Generic Journeyman Career Title

[andychar]

Rest Stop

14 days between the last fixture of last month and the first of this. I can't wait not to play a game!

We start with 3 away games in a row.

Tricky month.

Board only pleased....I'd like a bit more to be honest!

It was youth intake day!

Not a terrible one. 

These two stand out of the crowd and I'll be keeping my eye on them.

Brilliant result, we got a bit lucky with a 92nd minute winner after Seoul had the better of the second half. Fantastic win and a great way to bounce back.

Next up was the 2nd leg of the Champions League. Huge game. Scoring first would be huge.

Nightmare draw in the semi of the FA Cup to give us a boost before the Champions League!

Anyway onto the big game.

A Shinji penalty gives us a lead on the night and a huge lead on aggregate. One foot in the Semi Final.

But a goal on the stroke of halftime buts this tie back on.

Get in! 27 minutes away and they need 3 goals.

Fantastic performance and into the Final 4 we go!

A 92nd minute goal got Jiangsu ensured China have at least one representative in the Semi Final. We will take on Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia in what is a very tough tie. 

The first leg will be away and will be the final game of the month.

Back to the league now and another away game this time against Suwon who continue to disappoint but will still be a tricky team to beat.

Great performance. For once we hit the goal more than we didn't. Very good result.

We have two games before the split and both are winable home games.

Again we follow up a really good result with a quite disappointing one. We dominated but threw away a lead. 

It meant the league table looked like this at the end of the month.

Jeonbuk fell to Ulsan which meant the point turned out to be a good point. One game to go before the split and its everything to play for. Its impossible to rule Ulsan out at this point. 13 points clear of 4th with 18 points to play for...I'm no longer worried about making the Top 3 and am purely focused on a title challenge.

Just in case I don't win the Champions League I signed a new contract. 

Speaking of the Champions League it was time for Semi Final First Leg and for a change we are away.

A free kick in a dangerous location finds the back of the net. First blood!

Lead didn't last long at all as they hit us with a deadly counter attack. Game on.

Complete turnaround. We need to keep our heads. This isn't a terrible result so far but still a long way to go.

2-1 at the break. A good team talk is needed.

Worst team talk ever. This tie is starting to slip away from us.

We have an uphill struggle in the second leg. I don't see it personally.

 

[andychar]

The Comebacks

We needed something special when we played our second leg this month. The fat lady hasn't sung but she's warming up her vocal chords.

Before that we have a bumper month of league fixtures as well as an FA Cup Semi Final later in the month.

We start the month with the final game before the split.

We got a late equaliser but should never have been down in the first place. We absolutely dominated but not for the first time struggled to find the net. I'm strongly considering a change of tactics. Just a side note as well blocked shots count as a shot off target so my players aren't nearly as bad as the stats sometimes suggest!

Its a result that takes up off top but still keeps the title in our own hands.

So these are the remaining fixtures, hopefully with a few finals in their as well although we aren't favourite in either Semi.

Ulsan away to start the split is tricky but then I feel we have a chance to winning the remaining 4 if we play well enough. Its going to be a close finish either way.

2 weeks between the previous game and the Ulsan game will be just what the doctor ordered!

I've gone for a completely new tactic, defensive we were solid but we just weren't scoring enough, too many bodies in one space meant shots being blocked. Its a gamble changing the tactic at this stage of the season but if it works then it will be a genius move!

We have a free transfer on the way who has the potential to develop into a brilliant player.

He comes in January. Conner Chapman is 100 days away from gaining citizenship so he will hopefully become South Korean soon.

New tactic looks like this.

Credit Knap (yes its a downloaded tactic, I'm a fraud). Pushed one CMD forward and the two wingers have also been pushed forward. The AMC has become a ST. A position I'm very thin on the ground at.

The title race coming down to the wire. Everybody plays everybody in the top 6. All to play for.

We can't let Jeonbuk get away so the job is simple, match or better their result each time.

After having enough of youngsters going to internationals for the first time ever I withdrew players from the squad.

So anyway enough chit chat did the new tactic work...

Annoyed and frustrated are two words that sum that game up. We were 1-0 down against the run of play but turned it around in the last 10 minutes only to concede in injury time. I saw enough to like the tactic and just hope my defenders actually turn up. I think we would have won that game with that performance 9/10 times.

Next up was the Second Leg of the Champions League. 3-1 down from the first leg we needed everything to go our way.

We need 3 without reply just to force extra time. We are out of our depth.

Its done.

We more than deserve that goal. As meaningless as it is.

I can certainly applaud the spirit.

Low blow.

Any other day not only would we have won the match but we would have gone through. I honestly can't fault anybody. It just seemed we came across a goalkeeper playing the game of his life while every time they shot it seemed to creep in. Disappointing but encouraged for next season.

Jeonbuk will look to make it back to back Champions League. If anything it might mean they will drop more points in the league!

So 1 draw and one loss with this new tactic but we should have won both games so I'm going to stick with it for the duration of the season and build around it in the transfer market.

Jeonbuk at home next in the league and anything other than a win will probably mean the end of the title challenge.

One point was needed to guarantee a top 3 finish and a return to the Champions League next season. The bare minimum really.

Didn't deserve anything and I'm ready to shove this tactic in the bin because even when strikers are getting into position they aren't scoring and our defence has just crumbled it seems.

Season is falling apart and next is an away game against Jeonbuk in the Semi of the Cup. Great.

Amazing. We shot into a 3-0 lead but were really clinging on towards the end. It means we are in the Final and have one more shot at some silverware this season. It will be our old rival Busan in the final which of course means no matter what happens they will be in the Champions League next season.

Just time for one more league match this month. If we are to win the league we need to win all 3 games and hope that Jeonbuk drop points in all 3 games including a loss. Likely right?

Great first half and a professional second means we leave with the same amount of points as goals. Amazingly Jeonbuk actually lost which means the table looks like this at the end of the month and with 2 games to go.

We still need them to drop points in both games. Either that or them win one and lose one and we win both our games 11-0.

Either or.

The win finally means...

We go again next season.

[andychar]

Sweet November

4 games this month. 2 in the league and the 2 legged Cup Final.

We still had a slim outside chance of clinching the league title. It meant us winning both games and Jeonbuk dropping points in both theirs. They will have one eye on the Champions League so you never ever know. Either way a win in our next game and the title will go to the final day. Even if it does mean us winning 18-0.

Just pleased but my job is listed as secure. I'm happy with that. Slightly harsh major criticism as we played out of our skin in the second leg.

Big gap between games and once again its very necessary.

Historically we have been terrible against Jeju this season. We need to win in order to keep our faint hopes alive.

Once again the International Break has really hampered us. Really starting to get on my nerves. Everybody is being withdrawn from all squads. I've had enough of it now.

Not expecting a result and my league season will end with a bloody whimper.

Given the circumstances its a good point. We were 3-1 down but scored twice quickly in second half. We had chances to win it but couldn't. I have 9 players on International Duty and this team was filled with youth. 

Surprisingly enough Jeonbuk only drew so it will now be a what if scenario. We go into the final day 3 points behind but 21 goals behind meaning we need to win at least 22-0 to stand a chance. I'm not fancying it to be honest.

One more league game before the Cup Final and hopefully something nice and shiny after a season of almost.

Be nice to end with a win.

As it stands 20 more goals will be enough.

19!

Its 18 now. I feel we needed that 3rd earlier.

Oh no Jeonbuk have scored its back up to 19!

We conceded last kick of the game. All joking aside it was a good performance and a good result. Good way to finish the league season and something to build on heading into the cup Final.

Annoyingly oh so very annoyingly the final league table looks like this.

Goals Scored won the league for Jeonbuk and by a country mile. The top 3 broken by 3 points and a massive gap to 4th. Suwon became the 2nd team in a row to play Champions League football in the same season they were relegated. Huge shock there.

Just the cup to go.

 

[andychar]

Outbreak

So it was a 2 legged Cup Final with our only chance left of silverware before I have some decisions to make in the off season. Busan have given us problems in the past. The first leg is at home.

Day before the first leg and two players are sent home with Flu. Its just been one of those seasons really!

Great start!

Lets keep going. End this in one leg.

Lovely.

Great performance and one hand on the cup. It came at a price as we lost Shinji to an injury. I will more than likely be selling him so he could have played his last game for us and scored his last goal.

So we went into the second away leg 3-0 to the good and surely just surely even we couldn't blow it from here!

Jeonbuk absolutely destroyed their Saudi Arabia opponents and retained the Champions League. We can beat them, maybe we should have been better in the Semi Final. I'll go into next season full of confidence that it will be the first piece of the puzzle.

So I had a chance to postpone the Second Leg because of International Call ups. If I could have done that before then maybe I would have won the league. Maybe its because these are qualifiers and not friendlies. Maybe it was my bad before for not withdrawing them. 

So the postponement didn't work as the second leg will still take place smack bang in the middle of the break! Luckily we have a 3 goal cushion to play with.

My Keeper and entire back 4....woooooo.

Who needs Internationals!

Totally deserved they have battered us.

Destroyed us but the result didn't matter as...

A nice way to end the season.

Ooooooooo.

So Semi Final of the Champions League, missing out on the league title by Goals Scored and we lifted the FA Cup. Its been a good season really but it does have a feel of "what if" hanging in the air.

Erm...very harsh in my eyes. I finished level on points with the Champions. We didn't win because they scored more goals. "Teams terrible performance" seems very very harsh. Looks like I have zero room for error heading into the new season. Truth be told this has made me think twice about even staying with the club if the right job comes available. 

 

[ToMexico!!]

Another great season in South Korea, very harsh from the board when you're fighting on three fronts, winning one trophy and coming close in the other two. 

Hows your reputation now? 

[andychar]

24 minutes ago, ToMexico!! said:

Another great season in South Korea, very harsh from the board when you're fighting on three fronts, winning one trophy and coming close in the other two. 

Hows your reputation now? 

I thought it was harsh. My status is “Very Insecure”!

Its still 2 and a half stars so not really much improvement. I did get offered an Interview at Jeonbuk though without applying so I’m confident I can get a decent job if nessessary! 

[andychar]

Shopping

Ok I'm going to say it...I have 100% in this team. I think with this new tactic and with a team not destroyed by injury or Internationals we are very strong and very hard to beat. 

We drew too many games last season and this time it cost us. We were going great in the Champions League until the Semi Final when we were battered and bruised and generally needed a rest. This tells me that we need some depth. I'm happy with 10/11 players in my starting lineup. We just need a good strength in depth. I'm going to try and not sell players this off season but get a couple of utility players who can cover a range of positions.

I have a good feeling about the upcoming season. We just need to be smart about it.

A few team records went this season.

Lee Ki-Je wanted to go to Jeonbuk in the summer transfer window. I didn't let him...and this is why. He was the first signing I made and he is showing me why.

Defensively we were brilliant last season, bad luck that wasn't the tiebreaker!

I really don't want to lose this job as I've built something here so this...

...kinda worries me. I have zero room for mistakes at the start of next season. 

Jeonbuk very nearly becoming Champions of the World. That's what I have to compete with!

The new fixture list came out which means the first set of odds came out.

Not quite sure why Busan haven't got a Champions League place but to be honest I don't care. We were 2nd favourites before any signings. I'll see what it is come January 1st.

We currently have 3 arriving on the 1st. 2 of which will slot into the first team and another who will be a good CB back up to help with injuries and tiredness.

Good to know I'm not insecure anymore.

So my new signings. Young foreign player who I have high hopes for. Fingers crossed he can develop quickly and make a difference.

Spent more than I wanted too really but he will be a great addiction to an already impressive defensive core.

My replacement for Shinji and another young player. There is a theme for my starting 11.

After early transfers Jeonbuk are still heavy favourites with the top 4 ahead of everybody by a margin.

As it stands this would be my full strength starting line up.

GK - Been my number 1 since I started, never given me a reason to replace him.

RB - Spent last season out on loan and got a full season behind him, willing to give him a chance to fulfill his potential this season.

CB - One of them is Don't Sign This Bellend the other is a youth product. Both brilliant.

LB - Don't want to sell this guy but he was unhappy I rejected Jeonbuk last season and they have come in again, I've delayed and offered a bumper contract in the hopes he stays.

MC - Valdes I'm excited about. I'm currently in the market for a South Korean midfielder as I believe this is the weakest part of the field.

AMR - Another player out on loan last season, really excited to see what he can bring.

AML - Another weak link and another position I'm looking to improve.

ST - Happy with both my strikers. Will probably need another as back up as we are pretty thin on the ground.

Big wage but that is a brilliant result. I'm not in the business of strengthening my rivals!

4th new player as I've taken a gamble in order to improve that AML position. He will be playing inside forward which isn't his strongest but I think he will make a difference.

And with that signing I've made a mistake. I've miscounted my foreigners and I have one 2 many. Somebody is going to have to go. 

New signing. He will be a good rotation player for the CM position. Its still not our strongest area of the pitch but I'm happy with the squad I'm building.

I've managed to get rid of the foreigners I wanted to but once again I haven't been reading the rules. Turns out can have 4 foreign players as long as one of them is Asian. I have 4 non Asian foreigners. I'm going to absolutely p*** somebody off and be short in one position. I haven't decided which one yet.

My last signing gives me the depth up front. I'm happy with the squad.

Lets do this.

 

[andychar]

Friend Request

I hate friendlies. I know they serve a purpose but I absolutely hate friendlies. Players get injured and nothing good comes out of them. That's why I never personally manage them.

Very similar expectations to last season. 

Was either this group or E and trust me E would have been a breeze. This will be tricky.

Never tell me the odds! We slipped to 3rd. I think we should be challenging for the league.

Dangerously I have a good feeling about this season. I think it will go one of two ways. Either I'll win everything, or I'll be fired.

Hate friendlies!

Ake Loba had a good season last season and I'm hoping for big things. Seems the bookies are expecting the same.

Kim Young-Ki is a brilliant player and has come leaps and bounds. Fingers crossed he has a big season.

Three players in the Young Player of the Year running. It bodes well for the future.

I've picked my foreigner who will miss out...he isn't happy and I have only just bought him for 900k. I feel silly.

Love this...the tactic my first Champions League opponents are going to be rocking...

Good preseason...only 2 major injuries. The season starts with the Champions League...lets do this!

[andychar]

The Lost Boys

Annoyed with my error in judgement with foreigners it puts a lot of pressure on this guy...

He haven't registered a better player for what he COULD become!

He got a 6.6 in the first game of the season. Not great but not terrible. The good news is I have a slot for an Asian Foreigner if need be.

Looks convincing. Far from it. At 1-1 they had a penalty saved which really turned the game. We scored twice in the last 15 minutes to give us a huge win to start the season and the Champions League season.

Next up was another away game at newly promoted Suwon FC, who replaced Suwon in the top division. If we are going to challenge for the title its the sort of game we need to be winning and hopefully scoring quite a few goals as well.

Yeah like that. Great performance and we were 5-0 up within 30 minutes. Shame we couldn't get any more. Normally I'd be annoyed at the goal conceded but seeing as thought it actually means nothing I'm not bothered.

We will play harder games this season but its an encouraging start.

[andychar]

Just Getting Started

March was where the league really got started with a busy month.

We have a chance to really take control of both the league and the Champions League.

Funabashi Bandits actually won the opening game so we can't take them lightly. 

Oh come on!!

My finances are pretty much exactly the same as when I took over.

Last seasons disappointments...

After all the transfers dynamics still look good.

A brilliant win the Champions League gives us two wins from two. Shinji's replacement got 4 which pleases me greatly.

Onto the league now and a chance to assert some dominance.

This doesn't tell the tale of this game...

Get in! Oh Come on! GET IN!!

Last season that game would have finished 1-1, this season already feels different.

Frustrating. Nothing I can do about these injuries but they have a habit of piling up. It's the very reason I needed to go out a recruit another striker!

I've learnt from mistakes of last season and have started rotating more, it does mean I'm probably going to get a few disappointing results....

Unless you like goals and no defending.

Brilliant game of football. We were 5-2 and cruising before 2 goals in 2 minutes in the last 5 put some pressure on us. I want goals this season and so far my team is delivering. Sorry defenders.

Those are rookie numbers. You need to boost them!

It was gameweek 3 in the Champions League and we were away in China. You know my history with Chinese football...I wanna crush em.

Just before the game I withdrew 9 players from International Duty, only 2 players will go as they are competitive fixtures. I know its not real but I honestly feel guilty! Fingers crossed players won't start hating me because I keep removing them from International Duty.

Any way onto the football.

Close to our first clean sheet of the season but a great performance and some good finishing. 

It means at the half way stage of the group stage it looks like this.

I don't think it could be any better and with 2 out of the 3 games left at home we should be comfortably in the knockout stages. We learnt last season that there is no advantage to winning the group as there is a bug so as long as we get through I'll be happy then its just fingers crossed for a nice draw.

Lee Ki-Je played his first game of the season after being injured in pre season. He went off after 61 minutes and will miss another 3 weeks. I was so delighted when he signed a new contract.

Good if not spectacular. First clean sheet of the season!

One more match this month, we win and we are perfect. 

Lets make it special.

That was the opposite of special. We were missing both starting forwards, one injured and the other International Duty and it painfully showed. Absolutely nothing positive came from the game and its a missed opportunity.

A few teams with the games in hand but no real shocks so far this season.

[ToMexico!!]

Great month, shame you couldn't take a slim advantage into April over Jeonbuk but not being behind is just as good. How long before you have to play them? 

[andychar]

Home Alone

April is ridiculous.

6 out of 9 games at home. We need to take advantage of those games and build some sort of lead. 

You'll have noticed this. Hard to tell if this will be a tricky game or not. They were awful last season.

I'm sure it will take me days to complete this month!

Back up to Very Pleased. Its a fickle business!

We were terrible for large parts of this game and found ourselves 4-1 down. We managed to grab a goal just before the half but it looked like it was going to be a defeat. Two goals in the last 10 minutes recused a point for us. Not happy with the performance really but delighted we managed to comeback and avoid defeat. Last season we had so many draws that should have been wins. This one should have been a loss.

Not the ideal way to start the month and with my next two games the Champions League and Jeonbuk I needed to be careful with my rotation.

Good win in the Champions League helped by the fact they had a man sent off in the first half.

With no incentive to win the Group it will be rest and rotation for the final 2 group games which will help me long term.

Jeonbuk next and to be honest I'll be happy if we avoid defeat. I don't want to fall too far behind this early in the season.

Things going well?

Here your star man now has a Hernia in the busiest month of the season. Right Ok.

What a performance! It was 4 but my God it could have been 10. We absolutely battered them from start to finish. I'd say probably one of the best results since I took over.

Now historically we have followed up a brilliant result with an absolutely shocking performance...

I learnt a lot from this team in the game. We were 1-0 up and looking good when Valdes (the young CM) got himself sent off. After that we were brilliant, we raced into a 3-0 lead at half time. Gyeongnam scored early in the second to make a game of it. We defended brilliantly we our 3rd and 4th choice CB. We added a 4th late on but I'm delighted with my lads. This was the sort of game we would have drawn last season. I'm really hoping we have turned a corner. I think my transfer activity has helped as I've been able to rotate better than last season. The trickier time of the year is yet to come however.

I mentioned early that there was no incentive to finish top of my Champions League Group.

I'd need not worry. 

Ulsan at home next and it has the potential to be tricky.

Another great win. Ulsan had the better of the early exchange, we scored against the run of play and managed to take control of the game. Satisfying win indeed. 

Next up is a pointless Champions League game, I will be rotating as much as physically possible so I can imagine it's not going to be a pretty performance.

That's very annoying.

Told you it wasn't going to be pretty, just surprise it was them not us. Great performance from some players trying to work themselves into my starting line up.

With one more game to go its everything to play for in my group. Somebody is going to get through with a minimum of 7 points and there's something a bit sad about that!

Worth pointing out all 4 South Korean teams have qualified with a game to spare.

Away game against Jeju in the league next. They have a habit of turning me over occasionally so we need to be on our toes. In fact we haven't beaten them in 4 games.

Jeju seriously need to f*** off! Hate playing them. We battered them from start to finish. They scored 2 goals in 5 minutes to turn the game around. Hate playing them. They need to die.

Cup next. I demand a response. The draw for the next round has been made and if we both get through it will be Jeonbuk at home. Will be an early exit for a favourite. Annnnnnnnd if we somehow get through that then its either Busan or Jeju at home in the quarter final. Two teams I'm historically terrible against...at least they will be at home. First things first...beating the decent team who got relegated last season.

Some times there are just no words.

Out of cup already. To make matters even more annoying Jeonbuk also got knocked out so we would have had a nice easy passage into the next round. Its league or nothing if we are going to make Champions League next season. Obviously we want to win the Champions League so never season won't matter!

Still one more game this month and truth be told I just want to get it over with.

Good to see we finish this already tricky month with a nice easy match, home to 3rd in the league Seoul.

Two bad results in a row but overall its been a good month, we needed to win this final game to take something into the next month.

Great way to bounce back. Put the disappointment of the cup behind us and make sure we at least finish top 3 to secure Champions League next season. Although I think without winning the league winning the cup was the only thing that kept me my job last season!

So after a long month the league table looks like this...

We are top which pleases me but its close between the top 5. I imagine Busan might not to be able to keep up but I cant see any reason why the top 4 won't be close all season. 

Worth noting that all the top 3 are out of the cup. Makes me feel slightly better about it all!

 

 

[andychar]

2 hours ago, ToMexico!! said:

Great month, shame you couldn't take a slim advantage into April over Jeonbuk but not being behind is just as good. How long before you have to play them? 

Cheers mate. I think any advantage going forward will be slim. Its going to be a close league season!

[kidthekid]

finally caught up. Loved every post. Like what you've done with the recruitment this season. Hope this is the season you win the CL.

[andychar]

1 hour ago, kidthekid said:

finally caught up. Loved every post. Like what you've done with the recruitment this season. Hope this is the season you win the CL.

Thanks that means a lot. I’m happy with the squad this season. Playing better just need to avoid injuries which seem to be piling up!

[andychar]

Breath Easy

Only the 5 fixtures this month starting with a pointless Champions League game. A chance to rest some players ahead of what should be 4 winable league games.

Good win for the back ups. Means we finish the group stage with 6 wins from 6. Just like last year.

Final standings for us and the grass had no time to grow...

A Uzbekistani team. On paper I would make us favourites but they had a good group stage.

Either way I'll look forward to the Knockout Stages.

It means this "short" month now has a few more Champions League Fixtures.

We have a rare 7 day rest in between fixtures now. Next up is a home tie against bottom.

1-1 at HT after a shocking first half display...for once I was encouraging instead of shouting at them.

It wasn't pretty but it was a win and that's all that matters.

The original plan in the next game was to play a full strength team but with Champions League on the horizon I had to set my priorities.

Reserves are playing well recently. Damage done in the first half which meant I could rest the odd few starters who I had to play. Its all set up lovely for the first leg of the 2nd round of the Champions League. We were at home first. The only team we were at home first last season we got knocked out.

So a big game ahead, we couldn't slip up in this round, we needed to at least hit Board Expectations.

No slip up and 9 toes into the next round. I will rotate in the second leg, it will give me a chance to focus on the league a bit more than I thought id be able too.

Don't get many big wins so this is nice to see.

Decent win. I made no changes for the first time this season as I plan to rest players for the Champions League Second Leg.

7 changes made and they really let us down only winning 5-0 when the first team won 6-0. All jokes aside it was a great performance and a very easy tie that played out more like a Qualifying Round not a Last 16. No complaints from me!

The entire round looked like this.

Split straight down the middle between East and West with only 2 South Korean teams qualifying. I would fancy my chances against Shanggang and Western Sydney Wanderers. I'm unsure about any team from the East. Worried about Al-Ittihad who easily knocked us out last season, was hoping somebody would do us a favour before we had to play them!

One more game this month and it was away against a middle of the range team. Potential for slip ups.

What a game of football. We were 1-0 down early then 2-1 up then 3-2 down then 4-3 down. We scored the equaliser with 5 minutes to go and I was happy with a point. We snatched all 3 in injury time. Perfect month.

Leaves the league table looking like this.

We have a 6 point lead over 3 teams. I don't think I've been sitting this pretty in the K League before. Next month we face Jeonbuk, Ulsan and Seoul all away from home. Massive.

 

[andychar]

One Track Mind

Busy month but thanks to our early exit its all in the league. Chance to really pull away.

I got it wrong its Busan away not Seoul away. My bad!

We had a bit of a rest before the first game of the month. A chance to recover from the epic 5-4 win.

Easy come easy go financially!

Our route to the Champions League was drawn in the meantime.

Very happy with Quarter Final draw...although in the press conference I said I want to draw these because we can beat them...In past experiences that doesn't ever end well! 3 out of 4 semi finalists from last year all have a chance of getting there.

Happy with the potential Semi Final draw, we have avoided both Jeonbuk and Al-Ittihad. We beat Persepolis in the last 16 last season as well. Our route to the Champions League has been paved and we are happy!

Sangju first up this month and its a game we should be winning. 

1-1 at the break and they have scored with their only attempt, do I shout or encourage?

I decided the way we have been playing recently they had earned me not shouting at them...

Last game we got a last minute winner when maybe we didn't reserve it. This time we would have 100% deserved it. Evened itself out.

Erm...

Think they asked the wrong manager that question. We also hit the woodwork 3 times in that match. How we didn't win it I'll never know. 

Keen to move on we have two very tricky away games next against Busan who I hate playing and Jeonbuk who are just too good.

Great result. We raced into a 3-0 lead before Busan started trying to make a game of it. We killed them off well near the end. Great bounce back after that disappointing draw.

Jeonbuk away but with the lead I have at the top this almost feels like a gimme.

Good news is this guys wants to sign a new 5 years deal...

Bad news is the sneaky agent put in a 1.1m release clause without me noticing. My fault obviously but I could lose him at a steal and even worse it could be to a domestic rival. Fingers crossed nobody comes in for him. Watch this space, I have a bad feeling.

Anyway onto the game against Jeonbuk...not to spoil the latest table but...SPOILER ALERT...If I beat them I will open up an 11 point gap over them.

It was a game of set pieces. We scored thanks to a penalty in the first half. Midway through the second they got a penalty of their own but it was saved. Then as we ticked over to added time they scored a wonderful free kick to gain a much deserved point. Good result and it keeps them at bay.

After two tricky away games it will be nice to go home. I would say its a winable game but after last time I said that I won't say it...we should win though.

Near enough a full strength team...no excuses.

Its an easy game when they have a man sent off after 3 minutes. It probably should have been more but the win is all that matters at this point.

We have Ulsan away next its top vs 2nd and if we win we can open up a nice gap at the top of the table. Avoiding defeat would be nice.

Another brilliant away win and we have come through a tricky month brilliantly. We have a guaranteed loss next against Jeju, I just don't know what it is about them but here are our head to heads since I took over.

Only 2 wins out of 9 but when we won boy do we win!

We had an away fixture against Seoul not long after this (although a completely different month!). So for once I'm not expecting anything as I will heavily rotate. Cue the 5-0 win.

Not quite 5-0 but it will do nicely! Jeju saved me a clean sheet bonus at the end in a game we looked very good in. My transfer window made sure we had some strength in depth and result like this proved I made some good decisions.

It means at the end of the month the table looks like this. 

A very healthy 7 point lead over 2nd place but look at that 12 point lead we have opened over Jeonbuk who look in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification all together! Now that would be lovely.

Still plenty of time left and next month sees the return of the Champions League.

 

[andychar]

Secret Window

FC Seoul away first in the league. I will be heavily rotating because I have the points in hand and its Western Sydney Wanderers in the Champions League a few days after.

Also the transfer window opens and I'm bricking it that I'm going to lose Loba. Nobody is interested in him but you just never know!

I think that's a fair assessment.

We were going to lose a certain foreign player who didn't play a single second of competitive football for us. Bought for 975k sold for 1 million. Alan Sugar eat your heart out.

So Seoul away. I was resting quite a few starting players so I went into the game with no expectations.

Its about sending out a message! Amazing performance. It was a close first half and we went into the break 3-2 up but we took control in the second half to romp to a massive 3 points.

So it was first leg of the quarter final of the Champions League. We were up against a team we beat home and away in the group stage but lets face it, the knockout rounds are a different beast.

It had been coming but finally we break the deadlock. Hopefully the floodgates will open.

Perfect time to double the lead. We play this right we could finish this tie in one leg.

Taking control, we just need not to concede.

And that should just about do it.

Dominant from start to finish and that should be us safely into the Semi Final.

All other ties nicely poised. Al-Ittihad and Persepolis will be favourites but Jeonbuk have left themselves with it all to do.

Suwon FC away next and truth be told even with changes before the second leg we should still win it.

We took our chances, they didn't. That's the only difference. We keep rolling along and I didn't think we were going to have this good of a season.

Next up was the second leg of the Champions League. 4-0 up from the first I'm still unsure as to rest players or not. I don't want to give them a chance of a way back in and I do have a nice lead at the top of the table.

I did a thing...

Scared of losing Loba I have replaced him before he has even gone. It means at the moment we have 3 brilliant strikers. He won't be able to play in the Champions League but can certainly add to the squad.

Also with him being South Korean if Loba does go I can reinvent the Foreign slot into another area of the pitch.

I decided to rest most but stick a few first teamers in there. I shouldn't be losing 5-0 and crashing out...

They now need 6.

I won the last 16 tie 11-0 on agg...

Not going to lie I expected an onslaught. Their fitness levels were garbage. But 2-0 will do and a nice easy passage into the Semi Final. We knew were we going to Iran but to which team?

New territory. We need to take them very seriously. They must be good to make it to the Semi Final. Al-Ittihad still look scary and back to back champions Jeonbuk are out at the hands of Chinese opposition. We have our final 4.

Straight back to league matters now and a winnable home game...

Jeonbuk straight after the game let their manager go. A league and Champions League double last season a distant memory. Wonder if i'll be offered an interview again.

Bit of a break until the Semi Final. It won't take place until the league spilt. By which time I'm hoping to have the league all but wrapped up!

4 more games this month starting with the previously mentioned winnable home game...

It wasn't a pretty game but sometimes you have to win ugly. 3 points are 3 points and I'll take them every time.

What a game. We had a man sent off just before half time but managed to nick a goal to go into the break 1-0 up. We then gave away a penalty with 7 minutes to go and I thought that was it. We then finished the game with 9 men as we picked up an injury after 3 subs had been used. To top off an incredible game we nicked it in the 93rd minute with a goal from my new signing. His first for the club. Another huge 3 points.

I've complained about this game constantly...

Now I'm going to be managing it. Shame no Pohang players are going to be selected!

Solid performance and solid win. Its weird not having anything to complain about!

And I got a achievement for it!

Well it was time for the game I hate but at least I've had a little bit of control over it. Still going to be missing a few key players but I have a nice lead so I'm not that fussed this year. If I'm the manager I might as well win it!

Still don't like it but its nice to win it.

That's it for the month and it means the table looks like this.

My game in hand is tomorrow in game time meaning I'll be without the players who were all stars so its not a guaranteed win. I'm very happy though with a potential 13 point lead with 11 games to go.

No Champions League next month so lets get the league won!

 

[andychar]

Winning Streak

We were on fire heading into another busy month. It was league all the way this month as we had a chance to really get a stranglehold on the league title.

Some big games that could see me pull away or be reeled back in.

This was the final game of last month just to fill in the details. Don't think I've ever had a opposition not have a single shot on goal. We weren't great but we didn't need to be. 3 goals in the space of 8 second half minutes was the difference.

Busan is a team we have a mixed history with. I have beaten them badly but they have shown us up a few times...

Another great win and we are looking really unbeatable at the moment.

It was Jeonbuk at home next. For once I don't fear them. I really believe we should win this game.

We have done our best to avoid International Duty all season but its finally caught up with us. DC and AMR are first choice while DL and ST have had significant playing time this season. Lee Ki-Je who is our starting DL is also injured at the moment so hopefully hes back before they disappear and hopefully they will all be back before the Champions League Semi Final!

We didn't play well here. We missed a penalty at 0-0, found ourselves 1-0 down but managed to grab an equaliser. Both sides finished with 10 men, we had a man sent off and they lost a player to injury after making all three subs. It wasn't a pretty game and neither side really deserved all 3 points. 

We move onto the next game in the hopes we can return to winning ways, last thing we need is a meltdown!

We had a winnable away game followed by a massive home tie against Ulsan, it meant I will be rotating and resting.

Even with rotation and injuries and Internationals we are still finding ways to win. Times are good!

Ulsan at home next and a win would send us 19 points clear at the top with 21 points to play for...I think either way the title is in the bag.

I imagine there will be a few more before the season is out.

Nobody can stop us in the league at the moment its been brilliant.

One more match this month and if we win it then we could be champions. Crazy.

Looks like we will be cracking 100 goals easily.

It was Jeju who stood in our way and if there is one team likely to ruin a party its Jeju!

So we did our bit with a very professional performance, but was it enough?

Yeah it was!

Champions with 6 games to go. We will be able to field fully fit team for the Champions League giving ourselves the best possible chance of making this season the last in Asia and it would be a brilliant season to leave it on.

Naturally it means...

Just in case.

So the table at the end of the month looks like this...

Champions before the split with an interesting battle for the other two champions league teams. The Cup Final for those interested with be between Jeonnam and Incheon. We could have a 2nd tier team in the Champions League once again...fingers crossed I'm not around to care!

 

[andychar]

Semi-Pro

So this month had the Semi Final of the Champions League, both games back to back. We have one league game before that after a long 14 day break. The league game will be full of reserves. I can't take a single chance it won't help I'm still missing those 4 players who are at the Asian Games and they won't be back for the Champions League either.

We drew 1-1 against Seoul. I had one picture but it wasn't playing and it wasn't worth trying to fix it.

Well we thought we had nicked it with a late winner but they went straight down and scored. Oh well, we are still unbeaten for a long time and our reserves held their own. I'm happy heading into the First Leg of the Semi.

We have been the better side and get a big goal before the break.

Get in!

Could and should have been more but i'll take it. Job not quite done yet.

Shanggang will take a somewhat surprisingly lead to Saudi Arabia.

More records.

I thought it was back to back Champions League but forgot about the Split so we in fact do have a league game. Seoul once again are doing to play my reserves.

Carbon copy of the previous game against Seoul except this time we scored after 3 minutes and they equalised on 4 minutes. We maybe did enough to win but weren't good enough finishing. Another game unbeaten which we will take. Second leg of the Champions League Semi Final is next.

Bad injury on the eve of the game. He is a solid CB and although not the first choice he is normally the sub CB. Could be a big loss.

The goal means nothing really. They needed 3 and they still need 3.

We just missed a sitter to put the game to bed then they go down the other end and add just a little bit of worry to the tie.

Icing added.

We deserved it and it was nice to snatch a winner it mean we are 100% in the Champions League so far, but who were we going to play?

Its a rematch of last seasons Semi Final and the team who knocked us out.

They overcame a 3-1 deficit to win 5-4 on aggregate. It won't be easy but I feel we are in a better position than we were last season.

The last game of the month was an away trip to Jeonbuk, the league means nothing, yet I will play a full strength team because I want to put them in their place!

If we make it 14 we are Champions of Asia.

Just wait until the final!

Hehehehehehe. Great win!

3 games to go and its going to be close for a top 3 finish...but not for us.

[andychar]

Opportunity Knocks

So here it was. It feels like its been a long road but finally I'm in the Final of the Champions League. Feels like I've been in Asia forever.

I've applied for and had an interview for Cruz Azul...dream scenario is win the Champions League and have that job lined up.

If we never play Jeju again I'll be so happy! It took a 92nd minute equaliser to avoid the defeat. Still not a great result but it could have been worse. Its probably the last league game we play a full strength team as we prepare for the Champions League Final.

Not overly upset. It was worth a punt. My interview technique wasn't great so I think I could nail the job in the future, especially with a Asian Champions League on the CV!

So another league game a few days before the First Leg of the Champions League FInal. Another chance for the youth to get some game minutes. The first leg is at home which I don't like personally.

I will have to start playing me youth and fringe players more often. Great away result against a rival. Always nice to keep the points racking up.

So the big day was here. The first leg of the Final against the team who knocked us out last season. I'll admit i'm nervous, although I've enjoyed my time at Pohang I'm ready to move on.

We needed to take a lead to Saudi Arabia I don't fancy going there needing a result.

Dream start! But we took the lead last season...

Advantage them.

We had a goal disallowed just before half time for offside and if you ask me it was very questionable. 1-1 at the break.

They were reduced to 10 men with 17 minutes to go. A chance to grab a winner!

Ake Loba stupidly got himself sent off with minutes to go. Both teams will finish with 10 men and more importantly I will be without my main 3 strikers. 1 is ineligible and the other 2...suspended.

Disappointing result and with suspensions we are already massively up against it before a ball has even been kicked in the second leg. We need a goal with zero fire power.

We will have to make 4 changes because of suspension 2 strikers one CM and my RB. It's not looking good!

So apparently it was offside!

We finish off the league campaign with hopefully my final home game although given the mountain we have to climb I think I'll be back for another season.

The players who are suspended for the second leg will play but other than that its the return of the reserves.

Our luck was bound to run out eventually with the youths. Not a great way to finish the season but we have much bigger fish to fry!

You know what I think it deserves its own post...

[andychar]

We Don't Belong Here

So one more game in the season and boy do I want to win it!

Our Road to the Final

Lots of clean sheets lots of green expect that one all important yellow.

Al-Ittihad's road.

Some big wins there but they made it tricky for themselves on occasion yet they have the advantage heading into the second leg.

I'm not!

Everything looks like its against us...lets do this.

So to give you an idea of our striker situation.

1st choice - Suspended

2nd choice - Suspended

3rd choice - Illegible

4th choice - Out on loan 

We need a goal.

 

We need a goal to take it to extra time.

I can't believe after the season we have had its going to end like this.

Painful utterly utterly painful.

We are down to 10 men. This is just a joke.

A massive case of what might have been. Hard to beat one the best teams in Asia when you are missing 4 starters and playing 5th and 6th choice strikers. I'm absolutely gutted beyond words. Another season in South Korea.

[Sebastian Szlenkier]

Painful way to end the season, Al-Ittihad rapidly becoming your rivals on the continental stage

[andychar]

7 minutes ago, Sebastian Szlenkier said:

Painful way to end the season, Al-Ittihad rapidly becoming your rivals on the continental stage

I was absolutely devestated because truthfully I thought I was going to win and I was already looking forward to a new contenant.

My bad for being over confident. We go again though.

As far Al-Ittihad I feel if we had at least one striker we would have given them a better game but we had nothing going forward...in short...I bloody hate them! I want to avoid them in the Champions League next season but at the same time I want to play them so I can get some measure of revenge.

[andychar]

Groundhog Day

Last season was perfect...apart from the final few games.

The final league table looked like this.

Just the casual 18 point lead over Seoul. Jeonbuk managed to sneak a Champions League place. Al-Ittihad have knocked me out 2 seasons in a row. I would like them to be knocked out before I have to face them next season!

I have a player on the way. He will be my Asian Foreigner. 

I like my young players and he will be a starting CM. I felt we needed a bit of depth in that position and he will do nicely. 

Lets focus on the positives.

"New"

Nothing surprising here. I'm delighted by the league and disappointed by the Champions League Final.

I'm happy with my foreigners for another year so I will be over spending on Koreans!

Another youngster joining. Cost me more than I wanted but with no other players on my radar I went for it. 

I made a promise to this guy when I signed him last season we would win the Champions League. He appreciated we came close and gave me one more year. He had a brilliant season so I'm delighted he will be staying for at least one more season.

This is why.

A bit cheaty this one because I signed him halfway through the season. What I would have given for him to have been available for the Champions League Final.

Never had to worry about the guy between this sticks and this is why.

No surprises here.

5 out of the 11. Jeonbuk dominating the back 4.

Marouane El Hajhouj had a brilliant season for us and fully justified me taking a punt on him. Valdes I would have wanted more progression but hes still a potential 5 star player so I'm willing to give him one more season.

Great season just that Champions League Final that let us down. It was the manner of the defeat rather than the defeat itself.

Another player with a brilliant season.

Just think...he very nearly went to Jeonbuk.

Always reliable.

Training facilities have been downgraded.

We will see about that.

While I'm here. My finances haven't changed in 4 years so its worth spending it! Who knows how long I'm going to be here.

It was the World Cup as well which meant nothing to me and didn't affect me in the slightest as we have our off season anyway.

I don't think I was going to spend anymore money. I like having something in the bank for the midseason window, just in case. I was open to sell players but only reserve players and only for the right price. 

Time I put last season's disappointments behind me and start again.

 

[andychar]

The Switch

I accepted a big for Valdes worth more than 1m. He's only worth 47k so it was too good to turn down but a change of heart from me gave way to him being offered a new contract, which he accepted. I'm not ready to give up on him just yet.

No surprises in the World Cup apart from Jamaica getting all the way to the Quarter Final. I decided to dip my toe back into International Management and applied for a few jobs that came free.

Our standing in Asia improved with the trip to the Champions League Final. South Korea have a strong brand at the moment.

As you know I'm a sucker for Odds. Here are the first set of Odds before the transfer window opens.

Its very much the top 4 and friends. As you can see Suwon bounced straight back up and will be a tricky fixture. It will be interesting to see how that will change come 1st January and the Transfer window opens.

Was worth a shot!

Too soon for a top job.

There was only Ghana left and I don't think I'm ready for a return to Africa. I'll leave it for now. It does mean I can focus purely on Pohang!

Jeonbuk are out right favourites on first day of the transfer window. We aren't looking at any more signings. I have one position I know needs improving but no real player I want to sign. I'm hoping the league is very similar to last season and maybe I need to be better at card management so we don't end up with so many suspensions!

So with transfers seemingly done it was time to sit back, relax and pray to all God's that my assistant manager doesn't break anybodies legs or arms during friendlies!

[andychar]

Friends with Benefits

Expectations were clear and a little bit vamped up from last year. Would be nice to have a good domestic Cup run after falling at first hurdle last year.

We are expected to reach the Semi Final of the Champions League when previous its been the Quarter Final.

Unless there is anything drastic this is the squad heading into the new season.

GK - Hyun-Moo - Never given me any reason to doubt him. Just signed a new contract and will be my number one for a few years yet.

RB - Hyun-Woo - New signing will be straight into first team, happy with back up as well.

CB - Young-Ki - I've seen him develop into one of the best CB in the league.

CB - Ja-Ryong - One of the few starting players over the age of 30, can still do a good job for us.

LB - Ki-Je - The other over 30. Probably our best player last season and I have no reason to replace him just yet.

CM - Karimi - The other new signing. Already our best CM and can only get better

CM - Valdes - I like this guy and I really want him to have a good season!

AML - Kyoung-Rok - He should be a AMR but he's out best AML in what is no doubt our most weak position.

AMR - Sung-Soo - Unsuccessfully played ST in Champions League final. One of our best players.

ST - Loba - Bangs them in on a regular basis.

ST- El-Hajhouj - Ditto

Starting 11 is very strong and the reserves aren't too bad either and with most of them being so young the room for improvement on this team is massive. I think we can win everything this season we just need that bit of luck!

A shocker in the Champions League Playoff as Jeonbuk fail to qualify. That potentially makes my job a little easier going forward, or they aren't the power they used to it.

So once again it will be a Chinese team, Japanese team and an Australian team. Not easy but should get through. God I hope I get through!

The final odds are in and its going to be close. I'm hoping for a repeat of last season.

Perfect preseason will set us up lovely.

We actually play 2 Champions League games this season before the league even begins.

Lets do this.

 

[andychar]

A Young Man with High Potential

Both strikers favourite for top goalscorer...this bodes well.

A curveball maybe but the World Cup 2026 will be the new revamped style and I wanted to be apart of it. I shouldn't struggle to qualify with Australia and might even have a chance at the Asian Cup (although that's only just gone so I'll have a bit of a wait).

Once again top 2 favourites for best player are mine. CB and AMR.

Great. Looks like Sung-Soo is the new favourite!

So here it was first game of the new season and I wasn't sure what to think. We needed to make a positive start.

It was easy in everything except the scoreline. Perfect way to start the season though and the only fixture of the month.

[andychar]

Braveheart

The first full month of the season and we needed to show some grit in order to get points on the board.

We started the month with a Champions League match against Chinese opponent. Its a must not lose!

Once again we won but it wasn't convincing. We bossed the game but weren't able to convert the chances we created. It took a late winner to snatch all three points. Can argue we deserved it but we weren't good enough.

The league season finally started and we had a tricky home tie to start proceedings.

A bizarre game! We actually went 3-1 at half time but if you look at the time their 2nd goal was scored before our 3rd! Once again we left it late but we managed to pick up the win. Offensive no problems, defensively we have issues!

We kept the league season rolling. The Champions League followed soon after so I will probably rotate.

0-0 at half time and I got stuck in! The second half was a treat and we picked up a much deserved 3 points. We will face tougher opposition this season but always nice to put a team to the sword, even if its only for 45 minutes!

The Champions League rolled along and we had a chance to take control.

We didn't take it. Stats wise maybe we should have won but we actually came from behind twice so maybe I should see it as a point gained rather than 2 lost.

Things didnt really improve in the league. This one is 2 points dropped. Plenty of time to recover and we are still unbeaten.

Not the end of the month but my laptop is playing up so I'll post before i lose it all!

[Bracken]

Just read this from the start, really enjoying these updates, great career so far. Hope you can get a particularly satisfying bit of revenge by beating a Chinese team in the CL final  

[andychar]

15 hours ago, Bracken said:

Just read this from the start, really enjoying these updates, great career so far. Hope you can get a particularly satisfying bit of revenge by beating a Chinese team in the CL final  

Cheers mate appreciate the kind words. 

I thought I was going to get that last season after the first leg. Al-Ittihad! Curse you!

 

[andychar]

Re-Animator

So my computer went a bit funny so had to prematurely post...I swear to God that never normally happens!

The game that was left was going to be a great one right.....right!?

Chalk another one up on the "how on Earth have I lost this game" column. Seriously deserved at least something. Suddenly this little blip could become a crisis if I'm not careful.

It left the months end table looking like this.

Already 5 points off Jeonbuk who are looking to bury any demons from last season. I don't think a top 3 place is going to be enough to keep my job unless I win the Champions League and in that instance I don't care! Way to early to be panicking however.

We needed to start the next month strong....we have Jeju...f***!

A bit of positive news came through.

Our Youth team should be brilliant!

Anyway onto the Jeju game...

*Furiously wipes forehead with arm*. We were comfortable at 2-0 when the keeper made a massive mistake. I would have bet my house on us not winning and I would have been homeless...much prefer the 3 points and a roof over my head!

Next game was a Champions League game but after an International Break. 

I played my first game with Australia and forgot to take a screenshot. It was such an even game and could have gone anyway. It was away to Morocco, a tough place to go to and we would be lucky enough to come away with anything....

...we won 5-0.

The World Cup Qualifying Second Round Group was also drawn

Will be disappointed if we drop any points to be honest.

Back to Pohang.

I wanted to put a few wins together it had been a mixed start to the season and we really cant afford to fall to far behind. This needed to start with a win in the Champions League...

A loss would see us fall off top spot in the group but a win could see us qualify and as we know 1st or 2nd doesn't matter thanks to a little buggy bug.

Its neither. Its not a loss or a win and it was probably the fair result. As you'll probably guess looking at the stats we didn't finish with 11 men. Valdes got himself sent off but the ref really didn't let anything go. No grumbles with the result. Just means we have to wait another game day to clinch progression.

I had a cheeky look out of interest to see how Al-Ittihad were doing, wouldn't it be great if they got knocked out in the Group Stage!

Just the casual 3.5 goals a game.

Sydney FC next at home and if we win we are safely through so no worries just yet. Even if we win we have a bit of wiggle room, just adds unnecessary pressure on Gameweek 6.

Back to domestic football now and we needed points. We cant fall to fall back even at this early stage, its got to be said that Jeonbuk look invincible. No Champions League to worry about will do that to you. Next up for us was the FA Cup holders Jeonnam away. Not an easy game and with our first game against Jeonbuk on the horizon there will be changes a plenty.

We are too inconsistent at the moment and that needs to change.

Nice straightforward win and the reserves came up trumps. Good performance. Now we just need to back 2 wins together to close the gap on Jeonbuk. Even this early its a must not lose game.

Massive result and fully deserved. There were a few sitters missed for both sides but nobody could argue we didn't deserve all 3 points. It reels them back in nicely. We just need to keep winning.

Historically we follow up a great result like that with a bad one...

I did rotate with the Champions League only a few days away but still that was a very good performance. Jeonbuk were 2-0 down at half time and won 3-2 scoring in the 86th and 88th minute...gits.

A point would be enough against Sydney FC assuming FC Osaka also lost. Best just win then to be sure.

We played 80 minutes with 10 men after a very early dismissal which makes this result even more impressive. We were already 1-0 up but still...4 goals with 1 less man. I'll take that any day of the week.

It means with one game to go...

We are top and will finish top with all the other 3 teams still having a chance of qualifying. I will be playing a heavy reserve team against Osaka as it means nothing to me. 

So after what feels like a never ending post we have one more game this month. Home to Busan, I don't like playing them. They have a habit of hitting me in the nuts when I least suspect it. 

Nearly a week between this game and the next so I can afford to play my finest...

Good performance good win and we briefly go top for the first time this season. Jeonbuk will win their game in hand so it won't last long!

Jeonbuk only managed a 0-0 draw so we are top...by 1 goal. That's how close it is after 9 games. 

Great month. Lets keep it going!

 

[andychar]

Rambo Part 2

We needed to build on what was a brilliant month with another. Looking at the fixtures we could really kick on this month and take the league but the scruff of the neck.

That being said we start with a very tricky away tie to Ulsan. They still are our biggest threat to not finishing in the top 3 although that shouldn't be a problem.

Absolutely brilliant performance and fully deserving of the three points. Not just a win but a thrashing in a derby away from home. The fans will be delighted.

The Cup draws were made up until the quarter final. We have a winnable 4th round tie against a 2nd tier team. Sure we got knocked out last season by a lower league team but it was Suwon!

If we get through (and we should) then its Jeonbuk in the next round, they are already through because they played when we played the Champions League...because you know...they got knocked out in the playoffs.

IF we get through that then its Busan away. If we are going to win the cup this season we are going to have to do it the hard way!

This is a big loss. We have just bought him for RB and he had started well. We have a capable back up but not much else!

A pointless Champions League game was next. Perfect for my first team to get some rest and potentially knock a Chinese team out!

Back to our facilities being good...

Ignore the Data Analysis Facilities!

I had a quick look while I was in the Club section and I'm not even listed as a "Favourite Personnel"!

Anyway onto the Champions League game.

Believe it or not we were 2-1 down heading into the 82nd minute. A brilliant finish to the game not only ensured the win but a bit of comfort the performance deserved.

It means the final group table looked like this.

Not as straight forward as its been in the past but no cause for concerns. 

We have a Saudi Arabia team in the next round.

They have been knocked out by Jeonbuk the past 3 season including once in the Final. It won't be an easy tie that's for sure.

Both legs will be squeezed into this month so by the end of this post I'll either be out for another year or into the Quarter Final.

The rest of the draw looks like this.

For once my hopes and dreams will rest with a Chinese team. Go Beijing!

Shout out to Jeonnam who are only here because of a poor FA Cup year. They reach the knockout stage but looking at the draws I fear for the East.

We focus on the league now with a game in the FA Cup on the horizon I'm tempted to play my full strength here and risk the lower league team in the cup.

Decided to play full strength and it paid off. Easy win with all 3 goals coming in the first half. I'll make a few changes for the Cup but it will still be a strong team. I have one eye on the Champions League fixtures at the end of the month.

Not going to lie I didn't even notice this!

A spanner in the works as we will lose our two strikers for a full month. Never even occurred to me. No rest for them!

Some changes made ahead of the 4th round of the cup but it shouldn't be a problem.

As expected. Was nice to score a few goals. I think Jeonbuk away in the next round might be a little bit trickier. 7-0 is Pohang's biggest ever win beating the 6-0 from last seasons Champions League.

Tricky away game next in the league but with the first leg of the Champions League Last 16 on the horizon there will be wholesale changes. 

A good performance and win for the reserves as we keep ticking over in the league. Its tight still at the top.

So it was Champions League Time and to be honest I wasn't overly confident here. It was a tricky tie and I needed a good first leg at home. We don't want to give ourselves to much to do in Saudi Arabia.

We are favourites but only just...

Great start and something to build on.

We have been the better side and look comfortable.

Brilliant first half so far.

AH. We let our concentration slip and have handed them a lifeline.

3-1 at half time. We can't panic. We have been the much better side.

That's it. One more and you have to feel the tie will be in the bag.

No more mistakes and we are all but through.

Gives them a slim glimmer of hope.

Disappointed to have conceded 2 goals at home. There's something in the back of my mind telling me to play my strongest team...just in case. Maybe avoid those on a yellow card.

Shanggang should be though, Al-Ittihad should be although Beijing gave themselves a late glimmer of hope. Seoul picked up a good win while Jeonnam gave themselves something to do but something that was achievable.

We have a winnable home against against a team near the bottom wedged in between the Champions League two legs which is good because it means I can make wholesale changes and still should pick up the three points.

SHOULD!

Before the game I was offered a new contract which I happily took. Just in case I need it! Although it would be nice to be listed as a Favourite Personnel!

Wasn't as easy as it looked. We had a man sent off with 20 minutes to go and added a 2nd with the last kick of the game. Some heart in mouth moments but a great 3 points to pick up.

It means the league looks like this at the end of the month.

Don't know why Jeonbuk didn't play. Not like they have to worry about the Champions League, either way barring a spanking we will be top despite the game in hand. Very close though.

So we end this seemingly endless month with the second leg of the last 16 of the Champions League. We just need to avoid a heavy defeat. Although my travels to Saudi Arabia have given me nothing but heavy defeats!

0-0 at half time and comfortable so far.

Good result and did what we needed to do. The Quarter Finals await. 

There are some teams I look at like Shanggang, Melbourne Victory and Seoul and think yeah I can beat them. Then there are teams I look at who worry me. Like Al-Ittihad and Persepolis. We will wait and see what lies ahead for us as the draws for all remaining rounds will be made next month.

And breath!

 

 

[Jambo_]

Fingers crossed you avoid Al-Ittihad this year and win the Champions League! Great journey so far

[andychar]

1 hour ago, Jambo_ said:

Fingers crossed you avoid Al-Ittihad this year and win the Champions League! Great journey so far

Cheers mate. I just can’t see anybody beating them...and that’s includes me!

[kidthekid]

enjoying the save man. Hopefully you finally get the ACL this season. 

[andychar]

23 hours ago, kidthekid said:

enjoying the save man. Hopefully you finally get the ACL this season. 

Cheers mate. Fingers crossed! I wanna move on now. I'm used to Journeyman saves, I've had my feet under the same desk for too long!

Football Factory

When in doubt go for generic football film title. Look out for my future post "Mean Machine".

It was going to be a telling month. We were set to play some big boys in both the league and the cup as well as awaiting our fate in the Champions League. Make or break boys!

Or...neither...its fine.

We were the better team but had to come from behind. I'd class this as a good point. Although 4/20 hitting the target is pretty abysmal.

A bit of chopping and changing has occurred with Internationals approaching. I still don't trust them and will remove everybody if I can. These are World Cup Qualifiers coming up so nothing I can do!

Next match was at home to Seoul who beat me earlier in the year, I wanted revenge. Unfortunately for me African Nations had hit meaning I was going to be without both my starting forwards.

4 goals and not a single one from my 4th and 5th choice strikers (my 3rd is suspended). We got the result though and if its the CB who has to score the goals so be it!

It brings us nicely to my first Competitive game with Australia and it will be against a country I spent 3 wonderful years (on this thread but a totally different game and save) Hong Kong.

Qualifications for the next round should be straightforward to the point where if I don't get through I should retire from management and never pick up another copy of FM ever again.

Bare minimum of what was expected.

No surprises so far. Home and away against Thailand is where the group will be decided.

Short International Break for me it was straight back into domestic duties.

We had to wait until the last 10 minutes but we got the win against a team who have given us troubles. I'll take it. 

Back to back away games against Jeonbuk next, first in the Cup then in the League. 

Great game and neither team deserves to lose, both teams went for it. Very happy to come away with a penalty win, it means both teams are gonna be shattered for our league game!

Another tricky game. We will have to earn this Treble!

Brilliant back to back wins over Jeonbuk. We had two goals disallowed and they scored a late penalty, hope I don't live to rue that 3 goal swing!

One more game this month and I hope we don't follow up these two brilliant results with a disappointing one.

Out of the FA Cup, out of the Champions League, it was too much for the Jeonbuk board.

So we headed into the last game of the month with suspensions and international call ups galore.

Yeah that's about right. 

Very disappointing way to finish the month but what can you say sometimes FM likes to boot you in the nuts.

We hold a slim lead over Jeonbuk but a nice healthy lead over the rest. At the very worse it will be Champions League next season!

Speaking of which the draws will be made early next month!

[andychar]

Future Man

A month full of league games and more importantly the draws for Quarter Final and Semi Final of the Champions League.

One game before that though and we needed to bounce back from the disappointing draw at the end of last month, otherwise we will relinquish our lead over Jeonbuk (potentially).

We are missing our front two massively. The quicker they get knocked out of African Nations the better. P*** poor performance and it won't matter who we draw in the Champions League because we won't beat anybody based on this performance.

So it was time to find out our fate in the Champions League. Its not for a while so we have time to get out of this mini funk.

Fairly happy with the Quarter Final draw. We had them in our group this year and and would have beat them 4-3 on aggregate. Won't be easy but could have been worse.

If we get through we have avoided Al-Ittihad till at least the final. Its not going to be a given but it could have been much worse. We have played and beaten both Persepolis and Shanggang in the past.

So now we had our path laid out it was time to get back to winning ways with a very tricky away game against Busan.

Transfer window also opens. I'm thinking twice about keeping Valdes. He isn't living up to expectations and is actually one of the weaker members of the squad. I'm going to actively try and sell him and cut my losses.

And with that in mind he's his replacement.

I needed somebody who already has the talent and not one who could potentially have the talent. I need the wins now, not in a few years time!

It means Valdes will be unregistered but he's injured at the moment so its not the end of the world!

I'd kill for a win here but I'm not confident in the slightest. Grant Margeman was thrust into the starting line up less than 24 hours from signing for us.

So we didn't win and Jeonbuk won thanks to a last minute own goal. Yeah alright then. I need to move on quickly before my laptop travels through the window.

I need my strikers back ASAP!!!!!!!! Other than that there really isn't much we are doing wrong.

The frustration continues at home to Ulsan. While the injuries keep piling up.

Better bloody win it!

We finally stopped the bleeding! It wasn't pretty at all but it was a win. It was 3 points. Now we are playing catch up every win is vital.

We have bottom of the table at home next...it should be 3 points...should...

We got good news before the game. Loba was back from International duty and players were slowly coming back from injury. Fingers crossed its the turning point we needed. 

Annnnnnnnnnd Loba gets injured after 21 minutes. Seriously getting hacked off now.

We lost another striker just before the end...crisis anybody?

We got the win but at what cost?

Loba out for 3-5 weeks and my 4th choice striker out for 3 weeks. Its like being back at square one. Luckily the African Nations is over so El Hajhouj is back.

It took him 2 minutes to score on his return! How we have missed him!

Near enough a perfect performance from a near enough full strength team. Whisper it quietly but I believe we have come through the other side of a mid season blip.

I want to briefly turn your attention to this guy...

He's been injured this season so hasn't played as much as I would have liked. He's a beast of a RB for me. Bought him for 1.8m at the start of the season because I saw really good things...the reason why I mentioned him is this...

First time these sort of teams have come sniffing around one of my players. I have 1 week to last and if a bid comes in no way in the World I'm going to be able to reject it without massively annoying him.

The last game of the month comes away to a team who I've recently loaned 2 players too. I hope they can't play, I can't remember what they offered.

It should have been more comfortable but I'm not complaining with 3 points.

Amazingly despite the blip we have a nice 5 point lead at the end of the month. When we started winning Jeonbuk just started dropping points. It gives us a lovely cushion.

Next month we play in 3 different competitions as we look to keep the treble alive. The Champions League first leg will close out next month. 

Exciting times!

[Crispypaul]

Great read.  I managed briefly in South Korea with Suwon Samsung Bluewings in FM18 and enjoyed it immensely

[andychar]

1 hour ago, Crispypaul said:

Great read.  I managed briefly in South Korea with Suwon Samsung Bluewings in FM18 and enjoyed it immensely

Cheers mate. I am enjoying South Korea. I just want to win the Champions League, leave Asia and never return. 

[andychar]

Triple Threat

One month 3 different competitions. Lets hope we are still in them at the end of the month.

We started the month with a tricky game against Suwon. They have given me problems in the past and I'm not expecting an easy game.

They had a man sent off after half an hour and despite this we trailed 1-0 at the break. I told them they were disappointing and they turned it around brilliantly. The red card helped massively and I'm not complaining in the slightest. Big win.

It opens up a massive 18 point lead over 4th so at the very least we will be playing Champions League football next season!

3rd place Seoul away next as the big games come thick and fast. We are looking a little jaded so the hope is they are feeling the same.

A brilliant game of football and a great result. It was back and forth before we took control of the game late on. Huge 3 points on our way to defending our title.

Fatigue is starting to worry me however, especially with the Champions League creeping back.

Next up was the FA Cup Quarter Final. I didn't want to rest players as I want the treble.

Penalties again but this time our luck ran out. We were at 1-1 in the first half when we had a man sent off. We conceded late in the second but found a equaliser. We even took the lead in Extra Time but they grabbed their own equaliser then we were crap in the shootout. Korea uses the ABBA system which is the worst thing to happen to football since the Scottish National Team.

Horrible way to go out but we need to take it on the chin. Extra time will have done us no favours either. Oh and the guy who got sent off will be getting a fine.

We were once again away for the next league game, fingers crossed the penalty loss isn't the start of something, we have the Champions League soon and the if we crash out of that I don't think I'll be able to keep my job.

After this game the next 2 are Jeonbuk at home then a 7 day gap to the Champions League first Leg. So there will be rotation here!

Brilliant first half score us score all our goals. Meant I could take it easy and make some subs ready for the big game against Jeonbuk. We have a chance to finish the month with an 8 point lead at the top and that's what I fully intend to do.

We have come through a very difficult month on paper with just the one blip and that was a penalty shootout!

Another great result with a great performance. You can see how much we missed our starting strikers.

It leaves the league table looking like this at the end of the month.

8 Points clear 10 games to go and the countdown is on to retaining the title. 

I'll leave the Champions League till the next post so both leagues on are on the post.

[andychar]

Double Jeopardy 

So only the two competitions left to play for and if I didn't play my cards right after this month it could only be one.

Lets jump straight into the Champions League Quarter Final First Leg.

We were at home first so a clean sheet was the most important thing.

An early penalty and the perfect start!

No complaints since we took the lead they have been all over us.

1-1 at the break in what has been a very even game.

I told the lads I wasn't happy hopefully that will spark them back into life.

We have bossed the second half and finally got the goal we have been searching for. We just need to hold on now.

No doubt we deserved the win but this tie is far from over.

Every tie is on a knife edge. Will be a tasty second leg in the competition. Al-Ittihad played with 10 men for 79 minutes and still managed to draw.

There are 3 league games between now and the second leg. Lets own this league.

First up we have Suwon away who somewhat embarrassingly beat us last time. I will be rotating as its not long after the first leg and I need as many fresh legs as possible!

Before that though it was Youth Intake Day woooo.

Lee Jong-Won is 2 and a half already but in a position I don't play which is annoying. He can be retrained as a CM which I will 100% do. I'm excited by Lee Kyung-Chul.

Potential is there. Fingers crossed he can make it.

We got a postponement for a league game because of Internationals (that I will be apart of) so we actually only have 2 league games now in between the Champs League.

And this was the first one. Knowing there was an International Break and not a club game for 2 weeks I played a full strength squad.

Even at 4-0 and the last minute they still have to score with the first shot on target! Oh well 3 easy points.

It was time to turn my attention to all things Australian as we had games against Thailand and Philippines. We should win both.

A late penalty secured the points but it really should have been more. Oh well a wins a win.

Job well done. 

It means the group looks like this.

No real surprises. Back to Domestic issues now and we jump straight back in with a League match.

Its Busan at home so not an easy game. I want revenge for the FA Cup loss but I also will have one eye on the second leg of the Champions League.

A late goal gave us all 3 points. Wasn't the best performance in the World but it will do nicely.

Foregone conclusion but its nice to have it in the bag.

Speaking of which, its Second Leg time!

Perfect start. One more goal and we have complete control.

Game well and truly on.

Even first half but they grab the lead. Extra time as it stands.

We have been shocking and deserve to go out. That being said we only need a goal.

No way near good enough. Getting really sick now. Very tempting to leave Asia and come back to it because I'm getting very frustrated.

We have under performed in the Champions League and the FA Cup. All of a sudden we need to 100% win the league and even that might not be enough to keep the job anyway.

I'll keep you updated but truth be told I couldn't give a s*** about the rest of this years tournament.

Didn't win Champions League so this guy wanted to leave. I tried to apologise but he wasn't having any of it. Bye bye. 

So it was time to put full attention into the League. We have gone from the treble to the double to just the League. If we don't win the league from the position we are in then to be honest I'll be going.

Good bounceback win but I'm still so very deflated. I'm not annoyed by going out it could happy, I'm just so annoyed by the performance. Its making me rethink the entire team. I could be in for a busy offseason.

8 points clear with 7 games to go. The league title should be in the bag. We have nothing else to play for so no more rotation.

[andychar]

A Single Shot

Nothing else to play for. Lets get the league in the bag and just put this disappointing season behind us.

2 more games before the Split.

First up was an away derby game against Ulsan. Jeonbuk have already won so it was up to us to keep the 8 point lead.

They played 65 minutes with 10 men and we still lost conceding in the 91st minute. Losing patience fast with this lacklustre team. Lead down to 5 with 6 to play including Jeonbuk still. I'm seriously doubting regardless of what happens if I even want to be here next season.

This is really frustrating me. I just want to fast forward to the end of the season. I couldn't even care about winning the league.

I feel you have to spend more on South Korean players because of the strict rules. I have probably overpaid here but I have not wasted any time. He's cost more than I wanted to and his wages are higher than I want but he will fill in what I believe to be the weakest link. Especially with the mardy git from the previous post leaving.

He will join in January. Not interested in potential anymore. I need players who can do it now. I am getting sick of managing in Asia. Its 2023 and I've still not completed one leg of this journey. A journey I'm starting to regret taking on.

Right, enough doom and gloom its time to finish the season and finish it strong!

1 more game before the split, its important we keep the lead over Jeonbuk, we don't want to give them any hope.

Its looking more and more like a missed opportunity.

I'm going to give this tactic one more season and if it fails next season then I think a complete overhaul will be needed.

Just what we needed.

And just when we need momentum its time for an International Break.

That'll do pig.

Next game is a friendly. You all know how much I love friendlies, especially International ones!

Love friendlies! Good performance just couldn't finish.

The Qualification Group looks like this...

No surprises. No complaints.

Moving back to the K League. 5 points clear with 5 games to go. I really want to get this done as soon as possible so I can look to next season. At this point I feel like I'm closer to getting the "part of the furniture" achievement than winning this Champions League but I'm not giving up. Even if it takes me all of 19!

Suwon away, major chance at screwing up here. Would I take a point? Absolutely.

I'll take that more though. An early penalty to give us the only goal of the game and an early red card to take the pressure off. 

Jeonbuk won so its 5 points with 4 games to go.

Seoul at home next, at this point in the season there isn't such thing as an easy game.

Al-Ittihad fall in the semi final proving they are beatable. Missed opportunity. 

Back to the league.

Brilliant performance and one game closer to the title. Performances like this make it more annoying we went out how we did. 

The table looks like this with one more month and 3 more fixtures.

6 point lead with 9 to play for and we have the advantage for goals scored. 

One final push and the league should be ours. I know its not what we wanted but at least we are surely going to win something.

[andychar]

Do or Die

Despite everything the board are still happy with me. Bringing home the 3rd league title in 4 years seems to have appeased the powers that be. 

One thing I always seem to forget about is National Service. I will be losing 2 players.

He is our back up behind Lee Ki-Je and we have another player who is just as capable so its not a massive loss.

My direct back up for CM. It means I'm going to need to go out and get a South Korean back up. Could have been worse.

Ulsan away next. If we win we are pretty much Champions if we lose then the door gets opened for Jeonbuk. I want to avenge the terrible 1-0 defeat not long ago.

We finished with 9 men which isn't surprising when you consider we picked up 12 bookings! Very proud of the team for digging deep and holding on. It seems in order to win this fixture you cant have 11 men on the pitch.

I've miscalculated somewhere. I thought the lead at the top was 6 when in fact its 7 which means...

Sometimes it pays to be bad at math!

Good time for an International Break before wrapping the season up.

Could an Australian Asian Champions League Winner be on the cards.

Yes we could.

Good times to be an Australian at the moment!

Good job the title was already won as our game against Jeonbuk comes smack bang in the middle of an International Break.

Bad day for my first choice team!

Great effort by the reserves and youth but it wasn't meant to be. They were affected as well but not nearly as much as we were. 1 more game both Internationally and Domestically. I've chilled slightly since the terrible Champions League exit. I need to forget about it and move onto next season because I'm not leaving Pohang without that trophy.

Gob done with no fuss.

We will await the draw for the Final Stage. Big gap to the next set of International Fixtures.

We finish our domestic season at home to Busan. It means nothing but I'll play a full strength team. Might as well.

Disappointing finish to the season really. The season is over and here is the final table.

We finish on the same amount of points as last season. Jeju survived by the skin of their teeth. 

Another league title but the Champions League continues to allude us.

[andychar]

Oscars 2023

End of Season Awards, always a glittering night.

Oldest player on the team and still doing a damn fine job for me. He is probably the "weakest link" but he will be first choice for another season.

And I'm finally listed as a "favourite personnel!"

After doing a bit of scouting I can't actually see anybody I want to buy once this AML joins us. I'm happy with my 4 foreigner and the South Korean players I've scouted aren't an improvement. This doesn't bode well really. 

I will keep scouting but this could be a quiet Off season for me. One more season with this team and this tactic. If it fails to win the Champions League again then it will be a complete rethink and some players may need to go.

[andychar]

A Winter's Tale

I had a few million to spend. I didn't really intend to spend it so guess what happened...

I over spent on this guy. He is a better RB but with what's happening with Lee Ki-Je he will probably end up playing RB more. I've got 3 very good RB's so it may have been a bit of a waste but hes a very good South Korean I couldn't pass him up.

The odds were in as well after a bit of wheeling and dealing.

First time really we have been favourites for the league in an official capacity. 

No pressure then. I really get the feeling this season is now or never.

The pre season really flew and before we knew it we were getting ready for the Champions League.

Obviously we had to get through the always special friendlies.

I've had sharks around El Hajhouj, Jeonbuk has put several bids in. I'm not against selling him for a decent fee but to nobody in Asia. I'm not in the business of strengthening the competition. 

Angel Valdes who was once my darling has been sold for 240k. Not bad considering he was free and he never really caught fire.

For the first time since I took over I was over my wage budget by 10k, selling Valdes was 6k.

Scenes as last seasons final is replayed the qualifying round. The holders are out before the Group Stage.

Speaking of which it was time for the draw. 

It was a chance for revenge taking on the team who knocked us out last season. A team from Japan and Thailand make up the rest. I am feeling positive we should get through but don't want to get complacent.

Front 2 both favourite for the top scorer. Funny thing is I've never won it.

Not a single Jeonbuk player which is interesting.

I think they are both the same list for both Young and MVP. Its a youthful league.

Friendlies done. Its time to start the new season!

[andychar]

Groundhog Day

(By definition I'm allowed to use this movie title an infinite number of times)

As always the first game of the season as in the Champions League and although its a separate month to the rest there's no point in splitting it up.

Osaka at home.

We got the win. Good performance but not a single one of the goals was scored by my strikers. Unusual but as long as we score I don't care where it comes from.

I have discovered a problem. We only have 1 player who is any good at playing AML. I have had a look at loaning a player just as cover.

But before that we kicked off out K League season. We had our hardest Champions League game in 3 days so a few changes were made. Jeonnam also had a Champions League game (they won the FA Cup last season for the second time in a row).

Honestly thought it was going to be one of those games. Luckily we held on. Weird to be nervy against a team who didn't even have a shot on target.

Here is the piece of crap we have on loan to cover the AML position. I really hope we don't need him but he will provide cover when my first choice newbee needs a rest.

As of right now we are over spending by 900 quid. That I can live with. The squad is a little thinner than last season. Fingers crossed that doesn't hurt us towards the end of the season.

Champions League next and the ground we lost 3-1 on last season. To say I want revenge is an understatement.

Great game of football. We were 2-0 down at half time and not playing well. Second half we turned it on a bit. Even game and the correct result. 

Absolutely everybody reacted negatively when I told them I was proud of the comeback. If you felt you should have won the game then maybe you should have showed it on the pitch.

Busan away in the league next, a team who always have the potential to give us problems. The games are coming thick and fast to start the season. It was a chance for my piece of crap loanee to make his debut...

He was crap but the team weren't and that was a very impressive victory.

A nice 7 day break now before the next fixture and its another league game as we attempt to stay perfect. That being said a Champions League game follows it only a few days later, despite this I'm playing a full strength team. The changes will be made in the league game after the Champions League game. I've decided I wanted to start heading into the Champions League games with as much momentum as possible.

The most comfortable 2-1 win in history. 

We travelled to Thailand for what should be a straight forward win against the easiest team in the Group. Something tells me though it won't be a walk in the park.

A nice walk in the park. Just like I predicted. 

It meant at the half way stage qualification was looking good. I was hoping I could conspire to knock Guangzhou out, still have a chance I suppose.

One more game this month and it was Sangju away. I didn't really want to start rotating not while we were in good form.

Honestly we could have played this game all season and not scored. Very poor attacking performance and good form thrown straight out the window at the end of the month.

Leaves the table looking like this...

Unbeaten but could and should be better by our high standards.

One more game to creep in this month. It was time for an International Break.

Transfer window closed with no dramas so this is the squad I will be spending the season with...

Its a smaller team I'm used to working with. This could come back to haunt me but at the moment I'm very happy with the starting XI.

Anyway onto Australia. Two meaningless games as we have already qualified.

And we missed 2 penalties as well as scored one!

Finally the end of what feels like a really long month!

[ManUtd1]

2 minutes ago, andychar said:

(By definition I'm allowed to use this movie title an infinite number of times)

Those are the rules, after all. 

 

Slow-ish start to the league, but it'll come together.

[andychar]

1 hour ago, ManUtd1 said:

Those are the rules, after all. 

 

Slow-ish start to the league, but it'll come together.

Never had a post make me so damn hungry. 

Yeah pretty slow. It’s all about getting through in Champions League for now. 

[andychar]

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

We started the month with an International and one we should be winning comfortably.

Yeah like that.

It was never going to be tricky.

The Final Stage was drawn.

3 countries I've managed in all brought together. With the expansion it means the top 3 now will qualify for the World Cup and 4th place will go into the playoff with 4th place from Group B. If we don't finish top 3 then we don't deserve to qualify.

It feels like ages since we played in the K League and we needed to bounce back following a disappointing 0-0 draw. Our starting AML is out for a few weeks meaning I have to start the piece of crap we loaned in.

Not the strongest team has been put out with one eye on the Champions League in a few days time.

It was a brilliant performance from start to finish. Very happy and a great way to bounce back.

We could seal our passage into the second round of the Champions League with 2 games to go with victory in Japan.

Brilliant performance. We had a man sent off on the half hour mark at 0-0 but dug deep and secured a very good win and a place in the Second Round.

Confirmation if needed. Means we can rest players for the remaining games and focus on the league for the time being.

Speaking of which our next game was a tricky one away to Ulsan.

Brilliant come back. A game which could have gone anywhere. 1-0 down then 2-1 up then 3-2 down at the break. The lads turned it on in the second half. Great result.

My piece of crap AML is injured so its now onto the 3rd choice AML. The striker Loba!

Jeju next, a team I always hate playing.

Nice straightforward win. Wasn't the most commanding of performances but it got the job done.

Games are coming thick and fast at the moment and it was another league game before a pointless Champions League game. For now the tables had turned for which competition I would be resting players.

All 5 goals came in the first half and it was a very good performance and another very good win!

It means the League table looks like this at the end of the month...

A nice little lead over Jeonbuk and a 3 point lead over Seoul. Things looking better after a perfect month in the league.

Champions League next, changes a plenty.

Despite numerous changes we were way to strong. Another 5-0 win and another 5 goals in the first half. 

One more game and a point will secure top spot. Not like it matters!