[FM23] & [FM24] Ernst Happel Challenge - If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again

[SixPointer]

On 17/01/2023 at 04:06, DavidBeckham said:

Xhevdet Mulaj and Nico Deiters look like decent prospects! Nico in particular has solid technicals and good speed for a 16-year-old! Looking forward to seeing how he develops for you! 

I think they will spend at least one more season at under 18's before more serious first team exposure.

On 17/01/2023 at 07:32, Carambau said:

Damn! Hard to swallow when you are level on points but still finish behind them... But congratulations - it is still a great achievement - you are as good as RB  And it wont be long when you will overtake them!

Big ask to keep the pace, certainly need to match last year’s excellent requirement.

[Hootieleece]

Never underestimate a player like Dieters. You might recruit and find players with better attributes in your scouting, but players like him often become the linchpin of Title winning teams.

I am often amazed when players like him are given game/match time that they score while the highly coveted transfer needs to start kicking Field Goals in the NFL.

 

I have a player I brought in as a backup #9 in my current Career Update. No attribute above 10 I think except pace 12. (20 years Old) Got the Starting Spot when my star from the previous season went down for 6 weeks in the last preseason game. Now he has scored 13 goals in 11 League games. (Team Record is 17) Also, the Former star is back, and the Assman still picks the backup ahead of him! (As I would also)

 

"Gets off of Soapbox."

 

Enjoying your write ups as always KUTGW!

 

 

[SixPointer]

4 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Never underestimate a player like Dieters. You might recruit and find players with better attributes in your scouting, but players like him often become the linchpin of Title winning teams.

I am often amazed when players like him are given game/match time that they score while the highly coveted transfer needs to start kicking Field Goals in the NFL.

 

I have a player I brought in as a backup #9 in my current Career Update. No attribute above 10 I think except pace 12. (20 years Old) Got the Starting Spot when my star from the previous season went down for 6 weeks in the last preseason game. Now he has scored 13 goals in 11 League games. (Team Record is 17) Also, the Former star is back, and the Assman still picks the backup ahead of him! (As I would also)

 

"Gets off of Soapbox."

 

Enjoying your write ups as always KUTGW!

 

 

Certainly agree, I think he is just that little bit too young at the minute I don’t want to stunt his growth. He reminds me a little of Oscar Aga from the days at Odd BK in Norway. 

[SixPointer]

Pre Season

Our preparation on the pitch was near perfect, hopefully this a sign that the hard work done off the pitch in the summer window is paying off.

Following the approach of two games a week, Tuesday one line up, Saturday a fully rotated side, whilst switching between the two systems as well. This ensures the full squad is fit, match sharp and tactically prepared for when the competitive matches begin.

Three opening day arrivals, all were pre contract agreements and all played last year in Austria. If we are to challenge again our requirement must be as efficient and effective as last year.

Thierno Ballo

Ballo signs from Wolfsberger, he impressed me in person on many occasions. The 22-year-old Ivorian international, has a good personality, a good pedigree having started at Bayer Leverkusen and being on Chelsea’s books for 5 seasons and a DNA score of 80 while being a free transfer makes him the exact type of player I want to recruit.

He knows the league of course and performed above average in many metrics, he did miss the last three months of the season with a knee injury. He finished the league season with 5 goals 4 assists and 3 players of the matches.

Club captain Michael Martin who is of a similar type had a huge drop of in productivity from the first season and Ballo surpassed him with three months less played.

Ballo created 10 clear cut chances, but also ranked 10 for pressures completed so he strikes a nice balance for our aggressive midblock, winning it back and then creating.

His passing and finishing require improvement and a fear of big matches may be of concern but it’s now my job to unlock his full potential. I think he really suits us down to the ground and I can take his game to new level!

Peter Michorl

Snatching Peter from arch-rivals LASK is perhaps unexpected business in more ways than one. He is older than what ideally would like to recruit as he turns 29 this year, however he knows the league and much like Ballo I was impressed with him when we came up against his former side. DNA of 80 matches that of the younger Ballo.

His experience could prove vital as will his ability to take the perfect corner, something we could really weaponize.

He is left footed which is something I feel will give the midfield more natural balance. Consistency is a real strong point for him as well as being extremely well rounded, the trait of arriving late suits that of our midfield two in the 3142 shape.

At 29 he certainly is a punt but as a free transfer it lacks major outlay, and he still has his physicals, and he has been playing in a struggling side. I think with our style of play and the movement ahead of him he could become a real creative hub for the side and watch him excel in his prime years.

Issouf Sissokho

The young Malian becomes the second African to join permanently, the Malian ball winner had a solid season on loan and again he represents value for money arriving on free from Bordeaux. Tried and tested and happy to be a squad player and will provide Kraev with competition for the Anchor roles.

Keeping with the African flavour....

Two off last summer’s arrivals return from productive loan deals. Both players match the recruitment strategy and will either make the grade or be sold for profit.

Boubacar Biaye was sent back to Senegal and showed progress from his first season before we signed him. Driven personality with some real standout attributes, I was tempted to loan him again but I think at 19 its time to given him a squad role.

DNA of 75 but his attributes are very focused rather than being well rounded, time will tell if I have unearthed a talent.

Momar Diop sits with 70 DNA and is a year older, he is much like his Senegalese teammate his attributes are very focused rather than rounded. He did enjoy a good spell in the Bundesliga 2 with SV Horn, now he will be afforded the chance to challenge in the big league.

I think he could well become a solid shadow striking option. At 20 it’s now or never

To say the budget was tight after the first three arrivals would be an understatement. Financially there is money in the balance, mainly down to our sponsorships. Potential European money will of course strengthening the cause long term after in gained us 12 million euros last year, but as for now players are inevitably going to be moved on to allow arrivals.

Funds generated from bit part player or youngsters who failed to make the grade. I said I would need to be ruthless and I was true to my word.

Stosic was out on loan last year and after a bad injury he’s never convinced me. Bralic was a good utility man but in order to progress I need a better quality of defender plus he is 31 now. Schwermann was summer arrival last year and while he looked reasonable he wanted a loan deal has returned and with the new arrivals he has fell even further down the pecking order much like Leimhofer, who was moved on after Ballo's arrival.

The younger members off exodus certainly gave me much to think about, Mayer fell afoul of Biaye returning and the young Austrian deserves a chance rather than lingering here. Sammer made a handful of appearances and had a few loan deals, but I was less than convinced. Siewald was an interesting one as he looked to have potential but never done a job in either LCB or LWB.

The two biggest departures Hauser and Beganovic return hefty profits. Hauser arrived on a free last year from SKU Amstetten and Beganovic joined the academy side for free way back in 2017.

Hauser does have a bit about him but at 19 and the money offered it was a no brainer to take the cash, especially after a mediocre season on loan and his poor jumping reach. He has the sort of attributes I would be wanting from a 16/17-year-old now.

Rapid seen something much like I did last year, but I think I can find a better left sided CB to provide competition.

Beganovic was a real tough decision, he enjoyed two good loan spells. Had his finishing improved, I would have held onto him and continued his positional re training originally a winger he showed signs of becoming a decent advanced forward.

Koln stumped up a million Euros and 15% sell on, and again i think i can bring in a player of better quality for around the same sort of money.

Shopping List

1. First choice centre back - Aggressive ball winner in same mould as Plavotic from the first season.
2. Two strikers - Physical types, 6 foot plus in height, capable AF & TM
3. Backup RWB -  Complete player, more defensive minded if not complete
4. Backup GK - A player for cover to allow our young keeper to go on loan
5. Backup LCB - Agressive well rounded, no older than 23, defender 1st, ball player 2nd
6. Backup RCB -  Agressive well rounded, no older than 23, defender 1st, ball player 2nd

Considering our attacking exploits last season it was always going to be the defence that got the most attention. That said we lost Bialek and Topp who both returned to parent clubs so it’s vital they were replaced.

Funding was still tight and those two succesful loans in particular Topp showed me the loan market isnt a bad market to be dealing in. While not ideal, due to the ideals of being able to turn a profit from players.

Jamie Lawrence joins on an Initial loan deal from Bayern Munich, 3 million Euros option to buy. I felt last season the centre of the back three was a slight weak spot, Pfeiffer was more suited to the wider right role with his pace. Jamie will now come in and be much more like the first season setup. It does offer me the option to match up to quicker or taller strikers as well, as the German is an adapt ball player and no slow coach.

In comparison to Plavotic you can see why I have opted to take the big German on, one inch taller quicker and more aggressive a look forward to him being dominant in both boxes, had more funding been available I would have gone all out to buy him, try before you buy may be better option in long run.

Max joins on loan from Hoffenheim II, much like Topp who joined from Schalke II am hoping for a similar impact. 6'4"Rangy striker with superb physicals should prosper with our style of play, he will provide competition. He doesn’t have an option to buy so will most likely just be passing through.

Bialek was someone I wanted to nail down after his loan and contract expired but I just can’t compete with that sort of money at this moment in time which led me to someone else loaned in.

Evann Guessand is someone I have had a close eye on for some time, I liked him while he was on loan at Nantes and has again failed to make the grade at OGC Nice. Option to buy for 1.5 million another wise try before you buy due to a lack of statistical numbers due to low gametime.

He has that physical prowess required to lead the line in our system, while I don’t see him as a target man I think he could do it if required. I love his attribute make up with a 80 on our DNA scale and go personality to boot, at 23 he is just about to enter into a crucial stage of his career. I think coming to our level could provide the kickstart to his career.

The RWB competition will be provided by Shurandy Sambo, the young Dutch man brings a more defensive edge than Ilenic. He is a superb athlete won’t have any issue bombing up and down the flank, his heading is a potential weak spot and will need be aware if this when setting up defensive corners.

Option to buy sits at 4.5 million so doubt that I will outlay so much, unless Ilenic was snapped up although it would be for some sum of money to make us part ways.

Going back to the well again that is Schalke 04, this time for the opposite end of the pitch. Faaris Yusufu joins on a loan with no option to buy, coming of the back of a decent season with the B team.

He looks like he will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jens Lehmann and Manuel Neuer. More so the latter as he loves to rush out!

Well up till this point funding was really tight, now the sale of club captain will loosen the purse strings but it comes at the wrong time in all honesty.

He makes us a real nice profit having arrived on a free transfer, he did drop of last season and when you have two teams battling it out for him it allows you the ability to push negotiations. 3.5 million is a huge amount of money for us at this moment in time and realistically it’s a deal that would have to be accepted.

The money comes at the wrong time having completed business for almost every position except a backup CB on each side. That said I think the loan deals and try before you buy scheme would still have been used mainly down to very little data available due to all but Lawrence having limited first team game time.

The permanent deals were more calculated and thought out with a deeper analysis which is how I want to operate but the loans do offer a separate route into data by gathering it at our club.

Squad depth at the minute looks good, with only LCB going without a direct back up. Of course we have more depth with the likes of Biaye, Diop who bolster the central attacking midfield options.

[Hootieleece]

Great Recruiting!

Dead ball specialists that can either play regularly or be "Super Sub" are often the difference in tight title races.

Like your plan for the rest of the off season.

It will be a while before I have that kind of budget and access to European Football. Since I am currently toiling in the Vanarama South with Welling United.  (Trying to prove the Gengenpress as provided "out of the box" by the Tactics is OP with a Career update. "Gengenpressing around the World"

 

 

[SixPointer]

July 2024

Our first competitive games of the season went according to plan.

A 9-0 victory in the cup against lower league opposition ensured our strikers hadn’t forgotten where the back of the net was. Kulenovic hit three while Feiertag out shone him with four.

New signing Michorl enjoyed his debut setting two goals up, while Guessand notched from the bench.

The second round throws up a little local derby. 2nd Liga side Vorwarts Steyr are just along the road from us, just south of Linz. The clubs are not officially rivals at this level, but they do have one with our second side, assuming they have had many battles in the lower leagues.

Kulenovic has picked up where he left off last season, and it’s just as well. 

A tight affair with very little in the way of clear-cut chances, Martinez made four decent saves as our opponents came on top of us in the middle period. Up till then we had dominated possession but mostly because our opponents never pressed and denied us the space in behind the best they could.

Just as Wolfsberger started to have a go we manged to penetrate the backline, a switch to the flank from Michorl and then a ball down the side from Ilenic released Kulenovic who fired home from a tight angle. A set play would provide the second, Michorl crossing a freekick for the big Croat to head home.

Pitched against Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv. In recent times they have lived in the shadow of Shakhtar however they still boost some real talented players and when you consider their most valued player is 40 million and ours in 10 million with that said I would consider them favourites.

Transfers Latest

Jakob Scholler signs for a rather large sum for a young Austria, fighting of competition from Rapid, and RB Salzburg in the process. The scouts rate his potential highly, and his DNA score of 75 at just 18 with his personality should make him an ideal fit.

He is still very raw and has plenty to work on, his composure is a real concern and consistency has been highlighted also. He has been loaned back to Admira to gain more experience. Definitely a risk but a calculated one when you consider i sold Hauser for a million and he isn’t as well rounded or physically dominant as Jakob.

Under 19 German international Yannik Dasbach arrives for 250k, looks like he could be a real steal and am shocked that Borussia Monchengladbach allowed him to go so cheaply.

The promising centre back was talked up by the scouts, described as consistent, good athlete, who is versatile and handles himself in a professional manner. He doesn’t fancy a rough tackle is a bit of a shock with a DNA of 72 and his bravery and aggression both being double figures I would have assumed he didn’t mind sticking the boot in.

Edited January 25, 2023 by SixPointer

[Carambau]

Kyiv is gonna be tough, but i am optimistic you will make it! Go Ried  

[SixPointer]

12 hours ago, Carambau said:

Kyiv is gonna be tough, but i am optimistic you will make it! Go Ried  

The next month is complete….. you just might have been correct 👀. Hopefully have it written up by the end of play today. 

[karanhsingh]

Just caught up! Good to see you give this another go. Taking down Salzburg is very very hard. I had a save in Austria a couple of FMs back. The story is very well written as always mate, keep it up!

[SixPointer]

11 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Just caught up! Good to see you give this another go. Taking down Salzburg is very very hard. I had a save in Austria a couple of FMs back. The story is very well written as always mate, keep it up!

Thanks mate!

RB spent 60 million I think off the top of my head. They did bring in about 90 million. I’ll check when am back online Sunday. But with that it shows you what anyone in Austria is up against. 

[13th Man]

Skimmed through this to get caught up after my months away from the boards and good work as always. Funny to see you return with great effect to 3atb as I go back to the 4-3-3!

Still, I’m looking at a similar plan of being a good possession side, but also setting up to pull the opposition onto you and opening up space behind for quick strikes.

Also interesting how often you can come up against those rich super clubs in the smaller nations - and have to find a way to challenge an established club taking in CL $ every year!

[SixPointer]

August 2024

League Form

A very hectic month, which doesn’t excuse some poor results and performances, but it certainly was a factor. However, the squad should now be able to cope with two games a week. Especially if a challenge is to be mounted against RB these slip ups must become once in a blue moon.

Our sensational record against Strum Graz continues, in what became a real goal fest. Concern for me was the way we conceded both goals, from a striker who was supposed to be man marked breaking in behind. Kulenovic continues to carry the goalscoring burden at this moment.

WSG Tirol took advantage of us going down to ten men. Yannick Dasbach who apparently doesn’t like a hard tackle sent off. The fully rotated squad struggled, the ten men was the final nail in the coffin. Against Admira we turned the corner defensively securing a clean sheet, but we really lacked a ruthlessness in front of goal. Two poor results, and ones you can’t afford to have already at this early stage.

Winning the last league game of the month was vital, it’s certainly didn’t come easy. Miroslav Klose's Altach side dominated the ball and created the far better chances, a poor mistake late on allowed Ballo to break through and score his first league goal for the club.

UEFA Champions League Qualifiers

The only thing lacking in this result was more goals, the boys deserved more as well. Great performance and a solid lead to take to the Ukrainian capital.

Dynamo Kyiv were reduced to nothing. they offered extraordinarily little offensively setting up for a draw in my eyes. Our passing combinations and build up structure ensured we dominated the ball, diamond shapes in the channels allowed the ball carrier to have a minimum three passing options.

Opting for two pivots rather than one to outnumber their biggest creative outlet Shaparenko proved instrumental, it also allowed Ballo to drift from side to side joining in with either diamond further overloading play.

That man Kulenovic is at it again, first half hat trick for the powerful Croatian. The opening goal being the pick of the bunch, a well worked move down the left hand side with all three attacking player on that side involved before Feiertag lays in on a plate for his strike partner.

Beforehand I tipped our opponents as favourites and quite frankly I am surprised at how poor they really were. The boast players of real quality but we never let them influence the game. I would still call it an upset but it does show how much progress the club is making.

Up next, Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven with the winner taking a place in the new format UCL.

Just like that any hopes of a UEFA Champions league campaign are shattered. Two very poor games, the neutrals certainly wouldn’t have enjoyed it and neither did the SV Ried faithful.

PSV dominated possession in both legs, but never really threatened with it. Their goal on the stroke of half time came from a piece of individual brilliance from Noni Madueke, his fun down our left hand side and curling effort into the far corner was the only bit of quality from either team.

The second leg PSV proved to be even more conservative with possession of the ball which stops us getting into any real patterns of play. Moving to a high press from our usual midblock in the second half to try and win the ball back from their safe possession just blunted our attack with little if any space left in behind.

We went close and the PSV keeper was player of the match in both legs, so were knocking on the door for sure.

It really is silly money! And that’s for not making it to the promise land of the golden goose. 5 million euros is a huge amount of money to our club.

UEFA Europa League Phase

First year with the new format and seeing other people’s posts most people don’t seem convinced by the idea, nor am I. I really hope UEFA don’t implement it in real life, but it seems we are going down that path which in the end won’t look to dissimilar to the horrendous European super league idea!

Eight games, I would consider at least five of the very winnable fixtures and with 500k per win up for grabs it could prove reasonably lucrative. Mostar, Poznan, Ludogorets are winnable but being away will be tricky, home games against Astana and PAOK are must wins I feel, while Roma, Hoffenheim, and Marseille are going to be big asks.

Transfer Deadline

A message you really don’t want to see a matter of two days before the window slams shut. I thought his injury would have deterred any interest but as soon as he was fully fit and played a match this was the outcome.

Four players who matched my criteria for a replacement that I had good knowledge off.

• 75% header winning ratio.
• 75% tackle winning ratio.
• 2 interceptions per 90.
• 75% pass completion.
• 3 progressive passes per 90.

Very basic baselines, but ideal for giving me a good scope of players to work through and then whittle down. This way I know the player does all the basics well and then it’s about finding the stronger ones who standout in each category.

Nemeth is Austrian which i liked the idea of bringing back to his homeland, his 4.5 release clause that St Pauli expected me to meet was a little steep, considering his low completion ratios, his attributes more suit the middle CB who is more ball winning like.

Two young Germans up next. Riedel has the best attribute spread off all four and performs solid across the board, he is tipped for big things but again at 3.2 million he is a rather expensive outlay at this present time. Oermann was complaining about game time last season but its seems he is now starting, attributes are similar to his German counterpart and again he is good across the board and excels in the air.

The surprise package, Svetozar Markovic has played a little less this year at Partizan. His exceptional tackling is a real highlight as is his high number of interceptions per 90, his passing is a little wayward but his dominance in the air is strong point. He at this stage looks the best value for money.

With such a small sample of data I decided to load up my end of season save to look at their previous seasons data in more depth.

Oermann isn’t relevant here as he has so little data available.

Nemeth still has issues with heading completion which is strange when I look at his attribute spread, he looks set as a stopper but clearly isn’t performing in such a way. perhaps down to his teams tactics or just not playing to his full potential.

Clemens who is touted as the nest Jurgen Kohler only completed 67% of his tackles last season which is a real cause for concern. However, Paderborn were playing in the Bundesliga and failed to beat the drop finishing stone last so that adds a little context. So, all three of the German based player ply their trade in the Bundesliga 2. He has bucked up his ideas but i still feel he is a little pricey at the miniute.

Value for money looks set on Markovic, he does however play in the Serbian league so again context must be taken as he isn’t playing against high calibre attacking players as the others. average rating 6.95, heading at 80%, 91% tackles complete which looks a huge part of his game. Passing looks a lot better last term as well.

1.4 million euros was enough to convince Partizan Belgrade to sell up. In terms of the scouting he enjoys big matches, is consistent which are two key hidden traits in my eyes. Only downsides is potential issues with settling in the country and learning a new language, this all added to the promise of the trend in his stats.

DNA score of 79 is solid enough and his attribute spread is very well rounded. He doesn’t really standout as much as the other three did but doesn’t have any glaring weakness.
He does have failed spell in Greece at Olympikaos. I however feel after three seasons back in Belgrade I can unlock his best years. Much like Kulenovic who failed on loan at Juventus.

He fits the bill for the sort of player I want to be brining on board. At 24 he is a at the limit in term of the age I want but he still has room for growth, with relatively low fee he isn’t high risk and could make money in the future also.

The deal is done and he is on his way back to Germany, the Bundesliga with FC Koln to be precise.

Breaking records in the process, this sale epitomises the way I want to do things. He arrived on a free and has been sold on for 9 million euros profit. He had a sublime season and while i didn’t want to lose him money talks and in spirt of realism I wouldn’t have knocked it back even if it wasn’t his release clause.

Luka Kerber was another one out the door on deadline day, He had two good years with us but going into his last year of his deal and the chance of making a tidy profit the deal made sense. signed for 250k and sold for 1.1million, Which makes it no surprise that our record income has doubled this season.

The club is really starting to grow now financially, I mean we are a far cry from RB Salzburg but I would say stronger than the Vienna clubs now. However both have the history and fanbases which are a massive draw, but Austria Wien is a financial mess. Tirol are classed as rich so would consider them better than us in that department, but lack any history as they have been merged, restarted with all sorts of twists and turns.

Improving our academy coaching and recruitment will only help further growth as we look towards developing profit as well as searching the data to buy profit in. Things are definitely trending the right way on and off the park in the alpine foothills.

[keeper#1]

5 million goes a long way in Austria.

[SixPointer]

13 hours ago, keeper#1 said:

5 million goes a long way in Austria.

It’s certainly does that bud! Another reason to make sure my recruitment is on point and be sure before pulling the trigger on any signings. 

[13th Man]

Shame about the Champions League and I haven't dealt with the odd Europa League business!

Still seem to be cooking in the league though, and €€€s coming in are very nice as well.

[SixPointer]

9 hours ago, 13th Man said:

Shame about the Champions League and I haven't dealt with the odd Europa League business!

Still seem to be cooking in the league though, and €€€s coming in are very nice as well.

I think we would get destroyed in the champions league in all honesty. Europa we have a chance to be competitive!

[GIMN]

The Europa League draw definitely looks decent, and the cash windfall will be nice too.  I like the chaos of the new format - from a competitive standpoint, it's awful, but in terms of creating some more interesting fixtures I'm a fan.  5 potentially winnable games out of 8 is much more fun, than 6 group games with possibly 4 of them against considerably better teams.

[SixPointer]

7 hours ago, GIMN said:

The Europa League draw definitely looks decent, and the cash windfall will be nice too.  I like the chaos of the new format - from a competitive standpoint, it's awful, but in terms of creating some more interesting fixtures I'm a fan.  5 potentially winnable games out of 8 is much more fun, than 6 group games with possibly 4 of them against considerably better teams.

I suppose in that sense your probably correct! Makes for some more interesting fixtures and more chance of different teams progressing. People just fear change 🤣

I actually wish the Scottish FA would make our league bigger in real life. But they simply won’t cause most teams won’t the extra money from Celtic and rangers fans when they come to there grounds rather than giving themselves a chance to be competitive as they would only need to play each of them twice instead of more times as it’s stands. 

[DavidBeckham]

Have always liked the look of Pfeiffer but I've never been able to sign him for Boro in my save due to timing issues. Great to see that he had done so well for you and we will miss him!

[SixPointer]

3 hours ago, DavidBeckham said:

Have always liked the look of Pfeiffer but I've never been able to sign him for Boro in my save due to timing issues. Great to see that he had done so well for you and we will miss him!

He was a real gem, on a free as well. But it ties in with the philosophy, bring in with a view of profit in the long run. He turned around probably a season quicker than I would have liked but that’s the money spinning side of it. Strike while the iron is hot. 

[SixPointer]

September 2024

Austria Wien 1 - 3 SV Ried - Bundesliga

Back-to-back trips to the capital start off with a well-earned 3pts. The violets are really struggling to overcome their financial issues thus turning the historic club into a mid-table mediocracy.

Our dominations of the half spaces proved pivotal. A nice moment as two of our Senegalese whizz kids linked nicely to score the second goal, made in Africa shinning in Austria.

I have some what noticed a small trend appearing this season, teams are struggling to put together any real passing patterns. Now am not sure if this is due to the aggressive mid-block or that teams no longer want to express themselves in case of our lethal counters.

Something I’ll be monitoring closely, it wouldn’t surprise me if teams now back off. Two seasons of our plan to penetrate space in most likely being recognised.

SK Rapid 0-2 SV Ried - Bundesliga

Another huge 3pts in the capital.

After analysing SK Rapid I knew they would set up in a 3-4-1-2 that transitioned into a wide 343 but defend narrow, this would suit us to control the half spaces and catch them transitioning from very wide to narrow.

The LWB was Identified as there most creative outlet, which suited us down to the ground as the TM would come deep and overload his side with the stay wide instruction

Player of the match Jamie Lawrence is a real mountain at the heart of the back three, I think it may be tough to convince him to leave the German giants though. However, the real star of the show was Josep Martinez who made five crucial saves, keeping a clean sheet against an XG of 1.23.

Zrinjski Mostar 0-4 SV Ried - UEFA Europa League

Winning start to the Europa league campaign, highlighted as a winnable tie and in doing just that 630k banked.

The result was made even more impressive as it featured a heavily rotated team, with a number of youth players, who duly impressed.

Feiertag opened the scoring after a nice cut back and well worked move down the right. Momar Diop finished well again, after nice counter pressing from big Max. Bacher knocked down a Michorl freekick for Dasbach to smash home.

The show was stolen by Sokol Dauti, who finished of a sweeping counterattack late on to get his first senior goal. Credit to Guessand who unselfishly squares the ball even when the game is already won. (highlight speeded up to make clip short enough)

In notching his first senior goal he breaks a record, a record held by none other than his manager who like Dauti broke the record after stepping up from the academy.

The record has stood longer than Dauti has been alive, having been set it in 2003 the record has stood for 21 years. it’s safe to say he has been winding his manger up about it all week on the training pitch.

 SV Ried 4-1 SK Vorwarts Steyr - OFB Cup 

Managed to miss a screenshot here, perhaps from my focus on the next match against Salzburg let me get sloppy.

Besides that were in the hat for the next round, after brushing aside a so what local rival. A game of two halves in terms of goals scored, we did dominate from the outset but couldn’t find a finish. The subs came on and made a real difference as did our set pieces, two goals from corners from each post.

The far post decoy routine provided the first set play goal, from the setup you can see how I aim the corner to the back post but overload the near post, thus the decoy part. Then the aim is to get the man attacking the far post in a 1v1 with superiority in the air. A basic overload underload.

The second setup is much more simple, Load the near post with the two biggest men and one player floating close by to cause overload, have a couple lurking at the far post for flick on. Aim near post and hope the overload and the distraction at the back post splits the defence.

My advice for anyone on set plays is do them, it takes time but once set there massive in providing marginal gains and they bring huge satisfaction when they come off.

I always aim at either post that way avoiding there keeper and often there biggest defender situated in the middle, after all look at your defensive corners and see how you set up and the work out how you would exploit it and it gives you a good idea of what the AI is thinking.

RB Salzburg 3-0 SV Ried - Bundesliga

A tough watch for Franz Schiemer this one!

Tactically I knew what to expect from RB, a 4-2-3-1 with Kameri running the show from the number ten. With the RWB advancing more than the LWB, and the LW cutting inside and doubling up as a number ten, giving them a very intresting in-posession shape.

This prompted me change shape slightly, I opted for a 5-2-2-1, the double pivot would help match the central overloads and the Two AMC's would disrupt their central build up play by stepping onto their double pivot.

The trade-off was we would be vulnerable down the flanks. Especially our left side, so I switched to a DLP in the pivot to help hold position but still be able to influence our in-possession play.

In terms of disrupting their build up play it done the job, they couldn’t really progress the ball through the pivots, the ploy to stop their having right side worked but they do advance down the right more freely.

Our shape allowed us to control the ball, the double pivots linked well with the back three and we managed to build nice diamonds in the half space. The main issue on our part was Kulenovic became isolated in attack, while he shuttled between both CB's pressing to his best of abilities. This blunted any attacking presence.

We held strong until a sub on the hour mark completely changed the game, Fernando enter the fray and broke behind what had been a solid back line and scored, naturally I had to commit more to getting forward and were picked of another twice in quick succession.

After putting so much work in to keep Salzburg at bay it was frustrating to watch our collapse, I suppose these things happen when a team can bring twenty million euros worth of striker off the bench.

Eight league games in and RB have already built themselves a comfortable cushion and score at ease. Nine points adrift at such an early stage is a mammoth task, however last time around we did kick on in the second half if the season and went on huge unbeaten run so I certainly won’t be throwing in the towel.

Our great rival LASK Linz look in serious bother again this year, it wasn’t so long ago (2018) that they finished runners up in the league. Financial mismanagement has cost them dearly much like Austria Wien who are also paying a heavy price. Both clubs should be pushing at the other end of the table but it does make for an interesting relegation battle.

[Hootieleece]

So, are you going to reconfigure your tactical plan to breakdown low blocks?

 

[keeper#1]

I like those set pieces.  I always fall short in that area of the game.

[SixPointer]

4 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

So, are you going to reconfigure your tactical plan to breakdown low blocks?

 

Yeah it’s already done. I’ve got another month to write up first then I’ll do a full tactical post. 

 

41 minutes ago, keeper#1 said:

I like those set pieces.  I always fall short in that area of the game.

It’s something I always take the time to do. Even with my defensive ones. I find them a little more tricky in all honesty, especially if you rotate players can end up with a short player we’re I want a tall player and can get caught out. 

[SixPointer]

October 2024

The 32,000 in attendance were treated to a superb evening off Europa league football. I’m not sure who writes the headlines for soccernews.com but they certainly got that one wrong, Poznan were anything but brushed aside.

Poznan setup in a 4-2-3-1 but looked to use it as a counter system. As the game ebbed and flowed both teams created goof opportunities and looked to hit the space in behind one in other in the transition phases.

Their pace on the flanks a real threat but it was the on-loan Ajax wonderkid Silvano Vos who I highlighted as serious danger man. Disappointing that he opened the scoring after an initial period of dominance for the home side, mainly because I dropped to a double pivot and marked him tightly, he lost his man and broke beyond our line to finish.

We hit back before the break, a just reward for getting control of the match after going behind. Stefan Feiertag taped in after a lovely bit of movement from Ballo and a great pass from Lawrence seen Ballo in behind to square for the forward. Ndiaye added the second finishing another good flowing move, Kulenovic ruthlessly smashed one home after showing good strength inside the Lech penalty box.

Lech pushed on and made the late stages off the game nervy as they got one back and through even more bodies forward in the search of the equaliser, it wasn’t to be for them, and SV Ried return to Austria with three points and 630k in the bank.

Shambolic result at home, and no excuses for it either. The players were fresh as the team was rotated from the midweek Europa league tie. A real eye opener for myself as our attacking play was worked out so easily from our opponent.

Klagenfurt wanted it more and dominated most of the first half and got there just rewards when they took the lead. Through a corner of all things which again is extremely frustrating after putting so much effort into being set up well and ready to defend these.

The second half we came out fighting but never ever really looked like breaking Klagenfurt down until we were two down and then we had a huge chance only for it to go begging and then concede again as we chased the game.

Our talismanic forward led the from the front and ensured we bounced back from a shocking result and performance. A clean sheet was also a welcome sight, as ever context is key and Lustenau have been struggling this season.

Kulenovic set the first goal up, Feiertag timing his run in the box perfectly again to finish like a good penalty box striker does. From the graphic you can see how the ball is progressed down the right half space then knocked wide before Kulenovic cut back across the box. Reassuring to see the attacking combination pay off again.

The second goal again down the right has some nice build up play, but its more about the individual brilliance of Sandro Kulenovic. Taking the ball over his right shoulder, brining it down with his chest and smashing a volley into the far post.

Sublime technique form the big Croatian who is fast becoming hot property in Europe, at 24 and scoring double figures in his last four seasons across the Croatian and Austrian top flights people are starting to take notice of him. His failed Juventus loan spell a thing of distant memory. 

Billed as a powerful striker in which he is but not limited to, while his technical attributes may not be great his ability to read the game and his physical dominance makes him a huge asset. He drops deep to link play with clever layoffs, he can go in behind with his pace, he can hold the ball up and drive forward with his pace in power. 

A new deal is being negotiated at present but with casting an eye on him it may be tough.

Polar opposite to the trip to Poznan, a real drab match as the Giallorssi visited the alpine foothills. I expected us to get nothing from this one and its exactly what we got.

A fully rotated team did however keep Roma at bay until around the 75th minute mark, until that point the game just passed by with very little action. Sadly, it was two goals conceded from corners that sealed our fate, I spoke earlier about being careful when chopping and changing players in regards to set plays and I never followed my own advice.

Guessand pulled one back and we missed a glaring chance at 1-0 to level things but a few younger players got a feel for the occasion and no harm done as I never delt it was a winnable match and with more pressing concerns coming up in the league selected the team accordingly.

Strum Graz finally get the better of us. The 10 game unbeaten run against (9 wins,1 draw) comes to an abrupt end, and in horrific circumstances that really leaves me questioning my side at the minute. Is it European hangovers I don’t think so both teams have lined up fresh in poor defeats.

Much like the horrendous defeat to Klagenfurt we again spurned chances, two in particular where gilt edged ones. The reassuring thing is chances are still being made, games are still being controlled but that might just be the issue here.

I feel like teams have now worked out our gameplan, most teams now conceded possession to us and look to break on us, exactly like Graz did here. So, there is some slight tweaking required, if teams are going to give us the ball and not leave the space in behind its down to me to find a solution to make the space.

Their goalkeeper was in inspired form and its clear how dominant we were therefore it’s not a case of huge wholesale changes but smart tweaks. (I will cover this in a tactical post)

The tinkering begins and no better way to do it against the team you last played. This ream out I opted for a double pivot in the hope of circulating the ball better in deeper areas pulling their defence out of shape and then releasing the attacking trio.

If teams are giving me the ball I’m accepting it from now on (63% vs 37%), that’s not to say I don’t still value that ability to hit direct. It will come down to analysing the opponent and choosing the best option from now on, the system has to become more fluid as teams have gotten to grips with us.

Still far from perfect, but it was a nice test for implementing some potential ideas to work on. Kulenovic headed home a near post corner, but sadly again we got countered for an equaliser in a match that we had total control.

Penalties decided our fate and we held our nerve to set up a tasty quarter final with a rejuvenated Sk Rapid side who look set on contending this year.

The league shows the extent of our problems after two poor defeats, trailing RB by nine points at this stage already renders any hopes of title challenge almost gone. The rate that they win at is exceptional so 9 points is a sizeable gap, the plus side is they have already dropped points twice at this stage.

Strum Graz and SK Rapid seem to have their houses in order this year and look more like the forces they should be within our league, which will make for a very interesting battle for potential UCL slots. Admira are the surprise package as they sit 4th after gaining promotion last term.

LASK Linz our great rivals are in real trouble, 4 points and -18 in goal difference which even at this early stage looks tough to reverse. They are in financial turmoil so can’t even afford to throw money at the transfer window. gone. The rate that they win at is exceptional so 9 points is a sizeable gap, the plus side is they have already dropped points twice at this stage.

[SixPointer]

Before I get into a heavily laden tactical month I thought it would be good to post some of my previous in depth tactical posts. Now I don’t intended to go into this much detail or there won’t be any chance of finishing the challenge. But gives people idea of how i approach. 
 

First up my Atalanta recreation which I would say for me was when the penny really dropped from me tactically. I have always played with a heavy emphasis on tactics but when delving into the recreation it helped me understand it so much better, hence why these days I still use a real life manager as inspiration for most of my tactics. The main reason, it allows me to know exactly what I want to see on the pitch. 
 

The second post is more relevant to what I have done here at SV Ried. Building a system but being able to grow it and progress. Anyone who read my stuff when I played at Odd will see a lot of similarities especially the overloads and space exploitation.

It will probably take me until Thursday/Friday to update the actual Save as I look to make it packed with info but not boring. 

[Jogo Bonito]

Nice to see you still going in Austria at SV Ried. I'm not so big on the tactical or data stuff of FM, but like reading about your stories for the good content, especially your transfer ideas and moves.

As my spell in England has ended, I'm considering Austria and Germany at the moment. I feel the need to play with softer transfer regulations so these two nations are catching my interest. I never tried Austria but imagine it's quite a similar level to Switzerland (a place I managed often and enjoyed).

I like green kits/clubs so had Werder Bremen & SK Rapid Vienna in mind initially. Then I thought about Wolfsburg as I was watching a great TV special on their title triumph last week (Grafite was an awesome asset and was interviewed too). But they're a bit 'too good' so will probably choose one of the first two or one of the other options in 2. Bundesliga (Germany) that came up.

Edited February 12, 2023 by Jogo Bonito

[SixPointer]

On 12/02/2023 at 18:02, Jogo Bonito said:

Nice to see you still going in Austria at SV Ried. I'm not so big on the tactical or data stuff of FM, but like reading about your stories for the good content, especially your transfer ideas and moves.

As my spell in England has ended, I'm considering Austria and Germany at the moment. I feel the need to play with softer transfer regulations so these two nations are catching my interest. I never tried Austria but imagine it's quite a similar level to Switzerland (a place I managed often and enjoyed).

I like green kits/clubs so had Werder Bremen & SK Rapid Vienna in mind initially. Then I thought about Wolfsburg as I was watching a great TV special on their title triumph last week (Grafite was an awesome asset and was interviewed too). But they're a bit 'too good' so will probably choose one of the first two or one of the other options in 2. Bundesliga (Germany) that came up.

I love a good German save also, so many great historic clubs. Hansa Rostock and Kaiserslautern being two of the ones I previously done. But the 1860's, Dresden, Magdeburg and so on all looking for revivals.

[SixPointer]

Tactical Tweaks

WSG Tirol

WSG Tirol feel the brunt of the new tweaks, smashing them for five. Controlled possession but were smart with it, should our clinical edge as well outscoring our 1.96 XG.

The teams shape feels a lot more balanced, the back three is spread from channel to channel, offering good cover and passing options.

Midfield three new looks less predictable, anchor offers central depth and cover for counters, while the RPM and affect the game wherever he wishes but does drop deeper, this provides a platform and allows the Mezzala and wing backs to push on almost make a five-man attack.

From the heat map you can see how effective the left hand side overload, Michorl has a lot to do with that, his skillset seems to be thriving in the RPM and he had a huge influence on the game which you can see from his pass completions, received and key ones.

A special mention goes to the anchor-man though who really does allow him to go have this sort effect on the game as he does all his dirty work when he does drift around.

The first goal is a great example of the overload working, LCB, LWB, RPM & TM all form a diamond on left hand side. The anchor-man does two jobs here brilliantly, he offers himself for a pass while blocking of passes into the forward in the counter.

On the right the RWB will hold width and advance thus taking the interest of the LB, this will open a gap for the MEZ to attack. The AF plays on the LCB as well which he will eventually get 2v1 on. Focusing the play down the left hasn’t totally shifted them over but with our high tempo we are ready to exploit the space.

The anchor-man Sissokho shows he’s not just the water carrier, he steps forward then lifts it into Diop the Mezzala and he knocks it down to Ballo the AF who finishes well. Another goal that sees three African players link together to send us on our way.

If the first goal came from great play in possession the second was from the total opposite.

Our out of possession play, the aggressive midblock playing its part. Four players all involved in pressing the ball side players, with a nice triangle of cover sitting just behind. The LWB has tucked in and the LCB comes across to sit centrally, the TM also comes narrower to block passing lanes.

The front two suffocate the DM as he receives the ball, Ballo wins it back and Kulenovic drives forward instantly and the unleashes a goal into the far corner.

The third goal rounds off all three ways I want to be scoring goals. Michorl dropping into space getting on the half turn and looking to penetrate the backline (who have stepped up as they chase the game). The players highlighted in yellow are all ready to attack the space.

Notice in red the anchor-man has dropped deeper, making space for the RPM to get on the ball and providing extra cover if he is to dispossessed.

Michorl done just as I asked, played the ball in behind their backline, Ballo takes it down and slots it into the far corner. This shows that we aren’t scared of still going direct when the pass is on. I would attribute this to the fact I ask Michorl to play more direct passes.

These three goals show how much shaper we look in front of goal already. The first goal shows the intelligent movement to break down stubborn defences, second shows our work rate and pressing and ability to hit teams in the transition is still there, the third and fourth show that direct nature attacking the space in behind when teams do step out.

Finish part one of November with some colossal news for the club!

The Croatian sensation signs a new deal, while it’s a big outlay for the club its staved off some interest which should see him finish the season here. I’m under no illusions that he will move on in the not-so-distant future but this is has added a good few million euros onto his price tag.

[13th Man]

Very interesting to see "shorter passing" and "pass into space", in a good way.  They seem so antithetical, but considering what you're trying to do (pull them onto you and open space in behind) it is brilliant.

Like you, I'm enjoying the midblock for exactly this reason.  It's not passive, and you can still win the ball far from your own goal, but you have space to attack on the counter, or by doing quick strikes after playing keep away.

[Side note - that is an absolutely criminal kit matching for those highlights.  Dark Green v Slightly Different Dark Green with Black Shorts!]

[SixPointer]

3 hours ago, 13th Man said:

Very interesting to see "shorter passing" and "pass into space", in a good way.  They seem so antithetical, but considering what you're trying to do (pull them onto you and open space in behind) it is brilliant.

Like you, I'm enjoying the midblock for exactly this reason.  It's not passive, and you can still win the ball far from your own goal, but you have space to attack on the counter, or by doing quick strikes after playing keep away.

[Side note - that is an absolutely criminal kit matching for those highlights.  Dark Green v Slightly Different Dark Green with Black Shorts!]

Kit clash is horrendous every time we play them. Thankfully the rest of the month no such issues. 

[Jogo Bonito]

On 14/02/2023 at 21:12, SixPointer said:

I love a good German save also, so many great historic clubs. Hansa Rostock and Kaiserslautern being two of the ones I previously done. But the 1860's, Dresden, Magdeburg and so on all looking for revivals.

Club selected. Now just deciding whether to update in FMCU or add the odd post in the GPTG pages.

Very nice to see you sign up your striker to a long-term deal. I'll keep an eye out on his progress.

[SixPointer]

22 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

Club selected. Now just deciding whether to update in FMCU or add the odd post in the GPTG pages.

Very nice to see you sign up your striker to a long-term deal. I'll keep an eye out on his progress.

what team did you opt for?

 

[Jogo Bonito]

1 hour ago, SixPointer said:

what team did you opt for?

Don't want to take your thread off track, but 3rd was SK Rapid Vienna

2nd was SV Werder Bremen

And the winner was....

Oh blimey, somebody at the door 

[SixPointer]

8 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

Don't want to take your thread off track, but 3rd was SK Rapid Vienna

2nd was SV Werder Bremen

And the winner was....

Oh blimey, somebody at the door 

Drum roll!!!

[Blarney]

It took me a few days to read through all this with my limited time available lately and the incredible depth in your writing, which is incredible.  I don't think I have the patience for it when doing my saves although I fancy myself a decent writer, I just get lost in all the detail with FM and get sidetracked.

I hope to incorporate more in my next save whenever I work out all the details and try to make sense of it.

This is an exceptional read however.

Edited February 17, 2023 by Blarney

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, Blarney said:

It took me a few days to read through all this with my limited time available lately and the incredible depth ina your writing, which is incredible.  I don't think I have the patience for it when doing my saves although I fancy myself a decent writer, I just get lost in all the detail with FM and get sidetracked.

I hope to incorporate more in my next save whenever I work out all the details and try to make sense of it.

This is an exceptional read however.

I Appreciate you taking the time. Sometimes I feel like I go on too much so thanks for the praise on the depth of the posts. In all honesty it’s my writing that makes my saves slow. So I think once the next update is done I’ll probably go to three month updates for a while and pick and choose when to do a deep dive. 

[Blarney]

59 minutes ago, SixPointer said:

I Appreciate you taking the time. Sometimes I feel like I go on too much so thanks for the praise on the depth of the posts. In all honesty it’s my writing that makes my saves slow. So I think once the next update is done I’ll probably go to three month updates for a while and pick and choose when to do a deep dive. 

Not to hijack the thread but I think that's my main problem.  I sit down with the intention of writing a diary because that's truly what I want to do.  And then I sit there for hours between the writing and doing charts to track players and then realize I've not even spent 15 minutes in game.  Then I feel bad because it feels like I'm not progressing, so I change up what I'm doing then get upset again because I've gone off course.

I'm a mess.

Regardless finding a happy medium is my next goal.  Which, as you said, may only be doing "quarterly" updates and just hitting on the things that need to be talked about, rather than month by month when nothing spectacular may have happened.

You are wonderfully in depth though with your writings, it keeps it fun.

Edited February 17, 2023 by Blarney

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, Blarney said:

Not to hijack the thread but I think that's my main problem.  I sit down with the intention of writing a diary because that's truly what I want to do.  And then I sit there for hours between the writing and doing charts to track players and then realize I've not even spent 15 minutes in game.  Then I feel bad because it feels like I'm not progressing, so I change up what I'm doing then get upset again because I've gone off course.

I'm a mess.

Regardless finding a happy medium is my next goal.  Which, as you said, may only be doing "quarterly" updates and just hitting on the things that need to be talked about, rather than month by month when nothing spectacular may have happened.

You are wonderfully in depth though with your writings, it keeps it fun.

Welcome to my world! I think it’s because we want everyone else to be as immersed in our save as we are. So we try to catch every little detail. When in reality writing however makes you happy is certainly a good starting point. I found writing a little structure to follow helped. 
 

Monthly results and small summary of games. 

key tactical point of the month. 

small part for any other news.

small section of storytelling

I found that sped me up a little while keeping some detail.

 

 

 

[DavidBeckham]

Kulenovic is such a beast! Great job in tying him down to a long contract 

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, DavidBeckham said:

Kulenovic is such a beast! Great job in tying him down to a long contract 

He has been phenomenal the new deal is only going to add money to his price tag. He won’t be here after the summer am afraid to say. Now it’s identifying a replacement. I will hold out for a good price for him but it also has to be accepted that he would move on as that’s the realistic thing in my eyes. 

[SixPointer]

November

Left it late in Bulgaria but it’s our third win of the league phase and remarkably all three have come on the road. Late winner indeed but a lot of positives on show from our recent tactical tweak.

Michorl blossomed again in his new RPM role, more dominant in the left half space this time around but he was pivotal in the left hand side diamond. As was Jamie Lawrence at the base of the triangle on the right hand side of our build up structure,

Our aggressive midblock provided the first goal, turning over possession at the edge of their third. The front two doing a great job off pressing the middle lanes and then interchanging and providing a nice key ball through to the Diop (MEZ) who burst in behind to finish well.

The second goal comes from a fast break as we turn defensive corner into attack, a poor cutback misses the target but the second cut back finds Kraev bursting a gut who gets his just reward. The winning goal comes from a set play at the back post, that marginal gain is on hand yet again.

The first time winning the league game right after a midweek European tie is huge boost and a massive three points.

Coming out on top of a team that style of play has caused us problems all season, they sit second in the league for goals conceded, there OPPDA sits at 4.68 which is 12th in terms of high press (I know it is not a great stat in game). so, to beat a team who are happy to sit off is a promising sign.

Think when you look at our passing shape credit must be given to our opponent who did frustrate our left hand side overload. but you can see from the second picture that our overload and 1v1's and 2v1's did form but the two banks of four from the opponent ensured they could cover.

Another goal from winning possession back and getting straight on the attack, I love the link up play that is forming between the me and advanced forward. The 2v1's really do leave defences at 6's and 7's. The second goal comes courtesy of a back post corner, everything coming together nicely at the minute.

The complete performance and result to match. Wolfsberger conceded possession and tried to deny us space but our new intelligent attacking patterns proved the difference. Our left hand side overload working wonders but a solid diamond shape also forming on the right helps keep our opponents guessing.

Michorl came back in from the start and ran the show again, five key passes and was the heartbeat of the side. Kulenovic already justifying his new deal with a performance of the highest quality, two goals, one assist, four key passes and he topped the fouls against charts while covering an incredible amount of distance for a target man.

The second goal perfectly displays our left hand side overload working perfectly, the ball being interchanged between the WCB, DM, RPM and LWB. It’s the first example where you can see the effective of the anchor-man dropping when the WCB pushed forward.

Kulenovic pulling into the space vacated from the LB and running the channel of the back of the CB, times his run perfectly and squares a great ball for Ballo who can’t miss. The partnership of Ballo and Kulenovic is flourishing, both works perfectly in tandem, both have pace and while Kulenovic provides the strength and power Ballo provides the explosiveness.

The third man Michorl was involved in the setup as well for the third which displays the trio coming together nicely. Ballo finishes off the scoring from a more direct break to seal a superb attacking display with three of our four goals coming attributed to our distinct style of play.

Five wins from five for the month and another convincing result and performance to match. The win takes us into seventh in the Europa league table with three games left to play at this stage.

For me there is nothing better in football manager when tactical plans come together, especially when they play out exactly as planned as they have done this month. Michorl has really kicked on with his role change and the focus through him, the heat man display again our dominance down the left.

However, it was our build up play through the right hand channel that provided the first goal, this is the beauty of the system at the minute we now have so many ways to attack our opponents. Great link up play on either side, players all on different lines with great off the ball movement.

The second goal comes from a corner, the third comes down the right again shows how clever the WCB in the half space can be as he slides Ballo in down the side who squares it for Kulenovic to slot home, the two work perfectly in tandem at this present time.

The other side of the third is another goal from a set play, Dieters who now breaks Dauti's record means the manager has the last laugh, dieters look the best of our three hot prospects now.

A huge month after the switches has allowed us to close the gap. Seven points is still a huge ask but again reassuring that RB dropped points, Rapid look like they are here to stay and honestly am glad about that. Life would be boring just chasing down RB on our own and Rapid are the most successful ream in Austria and id like them to help bring down the red bull cash cow.

LASK are more or less down it would take something special to sort our neighbours out now, as much as it’s nice to see rivals struggle and the dans have the bragging rights, the league is always a better place for derby matches.

Summary

The improvement in our attacking play since the tweaks is quite the up take, 18 goals scored in 5 matches compared to the 7 scored in 6 matches in the previous month. Our attacking patterns are far more intelligent than previously while not deviating from the philosophy, they also offer fluidity due to the different ways in which we can score.

Our counter pressing has further been boosted from role changes allowing us to press on different lines as the players no long sit in straight lines and provide cover at different tiers, this along with using the ball better has seen an improvement in our ability to stop counter attacks and conceding goals.

Michorl had the biggest change in terms of role, switching from Mezzala to a Roaming Playmaker.

He has dictated all five of his competitive games, even when coming on as a substitute. His improvement and influence on the games vindicates my decision to trust him with such a key role. The 29 year old has now rediscovered his form which had him ranked as one of the best creators in the league.

The advanced forward role never changed within the tactical framework per say, but the player did make a change. Ballo was originally brought in to an attacking midfield player.

Since his switch to AF, he has turned into an assassin in front of goal, hitting eight goals in his last five matches and striking up a formidable partnership with Kulenovic. His pace and movement has proved to be a real thorn in most opponents defences and with only 9 finishing he really is proving his doubters wrong.

Thanks for reading, I appreciate there has been a lot of depth this month as I wanted to share my tactical workings best I could without boring the life out of everyone. I am now off on holiday for a week, so there will be a small break in updates, when am back I’m going to set about making a right-hand side overload system to add another option.

[Jogo Bonito]

Nice update, a lovely 'Ried' as usual.

Very pleased to see your striker Kulenovic still on form. Had a look at him myself for my new game and he is the sort realistic target I would buy too (I won't of course, need to be different). Enjoy your holiday and will try to keep track of your progress when you return.

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, Jogo Bonito said:

Nice update, a lovely 'Ried' as usual.

Very pleased to see your striker Kulenovic still on form. Had a look at him myself for my new game and he is the sort realistic target I would buy too (I won't of course, need to be different). Enjoy your holiday and will try to keep track of your progress when you return.

Love the pun!

yeah powerful strikers are tough to find!

thanks man 

[Hootieleece]

I am on Break next week and expect to play FM!

 

[SixPointer]

18 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

I am on Break next week and expect to play FM!

 

I’m away on holiday don’t think the wife would be happy if the laptop joined us 🤣🤣

[keeper#1]

9 minutes ago, SixPointer said:

I’m away on holiday don’t think the wife would be happy if the laptop joined us 🤣🤣

I leave for holiday tomorrow night so I’m trying to play as much today. 

[SixPointer]

5 hours ago, keeper#1 said:

I leave for holiday tomorrow night so I’m trying to play as much today. 

I have a week to mentally plan a second system now 🤣

[13th Man]

Nice work and lovely goal in the highlights.   Enjoy the holiday!

I do find that sometimes some time away makes me realize what tweaks I should make - while playing too much in a sitting can give you tunnel vision.

[SixPointer]

On 21/02/2023 at 06:12, 13th Man said:

Nice work and lovely goal in the highlights.   Enjoy the holiday!

I do find that sometimes some time away makes me realize what tweaks I should make - while playing too much in a sitting can give you tunnel vision.

Thanks bud!

I agree with the tunnel vision especially when things are go so well and then take a drop of. It’s ease to fall into the trap of blaming poor form rather than looking at things more tactically.

I find this edition seems to be harder to play on auto pilot (making few changes for long periods off a save). Which is something I totally agree with and I find more realistic