Hootieleece Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 Background Grenoble Foot 38 are a Professional Football team playing in Grenoble, France. The team is currently competing in Ligue 2. The Save Rules: One Club save. Team Info The Manager Gerard Dauphinais A former player of note whose career was ended by a motorcycle accident.... The manager is known to admire both Guardiola and Klopp and wishes to play aggressive "Attacking" Football. The Club Vision is as follows: Tactics Players Manuel Perez This is our Field General.... Charles Pickel Terrell Ondaan Will probably be a featured player because of the tactics... Moussa Djitte Probably will be our Number 9! Thanks for reading! 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronaldo Beckham Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 I like Grenoble's colors. A nice calm blue. Good luck for the season buddy. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 20, 2021 Author Share Posted January 20, 2021 1 hour ago, Ronaldo Beckham said: I like Grenoble's colors. A nice calm blue. Good luck for the season buddy. The Away colors are an ugly red....I think they want to wear the flag! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 Best of luck, mate. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 21, 2021 Author Share Posted January 21, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 JULY/AUGUST 2020:Preseason/League 2 Starts Gerard Dauphinais had big plans for Grenoble, but first he needed the team to play "his" way. The Preseason would be a perfect time to build cohesion and tactical familiarity. None of the matches were particularly tough but one thing was obvious....the team was missing a "playmaker"#10, even though there were many talented players in the team. Team Standings Player of the Month Yoric Ravet Yoric is the "Wayward Son" returned. He started in the Academy and was sold to AS Saint Etienne in 2010 and had a nomadic career but now he is home! Notable Events The media think we are a mid-table team....Gerard looks for something to change that....because the Board wants Top-Half... So he trialed and signed this player..... As you can see we have some technically sound players, ...but the defense could use some work....Gerard sold the Vice-Captain and a starting CB to pay for Zidane's salary. Manager's Thoughts This team could be better actually make the playoffs if the early impressions of players learning a new system are anything to go by. It will be an interesting season. The plan is for Top-Half or Playoffs this season and Promotion Next. Then some consolidation before trying to lead the Rebellion against the "Galactic Empire" of PSG! Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 22, 2021 Author Share Posted January 22, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 September 2020: Regular Season The month of September would only see three fixtures because of the International Break. Gerard thought that all of them were winnable. Schedule The first match after the break was a trip to Pau near the Pyrenees . The opposition was a team that matched well with GF38. Buoyed by his first Victory as Manager, Gerard looked forward to his first Home match and planned to rotate the squad. The match started well with backup Inside Forward Willy Semedo scored....after that nothing quite went right and just before half Ajaccio tied it up. The Second half was terrible and Zidane couldn't complete a pass... The next match was to visit the famous port of Dunkerque on the Channel... The Team played much better and Zidane had both assists from his Trequarista role....but there was a shocking lack of defensive awareness in the second half that led to Dunkerque's goal and on another day might have scored more! League Table The team is in the playoff places but it is still early....Gerard is trying to figure out his best Centerback Pairing and once he does the Sky is the limit. Squad Form Player of the Month Jerome Mombris The Left Wingback has hardly put a foot wrong all season and his crosses are a joy to behold. Management Report The board is happy so far....the financials are a little worrying, hopefully they will balance out. and as a preview for the next update The team is scheduled to host our biggest rivals! Thanks For Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 23, 2021 Author Share Posted January 23, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 October 2020:Regular Season Gerard came to October buoyed by his success the First two months of the Season. October would be a busy month with five matches...looking ahead most were winnable with recently relegated Toulouse being the toughest opponents. First though was a battle with our rivals from Clermont! As you can see the month went about as badly as possible without getting blown out.... The Derby against Clermont should have been a win but our inability to deal with Route One Balls is beginning to tell. We played decently on the offense but really just aren't "clicking"! The Transfer Market in France is over... We lose our "Key Man" Ravet who is our Set piece Specialist. Another reason for our terrible Month... During the Next match Gerard rotated the team by using the backups to shake things up! The First half was forgettable, but after a rousing Halftime..."Win one for the Gipper" speech the team played much better and rescued a draw. The Home match against Toulouse was a listless affair between two relatively evenly matched teams....unfortunately It was decided by the Referee giving a penalty! The Team just can't seem to find the net... The trip to Auxerre was a replay of the match against Toulouse except the Auxerre Striker dribbled around the entire defense and slotted one past the near post.... The return home against Nancy was winnable and the team took the lead...only for another Route One ball to beat the defense...and make it a draw. The second half was just a lot of shooting at other team's players....no real chances.... League Table and Squad Form Player of the Month Jerome Mombris ! The Left Wing back was still the Ray of Sunshine in a Dark month of play. His defensive play and two assists helped salvage a few draws! Management Report The board is not unhappy, but Gerard needs to arrest the slide down the table....the financials are worrying. Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 23, 2021 Author Share Posted January 23, 2021 (edited) Grenoble Foot 38 November 2020:Regular Season Gerard looked at the schedule for November and was happy to see only three fixtures. The International Break would give him a chance to tweak his tactics. The Paris FC match was the most winnable but Gerard believed GF38 had a chance in all Three! Schedule The media and the bookies didn't give us a chance in Paris... but the team won a squib of a game...we scored early on and then each team spent a lot of time missing the net....A win is a win! due to International call ups the team was rotate and didn't have a Left Wingback! The match was against a Title Contender and Gerard hoped playing at home would help. The backups played well considering the team was under Siege by Caen. The Backup GK Salles played the match of his life and was awarded POM! The French Cup sends us on a short trip to a minnow on the Riviera.... GF38 spent the rest of the International Break learning the changes to the Tactics Gerard decided to introduce.... The team looked more lively in the box after the role and PI/TI changes but the lack of heading ability and over all tactical "stupidity" of the midfield are keeping this team from winning! The trip to Normandy was more of the same.... League Table Squad Form It is damning that the only one player from the consensus First XI has a higher the 7 Player rating. Player of the Month Jerome Mombris The Left Wingback seems to be the only player among the First XI that understands Gerard's tactics. Analytic's According to the Nerds, the team is performing as expected....that's not good enough! Management Report Manager's Thoughts The team isn't as good as Gerard hoped, but with a rebuild in the summer following the Club Vision of signing under-23 players with the right moves the team might be able to challenge for the Playoffs. The Enzo Zidane signing has been a flop....but Gerard is hoping that a role change will help him truly find form. Thanks for Reading! Edited January 23, 2021 by Hootieleece added words I forgot Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 24, 2021 Author Share Posted January 24, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 December 2020:Regular Season "The Winter of our Discontent" Gerard looked at the fixture list and hoped to be able to start winning! The team as a whole has just been unlucky and is not really suited to the tactics, but the lack of Heading Ability among the Forwards limits our ability to go "Route One" The Month was underwhelming play wise and the French Cup loss to a minnow was embarrassing.... This was another match where we came close but teams seem to play all "Burnley" against us.... This match started off well....and then the usual happened....defensive mistakes happened except this time it was Mombris not closing down the RB for a low cross and terrible marking by the CB's that led to the loss... Not the greatest youth intake to be expected but looks like Gerard might get a few useful players if Gerard survives the season... This was the hype before the Coupe de France match which saw us travel to the Alpes Maritime... Gerard decided to take the Bookies and Media at face value....and rotated the team.... The Minnows played their hearts out and defended every shot....we finally scored just before half-time...The second half was more of the same...us shooting their defender's blocking until in Extra Time a long ball over the top ....tied the match and led to penalties.... even the nerds can't explain the loss.... The next match was a trip to Amiens....we played well just Amiens is actually the better team...even though we matched them on the day....our defense played their hearts out like RC Grasse! The final match of the month was against a Relegation Candidate that had just fired their manager.... The Team played well and bossed the game....if the team played half as well going forward we would be looking much better.... League Table Player of the Month Jessy Benet The Central midfielder is finally settling into a more defensive role that Gerard is asking of him....and it shows! Analyst's Report Overall we are playing like the mid-table team we are.... Management Report Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 24, 2021 Author Share Posted January 24, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 January 2021:Regular Season "The Tinkerman cometh" After the victory against Chambly, Gerard was optimistic about the teams fortune's changing... The five fixtures were all winnable on paper and Troyes even though they are mired in Mid-Table Mediocrity are the actually the "Best" team. Evenly matched but Rodez FC is on a high.....and over achieving. This game their was no answer to their press and Long balls when they did pass it back to the keeper.... but on a better note Moussa Djitte stepped up his game and tried to salvage a draw... The media noted that we were finally beaten away....Gerard was more worried about the terrible defense.... The media had some nice things to say about our playing style....but the lack of winning is getting depressing.... In a bid to change the team's fortune...Gerard made a radical change in formation from the 4-2-3-1 Wide to a 5-2-1-2 WB considering the team wasn't totally familiar with the formation Gerard was ecstatic about the win, but the nerds couldn't explain it. According to them we should have lost! As you can see in many ways this is our match of the season....but our defensive woes remain.... Gerard has No Idea how you score 5 goals most from close range and not have a better xG! Gerard tried the new formation again ...but the lack of familiarity took its toll...that and just plain bad luck....kept us from winning! Just like the nerds couldn't explain why we should have lost when scoring 5 Goals....They couldn't explain why we didn't win.... The final match in January was a trip to Corsica. The Team continued playing the new formation and we started well...until the Referee, who fearing for his life sent us down to ten men and then gave a cheap penalty. The team responded well and we got a creditable draw. Another match we should have won according to the nerds.... League Table Squad Form Player of the Month Moussa Djitte Moussa has been our best Forward all season, but after the formation change he has really kicked scoring into high gear! Management Report Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 25, 2021 Author Share Posted January 25, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 February 2021:Regular Season "It's a Beautiful Game..." Gerard was looking at the upcoming fixtures for February and hoped to get 10 points....the fixtures were against 3 lower table teams a Relegated Ligue 1 team and AJ Auxerre who was in Playoff Places. It was do able but the team would have to finally get off the schneide. The first match was a Home game against Relegation threatened Dunkerque. This was a game we should have won by much more but the score line reflects our ill luck around the net... The media was praising us a little prematurely.... This derby against Clermont was the opposite of the Dunkerque match....we played horrible and it showed...the team must have read the press clippings! This is the nerd's report on the team's awful showing! The next match in which we were looking to bounce back was a home match against Niort. The match went to plan until a Set-Piece marking error allowed Niort to to claim a draw. A trip to Toulouse was next, a team that was relegated from Ligue 1 and wallowing in mediocrity like us.... Both teams through caution to the wind and gave their respective manager's Heart attacks....A last second free kick won it for us just when Gerard thought the team had thrown away another two points! Another game that the Nerd's say We should have lost.... The last fixture of the month saw the team face Auxerre at Stade des Alpes We played well and matched them....but we started celebrating before the final whistle and gave up another game tying goal. and somehow people want to buy the club..... League Table Squad Form Player of the Month Jessy Benet This Central midfielder has been imperious and dominating the games leading to our good form this month. Analyst's Report We are playing to average even if we are scoring more than expected.... Management Report Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 25, 2021 Author Share Posted January 25, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 March 2021:Regular Season "Jekyll and Hyde Form" Gerard looked at the schedule for March and hoped for 8 points. Two Relegation threatened opponents and two Playoff Places opponents. The bookies gave us a chance against AS Nancy.... but our dire lack of defending and Heading in Dead-ball situations led to our defeat.... After the defeat in Nancy...we fancied our chances against Paris FC on their visit to Stade des Alpes! This was a comprehensive victory, the team played well in all areas... and for once xG agreed...with the results! but there are rumors Gerard's job is on the line... A trip to League Leaders SM Caen awaited.... Our Set-Piece defending let us down again.... and according to xG the results should be reversed! After our defeat against the league leaders...the team relished their chances at home against FCSM and the team's optimism was backed up by an impressive performance... In a masterstroke, Gerard subbed Yoric Ravet for Zidane in the second half and broke the game open... League Table Squad Form Player of the Month Manuel Perez Manuel is settling into his Ball winning role and also using his playmaking skills to help the team.... Analyst's Report even with our better play we are mid-table mediocrities. Management Report Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 26, 2021 Author Share Posted January 26, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 April 2021:Regular Season "The Struggle Continues" Gerard came into April knowing his future with the club depended on how the team performed this month....unfortunately the team is playing many of the better team in the League at this time. Gerard is also beginning to think that the board expected too much from this group of players or that his tactical acumen is just not up to the task. more draws...were setting records! The Defeat was one of the worst in all-time in FM! The month started off with a decent showing against 2nd placed Havre when they visited Stade des Alpes. A trip to Brittany was next on the Itinerary and the Bookies said it wouldn't be an enjoyable experience.... and they were right...Our goalie made two horrendous mistakes and our lack of Set-Piece defending also reared it's ugly head. Otherwise the match was relatively even...It was a combative game where the players were more interested in fouling each other at time than scoring....except for Bryan Pele! According to the Analytics boys', We should have won the game..... The next match was against leading side Amiens at Stade de Alpes...Gerard was looking to get a draw at least.... and after a first half hangover from the previous game....Amiens allowed us back in the game in the last 20 minutes. Moussa Djitte Led the Comeback! The board, the fans, and the media are calling for Gerard's ousting.... and We are on our way to a record in futility and mediocrity.... and here was the match.... The team jumped out to an early lead and was looking good but couldn't find a second before half....whatever the Chambly Boss said at Halftime....changed the game. and again this is another game we should have won.... Since the team didn't lose....Gerard kept his job, but the media are swirling.... The bookies think GF38 can win the game because their the home team. at least the team didn't lose....but the match was a bore...Rodez was more interested in fouling and the Assistant Ref wanted to be Center of Attention! according to the Analytics crowd the result was fair, but the possibility of a win was there. Coupe de France Review still chasing mediocrity.... and finally a win! League Table Squad Form Player of the Month Moussa Djitte Djitte has been the man....his Hat-trick against Amiens FC was a Highlight! Analyst's Report The report shows the team exactly where it should be in the table, but because the team shooting better than expected it is obvious the team has defensive issues. Management Report The handwriting is on the wall....Gerard expects to get fired at the end of the season....should he become a Journeyman? Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
turnip Posted January 26, 2021 Share Posted January 26, 2021 Rough season! Hopefully you get a full transfer window in the summer to get the squad in shape. How was your Youth Intake - anyone promising you can use in there? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 27, 2021 Author Share Posted January 27, 2021 12 hours ago, turnip said: Rough season! Hopefully you get a full transfer window in the summer to get the squad in shape. How was your Youth Intake - anyone promising you can use in there? I will post soon.... as far as Youth Intake no one is quite ready, most are 15 year olds! Glad to see someone respond. Thought about only doing short posts in the French League Thread going forward. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 27, 2021 Author Share Posted January 27, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 May 2021:Regular Season "These are the times that try men's souls" Gerard survived April, but realized he probably had to win both remaining matches to have any chance of saving his job....luckily both matches were against already relegated teams. This is the final game against former Vice-Captain Loic Nestor.... The Analysts like what they saw.... and Havre was crowned Champions! Analyst's Final Report The Analytics boys report on the team was damning.....We scored more goals than expected but got fewer points and place far below where we should have. Gerard believes the team never really gelled defensively and if given a chance will look to rectify the situation. The Board called Gerard to the Carpet and he offered no excuses other than this was his first job.....and was given a new if short lease on life as manager of Grenoble Foot 38! A little more money and more realistic goals are always a good thing....but the team will have to get off to a good start! Gerard did sacrifice an "Evil Advisor" because of the Board Meeting..... The Assistant Coach became the Scapegoat. At least we played in the best match of the season! Management Report Manager's Thoughts Gerard has some work to do defensively, but he thinks there is enough here that season after next the team could push for Promotion. Going Forward the team will look to our youth, because the team can't afford Transfers. Gerard would rather pay a Free Agent or a Youth Player than a Large Transfer Fee. This also goes well with the club vision. Thanks For Reading PS Next Post will have season review. The post didn't follow the template because I forgot to take some of the screenshots! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 27, 2021 Author Share Posted January 27, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 Season Review New Arrivals Most of these players were already on the team when Gerard took over. Enzo Zidane is the only notable signing by Gerard. He was a bit of a "Glass Cannon" when he played he played well....8 assists. Problem ALWAYS injured. Season Results Financials Squad Form Awards Player of the Year Moussa Djitte Moussa led the line with 15 goals...without him we probably been relegated. Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 27, 2021 Author Share Posted January 27, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 June/July 2021:Silly Season "Rotisserie Soccer" Transfers Gerard did allow many to leave and he raided the Free Agent Market to strengthen the Defense and the Reserve Team Notable Players (Only Players who made the First Team) Joao Texeira Joao was brought in as an insurance policy for Enzo Zidane, but will probably fill in in the Central Midfield as well. Thomas Da Costa Thomas was a panic buy once Gerard decided to get rid of his backup Left Back and his previous signing wasn't quite ready for "Prime Time" and would remain in the Reserves. Mohammed Dauda Douda was brought in as cover for both the #10 and Striker Roles....needs to work on his passing. Moritz Jenz The best of the Under 23 Centerbacks that Gerard brought in....needs to make better decisions, but slots into the second pairing of CB's. Kristofer Ingi Kristoffenson This is a Grenoble Player who was on loan last season and is now getting his chance in the first team. He will mostly provide cover in the Attacking Midfield. Terell Ondaan Another loan player returning....Gerard is willing to give him a chance but he didn't win a starting spot and will probably be gone in January. Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 27, 2021 Author Share Posted January 27, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 July 2021:Preseason "Arise Phoenix" Gerard decided to revert to his original 4-2-3-1 Wide, but would retain the successful 5-2-1-2 WB that was successful last season. He tweaked the TI's and PI's in hopes of improving performance. With these Tactics, Gerard embarked on an Ambitious Preseason with lots of Friendlies... The team played a mix of teams, but the highlights were victory's over Reims, ASSE, and Nimes from Ligue1! Squad Form The team is playing well and hopefully this continues into the Regular Season! Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 27, 2021 Author Share Posted January 27, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 August 2021:Regular Season "The healing power of winning" Gerard ended the Preseason optimistic that the team would play better than last season and hoped to get 10 points from the first five matches. Gerard is a fan of a theory that you can/should win the League or Promotion by averaging 2 points per match. The season began with a trip to Auxerre...and the Moussa Djitte opened his account.... The Team played well and could have scored more....Auxerre's goal was another Set-Piece marking error and marred an otherwise good defensive performance. The Home opener was against recently promoted Red Star FC from Paris. Since Red Star played a 4-4-2. Gerard decided to play his 5-2-1-2WB and it worked a treat....David Henen was the beneficiary of the entire Red Star Defense marking Djitte. The Analysts said we would have won, but not as impressively. Henen was ruthless in exploiting there defensive mistakes caused by their attention on Djitte. and then Henen injured himself at the club....lifting "weights" The next match was a tough roadtrip to Rodez. Gerard decided to revert to the 4-2-3-1 Wide and play his best available players. The team dominated, but worryingly the team gave up another stoppage time goal.... and the analytics matched the result, The team then faced SM Caen at Stade des Alpes..... Lucky win....but after last season Gerard will take it. Analytics shows the team should have lost... It is always nice to set a record. After that Victory the team was headed to Pau in the Pyrenees for a match with our "Bogey" Team. Grenoble had a chance, but Pau were the favorites because of playing at home....which led to a rash decision by Bernard. He decided to play using the 5-2-1-2 WB to match Pau's 5-3-2WB and played using the "backups"! Another Set-Piece nightmare....and our inability to "buy" a goal were on display in this match. The analytics say we probably should have drawn the match, but when CB with a 6.9 rating is your "best" player you deserve to lose.... So the media made a big deal out of the end of the unbeaten streak that stretched back to last season.... Transfer Deadline Just another Transfer day in France that saw PSG do PSG things..... League Table Squad Form Player of the Month Moussa Djitte He is the man leading the line...and compares favorably with countryman Sadio Mane! Analytics Report Management Report Out of the Board's doghouse but it is obvious that the team needs to lose high salary player or two in January or get promoted to fix the the finances. Thanks for Reading! PS. Comments are encouraged! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 27, 2021 Author Share Posted January 27, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 September 2021:Regular Season "Time to jump on the Bandwagon" Gerard looked at the Fixture list and only saw three matches, but they would all be against tough opposition. Guingamp our BogeyTeam, recently relegated FC Metz and RC Lens. Gerard was hopeful for another 6 points because that would keep us above 2 points/game on average. First up was hosting the boys from Brittany: Guingamp...always a tough match, but Gerard was itching to settle a score after the 7-2 debacle in our last meeting. The match started poorly and like last time we had NO way to defend Bryan Pele's crosses and Obbi Oulare's heading....just before halftime with nothing to lose...Gerard told the players to get stuck in on ALL Guingamp player and All out attack while making three subs. It worked. Manuel Perez hit a worldly just before half and then with time running out Guingamp got frustrated and gave up a penalty that Perez converted and shortly after Winger Yoric Ravet score the winner! It was a famous comeback! The next match saw the team travel to the famous fortress city of Metz and recently relegated FC Metz. It was an even match but the team didn't really "earn" any luck! The Final Match of September saw recently relegated RC Lens visit Fortress Grenoble.... The bookie thought we didn't have a chance....Gerard thought otherwise...and started the backups. RC Lens went into the lead off a penalty but GF38 had the better of it , especially after halftime. Another thrilling comeback win led by Djitte playing AML-IF-S! According to Analytics nerds the match should have been a draw. Maybe the "Football Gods" have heard our prayers this season! and that leads to this... Gerard jumped at a chance for job security, especially after last spring's near sacking. Also as a local, it is his boyhood club. League Table Squad Form Player of the Month Manuel Perez The Deep Lying Playmaker is actually scoring more than is called for in Gerard's Formation, but he isn't going to look sideways at a Goalscorer! Analyst's Report Management Report The Board is singing Kumbaya, but Gerard is worried about the Finances...and is planning on selling a couple of high earners in January to cut payroll. There are replacements already at the club for the two he has in mind....and clubs are interested. Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 28, 2021 Author Share Posted January 28, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 October 2021:Regular Season "A few potholes in the road to the top" Gerard saw that October would be a busy month with five fixtures and the International Break. All are winnable, but Gerard is really looking forward to the Clermont match. Amiens is a top team and is playing well. The Teams stay on top of the table would be short.... Adama Niane did his best Haaland imitation against us..... The Hype begins for our rivalry match against Clermont....1 vs. 2! We are the favorite because the match is at Stade des Alpes... It was an even match with neither team giving an inch and blocking most of the shots...and the match ended in a draw. The stats nerds agree that it should have been a draw..... The next match saw VAFC visit Stade des Alpes for a match delayed because of the International Break. Gerard took a chance and played the "backups" Achille Anani responded with two goals, but the defense was sloppy so match ended in a draw. xG says we should have won! A trip to the ancient city of Toulouse was next.... sloppy finishing robbed us of the win.... Analytics say it was a fair result....but Gerard is worried about points being thrown away! In the last match of the month Amiens, who is on top of the table, would visit Grenoble.... and were the betting favorites.... but the "underdog" home team won with Two goals from BOTH Enzo Zidane and Jessy Benet. and led the league coverage! The Analytics boys....thought we would barely win based on xG. League Table The team is in 3rd place, but two points behind the leader and short of the 2 point/game average Gerard is striving for. Squad Form Player of the Month Jessy Benet Analytics' Report Management Report Thanks For Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 29, 2021 Author Share Posted January 29, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 November 2021:Regular Season "It's gonna take a little patience" Gerard saw four fixtures on the docket for November as well as a International Break. All Four are winnable but the team will have a tough trip to Corsica to start the month and the trip to Niort is nothing to overlook. The trip to Corsica is not going to be fun according to the bookies. but Gerard and the team had other plans.... This game was complete domination even though the the team only scored two.....it could and should have been more. The media is taking notice of our form.... The Analytics support our victory! Troyes visiting Grenoble was next and the team was playing well.... Terell Ondaan who is a highly paid squad player....is staking a claim to a starting spot! The good play is getting noted.... The Coupe de France Matchups came out.... another trip to Grasse....and Gerard will be looking for Revenge! The Trip to Niort was the next match....Gerard rotated the team due to player's bitching about playing time.....and a phone call from PSG. and these are the results.....The defense was out of sorts and nothing went right it was like watching video of last season. The last match of the month was a visit by recently promoted Stade Briochin....They are overachieving but after the Niort disaster, Gerard was not going to take them lightly! As dominating win as one could ask for....only blemish is surrendering the Clean sheet in the closing minutes.... Stade des Alpes is becoming a "Fortress" no one wants to visit! Analytics show the comprehensiveness of the win! League Table Player of the Month Terell Ondaan Terell's play slotting in the Attacking midfield has been superb scoring goals and getting assists. His play is giving Gerard headaches about his lineup in a good way. Analytics Report Management Report Things are good, but Gerard will try and sell a few players in January to start addressing the finances. Thanks for Reading! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 29, 2021 Author Share Posted January 29, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 December 2021:Regular Season "We Belong...." Gerard looked at the schedule in December and thought he could keep up the Title Chase that eluded the team last season. Only Three matches in League....and a rematch against RC Grasse in the Coupe de France! The First fixture was a trip to the Loire Valley and the site of Joan of Arc's Victory....Orleans. The bookies considered us favorites even with our atrocious away form... We came away with the win but we could have been more convincing... We won but the team needs to play better.... Youth Intake Preview doesn't look that good but we might find a Left Back for the future....even though Gerard just strengthened the reserves in that very area. The next match saw us return to the site of our ignominious defeat last season....Gerard and the Team thirsted for Revenge and planned on playing the Strongest Possible starting XI! RC Grasse played us tough again but this time the extra quality of out starters told...and the team won a comfortable victory. and as a prize we get Montpellier of Ligue 1. It is a winnable game, but we must play our best! After our trip to Grasse the team returned to Stade des Alpes to host Paris FC.... Gerard took a chance and played a rotated squad....after going down to an early goal the "backups" put on a show! Four days later the Team headed to Paris to play Red Star FC... The "Starters" didn't fare as well as the backups did against the other team from Paris , but came out with a win and this is backed up by the Analytics. The first day of 2022 saw the team in Montpellier for the Coupe de France! It was a close game and might have gone differently if we didn't lose 3 players to injury...Montpellier's Quality told in the Penalty Shoot out... League Table Squad Form Player of the Month Moritz Jenz Analytics Report Management Report Board is happy and Gerard is still worried about financials and one of the players he was looking to move is hurt for 3 months! Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 30, 2021 Author Share Posted January 30, 2021 (edited) Grenoble Foot 38 January 2022:Regular Season "Pride comes before the fall..." Gerard knew that January would be a tough month but he still hoped for 10 points...The injuries in the Coupe de France wouldn't help. A few days after the "Battle of Montpellier" the team hosted Rodez AF at Fortress Grenoble. It was a poor match even though the team won....maybe foreshadowing our troubles... The media was impressed with our form.... But the analytics' staff was underwhelmed....and Gerard agreed. The next fixture saw the team travel to Normandy for a tricky fixture with SM Caen. The bookies and media impressed with our form and the fact we were on top of the table made us the favorites. The team was out of sorts especially with the changes forced on the attacking midfield and went down by two early and Caen added a third....Then their star player got sent off and Mo Dauda playing place of Ondaan on the right wing scored....the team pushed forward but couldn't breakdown Caen's Bus. It was an all around terrible game and analytics support that fact. At least next the team would return to the friendly confines of the Stade des Alpes for a meeting with Pau FC The team was still a favorite even after the debacle in Caen.... The team started out great with two early goals...then Pau responded and then the game settled down....GF38 was in control...until Gerard subbed off both CB's because of Yellow Cards....and then the wheels came off....and we gave up two late goals to lose....ending a long home unbeaten streak! continuing our road woes was a trip to Brittany and Guingamp. another late defeat..... The final match saw the team visited by former manager Hinschberger and FC Metz..... In a match in which neither side wanted to give an inch it was Joao Texeira's Hat-Trick that made a difference.... Analytics support our narrow win... The month ended with Transfer Day no news from Grenoble, but Enzo Zidane is moving to New England in MLS as a payroll slashing move. Joao Texeira seem like a decent replacement. League Table The top of the table is tight with a now four horse race for the title....Grenoble has a chance but can't have a repeat of January in February. Player of the Month Joao Teixeira This player came to Gerard complaining about playing time and since Gerard planned on letting Zidane go...he agreed to let him feature in the starting XI. not quite as good on paper but seems to be doing ok. Analytics Report We are performing above average but our defense is as bad as our offense is good. Management Report Gerard is beginning to think the only way to save the team financially is to get promoted! Thanks For Reading! Edited January 30, 2021 by Hootieleece edited to become grammatically correct Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 30, 2021 Author Share Posted January 30, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 February 2022:Regular "Don't call it a comeback" Gerard really wanted a better month in February....after January it was a miracle we were still in the Title Race! Gerard as always was looking for 10 points from the Five matches. As always all were winnable but the team would have to do a professional job every time they were on the pitch. The first day of the month saw the team visit a reeling RC Lens....they had been relegated from Ligue 1 and have had a large turnover in players.... They were the perfect team to play and Backup Striker Achille Anani scored 4 goals and a perfect 10.0 player rating! The Media were impressed...with us...Gerard knew how poor RC Lens actually were..... and the Analytics backed up the dominating performance! Grenoble then returned home to host FCSM....GF38 were favorites because of Home cooking.... Analytics enjoyed the Win as much as Gerard did! A trip to struggling Valciennes FC was next and GF38 were sure Favorites.... Achille Anani continued his red hot form in front of goal! After that win the team headed to Clermont and another derby with Clermont Foot 38.....It is an intense rivalry but had been one sided the wrong way recently....Gerard was determined to change that.... unfortunately another play great for 75 minutes and then give up points performance! It was a relatively even game with neither side giving an inch, but our team scored first and controlled proceedings but for two defensive errors on Set-Pieces. The media are impressed with our current form..... and the team got blindsided by this bid for Djitte.... Luckily....the MLS team couldn't register another foreign player.... I am certain we could live without the Co-Leading Goal Scorer on the team and the money WAS to good to pass up, but I am glad it didn't go through! Toulouse's visit to Stade des Alpes was the last match of the month.... GF38 were touted a sure bets to win the Home game..... but it just wasn't meant to be.....The team just couldn't buy a goal! Analytics prove that GF38 should have won! but the media are still impressed with the teams form..... and that sets up a pivotal battle with Amiens in the first fixture of March. League Table Squad Form Player of the Month Achille Anani and he won Ligue 2 Goal of the month... Analytics Report Management Report Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 30, 2021 Author Share Posted January 30, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 March 2022:Regular Season "Jekyll and Hyde" March was going to be an interesting month with a showdown with Amiens and a trip to tricky Niort on the Itinerary. An International break and call ups limited the month to two fixtures. Gerard was looking for 4 points preferably with a win over Amiens. The Media and the bookies gave the team a chance against Amiens on the road....Gerard planned on playing his strongest XI. The match was awful and got worse with Teixeira's sending off..... Ajaccio was visiting Stade des Alpes next so the team had a chance to bounce back.... The bookies were giving GF38 the nod because they were at home. Gerard changed up his tactics to the 5-2-1-2WB to create a win.... and boy did it work and Achille Anani had another banner day! and the Analytics thought we would win....but not by this much! Gerard still has trouble understanding xG! 1.74 vs. 1.32, but the score was 6-0! The next match isn't until April because of International Call ups! League Table Squad Form Player of the Month Achille Anani Analysts Report Management Report Thanks For Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 31, 2021 Author Share Posted January 31, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 April 2022:Regular Season "Even the cynics are beginning to believe" Gerard looked at the schedule and said to himself 8 points at minimum but 10-12 are needed to win the title... the Hype machine is in overdrive.... It was an even contest and the team might have lost on another day.....Moussa Djitte missed a penalty. A loan player bailed him out.....from PSG no less! as you can see the match was too close for comfort.... The Title race is defined by the media...... a trip to visit Stade Briochin was next on the Itinerary.... The media realize this will be a special season.... Gerard kept his mouth shut and will let his players do the talking! The last fixture in April was US Orleans visiting Stade des Alpes.... This game was closer than it should have been, but Orleans fought tooth and nail to stay in Ligue2. The Analytics Boys agree with this author.... League Table Player of the Month Magnus Agbo The new signing is beginning to show his worth.... Analysts Report Management Report Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheriff7 Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 Great work!Keep going! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 31, 2021 Author Share Posted January 31, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 May 2022:Regular Season "We are the Champions" The month of May say Gerard and the team top of the table needing FOUR points to complete the improbable Title Run. The Two remaining fixtures were against Paris FC and Auxerre. Both Winnable but Gerard hoped not to need a win against 3rd placed Auxerre. The Team is the favorite for the trip to Paris.... Henen a non leader is staking a place in leadership.... The match was an anti climax after the hype.... Paris FC decided they would bully the team and the Ref let them do it.... In other news the Board are being very frugal seeing that the team will be playing in Ligue 1 next season..... at least the fans appreciate the achievement! The Analytics nerds say that the the draw was the probable outcome of that squib of a match... The final match of the season saw the team needing a win to be crowned champions! The bookies were relatively sure GF38 would win the game.... Striker David Henen opened the scoring....it was a close game with neither side giving an inch and evenly matched. Just before half Auxerre tied it up with another of those long balls over the top that have been plaguing the defense all season... about midway through the second Half Jessy Benet hit a scorcher that was to be the Game and Title Winner! The Analytics boys need to show how close the final game was before everyone spills Dom Perignon all over each other! The Fans...they love Gerard! and the media take notice.... Half our team makes the Team of the Year! (but no bonuses) and the planning for next season begins.... Analytics Report The team overperformed by a significant amount and it was our incredible offense that covered up for a mediocre defense! Management Report Thanks for Reading! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 31, 2021 Author Share Posted January 31, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 Awards Night: Season Review It is time to remember this incredible season that sees the team win the title and promoted to Ligue1! of all of these players Moritz Jenz, who won himself a starting role is the pick of the transfers. Magnus Angbo played a cameo role near the end of the season and the rest were there to develop and strengthen the Reserve Team. It is obvious the that the team needs to do better in the revenue area....maybe Ligue 1 will see it. This is the preferred starting lineup this season. The Lineup will need significant strengthening to compete in Ligue1 as you can see Moritz Jenz and Jessy Benet won the awards, but it was Achille Anani's play that propelled the team! and finally the Grenoble All-Time Team! Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 31, 2021 Author Share Posted January 31, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 June 2022: Silly Season "Conscripting the local farm boys to lead the attack on the Death Star" Gerard was pleased with his work but was worried that the team lacked quality to survive next season....especially since the title run came a year too soon! Unfortunately the team doesn't have the finances to bring in Wonderkids....so Gerard scoured the released youth and Free agent market like always....even though he did spend some transfer money. Always nice to be recognized by your peers! The General Manager/Director of Football is pleased because the team is joining Ligue 1 the team is getting more respect! Of course the team was the biggest over achievers! Stade de Reims a Ligue 1 team that will probably be in the Relegation fight with GF38 offered a job....Gerard didn't even think about it and declined....GF38 is his Club! Transfers Gerard brought in 8 new faces on 6/9/2022. Most are released youth but the notables include Marcin Bulka to play goal and Rafael Bandeira to be the new Right Back. on 7/1/2022 Gerard brought in 7 more players....notably Muratore, Serranno, and Cisse to further strengthen the defense. Samuel Yepie Yepie The season long loan from Nantes is to provide competition for the #10 role. Marcin Bulka Marcin Bulka left PSG for a chance to play against them.... Rafael Bandeira Rafael left RC Lens for a chance to start....in Ligue 1! Julien Serrano Julien leaves AS Monaco to slot in as Left Back in Ligue 1. Ibrahim Cisse Another new defender....leaves OGC Nice for a chance to start in Ligue 1! Simone Muratore another Defender, but he can also play midfield wasn't getting playing time at Atalanta....will have a chance in Grenoble! Management Report Gerard is still nervous about the financials and he didn't help with his spending spree....but if by some miracle Grenoble can stay up. The finances will solve themselves. Thanks for reading! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny-Trotter Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 Congratulations on the promotion! Keep things going! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted January 31, 2021 Author Share Posted January 31, 2021 I will try....but I only have the best team Ligue2 money can buy....and we are Very Young going forward.....keeping with the Club Vision. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheriff7 Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 (edited) Congratulations mate.I believe you can have a "safe" season next year.Money isn't everything,you just need some "clever" signs in key places and i believe you made them. Edited January 31, 2021 by Sheriff7 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 1, 2021 Author Share Posted February 1, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 July 2022: Preseason "Basic Training" Gerard knew he had to meld his new recruits into the team as fast as possible and the best way to do that was with Friendlies lots of Friendlies. and just before the season and after the interview offer from Stade de Reims...Gerard went to the board seeking job security.... He has a two year extension....so that means he should still be in charge next season..... and as to no surprise.....PSG is gong to dominate Ligue1.... Squad Form Player of the Preseason Season Preview The team has a tall task ahead, but will try to reach 40 points that is the goal.... Management Report The Board is very happy with Gerard, the Financials look bad but if the team can survive this season there is a good chance of getting out of debt....The team would still be the smallest in Ligue1 but would be in Ligue1! Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 1, 2021 Author Share Posted February 1, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 August 2022:Regular Season "Trials and Tribulations" Gerard was reasonably happy with the team he had assembled but knew It was going to be a miracle to avoid regulation....He was planning on winning most of the points needed at home. Good News from the Season Tickets.... Season Ticket Holders have quadrupled just because we are in Ligue1! The first match of the season is a tough one a trip to Marseilles to play OM who are always in contention. Gerard was really just looking for a good showing.... Florian Thauvin abused new Right Back Bandeira and won a penalty and Higuain should have scored ....and it didn't get much better after OM were down to ten men but The team did finally score....but the terrible first half was the teams undoing. Analytics show how badly the team was outclassed by OM.. The home opener looks like the first Sellout of the season.... Even though the team is at home they are underdogs....mostly because Bordeaux have a lot of Big name players like Mezut Ozil on the team.... Dave Henen had a match of a lifetime scoring a Hat trick! The Domination of Bordeaux was complete.... Gerard needed to fill the Coaching staff and the Former RC Lens manager happily took a job as coach.... Up next was a trip to Reims and hope to nick a point off the fellow relegation battle team.... This game was as bad as the Bordeaux game was good..... Analytics proves the loss.... The final fixture is a visit by ASSE to Stade des Alpes. Gerard hoped for better play and rotated in any players who hadn't played yet into the starting XI. The bookies still make the team underdogs....but Fortress Grenoble must become a reality... Match started off great and the team played well until about the 70th minute and that is when the team started making mistakes.... and in an after-match press conference Gerard was telling the Truth.... and the Analytics say that the match was close and the draw was the likely outcome.... League Table Player of the Month David Henen Monthly Analytics Report Management Report Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 1, 2021 Author Share Posted February 1, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 September 2022: Regular Season "Time to prove we belong" Gerard looked at the fixture schedule and saw only three fixtures and the International break.....looking at the teams involved he thought GF38 had a chance against any of them. He was looking for 6 points from the matches... A trip to the bay of Biscay awaited GF38 after the International Break....Gerard hoped to nick a point and decided to play his 5-2-1-2 WB against their 4-4-2.... Unfortunately their were injuries to the starting midfielders.... It was an even match until the second half when GF38 forgot how to defend a set piece..... It was an unfortunate loss but the team needed to turn the page to a visit from FC Nantes.... after the performance against FC Lorient, Gerard decided to try the 4-2-3-1-Wide that is the base formation.... and it worked.... the goal came a little late.....but the team won! According to Analytics we only escaped with the win.... The next game was against old rival Amiens FC.....This was a must win match in the Relegation Battle! The team rose to the occasion especially Captain and GK Brice Marbleau..... The Analytics reinforced why the team won Ligue 2 instead of Amiens FC! These are the Stormtroopers defending the Death Star in Paris! Gerard is training the team but is sanguine about the team chances.... obviously the media and bookies don't give the team a chance..... Thomas Tuchel piles on.... League Table The team has more points than games played...They are doing well...and on course! Squad Form Player of the Month Brice Mableau Analysts Monthly Report Management Report Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 2, 2021 Author Share Posted February 2, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 October 2022: Regular Season "Attacking the Death Star wasn't the best option" Gerard looked at the fixture list and hoped to get 8 points in October...and playing a majority of matches at home made the target feasible. Starting off with a trip to Parc des Princes and taking on the Evil Empire that is PSG....a little less so. As the hype suggested the "Attack on the Death Star" was not going to end well... GF38 just had NO answers to PSG's Front Three! Each alone makes more money in salary after taxes than GF38 pays the whole team! After the debacle in Paris Gerard needed the team to regain its equilibrium and a Home match against Brest was next....definitely a winnable match The Bookies didn't think so...but Gerard was confident. Brest played a totally passive "Park the Bus" style and if the team's strikers could buy a goal it would have been as big a win as last week's loss in Paris. Next up was a trip to Top of the Table Olympique Lyonnais.... The bookies and media didn't give GF38 a chance.... but GF38 players put in a shift and matched OL by not giving an inch... The Analytics boys were less happy than Gerard after the game... Next up was a visit from European Places Contender Montpellier...to Fortress Grenoble! again the bookies and media didn't give the team a chance.... Yes the team played well and it was poor Set-Piece defending that lost the game....but If the team's Attacking Players could finish....the match would have had a much different result! Analytics say that we should have gotten at least a draw..... The final match before the World Cup Break is a Home match against Angers SCO. The Bookies and Media are giving the team an outside chance.... The team played well and escaped with a draw.....Gerard is concerned with the 2nd half complacency he sees in the teams defense, but applauds the fight they put up in almost every game. League Table Gerard is happy so far. The team has more points than games played and that is the goal all season to reach the goal of 40 points that should guarantee survival in the Relegation Battle! Player of the Month Julien Serrano The young Left Back's improvement in defense and commitment to the cause has led to some good performances. Analytics Report Management Report The Financial picture is getting better, but it is imperative that Grenoble stay up to pay off the debt. Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 2, 2021 Author Share Posted February 2, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 November 2022: Midseason Break The World Cup being held in Qatar in November and December gives Gerard a chance to take stock of GF38's performance so far. League Table Team Report The best starting XI has only played 2 games together this season..... As you can see we allow late goals and the team "rides and dies" with the 4-2-3-1 Wide! The Assman finds more negatives than positives.... League Stats GF38 isn't horrible at defense it is just their concentration lapses at the end of matches... and are pretty good at "keep away" to help the defense.... Monthly Analysts Report Management Report Thanks For Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheriff7 Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 Very good start. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 2, 2021 Author Share Posted February 2, 2021 14 minutes ago, Sheriff7 said: Very good start. Thanks....I have played further....Friendlies in December....worryingly can't score...xG is through the roof, but can't buy a goal! At least I play a minnow in Coupe de France to give me another training game! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 3, 2021 Author Share Posted February 3, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 December 2022: Mid Season Break "A Long December and there's reason to believe..." The World Cup enforced player vacation came to an end and Gerard had set up a few friendlies....to shake off the rust...and there was a trip to Languendoc for a Coupe de France tie to end the year! The team was welcomed back from break with a Friendly against Bourge en Brest.... Let's just say it wasn't the best outing.....and their Goalie had a POM performance! The Youth intake doesn't look very good maybe 1-2 players..... The next Friendly was against PSG2 and Gerard decided to use his 5-2-1-2 WB Formation against a similar system after the prior Friendly's offensive ineptitude. The team got in position to score, but another Goalie "Standing on their Head" stopping shots! and the Analytics nerds don't understand it either! The Coupe de France draw was held and the team will take a trip to the coast of Languendoc to play..... The final Friendly was a trip to the Affiliate FC Echirolles.... Gerard used his third formation a wide playing 4-2-3-1 Wide....and the goals flowed! Gerard was happy, but worried because the opposition was much weaker than other two friendlies.... and in other News..... FRANCE WINS THE WORLD CUP! The media started rumors that Gerard would leave his beloved Grenoble for Lille.....Gerard refused to to drawn into the conversation. A lot of the rumors were because Gerard was named Ligue2 Coach of the Year The team then went on its Business Trip to Sete on the Mediterranean Coast. The match's is scoreline is closer than it should be because of late lapses in concentration on defense...which have been plaguing the for some time. As one can see the match shouldn't have been close according to xG! and our main man in the Central Midfield got some Recognition as well. Squad Form Player of the Month Moussa Djitte Monthly Analytics Report Management Report Thanks forReading! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 Superb work so far 👏🏻 Just started reading this morning!!! Can’t believe I’ve missed so much. Somewhere I’ve never managed tbh. Love that your in the alps great scenery for save. Great work and could inspire my next save to be in France! Sochaux and auxerre always appealed for some reason great work! And now following! come on Gerard we are behind you! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 3, 2021 Author Share Posted February 3, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 January 2023: Regular Season "A New Year....same old problems" Gerard looked at the fixture list for the upcoming months and started praying for the Health of his Players and He is not a very pious man. The 2 month World Cup Break means that months that usually have Five fixtures will have SEVEN! This is going to be especially tough on a team like GF38 who have to play their Starting XI as often as possible. Gerard's plan is to play his Strongest XI in Home games and rotate in away games especially against top 6! and then Hope that relegation doesn't come down to Goal Difference! The first league fixture of the new year is a trip to Brittany and Rennes. According to plan Gerard played a rotated side. The rotated side performed admirably but our young BBM loanee was injured and the scoreline flatters as well. The next match was an important one in the Relegation Battle because Havre AC was visiting Stade des Alpes.... Grenoble was expected to win and by playing the strongest XI Gerard felt confident. Patrick Viera commented on our "Keep Away" tactics.... The game was rather anti-climatic the team gave up and early goal and then equalized, but then couldn't buy the winning goal.... The media are questioning the Team even though the team is exceeding expectations by quite a bit.... and GD decided to lessen expectations....because he is not sure this is sustainable.... and the Analytics Boys thought we should have won, but thought the result was fair. A trip to Nimes , three days later meant a rotated squad.... The result came as a surprise....especially considering Nimes had been sitting in 5th place in the table. It was one of those games where everything fell our way.... Gerard felt confident heading into a Coupe de France match in Bordeaux, He even played his Strongest XI.... This game was as bad as the last was good..... Luckily the team only had 3 days till they could find redemption for the Coupe de France embarrassment....It was a relegation battle with Strasbourg at Stade des Alpes. after the win Gerard was asked about joining AS Monaco.... and the Analytics boys were happy.... OGC Nice offered an Interview.....Normally Gerard would probably take the interview, but since this is a one club save....Gerard refused. After that interlude about changing jobs the team had a match against AS Monaco.... The analytics boys and anybody who watched the game new it was closer than the 3-0 scoreline suggests.... Next up was the last match of the month a home match against OGC Nice..... and OGC Nice hired someone you might have heard of.... "Bromance" The match was really tight...It was very difficult to breakdown Nice's defense....but the team finally broke through in the 2nd half! Once the dam broke it was all over.... The next game was in February, but on the first...Transfer Day was rather slow in Grenoble....Gerard had gotten rid of two players in an attempt to get payroll under control but it will take surviving this season and the next to secure the bottom line. The next game would be a milestone in Gerard's Career.... at least the team has a chance for Revenge for the beating taken during the Coupe de France! League Table Squad Form Player of the Month Julien Serrano The Left Back has been playing really well on defense especially breaking up long passes to his wing. Analytics Report The team is playing as well as any mid-table team.....but the defense is shaky. Management Report Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 4, 2021 Author Share Posted February 4, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 February 2023: Regular Season "It is often darkest just before the dawn" Gerard looked ahead to February after the big win against OGC Nice. There were six fixtures, two at home and four away. Gerard hoped for 9 points but would be happy with 7. Gerard's first game of the month was on the first....and trips to Gascogne haven't been pleasant of late.... and this was more of the same....Bordeaux jumped on the team early....and never looked back and it was a bad performance all around. after the match the media asked some probing questions as to why the team is persisting with the "Vertical Tiki Taka" Style.... The analyst's agree it was a bad performance..... The next match saw Stade de Reims visit Stade des Alpes..... Gerard had played a rotated squad against Bordeaux , but put his best team out to defend Fortress Grenoble.... Youngster Kevin Danois was the only highlight of another Defensive mistake filled match.... following the loss the team was headed to Lille and another potential loss.... The team played well, but Goalkeeping mistakes were the problem in this game....and First Choice GK Marcin Bulka being out with Broken ribs is being felt. The team needed a win in the next game against rival AS St. Etienne..... Both Teams put their bad form aside in a fiery that saw the team reduced to ten men. Gerard was ecstatic with the draw...... and in a move to improve the Central Midfield...... Bonnet plays for Rivals OL, but will compete for time in the midfield because the current loan players aren't working out.... Next up was a visit to the Stade des Alpes by FC Lorient..... This was a game in which FC Lorient super sub Pierre-Yves Hamel almost turned on its head with two length of the field dribbles off of Set-Pieces.... otherwise it was a great game....except for those two defensive and goal keeping mistakes.... The final game of the month saw the team travel to relegation threatened FC Nantes..... The media and bookies didn't give GF38 a chance...... The team "forgot" to make defensive mistakes....and look what happens....a road win! It was closer than the scoreline suggested but having Bulka back in goal definitely made the difference.... League Table Player of the Month Achille Anani The journeyman Striker is proving why GF38 have him signing a new contract at the end of the Season! Analysts Report Average results....the defense is a little shaky....but won't really be able to "fix it" until offseason.... Management Report Thanks For Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 Building blocks indeed tho! Need to start packing out the stadium get the money in. start playing 343 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 4, 2021 Author Share Posted February 4, 2021 5 hours ago, SixPointer said: Building blocks indeed tho! Need to start packing out the stadium get the money in. start playing 343 I am packing the stadium.....20604 at last home game.....Sellout! The "cheap" players I am using and or giving precontracts to are because I need players that are affordable on a Ligue2 Budget.....also because surviving relegation isn't assured. The Board is FRUGAL and worried about debt.....in any other save I would have jumped at either of the job interviews I was offered. OGC Nice had same Club Vision (under 23, and Youth Development), but 5x the payroll! I might try a 3-4-3 for next season....because the 4-2-3-1 Wide is getting stale....but it is what I sort of "know" 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted February 5, 2021 Share Posted February 5, 2021 3 hours ago, Hootieleece said: I am packing the stadium.....20604 at last home game.....Sellout! The "cheap" players I am using and or giving precontracts to are because I need players that are affordable on a Ligue2 Budget.....also because surviving relegation isn't assured. The Board is FRUGAL and worried about debt.....in any other save I would have jumped at either of the job interviews I was offered. OGC Nice had same Club Vision (under 23, and Youth Development), but 5x the payroll! I might try a 3-4-3 for next season....because the 4-2-3-1 Wide is getting stale....but it is what I sort of "know" Horses for courses as they say. Play to the strengths Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 5, 2021 Author Share Posted February 5, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 March 2023:Regular Season "They might be Giants..." Gerard looked at the Fixture list for March and hoped for 6 points, but would be happy with 4. There are only three matches in March and one is a visit to Grenoble by the Galactic Empire of PSG! GF38 started out the month hosting LOSC of Lille.... The match started wonderfully....with goals by all of the Front 3....Halftime lead....second half LOSC changed tactics and used balls over the top to earn Set-Pieces and a 94th minute penalty..... After the LOSC draw the team headed for old friends....Amiens looking to put a nail in their Relegation Coffin.... The team played the first half poorly obviously a hangover from the LOSC draw....Gerard gave them the "Hair Dryer" and the team was able to get a creditable draw that could have been more.... and the press was writing nice things about us After those two draws Gerard was pessimistic about the next game.... and this was the projected starting lineup.... Neymar alone makes a wage 5X what the whole GF38 Team does.... and our Goalie was out to prove a point.... and Tuchel had nice things to say about GF38 and then game time came....Gerard listened to his Assman and "Parked the Bus" because he didn't want a repeat of the "Fiasco" in Paris.... It was an ugly game plan and it worked! Famous Victory! and Thomas Tuchel was bitter after the match.... the media loved it.... but the analysis said the team got lucky.... After the party....Gerard did some recruiting for next season....scouring the released youth.... A potential Winger....but Gerard sees Striker in his future..... Should make a decent Box to Box Midfielder.... The Youth intake came in.... Gerard was un impressed....he had only the top 5 players signed....The youth team is a little overloaded at defender but as long as the team's defensive issues remain....maybe a defender will be found. The first match of April is on the First so let's keep the Hype train going.....a trip to Brittany. and the former fan favorites are chiming in... League Table Squad Form Player of the Month Marcin Bulka The new signing was superb against his former employers....and the team's unbeaten streak started with his return to the lineup. Analytics Report Management Report Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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