Sheriff7 Posted February 17, 2021 Share Posted February 17, 2021 "European air in Grenoble"... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 17, 2021 Author Share Posted February 17, 2021 56 minutes ago, Sheriff7 said: "European air in Grenoble"... I have finished the season....and lets just say it was almost another near miss..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 17, 2021 Author Share Posted February 17, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 May 2025 : Regular Season "A close run thing...." Gerard was happy with how the team was staying contention but was still worried about keeping the European place in the table with Brest coming on Strong. Looking at the schedule, there were four games remaining. Gerard hoped for 9 points because he mentally wrote off the PSG game and wanted to ensure a European place. 7 points was a more likely target. The month began with Strasbourg visiting Grenoble.... This was a match GF38 was expected to win...even if Strasbourg was in decent form.... The game was a topsy turvy affair that started off well for GF38 and then became a nail biter....that had a thrilling conclusion with Pirringuel's second goal a game winner in stoppage time! even the Nerds agree GF38 should have won the game..... The next game was a tough trip to RC Lens....Gerard was looking for a win but it wasn't expected.... The match showed everyone what the "beautiful" game is all about as both side forget about defense....Bernard Laurent led the line for GF38 and scored a hat trick it was only a late goal by Irvin Cardona the snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat for RC Lens... The stats boys said on most days The team would have won..... After the disappointment in Lens....the team headed home to host the "Galactic Empire" of PSG. Their Stormtroopers aren't as imposing as in the past....but they all still make more than the entire GF38 team. Of course the bookies and media didn't give GF38 a chance.... Gerard decided to continue with the "Bayern" variant that had been leading to goals (both for and against) in recent weeks.... The team played another thriller and looked like they were going to steal a much needed victory when Vinicious Jr scored in stoppage time to deny the team.... That draw made the Final Match against Rennes Vital for hopes of European nights in Grenoble! Trips to Brittany are always tough.....with the extra pressure.....it might become...worse.... The final match was between two evenly matched teams that didn't want to give up a goal and wanted to start playing Golf or heading to the beach immediately after the match.... Luckily for GF38 it was enough to qualify for Euro II Tournament! Thank you PSG! This should make the board happy and fix the Financials League Table Player of the Month Julien Serrano The Captain led by example assisting on some late game saving goals.... Analysts Report As you can see the team even for the barren spell in February and March knew how to score goals! Management Report The Board is happy with the season and gave Gerard a slightly bigger budget to work with next season. Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 17, 2021 Author Share Posted February 17, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 AWARDS NIGHT 2025 Andoni Pascual , Guylian Zouma, and Lenny Pirringuel were the Players of note with Pascual the Free Transfer making the biggest impact. Gerard expects more from Zouma next season, when he is permanently in Starting XI! As you can see the team overachieved...and got European Nights...but AJ Auxerre did the same last season and were relegated this season....a cautionary tale! The Coupe de France run was nice, but the team played smaller teams until the Semis where we faced PSG! The finances grew but the board isn't happy.... This is the starting XI....as you can see good work by everyone except the "Stars" of the team Djitte and Bernard! Maxim Leitsch being the Fans player of the season is understandable. He almost never made a mistake....and Gerard wanted to sign him....but it just wasn't meant to be.... Moritz Jenz would probably have been Gerard's Choice... Young Andoni Pascual played as well as Gerard could have wished! Thanks for Reading! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 18, 2021 Author Share Posted February 18, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 June 2025: The Silly Season "getting younger, bigger and faster" Gerard went into the so called "Silly season" when management often makes stupid decisions about making the team better. He had some ideas and would enter for the right player as long as he reflected the Club Vision: Under 23 and from French Lower Leagues. As for some of the longer serving members of the squad....were to be let go....especially if they wanted more money than a "Backup" role deserved. For example, team leader and Shirt salesman Jesse Benet....he had lost his starting position and was asking for a 3 year extension at $1M/year to be a squad player. He kicks a freekick, but the team can barely afford to pay starters that much money so he was transfer listed to get something for him. The month began with the Press officer reminding Gerard that he had just finished the best season in GF38 History! Our Mini Sadio Mane was named an award winner.... Djitte had an off year, but was still considered the best player because of the least time on the field! The commercial numbers look good....but still a long way from reaching Barcelona levels of commercial success (without the debt)! Gerard's achievement of the past season was recognized.... The fact that there will be European nights in Grenoble....is the reason he won the award....and the team is expected to struggle with relegation again in the new season. A few days later Gerard had brought in his first big signing....A Center back to replace fan favorite Mark Leitsch. another signing was a young forward from Clermont....to replace Dave Henen and add a little more pace to the team.... This player will be trained as a AML-IFA as a possible replacement for Moussa Djitte.... The Press officer also sent over emails detailing the teams status in the Football world.... 161rst best team in Europe..... 16th biggest team in France.....French Football is being disrespected! Since Ligue 1 is Fifth best league in the world.... Also just before the Preseason was to start and recognizing his award for Best Manager in Ligue 1 a rival offered a Job.... Since Gerard was already at his favorite club...He refused to even interview.... and as the month ended there was another of the endless Press Conferences.... Of these players only Munteanu is a definite First team player the rest are for depth and will probably start in Grenoble 2..... Transfers These are all players found by the scouts and agents during the silly season....only Munteanu is slotted into First team (as a Backup) at this time. Jordan Marega This player was found by finding players comparable to Mark Leitsch and he also comes from the lower leagues of France which is a plus...Gerard foresees him becoming a backup Leftback in a few years if he continues to develop. Louis Munteanu This player is being brought into to give Bernard Laurent competition for the number 9 role.... Valentino Salducco This was an opportunity signing but will probably end up becoming the CM-D in our formation after a season in Grenoble2. Quinten van Steenwinckel This player was found in January for an End of Contract....he will become a BBM and challenge Lenny Pirringuel for his spot after some time in the reserves. The early signings and prior fiscal year transfers are on this list.... Mohamed Faye released from PSG will find a place in Grenoble reserves....if he works he could become a CM-D Diogo Nunes a former OM youth product that might become a decent CM-D Vivinho Another PSG youth product....going to spend a few years in Grenoble 2 and see what we get.... Chislain Matsima The big signing...will probably end up partnered with Zouma in the first CB pair. Found by searching for players like Mark Leitsch and from Lower League France. Thierry Revier-Morand A quick forward to provide depth and pace for the first team will be retrained as a AML-IFA... Management Report Thanks for Reading! comments and suggestions encouraged! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 19, 2021 Author Share Posted February 19, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 July 2025: Preseason "Will this be our Year?" Gerard as always went into the preseason with the plan. Play lots of friendlies to get the team match fit and judge where the team was compared to others. This season was no different. The pattern is play a smaller team on Wednesday and play a bigger team on Saturday's. Play the "starters" 55-60 minutes against the big teams and 30-35 against the smaller teams. The preseason always starts out with a match against the reserves, to prove to the new signings that got placed in the reserves that they aren't ready for "Primetime". There is also the annual match against local rivals FC Annecy that is to remind them...We are Ligue 1 and they aren't. Other News... The Board reminded Gerard of its expectations..... The Right Back Biancone who had been getting interest from Premier League Teams such as Leeds was given a new contract an is now the Highest paid player.... After a recruitment meeting the scouts identified a young winger to help the Attack.... As one can see he brings some need flair and attacking ability....and the team has an option to buy.....which might be a mistake in hindsight....since Gerard realizes he might have been able to get him on a free after the season.... The Season tickets are growing....55% capacity of Stade des Alpes! Player of the Preseason Giulian Biancone The Right back has rededicated himself to playing, and at an even higher level than before since getting his long-term contract. Management Report Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 19, 2021 Author Share Posted February 19, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 August 2025: Regular Season "Starting Two Steps Behind" Gerard was happy with the team and the team seemed to be ready for the campaign. The team would be playing on multiple fronts for the first time and depth would be more important. After perusing the League Schedule Gerard expected 9 or 10 points. The ECII Tournament Qualifier was the most important matches in August because of the Board expectations of making the Knockout Rounds. Schedule Gerard was not happy with the play of the team in the first two games. The first match had the Starters play against Lorient. After two wonder strikes...and a very pedestrian attempt to break down their "Bus". Gerard decided to play the "Backups" against Angers....more pedestrian offense and a wonder strike and the team hadn't scored. The Home match against Vitesse was next....The Starters played....and played much better....but Gerard decided He needed a different type of Striker as an option and brought in this player.... Joel looks to be a Targetman with his size and that is just the kind of Change-up the team needed as an option and was a FREE transfer! After the Vitesse match, OL came to Stade des Alpes and the match was a must win after the first two...which would be a tough ask. The Starters played again and like they did against Vitesse....the match was equal with both side exchanging Wonder strikes from long range. Gerard was overall happy with the point even though more could have been had. The Trip to Holland led to the Starters playing an third game in a week....The only change was Esparza was on the bench.... The match was even but it changed when Gerard introduced Esparza....eventhough he was playing the same role as Bernard and the other new Striker Munteanu (DLF-A) he brought something different. The final match of the Month was against Dijon FCO , a relegation battle threatened team, which made it a must win! Gerard tweaked his tactics and went with the Backups.....The biggest tweak was that the poles were reversed the the winger was on left and IF on the right which made for a different team.... Munteanu got the Start but Esparza was on the Bench....with Soult as IF-A....It worked like a charm Dijon didn't know what hit them.... Just before the Dijon match the group's were drawn for the Europa Conference Tournament! Lokomotiv is probably the favorite with Grenoble as number two, but Luzern should be a tricky match..... League Table Analysts Report The team is playing as expected..... Management Report Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 19, 2021 Author Share Posted February 19, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 September 2025 : Regular Season "This is how we do it...." Bernard looked at the schedule for September and found Five fixtures and an International Break. The Fixtures were split Three home and Two away. Three in League and Two in the Europa Conference. Gerard was looking for a clean sweep....to make up for the awful start....but 6 points was a more likely target for the league. In the Euro Conference make it out of the group.... Schedule The month started off with Stade des Alpes playing host to a match against LOSC. Always a tough match Gerard played the Starters.... The match got off to a great start with a wonder strike by Charles Pickel....LOSC tied it just before half with a beautiful volley after skinning Biancone! Edgaras Utkus started off the second half with a nice shot after some work around the box....and Winger Pascual scored off a Set Piece to finish the rout. The media were in shock.... and so were the analyst's! according to xG the team should have lost..... The Fans flocked to the first European Night in Grenoble History! Lokomotiv Moscow was the opponent and they were expected to go far..... GF38 was the favorite because of Home advantage.... Cenk Tosun opened the scoring and things looked grim, but slowly the team took control of the game....Noam Bonnet scored a wonder strike just before half. After halftime the young backups played their hearts out! with goals from Joel Esparza and Therry Revier-Morand. Lokomotiv would have a long trip home..... The analyst's even agree that GF38 deserved to win! The next match saw the team head to Brittany to play one of our Bogey team's Stade Brestois! The team hasn't won against them in five games! Gerard decided to play the "Starters" to get some points in the league... The bookies gave the team an outside chance because of form.... The match was even for most of the match and a second half goal by Moussa Djitte won the game! Gerard was happy to break the bugaloo against Brest and xG shows how close it was.... The next match was a trip to St. Etienne and because of tiredness Gerard expected to play the backups and the "Mirror" variant of the 4-2-3-1 Wide. ASSE was a favorite due to home advantage, but GF38 was given a chance due to form..... The Backups weren't ready and the Joel Esparza Experiment was well countered....Bernard Laurent came off the bench and tried to turn the game around but it wasn't enough.... Analytic's show that the team didn't play well until Bernard came on.... The final match of the month saw RC Strasbourg visit Fortress Grenoble! The team was a favorite and the "Starters" were ready and raring to go.... another slow start.....Gerard has to change the pregame routine.....but the boys battled back with a goal just before half from Bernard....and a winner late from Loanee Soule! Analytics show that the team performed much better after halftime! The next match is in October and is a trip to Switzerland! The team has a good chance of getting points and Gerard will try the "Backups" and mirror variant again.....because the League is more important....he doesn't want to be relegated because the team tried to hard in Europe! Just before the end of the month Gerard was called to a board meeting.... The board wanted to use some of the money to expand the Transfer Budget. Gerard realizing that the money really wasn't enough to make a difference suggested getting better First Team Training Facilities . Luckily the Board agreed. League Table Player of the Month Marcin Bulka The Giant Polish GK hasn't been keeping clean sheets, but his shot stopping has been the difference in the team's play this month. Especially the match against LOSC . POM and made 10 SAVES! Analytics Report Management Report Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jogo Bonito Posted February 20, 2021 Share Posted February 20, 2021 Congrats on your first appearance in Europe and for beating Lokomotiv Moscow. Balancing that and the league will be harder, but well worth the extra pressure. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 20, 2021 Author Share Posted February 20, 2021 27 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said: Congrats on your first appearance in Europe and for beating Lokomotiv Moscow. Balancing that and the league will be harder, but well worth the extra pressure. Yes, The team depth is being tested. Luckily the team has cohesiveness and high morale. (Plenty of trips to the local tavern on Gerard's dime), but the biggest problem is the team just can't really afford a "wonderkid" unless we get lucky in Youth Recruitment. (the team strains to pay $5M for all transfers in a season and total wage bill is $21M) Most of our players a decent to above average....they do well because of tactical familiarity....(all the tactics and roles are basically the same) And this season so far, We have been playing the relegation fodder of Ligue 1. (The Schedule Makers were gentle on us....) 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 20, 2021 Author Share Posted February 20, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 October 2025 : Regular Season "Two steps forward, One Step back" Gerard was looking forward to the month of October especially the foliage around Grenoble....but duty calls...The team was scheduled to play five Fixtures in October and have a n International Break. Three League Matches and Two Europa Conference Tournament matches. Gerard was hoping for at least 6 points in the league and at least 4 in the Tournament, but thought a clean sweep was possible. Schedule The first match was a trip to Switzerland and play FC Luzern....This was going to be a tricky match as this team was our equal.... The team played the "backups" and mirror variant....but Luzern's dogged defense and Set-Piece Acumen allowed them to "Burnley" the Team..... As the Analytics show an own goal...and it being one of those nights led to the loss.... Three days later the team headed for Nimes for a match.... The "Starters' were in for this match and the team and Gerard expected a win.... It was another match where GF38 had to breakdown a "Parked Bus", but the winner came late off the foot of Edgaras Utkus.... The Analytics show that the team deserved its win.... The next match after the International Break would see table proppers RC Lens visit Stade des Alpes.... The team would be in good shape and the Starters would play because they were rested....Gerard called out Moussa Djitte before the game.... Djitte responded with a superb effort of scoring Two goals and nearly a third for his hat trick! Analytics shows that it was a comfortable victory..... Shortly after the match with RC Lens, GF38 headed to Scotland for a match with Hibernian of the Scottish Premier League (Not Loaded). Gerard would play the "Backups and Mirror Variant... Grenoble were comfortable favorites..... The Backup's went on a Rampage...Hibernian didn't know what hit them! Analysis shows that the team broke the game open when Hibernian got tired and lost concentration, but GF 38 were in a comfortable position throughout. After the Big Victory against Hibernian, GF 38 was set for a trip to Brittany and the Rennais.... The match was between the 5th and 6th place teams...It might be crucial in determining European places. Gerard played his strongest team in the Base Formation and roles.... The match was a contest between equals with neither giving an inch....both sides had chances....but the match was lost on a counter attack from a GF38 Corner...in Stoppage time...a Rennais Striker ran down the clearance and dribble all the way to the goal and beat Bulka for the Victory.... Analysis shows Rennais was better, but actually the match was even and they were ridiculously lucky! The next match is also an important one in the League....when FC Nantes and their ugly uniforms come calling to Fortress Grenoble... The match opens November but GF38 is a favorite because of Home advantage..... League Table Player of the Month Edgaras Utkus The former AS Monaco Youth player has stepped up his game for Club and country after signing a long-tern contract in the off-season. Analytics Report the Defense has improved! The New players are performing and providing a solid base.... Management Reports Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 20, 2021 Author Share Posted February 20, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 November 2025: Regular Season "The Cold November Rain" As the city was going to celebrate Armistice day ,Gerard was looking for improvement from the team...as November opened the schedule had six fixtures. Four in the League and Two in the Europa Conference. Gerard was looking for a minimum of 8 points in the League and 4 points in the Conference just to keep his place in the respective tables. Schedule The first match was a visit to the Stade des Alpes by FC Nantes....even though it was a match against a team close in the table....Gerard decided to rest the usual starters.... The team was good enough barely....but would have lost if it wasn't for a last minute Corner converted by Super-Sub Moritz Jenz. and of course the Analytics show what a close run thing it was.... A visit by Hibernian to Grenoble was next and since the "Backups" did so well in Scotland. Gerard decided to give them another match.... This was a risk Gerard was willing to take with Utkus and Djitte on the bench ready to sub.... It was another dominant display.....but it really was the Samuel Bossiwa show....Bernard played AMR-IW-A in the Mirror Variant and setup both Bossiwa goals.... Even the Nerds were impressed with the Performance..... After the midweek demolition the team was in great spirits for the trip to the ancient cathedral city of Reims..... The team was playing well and Gerard hoped the time off for the Starting XI was beneficial..... It was a tough game between equals.....Both Reims goals were scored on Set-Pieces....the last the last kick of the game! The Analytics show that the team played better and should have won....but that is why you play the matches.... After Reims the team returned crestfallen to Fortress Grenoble to host OGC Nice.... GF38 was the Home favorite....and Gerard decided to play the starters again to show faith....after the result in Reims.... The team watched Nice score an early corner and then "Burnley" up the game..... Gerard even changed to the "Bayern" Variant that had fallen out of favor to break the low block....finally Pascual with individual brilliance danced around Umut Meras and scoring the game tying goal! Better late than never..... After the disappointment of the OGC Nice match, the team embarked on the long trek to Moscow for another match with Lokomotiv Moscow.... The hosts were favored..... GF38 took the lead just before Halftime with a Djitte penalty.....Lokomotiv answered with a Corner midway through the 2nd half. After that the game fizzled out with Lokomotiv resorting to the Low block to escape with a draw.... again the team didn't get the win they just about deserved..... The final fixture of the month was a trip to Bordeaux....after the two tough fixtures in a row Gerard rotated the team....and would use the Mirror Variant. GF38 were underdogs but Gerard thought the team had a real chance for a win! The game plan was sound, but Bordeaux was more interested in playing Rugby than football....and a week working on Set-Piece defense when we could helped.... The analysts say that the team was lucky.....any points on the road are good points..... League Table Player of the Month Yousseff Maziz The backup AMC didn't put a foot wrong all month even if he didn't dent the score sheet. Analyst's Report scoring less goals than expected.....not good. Management Report Thanks For Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 21, 2021 Author Share Posted February 21, 2021 (edited) Grenoble Foot 38 December 2025: Regular Season "A Long December....hopefully this year will be better than the last" Stade des Alpes was set to host a Snowboarding Festival when the team headed to Paris..... Gerard was hopeful to get 6 out of 12 points available in the League due to trips to Paris and Marseilles.... Schedule The month started out with a visit from an out of sorts...AS Monaco team..... They had been playing better with a new manager after Claude Puel's firing....but this match would see Gerard play his "Starters" and he had taken a few into the office and told them they needed to play better. The match was fairly even between the two teams with GF38 dominating possession and AS Monaco uncharacteristically "Parking the Bus"....the team struggled to break the stubborn defense down....but second half substitute Matias Soule scored just before the end of the game sparking Wild Celebrations from the sold out stadium! GF38 was in control of the game....even according to the nerds.... After the Victory against AS Monaco came the long and dreaded trip to Paris.....to play PSG.... It was Gerard's hope that the "Stormtroopers' of the Galactic Empire" would shoot and miss... The match started well with GF38 defending well and getting forward for a Corner....Matsima scored....that woke PSG from their funk...and they then scored 4 goals in 12 minutes before Halftime....Gerard and GF38 were in shock..... They came out and played well, but the damage was done..... The Media made a big deal of our loss....on National TV.....can you say not ready for "Prime time"! The Analyst's we vicious in their report..... In other news, Gerard was given a report on the incoming youth..... A decent to good prospect at all four levels of a team....should be a good intake. The next match was against Luzern in the Europa Conference League....GF38 had already qualified for the Knockout rounds but Gerard wanted to repay Luzern for the Last second loss in Switzerland. He played mostly "Backups" and the Mirror Variant.... A routine 2-0 victory.....was a good way to bounce back after Paris.....and it also let Gerard remind some of the starters they needed to work harder and play better! The Analysts were happy.... and as a result .... GF38 topped the group and got a bye into the 2nd Knockout round that doesn't happen until March..... After the midweek Continental success the Stade des Alpes would see Montpellier visit. This was a match that GF38 had every expectation of winning, but would have to do a professional job. The bookies and media agreed with Gerard's assessment, but the game would still have to be played.... Montpellier decided to "Park the Bus" but also tried to Counterattack....since Gerard decided NOT to press.....this led to a lot of shots on goal stopped by their keeper...who finished with a 7.5 rating even after losing 3-0! Edgaras Utkus came off the bench late to score a brace and seal the victory. The next day was the drawing for the 9th round of the Coupe de France....we were rewarded with playing our Local Rivals..... Gerard will probably play the Starters....because this is the first match after Xmas Break. Plus, he doesn't mind running up the score against "Rivals"! The final match of the month was another tough trip...this time to Marseilles.... The Starter's would again make their appearance and Gerard expected much better performance than the one in Paris.... The match was bad in the beginning, but the team sorted itself out after some "encouragement" from Gerard at Halftime....and fought tooth and nail....but OM did what others had decided to do against GF38 and "Park the Bus" in second half and let GF38 frustrate themselves against a stingy defense.... As one can see the team started off awfully. They played better after halftime, but the result was fair.... The team went on XMAS BREAK.... so the team bonded at Grenoble's Premier Bar..... During the Break Gerard received another award..... League Table Player of the Month Chrislain Matsima GF38's big summer signing is showing why he was brought in and will probably usurp Moritz Jenz place in the starting lineup. Financials The team is losing money....but the extra revenue from the Europa Conference League has made a difference.... Thanks For Reading! Edited February 21, 2021 by Hootieleece added words I forgot Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaneBramage Posted February 21, 2021 Share Posted February 21, 2021 Good results in Europe, just need a bit more consistency in the league. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 21, 2021 Author Share Posted February 21, 2021 2 hours ago, DaneBramage said: Good results in Europe, just need a bit more consistency in the league. The problem is that my team is preseason 17th....The really big teams just have an extra gear..... My highest paid player makes $1.4M/year And other teams new tactic is to "park the bus" for 80 minutes and then go all out attack the last ten.....except for the really big teams that just attack.... My team is frustrated by low blocks.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 23, 2021 Author Share Posted February 23, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 January 2026 : Regular Season "January Rain" Gerard was buoyed by the time off and saw that the schedule had Four maybe Five Fixtures. Two were in the League, One probably Two in the Coupe de France, and Friendly arranged by Gerard. He was expecting at least three wins.....and hoping for at least 4 four points in the League. Schedule The first fixture the Coupe de France match at Local Rivals AS Saint-Priest. Grenoble is comfortable Favorite....AS Saint-Priest are real minnows I think they aren't even in the Football Structure. The First team played and AS Saint-Priest didn't have a chance..... Analytics didn't have much to say it was a training match..... As a result the Next match in the Coupe de France was to be held a Stade des Alpes The next match was a Friendly at Stade des Alpes.... The Backups played and won it was more conditioning for the players..... The First League Match of the Month was to be held Stade des Alpes..... It was a visit by Thierry Henry and Angers FCO.... The bookies and Media thought it was gonna be close..... The match was hard fought and Angers was happier to foul and play Rugby than Football they stayed in their Box for 80 minutes after which they came out flying..... and scored a late goal to ruin Gerard's day.... The analytic's will show....that GF38 deserved more....but Roy Hodgson says Goals are what count....and we didn't score enough! A week later Stade des Alpes held the Coupe De France Match against Paris FC.... Gerard was confident and played the "Backups" to give the Starters a little more rest before the Match against OL.... Unfortunately....Paris FC was really up for it and GF38 not so much......It took till stoppage time but Paric FC scored a winning goal..... After the deflating defeat the team had to pick itself up and get ready for the OL game....the team was rocked by this offer.... The Board accepted, but Gerard protested.....because Bernard was a Homegrown Player and the Foundation of our rise.....and not the least I need him to fill out the team of Home grown at club for European Tournaments! Gerard would have had a harder time refusing if this had come during the offseason in say June..... After the Laurent episode.....Gerard's thought turned to the OL match.... The team was headed to Lyon for tough match...The Starters would play..... The team played poorly.....from the start....just before Half Djitte scored to give the team a glimmer.....second Half OL just scored more even though Bernard did score a beautiful effort. The Analytics prove that GF38 was just outclassed.... After that shellacking the team had to get ready for a match against the "Mustardmakers" of Dijon FCO This game would be in early February.... League Table Player of the Month Edgaras Utkus Analysts Report Management Report Addendum The Game against Dijon was another debacle....the team was dominated early gave up a goal...played better after halftime...had an 80th minute penalty shout overruled by VAR and then scored a last minute game tying goal by Bernard Laurent.... and Transfer Deadline day was rather dead....just PSG buying up everyone per usual.... After the Wuhan Offer, Gerard re-negotiated Bernard Laurent's contract.... He is now tied for Highest paid player at the Club....Gerard and Management intend to make him a "one club man" a la Totti. Shortly thereafter the team headed for Lille and this match was important..... Luckily Bernard and Djitte were enough to overcome LOSC! As Analytics shows GF38 was lucky! The next match saw the team return to Stade des Alpes and host Stade Brestois 29.... Bernard is proving why he needed a pay raise.... This was another tough match....Brestois "parked the Bus" and for 77 minutes GF38 was frustrated...until Edgaras Utkus scored a lucky rebound to the ecstatic cheers of the crowd and teammates alike.... Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted February 23, 2021 Share Posted February 23, 2021 Confident of European football next season? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 23, 2021 Author Share Posted February 23, 2021 3 hours ago, SixPointer said: Confident of European football next season? I am not confident, but there is a decent chance of a repeat..... I am just about to do another update and we played well....but played mostly relegation fodder....the closing months will be squeaky bum time! I must say I got lucky with Bernard Laurent in my First Youth Intake....I was doubly lucky in that players have been poached from my system by the likes of Bayern before I even see them. I am also thinking of a tactical overhaul.....and ditching the 4-2-3-1 Wide.... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 23, 2021 Author Share Posted February 23, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 February 2026 : Regular Season "Let the good times roll" February is a busy month but Gerard knows it will be critical to any chance of staying in European Football unless by a Miracle the team wins Europa Conference League! There are 6 matches in 28 Days! All are in the League, with 4 at home and 2 on the road....Gerard is looking for at least 14 points to give GF38 a good position heading into the top 6 fight. The realistic answer is probably 12 points.... Schedule After the match against Brestois the team had a week to get ready for ASSE....the team worked on Set-Pieces.... The analyst's also show how close the great escape was..... Since the match against was at "Fortress Grenoble" this time around GF38 was a comfortable favorite.... The match was a bore for those looking for excitement....but it was a match between two evenly matched teams and Bernard Laurent was the hero.....with a Header that was checked by VAR! The Analysts were less than impressed with another escape... A week later the team headed for Alsace to the City of Strasbourg.... RC Strasbourg was fighting relegation so the high-flying GF38 were considered favorites.....and they lived up to the tag. The team went down early like many games this season, but after a "talking to" at halftime they played much better..... As Analysis shows the team scoring three goals in the second half finished the match off! After the Strasbourg Match the team headed home to host Table propping Nimes..... since it was a home match and the team had been busy...Gerard planned on a fully rotated team for the game.... During the preparations for the Nimes Match....Gerard and GF38 found out who their next opponent was in the Europa Conference League... GF38 would be making another long trip to Russia...to play Krasnodar! Krasnodar was the lower seeded team so as long as we score an away goal we should be good.... The match with Nimes came with great expectations..... The game started well with two goals by GF38....then Munteanu came up lame and Bernard Laurent was subbed in....Nimes fought back scoring before and after half to tie the game...but Starman put them out with two late goals of his own! The analysis shows that the match was closer than the scoreline suggests but that is mostly because the backups were used including two teenaged wingbacks brought up from Grenoble 2! Bernard's Brilliance was recognized with an award.... League Table Player of the Month Bernard Laurent The Starman and GF38 Youth prouct from Grenoble has been turning heads and kicked it up a notch after getting a raise in January. Analyst's Report Management Report The Finances are in decent shape, but continued European Football would help....that is the goal! Can GF38 make it again? too early to say. Thanks For Reading! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 24, 2021 Author Share Posted February 24, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 March 2026 : Regular Season "March Madness" Gerard buoyed by the near perfect month of February was looking forward to doing it again in March. The schedule had Five fixtures in about Three weeks. Three in the League and Two in the Europa Conference! The League matches were manageable but getting tougher.....all would be important for the fight for a European place....as always Gerard wanted at least 6 points from the 3 matches. Schedule The first match of the month was a trip to RC Lens....who was battling Relegation.... Grenoble was a comfortable favorite.....and the team was believing its Press Clippings...... The match was one of those matches that started poorly.....then the team stepped it up in the second half, but could get the goal that would put RC Lens away....and then off a GF38 corner....The Rc Lens team pinged 3 40 yard passes together and scored in the 80th minute.....It was checked by VAR and was a goal.....SMH! FMed! As the xG shows GF38 would have won or tied on any other day.... While in training after the RC Lens match a Key Player, Moussa Djitte was severely Injured..... Moussa doesn't score as many as he once did or make as many assists...but his presence usually draws a marker or two defenders thus allowing other players to operate. The team made the long trip to Krasnodar for the Europa Conference Knockout Rounds..... With no expectations the team played well.... and the Analysts were happy with the victory as well.... It was a comfortable Victory and BOTH Krasnodar goals were ridiculously lucky.....one of which was an own goal.... After the victory in Russia that was sort of unexpected.....The team had to return to France and play a mid-table team and equal Stade Rennais at Stade de Alpes. Gerard was thought that had a good chance of getting the result they wanted because it was a home match.... This was one of those games where nothing went right.....the team didn't play with energy and the Back Four who are usually dependable made mistakes.....Rennais scored on a 3 pinged passes to their AML that skinned Biancone....after that the game settled down, but GF38 couldn't convert a chance.....and when Gerard subbed some players....looking ahead....and trying to play catch up....it only got worse....Rennais scored twice to put the game out of reach.... The analyst's agree....that the game was closer than the scoreline suggests..... The game was close and GF38 might have escaped with a tie....if it hadn't pressed for a score.... which led to two easy goals! that made the difference.... After the terrible loss the board made a strange request.....that Gerard come to a meeting to discuss a new contract..... Of course Gerard gladly accepted their offer with a few changes.... With the disappointing loss still on his mind Gerard had to get ready for the second leg of the Europa Conference Knockouts against Krasnodar. This was the projected lineup....Gerard decided to play his "Backups" in this match after yelling at the "Starters" to get them out of their funk..... The "backups" played wonderfully denying Krasnodar even a chance at goal..... and as a reward for the Quarterfinals.... will play another near equal that should give GF38 a shot at a miracle trophy run..... The Last match of the month was against FC Nantes and their Ugly Uniforms.....it was also a match just before an International Break....a good result would do wonders for morale and momentum! The trip to Nantes would be tough but GF38 would give it a shot.... Gerard is beginning to think he needs to yell at his players at halftime more.....They play "much better" after a "Hair dryer"! as the analysis shows..... Youth Intake Gerard is excited by these three youngsters who will be ready to break into the team in about three years! League Table On the outside looking in after the bad month but there is still a chance....and also an outside chance of a Europa Conference Trophy! Player of the Month Edgaras Utkus The #10 is proving himself a true star..... Analysts Report scoring less goals than expected....a reason why we had a bad month! Management Report The teams financials are in a good place, but Gerard is keen for another season of European football to strengthen them. Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jogo Bonito Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 It's in the balance but still quite possible to qualify for Europe again via the Ligue 1 standings. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 24, 2021 Author Share Posted February 24, 2021 51 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said: It's in the balance but still quite possible to qualify for Europe again via the Ligue 1 standings. Yes, I know but there are matches in May versus PSG and OM that make the chances less likely. We are throwing away points against lesser teams....it is infuriating....even if we are technically overachieving based on the Season Preview. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 24, 2021 Author Share Posted February 24, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 April 2026 : Regular Season "The Stairway to Heaven or Highway to Hell" Gerard was less than enthused by the results in the month of March....but was thankful for the International Break. The schedule in April was very busy with six fixtures in 22 days and the possibility of a seventh as well depending on the Europa Conference Match.... Gerard was looking for a minimum of 8 points from the four league matches and especially looking to the AS Monaco match at the end of the month to cement a European Place. Schedule The month started out with one of our bogey teams Reims visiting Stade des Alpes.... GF38 was a favorite but the team needed to do a professional job.... Bernard led the line from the AMR-IWA spot in the formation doing a Mo Salah imitation..... GF38 was under pressure much of the match...but generally found their way through the press....a mistake just after halftime allowed Reims to score.....Bernard scored late to seal the win with a magnificent header! The game's scoreline was more comfortable than the game even though the team controlled possession and won! After the match with Reims the team headed midweek to back country Denmark.... Gerard thinking of the League decided to rotate the team and decided he would be happy if the team got an away goal.... The Backups were not up to snuff and were dominated but they did score an important away goal.... Analysis shows that the team was dominated..... The weekend saw the team head for Nice and a match with OGC Nice..... The Starters were scheduled to play..... And the team was under pressure much like the Reims match.....but the team was up for it and Edgaras Utkus the Playmaker had a virtuoso performance setting up both goals that allowed the team to escape with a win! After the escape on the weekend the Starters would be called on again to play the Europa Conference Return leg at Stade des Alpes..... Another Youth player is poached by Bayern..... The Team was ready to put on a performance before the home fans...because that is what would be needed to overturn the defeat in Denmark! and that is exactly what they did....winning 2-0..... The match was much more comfortable than the scoreline or xG show..... and as a result we head for the Semi-Final..... This is another match against a near equal....that at least gives GF38 a chance..... After the Midweek heroics struggling Bordeaux, who was propping up the table, visited Fortress Grenoble....Gerard decided to send out the "Backups" as the Hospitality Committee... GF38 were comfortable favorites so Gerard felt justified in his rotation..... This was another match where the opposition has decided to press GF38....luckily for GF38.....Bernard Laurent came off the bench in the second half to salvage a draw! as the analysts tells the match was close but on most days GF38 would have won..... The reason for the rotation was an important trip by GF38 to Monaco a few days later.....this match would most likely decide if GF38 would be able to get European Football through the league.... The Starters were rested and raring to go..... This match was close and hard fought but GF38 had no answer to playing 14-11..... A penalty decided the game.... The officiating stopped us cold....and we were not even allowed to challenge for the ball..... The game should have been much worse a defeat.... but Gerard "parked the Bus" in the second half! The French Cup Final was won by FC Nantes..... That end most hopes for a Europa Conference League birth for 6th place..... And AS Monaco had the cheek to steal another player from us..... The next match was against AA Genk in Europa Conference Semi-Final..... at the Pregame press conference tried to warn the boys..... This was just one of those games....GF38 was FM'ed! Just like Brighton IRL! The Analyst's are at a loss for words on how we lost that match.....but it's Football.....The object of the game is to score more goals than the other team! Following that disappointment GF38 had to prepare for the Stormtroopers of PSG! This is the projected lineup for a match on May 3rd 2026! League Table Player of the Month Giulian Biancone Analysts Report The Average stats and even xG got us to where we are....probably no celebrating at the end of the season! Management Report Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheriff7 Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 Good luck in revans! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 25, 2021 Author Share Posted February 25, 2021 10 hours ago, Sheriff7 said: Good luck in revans! Thanks for the support. I have played till the end of the season.....the Trip to Paris....didn't go well.....let's just say. The team did take a trip to Glasgow in Late May though.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 25, 2021 Author Share Posted February 25, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 May 2026 : Regular Season "Don't Stop Believing" After the losing that happened in April the team's shot at European Soccer remained the Europa Conference League....and even that remained a longshot after the opening loss to AA Gent at Stade des Alpes....Gerard remained optimistic.... Schedule The next match after the disappointment against AA Gent was a visit by PSG.... May the third came and the Galactic Empire's Stormtrooper's arrived at Stade des Alpes.... It wasn't much of a match.....Kylian Mbappe scored an early goal....and that was that....GF38 tried hard but just couldn't really play with the ball in PSG's half....and then Mbappe made a beautiful 40 yard pass to STC Perrin near the end of the game that led to a cheeky lob over Bulka. Analysis shows the match wasn't close..... Just four days later GF38 headed to Gent....for the second leg of the Europa Conference Semi-Final.... GF 38 needed to do the impossible....and did just that! The team played much better this time against....AA Gent....They controlled play and had numerous chances it was actually Gent's Goalie that kept them in the game.... Analyst's show that the match wasn't close...but the second goal was nice....it eliminated the lottery of penalties! The team is heading to Glasgow! One win from Glory! and as a reward we must play..... BMG! GF38 has a glimmer of hope...for European Football! After the glorious victory in Gent....the team remained on the road and headed for Montpellier.....Gerard decided to play the Backups....because the match was three days after the last....and there was no real chance of getting a European place from the league with PSG NOT winning the Coupe de France. The hosts were favored....but the team had a chance! It was another awful showing in the first half....Montpellier scored Three and the game was over...GF38 played for pride in the second half and made the score line respectable....The refereeing was a little fishy but nothing really cotroversial....but let's say Montpellier had a lot of Set-Pieces. The match was probably a loss...even without the bad refereeing..... This was a busy time and the reason for the rotation against Montpellier was because the next match was two days later at Stade des Alpes. Gerard was looking for a better game from his starters to justify his resting them for this game.... and they came through.... The Analyst's show that this match wasn't close....if GF38 played like that in every match they would be winning a trophy..... The last match of the Ligue 1 season was four days later and it was a trip to Lorient home of the "Orange Crush".... The hosts were favored because they were at home but GF38 had a chance for a final victory.... This match encapsulated the season....Team doesn't start well, gets yelled at at halftime, plays better, but in this case it was too late! Even if the team had started better....FC Lorient would have won according to xG. That brings the Ligue 1 season to a close...... The team achieved 7th place again....making it two out of three seasons! League Table Analyst's Report The board had a brief message for Gerard.....left unsaid "WIN EUROPA Conference League Final!" The team had TWO DAYS to get ready for the Final Gerard shot his mouth off a little bit..... The final came and it was everything Gerard ever dreamed for GF38..... The team played well and the opponents not so much their two week layoff showed..... Analysis shows that GF38 was the best team on the day! European Nights for Next Season.....and a step up in competition to the Europa League! The bank account is going to look good with all the Prize Money..... This TV revenue floored Gerard....it is ALMOST as much as the entire payroll! and some pocket change in the couch cushions.....aswell. Some Praise from the Press..... The Board is Happy..... And this sums up the journey.... and these are the team members who will always be remembered in Grenoble! Board Meeting The initial budgets are promising....Gerard thinks the board wants to become the "French Ajax"..... Management Report After the Board meeting Gerard did ok the transfer of loanee Soule from Juventus.... Thanks for Reading! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
turnip Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 Congrats on the European success! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 25, 2021 Author Share Posted February 25, 2021 Just now, turnip said: Congrats on the European success! Thanks. It was a incredible journey considering we were faltering in the league....I think it made me fall in love with this save and FM all over again. Maybe Dinamo can pull off Champion's League Trophy! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 Congratulations on European glory!!! The Alps will be a sea of blue!! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 26, 2021 Author Share Posted February 26, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 Awards Night 2026 Season Review The new players.....Matias Soule was loaned from Juventus and provided a creative spark....he will be back with GF38 Next season. Chrislain Matsima was the Big Signing and was everything that was expected of him. Therry Reiver -Morand showed his quality in spots, and Louis Munteanu's promise was cut short with a terrible injury. The player transferred Andoni Pascual left for a record fee...Gerard didn't want to lose him but a disagreement about a new contract led to him leaving in January. The rest of the players were offloaded for whatever the team could get..... Seventh place is good, but would have left the team on the outside looking in for a European place if it hadn't been for our unlikely Europa Conference run. The Coupe de France run was something to forget..... The Europa Conference League Trophy is the HIGHLIGHT of the season. This run was incredible but we did avoid any truly Big teams that might have been "slumming". The financials are in there best shape ever....if We don't make top 5 or 6.....the finances will take a hit next season..... Strong performances through the middle and from the Back Four! Awards Pretty funny when the supporters add the player you just shipped out to the All-Time best team..... This shows that our defensive minded players made the difference in the cup run! A right back is 3rd best player in tournament, but his team beat each of the other top players to win the trophy! Giulian Biancone has shown he is a top right back and GF38 has some suitors for him .....Gerard intends to keep him unless offered at least $35M for him. Team Stats The team averaged the 4rth best possession stat in Ligue 1 that is important to how we play. The goals conceded were to many....(above 38 which Gerard finds acceptable) which is something to work on for next season.... 5th most shutouts, with half as many as PSG! When we were good defensively we were good but we obviously had some really bad days.... and our #10 made the list of top assisters in Ligue1.... Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheriff7 Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 Amazing achievement! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share Posted February 27, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 June 2026 : Offseason "Playing Rotisserie Football" Gerard was ecstatic over the win in the Europa Conference League. He was also conflicted....because the team now had the funds to upgrade its playing staff hopefully. Should he change his methods from bringing in young players to develop or look to established stars. He understood that Europa League would be a step up in competition compared to Europa League Conference. Also he wanted to improve the team not the least to get the idea that it was fighting relegation every year to be a thing of the past. With all that being said the team would need to hold on its best players and add more.... The first signing was just days after the win in Glasgow....Gerard wanted to upgrade the attack....with young players that had potential to be sold for a profit...in the future, because that was the board mandate. This was the first of a series of signing intended to fulfill the club vision.... The team got hit with a rather large tax bill..... and this is why the tax bill was large....revenue was doubled due to the Trophy! Gerard expects it to recede to more modest levels next season.... The board approved a bigger scouting budget and Gerard decided to expand the scouting package from just France to a Regional one. another young player for squad depth.....too cheap to not take a flyer on..... The team is now in the top 100 in Europe! The Ligue 1 Review came out without a mention of Grenoble.... The Club Captain was given a long term deal to keep him here for a longtime....(most of his prime years) The end of the month saw a huge press conference that was a culmination of all the signings of the past 6 months..... GF38 signed a whopping 14 players! Most were on Free Transfers and were for depth....The loss of Ibrahim Cisse as a backup CB led to the management to sign about Four young CB's who would fight for the 4rth CB spot in the first team.... Transfers Issa Dicko a young player for development...will spend time in Grenoble 2 Yassine Aublet A good depth option....will have to learn how to cross....decent cover for Biancone. Florian Pandovani another young Central midfielder for depth or sale....was a Free transfer from PSG. Zach Steffen This is the Marquee signing of the offseason....Gerard felt the GK situation needed an upgrade...not that Bulka was bad....he just made a few too many mistakes. He is being kept as the Cup Goalkeeper and ocassional spot starter.... Pino Motti A good young CB for depth...will probably spend this season in Grenoble2 Alioue Traore A general upgrade to the depth of the team.....will fill in for Djitte but also in Central Midfield at need. Matias Soule Our loanee joined us full-time and will resume his place in the starting 11 mostly at AMR! Management Report Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share Posted February 27, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 July 2026: Preseason "This will be our year...." Gerard was happy with the strengthening of the team even if he went with the "shotgun" approach..... He even added a few players during the preseason that will see time in Ligue 1 or Euro Cup. As always he has the team play two Friendlies a week to build up match fitness and get new signings used to his tactical system.... Schedule As one can see the team had a good preseason with only one loss.... The biggest event in Football/Soccer was happening during the Break....The WORLD CUP! Croatia won beating Brazil....and USA with GF38's new GK between the sticks came in a respectable 3rd! Gerard was spending as much time in the office as the training field...reacting to offers for GF38 players. He refused any offers for players he deemed first team....including Biancone and Bulka.... A reporter asked if the rumors were true that LOSC was thinking of hiring Gerard..... His categorical denial of interest was met with great enthusiasm from the board and supporters..... Players of the Preseason Thomas van Bommel The team now has both brothers on the team....when Thomas was transfer listed...for a low price. With his height he will be retrained as a BPD-Cover. Basile Ziegler Basile was a free transfer....that joined GF38 after being unsettled by a GF38 bid for his services....He slides in as Djitte's backup. Eduardo Pires A scout recommendation that Gerard decided would give the team different. He will mainly play as a #9 but will see time in the central midfield or on the flanks....depending on team need. Season Preview The team is now judged as a mid table team....probably from adding a high reputation Goalie to the team and our success the past few years....10th is the "worst" that Gerard expects.... Management Report The board is upset that Gerard sold players in the last year of their contract....or didn't want to re-sign. even though the team is losing money it has a big enough savings account to absorb the losses....the goal is a good cup run and with luck a return to European places. Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 28, 2021 Author Share Posted February 28, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 August 2026 : Regular Season "Good times, Bad Times" Gerard looked at the schedule for August and thought that the 8 points from the four matches he wanted was possible and probable..... Schedule The season started off with a trip to the Loire Valley and Angers SCO.....This was a match GF38 should win but they would need to get down to business quickly. The match itself was a bunch of missed opportunity's for GF38 and Angers scored a wonder goal....and then the team had to get a late penalty..... The Analysts didn't have much to say other than the team should have done better.... During the next week while getting ready for the Home opener against RC Lens....the Marketing Department forwarded the Season Ticket Sales... Support remained at about the same level as the past....but our good play has seen the Stade des Alpes sold out for most of our matches..... During the Week leading up to the game RC Lens put in a bid for Marcin Bulka our former #1 GK.....Gerard Refused it even though they offered $15M which would have been a club record. In a cheeky move....Gerard had Bulka start against RC Lens instead..... The team got off to a flyer with Moussa Djitte leading the team from the AML-IFA spot....he had 2 goals and an assist.... The next match was a trip to Rennes in Brittany....This match is always a tough one..... Moussa Djitte continued his good form with an early goal....then Rennes scored with a long ball to Paoletti who skirted around Zouma and faked out Steffen and then scored....the match looked like it was going to be a draw....when in the closing minutes Rennes were given a penalty....which was converted. The media made a big deal out of the game.... Analysis shows that it was a close match and that penalty was the difference..... Just before the last match of the month the team found out who was in their Europa League Group.... The other teams are Galatasaray, FC Kobenhaven, and Universitatea Craiova....it is a group the team SHOULD get out of and make the Knockouts. and the team received nice little check as well for participating.... The final match of the month was a visit from AS Monaco.... The match was even AS Monaco spent most of their time fouling our players, but Moussa Djitte continued his good form and scored the game tying goal..... The Analysts thought we didn't play well, but the team got a draw..... League Table Player of the Month Moussa Djitte Moussa has started off like a man with his hair on fire....4 goals in the 4 matches....Pires's speed seems to scare the other teams and he is being double marked less so far.... Analysts Report Management Report Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 28, 2021 Author Share Posted February 28, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 September 2026 : Regular Season "snatching draws from the Jaws of Victory" Gerard looked at the schedule for September and sees five fixtures after an international break....Four in the League and one in the Europa League....as always Gerard is looking for 8 points from the four matches. Unfortunately the first...is a trip to the "Death Star" in Paris. Schedule The month began with the international break....several GF38 players made their debuts for their country's including Marcin Bulka....the Backup GK. The Stormtroopers were as formidable as ever.....this would be a tough match. PSG were clear favorites but the team would at least play..... PSG penned us in our end and pressed the team. There was on or two attacks that escaped and Djitte scored. Unfortunately PSG scored Twice before half.....After Halftime Gerard finally tried "Parking the Bus" in the second half....and it worked but the damage was done. The analysis shows that the match wasn't even as close as score line reflects. The team had a chance to rest and train after the PSG match....the next match would take them to Turkey to face Galatasaray probably the best team in the Group. Getting points from this match would be important. The team was considered to have a chance.... Galatasaray Gengenpressed with 4-3-3. The team's experience against PSG and Match Tactics practice allowed the team to pass their way through the press....The only thing that didn't happen was a goal....it was one of those nights.... The analysis shows that the team should have won.... After the Thursday Trip to Turkey....The Team return to Stade des Alpes to host Stade Brestois 29 on Sunday. Because of the schedule the "Backups" were playing....except for Zach Steffen, who had been kept out of the Europa League match so that Marcin Bulka's playing time as Cup Goal Keeper could be fulfilled. The team were seen as favorites because of home advantage..... A 2nd minute Wonderstrike off of a Set Piece put the team behind the proverbial 8 ball. The team tried to score but it didn't happen until after halftime and another "Hair Dryer" by Gerard. Bernard Laurent playing AMR did his Mo Salah imitation to to tie the game. Stade Brestois scored in the 80th minute....but scoring wasn't over in Stoppage time Samuel Bossiwa scored an "impossible " strike from beyond the touchline....that somehow went in....their was relief on many faces after that goal. Analysis shows that the team played well but a mistake defending a Set-Piece cost the team a win... After the Sunday match the team had a short turnaround before heading to Nimes for a match against Les Crocodiles.... GF38 was favored and the "Starters" would be playing..... This was another match where the opponents were more interested in Rugby than Football....The team went through 3 AML's in this game with Djitte getting injured, then his replacement, and then finally Basile Ziegler....Lucky for the team that Samuel Bossiwa scored another lucky goal before being injured that was the difference. The Analysis shows that the match was closer than it needed to be but the important thing is the team got the win..... After the win in Nimes the team returned home for a visit from High Flying LOSC Lille....the 3rd placed team looked to be the Favorites.... The starters played again in this one because it was necessary if possible to get a win against a rival for European Places. It was an even game with GF38 maybe even edging it until LOSC broke away after a GF38 Corner.....and scored. Youssef Maziz scored to tie the game in the 75th minute...GF38 pushed men forward but LOSC's defense was up to the task. The Analyst's report shows how close the match was and that the draw was the likely result. The next match is on Thursday the 1rst of October and it is a visit from FC Kobenhaven This is going to be a tricky match Kobenhaven is playing well....GF38 still searching for Form.... As the month ended The Biancone Transfer Saga came to an end....with him signing a long-term contract. League Table Player of the Month Cheick Doucoure The new signing is rapidly making the CM-D role his own displacing long time player Charles Pickel. Analyst's Report Management Report Thanks for Reading! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted March 1, 2021 Author Share Posted March 1, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 October 2026 : Regular Season "Can't buy us goals" Gerard took a look at the schedule for October and saw five fixtures and an International Break. Three in League and Two in the Europa League.... Gerard was hoping for 6 points in the League and 4 in the Europa League Schedule The first match of the month was the visit of FC Kobenhaven to the Stade des Alpes. The "Starters" played and got the home victory against a determined Danish Team.... The Analysis flatters the team a bit, but the team won! Just 3 days later the team returned to the field during a trip to Brittany to face hosts FC Nantes .... The Bookies and media thought that GF38 had a chance even though Nantes had the home advantage.... This was another match with a slow start....Bernard tried to get the team back in the game, but a 3rd Nantes goal just before halftime put a damper on proceedings. Nantes "Parked the Bus" but took the occasional shot over the top in the second half and frustrated GF38's attempts to score until it was almost too late. The Analysis again flatters the teams performance. The team went on an International Break and the remaining players worked on Set Pieces and Match Tactics...during that time....The team was to host Reims after the Break. Reims is one of our Bogey teams....and the media started talking about GF38 being in a Relegation Battle.... The Reims coach said we were good enough to stay up..... It was an intense match between two near equal teams not giving an inch....Reims goalie was "standing on his head" stopping all of Gf38's shots. and the another long ball over the top victimized us and for a moment look like this match was gonna slip away....then Djitte put on his Superman Cape and scored to give GF38 at least a draw. The team played much better than the score line reflects and xG shows on most days we would have won. Four days after the Reims disappointment the team traveled to Romania for a Europa League Match.... Even though GF38 was the visitor ....we were favored to win.... In a cheeky move and even though it was on the road....Gerard played the "Backups" to shake things up. Attacking Midfielders Basile Ziegler and Samuel Bossiwa scored to give GF38 a deserved victory. It was a dominant victory....we should have scored more..... Just Three days after the match in Romania stopped in Lorraine and the Fortress City of Metz for a fixture with FC Metz. Metz was favored because of Home advantage.... It was another match that the team just couldn't buy a goal...Bernard gave GF38 a lead....it was surrendered on a Set-Piece play. Shortly there after former FC Metz player Basile Ziegler intercepted a pass and broke way to go one on one, he shot and hit the post....it was just one of those days.... The Galactic Empire's "Death Star" is fully operational....they haven't lost at home in over two seasons! Analysis shows that it was close but on most days GF38 would have won.... After the FC Metz match Gerard decided to have a team meeting....he challenged the team and was met with a less than enthusiastic response....so he will try a tactical shake up and abandon the 4-2-3-1 Wide for a 4-3-3 for the next match. The next match is on the first of November and The "Orange Crush" of FC Lorient are visiting Grenoble.... League Table Player of the Month Moritz Jenz The longtime Centerback has been concerned about losing his place in the starting 11 and was challenged to play better and it shows...his play is actually making Gerard thinking if how to incorporate a 3 CB system. Management Report Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 3 at the back you say? Welcome to Nesselquist ball 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted March 2, 2021 Author Share Posted March 2, 2021 1 hour ago, SixPointer said: 3 at the back you say? Welcome to Nesselquist ball I have played further and did try some other formations....including a 3CB formation.....they worked decently to well, but until I transfer some players out I can only tinker with them...(The formations don't have spots for some of my best players) I will update later today... I am keeping the 3 man tactic as a change up though...and might decide to head in that direction after the season. The real reason for the tactical shake up is to get the team out of its....complacency and also find a way to Breakdown Buses! Otherwise there is a chance of relegation. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 4 hours ago, Hootieleece said: I have played further and did try some other formations....including a 3CB formation.....they worked decently to well, but until I transfer some players out I can only tinker with them...(The formations don't have spots for some of my best players) I will update later today... I am keeping the 3 man tactic as a change up though...and might decide to head in that direction after the season. The real reason for the tactical shake up is to get the team out of its....complacency and also find a way to Breakdown Buses! Otherwise there is a chance of relegation. Buses this edition are very stubborn at times Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted March 3, 2021 Author Share Posted March 3, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 November 2026 : Regular Season "The Gypsy Road....takes me home" Gerard looked at the schedule for November.....and saw six fixtures four in Ligue 1 and two in Europa League. He was hoping for 8 points from the league and a minimum of 4 points in Europa League Group play. Both of these numbers were possible but the team would have to start playing better.... Schedule First up was FC Lorient which was visiting Stade des Alpes to open November. During this game Gerard tinkered with his tactics and tried a 4-3-3 instead of a 4-2-3-1 Wide.... It was another match which the opponent "Parked the Bus" and the GK had the Game of his career.... Even though the team was comfortably in control....the team was never safe.... This is the new/old tactic that was dusted off....at least the team won.... The next match saw U. Craicova visit Grenoble.....Gerard took this as a chance to try another Tactic a 5-2-3 Wide Gerard felt safe doing so and even played the "Backups" It was an uneven affair the team was unfamiliar with the new formation and had to warm to the roles....also U. Craicova did what all opponents seem to be doing....Camping in the Box and playing with 10 GK's. But the team did get the win after they finally broke them in the 2nd half.... Analysis shows that the team was in little trouble of losing except by not scoring..... After the game the team packed up and headed to Burgundy to play old friends ....AJ Auxerre. The team tried the 4-3-3 again and it was found to be found leaky defensively....but Bernard Laurent was the Hero by scoring a tying goal in stoppage time. Analysis shows the team was lucky...to escape the match with a draw. The Team had to play heavy hitters OL Next.... A trip to Lyon is never a pleasurable one.... The team played the 4-3-3 again.....thinking they might negate the OL AMC.... The First half was a shambles.....Gerard yelled at the team and it only got worse....until the team clicked and scored two late goals to show it wasn't all for naught.... The media led the talk shows were impressed with the goals scored late by GF38.... The analysts less so.... The Europa League continues with Galatasaray visiting Stade des Alpes. If the Team get a draw or a win they qualify for the Knockout rounds of Europa League. GF38 was a favorite because of Home advantage but needed to make sure they did professional job because Galatasaray are a tough opponent. The 5-2-3 Wide was used....and surprised the Turks...but GF38 wasn't allowed to play by bad officiating...that allowed the Turks to manhandle the GF38 players and no whistle....and anytime a GF38 player even looked at a Galatasaray player they were whistled for a foul... XG says we got lucky.... The final match of the month would see GF38 play local rivals AS St. Etienne.... Since GF38 was the home team they were favored....Gerard had seen enough from his tinkering to know he had some ideas but would need different players to really take advantage of the new formations. Gerard decided to reinstall the 4-2-3-1 Wide and play ALL the Starters from Last Season.... The team got off to a slow start...ASSE scored two goals against the run of play...and led 2-0 at half....Gerard's Fury knew no bounds and he gave the speech of a lifetime during his tirade. The team responded 2 goals within five minutes to draw level and 2 more late to seal the win...if GF38 played the way they did this second half the team would be leading the League... The media even checked their notes and found we are 10 unbeaten at home.... something to build a season off of..... And even the nerds were happy.... The first match of December would see the team play the "Mustardmakers" League Table Player of the Month Giulian Biancone His play was something to build around and he was justifying his new Contract... Analyst's Report Management Report Thanks For Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted March 3, 2021 Author Share Posted March 3, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 December 2026: Regular Season "Back to December" Gerard knew that December would be busy with the Mid-Season Break upcoming. The schedule had 5 Fixtures in just 16 days! Four would be in the League and one in the Europa League that would determine the Group Winner. Gerard was looking for at least 8 points from the League matches, but the Europa League match was unimportant because the team had already qualified for the knockouts. Schedule The month started with a match in Dijon.... Gerard mixed up the lineup and used the 5-2-3 Wide Formation....on a trial basis...to see if he could get his Strikers scoring.... The match was one for the Neutrals as each side forgot about defense.....GF38 Scored first....and then gave two away to be down at half-time....Gerard berated the team at Half-time and The team played much better along with some Key Substitutions.....New Striker Eduardo Pires was brought off the bench and scored his first two goals of the season to win the game! It was definitely a game where GF38 "escaped" with Victory....maybe our luck is changing? The next match was a visit from OGC Nice to "Fortress Grenoble"..... GF38 was a Home Favorite but would have to do a Professional job to take home the points.....Gerard decided to play the 4-2-3-1 Wide and play the "starters" What a game! Forced down to 10 Men just before Halftime because of Edgaras Utkus's Red Card....The Team continued playing on the Front Foot and came away with a stunning victory! The Analyst''s even said that GF38 deserved to win.....and would have won by more if the team didn't go down to 10 men. After the game and Analysis Gerard was sent a Preview Report on this year's Youth Intake.... It look like the team will only get a winger and a CB in this years intake...not so good, but remember the team had 3 players poached by bigger teams. So the youth program must be doing something right! The Last match of the Europa League meant a trip to Copenhagen and Gerard decided to give his "Starters" a rest and use the 5-2-3 Wide formation. It didn't work so well, It was one of those nights when the other team was on fire, but the team still made the Knockouts..... The Analysts weren't shy about saying how bad the team played.... This is the 5-2-3 Wide Formation that was used..... and would be used again in the coming days....Gerard Blamed the loss on using the "Backups" not the system.... The team had to continue traveling and headed for Montpellier on their return to France..... Grenoble was a Favorite even though the Relegtion threatened team had the home advantage.... The match was a stunning blowout that Gerard attributed to the new formation..... and the Analyst's agree.... The Coupe de France 9th Round was determined..... GF38 was handed about as tough a match as could be had in this round..... and the team also found out who they would be facing next in the Europa League.... another Big Team in HBSC....another tough draw but the teams are better in Europa League.... The team had little time to mull over the possiblities of these two tournaments because they still had to prepare for a tough match against OM at Stade des Alpes! Gerard decided to continue using the 5-2-3 Wide....because he had lost Stalwarts Moussa Djitte and Bernard Laurent for the rest of the month in a training accidents.... The team got off to a great start because OM didn't expect the formation.....and were disorganized defensively....and that lead was enough to give GF38 the victory after the OM got their bearings. In a post match Interview....Gerard was asked about Home Form.... since the Unbeaten number was now 12....It is the Central pillar to the GF38 way....win at home and snatch points away....yes it is a "Relegation Fight" Mentality but the season had a chance of slipping away.....luckily we have put a 4 game winning streak in the League in December..... The Nerds were happy with the result as well.... A few days later Gerard found out he was the runner -up for an award... And after beating OM in the League the team has to prepare to play them in the Coupe de France after Christmas Break! League Table The Four wins this month shot the team up the table....putting some room between us and the Relegation Battle, but The team must continue winning and find a way to keep this European Place. Player of the Month Giulian Biancone The Star Wing Back is thriving in the New Formation.... Management Report The recurring red numbers show that the team really needs to be consistently playing in European Football if it wants to keep growing, because selling out the Stade des Alpes and Local Sponsorships will never be enough to field a competitive team unless the Board wants to Yo-Yo. Thanks For Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted March 3, 2021 Share Posted March 3, 2021 Tactic is working well! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted March 3, 2021 Author Share Posted March 3, 2021 6 hours ago, SixPointer said: Tactic is working well! Yes and No. I am winning, but I am frustrated by two things goals conceded and lack of Striker scoring.....We create plenty of chances but 75% of all shots a blocked or saved by "Superman" Keepers or defenders clearing the goal line.... As for the conceded goals it is the facts that the AI shoots and scores one one shot, one goal frustrated me to no end. I don't know what to do to make my players defend like the AI! Also I am debating about changing my tactical philosophy and play without wingers and a #10....my team has been built around the 4-2-3-1 Wide and Vertical Tiki-Taka but I am thinking Gengenpressing with Wingbacks with Central Midfield. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted March 3, 2021 Share Posted March 3, 2021 6 hours ago, Hootieleece said: Yes and No. I am winning, but I am frustrated by two things goals conceded and lack of Striker scoring.....We create plenty of chances but 75% of all shots a blocked or saved by "Superman" Keepers or defenders clearing the goal line.... As for the conceded goals it is the facts that the AI shoots and scores one one shot, one goal frustrated me to no end. I don't know what to do to make my players defend like the AI! Also I am debating about changing my tactical philosophy and play without wingers and a #10....my team has been built around the 4-2-3-1 Wide and Vertical Tiki-Taka but I am thinking Gengenpressing with Wingbacks with Central Midfield. I know what you mean. I had trouble last season creating clear cut chances now I lead the way. But it’s meant sacrificing my solid defence. Think this year it’s harder to get the perfect balance. Can be frustrating but perseverance will pay off. I now have two good systems. Now searching for that final one. You may not need to abandon everthing. Just take a step back. View some analysis and see where it’s going wrong. You’ve already doing amazing so the systems you have probably just need the tweaks 👍🏻 Same advice you gave me when I was going crazy at my tactics 🤣 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted March 3, 2021 Author Share Posted March 3, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 January 2027 : Regular Season "Thorn in my Pride" January came and there were at least Four and as many as Six Fixtures in the month. Three in the League and maybe as many as three in the Coupe de France. Gerard was looking forward to getting 6 points in the league and winning all three Cup games if he could beat OM in the 9th Round. Schedule The month began with the Coupe de France tie against perennial favorites OM at Stade des Alpes.... Gerard played his strongest team and used the 5-2-3 Wide Formation.... OM hadn't really learned how to deal with it and Aliou Traore playing in place of Moussa Djitte scored a goal to give GF38 the lead....We tried to score some more but missed most of out shots....OM made some in roads but mostly after halftime when they adjusted their tactics....Gerard was thrilled to escape with a victory..... After the Coupe de France win the team announced a new signing for next season.... This player is envisioned as the new Backup #10 and Eventual successor to Edgaras Utkus.... The win over OM in the Coupe de France rewarded the team with a trip to Normandy..... These are real minnows....so the team should win.... The next week saw the team travel to play RC Lens..... Grenoble was expected to win....beware of home underdogs..... Gerard decided to ride his luck and use the 5-2-3 Wide again.... The match was won by the referee....who ignored blatant offsides and gave yellows liberally....to hinder our play....after a relatively even first half, the team fell behind because of two Over the top Balls that my defenders never seem to head away ...even though they are the second best headers and jumpers in the league. After some more terrible build up play, Gerard changed formations to the tried and true 4-2-3-1 Wide. The team immediately played better and threatened to overturn the deficit. A late goal and subsequent Set-Pieces by GF38 put the game in doubt but it wasn't meant to be. After the Dissapointment in Lens....another young star decided to stay in Grenoble Long term.... The trip to Normandie came just three days after the loss in Lens and with a visit from Rennes on the Weekend. Gerard decided to play the "Backups" and use the 4-2-3-1.... GF38 was a big favorite and Gerard thought that the "backups" would be more than a Match for a Semi-Pro team.... Unfortunately it was another match where a "Superman" GK effort ruin the team's day.....The QRM GK saved 4 penalties including one during the game that really changed the momentum. It was an all around bad day.....and a real "Thorn in Gerard's Pride"! The analytic's were at a loss to explain....the loss..... Even after the debacle in Normandy.....Gerard was considered a "Hot Commodity" on the Coaching Carousel. There were rumors of Napoli was interested..... Gerard is a son of Grenoble.....and GF38 Fan since he was a boy..... It was now time to move on after the disaster.....Stade Rennais was coming for a visit..... GF38 were home favorites.....and Gerard acknowledges the Home Advantage.... Said those words to instill confidence in the team.....Gerard decided to revert back to the 4-2-3-1 Wide and play his strongest team... Today's game was won that dreamed of when every gameplan is developed....everything went right and Stade Rennais couldn't compete.... The performance hit the highlight shows....because of all the Goals! The nerds loved talking about this one...! After that vindication of his tactical philosophy Gerard turned his attention to the trip to Monaco... AS Monaco were big favorites, but if GF38 played half as well as against Rennes they had a real chance.... This was a game where Zak Stephen and the defense were the one throwing themselves in front of every shot....Matias Soule scored a lucky goal in stoppage time to steal a draw. The analytics reflect that the team did "steal" a draw! League Table Player of the Month Edgaras Utkus The #10 was feeling left out when the new formation was being used, but his play went to another level when the reverted to the 4-2-3-1 Wide. Analyst's Report Management Report Thanks For Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted March 4, 2021 Author Share Posted March 4, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 February 2027 : Regular Season "Love is a Battlefield" Gerard was dismayed when he saw how busy February would be. Seven Matches in 28 days. Five in the League and Two in Europa League Knockouts. Gerard was wanting 10 points from the League matches and to do as well as possible in Europe.... Schedule The month started out with a visit from the Galactic Empire and the Stormtroopers..... This is PSG's Current Lineup..... Even though GF38 was the home team PSG were clear favorites....Gerard decided to just play Dauphinais ball with the 4-2-3-1 Wide and let the chips fall where they may.... It didn't work GF38 had more of the ball in the midfield and never really threatened PSG's Goal and Newgen Wonderkid Antony and Gregory Perrin were clinical for PSG. The term "Fortress Grenoble" is in the Dustbin of History.....but it has been our strong home form during all of these seasons that have propelled GF38 to the European Stage. Analysis shows we had no chance in the match against PSG.....xG 0.08! The next match saw the team travel to Brittany and play Stade Brestois 29.... Due to our less than stellar play....the team was an underdog..... But the "Backups" proved the pundits wrong with a strong effort.... It was closer than the score line suggests but the team will take a clean sheet any day.... After the game the team got an offer for Zach Steffen from a Saudi Team..... Since the team got him on a Free Transfer and had Bulka in the Squad to take his place....it was accepted. He sign with them because they could offer wages we never could.....He was making $2.12M/year with us as highest paid player. The Saudi Team was paying him $5.41M/Year. and it was the biggest transfer offer in Club History! and Valencia offered Gerard an Interview.... After the Transfer Brouhaha and the Job Interview offer...Gerard had to get back to football.... The next match was a visit to the Stade des Alpes by Nimes..... The Backups were slotted in since the team was a big favorite and their earlier success with the Big Game against Hertha coming up! This was just another match where the team just didn't have the finishing and gave up points.... Three nights later GF38 arrived in Berlin ...Gerard had a rested Starting 11 and played the 4-2-3-1 Wide.... This was a game that was there for the taking but GF38 just couldn't buy a goal.... as one can see from the analysts report....on another night GF38 might have won the game. Returning to France after the match in Berlin GF38 headed to Lille to play LOSC. LOSC was a big favorite but had some struggles in form like GF38..... This was an ugly game neither side wanted to win..... LOSC probably should have won but Bulka made the difference in Goal.... The team finally returned to Grenoble and "Fortress Grenoble" to greet Hertha in the return leg of the Europa League Knockouts! Gerard lit a fire under the team and from the get go the team played to their ability..... Goals by Soule and Munteanu gave GF38 the lead in the match and aggregate before half. After half Hertha responded and took the lead on away goals, but the team kept playing and finally broke the Hertha defense a third and final time to win over two legs. as you can see the match wasn't close.... and as a reward the team was to play: Fiorentina! The last match of the month happened on the 28th.....a visit from Breton side FC Nantes. Nantes was favored but Home dogs don't roll over.... The match was one between equals and each side fought tooth and nail for the ball and each goal....a stoppage time Goal by Moussa Djitte snatched the draw from the already celbrating FC Nantes! The match was even but on another night according to the nerds would have won! League Table Player of the Month Chrislain Matsima The young defender is showing his quality and has solidified his place in the starting XI. Analytics Report Management Report Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted March 4, 2021 Share Posted March 4, 2021 Superb result in Europe! Still up there in the league. The draws are killing you! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted March 4, 2021 Author Share Posted March 4, 2021 58 minutes ago, SixPointer said: Superb result in Europe! Still up there in the league. The draws are killing you! I need a true number 9 CF....my goals come from the Attacking Midfield mostly.....with a few from Set-Pieces..... and I am one of the highest scoring teams in Ligue 1. My team constantly get "FMed" The reason I sold Steffen in reality is he wasn't really better than Bulka. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jogo Bonito Posted March 5, 2021 Share Posted March 5, 2021 Still in with a shout for Europe via the league. Or by winning a European trophy Great result against Hertha. See you in Italy. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted March 5, 2021 Author Share Posted March 5, 2021 Grenoble Foot 38 March 2027 : Regular Season "Jekyll and Hyde" Gerard was looking forward to playing in March, Five Fixtures in 21 days. Three in League and Two in Europa League Knockouts. Gerard is looking for 6 points in the League and again do as well as possible in Europa League! Schedule The month started with Fiorentina visiting Stade des Alpes.....Fiorentina was considered a slight favorite but always beware of Home Dogs..... This was a real dog fight Fiorentina drew first blood with an Over the top ball to Pinamonti who slotted it past Bulka. GF38 tried to answer in the first half but could hardly get a shot on target even though there were plenty. After a little Yelling at Halftime....Soule quickly scored to draw the game even.....the game remained a tight affair played mostly in the Midfield....then Fiorentina intercepted a GF38 pass and sent a Through ball for Pinamonti who scored again after losing his marker. Gerard demanded more and upped the mentality....GF38 responded with two goals in the last 10 minutes to win the Game! Gf38 deserved there win...even according to the stats nerds. After the Victory against Fiorentina Gerard asked the board to find a club to send Loanees to.... They agreed and would produce a list. The next match was a trip to Relegation threatened Stade des Reims.....because of the effort put forth by the starter's against Fiorentina the "Backups" would play.... Reims was only a slight favorite.... Gerard can't even describe what this game was like other than he had 12 players who didn't have the first clue as how to play soccer! ...GF38 did their best Southampton imitation! No Analysis needed....GF38 SUCKED except Eduardo Pires. The team paid back the Traveling fans.....but it wasn't enough.....Gerard wished their was a way to stop their Game Checks and Appearance bonuses! After the Humiliation in Reims the team had a meeting and Gerard told them not drop their heads even though he had given them the "Silent Treatment" immediately after the match. Gerard decided to forget the debacle and said "On to Fiorentina" to the waiting press.... The "Starters" who didn't even play in the Reims disaster were fired up and champing at the bit to "Prove" themselves worthy of Gerard's Management! Moussa Djitte scored two and had one disallowed by VAR in First half and Pires , Laurent and Pirringuel added to the rout! The match was closer than score line, but today their would be only one winner GF38. as a reward for the win was playing Athletico Madrid in the Quarterfinals! Grenoble will probably lose to Athletico, but two favorites have gone down already.... Returning from Italy the team played host to FC Metz Gerard played a half rotated team against FC Metz and Moussa Djitte and Bernard led the team against the opposition by putting their defense to the sword..... Three Goals in 15 minutes and match was basically over..... The analysis of the game shows how one sided it was.... After the Metz game the Board came back with their list of potential affiliates...Gerard chose the Belgian Club Mouscron! and the best thing is their club colors are the same! The Belgian League is playable in this save so will provide a great training ground for players on the fringe of the first squad that need further development! A week after the Metz victory the team traveled to Brittany to play FC Lorient.... Lorient is favored but GF38 has a chance....a victory would go a long way to returning the team to Europe. The team got off to another slow start.....going down 2-0 early and doing nothing till halftime.....as always Gerard lit into the team and they played much better in the second half and soon tied the game, after that the game down to who made the first mistake because the teams were evenly matched.....Unfortunately GF38 blinked first.....and lost.... The match could have gone another way.....Gerard has to figure out how to get the team fired up early..... Even though Grenoble is playing unevenly the continued success in Europe is attracting big name teams to Gerard's door.... Normally I would jump at a chance.....if this was a journeyman save! And during the International Break this happened..... due to Sadio Mane retiring from International Football.....his mini-me is taking his place! The Youth intake is rather disappointing...these are the two best prospects.... Of the two I like the CB more, but he is a real project to make Ligue 1! League Table Player of the Month Moussa Djitte The player got his first cap and led the line from the AML position in our wins/ Analysts Report Our defense has been horrible especially the Reims game that is a real outlier, but the team can't keep clean sheets. to make up for our defense we are lethal at scoring at least this month... Management Report The Board isn't happy....gone need a miracle to get a European place.....to placate them, but should survive if we don't get it but will be on short leash. Thanks for Reading! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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