to feel about all of this.  He still loves her, you know.

FADE OUT

Edited by ManUtd1
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1 hour ago, ManUtd1 said:

FADE IN

EXT. SMALL CAFE,  NEAR SAINT-ÉTIENNE -- EARLY AFTERNOON

A brisk winter day, without a cloud in the sky.   

INT. CAFE

HAKAN TELLEUS sits, nervously checking his watch his watch every few minutes.  John Mayer's Greatest Hits plays softly in the background.  HAKAN hums along to "Your Body Is A Wonderland," thinking back on all the happy times with Apples.

The door opens and HAKAN glances over, a look of childlike glee adorning his face.  No, it isn't her.  Not yet.  HAKAN settles back into his seat, sipping his cappuccino.  It is his 10th of the day.  He's been here since 9:00 a.m.

The bell jingles as the door opens again, and in walks APOLLONIA QUINTINO-WATSON, glamorous, with hair like sun-kissed ebony, smiling warmly at the sight of HAKAN.

HAKAN leaps up to greet APOLLONIA with a hug and two quick kisses on each cheek.  Holding her hand gently, HAKAN guides APOLLONIA to a seat.

HAKAN (joyfully): Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes.  It's wonderful to see you, truly.

APOLLONIA (blushing): The years have treated you well, Hakan.  It has been too long.

HAKAN: What has it been, 2 years?  3?

APOLLONIA:  The restraining order expired in 2033, so... yes, it would have been 3 years in March.

HAKAN (chuckling): Incredible how time flies, isn't it?  

APOLLONIA (warmly): It is, with the additional benefit of memories fading -- the good times, with a rose-colored tint, and the bad, forgotten.

HAKAN (smiling sheepishly): I've been a bit of a fool, I know.  Love makes you do crazy things, doesn't it? 

APOLLONIA (laughing openly): So does methamphetamine, you idiot...

HAKAN and APOLLONIA chuckle and smile warmly at each other, their gazes lingering as an easy silence fills the air.  Hakan reaches for APOLLONIA's hand.  She glances down at his touch, but does not pull away.

HAKAN: I was so happy to receive your call, and just can't believe that you're here.

APOLLONIA: It's been too long and...well, I've been wanting to talk to you.

HAKAN (leaning forward, smiling): I'm right here, Apples.  I always have been, and always will be.

APOLLONIA (hesitantly): I've never...been...you know, good at talking about these kind of things. 

HAKAN kisses APOLLONIA'S hand gently.

HAKAN: Don't be silly.  I'm here.  You can tell me anything.

APOLLONIA (struggling to find the words): Well, you know I've always wanted a family.  But with your schedule...and then Emma's schedule...it's been --

HAKAN: I know.  It's hard.  The time somehow is always and never right.

APOLLONIA (laughing softly): Yes, that's exactly right.  But, Hakan.  You have to know, and I have to tell you.  Not over the phone, or an email.  I had to see you, to hear your voice and feel your hand in mine.

HAKAN's heart skips a beat.  A warmth grows within him, as he struggles to contain his joy.

APOLLONIA: I'm ready.  For children.  It's time to put this carefree life behind me, and grow up a bit, you know?

HAKAN cannot speak.  His heart is racing.  His eyes brimming with tears of joy.

HAKAN: Are you saying what I think you're saying?

APOLLONIA: Yes, Hakan.  We're pregnant.

HAKAN (chuckling): Well, we always joked about my...err...talented little fella, but that just doesn't seem likely!  Not that I'm not up to the task, of course!

APOLLONIA: Hakan, no, I need you to --

HAKAN (now gushing with excitement): My place is close by, it's clean and simple, but it's cozy for a family.  A child! It's...it's...everything we every wanted, this --

APOLLONIA (interrupting): Hakan, you need to listen to me.

HAKAN stops talking, a look of confusion dawning on his face like the rising sun.

HAKAN: We're pregnant, yeah?

APOLLONIA: Yes and no, Hakan.  

HAKAN (laughing): I'm not a doctor, but I think this is a pretty black-and-white deal, you can't be half-pregnant!  Kind of an all-or-nothing thing.

APOLLONIA: It isn't that simple.

HAKAN (confused): What's not simple?  This isn't making sense.  You're not pregnant?  But you said --

APOLLONIA (patiently): I'm not pregnant.  Emma is.

HAKAN (even more confused): But...you said "we."  "We're pregnant."  It's you and I talking.  Wait, is Emma here?

APOLLONIA (patiently):  She's at the chateau, resting.

HAKAN: I don't...I don't understand.

APOLLONIA (taking a deep breath): Do you remember, in the divorce, our agreement that you would take everything in Leeds, and I would have the rest?

A look of sheer horror passes over HAKAN's face.

HAKAN: Wait, you don't mean.

APOLLONIA: The freezer, Hakan.  We'd saved some of your...umm..."guys," just in case too much time had passed before I was ready.  Remember?

HAKAN: Oh, I remember.  But, how...that...they're my guys.  You can't just take my guys, and use them like that!  And you aren't even pregnant!  What the actual -- the logistics alone are...so many questions...

APOLLONIA: Emma is pregnant, Hakan.

HAKAN is stunned.

HAKAN: Wait, you're telling me that --

APOLLONIA: Emma is pregnant, Hakan.

For the seventh time today, HAKAN is stunned into complete silence.

APOLLONIA (after several minutes): Are you ok, Hakan?

HAKAN: I just ... I don't ... so ... questions ...

APOLLONIA: Take your time, dear.  This is a lot to process.

HAKAN (pausing): I just want to make sure I understand, Apples.  Emma Watson, your wife, is carrying our child?

APOLLONIA: Yes and no.  Legally, the ... swimmers ... are my property.  S,o Emma and I are the legal parents.  But, you are the biological father, if you will.

HAKAN: If I will? If I will, what?!  What does THAT even mean?  Emma is pregnant with my child, and I wasn't even there at the conception?!  This is like every man's greatest dream and worst nightmare come to life!

HAKAN begins to hyperventilate.

APOLLONIA: Take it easy, Hakan.  I'm here because we want you to be a part of this.  A part of our lives.

HAKAN: But, ok...so how would that work?  I mean...practically.  The three of us can't get married, this isn't the American South, after all.

APOLLONIA:  Well, this doesn't have to be complicated.  We'd come live here, in France.  You could even...move in?

HAKAN (stunned into silence, yet again):  So...ok...I see... I was watching a ... documentary ... yes, a documentary the other night, where this kind of thing was explored.  Multiple people in a relationsh--

APOLLONIA: That was pornography, wasn't it?

HAKAN (offended): It was a documenta--

APOLLONIA (firmly): You were watching pornography, Hakan.

HAKAN (sheepishly): It...it...I was watching pornography.  But the lighting and cinematography was top notch.  I think the director has been to Cannes.

APOLLONIA: This wouldn't be anything like that, Hakan.  You have to understand that.

HAKAN (carefully): Not even a ittle bit?  What about Naked Tuesdays like we used to have?

APOLLONIA (firmly): No.

HAKAN (pausing): Well, I mean... I guess... Not even... Emma?  The thing is... Err.. How could I say no to you, Apples?

APOLLONIA (smiling warmly): I've missed you, Hakan.

HAKAN (staring into the middle distance): Has Emma told Ludwig yet?  I'm not sure how he's going to feel about all of this.  He still loves her, you know.

FADE OUT

Bloody hell, I can see why Hakan will want to depart for Belgium/Greece ASAP...

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28 minutes ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

Bloody hell, I can see why Hakan will want to depart for Belgium/Greece ASAP...

"Hakan, you realize you've lost your goddamn mind, right?"

"The heart wants what it wants, Ludwig."

"Yeah, your heart wants that cluster**** of crazy.  I get it.  What you need is someone new, brother.  Someone to take your mind off of Apollonia."

"Well, Emma will be living in the house, too...Apollonia said no to Naked Tuesdays, but nothing at all about Hot Tub Thursdays."

"Hakan, listen to yourself.  You're not right.  In the head.  You're going to go play house with your ex-wife, her new wife, and the baby they're having.  Which they made with your sperm, without your consent.  What part of this sounds sane to you?"

"I dunno...but I like the idea of hot tubbing with Emma."

"You're beyond help, mate."

 

Edited by ManUtd1
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It's Deja Vu All Over Again

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AS Saint-Étienne

March 2036 Mini-Update

2 minutes.  That was all that stood between us and a historic victory over Ze Germans.

But we couldn't hold.  Karachi made a brilliant save to deny Francisco, but couldn't recover for the rebound.  So close, and yet so far.

There's no shame in this loss, though -- a last-minute  loss to the defending Champions, who sit atop the Bundesliga once again?  No, no shame.  Nothing but cold resolve to avenge this loss next year.

Domestically, we're flying high.  Top of the table despite dropping points carelessly...yet winning a few big matches.

We're very much on track, if not ahead of schedule.

The baby is due in late May.  Ludwig didn't take it well at first, but after several long talks with Emma he's back onside.

One big happy family, eh?  

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PSG is having an awful year, leading to Unai Emery getting canned last week.  Gladbach just axed their manager as well, given that they're sitting 7th.  Leeds continue to be a force in England.  Fiorentina are on track for an incredible eleventh straight Serie A title, in Brendan Rodgers' 3rd year (following the triumphant reigns of Telleus and Simeone).

I also spent the weekend trying to get Vitrex to work on my zoomed UHD screen...heh.  So much time wasted tinkering...fortunately, today is a holiday here in the States...

Edited by ManUtd1
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I can count on one hand the number of times I've made this request in the last few iterations of the game, but I feel the time has come.  In this type of save, I like to leave a legacy of sorts, and a new stadium seems right.  I'd have asked for it at Elland Road, if I had been around for another year.

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15 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

I can count on one hand the number of times I've made this request in the last few iterations of the game, but I feel the time has come.  In this type of save, I like to leave a legacy of sorts, and a new stadium seems right.  I'd have asked for it at Elland Road, if I had been around for another year.

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Grapefruit Ground

Hakan Hippodrome

Terrain de Telleus

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Ugh.  We dropped the Rhone Derby against Lyon...leading to a 3-way tie at the top of the table, although Monaco has that game in hand.

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As an aside, Nice's tycoon has scaled back his funding of the club...Nantes is still going strong, spending like crazy.

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Despite the stumble against Lyon, we're 3 points clear.  

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Monaco have two games in hand, but are facing some serious fixture congestion with the CL semis and Coupe de France final to play:

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Squeaky bum time!  With Nice lurking in the event that we both blink.

 

Edited by ManUtd1
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Monaco and Nice labor to a draw on Saturday, and we hold our nerve on Sunday.  Inching closer to a possible title.

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We still need a little bit of help...and to win our final two matches, of course.

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A few weeks ago, Monaco were gunning for a potential treble...

Then, they blew the CL semis against Leeds (losing 4-3 on aggregate), and just lost the Coupe de France final.

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Stumble again, and they've suffered an epic collapse...

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As frustrating a day as we've had all year.  The lads gave it their all, but the ball just wouldn't go in today.

Then elation as Ludwig shares with me the result from Monaco...

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Meaning we move 3 points clear, with Monaco's final match to play.  But, with goal difference as the tiebreaker, the title is ours barring a 15-0 thumpings in Reims.

I wouldn't put it past them, the onion-eating mouth-breathers.

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Edited by ManUtd1
Forgot to add Ligue 1 overview
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Monaco take care of business, but it isn't enough.

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Champions for the first time since 1981.  

Season recap to follow, with the Euros in Wales/Scotland this summer.  I'm hoping to pick up a national team position after its over...

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http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=868705575

Roma took a leaf out of your book in a preseason testimonial.

1 hour ago, ManUtd1 said:

A few weeks ago, Monaco were gunning for a potential treble...

Then, they blew the CL semis against Leeds (losing 4-3 on aggregate), and just lost the Coupe de France final.

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Stumble again, and they've suffered an epic collapse...

Similar to, but not as bad as the ‘Neverkusen’ season.

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It's Deja Vu All Over Again

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AS Saint-Étienne

2035/36 Season Review

This seems to be the year where it all came together here in France.  Winning Ligue 1, running even with Dortmund in the Champions League (and winning our Group over runners-up City)...even Apples came home, albeit with Emma...and then the twins...

There's only one thing to do now -- conquer Europe, again.

There's some scouting to be done, to flush out our depth at the club.  But, we're on track even if our title is down to Monaco's epic collapse over the final weeks of the season.  My wanderlust has been sated for now, but I'm sure it will return sooner rather than later.

Goals for 2036/37: At this point, we're ready to assault the Champions League.  Anything less than competing on all fronts will be a big disappointment.

Squad|League Overview|Finances Overview|Income Detail|Expenditures Detail|Transfers

Ligue Un Fixtures 1|Ligue Un Fixtures 2|Champions League Fixtures|Coupe de France Fixtures|Coupe de la Ligue Fixtures

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Champions League 2035/36 Review

I loathe you, Bobby Manc.

An all-English final, after all 5 teams reached the quarterfinals which saw a Manchester derby (Man United qualified as the winners of the EL last year).  Not much else of note this year.  I'd really like to see some random teams make a run and become eligible...or just win it outright.  Nice's tycoon withdrawing funds is huge in terms of making them a fun side later in the save...

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Challenge Overview

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Edited by ManUtd1
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12 minutes ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=868705575

Roma took a leaf out of your book in a preseason testimonial.

Similar to, but not as bad as the ‘Neverkusen’ season.

Wow...rarely see that from the AI!  Nice!

Speaking of Neverkusen, they were relegated this year.  Brutal.

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Finally landed this long-term target at CB -- he's finally 18 and able to move to France.  

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And then this kid turned up...oh, yes.  Hakan like.

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Updated transfer log:

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Edited by ManUtd1
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25 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

Wow...rarely see that from the AI!  Nice!

Speaking of Neverkusen, they were relegated this year.  Brutal.

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Bloody hell bottom of the league as well. Biggest team I've had get relegated in one of my saves was also a strong German team, Wolfsburg. Scammerdyce got Palace relegated in my current save as well.

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22 minutes ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

Bloody hell bottom of the league as well. Biggest team I've had get relegated in one of my saves was also a strong German team, Wolfsburg. Scammerdyce got Palace relegated in my current save as well.

Yep. They've been pretty inconsistent throughout the save, but I didn't expect THAT season from them.

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It'll make them a good shout when I move back to Germany :D

Sevilla went down as well.  That is less shocking than Leverkusen, in some respects, but nevertheless a surprise given that they hadn't finished below 10th in the save.

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