[FM22] Secondo Posto...Vizemeister...Deuxième...Subcampeón...Runners-Up No More - Top 5 Journey Man - Chapter VIII - 1. FC Saarbrücken [Finished]

[Cheez3y]

It hurts...but we need to do that.

 

I looked at the team now and holy s***.

We basicly got 10 players, which I would rate as "ok" players.

[corinthiano]

21 minutes ago, Cheez3y said:

Ty.

 

I was always a fan of narrow formation, but the last one really worked in FM 20 for me.

Yesterday I saw the IWB video from BustTheNet, so why not just implement it and just try.

Yeah I am very interested to see especially as I couldnt really get IWBs working for me, just felt like it crowded the midfield out. So I got WBs instead and a DLP that could ping it out to them from the back to give us a wide option in attack.

[Cheez3y]

Another one for the rebuild.

 

Spoiler

 

Sadly Cuisance rejected the SPAL offer and the 3 mio.

Hopefully he wants to join Lecce.

 

Spoiler

 

[Cheez3y]

2 minutes ago, corinthiano said:

Yeah I am very interested to see especially as I couldnt really get IWBs working for me, just felt like it crowded the midfield out. So I got WBs instead and a DLP that could ping it out to them from the back to give us a wide option in attack.

Yeah that the normal route I normally go too.

But I never could make it consistent.

[Cheez3y]

 

Surprise...there were some done deals already.

Venturi is a really good looking starting CB.

Delgado and Kasius are some good looking RB, which will now enjoy the IWB training on the left side. 

Marcato looks like a solid youngster.

 

Spoiler

 

 

Heymans is out, which means 3 mio in the bank.

 

[Cheez3y]

Once again I will the DoF do there thing.

Mr. Collauto looks decent.

 

He is already doin some business.

We need another DM.

 

Media predictions says top half.

 

Wow Torino FC is in Serie B.

Edited June 7, 2022 by Cheez3y

[Cheez3y]

3,6 mio more in the bank.

 

We 100% need a new keeper and Mr. DoF found a Zidane.

I used Luca Zidane before in FM21, decent Sweeper Keeper.

[karanhsingh]

Narrow formation with IWBs seems counter intuitive to me. Interesting to see how it works. 

[Cheez3y]

13 minutes ago, karanhsingh said:

Narrow formation with IWBs seems counter intuitive to me. Interesting to see how it works. 

This scares me too.

I hope with the HB I can create a 3 ATB.

[Cheez3y]

Sadly two No's.

[Cheez3y]

 

First transfer which I initiated.

A natural IWB for pretty cheap and he is U23.

 

Spoiler

 

[Cheez3y]

 

Since we are on a tight budget, you always need to check the loan list.

Berardi looks like a start for us.

 

Spoiler

 

[karanhsingh]

Berardi should be very good for Serie B

[Cheez3y]

9 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Berardi should be very good for Serie B

After the first friendly I would 100% agree with that statement. 

[Cheez3y]

First friendly we played against Lecce, fresh relegated from the Serie A.

Our defense looked solid.

The quick goal against us was an over the top ball between our two CBs.

Idk if thats the "higher line" or "play for offside".

Probably the offside one.

 

 

1st goal

 

I think I got my desired shape.

The HB (Karamono) drops between the CBs (Barison+Venturi) and create a makeshift 3 ATB.

 

The IWB (Delgado + El Hilali) are pretty wide and stretching the play.

 

-- 12 sec later --

 

We still got the 3 ATB, the HB is holding pretty nice the position between the CBs.

The IWB are our widest players and creating a lot of space for the B2B and F9.

Currently Berardi (F9) is holding the ball.

 

--  1 sec later --

 

El Hilali (IWB) is starting his inside run.

Berardi (F9) and Esposito (B2B) is taking the attention and the gap opens.

 

-- 0,5 sec later --

 

El Hilali (IWB) is gettin the ball into the space and he can pretty much do what he wants.

 

-- 0,5 sec later --

 

First time pass from El Hilali (IWB) into the space for Morello (AF)

 

-- 1 sec later --

 

Morello (AF) is gone and is scoring the 1:1.

 

 

 

 

2nd goal

Starting with Cobo (SK).

The left IWB Delgado is acting like a winger and is the widest player.

The right IWB El Hilali is in the space between the right B2B Esposito  and the F9 Berardi. 

 

-- 4 sec later --

 

Ball from Cobo to Barison, who plays it to the HB Karamoko.

The IWB again are the widest players.

 

-- 3 sec later --

 

HB Karamoko plays to the left B2B Tessmann.

The IWBs + SS + Striker are forming a W.

 

 -- 2 sec later --

 

Tessmann played the ball to the SS Rico and now the El Hilali (IWB) is looking for a run.

He moved like 3-6 meters into the middle.

He is between the LW and LB from Lecce.

 

-- 1 sec later --

 

Quick pass from Rico (SS) to Berardi (F9).

The LB (Cataldo) from Lecce is closing down Berardi and opens the space for El Hilali (IWB).

And the clear cut chances is created.

 

-- 3 sec later --

 

El Hilal (IWB) is acting like a normal WB.

 

-- 3 sec later --

 

He is passing the ball into the space for Berardi (F9) to score.

 

 

[Cheez3y]

Lets see how the rest of the preseason goes, but I really enjoyed what I saw in the first game.

The shape and the movement are 100% what I wanted.

[Cheez3y]

 

 

Lets bring some oldies in.

Lanzini former West Ham player joins us for 12 months.

He is a pretty nice cover for the AMC and F9 spot.

 

Magnusson is our 2nd main CB.

 

Spoiler

 

Another cheap loan option.

Martucci is a pretty rapid AF.

 

Spoiler

 

[Cheez3y]

 

Gemello looks like a well rounded SK for this level.

Nice catch Mr. DoF.

 

[Cheez3y]

 

 

 

HB/CB option in Cordoba.

Matazo will be our 3rd choice B2B.

 

Spoiler

 

[Cheez3y]

 

Really happy with the preason.

At the moment I saw no major flaws in the tactic.

 

We start the season with a cup game.

Genoa got promoted back to the Serie A, so this will be good test.

After that a big game against Parma.

 

[Cheez3y]

 

 

What is better then one new keeper...right, two new keepers. 

 

Spoiler

 

 

We dont really need another LB.

But I can retrain him on the right side and cash out one more player.

[Cheez3y]

August 2026 - Coppa Italia - First Round

 

I think we played decent.

We had two early chances and if we score them, the game might look different.

 

[Cheez3y]

 

 

I think we did pretty well so far in the transfer window.

Another B2B backup and CB backup.

 

Spoiler

 

Idk why we need another LB, but we will see.

 

And we got a new HoYD.

WwY 20 - Check

Formation 442 Diamond - Check

Good Personality - Check

 

Looks pretty good.

[Cheez3y]

August 2026 - Serie B

Pretty happy.

I expected a totally wonky start, but I guess I created something good.

 

 

Coming Up

Sale will be tough, the rest should be easy.

[Cheez3y]

   

 

Looking at the stats of all three game.

We are pretty dominant in the attack and in the back its looking decent.

Parma was probably the biggest test and this was an equal game.

[Cheez3y]

 

 

Sadly both fullback rejected us and now we need to find someone on deadline day.

 

Its always nice to bring in a familiar face.

Matheus came to Bristol at the 2nd half of our Championship season.

He was pretty key to get us promoted.

After 6 months in the PL, we sold him back to Brazil.

Maybe he can do that again with us here at Venezia.

 

Spoiler

 

Edited June 9, 2022 by Cheez3y

[Cheez3y]

Nothing really fancy.

He got good balanced stats, but at most Serie B level.

 

Spoiler

 

[Cheez3y]

Transfers & Squad Overview 2026 Part 1

OUT

Really big clear out.

The finances weren't looking that hot, so this was a 100% must.

 

IN

A lot of free transfers and loans.

But I think we got a pretty good squad to challenge for playoffs aka top 8.

Maybe if play like the eary part of this season, we might can play for automatic promotion.

 

 

Decent chunk of money in the bank.

And we cut the wage bill by 1 mio and we got like 3-4 more rotation players.

 

Edited June 9, 2022 by Cheez3y

[Cheez3y]

Transfers & Squad Overview 2026 Part 2

 

Goalkeeper

I think got the Serie B we are fine.

If we get promoted, we need a new main keeper.

 

Spoiler

 

Centerback

We started with only Formiconi as CB once I took over.

Now we got 4 decent CBs which should be pretty good for the level.

 

Spoiler

 

Wingback

I really like Omar and Kasius so far.

Both really enjoying beein a IWB on attack.

 

Spoiler

 

Halfback

Karamoko is a pretty good HB.

Sadly Aitor is still injured, so I cant judge him.

 

Spoiler

 

Edited June 9, 2022 by Cheez3y

[Cheez3y]

Transfers & Squad Overview 2026 Part 3

 

Box To Box

Esposito is the last player, who earns more then 1 mio/year.

He wanted to leave also, but nobody matched his price tag.

I think we got 3 pretty good B2B.

 

Spoiler

 

Attacking Midfield

Rico is our main Shadow Striker.

Again we are fine here for this season.

 

Spoiler

 

Striker

Really happy with loans of Berardi and Martucci.

Morello is also a decent AF.

 

Spoiler

 

 

Overall Im pretty happy.

I think we managed to collect a "cheap" but effective squad.

Edited June 9, 2022 by Cheez3y

[Cheez3y]

September 2026 - Serie B

Still undefeated.

Draws vs promotions candidates and two wins.

 

Coming Up

Big game against SPAL at the end of the month.

[Cheez3y]

October 2026 - Serie B

The undefeated streak continues.

 

So far the formation is pretty solid.

very effective vs 442 and 4231

effective vs 433

tough vs narrow formation

very tough vs 3 ATB

 

I need to find the trick vs narrow and 3 ATB.

 

 

Coming Up

Hellas should be the toughest one.

[Cheez3y]

November 2026 - Serie B

Well...I guess this sh*t is busted.

Also the loans of Berardi and Martucci are pretty insane.

 

 

Coming Up

We start the December with probably the biggest test in Torino FC.

At the end of the month we play Parma again.

 

I think after this month, we know if we can plan for Seria A or Serie B.

Edited June 10, 2022 by Cheez3y

[Cheez3y]

Kinda excited.

I would love to focus on the youth at Venezia.

[Cheez3y]

December 2026 - Serie B

I guess we need to plan for the Serie A.

8 points clear of 3rd.

 

 

Coming Up

Should be an easy month.

[Cheez3y]

Two outs.

Both had 6 months left on their deals.

I only need to find a replacement for Tessmann.

 

Spoiler

 

 

Mr. DoF thinks we need another keeper.

[Cheez3y]

Sometimes you need to be quick.

I used Joao Resende in my China save and he was amazing.

So this is a no brainer.

He is here for 1 1/2 season and we got a cheap clause.

If he develops like in my previous save, this is easily a 10+ mio player.

 

Spoiler

 

Edited June 10, 2022 by Cheez3y

[Cheez3y]

"Luckily" Di Gregorio decided to go to the MLS.

 

Osmanovic is the Tessmann replacement , he got all the tools to be a pretty good B2B.

He is here also for 1 1/2 years and we got a decent clause.

 

Spoiler

 

Edited June 10, 2022 by Cheez3y

[Cheez3y]

With the loan of Resende, we can move on Manu Rico.

 

Spoiler

 

Its sad to let your best player go, but its better for the team.

He moaned every couple of weeks and finally someone matched his price.

 

Spoiler

Edited June 10, 2022 by Cheez3y

[Cheez3y]

 

We also had a major transfer in the staff area.

We got a new DoF.

 

Callauto was the DoF for the last 7 years here at Venezia.

He did pretty decent, but I like to work with the DoF in the save, so I always look for an improvement.

Spoiler

 

Welcome to Venezia FC...Luciano Spaletti!

Yes, the Lucian Spaletti!

 

Sadly he got not my desired formation, but the other stats and reputation is a big improvement.

 

[Cheez3y]

 

We keep playing the loan game.

Matuta is the short term replacement for Esposito.

 

Spoiler

 

[Cheez3y]

January 2027 - Serie B

Well...time to scout for the Serie A.

 

 

Coming Up

The game against Cittadella was two times postponed.

So we got a game every three days...nice.

[karanhsingh]

Looks like serie B is turning out to be a procession for you!

[Cheez3y]

3 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Looks like serie B is turning out to be a procession for you!

I expected a top 8 finish and maybe sneak promotion by the playoffs. But I was totally wrong.

Idk if its the formation or the players or maybe both.

 

I settled on this the past 3 months:

 

And I think I found the trick against narrow stuff oder 3 ATB.

We switch the IBWs to WBs and the Underlap to default or Overlap. 

[Cheez3y]

Normally I dont annouce end of contract signings, but this one is an exception.

My favorite Italian team IRL is Cagliari Calcio.

So I have to do that.

I wanted him at Bristol, but its wasnt the right time.

 

F9 is sorted for next season.

Spoiler

 

[Cheez3y]

February 2027 - Serie B

Rough month with to many games.

We picked up our first loss and get a couple of draws.

But we are still miles ahead on the first place.

 

 

Coming Up

Only 3 games in March.

 

 

We sold Magnusson to Poland.

He was our first "big" signing, but 4 better CBs came in after 4-5 weeks.

So he was moaning about gametime.

 

Spoiler

 

[Cheez3y]

March 2027 - Serie B

7 games to play and 16 points ahead of 3rd. This is promotion.

 

 

Coming Up

At the end of April we will play Torino.

 

 

Uhh..I would love this.

Our currently chairman doenst want to improve our youth recruitment.

[Cheez3y]

Sadly we couldnt upgrade the youth stuff....so this intake is ok.

Palazzolo looks ok.

 

Spoiler

 

[karanhsingh]

6 hours ago, Cheez3y said:

I expected a top 8 finish and maybe sneak promotion by the playoffs. But I was totally wrong.

Idk if its the formation or the players or maybe both.

 

I settled on this the past 3 months:

 

And I think I found the trick against narrow stuff oder 3 ATB.

We switch the IBWs to WBs and the Underlap to default or Overlap. 

How have the IWBs been performing? Doesn't the play get too congested? Who provides the width 

[Cheez3y]

1 hour ago, karanhsingh said:

How have the IWBs been performing? Doesn't the play get too congested? Who provides the width 

Kasius (left IWB) and El Hilali (right IWB) are my starting IWB.

 

Spoiler

 

Top 5 in Assists

Top 5 Chance Created, Kasius got better passing then El Hilali

Top 5 in Dribbles

 

And this replays to what you see ingame.

 

The width is created by the IWB (A). Naturally its looking like that.

We got the 3 ATB with the HB an the SS + two B2Bs creating a triangle in the middle.

The IWB are on either on the line or close to the 2 strikers.

 

Couple of seconds later you see Kasius making the run inside.

 

Again seconds later Kasius beat Buyla and is still driving inside.

Watch for Lanzini (SS). He is starting his run and is close to the AF (Martucci)

There are 5 white defending players on the bottom side of the field.

Berardi (F9) is basicly complete open.

The other IWB El Hilali is holding the width.

Couple of seconds later Kasius is making the pass into space for Lanzini and he scores.

 

I hard to explain.

The IWBs are acting like normal WBs until they reach the last third of the field.

Then they convert to IW, looking for inside runs and passes.

You rarely see crosses from the by-line, you always gettin passes or short crosses into the middle.

 

The 2nd goal against SPAL shows what Im trying to explain.

 

The fact

- we play structured

- got two midfielders with hard coded "roam from position"

- got three attacking roles wich basicly also roaming, moving into the channel, dropping into the midfleld

is creating a lot of movement.

 

And with a lot of movement there are a lot of holes, where somebody can run into.

 

Its very effective against 442/4231/433.

They all got only 4 defenders, but we got 5 attacking players (AF+F9+SS+IWB+IWB) which are constantly moving.

And if a B2B gets involved too, its a 6 vs 4 in the last third.

 

I dont think the players I got are too good for the Serie B.

Especially if I look at the players of Torino or Hellas.

Our best players is the striker loanie duo, but if they are not gettin the ball, they cant do anything.

So the formation needs to do some stuff to the average players.