Hootieleece Posted September 12, 2023 Author Share Posted September 12, 2023 January 2036: Regular Season "Tinkering and trying new things" Manager's Thoughts Jester tried some new things during the break and made some changes to the Opposition instructions. These changes were for the best and showed immediate results. Other than the loss to RB Leipzig in Pokal Jester is happy with the way his team is playing. The less wild pressing has led to two clean sheets and looks like the way forward. The Two-Day Cup Tourney looks like the way to get players match fit after Christmas break. Schedule Highlights Jester did change one thing during the season break. objectives went from relegation playoffs to avoid relegation and Jester got some more money to work with. He is still hoping for a European place. As the New year turned Jester was asked about the Transfer Window. Jester thinks that is the position that needs attention, but he thinks he will have to get by with what is at the club due to financial constraints. Hoffenheim made an offer for one of our young players the board and GM(DOF) couldn't refuse. Jester was reasonably happy with it because the player was decent but didn't really fit the teams style. With the Break now over the Team now had to host The ROYAL BLUE CUP! A two day tournament to get the players match fit after the break. Two Matches in Two Days followed by a day of rest and then regular training for the next match. The backups would play in the Semi-Finals and Starters in the Finals. The First opponent was from the 2nd League of Belgian Football. Olympic Charleroi played much better after halftime when they went direct with over-the-top balls and crosses from the left flank. The Final for the ROYAL BLUE CUP will be against Sparta Prague. (The other invited "Big Team") The Starters put a good match together and Jester started tinkering with his Opposition instructions. He would press less players no more than 4-5 players in any match after testing it against Sparta Prague. He had been pressing everyone and Marking 4-5 players previously. Jester is neutral on this the sale would have probably given him enough transfer money to get a Left Back. Jester was happy to send this player on loan since he wasn't good enough to be our Left back of the future or today! After some time in the office Jester was happy to be back out on the training field before the trip to Hannover. Jester was excited to see if his less pressing would work against a League Rival, but first more office work. Three important players were resigned and given bigger release clauses because they are players Jester wants to build around. Schalke04 then took the feel with the revamped press and got a clean sheet! Jester was pleased with the performance and for the fans. And afterwards the team then had to play RB Leipzig away in the Pokal. Jester played the backups and decided to take his lumps. and yes it was terrible, but now Jester could concentrate on the League and securing a European place. There was controversy about VAR and the Referee but Jester wanted to stay out of it. another benchwarmer in the last year of contract heads out on loan. The young player decided to stay home. Schalke04 came home to Veltins Arena to take on Wolfsburg. The starters were rested and ready to implement the "limited" press that was Jester's new approach. Less press more clean sheets! The team then had to head to Dresden for the next match against a relegation threatened team. Jester was confident after the start of the second half of the season. Dynamo Dresden gave us some of our own medicine with a "mid block limited press" and did a fantastic job of playing defense. We finally scored but were pegged back immediately. Unbeaten in 10 League Away Matches! Jester was asked about deals at the deadline, but with no sales. He didn't have the money needed to make good deals. Jester didn't participate. After the Transfer window closed there was a report on team Spending. League Table Player of the Month Management Report Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 13, 2023 Author Share Posted September 13, 2023 February 2036: Regular Season "Winning is Hard to do" Manager's Thoughts The team played well as expected but just couldn't win a match. Only the Bayern match was an embarrassment and that is as much to gulf in quality as to that we had a bad match plan. The team has fallen out of the European places but a strong finish to the season could see the team playing in Europe. Whatever happens it will be a successful season since we are most likely not be relegated. Schedule Highlights The month began with a home match against Werder Bremen It was a match of unbelievable luck for Werder Bremen and terrible defending by us....(Clearances going directly to Werder players for shots on goal, etc.) and we had a goal disallowed by VAR! But it was a match by xG we should have won! even in defeat our players were lauded by the press He also made Bundesliga Team of the Week! The GM spent his time negotiating with the young players of the U-19's and Schalke II and signed another prospect to a longterm deal. After the terrible Werder loss it didn't get easier as the team had travel to Munich to take on FC Bayern. Nagelsman was confident, and he had every reason to be with a 38-match unbeaten streak and 20 wins and 2 draws this season! Until this match we had been unbeaten in 10 away matches......Jester wants to start another streak. I'd be pleased too, if I had 4 of the top 10 players in the world in my team on the pitch! The team refunded the traveling supporters and Jester then held a team meeting! The team then had a match against Mainz to get ready for. It was a better outing but much work needs to take place..... A Schalke II player heads home to the United States...... Talk about Streaks......I think that it is easy for the top teams to get incredible streaks going! Arsenal 50 at home, Bayern 40 unbeaten in a row! The last match of the month took the team on a trip to the capital and all of its distractions. Jester did his best NOT to give Hertha any bulletin board material in his press conference. It was another late let down even after we started playing "safer" to see out the match. The media is getting back on our case and other than the Bayern Match all were winnable! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 14, 2023 Author Share Posted September 14, 2023 To all my avid readers who might be better in analysis I have a question. If looking in the Data Hub what are the most important Stats for a Goalkeeper, Central Defender, and Left Back? I am looking for ways to understand why we are shipping so many goals. We are scoring fine but can't keep out the goals. It is a testament to our Goal scoring ability and our GK under duress that we are leading the league in draws and setting a team record. So, I know what to look for to improve the defense in the offseason on a limited budget. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 15, 2023 Author Share Posted September 15, 2023 March 2036: Regular Season "The Future is so bright you gotta wear shades" Manager's Thoughts The team came into the month not playing well and Jester decided to have a Team Meeting before the big match against RB Leipzig. The meeting set the tone for the month which saw the team go unbeaten and win 10 of 12 possible points. This puts the team in a good place to earn a European place and the run assured we would not be relegated. As for the Future, the idea of European Football is what Jester came here for to make Schalke04 relevant again! The youth intake looked good and maybe in a few years we'll have some homegrown stars! Schedule Highlights The month of March commenced with a match versus RB Leipzig The trip to Leipzig is always tough but Jester was hopeful that the Team Meeting would work! Boy did it work! The team played lights out especially AMC Nubbemeyer! Somebody's not happy with the result! and the result ends a 5 match not winning streak! The Shock result of the weekend is on highlights all over Germany! After the big win against RB Leipzig the team returned home and Jester was nearing a mark wih the team. The 100th match is the next big match Leverkusen at Veltins Arena! After the press conferences it was time for some football on the pitch! The team played another top-notch performance with a brace from Ndiaye! The team couldn't celebrate to long as Jester says "on to BMG" The next match was a tricky away match versus BMG. Before the big match the DOF signed an Academy Star that will now move into Schalke II before joining Schalkeo4 The Bundesliga Title chase is all but over but the fight for European places is on with Schalke04 in a good position if it keeps up the good play. In this world FC Bayern is Ming the Merciless. Jester is trying to rally the other clubs to challenge their despotic rule (20 years and counting) Jester knew BMG would be a tricky match and was happy to escape with a draw. Five unbeaten sounds better the 5 not winning or losing! That Draw assured Schalke would not be relegated like many picked in the Preseason. Bayern's rule of the Bundesliga continues. Schalke 04 was getting Veltins Arena ready for the visit of FC Freiburg It would be another tricky match but never rule out home underdogs if things are about equal...... Bayern finally lost after 44 matches unbeaten! The match versus FC Freiburg would be a big one in the battle for European places! Jester and the fans were thrilled with the performance from the "underdogs"! Went out to a quick 4-0 lead but couldn't keep the clean sheet due to adjustments by Freiburg. But a win is a win! Ndiaye was the Hero of the hour! The media think we will make a European Place....... Youth Intake 2036 Looks like we may have a player or two in a few years. Igor Jovic GK Dzenan Ibrahimovic MC Kemal Erten AML Nicolai Altenberger AML Are just some of the future stars in the intake! The team also signed these players from the didn't make it list. Jester watched the Youth Candidates match and was impressed with several players on both teams. The star defensive midfielder will miss some crucial matches in our quest to qualify for Europe! The Wondekids list came out and no one from Schalke04 is on the list. League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 Just got caught up with this save. Great job with Preston. I saw some familiar names that I see in my Palace squad. Good luck with Schalke. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 15, 2023 Author Share Posted September 15, 2023 1 minute ago, keeper#1 said: Just got caught up with this save. Great job with Preston. I saw some familiar names that I see in my Palace squad. Good luck with Schalke. I thought I had taken Preston as far as they could reasonably go. Schalke04 except for the Debt Problems has a much Higher Ceiling. As far as Preston is concerened in the Game world they are still Midtable Premier League team with the AI managing them even though they have sold off a bunch of my stalwarts. Charlie Patino is class. I noticed he is backup for you, but I made him the Midfield Marshal and found a regen as his sidekick to play more defense. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 Patino is more of rotational piece for me than a backup. I'm trusting him more and more in the halfback position of my formation. He's a solid player. I've found that teams will have ceilings in FM whether it be the stadium size or the city size in Preston's case, there is a ceiling. Schalke does have much higher ceiling than Preston will ever have. I chose Palace because they have so much untapped potential - large city (London) and they start in a decent sized stadium. Just needed the right guidance to get them to the next level. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 15, 2023 Author Share Posted September 15, 2023 April/Early May 2036: Regular Season End Manager's Thoughts The team finished out the season playing well. Jester would have liked a few more wins and to avoid the damning loss to our rivals BVB. The team has definite needs that need to be addressed in the off season. The team needs a new GK, LB, and RB to start and better overall depth if the team is to be competitive in the Europa Leage and maintain a European Place in the Bundesliga. Jester fears that the payroll budget and transfer money just will not be there due to the clubs debts. Also of a worry is the Board's building a new stadium and the debts that will bring. The Future is bright but there is still a mountain to climb. Schedule Highlights The month of April started with an important match in the Battle for European places. The trip to Hamburg would be tough but Jester was confident of Schalke04's chances. The match turned into a stalemate between two evenly matched teams. Another point closer to a European Place! Someone wasn't happy with the officiating! Jester ignored pointedly the Refereeing Controversy! The next match would see the team return home to Veltins Arena to take on Hoffenheim. another tricky match but won that a European placed team should be winning! Wirtz our star midfielder was a bench player at best at Hoffenheim! Weber another important midfielder is still unfit and will be for most of this run to the end of the season. Missing our best ball winning midfielder hurt and our defense let us down early, but the team showed resilience and came back to draw an exciting match! Another manager upset with officiating and VAR! The Media were most interested in if Hoffenheim's star player would leave.....Jester was non commital.....he wasn't a tranfer target for us! an interesting Email about the Finances in the Bundesliga came to Jester's Attention. No team is making a Profit in Germany, but at least our losses are below the average! Next up after the Hoffenheim match was a trip to Frankfurt to take on a team in good form and at home. We are grinding out points any way we can! It is obvious that Bayern's Dominance of German Football isn't a good thing.....with the Bundesliga losing out on an extra Champion's League spot! another draw at least it is not a loss and we tie the team record! Weber's first match back in the lineup and he was our all-action star! Jester was more than happy to answer the press's question about Weber's Performance! We tied the team record for Draws! Let's hope we don't set a new record. Union Berlin was the next team on the schedule and Jester was hungry for a victory. In the pre match press conference I was happy to say we use our Man City Loanee in many ways. A come from behind victory in the second half fans will be talking about for seasons to come! It was the Backups who played in this match and showed their mettle! This was because Jester was resting the starters for the all-important Revier Derby versus Borussia Dortmund which is next! Lets just say for all the hype and preparation the team played another stinker of a match and lost 3-0 ! The BVB manager was pleased with his team's performance....Jester not so much! Jester had tried to do something different to stop the losing streak against BVB and it failed just like everything else against them! Jester did his best to hide his anger over the loss. Bundesliga Transfer Profits were interesting reading Schalke04 managed to make a small profit. In other parts of the Game World, Jurgen Klopp and Real Madrid win La Liga! Our Youth players that joined the U19's were made official. and because we aren't up where we belong yet.....a youth player was poached. One more match in the season and lets go out with win. FC Koln was the next match and a good test of where we were as a team since it would be a Top 6 Matchup. Out to secure Europa League Football for Next Season! A Historic Day for Schalke04 Football Club! We're back and relevant! the Koln manager wasn't exactly happy with the officiating, but we dominated the game. Jester just lit a fuse, and the boys did it! League Table to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 15, 2023 Author Share Posted September 15, 2023 May 2036: Post Season "Big Things are coming, but it is Ground Hog Day" Management Report The Board of Directors is Ecstatic. The fans are lukewarm. The Prize money from 5th place puts us in a place where we might be able to but a player or two, but we need at least three! Board Meeting The board is planning on spending all of this money..... The transfer budget is generous but some of it will be moved to wages. Jester is planning on $50M/year wages and a $15M Transfer Budget to help keep the team out of the red! Our ascent up the ranks of German football is hurting our base of support event though we are growing the fanbase. The Core is now less than 50% of the supporters. Nothing wrong with the club vision other than the new stadium...... Jester agrees with the training camp destination since we are not yet a "Global" Club. and the piece de resistance! The New Stadium got the go ahead! Jester is shaking his head at the cost. Especially the $274M Loan which is added to the debt load of the club. This means the club HAS to make a European Place every season just to stave off the creditors! Jester is also wondering why such a low bid was accepted for Veltins Arena which is only 35 years old! to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 An 80k seat stadium?!?!?!?! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 15, 2023 Author Share Posted September 15, 2023 (edited) 31 minutes ago, keeper#1 said: An 80k seat stadium?!?!?!?! We had a 60k seat stadium already. I was perfectly happy to fill the place after we were relevant until the loans were paid. The Board had other ideas! Edited September 15, 2023 by Hootieleece added words I forgot Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 16, 2023 Author Share Posted September 16, 2023 Late May 2036: Offseason Part 1 Manager's Thoughts The season had been a good one and needed to be built upon. Jester was happy with his team's scoring ability but a little perturb by its performance defensively. He thinks the board is crazy to build a new stadium and take on that much debt when then had as much debt already. That will make his job that much harder to find quality and depth to improve the team for the European Nights that the Board and Fans will be wanting for the next twenty-five years to pay off the club's debts. Highlights The team review showed some good things about the team. The Good season helped the finances of the club. The team is going to have to maintain a European place to stay solvent due to debt repayments. (more on that later) This was the Starting XI and no one put in a bad performance there is room for improvement especially if the team is to maintain a European place. The Fan's Award were warranted and the following players won the top awards. Fans Player of the Year Fans Young Player of the Year The season can be summarized this way: Jester's Career this season. Two Defeats to BVB are stains on what was a great season! It is encouraging to see that most of the Best XI are still with the club! Bayern completed the Domestic double a week before taking on Real Madrid in the Champion's League Final. The U-19's progress is encouraging. We quietly signed a GK for the future. (maybe next season) Rumors abounded that Jester was headed to Inter......Jester Denied it. Jordyn Bergin rightfully won this award, and the team is happy he will join permanently on July 1rst. Jester won an award as well. The board was happy with the award. Schalke04 signed a young AMC to provide depth to Schalke II for now. Depth for the Defensive midfield. There is going to be a Goalie Battle during the Preseason! The Board is happy that Jester is staying and continuing his rebuilding work. He is first Choice for now...... Management Report Financial Report The monthly financials are rosy until you find most of that money is a loan! The Team is $30M/Year in debt for the next 11 years! and $13M/year for the 15years after.....The New Stadium will not pay off anytime soon. Actually, it will be 20 years old when the team is done paying for it! A that time the team will probably build another stadium! to be continued: 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 16, 2023 Author Share Posted September 16, 2023 June 2036: Offseason Manager's Thoughts Jester wanted to improve three positions and upgrade the team depth this offseason. GK, LB, RB. He thinks he did just that with the young players he acquired. This is also one of the first times Jester has used his entire payroll budget and 90% or more of the transfer budget. even though one of the board requests was to spend the transfer budget. With the team playing on several competitions these additions will be key in Schalke04's attempting to remain competitive in the Bundesliga and in the Europa League. Highlights The month of June started with Jester making a hard personnel decision. Quentin Merlin for all his Dead Ball Skill was identified as a defensive liability and was let go. another youth player poached this time by our rivals BVB! Schalke04 received a tax bill because somehow, we made a profit last season. The Commercial Summary is good, but the profit was made due to the Prize Money of coming in 5th place in the Bundesliga. The Board are beginning to realize that the new stadium was a bad idea at this time. We lose ranking even though we have our highest finish in years! It is because German Football is losing credibility due to Bayern's Dominance. This is why we took a hit in the rankings...... Schalke04 named biggest over achievers and in the best match of the season! We are now ranked 13th in Germany and now have a Continental Reputation due to playing in the Europa League! No one from Schalke was named a signing of the season. Even though you could make a case for our loanee Bergin. The board reminded Jester of their objectives and Jester agreed to the low expectations to ease the pressure on himself and the team. So that they may repeat last season's magic. After talking to the board Jester will be able to get more money for the payroll by selling players. Jester better hope that Schalke04's fate doesn't come down to the final day.......Bayern FC so much hate! Speaking of FC Bayern, they were the runners up in the Champions League and have won it twice and been runners up three times since the save started. The Board wants to recklessly spend money now that we are in European places.....to keep up with the Joneses! Bergin officially joined us after his loan. This is the new Left Back which will hopefully help us defensively......he shouldn't be beat for pace. Our new Goalkeeper who will challenge for the number one spot. A backup right back to challenge Vidovic for his starting place and provide depth. Left back Candidate for the Schalke II team. Left Back for the U-19's and then Schalke II hopefully he can be trained up to standard. A DM brought into provide depth and challenge for places. An AMC to be Nubbemeyer's Understudy. Financial Report to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SixPointer Posted September 17, 2023 Share Posted September 17, 2023 Always a good sign when you’re considered the biggest overachievers, also looks a good summer of recruitment to make Schalke force to be reckoned with in Germany once again, like the fans deserve 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 17, 2023 Author Share Posted September 17, 2023 4 hours ago, SixPointer said: Always a good sign when you’re considered the biggest overachievers, also looks a good summer of recruitment to make Schalke force to be reckoned with in Germany once again, like the fans deserve I hope you are right. I am only really making sure we don't get relegated. If somehow we make the Top 6 again that would be great. I would actually be happy with 10th-12th to consolidate and get used to European Football. The only thing we are really missing is a dead ball specialist for corners. I am going to try and manage Schalke until the new Stadium opens (5 seasons) if possible before FM24. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
warlock Posted September 17, 2023 Share Posted September 17, 2023 10 hours ago, Hootieleece said: I am going to try and manage Schalke until the new Stadium opens (5 seasons) Five seasons, five or six weeks... easy. As for relegation, I forbid it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 17, 2023 Author Share Posted September 17, 2023 2 minutes ago, warlock said: Five seasons, five or six weeks... easy. As for relegation, I forbid it Might be a little harder for me. I'm a Teacher and school just started two weeks ago. I will try and make sure I don't get relegated......this season is promising we are picked 15th! (sneak preview) 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
warlock Posted September 18, 2023 Share Posted September 18, 2023 3 hours ago, Hootieleece said: I'm a Teacher and school just started two weeks ago Respect! Probably no more important job in the world. You're still not allowed a relegation though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 18, 2023 Author Share Posted September 18, 2023 July/Early August 2036: Preseason "It went a bit TOO well...." Manager's Thoughts Jester was excited for the Preseason like he hadn't been in years. Mostly because he was interested in how a two-day cup tourney would affect match fitness. He had used it over the Christmas break to great effect. He had mixed up the schedule with the backups mostly playing against smaller teams and the first teamers playing against bigger opponents. The preseason matches proved to be dominated by Schalke04 and Jester was wondering if this was a true test of his team that he wanted, but another thing concerned him as well the looming injury crisis brought on by the matches played. Jester really hadn't done anything different than past years, but this season seemed that the injury bug is striking hard. The team is Preseason picked to be in the Relegation Battle but by picked 15th. Jester is confident that the should with a little luck easily avoid relegation like last season. Replicating the top 6 finish will definitely be a little harder, but Jester would be happy with a midtable 10-12 place finish. Schedule Highlights The month of July saw some more proposed transfer activity before the Preseason training and all important Preseason Cup! Our Rivals from Hamburg came in hard for one of our young Academy players. The DOF said yes.....Jester thought about and let it go....however it would turn out/ Jester was pleased with all the players brought into the club and thought that the club had been strengthened in multiple areas. He was a free transfer but Jester wants more money for any players who leave before they are judged not suitable for Schalke04! Sabotic decided to stay with his childhood club. Preseason started with a Two Day Cup Tournament to give both the Starters and Backups a run of 90 minutes of Match Fitness before starting training camp in Austria. The Scheduling geniuses had us playing the other big team in the Semi-Finals so it meant that the First team would play in the Semi-Final and the Backups in the Final or 3rd place match. A back-and-forth match that thrilled the fans saw Schalke04 see off the challenge of Leeds United. As a reward for beating Leeds the Backups would play Vaduz from Liechtenstein for the Preseason Cup! Two Young Academy Players signed long-term with the club. The Backups were more than happy to put an outclassed Vaduz to the Sword! Time to start indoctrinating the players in the importance of winning Silverware! Schalke04 is the 7th biggest matchday and ticket revenue club in the Bundesliga, but its total is 1/3 of Bayern's. After the Preseason Cup the team went to Training Camp in Austria in a Good mood. While there we played several teams including a match against RB Salzburg. RB Salzburg was dominated they played like they weren't ready for the Gegen press! After returning home from Austria, Jester received two intriguing offers...... Jester couldn't understand why such high-profile jobs would want a manager of midtable teams. He rejected both offers even though the money was tempting.....He had unfinished business in Gelsenkirchen. The first of what would become an injury crisis happened as the team was preparing to host Ajax. Our Star #10 was wanted by other teams, so Jester decided to give Nubbemeyer a raise and make his release clause much bigger! Like the RB Salzburg match Ajax didn't seem to take it seriously. We dominated what should have been a much better team. If you turn down France and Spain, why would you sign on with Turkey? A really good young GK from this year's candidates is already creating transfer offers! Jester rejects them. The Preseason end with a visit from Burnley. Not going to sell my backup CB on the eve of the season for pennies! Did sell this player who was replaced in the transfer window for anything we could get! Season Preview Player of the Preseason This player has seized the backup AMC role with both hands. Management Report Financial Report Transfers really drained the coffers. Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 19, 2023 Author Share Posted September 19, 2023 August 2036: Regular Season "Injury Bug or Crisis?" Manager's Thoughts Other than the match against Frankfurt the team played well all things considered. Especially since the team was hit with the injury bug that became a full-blown crisis in the fact that the first team was down FIVE STARTERS at one point. This is the most injuries of Jester's career and he doesn't think that he overworked the players and built up their match fitness enough all while making sure they spend plenty of time with the Sports Fitness people and physios in the recovery blocks. Jester just thinks that his past two years had been relatively injury free and that as the season goes on they will balance out. Schedule Highlights The month of August started with more teams trying to extract the Young talent from the team and Jester saying No! It seems because of the team's debts that we are having a firesale.....according to other teams. Too small an offer for a Starting Player.........comeback with a better offer or better yet not at all! Then the dreaded injury bug bites again this time our leading scorer Striker Ndiaye! A Backup/Substitute player will miss time along with the two new players who will be out longer. Backup player who just joined the team was looking forward to spelling Vidovic at Right Back. Now his debut isn't until Europa League! Sometimes you have to love the media. Just because we are down to 1 right back they say we are after a player that costs more than we have in the transfer fund! The team will take on the Semi-Pro outfit Halle in the First Round of the DFB Pokal. Just because we usually play in arenas doesn't mean we can't play on a smaller ground. Hoffenheim isn't giving up on our goalie of the future! The team then headed to Halle for the Pokal First Round. Jester played a rotated squad of mostly backups. The team went out to a big lead after 20 minutes and used the rest of the match as passing and shooting practice. Now Napoli want in on the action as well......No he is not leaving! After the match in Halle the team returned to Gelsenkirchen to ready themselves for a trip to Frankfurt. The match would start the season and Frankfurt was favored. The board reminded Jester of its objectives for the season. Jester thought they were reasonable. The Frankfurt manager fired up his players with this comment! The match started off well with us taking an early lead then the wheels came off and we were blasted out of the building after our defense was torched for 5 goals! The Final was Frankfurt 5 and Schalke04 2! After the humiliation in Frankfurt the team returned to Veltins Arena to lick our wounds. The Next round of the DFB Pokal will be tougher than Jester would have liked. The Marketing Department had some decent news to lift Jester's spirits. Recently promoted Stuttgart was coming to visit and Jester wanted to give them a warm welcome back to the Bundesliga! Schalke04 was favored and needed to play like favorites after the disappointing start versus Frankfurt! The team came through with a better performance against a determined Stuttgart team. The Stuttgart Manager had some interesting things to say after the match. The biggest news of the match was that Jordyn Bergin would miss the next three weeks and join the long list of "walking wounded" Herrlich the Backup/Dead Ball Specialist had himself a match as the starter! We have 5 first teamers on the injury list! The board of Directors need to step up a bit to find us more commercial revenue if they are going to keep taking loans! Another club sniffing around the young prospects! After talking to the coaches and other staff, Jester decided to extend the contract of Backup LB Gryftokostas. The Final match of the month was versus FC Augsburg another newly promoted club. Jester was confident that his team would win the points! and win they did 0-2 at the Augsburg Stadium to take over 7th place. The star of the day was Bergin's understudy Neitzel who is more of a playmaker than direct threat from the right wing. The FC Augsburg Manager wasn't happy with his team's loss. Even though it was transfer deadline day, Jester planned a relaxing evening at home. League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Financial Report Looking Ahead tough month ahead! to be continued: 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 20, 2023 Author Share Posted September 20, 2023 September 2036: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team is playing well except for the fact that the team struggles against top teams from the Bundesliga. A loss to RB Leipzig and a draw to BVB keep some unwanted non-winning records going. The Backup players are showing they are capable by playing well in the Europa League. (Some of it is due to the teams are from leagues that aren't playable in the save). The rotation though has had a good effect on morale as all players are getting some playing time and with the ever-present injury bug some are getting league time that Jester wasn't expecting and performing well enough to challenge the starter. Schedule Highlights September started with Transfer Deadline Day. It was pretty quiet on the Schalke04 front. The players brought in were brought in early and there was no wild spending as the window closed. The club is now NOT spending the least on players! Is that a good thing? due to debt issues. The club did loan out a young International that was stuck in Schalke II. Jester is getting really tired of all these players being poached. The Club received some money for playing in the Europa League. The Europa League fixture list came out only Valencia, Feyenoord, and Famalicao are real threats the rest of the matches will be played by the backups. As the Bundesliga is still the main concern for Jester. A Board objective crossed off! always a good thing for a manager. Ndiaye our leading Goalscorer started getting restless and Jester was able to get him to extend for an extra year at a bit of a discount. Before this he was going to weigh his options at end of the contract. Another youth player poached! Jester is wondering if there will be ANY Youth candidates this year. Finally after the long International Break it was time to play football. The first match would see the team host RB Leipzig at Veltins Arena. RB Leipzig are undefeated and a top the Bundesliga. Can Schalke04 cause an upset? Schalke04 couldn't get a win but played a tough match that made the League Leaders look bad and was one of our better performances against RB Leipzig. Playing a press with possession style passing is "Jester Ball" FC Bayern is starting another of their unbeaten runs....... After the big match versus RB Leipzig the team was hosting Hapoel Bersheba from Israel in a midweek Europa League clash. Schalke04 was favored even though it was believed that Jester would play the backups. and the Backups came through with a dominant performance with help from the referee! Atchom coming off the broken toe made his debut and looked comfortable in the middle of the pitch. Gordon Herrlich's two penalties sealed the deal for Schalke04. After the Europa League match midweek the team traveled to Berlin to take on recently promoted Union Berlin. Union Berlin was favored as the home team but could the Schalke04 starters cause an upset? Jester wants the wins to build on each other so we become unbeatable! Schalke04 went down early in a rough and tumble affair that saw each team reduced to ten men but was a win in the end! Someone is looking for someone to blame for losing. After the match with Union Berlin the team returned to Gelsenkirchen to take on Puskas Academy from Hungary. Schalke was expected to walk away with this one and Jester was going to play the Backups again. Of course Jester is going to Rotate as the Bundesliga is more important at this time. The Injury Bug just won't leave the team alone.... Schalke04 trained players are part of the National Team. Now we need to get a National Team player on the team in the starting XI! Puskas Academy did their best playing a 4-4-2 and parking the bus, but it wasn't enough even though it took a long time to break down their defenses. Kuklis the new backup Right Back is making a name for himself. The next match was a big one the Derby versus BVB! Jester is always excited for Local Derbies and hopes to start winning a few of these...... BVB manager demeaning the club for not really being able to afford foreign imports even though we several in the starting XI! Gameday came and we played them to a stalemate, we even went ahead but as we began to celebrate, they scored in stoppage time. Overall, a satisfying performance. Nubbemeyer the AMC setup both goals from his position behind the striker. Highlights allover German TV and Schalke04 is in 7th place! Nubbemeyer was named player of the week! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Week Not Normally a starter but his performances in Europa League were worth noting. Management Report Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 20, 2023 Author Share Posted September 20, 2023 October 2036: Regular Season "Following the Unbeaten Path" Manager's Thoughts Even though the injury bug continues to bite us hard. We have been able to rotate the squad and win games. "Jester Ball's" Gegen press with possession style passing wins matches especially against Defensive minded teams. All of the matches were close and we won several as underdogs. Jester was happy to take seven of a possible nine points in League play. also important was our win in the DFB Pokal versus Werder that see us reach the third round for the first time under Jester. Could this be another of Jester's famous Cup runs starting? Schedule Highlights The month of October started and ended with the Backups playing in Cups. At the start of the month was a trip to Croatia to take on Dinamo. It was considered an even match, even so Jester was playing the Backups to show faith in them. We took an early lead and even though Dinamo fought hard to the end they still lost. Richard Rogers who came here as a Striker has become a force as an Inverted Winger as AML. Schalke04 had barely returned from Croatia and had to hit the road again this time a trip to Koln. This was a big match between to teams with aspirations of European place for next season. FC Koln was considered the Favorite could Jester's Boys pull off a "Smash and Grab"? Koln played defensively and were hard to break down but after some subs in the second half Schalke04 broke down the defenses and got the all-important win! The win moves Schalke04 into 4rth place in the Bundesliga! The injury bug hit again..... TV Highlights all over Germany! Schalke04 returned home from Koln to take on Wolfsburg at Veltins Arena. Wolfsburg was considered the favorite, but never bet against home underdogs if the odds are close! The Injury bug just won't leave us alone this season. We lose a key midfielder.....and none of those candidates will replace him instead Club Captain Brinkman will. We went to an early lead, they pinned us back and we kept playing and finally scored another late for the victory! Jester made sure to compliment Wolfsburg since they did play well in defeat. Schalke is way down the list of Bundesliga trained players. It doesn't help when so many youngsters are poached by our rivals. The team then had to travel to Hamburg for a match versus HSV. HSV were a capable team, and their recent losses were to top of the table clubs. We had our Talisman back Ndiaye, and he helped us singlehandedly get the draw! Our critics are not happy with our form..... Jester made sure to compliment Ndiaye on his performance coming back into the team. More highlights especially as the media builds a campaign against us..... The team then finished the month with a trip to Werder Bremen to play in the second Round of the DFB Pokal Werder were the favorites but could the Backups pull off a miracle? We were facing them twice in a week....both away and at home. It went to penalties but the backups won! The Werder manager was fuming at the loss! Jester was just happy with the win! So was the Assman who did the Press Conference! As a reward the team would play Hansa-Rostock in the next round at Veltins Arena. League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Financial Report Looking Ahead Busy month ahead with the Bundesliga and Europa League matches around an International Break. to be continued: 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 22, 2023 Author Share Posted September 22, 2023 November 2036: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts It was another good month for Schalke04. Rotating the team with mostly backups playing in Europe and Starters in the Bundesliga is paying dividends with wins the Mainz match not withstanding. Of concern is the way that the team is spending money and in debt month after month. The real problem is the $3.6 million payment that the team needs to pay to service the loans it has out. Yes the building of a new stadium at this time will go down as a fantastic idea. Why is Bayern so dominant in the Bundesliga? They have 4 of the best players in the World including the current best player in the world. Schedule Highlights SV Werder were the first piece of business in the new month. Someone is jealous of how cheap our players are......We plan on making him eat those words! And did we ever! 6-0 thrashing using the Starters after the Backups won the cup match a few days earlier. Social Media was abuzz about the spectacular win! Our AML-A was on top of his game setting up his teammates! Starter goes down..... An up-and-coming Center back will miss his chance to impress playing for the first team due to injury. The next match was Valencia and Jester decided to half rotate the squad for this match. Valencia played a boring defensive 4-4-2 against us and was consistently offsides on their long passes. Schalke in good position to qualify for the playoffs but there are some really big teams in this competition, Chelsea and PSG! Herrlich our backup striker and expert corner taker has a great game! He has 15 heading skill. On the way back from Valencia the team stopped in Mainz for a match. Mainz was favored but Jester thought highly of Schalke04's chances. It was a tough match between two teams that didn't give an inch, but the Schalke04 defense had no answer to Chermiti's Hat-Trick! The undefeated streak ended and now the critics come out of the woodwork! Bayern has Four of the top ten players in the world no wonder they are near unbeatable in Bundesliga! This is the World's best player in 2036! The next match is a milestone hopefully the team disregards and does their Job! Relegation threatened SC Freiburg come to Veltins Arena to mark the occasion of Jester's 600th match as Manager! An easy victory for the home team. Freiburg was outclassed. Ndiaye strut his stuff and showed how good he is! Analytics prove it! The next match saw the team head to Turkey for the match. Jester was playing his backups again. It was a tough match from a supremely defensive 5-2-1-2WB that we broke down the defenses of. The team returned home from Turkey ready to head to Hoffenheim for a match. Hoffenheim's manager patronized us about overachievement and Jester took the high road while seething and hoping to make him eat his words! It ended up a tough battle with no winner......it was another late loss to blame on the injury riddled defense. Ndiaye proved again why he is the perfect Striker for Schalke04 and "Jester Ball" The last thing that happened was that Schalke sent out invitations for the Royal Blue Xmas Cup! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 23, 2023 Author Share Posted September 23, 2023 December 2036: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts It was a month full of frustration for Jester, his team was playing well but there were more draws and losses than wins. Jester thinks that the Midseason Xmas break is coming at a perfect time for Schalke04 to refresh and get ready for the second half of the campaign. It will be important to keep rotating and avoid injuries if possible if Schalke04 is to reclaim a European Place. Currently the team is in 7th place just outside of the European places. Schedule Highlights The month of December started with a visit from "Die Alt Dame" from the Capital. Schalke04 was heavily favored but Jester was uneasy for some reason before the match. Jester used the backups looking forward to the clash with BMG and that was a mistake. But Jester took his anger out on the players,,,,,anyway! Asked why he used so many players, He retorted have you seen the injured players list! The team then hosted BMG and the Starters returned to the lineup. Someone is salty..... Jester tried to defuse the situation. The Starters rest had been worth it for the dominant display led by JP Ndiaye! Two more goals for the "perfect" Pressing Forward-Attack for Jester Ball II. The BMG boss tried to say his team was better than us even though we dominated them! Another international opportunity declined because Jester has a job here! Even with all the poached players it looks like we have some promising players in the academy! Rogers is challenging Ozcan for the Starting AML position and at his low salary it was no brainer. The next match would see Malmo FF come to town in the Europa League. The Backups would play another match. Malmo gave us a tough fight with a defensive minded 5-2-1-2WB Formation that stifled our attack. We took our chances but couldn't convert because of their goalie. A Frustrated Jester lashed out after the match. Analytics show we should have won! After the disappointment midweek the team had to ready themselves for a trip to Leverkusen. Two equal teams fought hard and the end was stalemate. The important match was highlighted all over the tv in Germany! Complaints about VAR.....are never ending! Ozcan the starting AML will miss the match versus FC Bayern! Backup keeper heads home to Luxembourg early. The last match of the first half of the season will be against FC Bayern at Veltins Arena. Our Vice Captain signs on for the long haul. Jester was just being realistic. The match was highly anticipated and was considered the best of the week on German TV! The team battled hard, but an upset didn't happen. The reaon why the match was closer is that Jester didn't listen to the coaching staff and play more defensively. FC Bayern weren't expecting it. Jester wants to win the next one in Munich! Another International Job that Jester has NO interest in. The Royal Blue XMAS Cup against Ligue1 teams was cancelled so Jester created a replacement. A couple of lower-level Belgian Teams and Legia from Poland to give our players some match fitness before the resumption of the season. A highly rated youth player commits. League Table Seventh place at the halfway mark isn't bad for a team picked 15th! Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month The backup RB has been showing his worth in Europe and the Bundesliga providing assists. Management Report Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 24, 2023 Author Share Posted September 24, 2023 January 2037: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team played well. Jester thinks the Two-Day Tournament for Match Fitness helped the team find its form. Yes the team lost to Eintracht Frankfurt and the Famalicao match was close due to the Over-the -top ball which remains an Achilles heel of our team, luckily most teams try to play through the press or give up and just defend and those matches usually end up with wins. Schedule Highlights The month of January started with the rescheduled Midseason Cup a Two-Day affair to build up match fitness after the Christmas Break. The backups were set to take on lower league Belgian team. The Backups strutted their stuff! That setup a final against Legia from Poland for the Starters. The starters played well and got their fitness up as well as winning some silverware! (Made Up Tournament) The Team then spent the week getting ready for the Eintracht Frankfurt Match. The starters were ready and raring to go......unfortunately the team fell to the Over-the Top ball from Frankfurt and lost the match. It was a close fought match but Direct play over our press is our achilles heel! And those Over-the-Top balls made this guy look good! So, after the disappointment against Frankfurt, it was on to the next match. The next match was held at Veltins Arena and was the Third Round of the DFB Pokal. The Backups were set to play with help from the starters off the bench if needed. Hansa Rostock was up for the match and their defense and Goalie were from another world even after going down to ten men, they only lost in penalties. Of Course Jester had confidence in his team. The team then had to make a trip to relegation threatened Stuttgart. The Starters put together a great performance dominating the match! Bergin the AMR-IF-S was the man in the match! After the Stuttgart match the First-Choice keeper comes down with the Flu and is sent home. The next match was a trip to the Netherlands for a match against Feyenoord. Jester decided to play the Starters in this match to possibly get a bye in the knockout rounds. The win allowed us to keep 5th place in the Europa League standings with much bigger clubs. Jordyn Bergin was the man of the match yet again! Someone wasn't happy with the loss.... The team then returned home to take on relegation threatened FC Augsburg. The Backups were set to start this match. more international jobs litter Jester's inbox and he repeatedly says NO! The match was the tale of a Super-Sub. JP Ndiaye came off the bench to score a Hatrick! Ndiaye made Jester look like a genius! The next match was against Famalicao and Jester expected the Starters to play. Kemal Ozcan is creating the Assists from another place on the field. the AML position instead of Striker when Bayer was in Bundesliga2. Jester decided to sign this player on a Bosman to be a backup DM for next season. The Over-the-Top ball was a problem, but the team won in the end. We secured the bye in the knockout round of the Europa League! Man of the Match yet again! We still have much to do the season isn't over yet! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carambau Posted September 26, 2023 Share Posted September 26, 2023 Great run in the Europa League! And Bundesliga looking nice as well - on to a successful season 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 26, 2023 Author Share Posted September 26, 2023 3 hours ago, Carambau said: Great run in the Europa League! And Bundesliga looking nice as well - on to a successful season It has been good so far and has the chance of being a great season. Other than the Debt we are incurring. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 26, 2023 Author Share Posted September 26, 2023 February 2037: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team played well this month and showed that they were a team that could finish what they started, they are a little off the pace of the top teams and still need a little luck to beat them. Jester also showed that he has a great eye for talent and is willing to spend within limits to improve the team. If the team keeps up its current pace this could be a true season to remember with the team still in the Europa League and DFB Pokal. Schedule Highlights The month of February would start with a huge match away versus RB Leipzig Schalke04 came into the match in good form but beating the Energy Drink Giants on their own pitch is always tough. Schalke04 played their typical possession-based press and were at a loss to stop Ivan Mesa from Scoring a Brace...... Mesa put the player of the week performance against us! Jester commended the player on his performance. Trade Deadline Day came and Jester did decide to make a move. $1.3M for this young Slovakian Stud Defender! He will end up in the top 50 Wonderkids in a future edition! He slots right into the starting line up! This was the business done by the club during the window. We are overachieving based on our payroll. Bayern Spends SIX times as much as Schalke04! Bayern Spending away to keep up their domination of the Bundesliga and possibly win Champions League! Jester set a record for spending, but he is hoping to keep up the momentum.....sometimes you have to spend money. A $1.3M deal turns out to be $57M when sold.....what's not to like! As a reward for beating Hansa-Rostock we end up with tough match versus Leverkusen. The team's next match was to be against Union Berlin at Veltins Arena. Schalke04 was favored and Jester was confident. It was a tough match but a mistake by a Union Berlin Defender scored the only goal of the match! and Oto Weiss had a spectacular debut! After the match with Union Berlin the Team had to ready themselves for the Revier Derby vs. BVB! Schalke04 gets the first victory in the Derby of Jester's Reign! Social Media blew up after the hard fought match! Bergin had another great game...... Media trying to create a rivalry! Schalke04 then had to head home to Gelsenkirchen to prepare for FC Koln. The opposing manager is scared. Another hard-fought match that was won by bringing JP Ndiaye off the bench to win the match! and now blaming his players for the failure to win the match. Schalke04 found out who they would play in the Europa League. A tough match is predicted. The Pokal match against Leverkusen was next.....both team were playing well and Jester used his Starters. but had a few key players missing the match due to nagging injuries. and Jester's Policy is to NOT play injured players! Normal Starter Kemal Ozcan came off the bench at halftime to lead the comeback! the assists setup two of three goals! After the thrilling comeback win versus Leverkusen the team had another match. A trip to Wolfsburg and there was to be a little of a letdown in the match. Schalke04 dominated the match but couldn't score! Asked if he was bothered by RB Leipzig, He said he had better things to do than watch their match! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Richard Rogers quietly put together a great month playing AML. Management Report Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 26, 2023 Author Share Posted September 26, 2023 March 2037: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team is playing well and coming through in important moments to give this season the beginnings of a chance at greatness not just being a "Good" season. The Team has made it to the DFB-Pokal Semi Finals and that is the trophy the team has the best chance for. Making the Quarterfinals of the Europa League is wonderful but the chances of winning it are less likely due to the presence of Chelsea and PSG in the competition. Valencia, Schalke04's next opponent isn't to be overlooked either. By consolidating 4rth place in the Bundesliga the team is showing that they aren't one season wonders and were underestimated by many. Schedule Highlights The month of March started off with a trip to Spain to take on Real Hispalis. Real Hispalis was favored but Jester had confidence in his Starters! and the team won the away match when Jester wanted to get a goal or two. The team returned home and spent the better part of the time until the match with HSV with the physios and sports scientists with a celebration thrown in. HSV was favored but Jester thought Schalke04 had a chance to pull off the upset. Jester played it conservatively with a rotated squad, but Gordon Herrlich the backup Striker couldn't be denied and beat HSV on his own! Herrlich accounted for all four goals in an all-action effort with the last coming from a corner with him being our "dead ball" specialist. and now we get another match with Hamburg in the DFB-Pokal Semi-Final. The return leg of the Europa League against Real Hispalis was next and Schalke04 was still not favored even with the first match win and now playing at home. A convincing 2-0 win with a goal from Wonderkid Weiss! On to the Quarterfinals! The fans are getting excited about Schalke's chances in the Europa League! Jester is worried about getting Chelsea or PSG in the next round. The wonderkid is settling in well with a man of the match performance! While the celebrations were still going on Jester and the boys were preparing for a trip to Bremen to take on Werder. Schalke04 was favored but would need to do a professional job with a rotated squad. a good win against a determined Werder team. This email means we will not be relegated! The Youth team wasn't able to defend the trophy. Just before the team left on International Break Mainz05 was to visit Veltins Arena. The starters would play in the final match of the month. It was a hard fought match and Schalke04 just edged it with a 1-0 victory late in the match. The match was highlighted on Tv's all over Germany! Solidifying 4rth place in the Bundesliga! Youth Intake 2037 During the International Break came Youth Intake Day. Even with the poached players it looked like a "good" intake. Sabit Bekic Pawel Wrobel David Besch Mario Stipic Gil Hoeness Jester is impressed and thinks that several will become regulars down the road. He really likes Bekic but he needs to work on the physicals. Schalke04 continued its policy of signing players off the "unwanted" list. Wonderkid Report He isn't homegrown but he slotted right into the starting lineup and has put in great performances already! and he has a $57M Release Clause. League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Financial Report The only worrying thing is the amount of debt that is being piled up even with Jester's penny pinching with transfer funds. Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted September 26, 2023 Share Posted September 26, 2023 Good luck in the Europa Semis! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 27, 2023 Author Share Posted September 27, 2023 1 hour ago, keeper#1 said: Good luck in the Europa Semis! I did make the Europa Semis, but that was after beating Valencia. We play Rangers for the right to play the winner of Chelsea vs. PSG! (spoiler) I'm still playing April. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 28, 2023 Author Share Posted September 28, 2023 April 2037: Regular Season "Dreaming little Dreams" Manager's Thoughts The team was playing well in the Bundesliga using mostly backup players as Jester dreamed of and chased trophies. The DFB Pokal came to an end in Hamburg due to penalties, but The team overcame a first leg defeat against Valencia to advance to the Europa League Semi-Finals versus Rangers. This keeps up the dream of another Europa League Title which would match the 1997 season now 40 years in the past. This season has been the best season Jester has had and it is mostly because his "misfit" players work hard and never give up. Schedule Highlights The month of April's matches started with one versus SC Freiburg. The backups were set to play because of the match against Valencia in a Few Days in the Europa League and Freiburg was in the Relegation Spots. The Backups did a professional job winning the game with a clean sheet. Someone isn't happy with the outcome! Schalke04 somehow is favored by the fans going into the match versus Valencia. Winning is where it is at. Jester likes to play the first of a two-legged match away because of home advantage! Valencia won the match but it was a close hard fought match that could have gone the other way. The team came home after the loss to Valencia to take on Hoffenheim. Schalke04 was favored as home team. The team went down a goal early due to a penalty, but the team stormed back late with two goals to win the match! Our backup Striker is having a season to remember! Jester likes to make the supporters happy! According to a media report EVERY Bundesliga team is in the red..... Schalke04 is still favored even after losing the previous match. Schalke04 fans must be skewing the online poll. Jester was confident ahead of the match. Schalke04 dominated the match but didn't get its goals till late on but they were enough to overturn the first leg defeat! On to the Europa Semis versus Rangers! Man of the match! The Semi-Final for the right to play the winner of Chelsea vs. PSG! After the thrilling win over Valencia the team then had to take on Relegation threatened Hertha Berlin. A rotated squad would take them on. Jester hoped the team wouldn't be too distracted by the pleasures of the Capital...... Jester was happy that the backups came through with a draw against a determined team with something to play for. We are now second! by goal difference! Three matches to go to secure Champions League! The next match is in the DFB-Pokal Semi Final in Hamburg. It will be a tricky match. Jester thought Schalke04 had a chance if they could beat HSV. The chance at the Pokal was lost on peanlties.... It would have nice, but it wasn't meant to be....at least we still have Europa League! After the loss to Hamburg the team headed to BMG for another match for the backups! Schalke04 was favored due to league position. Someone hates losing to Jester! BMG scored early but Gordon Herrlich pegged them right back and even got a winner late on! Eating Humble pie once again! More goals from the Backup that gets starts! Fans pick Schalke to beat Rangers in Glasgow! It was a close match but two bad goals made it look like a dominant victory for Rangers! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted September 28, 2023 Share Posted September 28, 2023 Looks like you have a tough decision to make. Do you push for the Europa League and try to overturn the 2-0 result against Rangers but rest your starters against Bayer and potentially risk falling out of the Champions League places or do you play for the Champions League slot through the league and play the starters against Bayer? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 28, 2023 Author Share Posted September 28, 2023 1 hour ago, keeper#1 said: Looks like you have a tough decision to make. Do you push for the Europa League and try to overturn the 2-0 result against Rangers but rest your starters against Bayer and potentially risk falling out of the Champions League places or do you play for the Champions League slot through the league and play the starters against Bayer? I played for the Europa League place and used a recovery period everyday between matches and used a half-rotated match against Leverkusen. It all worked out in the end. (Spoiler) 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 28, 2023 Author Share Posted September 28, 2023 May 2037: Regular Season and Post Season "Impossible Dream comes True." Manager's Thoughts The team kept its incredible run of play going into May. Yes we lost to Rangers. Both goals were due to mistakes more than being beaten by a better team. Which was proved when we played them at Veltins Arena and overturned the 2-goal deficit to win in Extra time The team continued its good play in the Bundesliga with the backups with starter subs beating Leverkusen and losing to Bayern, but having the team come in best of the rest! The Europa League Final was something the team was down two Center backs but played with determination and took PSG to penalties. Which is always a lottery and we won! Winning the Europa League for the first time in 40 years, since 1997! Jester is still trying to decide if wants to continue with his rebuild of Schalke04 or retire on top, because this season will be hard to top. Schedule Highlights After the loss to Rangers the team needed to recover and take on Leverkusen to assure a Champions League place. Schalke was favored because the match was at Veltins Arena. Jester used a Half-rotated squad to give some rest to the players needed for the second leg against Rangers. Just before the game came a an article about transfer spending in the Bundesliga. Schalke04 was in Transfer Debt, but how the season had gone so far it was worth it. Now on to the big match versus Leverkusen Led by an Early Goal by Richard Rogers, Schalke04 went on to victory. The Leverkusen Manager wasn't happy. The Hero of the Hour Champion's League this is the best season in years for the club, but there is still a chance to match 40 years ago and the 1997 Europa League Championship. If we can overturn the Rangers at home. After the match Jester told everyone what a tough match it was......and how he was proud of Schalke04's Performance. No bitterness in the loss. After the Leverkusen match the team got ready to host Rangers for a chance to be in the Europa League Final. But first we had to reward our academy graduates that would join the U-19's. The Fans thought a draw was most likely to happen but with a slightly better chance of a Schalke04 win. Just before the crucial match our new wonderkid got injured. Game time came and the boys really put up a fight...... The match went into overtime, but Schalke04 overcame the two-goal deficit to book their tickets for Liege and the Europa League Final! The fans went nuts on Social Media after the match! and as a reward for our hard work, we get to play: We have a chance to match the 1997 season which is referenced in the slide. It came out after the match that Jester's Halftime Oratory fired the team to victory! We still have another match to win before we celebrate! Schalke04 pays approximately 51% of its Turnover to payroll for players. That is about as much as the club can afford based on current Debt levels. Otherwise, they could afford about another 30% or $30M. The Final match of the Bundesliga season would see us take on FC Bayern the Champions Since there was almost a week between the Leverkusen match and this one. Jester made sure everyone got plenty of rest and actually was going to play a half -rotated squad in preparation for the Europa League Final and this being dead rubber. Jester showing confidence in his team that has been through the fire of the season. Nagelsman actually respecting us. We lose another defender who was actually sitting out this match. We lost and the scoreline flatters to deceive. We scored two goals late to make it look respectable, but we were dominated. It was our backups that played with some starters subbed on. We ended up second in the Bundesliga and the prize money pays off this seasons debts! Final League Table Highlights Part II The Board wished us Luck. We will need it! This is how PSG Lineup! Fan Polls are crazy saying we would win this one....or did they know something? The Media hyping up the match! Jester was looking for luck against PSG! and he got it! The team won the Europa League on penalties! The Impossible Dream had come true! More money for the bank account, but most will go to bonuses! Our Backup Right Back who played a lot in the early rounds takes home an honor! Biggest Overachievers! Seasonal Analysis Report Management Report Financial Report to be continued: (I think) 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 28, 2023 Author Share Posted September 28, 2023 May 2037: End of Season Bundesliga Final Stats Awards Ceremony Twenty-Five Players were given Medals for Europa League Victory! Player of the Year Young Player of the Year The What could have been..... Board Meeting to be continued: (Jester thinks) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted September 28, 2023 Share Posted September 28, 2023 Congrats on the Europa League title and finishing top two in the Bundesliga. Great season! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 29, 2023 Author Share Posted September 29, 2023 39 minutes ago, keeper#1 said: Congrats on the Europa League title and finishing top two in the Bundesliga. Great season! Thanks! I'm not sure I can replicate it, but I will try for at least one more season. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted September 29, 2023 Share Posted September 29, 2023 What an amazing season, and Herrlich was simply incredible with all these late goals! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 29, 2023 Author Share Posted September 29, 2023 9 hours ago, Rikulec said: What an amazing season, and Herrlich was simply incredible with all these late goals! It was an amazing season, and all the comebacks kept me going. As for Herrlich, if you look at his attributes, he is nothing special except for heading, but he is a different sort of player from Ndiaye who is more of an attacking midfielder playing at Striker. There is going to be a shuffle up top of the formation next season. Herrlich is still going to come off the bench though. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 29, 2023 Author Share Posted September 29, 2023 May 2037: Offseason Part One Manager's Thoughts After the whirlwind that was the end of the season that saw Schalke04 climb to greatness. Jester headed for vacation in Spain. He had thoughts about how to improve the team and started implementing it. He will only bring in one or two players after last season's splurge and will either sell or terminate the contracts of some veterans. He is looking for more creative talent that has ball skills and is a dead ball specialist. So that Herrlich can head in corners instead of serving them. Highlights Jester had his eye on this young Club Brugge player and made an offer but he wasn't interested in negotiating a contract with Schalke04. Jester had planned on training him as a Anchor-Defend Defensive Midfielder. Normally I (Jester) would send in an application, but I decided that one job change was enough for this save. Jester found his player to fill the creative and Dead Ball Specialist role on the team after being transfer-listed by Hertha Berlin. He is a little older than Jester would have preferred but penny pinchers can't be too choosy. He has pace and decent ball skills which will actually improve the team for analysis purposes. Jester created another Two Day Tournament to get match fitness off and running. He wasn't expecting Liverpool to be the Semi-final opponent! He is going to talk to the sales and marketing department about scheduling in the future. Jester has received this award for a second time! This makes the board happy.....but the fact that Jester didn't apply for the Liverpool job probably pleases them more! Two of our players made the Team of the Year! Collecting a Bonus! Jester had talks with club Captain Brinkmann about selling him in that Bundesliga is a little too far above his level of technical skill, but after putting him up for sale no one was taking so mutual termination was arranged. He is a great leader, but the team needs more technical skill. And Bayern won the Champions League! Management Report Financial Report to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13th Man Posted September 30, 2023 Share Posted September 30, 2023 Fantastic work with Preston - last I checked you were in the doldrums of the Championship struggling to break into the top flight. New chapter with a club that has suffered, but you’ve already brought them a Europa Title! I was skimming a bit so I may have missed it, but just how did PSG fall into the Europa League? Seems impossible with their resources in France! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted September 30, 2023 Author Share Posted September 30, 2023 3 hours ago, 13th Man said: Fantastic work with Preston - last I checked you were in the doldrums of the Championship struggling to break into the top flight. New chapter with a club that has suffered, but you’ve already brought them a Europa Title! I was skimming a bit so I may have missed it, but just how did PSG fall into the Europa League? Seems impossible with their resources in France! Thank you for the compliments. I will have to look into how PSG and Chelsea fell into the Europa League. This past season was one of the balls bouncing our way and 23 goals from a backup Striker mostly in the Europa League. I expect mid-table mediocrity next season mostly because too much went our way this season. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 1, 2023 Author Share Posted October 1, 2023 June 2037: The Offseason Part II Manager's Thoughts Jester was interested in improving the squad anyway possible while cutting costs. That is why he extended present players for the most part and went after Free transfers as well. He understood that the team still had $600M+ in debt to service and that to be established as a top half Bundesliga team was the only way to do it. He had no thoughts that the team would repeat the past season anytime soon. Luck went our way too often this season was one of making sure the team didn't end up relegated. Highlights The month started with giving a stalwart of our run an extension. Weber is an Attacking Midfielder that wouldn't be out of place at center back, but to make use of his playmaking skills and tackling he has been the Segundo Volante DMCR in our 4-2-3-1 and it is a role I expect him to keep for now. Since we were profitable somehow, we pay our taxes. The Members chip in to help the club. Financially it was a good season especially in Prize Money and Broadcast Revenues. Jester expects the revenues to dip a bit as the team regresses to midtable for this season. Too Much went "right" for our Best of the rest finish in the Bundesliga, let alone the Europa League! Jester also extended the new Right Center Back, moving him from backup Left Center Back. Three New Teams to bully! The Bundesliga is in 4rth place ahead of Ligue1. Schalke04 is now in the top 100 teams in the World! The Team improved the Sports Scientists this offseason. Personality fits the team culture that Jester is building. The Team lost one of its better coaches to RB Leipzig. Schalke04 at #82 is at the lower end of Continental Reputation. Something to work on this season. The Bundesliga season was reviewed and not surprisingly we were the biggest over achievers! Jordyn Bergin was one of the signings of the season! The Board met with Jester to define the season's expectations: All of the expectations are do able especially the Cup requirements! Since he was extending a number 0f players Jester made sure the new Captain got an extension. Herrlich is rewarded for a magnificent season. We get to play FC Bayern another time.......oh joy oh rapture! In an effort to get more technical skill in the team Jester made a move for this Free Agent. This player will mostly be in Schalke04 II and was a bit of a "Panic Buy" for depth at Left Back. Amri is really making the rounds...... and he ended up signing with us instead of the Saudi's and will be the Backup AMC AP-A. The Coaching Staff was also shored up for the campaign ahead of us. She is a little worse than Tobias Schrock whom she replaced but not by much. Job offers out of nowhere.......If this was a Journeyman, Jester would have entertained it. There is still unfinished business in Germany. Namely knocking FC Bayern off their perch! Management Report Financial Report It looks like we have a lot of money in the bank, that should cover our operating costs with some help from the Champions League. Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 1, 2023 Author Share Posted October 1, 2023 On 30/09/2023 at 12:38, 13th Man said: how did PSG fall into the Europa League? Seems impossible with their resources in France! the Last two seasons they have been outside the Top 3 in Ligue1! as for Chelsea, they haven't been in the top three in the same period: Bordeaux this season's Ligue 1 winner won the Europa League last season. Bayern has won the Champion's League Three times since the save started: a and have been runner's up three times as well. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted October 1, 2023 Share Posted October 1, 2023 The Middle East owners sell the club? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 1, 2023 Author Share Posted October 1, 2023 17 minutes ago, keeper#1 said: The Middle East owners sell the club? The Club Schalke04 is owned by the Fans. No Sale. The Saudi's were in for a player we had made an offer for that was a Free Agent. He ended up joining us because of Champion's League Football I think. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13th Man Posted October 1, 2023 Share Posted October 1, 2023 1 hour ago, Hootieleece said: The Club Schalke04 is owned by the Fans. No Sale. Think @keeper#1meant PSG, right? If the Qatari government (or whatever shell company it is) sold PSG, it would likely cripple a massive club like that for a while before it hit some equilibrium. Onto the topic at hand, it seems smart to bring in decent players on the cheap rather than seek to chase glory and watch Schalke fall again. Hopefully the fans and board will forgive a return to the mean…or you unearth some bargains that come good and let you keep the climb going. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted October 1, 2023 Share Posted October 1, 2023 Yes, I was referring to PSG Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 1, 2023 Author Share Posted October 1, 2023 1 hour ago, 13th Man said: Think @keeper#1meant PSG, right? If the Qatari government (or whatever shell company it is) sold PSG, it would likely cripple a massive club like that for a while before it hit some equilibrium. Onto the topic at hand, it seems smart to bring in decent players on the cheap rather than seek to chase glory and watch Schalke fall again. Hopefully the fans and board will forgive a return to the mean…or you unearth some bargains that come good and let you keep the climb going. 46 minutes ago, keeper#1 said: Yes, I was referring to PSG I will look to see who the directors are next time I open FM23 and report back. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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