smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 A great first leg, fingers crossed we can sneak it in Rome. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Lovely stuff. Vardic out for 3-4 weeks but hopefully will be back for the QF: A good draw. We will face Sociedad or Rangers if we get through. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andychar Posted March 24, 2020 Author Share Posted March 24, 2020 Great going so far. If you win it’s a straight shot into the Group Stages of the Champions League 👍🏻 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Disappointing intake despite the upgrades to Exceptional/Extensive earlier in the season. Two decent striker prospects mind. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 2 minutes ago, andychar said: Great going so far. If you win it’s a straight shot into the Group Stages of the Champions League 👍🏻 Cheers - Croatian League is now up to 8th in the co-efficients so winning the league also means a spot straight into the group stages too so I've got a double chance of ensuring CL football for @ManUtd1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 One for all the Dinamo haters out there. B-E-A-Utiful 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 I signed the 2 strikers, but it seems the HOYD didn't like any of the others. Maybe time for the HOYD to be chopped Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Vardic springs right back into action after 4 weeks sidelined with a brace. An excellent start to the tie!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 We're into the Semis, but it's going to be a tough one against a strong Sociedad side yet to concede in Europa! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Dobric, Peric and Vuskovic are all suspended for the first leg Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Top 2 secured, CL football (best placed) and a hefty budget confirmed for next season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 A mixed 11 before the Sociedad first leg secured the title after 32 games, lovely stuff. These are the medal winners, showing everyone who started at least a game. Plenty of rotation needed! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andychar Posted March 24, 2020 Author Share Posted March 24, 2020 Just now, smp20 said: These are the medal winners, showing everyone who started at least a game. Plenty of rotation needed! Pfft noob. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 17 minutes ago, andychar said: Pfft noob. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Another fantastic result, we've just got to not feck it up in Basque Country. A big blow losing Di Bello for up to a month though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Europa League final here we come! Di Bello's deputy Ilija Simunec put on an outstanding display setting up both goals. Everton are a decent side, but no better than what we've faced in Europe already. We've got a huge chance of winning it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
henri.melo00 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 2 hours ago, smp20 said: Disappointing intake despite the upgrades to Exceptional/Extensive earlier in the season. Two decent striker prospects mind. You really liked Krizman? He had some good stats, but that potential... Congrats on the title and Europa League campaign, let's hope for the best. At least it is a chance for the Alvalade to see someone crowned be champions in there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManUtd1 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Tremendous stuff, man! Setting the bar high. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 8 minutes ago, henri.melo00 said: You really liked Krizman? He had some good stats, but that potential... Congrats on the title and Europa League campaign, let's hope for the best. At least it is a chance for the Alvalade to see someone crowned be champions in there. Just on attributes, let's hope the HOYD is wrong about his potential! best of a bad bunch... Cheers fingers crossed! 7 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said: Tremendous stuff, man! Setting the bar high. Thanks, better than anticipated in Europe, up and down in the league but a title is a title. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 I'd rather play Luis Antonio with one foot!!! I rarely use this option, but 3 days away from a final, needs must. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 C'mon! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Starting 11 are ready, Antonio doesn't looks ok with injection, while Di Bello is unfit but too good to leave out. Popovic starts in place of the injured Londono. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Given the regen to real player split, it's easy to see which side has more experience. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 We're at 1-1 at half time, scoring with our only real chance. Lovely one-two sent Kimpembe packing! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 FFS!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 2-2 73 mins!!!! Vardic weaves his magic and Popovic pops up again. C'mon Rijeka!!! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Into extra time. Di Bello couldn't last, time for Simunec to shine! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 113th minute at 2-2 is not the time for Garcia to go full Karius 3-2 turned to 4-2 in the 118th minute. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 (edited) Edited March 24, 2020 by smp20 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
henri.melo00 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 As I followed your updates almost like an live coverage of an event, I'm gutted. But, amazing campaign nonetheless. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Ugh. You still did a great job though, very good season @smp20! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManUtd1 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Brutal way for it to end, man, but what a season! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makoto Nakamura Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Regardless of the result it was a great season, now lets see what @ManUtd1 can do! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 A frustrating end to a very enjoyable season for me. Lot's of positives to take and I'm happy with the way I've left the club. League Table I feel we could have done better in the league, but it was hampered by a lot of rotation. Outside of the first 11 plus a handful of others this squad lacks quality. Plenty of goals scored though Player Stats ] I forgot to mention the signings of Mudruzija, Nava and Sesar - all short term in mind as the latter two on loan while Mudruzija is the wrong side of 30. We've got a great attacking lineup with Antonio, Di Bello, Vardic, Ricca and Londono - though you couldn't go without mentioning Popovic who was close to becoming a cult hero in the final and scores more goals than he ever should. Upgrades Development in mind. Over to you @ManUtd1!!! I anticipate a lot of striker retraining, good luck 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 25 minutes ago, henri.melo00 said: As I followed your updates almost like an live coverage of an event, I'm gutted. But, amazing campaign nonetheless. 24 minutes ago, Rikulec said: Ugh. You still did a great job though, very good season @smp20! 19 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said: Brutal way for it to end, man, but what a season! 14 minutes ago, Makoto Nakamura said: Regardless of the result it was a great season, now lets see what @ManUtd1 can do! Cheers all, sad to have to pass it over, but looking forward to see how Rijeka progress under @ManUtd1 and beyond! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManUtd1 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Alright, I'm tied up in some work stuff this morning, but I anticipate getting the first post up in about 4 hours. Very much looking forward to diving into this! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andychar Posted March 24, 2020 Author Share Posted March 24, 2020 Fantastic season. Well done. Looking forward to seeing what crazyness ManUtd1 is going to bring! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManUtd1 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 1 minute ago, andychar said: Fantastic season. Well done. Looking forward to seeing what crazyness ManUtd1 is going to bring! I have a few plans... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benjoe Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Tough ending, but nice work nonetheless @smp20! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbokav1971 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 5 hours ago, smp20 said: Disappointing intake despite the upgrades to Exceptional/Extensive earlier in the season. Two decent striker prospects mind. Would you mind showing us the Croatian clubs reputation page. That might explain a few things. Alternatively, don't believe the low ratings and just assume they are super-stars in the making! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbokav1971 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Brilliant season @smp20 Trust me. Losses like that will make our future successes all the more sweet. You really got us back on track. Thanks and well done. Popovic was a strange one. When I took over he looked great, but I didn't know what the hell to do with him. He had played the previous season in central midfield I think, (I played him as an AF), but I don't think he is an AF, he's lacking a little and also offers so much more than just a finisher. @Makoto Nakamuradid well with him, but I can't remember how he used him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 I would have expected better. I blame it on the HOYD. His contract is up next month hint hint Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 49 minutes ago, andychar said: Fantastic season. Well done. Looking forward to seeing what crazyness ManUtd1 is going to bring! 26 minutes ago, Benjoe said: Tough ending, but nice work nonetheless @smp20! 1 minute ago, Jimbokav1971 said: Brilliant season @smp20 Trust me. Losses like that will make our future successes all the more sweet. You really got us back on track. Thanks and well done. Popovic was a strange one. When I took over he looked great, but I didn't know what the hell to do with him. He had played the previous season in central midfield I think, (I played him as an AF), but I don't think he is an AF, he's lacking a little and also offers so much more than just a finisher. @Makoto Nakamuradid well with him, but I can't remember how he used him. Cheers fellas. I think we overrate finishing as an attribute. If he had 15 finishing we'd be falling over Popovic... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makoto Nakamura Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 6 minutes ago, Jimbokav1971 said: Brilliant season @smp20 Trust me. Losses like that will make our future successes all the more sweet. You really got us back on track. Thanks and well done. Popovic was a strange one. When I took over he looked great, but I didn't know what the hell to do with him. He had played the previous season in central midfield I think, (I played him as an AF), but I don't think he is an AF, he's lacking a little and also offers so much more than just a finisher. @Makoto Nakamuradid well with him, but I can't remember how he used him. I used him as an AF as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy42 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 thank goodness you lost that Europa League final! otherwise I wouldn't be alone in the treble club! because: "It wasn't a treble was it" Great season, straight into the Champions league group stage for winning the league? So the money to spend can go straight into improving the rotation options in order to mount a campaign on 2 fronts. As always awesome to follow along to Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManUtd1 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 (edited) The biggest question in my mind, upon opening the save, was whether Mr. Managervich would stay at Rijeka or move on. With the loss to Everton in the Europa League final, I could see it both ways. On the one hand, you could argue that there was "unfinished business" to take care of. But on the other, in a "journeyman" mentality you could argue that Mr. Managervich has accomplished more than could be reasonably expected at Rijeka...absent a long-term, one-club mentality, it is time to move up, to "strike while the iron is hot," so to speak. I decided not to make an immediate decision, but to see how things would play out with managerial openings. Michael Laudrup was insecure at Athletic, so I threw our hat in the ring (much to the joy of the Basque faithful), but the club decided to keep Laudrup on. In the context of possibly staying, the work put in thus far had paid off at Rijeka. The commercial summary says it all. I applied for the vacant Sevilla position, because I have a special affinity for them as a club (Sevilla is my favorite city in the world) and it would be a natural place for Mr. Managervich to go. Roma offered a job interview even though I had not applied for the position (they finished 9th, and will not be in Europe next year). I interviewed, but am not sold. They're a big club, with tons of talent...but a year of "just Serie A" isn't particularly appealing. I rejected their contract offer, after delaying a decision for one week...having heard nothing from Sevilla. Finally, in early July, the call came in. No, not that call. I can't take those calls on my club-issued cell phone, remember?! I'm talking about the call from Sevilla. Pay attention. Interview? Nailed it. In fact, I must've really nailed it since Valencia came knocking a few days later, offering an interview even though I had not applied for their vacant managerial position. And, while Sevilla are in the Europa League...they also have literally no transfer budget. Ok, that's not fair. I'm sure that $400k would go far in the market. On the other hand, Valencia have a substantial transfer kitty available, as well as Champions League football. In the spirit of Sir David "It Puts The Lotion On Its Skin" Moyes, Sevilla dither. Valencia do not hestiate, however, making the offer within 24 hours. In turn, Mr. Managervich does not hesitate. A more than 10-fold increase in salary (from $7k/week to $72k/week), with Champions League football and a sizeable budget to dip into the market. We're going to Valencia. The land of milk and honey. And oranges. Coming up next, we take a closer look at the Valencia squad, and dive into the narrative that I have planned. Something to read in the interim... Since I'm only here for one year, I don't particularly think that spending that time retraining players to play strikerless makes the most sense... It wouldn't be terrible, but wouldn't make sense. So, we're going to play @wynter's latest tactical setup: Changing Lanes, a beautiful, asymmetric thunderbastard. It's the FM equivalent of this legend: Edited March 24, 2020 by ManUtd1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Oohhh Valencia, good call. How have they fared in game? Pretty please raid Rijeka Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManUtd1 Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 Valencia C.F. - Overview & Squad Review, July 2029 Before we dive into the squad review itself, let's take a quick look at Valencia's in-game history and setup. Quite frankly, things have been a little bleak. While playing at 75k-seat Nuevo Mestalla, the crowds have not have much in the way of entertainment. A 3rd place finish in 2023/24 is their best finish in La Liga. Europa League runners-up in 2025/26. And, while they've been in Europe frequently, the results are laregely...unimpressive. The cupboard is also bare, as much of the staff appears to have departed when Rui Faria was sacked in June. Frankly, there is no excuse. The quality is here. This squad is underperforming. We can do better, lads. Much better. Let's start at the beginning. As noted above, we'll be playing @wynter's Changing Lanes, which is detailed over at FtCS. I typically like to play with a 22-man squad, so that I can run 2 complete XIs, rotating the entire side throughout much of the season. The squad might grow to 24-25, if there are promising youth players that I want to get on the field, but it doesn't look like that will be the case this year. Goalkeepers We've got 3 first-team keepers, arguably. Jesus Maria Ibanez will start over the coming year, as he's clearly the current number 1. However, Damian looks like the business here, for the long term. He'll start in our 2nd XI this year. Vanja Milinkov-Savic is perhaps best known for being an absolute giant...and that's about all I can say to support him right now. Once I saw how crap he is, I stopped paying attention. Kidding aside, he's too good to be in our B Team, but not good enough to be in the first-team squad. Mr. Managervich told him to make like a tree and leave...but Vanja didn't get the joke. Definitely not Valencia material. Defenders At left back, we only really have one option -- Francisco Ortega, who is in the process of negotiating an exit to Bournemouth. Silly lad, Bournemouth isn't for Spaniards. I've cancelled the deal and will try to keep him. Rik Veenvliet could play there, but his "stays back at all times" PPM kills it. We need more attacking/aggression from this position. We will be dipping into the transfer market for a left back -- perhaps 2. 1 for now, another for later. Ortega is 30, after all. This is one of 3 positions where I feel like the "need" for reinforcements is immediate. Sticking with Veenvliet for a moment, he will start as our BPD, paired with the brilliantly-named Brazilia, Ebenezer, in our 1st XI. Nicolas Thaller and Andoni Bengoetxea are the backups here, although I could move Thaller on if an offer arrives -- he's 30, with a contract expiring next summer. I could see picking up a CB if one looks tasty, but we really don't need anyone here until next summer. At right wingback, we're going to retrain William Morales for the 1st XI. He's incredibly talented and only 20. I'm a little worried about his positioning and bravery...but...he's our guy. I love a fast, attack-minded wingback, and he's the man. Fabio Depaoli will play in the 2nd XI, although I'd like to get him off of our books if I can. He's perfectly competent, but at the age of 32...on $99k/week...with a contract expiring next summer. That's crazy town in my world. I'm not in a rush to bin him, but I'll snap off someone's hand if they were to make an offer. Midfielders Confession time. I generally hate BWMs. I prefer to press heavily, but have players stay on their feet. While I might tinker with the role at some point, I'm not going to do so right now. Nikola Moro will be our starting BWM, with Alemao in the 2nd XI. We also have Inaki, but he's likely going out on loan (if not being sold outright). Moro is solid, but at the age of 31, on $115k/week and with a contract expiring next summer...I intend to leave the club with the ability to move on without him. Alemao is probably good enough to start, but I don't like his determination. If we could find a young prospect here, I'd take it. Not an immediate need, but likely one for next summer. Angelo Longhi is a long-term prospect who will spend the year out on loan -- he needs games (and a kick in the teeth, for that shameful flair) Angelo could be a squad player in the future, or more if he lives up to his potential. At deep-lying playmaker, I've taken long-serving Carlos Soler off of the transfer list. I'm not normally one for sentiment, but I want to keep him in the squad this year. Dejan "Turbo" Trbovic will be Soler's understudy, and looks like a proper player in his own right. Attacking Midfielders Out at inverted winger, there's only one choice. Goncalo Guedes. Mario Cuze is his backup (and is versatile enough to fill in anywhere in our front 4, really). Guedes is 32, tough, on $165k/week, with his contract expiring in one year's time. I don't think Cuze is good enough to hold down this spot on his own, and at the age of 30...we need someone in this role. Sooner rather than later. This is the 2nd position I want to fill immediately. Alright, I have to admit. I've been dying to talk about this next kid. Javier Serer. He can do it all. He is everything. At 19, he could lead this club for the next 12-15 years. He is the kind of young player I love to build teams around. He will be our starting enganche. Inaki Gonzalez will be his backup -- tons of potential, and he has all the look of a playmaker. Shadow striker is an area where I'm frustrated. Claudio Roberto will start. Guillermo is his backup. I'm not happy with either one. Claudio Roberto is too one-dimensional for my tastes. Guillermo just isn't good enough, and his determination is terrible. If I'm going to splash a ton of money on someone, it will be in this role. Rijeka, you've been warned. We're coming back with sacks of cash for some of @smp20's kids. Forwards Anyone who has followed my careers knows that I don't play with forwards these days...but I'm way too excited about @wynter's tactic to not give it a shot. It's only for one year, in-game. Up top, Antonio Borda Bossana will start for us. He looks the business, even if his height worries me. Depending on what happens, I may drop him to the shadow striker role and insert a newly-signed player up top. Oscar Gonzalez will be the backup here, although I'm not convinced that he will ever be good enough. Jose Anton Martin will be sold at the first opportunity. He's our highest earner at $170k/week, and I wouldn't trust him to pull the car around, much less put the ball in the back of the net. He does have my favorite attribute on the squad, though -- despite being 5'10", he's got a jumping reach of 3. Somewhere, Wesley Snipes is making fun of him. Final Thoughts This squad is good enough to win La Liga and make a run in the Champions League. Especially once we've dipped into the transfer market. Updates on our efforts in that regard will follow in due course. But before we get any much further...the stage has been set for our protagonist, who is in the wings, waiting for his cue. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
henri.melo00 Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 Good to see another adept of complete rotation, even when the squad lacks quality, I adhere to the strategy. Is a good bet on the long run, but, as your stay is only one year, let's see what it yields. I like the ambition, let's see how it plays. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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