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[FM21] "The Rise of a Prince of the Slovaks"


Hootieleece
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FC Kosice 

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Hello again, I am HootieLeece and I now find the need to create another Career Update. My Last three were for the Clubs Clermont, Debrecen, and Grenoble.

I have decided into a save in a small Eastern European Country. Since I like building up teams to claim their place near the top of the Football World. I searched until I could find a suitable place to start a save.

I am inspired by and liberally "borrow" from the tactical ideas many places including @SixPointer, @Carambau , @13th Man, @_Ben_.

Background

FC Kosice is a soccer club that is currently playing in the 2nd tier of Slovakian Football. They are the biggest team in Slovakia's 2nd Biggest City, Kosice. They cam into existence in 2018 after another local club was dissolved. That Club was FC VSS Kosice which had been a major player in the 1970's and 1990's.

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It is the mission of a "fictional" new manager and local ex-player to return the city of Kosice to greatness through Football.

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Kosice is a city of 238,757 (2018) in Eastern Slovakia, and it is known for its Universities: The Technical University of Kosice and Pavol Jozef Safarik Uniiversity.

Since the city has a large population of young adults. It is my intention to play with a "young team" for the most part. 

Most of the leagues in Eastern Europe and the Top 5 Leagues are loaded to provide some realism and if the Manager does gain the attention of a "truly" big club then that option will be available....

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As always thank you for reading and I really enjoy comments and questions.

 

 

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Good times!  Glad to get in from the start of this one rather than trying to play catch up like I did with Grenoble.

Looking forward to see what you “borrow” from everyone and what you do with it!

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FC Kosice

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The Financial Situation

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The Financial Situation is tricky. It is more than likely that the team will have to gain promotion this season for this save to go forward. Most of the players are only signed through the end of this season. Matus will probably have to invest heavily in youth.

Board Expectations

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League Preview

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The team is a preseason favorite thus making the job a little easier....but the team narrowly escaped relegation last season!

The board had signed two of the best players in the League to the team before the season. The GK Kira is the best in the Division and Pacinda is a former Slovakian International who will be our playmaker.

Coaching Staff

The Coaching and Scouting Staff is top notch.

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Head of Youth Development

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For a lower league team, this guy isn't the worst HOYD, but also not ideal. I like that he is a 4-3-3DM Wide Enthusiast.

Assistant Coach

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not horrible, but will do for now especially on those wages.

Best Coach

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Another local legend and former Slovakian International.....

General Manager

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Jan Kozak is a Slovakian Legend and former Manager and General Manager of the Club's Predecessor FC VSS Kosice.

Tactics

The original plan was to create something new and innovative around the 4-3-3 DM Wide. Since that is a formation I have trouble getting right.

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This formation lasted all of one Friendly.....

Since the staff was more comfortable with the 4-2-3-1 Wide  and the level of expectations.

I have decided for now to use previous tactics

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This is the main tactic.....

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This is something slightly different.

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And this is the one I used to dominate Hungary with a few tweaks....

Even though the ASSMAN's Report doesn't show it this team has decent technical ability and should be able to play a version of Pep's Bayern Tactics.

 

Is that where I want to go....No! but I need time to create a Club DNA and Tactical Style but the plan is to eventually use a 4-3-3 DM Wide. I like crosses and Counterattacks but beautiful through balls and possession make me weep with joy.

Who knows where this will lead!

 

 

I have already started playing the season.....and I didn't want the Update to become too long...so

Thanks For Reading!

 

 

 

 

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FC Kosice

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The Players

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According to the Assman the two best players are Pacinda and Kira. Just like the media.....

Erik Pacinda

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This player is a Left Winger by trade but in the the current system he will be playing the #10 role as a Trequarista because of an injury to the 3rd best player on the team. He will then transition into a poorman's Mo Salah when the starting #10 returns. His Set-Piece ability is also a major advantage and one reason he will start every possible match.

Matus Kira

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The Best Keeper in the Division wants to be Manuel Neuer and that is how He will be used but eventually will need to replaced.

Kamil Karas

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Kamil is the player slated to be the Trequarista as #10, probably not good enough but for this level will perform well.

Marek Vaclav

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Marek has good size and speed but less than satisfactory ball skill, I would normally retrain as a CB, but his Heading is atrocious.

Michal Jonec

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Michal is going to be trained as a BPD since he has less than ideal crossing ability, Height and decent Heading.

Frantisek Pavuk

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Another Fullback that will be retrained as a BPD. I think he will pair well with Jonec...and their pace will allow the team to play the High Line required of the tactic.

 

Any players that you are interested in I will Screenshot and describe.

Thanks for Reading!

 

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3 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

FC Kosice

aENXsV.png

The Financial Situation

cS9otF.jpg

vnZh7L.jpg

The Financial Situation is tricky. It is more than likely that the team will have to gain promotion this season for this save to go forward. Most of the players are only signed through the end of this season. Matus will probably have to invest heavily in youth.

Board Expectations

rAMRxC.jpg

League Preview

4tGK9Z.jpg

The team is a preseason favorite thus making the job a little easier....but the team narrowly escaped relegation last season!

The board had signed two of the best players in the League to the team before the season. The GK Kira is the best in the Division and Pacinda is a former Slovakian International who will be our playmaker.

Coaching Staff

The Coaching and Scouting Staff is top notch.

kmRx3u.jpg

Head of Youth Development

GEmvoh.jpg

For a lower league team, this guy isn't the worst HOYD, but also not ideal. I like that he is a 4-3-3DM Wide Enthusiast.

Assistant Coach

D5KS4i.jpg

not horrible, but will do for now especially on those wages.

Best Coach

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Another local legend and former Slovakian International.....

General Manager

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Jan Kozak is a Slovakian Legend and former Manager and General Manager of the Club's Predecessor FC VSS Kosice.

Tactics

The original plan was to create something new and innovative around the 4-3-3 DM Wide. Since that is a formation I have trouble getting right.

SZ7ZRi.jpg

This formation lasted all of one Friendly.....

Since the staff was more comfortable with the 4-2-3-1 Wide  and the level of expectations.

I have decided for now to use previous tactics

c4Kxus.jpg

This is the main tactic.....

056FMJ.jpg

This is something slightly different.

VjuL1h.jpg

And this is the one I used to dominate Hungary with a few tweaks....

Even though the ASSMAN's Report doesn't show it this team has decent technical ability and should be able to play a version of Pep's Bayern Tactics.

 

Is that where I want to go....No! but I need time to create a Club DNA and Tactical Style but the plan is to eventually use a 4-3-3 DM Wide. I like crosses and Counterattacks but beautiful through balls and possession make me weep with joy.

Who knows where this will lead!

 

 

I have already started playing the season.....and I didn't want the Update to become too long...so

Thanks For Reading!

 

 

 

 

Ohhh it’s seems everyone is moving away from 3 at the back at the same time 😜

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4 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

This formation lasted all of one Friendly.....

Come on! Only one friendly and you go running back to the old 4-2-3-1??? In seriousness I guess it makes sense as Karas is one of your better players and he’s not a hard enough worker to be a CM in a 4-3-3. Or…

1 hour ago, SixPointer said:

Ohhh it’s seems everyone is moving away from 3 at the back at the same time 😜

Or… @Hootieleececould do a 5-2-1-2 with all those converted BPDs making them a nice fit  for a poor man’s Atalanta type tactic?

Or, I guess…just stick to the old 4-2-3-1…we won’t be mad…just disappointed…(do what you want of course)

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1 hour ago, SixPointer said:

Ohhh it’s seems everyone is moving away from 3 at the back at the same time 😜

It just seemed like time to try something "New"....The Blueprints can be loaded anytime.....Matus Horvath has access to the Nesselquist files. (Same place as the Arpad Files, Dauphinais Files, Wehtamm Files)

4 minutes ago, 13th Man said:

Come on! Only one friendly and you go running back to the old 4-2-3-1??? In seriousness I guess it makes sense as Karas is one of your better players and he’s not a hard enough worker to be a CM in a 4-3-3. Or…

Or… @Hootieleececould do a 5-2-1-2 with all those converted BPDs making them a nice fit  for a poor man’s Atalanta type tactic?

Or, I guess…just stick to the old 4-2-3-1…we won’t be mad…just disappointed…(do what you want of course)

The 4-3-3 was very poor. Lost to a non-league side with players running all over the place defensively like "Chickens with their heads Cutoff"

 

Matus Horvath went with the boring old 4-2-3-1 Wide because that is what the coaches know and was the plan for the team anyway. Matus Horvath is under pressure to win now. He  only has a one year contract and is expected in top 3.

 

Matus Horvath plans to create a 4-3-3 DM Wide/5-3-2WB for next season and may try and experiment with it this season IF the team can win promotion with games to spare...

 

Also Matus is also intrigued by the Flat 3-5-2 that Newcastle and Leicester used in 2020/21. 

 

The one thing that is planned is HE ISN'T going for a HEAVY METAL Gengenpress.

 

Even if my usual profile of player is useful for that type of tactic.

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FC Kosice

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July/August 2020: "Once upon a Time...."

The schedule and the task ahead were immense, but Matus Horvath was up to the task....He thought....

Schedule

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As one can see the road to greatness is full of potholes and sinkholes....

Horvath tried a 4-3-3 DM Wide in his first match as manager and the team was so bad that he decided on a new gameplan after consulting his coaches.....

The first thing of note other than the loss in a friendly....was the announcement of FC Kosice's opponent in the First Round of the Slovakian Cup!

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This is another team that FC Kosice should be able to beat in fact Horvath plans a deep Cup run....

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Matus also instigated giving Boris Gall the Third best player a new deal when other teams came sniffing around.

The preseason went pretty much as expected after the change to a 4-2-3-1 Wide....Critics of the formation abound finding it especially "boring" but right now Matus needs results and this is probably the best option.

August started and with it the 2 League Season. The team had a tough first match against the best team in the Division.....

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They were just relegated from the top league and we escaped relegation from this league even if FC Kosice has gone on a spending spree.....

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The match was a loss with neither team playing defense.....and Matus acknowledged that Podbrezova was the better team on the day....

Matus Horvath also tried to put his imprint on the Club by getting an affiliate club both below and above the team....which is the current state of affairs (IRL).....

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The junior affiliate was rejected, but the Board agreed to find a Senior Affiliate....(IRL their Senior Affiliate is West Ham and there is a junior Affiliate playing in the 4rth tier of Slovakian Football)

The next match was versus Puchov a midtable team that FC Kosice should have no trouble with.....

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The team had a good day.....and was in control of the match.....

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as shown by the analytics....

The next match was against another contender: MKS Tatran Liptovsky Mikulas

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Even though the bookies thought we were better Matus was worried.....

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and he was right their RB and AML had a field day against us with diagonal crosses.....

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But he still let his anger be known because the level of commitment was less than stellar.....

After the loss Matus was looking to turn things around and Slovan Bratislava's U-21's seemed like the perfect answer.....they were the best team in the country's understudies but a professional team of "Men" should still beat "boys"....

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The Bookies were not in agreement with Matus.....

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But the team made them eat their bets!

The team then hosted  Propad for a match...

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The team was a clear favorite, but would have to do a "Professional" Job!

another good win brought to you by the Performance Analysts!

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The Board's verdict on a Senior Affiliate came back. The Choice was between AS Trencin and MSK Zilinia

Matus chose MSK Zilinia just because there were more players available....

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The next match was against defensively tough Petrzalka....

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Kosice is favored but the team aren't exactly prolific goal scorers.....

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The match got off to a good start with FC Kosice scoring first....but another Long ball over the top and incisive finishing denied the team 3 points....

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The Game Winner made all the local Sportcasts!

After a rest for International Play the team played one more match even though it was in September.....

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Samorin was reeling after playing Podbrezova....and it was a perfect time to get the team on track!

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Samorin did their best to make it difficult to score, but the team got the vital goal....

League Table

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Player of the Month

Erik Pacinda

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The Playmaker/Set-Piece Specialist was the catalyst for most of the goals scored by the team.

Analysts Report

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Management Report

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Thanks for Reading!

 

 

 

 


 

Edited by Hootieleece
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23 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

change to a 4-2-3-1 Wide....Critics of the formation abound finding it especially "boring" but right now Matus needs results and this is probably the best option.

Who are these critics??? What’s their problem?? I can’t believe people these days, especially on the internet.

Decent start though. I know you’re looking for promotion, and you’re a bit short of that form, but it’s still early days and you’re still getting a feel for the side. Ill bet you’ll get them doing even better soon.

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26 minutes ago, 13th Man said:

Who are these critics??? What’s their problem?? I can’t believe people these days, especially on the internet.

Decent start though. I know you’re looking for promotion, and you’re a bit short of that form, but it’s still early days and you’re still getting a feel for the side. Ill bet you’ll get them doing even better soon.

The usual internet trolls and even the press....as for form it is looking much better in September.....

22 minutes ago, karanhsingh said:

Glad to see you back with a new adventure! 

Thanks.....I think I will do these (Career Updates) during the Summer from now on....but I will play FM and comment on careers during the Fall/Winter/Spring. Getting ready for the "Summer Job"!

 

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1 hour ago, Hootieleece said:

Thanks.....I think I will do these (Career Updates) during the Summer from now on....but I will play FM and comment on careers during the Fall/Winter/Spring. Getting ready for the "Summer Job"!

Ahh, the life of a teacher! I’ll likely be in the same boat next year (COVID cut my full time position this past year) so we’ll see how much Livorno progresses once that all starts up again next year.

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18 minutes ago, Constantine said:

Keep an eye on players from Serbia, one of them got their career kickstarted at Kosice (Nemanja Matic).

Good luck.

I have a DM,MC named Kcmarevic in the squad that is very good for this level.

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FC Kosice

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September 2020: "The rebel army gains strength after the initial setbacks"

Matus came into September with a better feel for his team and the roles and tactic were mostly settled and it would show. The football wasn't exciting and produced ulcers for Matus, but it got the job done.

Schedule

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Highlights

Matus Horvath started the month off by buying a team colored tracksuit that will become his "Signature" style.....

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The team was a home favorite and the team needed to do a professional job against a team that sought his services.....

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Kira the goalkeeper and young Patrick Began ensured the that the fans went home happy....

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As the xG shows the team dominated and probably should have scored more.....the bookies and media were probably right about the strength of the team......

The team then headed for Dubnica where they were favored as well.....

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even though the home team won last season.....

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The team is still learning when to time their runs, but overall the play is satisfactory....but then we are already breaking down buses....

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The shooting isn't as incisive as Matus would like, but otherwise a pleasing performance against an overmatched team.

The next match was a home match in the Slovakian FA Cup.

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The opponent was near the bottom of the top division and Matus Horvath made a rotation decision that many wouldn't have He gave his starters the day off except Pacinda who would start on the bench. Mostly because they had player a lot of matches and had done a lot of training to get tactical familiarity and cohesion. 

He did this mostly based on the fact that the Bookies made the home team a favorite.

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The match was an "instant classic" with the team scoring in the 89th minute to force a penalty shootout. 

In the  Penalty Shootout the Zlate Moravce Players buckled under the pressure and either missed or had their shots saved on their first three penalties. Which allowed young CB Ondrej Elexa to become the hero!

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The young Ukrainian Backup GK showed his metal today saving two penalties.

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We are expected to make the 3rd round so the "backup" experiment probably won't be used again.

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The team played beautifully but there was a definite lack of "clinical" finishing. Otherwise this match would never had gone to penalties.

The other reason for using the backups was to rest the players for a big match against a good team for our division. The team then had to travel to Partizan Bardajov BSK and were the underdogs.

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and it led to another classic against a team that is probably our equal.....The hero was our best player Erik Pacinda scoring two goals playing as a Inverted Winger from the AMR position.

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The Media gobbled it up and led the highlights of sportscasts across the country.....

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We got good finishing, but needed it to win.....

This was a dominant win by analytics, but the opposition was able to find the  Achilles heel of our defense: The long ball over the top. Especially because they didn't "Park the Bus"

In other news the First Transfer Window closed in Slovakia.

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Erik Pacinda was one of the best notable players in the window and he is playing like it!

The next round of the Slovakian FA Cup was also determined.....

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The team will face another team from our league just three days before the league match between the two!

The next actual match was against Skalica at home in the Cermel.

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Skalica had started off strong, but had fallen off late. Their new signing Hasa hadn't quite found his shooting boots yet.

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The match was a very professional job where the team dominated....the team can breakdown "Buses"....mostly due to Pacinda!

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The team's play had been noticed by the media....

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The Media began asking more probing questions during Press Conferences with media attention.

Then an unexpected blow....

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The team loses its Captain and the Marshal of the defense....

 The final match of the month was another expected victory....this time a vist  from Trebisov.

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In many ways this was a culmination of all our play and everything going to plan....also helped that the opposition was terrible....

In fact Matus used the backups again.....

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The Analysis shows that it was complete domination....the team is finding form....but Matus is thinking of a way to make the team even better!

League Table

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Player of the Month

Erik Pacinda

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The "Talisman" has been almost ever present and continues to find ways to get on the scoresheet.

Analysis

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The analysis shows that we have a way to go before we are dispatching our opponents with ruthless efficiency. Our proligaficy in front of goal is particularly galling.

Maybe the critics are right....maybe the 4-2-3-1 Wide isn't the answer....

Management Report

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The board is much happier...for now,

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but the finances are very bad to say the least. This is why the team will need to invest in youth and hopefully get promoted.

Thanks for Reading!

 

 

 

 

 

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FC Kosice

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Octbober 2020:"The rebel army is gained strength raiding outpost and giving the people of the city of Kosice hope that a fair and just Queen would soon return."

Schedule

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Manager's Notes

Matus Horvath here: The team was definitely better than expected being a team that was almost relegated last season. The Front Office (Board ) did their job well. The only problem is that the players don't seem to have cohesion and the team relies almost exclusively on Pacinda. I think that for next season the team will transition away from the #10 role and replace it with a DLP possibly playing in the DM strata....I envision a "Pirlo" type pinging balls all over the field. The reason for this is the team has many CM's and not as many AM's that aren't Injured all the time.

The League schedule does help with injuries and the transition to a new system with a 3-4 month break between early November and the end of February. On another note the league only has 28 games making each match that much more important.

Highlight's

The month started out with more misfortune in Star Player Erik Pacinda, who was powering the team's title challenge, was seriously injured in training.

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since the player is our highest earner and already under contract for next season....he was sent for specialist treatment for money the team really couldn't afford....

The team had been getting ready for the next match....against Komarno...

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the team were favorites, but would they be able to do it without their talisman?

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Like most of our opponents Komarno "Parked the Bus" but the FC Kosice formation had been tweaked to include lessons learned from Solomon Arpad's Debrecen team in Hungary where they were on a similar run....

And the boys also totally dominated an overmatched team.

but there were more casualties....

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scored a goal and the Komarno defenders took it personal.....but he will be back.....

The press were impressed with the defensive effort and so was I....

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The team then had a few days to get ready for the next match.....

and more medical misfortune struck....

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Kamil Karas got hurt again.....needs to be wrapped up like a mummy.....I don't think that I will bring him back and I might need to escape from the 4-2-3-1 Wide and the #10 position with my two best playmakers hurt. I wont change anything until at least Mid-Season Break. 

The next match would be against our Senior Affiliate's B team.....

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I was  happy to play them and beat them, the only reason I instigated the link was for the money.....

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I even rotated a bit and played David Kerestes in a CM-Attack role and started Kcmarevic, MC,DM as a CB. 

It all worked well the only thing that is concerning is how far up we have to play our defensive line and that we are very susceptible to the long ball over the top.

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The analysis shows that it was a comfortable win.

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But another of our AM's has been bitten by the injury bug.....

After the Zilinia B match up we headed home to the Cermel to host Banska Bysrtica

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Even with our injuries we were expected to win and keep our place at the top of the table.

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This match showed our fight, but should never have been close.

A victory is a victory!

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as the xG shows.

We completely out played them and our complete lack of finishing is to blame....

The next two matches saw the team travel to Puchov. A team of similar stature in the league and we were scheduled to play them twice in a week (back to back) in both the Slovakian FA Cup and in the League. Both Matches were at their stadium.

With that in mind I rotated the team and played as many of the bench players as possible in the Cup match...to give my overworked players some rest....

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David Kerestes came through again with a late stoppage time winner!

But the victory came at terrible cost.....

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We lost our 4rth best player who was covering for our Captain.....most importantly he will miss the match against Podbrezova!

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The match was another defensive masterpiece but we were lucky to get the win. Hopefully the Victory won't end up being "Pyrrhic"!

As a reward we play Senica at home in the next round of the cup!

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The team then had another match with MSK Puchov.....

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It was a drab affair with each side having made defensive tweaks to negate the others advantages.....but if we were at full strength I think we would have won.

 

The next match was a big rematch with Podbrezova! a recently relegated side that was playing well and looking for promotion. They were in second place in the table.

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The media and bookies made us favorites because of home field advantage. If any of them looked at the injured list Podbrezova would be the favorites!

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1 vs 2 for the table lead for automatic promotion!

 

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This was the table heading into the Podbrezova match.....

and on a sobering note this is was the injured list....

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Gameday came and I played the best XI I could....

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It wasn't enough Podbrezova killed us over the top as I became enamored with the idea of winning the match after tying it in the later stages of the second half, but the biggest difference was the missing players....

Overall after tying the match I should have played for the point!

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Analysis shows we weren't playing well but were in the match until I pressed for victory.

 

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our undefeated streak came to an end.....

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and Podbrezova's Goal's were all over Slovakian television that night.....

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But I was annoyed with the pressand informed them we didn't play well enough....

League Table

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Player of the Month

Michel Jonec

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He has been a rock at the back playing with innumerable partners helping us to victories.

He is playing as a CB.

Analysts Report

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Management Report

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The board are as unhappy with the loss to Podbrezova as I am....

Thanks for Reading!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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FC Kosice

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November 2020

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Manager's Thoughts

Matus Horvath again: November would see two more matches and the beginning of the Mid-Season Break. The Third Round of the Slovakian FA Cup and a match against Liptovsky Mikulas. The team was playing well, but the Mid-Season Break will give me a great chance to assess the team and for our injured players to heal and be ready for continuing the title challenge. The only thing that worries me really is our weakness against balls over the top and diagonal crosses. We generally suffocate any other sort of play....

The team doesn't have a lot of depth and is in financial trouble. I will be extending the contracts of the younger first teamers and hope to get a good youth intake to round out numbers.

We need to get promoted badly even if it would be "too soon" otherwise the Queen City of Slovakia will never have a club worthy of it again....

Schedule

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Highlights

The Month's first match was against a top League team in Senica in the 3rd Round of the Slovakian FA Cup.

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The media and bookies thought we had a chance because we were playing at the Cermel stadium

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Unfortunately our injury woes continue.....

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Marek Vaclav our starting Left Back was injured but he can play through it....he won't play unless necessary against Senica but will start the league match.

I started a younger team of mostly backups hoping for a little more "magic"....

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and it worked when I brought on starters...after half....especially Boris Gall!

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I told the assembled press how proud I was of the team.

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The analytics show that we were much better after the halftime adjustments. Boris was the masterstroke if I say so myself....

and in other news , the team resigned our only member of the National Setup....

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Marcel has the ability to become a great midfielder...I will probably be building around him in the future....

A few days after the Cup triumph we hosted the last league game before break. I wanted to win to be sitting a top the table. The opponent would be tough and a team we lost to early in the season like Podbrezova, Liptovsky Mikulas.

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I had misgivings unlike the media and bookies....they hadn't paid attention to the injured list!

Also even when we were at full strength...this team prefers to play in a way that takes advantage of our weaknesses defensively. 

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I told the press I wanted a better outcome and the players were happy....

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I was not after 90 minutes....

The game was as ugly as I feared....this team is our kryptonite.

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The analysis gives our team too much credit.....

but in better news we found out who we are playing in the Quarterfinals of the Slovakian FA Cup!

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Inter Bratislava is a former Giant of Slovakian Football that has fallen on hard times.....they are currently in the 4rth Division....

The press also hounded me after the defeat.....

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I am trying to play winning soccer.....

but the next news story was complimentary at least....

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League Table

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Player of the Month

Marek Vaclav

See the source image

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Marek is playing the best right now and is probably the 2nd best player ability wise that isn't injured. Unfortunately he and I haven't quite seen eye to eye after my angry tirade after the Podbrezova match.

Thanks for Reading!

See the source image

Guess how I'm spending the Mid-season Break.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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1 hour ago, theBlackPrince said:

That injury list is :mad: Looks like the break comes at a good time to hopefully get them all back to go again!

Close at the top, could be a case of one or two results each way will be the difference. 

The Mid-Season Break is LONG....Mid-November to Early March. I have a second Preseason starting in January. But at least everyone will be healthy.:D

I am hoping to get promoted then consolidate as a youth-only team over the next few years. I read that Kosice was a area of Slovakianization under the Communists and I think the area would be proud to have an all Slovak team representing them. 

 

Tactically I plan on ditching the 4-2-3-1 Wide for a 4-3-3 DM Wide or a Wide 3-1-4-2, but the tactical style might change from Vertical Tiki-Taka.

 

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6 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

3-4-1-2 could be interesting. Would like to see you try that out. 

All Slovak team will certainly be quite a challenge but more power to you! 

I have played a 3-1-4-2  Wide before just never in a career update. I'm just thinking out loud based on the team I have and projected intake.  The All Slovak team is still something for the future! The GM (DOF) didn't get the memo in his trying to fill the youth team ranks during break.

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Good stuff! I figured you’d get them going soon enough. Doing well even with the injuries!

Hope to see your version of the 3-4-1-2 sometime! It can work beautifully if you’re a dominant team - or if you have the right players. 

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FC Kosice

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November-December 2020: Mid-Season Break

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Manager's Thoughts

After a few nights downtown in an alcohol soaked dream, I headed back to the office.... especially since no one (especially the pretty young ladies) would believe I was a Football Manager. The team was coming along well and was well positioned for a title challenge. Unfortunately the team doesn't have the Financial backing to keep this team together. So I must prepare with some help from the GM preparing for a scaled back future....hopefully in the top flight!

Highlights

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The team went on there break and I had to plan another preseason to get the team ready.

Then came the bombshell from the Board of Directors.

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That meant even if I sell players it will only be to service the club debts....and if I somehow raised $2.57M the directors would keep the profits.

Not that I have to worry.....the players are only valued at about $300-400k total and that is lees than the club payroll. Also the club record sale is $7K!

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The first of the injured has healed and will be ready for Preseason II.

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After all the injuries, Vladislav, Head of Sports Science, had the temerity to tell me what a wonderful job he was doing!

Analyst Report

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We are winning because we shoot and shoot often....by "buying a ticket" and defensively we are fragile kept in games by a superb goalkeeper.

Management Report

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The Board isn't happy with our recent play but I think it is mostly a combination of bad luck and injuries to key players. The financial picture is much bleaker.

December

During December I got to work on providing the team with some players beyond June of 2021with the finances in mind.

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Kerestes isn't first pick this season, but has played well when called upon and took a pay cut.....

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Martin is a decent  player with some potential and since I think I will be shifting to a more Slovak focused Youth model for the club he fits the bill.

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Ondrej has the potential to be a good CB.....not the best passer, but good in the air.

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Kuc is more of a CB than left back even though he play there.....also you and cheap.

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The "MAN" is back....can't wait to see his magic happen in second half of the season.

 

Youth Intake Preview

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I hope that the HOYD is right as I will probably need the 3-4 best players to step straight into the first team next season!

Brexit

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The UK left the European Union because they were afraid of Slovakian Football players  taking all the jobs in the Premier League away from young English players....LOL!

December Management Report

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More of the same but at least nobodies mad about match performance!

Thanks for Reading!

 

 

 

 

 
 

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FC Kosice

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January-February 2021: Preseason #2

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Manager's Thoughts

The team came back refreshed from Mid-Season Break. Most of the players had enjoyed themselves over the holidays and needed a little prep to get them back to match fitness. I believe in both working hard and playing hard. As for tactical changes I will primarily stay with the 4-2-3-1 Wide for the rest of this season but I did introduce a 4-3-3 DM Wide looking to the future.....there will be more tactical changes in the future. I have been following the 3 at the back trend with interest from many leagues. Also I will be attending the Slovakian National Team Matches at the Euros. The team needs to get promoted at all costs or Kosice will never have a worthy Football team again. Our crosstown rivals FC Lokomotiva Kosice are languishing in the 4rth Division....

So it is up to us....or me specifically to put Kosice on the footballing map again!

Schedule

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Highlights

The preseason started out with a lot of friendlies, but one I will start all Preseason's with the First Team versus the U-19's if for no other reason as to reinforce to the youngsters that they have a way to go before becoming good enough for first team soccer.

I decided to try out the new formation that I introduced in training earlier in the week the 4-3-4 DM Wide.....

but first there are rumors someone with money is interested in my project....

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I wouldn't object as long as I kept my job!

The first friendly was a desultory affair because both the First team and U-19's were finding their footing with the new formation.

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I was glad that the First team did beat the U-19's but for now I think I will but the 4-3-3 DM Wide to bed.

The next friend was against Slovan Bratislava's U-21's another 2 League team....but they had been depleted by player sales.

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The reason for the dominance was the fact that they used a 5-3-2 WB formation and our 4-2-3-1 Wide Press is very good against it.

The rest of the month of January was filled with training and friendlies....

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against MSK Zilina our "Parent" Club.....it was just an ugly affair I played ALL the players....

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A visit to FC Minaj didn't go as planned even though we were the better team

Analyst Report

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Monthly Management Report

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February 2021

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Kavka is older than I would like but will probably be transitioning to CB instead of RB.

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The Ukrainian visitors gave us a game but the team fought throughout the 90 minutes and sealed the victory late.

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We were in control the whole time but didn't really look like winners until late as analysis shows.

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Here comes the injury bug.....

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The First League side was happy to get the draw.....

We then headed on the road to visit Kiecle in Silesia....

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We then headed to Romania to play a lower division club.....

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It was a total thrashing: 6-0!

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Everyone was happy that the team played well.....

The team took that confidence into a match we had circled for a while....with FC Lokomotiva Kosice!

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Our Ultras celebrating the victory in FC Lokomotiva's Stadium!

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The Transfer Window would see a lot of coming and goings......

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Marcel Novak wasn't a player I wanted to sell, but Pardubice's offer was too good based on the team's financial state. Especially if the Slovakian U-19 lives up to his potential. The $31K was $25K more than the club record sale.

It also led to some tension with Vice Captain and GK Matus Kira.

And the team then rounded out its Preseason Friendlies against Moldava.....

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It was a comfortable win and if we play as well in the Slovakian Cup Quarterfinal against Inter Bratislava I will be pleased.

Training

As for training like I said earlier my ethos is Work Hard and Play Hard!

The following is the training plan for February of Preseason.

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The Current week preparing for the Cup match and the resumption of the 2 League is like so:

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and this is how the team is split up into training units....with their individual training focuses.

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and Finally the next two weeks.....

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Many people would say I am working the players too hard and some of the players would agree....but one doesn't get to where they want to be without working for it! (Unless you were born with a silverspoon)

Tactics

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This is our basic tactic it is an adaption of Bayern's style.

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This is our second tactic that is effective at breaking down "Parked Buses"

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and this is the work in progress....I am also thinking of going 3 at the back.....

Highlights Part Two

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Just before the resumption of the season......

and of course he was the Player of the Preseason#2

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as you can see he is our best rated player.

Transfer Window

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Most of these players were recommended by the GM and since we need to fill out the U-19's. Filipiak is for cover NEXT SEASON!

The team was also busy offloading salary......

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As one can see we did two of the three biggest sales of the window. Hopefully the GK to Skalica doesn't come back to haunt us, but we had two fine GK's in the U-19's and on loan. 

League Table

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We are comfortably in 2nd only play Bardejov of our closest competitors over the last 11 matches.

Analyst Report

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The analysis of the team shows that we are still leaky defensively and prolifigate in front of goal....we are winning because we are BETTER than most of our opponents man for man.

Financial Report

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Thanks For Reading!

 

 

 

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2 things  -

1 - I fell out of love with the 4-2-3-1 when I felt like there were too many players all together in the box - does your T drop deeper to help keep players on various levels, or do the varying roles give you the movement/space you want?

I like the 4-3-3! It’s very different from how I’ve set up my own 4-3-3s in the past, but that’s the fun of following others! Feel like you’d get some good but still progressive possession with it. I hope you take it out for a spin soon and it is know how it goes.

2 - on the finances: I think Livorno’s account went way negative each year but seemed okay once all the beginning of the year money came in. Kosice certainly seems worse off, but  maybe not as horrible as it seems? I do think the finances get easier as we get further away from COVID even if it’s not expressly mentioned in game. 

 

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@13th Man 

I am playing the 4-2-3-1 Wide because I need results and it is what the other coaches know best and the players fit....these are the players on the team at start.

The 4-3-3 Wide could be good, but I don't really know if it will be good without the gengenpress a la Liverpool!

I will also be experimenting with a 3-1-4-2 as well during the summer of 2021...

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Profligacy in front of goal is a perennial FM problem for any team doing well, but you seem to be having a strong season nevertheless! Here's hoping you finish well, and I look forward to seeing the tactical experimentation in the summer.

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FC Kosice

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March 2021: "The Football Gods are against us"

Manager's Thoughts

Matus Horvath again: I was really happy with how the team was shaping up to finish the season. Unfortunately the Injury Bug has hit us hard again taking out BOTH of our Key Players for the rest of the season. Also we now have a bit of GoalKeeping Crisis, but other than that we will do our best to win the League Title and Promotion. The Youth team got some reinforcements and some of them look promising....since they will probably be thrown to the wolves next season!

Schedule

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Highlights

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Inter Bratislava are a fallen giant by Slovakian standards and is playing the lower leagues but unlike the teams in Kosice they have substantial financial backing.

It is a winnable match but I would have predicted the hosts to win...

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We started fast scoring twice while Inter were still napping and after that it all went wrong.....it was like a light switch went on and then they played like champions!

   Also it didn't help that the referee was very biased and gave out yellow cards for standing next to their players!

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but according to Analytics we didn't stand a chance.....

I am not happy to go out like that.....I thought we had an outside chance at the Cup, Which would have given us a chance in EUROPE!

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The media and fans are happier with that Cup run than I am.....

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The next match was against Slovan Bratislava's U-21's who are slumping this season due to player sales.....

They were considered favorites due to being at home and our slumping form....but out team and tactics were more than a match and we had already beat them easily this season.

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We won but it wasn't convincing at all....but Kosuda did score which should improve his performances.

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Analytics gave us a better grade than I would, but a win is a win....

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New Backup goalie promoted from U-19's hurt.....at least we have Kira...and lets start praying he stays healthy!

Our next match was at home versus another midtable team....

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This was another match we should win especially with Pacinda playing again....

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We started out fast again but they answered in the second half....after refocusing their defense and us trying to break them down. I subbed Filip Kis as a move to break the deadlock late and I was looking like a genius when he scored two goals for the victory!

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We played well against one of the leagues better defenses according to xG!

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The next match should have been a victory....it was a trip to tablepropper FK Poprad! We were favored by everyone and everyone was healthy except a backup GK!

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It was an absolute nightmare....from my perspective....They set up deep and the Ref let them get away with everything.....and two goals were disallowed....that would have won the game.

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It was just a horrible match.....

Luckily we have two weeks off to get healthy again and iron out the kinks for the final drive to the Title! or so I thought....

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We are now without a goalie....thank god for the time off!

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Down goes Pacinda...

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We are now without BOTH our Key Players....and are currently Goalie less....:seagull:

Youth Intake

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Not a bad intake that GK get might get immediate use! Sokol and Sulak look to be the most ready.

Highlights 2

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at least we now have a GK....

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but then again we don't! What did I do to deserve this crisis? Does anyone know what sacrifices the Football Gods like?

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I signed a recommended player to replace Komazec, who has aged before my eyes....going from scoring for fun to can't escape a marker in 4 months!

League Table

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Player of the Month

Filip Kis

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This journeyman nothing special winger was the best player in March. His two goals against Petrzalka cemented it.

 

 

Analyst Report

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The team got out of its poor run in march but definitely wasn't clicking on all cylinders.

The Poprad game proved it.

Management Report

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The board isn't happy about the same results as I am at least we agree on that!

Thanks for Reading!

 

 

 

 

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15 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

am playing the 4-2-3-1 Wide because I need results and it is what the other coaches know best and the players fit....these are the players on the team at start.

Sorry! Not harping on the 4-2-3-1 again!
I actually went away from it when it wasnt getting me results because I had too many players occupying the same space making the same runs, especially when playing against the double decker parked buses. In one save I actually tended to play a 4-2-3-1 against top clubs and a 4-3-3 against smaller ones to great effect.

Do you find youre having that issue or are the runs and positions taken up varied enough?  

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4-2-3-1 Wide :It mostly players milling about not knowing what to do.....which is a problem when you play as a lower league side. I have less problems when I get better players.

I am planning on doing a tactical switch AFTER this season. I will be going with 4-3-3 Wide and a 3-1-4-2

 

I may have to change my plans due to being a lack of Bigger, Faster, Stronger Players in the youth setup....

5'10 + with good physicals (pace and acceleration 12+) is my usual player profile.

other attributes role related.

 

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10 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

4-2-3-1 Wide :It mostly players milling about not knowing what to do.....which is a problem when you play as a lower league side. I have less problems when I get better players.

I am planning on doing a tactical switch AFTER this season. I will be going with 4-3-3 Wide and a 3-1-4-2

 

I may have to change my plans due to being a lack of Bigger, Faster, Stronger Players in the youth setup....

5'10 + with good physicals (pace and acceleration 12+) is my usual player profile.

other attributes role related.

 

Ha! Good times.

Looking forward to the 3-4-1-2! Like the preview 4-3-3 as well. 
Got to accept what you got with your youth set up! Makes for an interesting challenge when you got to figure out a tactic outside your comfort zone.

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15 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

4-2-3-1 Wide :It mostly players milling about not knowing what to do.....which is a problem when you play as a lower league side. I have less problems when I get better players.

I am planning on doing a tactical switch AFTER this season. I will be going with 4-3-3 Wide and a 3-1-4-2

 

I may have to change my plans due to being a lack of Bigger, Faster, Stronger Players in the youth setup....

5'10 + with good physicals (pace and acceleration 12+) is my usual player profile.

other attributes role related.

 

If it is the case of your players of not know what to do, Decisions and Vision are probably playing a part.

In your Bayern 4231, have you tried setting your fullback on stay wider? What about switching your CM on support to a BBM set to move into channels? That'll create an overload on your left side, allowing your right side more time and space on the ball. A BBM will also give you more movement in midfield, allowing exchanging, fluid passing play in the opposition's half.

I rarely use Trequartistas at the AM spot, prefer to just play it simple and use AM on support with player instructions. Or a shadow striker if my central striker is a false nine, a deep lying forward or a target man.

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39 minutes ago, haier_fm said:

If it is the case of your players of not know what to do, Decisions and Vision are probably playing a part.

In your Bayern 4231, have you tried setting your fullback on stay wider? What about switching your CM on support to a BBM set to move into channels? That'll create an overload on your left side, allowing your right side more time and space on the ball. A BBM will also give you more movement in midfield, allowing exchanging, fluid passing play in the opposition's half.

I rarely use Trequartistas at the AM spot, prefer to just play it simple and use AM on support with player instructions. Or a shadow striker if my central striker is a false nine, a deep lying forward or a target man.

Those are good ideas.....might try a few in the last games....

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I have finished the season and will post in the coming days.....

Just Food for thought of our tactical gurus among the readers. This is next season's formations. Which one should I make the main one?

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a 3-1-4-2:

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and a "Slovak" spin on the Mighty Magyars:

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Disregard the Tactics widget the players are right and on vacation.

 

What do you think? let's discuss.

 

 

 

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Woah, that 3rd one is nuts! Seems like it could be deadly as long as players will get forward quick enough in transition - it is very bottom heavy despite only one CB.

Like the 4-3-3. My only concern is penetration. The IF will and the IW will too as a dribbler (but more towards the byline). There’ll be nice central midfield movement but, again, not sure about runners into the box. It should do a good job of keeping possession though!

Same on 3-1-4-2. I might go with a mez(a) or a CM(a). The BBM will do some but I find they operate a bit more around the box than inside.

Last but not least, I’d consider taking out some TIs with these lower level/league players. It can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe see if you can achieve the same play with less. If not, put em back on!

All in all, Im vrooming forward to seeing how all these work as they’re all interesting in their own ways!

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Looks like the Magyar bug has bitten you after all ;) 

I found this video with an interesting FM21 replication, if you want to have a look - although the creator was playing with Ajax.

I like the second tactic though. Although I feel it needs another one or two players on attack duty, as currently it's only the AF.

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12 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

I have finished the season and will post in the coming days.....

Just Food for thought of our tactical gurus among the readers. This is next season's formations. Which one should I make the main one?

C8ZChy.jpg

a 3-1-4-2:

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and a "Slovak" spin on the Mighty Magyars:

Iuw710.jpg

 

Disregard the Tactics widget the players are right and on vacation.

 

What do you think? let's discuss.

 

 

 

I love how everyone is starting to move outside the box tactically. It’s gonna be a interesting few months reading these threads 

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FC Kosice

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April 2021:

Manager's Thoughts

Matus Horvath again: April was the month that virtually sealed the title. It was probably the most important month of the season in that we didn't lose a match while fielding an Emergency GK that was little better than any fan randomly pulled from the stands!

It also helped confirm my belief in myself as a manager of ambition and that FC Kosice was the right choice to start my career with.

 

Schedule

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Highlights

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Holy GoalKeeping Crisis! and Hudak just came back from injury....

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Podbrezova losing to a relegation threatened team gives us a chance especially with a game in hand!

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I decided to resign a goalie that was out on loan all season and he is cheap backup....but might end up starting!

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not bad for a backup! unfortunately We couldn't recall him from his loan.....

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I'm only signing this guy because I don't want a "Gray" Emergency Goalie....because we are in Crisis!

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This guy is NOW the starting GK! 

more injuries....incoming

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The first match of the month was against Dubnica...at the Cermel.

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We were favorites because of league standing.....the media also began to talk about our lack of funding.

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But this was a game in hand and of course it was important! If we wanted to win the title we needed to win as often as possible.

but we were fielding  a 3rd-rate GK.....

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It was a good win, but was a little shaky.....The new GK showed why early....but the team came to life after I borrowed Fergie's Hairdryer at halftime.

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The analysis shows that the match was in doubt until late on when we finally broke the bus....first with a penalty.

The team then had to head to Samorin for another match....

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We were favorites even with 3 of our best players out of the lineup. The title became a real possibility....

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We carried the momentum from the last match into this one and scored twice and looked to be coasting to victory when Samorin helped prove why the 3rd rate GK is 3rd rate!

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This is now the greatest ever FC Kosice team! only other result was a 10th place finish last season.....

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I decided to pump the brakes on the Title talk to keep the team grounded in reality.

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But the media is getting on the hype train....

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but analysis shows that we hung on to that victory...barely. Sometimes you need a little luck!

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The next match was against Skalica....where we would meet ex-backup GK Sheremeta....he would have looked real good in Yellow and Blue!

We were favored to win because  of form and table position.

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We went ahead early.....but weren't able to hang on to the win because of GK mistake....

This was a winnable match and would have made the road to the title easier.....

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We were still in the lead with a match in hand....

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and analysis shows we outplayed Skalica but only have a draw to show for it....would we regret the dropped points?

The final match of the month was against one of our tougher tests Bardejov

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We were in better table position and at home but not sure why we were favorites in this match....mostly because of our 3rd rate GK!

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We scored early and tried to get a second, but it NEVER came....just before half a two mistakes one defensive and other GK combined to allow their best player to equalize. We then fruitlessly tried to batter their goalkeeper with shots until time expired.

I was more than a little upset with the match, but I assuage my anger afterwards in downtown...

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another match where we threw away points....but we were playing better than anyone expected of us....except ME!

and 

Vice Captain Kira decided to end his spat with me....over the team's biggest ever sale...

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Slovakian FA Cup

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Our senior partner stopped Slovan Bratislava from winning the Double! and we had lost to the biggest over achievers! Unfortunately we did get any money for our efforts!

League Table

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Player of the Month

Nikola Krcmarevic

 

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He was the best player doing much to cover for our GK from his MC position.

Analysis Report

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Management Report

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Things were going well except on the Financial Front!

Thanks For Reading!

 

 

 

 

 

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FC Kosice

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May 2021:"We are the Champions"

Manager's Thoughts

As you have already guessed we won the title. The board had put together a good team. They went for it, but the team needed the right manager to see it through. Which was me, of course. I am happy to bring football to prominence once again in the Queen City of Slovakia. Next on the list is renewing the rivalry with Slovan Bratislava, that won't be easy. They are the PSG/Bayern of Slovak Football. 

I am now at a place where I can create my own brand of football which hopefully will one day take me far from Kosice.

 

Schedule

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Highlights

The month of May would start with a visit from Komarno...they were a midtable side that we should win against with both Pacinda and Kira back in the Team...

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but it was not to be and the match turned into who could foul each other harder and the attacking play was dis jointed with the Pacinda rejoining the team.

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In an after match interview I made the best of the debacle on the field.....considering all the yellow cards awarded...."We show our commitment to winning by any means necessary."

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Analysis shows that we probably should have won the game and almost rued the lost points!

Our next match was against Relegation threatened Trebisov....

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We would at least make sure of top 3 with a win....thus assuring the Board's objective, but I wanted more! 

I held a team meeting and downplayed the meaning of the match to clear the tension and release the pressure on the team.

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and when the press badgered me I remained non-committal...only trying to keep the team loose...

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The team played free and easy.....and put poor Trebisov to the sword in a demolition that probably sealed their fate....

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The media showed highlights of ALL our Goals!

One more win and Podbrezova loss and it would be ours.....

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I was thrilled with the win and let the players know I had confidence in them.....

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and the team's two biggest wins EVER were against Trebisov.....that had me asking if we could play them every week?

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Analysts were cheered by the win, but were amazed we scored so many!

The Penultimate match of the season was a tricky away match against Banka Bystrica

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We were favorites because of table position and the fact that this win would probably seal the title. But I was wary of Home underdogs....

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held another meeting to calm the hype.....

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but I was confident.....

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but it was all for naught as we played tight and complacent and were punished for it.....

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As one can see we tried to get back in the match after halftime but it wasn't enough!

So the title would come down to the final day....We would need a victory and some help....

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Our final opponent would be our Senior affiliate's B team.....and we would play at the Cermel!

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We were favored but would have to do a professional job and hope for some help.....but I was confident in our chances.

Zilina B played 5-3-2 WB system we were particularly good against.....

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Petrzalka would "Do their job" just like us....

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The Clubs debts came into focus as we headed into the match...which made winning the title that much more imperative.

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In a shining start Erik Pacinda grabbed the trophy with both hands....and carried the team to victory.....with a Hat-Trick!

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but it was Petrzalka's defeat of Podbrezova that clinched it.

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The analysts wanted to get in on the fun as well.....

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Now my name is known and Kosice and I don't even have to buy a drink to talk to the lovely ladies!

See the source image

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We won the title and are bringing football back to the Queen City of Slovakia!

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I don't even think that this paid for the party afterwards.....hopefully there is more money in the top league otherwise the club will never get out of debt.

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Also this is the best ever FC Kosice Team! Well the team had one Tenth place finish to its name and the club is in its 3rd year of existence. Being founded in 2018!

 

League Table

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Analysis Report

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Board Meeting

On the Monday morning after the victory and title celebrations I was called to the team office's and met with the board about next season.

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This was the plan.....not sure how I was going to reconcile defensively solid soccer and possession but I would try.

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This budget doesn't give me any room to work with and I will probably have to just keep the players we have and possibly throw some youth players into the fire as well.

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But I would be allowed to hire a Recruitment Analyst for all the players I wouldn't be buying! For now I will keep that job to myself!

after the meeting I decided to re-sign Krcmarevic.

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but next season I would try to play the big Serb in his more natural position of DM and role of Ball-Winning Midfielder.

Management Report

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Thanks for Reading!

 

 

 

 

Edited by Hootieleece
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FC Kosice

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AWARDS NIGHT 2021

 

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Kosice

Coming to you from the Doubletree Hotel in Downtown Kosice!

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Erik Pacinda was my choice as most impactful transfer....but the Board thought it was Patrik Began, who I brought in to be Pacinda's understudy.

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These are the players I let go to trim the payroll budget a bit....probably could have used Sheremeta during April but it all worked out in the end.

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The League Campaign was one to remember....

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We did our job in the FA Cup but I was disappointed to go out to Inter!

Eventhough the penalty shootouts were agonizing!

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The Revenue is rather paltry....we didn't even have EVERY season ticket holder buy a jersey!

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The team broke all kinds of records but the team has only been in existence since 2018!

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That is all folks! Enjoy the night.....Rooms are available for the impaired!

 

Thanks for Reading!

 

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  • Hootieleece changed the title to [FM21] "The Rise of a Prince of the Slovaks"

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