[FM23] Kosovo

[Jimbokav1971]

Mar 2036. 

SuperLeague. We;re still unbeaten and add 4 more lots of 3 points our total this month while Ballkani slip-up and lose away to Prishtina, (giving us a 3 point lead IF we win our 2 games in hand). 

Europa League Round of 16. We should have done better in the home leg where we played well, but Marseille were worthy winner in the 3nd leg so I can't complain.

Records. 

We've set a SuperLeague record for goals scored, but we still have 12 (TWELVE) games to play. 

Finances. 

[Jimbokav1971]

2nd Big Deal. Apr 2036. 

I have to say, I think this (30i) Barrigana (POR) * deal is even better than the (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * deal. The only problem is that he leaves immediately. 

I think it's a brilliant deal for us, and they also get really good value too because they're only paying £3M up front for a 21 year old player who is immediately worth £8.4M-£12M.

The player is also happy because he's earning 7.5x more than he was earning with us. It's win/win/win.

It absolutely isn't a £3M fee though. It's £3M(£6.7M) + 50% of re-sale + friendly.  

[Edit]

You know I haven't really looked at him much this season, (or even the last couple of seasons actually), because he was 1st choice and I knew he was 1st choice but at the same time I knew he was going at the end of the season so I just didn't pay him much attention, but...... he really is rather good isn't he?

I always preferred (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * for some reason. 

By the way, look at how much (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * is earning with us right now, (£21 per month), and compare that to what (30i) Barrigana (POR) * is earning after his move, (£70,500 per month). 

Really happy with both those deals. Now we have 1 spot to fill immediately and that will be filled by (33e) Shumeli *, (who has already scored 32 goals this season, playing in the middle for the 2nd Team). 

Then I need someone to replace (33e) Shumeli * in the 2nd Team and that is going to be...... (31j) Lange (GER) *. Let's see how much we can improve him over the next couple of seasons. 

Edited September 3, 2023 by Jimbokav1971

[Jimbokav1971]

Apr 2036. 

SuperLeague. 5 more 3-pointers extends the gap to 5 points, (with a game in hand), and unless we implode in spectacular fashion I think Ballkani's race is done, as they dew with Drita as well as losing to us.  

Kosovan Cup. 15 goals scored and 9 conceded puts us comfortably into the Final against..... Ballkani of course. 

U19's.

Records. 

Finances. 

[Jimbokav1971]

May 2036. 

SuperLeague. The loss of (30i) Barrigana (POR) * with 10 games of the season still to play, (9x SuperLeague games + the Cup Final), was expected to have a slight impact on us, but actually we hardly broke stride. Although we hit 9 and 10 goals earlier in the season, we hit 11 goals against Dukagjini Klinë in the SuperLeague run-in as we seemed to go from strength to strength, irrespective of transfers, injuries or suspensions. 

Kosovan Cup. I think this is actually the 1st time we have won this trophy, (so I should be more excited), but when you win 6-0 after with all your front 3 unavailable, (1x sold, 1x suspended & 1x injured), then it's sort of an anti-climax. Ballkani just couldn't cope with us in the 2nd half of the season. 

Records.

(32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * is leaving at the end of the season, but I think it's fair to say he's leaving on a high, (and as club record league goal-scorer). 

Finances. 

 

[Jimbokav1971]

Squad Info. Jun 2036.

Squad by Appearances. Missing from this is list is obviously (30i) Barrigana (POR) * who made 28(21) appearances. 

With the exception of the GK, I'm really keen to ensure that players don't get much beyond 30 starting appearances and if they get beyond 35 starts then I think that's where injuries start to become more likely. The strikers have made lots of sub appearances, but they have also started fewer games than many others. The exception to this strangely enough is (35a) Siano (ITA) * who was starting for both the 1st and 2nd Team for a while, but wasn't becoming fatigued because the Ass Man was dragging him off relatively early in each game. He was playing closer to 60 mins each game rather than 90, (and that's doable in the short-term). 

Squad by Goals. Missing from this list is obviously (30i) Barrigana (POR) * who scored 40 goals in all competitions before leaving to join Toronto FC, (who strangely play in the USA despite not being in the USA). By the way, (30i) Barrigana (POR) * has played 5 games and scored 0 goals 

@DaneBramagemade a comment last season about us having 3 strikers scoring 20+ goals, well this season we had 3x strikers scoring 40 goals and 3 more strikers scoring 20+ goals. 

Even though we're losing 44 goals from (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * and 40 goals from (30i) Barrigana (POR) *, I don't expect there to be much domestic change next season, (although if we're going to lose, it will probably be the 2nd Team in the 1st half of the season). Things will be a little tougher in Europe, but as much as I obviously love the Champions League money, being able to win so many games and qualify for the KNockout stages of the Europa league via the Playoffs was brilliant. That might be beyond the 2nd Team next season. 

Squad by Assists. Missing from this list is obviously (30i) Barrigana (POR) * who managed 8 assists in all competitions. 

Because we went goal-crazy this season, no less than 11 players have contributed double-figure assists this season. Top of the rankings, (and a bit of a outlier), is (31h) Capi *, who managed 23 assists to go with his 23 goals until he got injured and missed the last 7 games of the season. The reason I say he is an outlier is because his assist numbers are so comparatively high to the other players playing in the wide forward positions, and while, (although lower), his goal numbers are still very good indeed. He is the 1 player of the 6 that started the season in the forward positions at the beginning of the season, who is very much a wide player rather than a central finisher. 

Squad by Avg Rating. Missing from this list is obviously (30i) Barrigana (POR) * who had an average rating of 7.94 across all competitions this season.

[Jimbokav1971]

Records. Jun 2036. 

Can't get any pictures up at the moment so this will have to do. 

• Shkëndija Hajvali's total of 102 points is a new Kosovan SuperLeague record. 
• (31h) Capi * sets a new SuperLeague record of 8.28 Avg match rating over 22 appearances. (Old record was 7.96 by old Ballkani striker). 
• (33e) Shumeli * sets a new Kosovan Cup record of 8.97 Avg match rating over 6 appearances. (Old record was 8.67 by old Ballkani striker).
• (33e) Shumeli *'s 14 goals is a new Kosovan Cup record. (Old record was 10 goals by old Ballkani striker in 2031). 
• (32g) Kadriu 6'1" *'s 5 clean sheets is a new Kosovan Cup record. (Old record was 5 clean sheets by Prishtina GK in 2033).
• (33e) Shumeli *'s 4 MOM awards is a new Kosovan Cup record. (Old record was Ballkani striker in 2023).

Awards. 

• (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * wins SuperLeague Player of the Year.
• (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * wins SuperLeague Golden Boot. 
• (31h) Capi * wins SuperLeague Young Player of the Year. 

Edited September 3, 2023 by Jimbokav1971

[Jimbokav1971]

Goal-scoring GK's.

We were awarded 20+ penalties this season.

We scored 8/12 in SuperLeague at 67%.
We scored 2/3 in Champions League at 67%.
We scored 1/1 in the Europa League at 100%.
We scored 5/5 in the Kosovan Cup at 100%. 

We scored 16/21 in total last season at 76%.

Most of the penalties we missed were when players took a penalty on a hat-trick, (I hate that), and I have unticked the box. 

I was considering giving the GK a couple of seasons to see how he did because it looks like we will comfortably hit 20+ penalties a season so the numbers could be decent. 

The only problem is that Gyazo seems screwed and I don't want to have my GK take pens of I can't record them. Seems a waste. 

[Jimbokav1971]

New Stadium. Jun 2036. 

"The board have announced plans to build a new stadium and are in the process of searching for suitable sites and possible investors. The main reason behind the decision was that Shkëndija Hajvali need to accommodate a bigger crowd due to the high demand for tickets at their home matches at Stadiumi Kishnicë.

The board have however pointed out that this will not be a smooth process as it will be some time before any plans can be finalised and put into action. 

Balkan El Presidente really wants ton take the club to the next level and considers building a new stadium to be a big step in that direction."

*No other info given.   

[Edit]

Future stadium plans now showing "Searching for site: Planned Capacity 4074(4074 seated). 

Edited September 3, 2023 by Jimbokav1971

[WhiteCat33]

9 minutes ago, Jimbokav1971 said:

New Stadium. Jun 2036. 

"The board have announced plans to build a new stadium and are in the process of searching for suitable sites and possible investors. The main reason behind the decision was that Shkëndija Hajvali need to accommodate a bigger crowd due to the high demand for tickets at their home matches at Stadiumi Kishnicë.

The board have however pointed out that this will not be a smooth process as it will be some time before any plans can be finalised and put into action. 

Balkan El Presidente really wants ton take the club to the next level and considers building a new stadium to be a big step in that direction."

*No other info given.   

[Edit]

Future stadium plans now showing "Searching for site: Planned Capacity 4074(4074 seated). 

hope they up the seating as that's surprisingly small

[Jimbokav1971]

Jun 2036. 

Kosovo rise in European coefficient tables.

We were ranked 37th - 1 Champions League spot + 3 Europa Conference spots. 

We are now ranked 29th - 1 Champions League spot + 1 Europa League spot +2 Europa Conference spots. 

Reputation. 

4163 Ballkani. 
4164 Shkëndija Hajvali.
3455 Prishtina.

Training Facilities. 

Improve Training Facilities. Cost £1.5.

Start date. 19.08.2036.
Completion date. Oct 2036. 

[Jimbokav1971]

56 minutes ago, WhiteCat33 said:

hope they up the seating as that's surprisingly small

Our Avg Attendances have risen from 244 when we started in 2022/23 to 554 in 3033/34.

2034/35 our attendances were falsely inflated to 1,133 by us playing in the Champions League Group stages and playing in another stadium with a bigger capacity. 
2035/36 our attendances were falsely inflated to 2,235 by us playing in the Europa League Group stages and playing in another stadium with a bigger capacity. 

I agree that 4,074 is too small, but the problem is that it's plenty big enough for SuperLeague games and the only issue is European games. We actually don't need a new stadium even though our capacity is below our average and the longer we hold off without one the better. 

[WhiteCat33]

21 minutes ago, Jimbokav1971 said:

Our Avg Attendances have risen from 244 when we started in 2022/23 to 554 in 3033/34.

2034/35 our attendances were falsely inflated to 1,133 by us playing in the Champions League Group stages and playing in another stadium with a bigger capacity. 
2035/36 our attendances were falsely inflated to 2,235 by us playing in the Europa League Group stages and playing in another stadium with a bigger capacity. 

I agree that 4,074 is too small, but the problem is that it's plenty big enough for SuperLeague games and the only issue is European games. We actually don't need a new stadium even though our capacity is below our average and the longer we hold off without one the better. 

Huh I figured you'd have better attendance than that with how good your players are and you're making it into Europe. Guess Kosovo has a low 'game popularity' rating, so you don't get many fans? I get more attendance in Barbados (1000 sellouts) and the board are planning a bigger stadium than what you'll be getting. 

Edit: Is your club in a city or rural area? Forgot that makes a huge difference in attendance.

Edited September 3, 2023 by WhiteCat33

[Jimbokav1971]

OMG!!!!  Jul 2036. 

When we did the deal to sell (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * to Juve, I thought we were getting him back for the rest of last season by way of a delayed transfer. 

In fact we have him back for a whole season on top of that and I've only just noticed. 

Gyazo is working again so let's have some updates. 

1st Team. 

2nd Team. 

[Jimbokav1971]

1 hour ago, WhiteCat33 said:

Huh I figured you'd have better attendance than that with how good your players are and you're making it into Europe. Guess Kosovo has a low 'game popularity' rating, so you don't get many fans? I get more attendance in Barbados (1000 sellouts) and the board are planning a bigger stadium than what you'll be getting. 

Edit: Is your club in a city or rural area? Forgot that makes a huge difference in attendance.

It;s Kosovo as a whole I think. All the attendances are like this. In fact ours are quite good now. 

Oh, actually it's a little of both and we do actually need a new stadium now. 

[Jimbokav1971]

Jul & Aug 2036. 

SuperLeague. I was expecting more trouble in some of our earlier Superleague games while the team developed. 

Champions League. I played the 2nd Team in the 2nd leg of the Linfield tie and that told me enough that we didn't do it again. 

Facilities. 

Finances. 

[Jimbokav1971]

Internationals. Sep 2036.

Main squad. 

[oche balboa]

Just too good, Will be another unbeaten season coming up in the League and you will win the cup again

 

Great stuff,  Keep it going 

[Jimbokav1971]

19 minutes ago, oche balboa said:

Just too good, Will be another unbeaten season coming up in the League and you will win the cup again

Great stuff,  Keep it going 

Well I do have a few goals this season. 

• Win the SuperLeague.
• Win the Super Cup.
• Win the Kosovan Cup.
• Win the Superleague unbeaten for a 3rd season. 
• Win the treble, (for the 1st time). 
• Have a player score more than 50 goals. (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * scored 44 last season but has already scored 10 this season and hasn't started a league game yet). 
• Be awarded more than 20 penalties in the season. (21 last season but we're 0/1 this season). 
• Upgrade the Youth Facilities. (We have a Training Facilities upgrade being worked on).
• Score more SuperLeague goals than last season (163).
• Concede fewer goals than last season (18).

There are some defenders who want to leave, (but who I'm not letting leave yet), so it's possible that they maybe become unsettled and perform poorly during the transfer windows but we will see. 

[Jimbokav1971]

Sep 2036. 

SuperLeague. I was a little concerned at the start of the season that we might be a little short of fire-power up front, especially in the 2nd Team, but my fears were allayed when I found out that  (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * would be here for another season on loan, (I still can't believe that). My concern was largely around (31j) Lange (GER) * being good enough to score goals for the 2nd Team, (because we have so many different scorers in the 1st Team), but he's actually done well so far with 7 goals in 6 appearances in the SuperLeague. Of more concern has been the form and injury to (33e) Shumeli *. He's only managed 4 goals in 8(3) appearances this season and so far has been a real let-down after he absolutely smashed it in the 2nd Team last season. It could just be that he's taking time to gel with players he isn't used to playing with, (and the injury certainly hasn't helped), but he's only scored 1 goal in our last 16 games, (in which he's made 6(2) appearances). We need him to be better for us because he's a key player now in the absence of (30i) Barrigana (POR) *.

UEFA Champions League. The 1st team have played in these games so far and they were unlucky to to win against the Finns. We have some really tough fixtures coming up and it's highly unlikely we will be able to qualify for the Playoffs never mind about the Knockout stages, but you never do know and with the 2nd Team able to compete in the league we have an opportunity to give it a real go in the Group Stages now. 

Records.

Progress. I don't pay a huge amount of attention to the development of players, (surprisingly), because once I've made my decision at the start of the season, (who is in the 1st Team and 2nd Team), the only way to break into the team is via illness or injury and even then it's likely to be short-term so there isn't really a lot of point and I'm just trying to get through to the next game. That's why I was so surprised to see the development of (32g) Kadriu 6'1" * who has been our 1st choice GK for the last 4 seasons and I have just left him to it and not really looked at him from the start of 1 season to the next. 

I remember looking at him when he came through the intake and thinking or commenting that his communication was poor. Well I have just kept his individual training on GK-Tactical so there has been special focus on Positioning (+7) Communication (+7) & Decisions (+3). That's some quite significant development there. 

We've got him on a 3+3 deal but he's already expressing an interest in leaving and we've turned down bids of £1M+ for him. 

Finances. 

[BML]

On 01/09/2023 at 15:05, Jimbokav1971 said:

Nearly 20% of players have unlocked this achievement? Really?    

I know this post was a few days ago (I tend to catch up on threads during my working week ) but I thought you'd like to know that this achievement has always seemed to have a weird relationship with some leagues with how it is awarded.

While I haven't experienced it this year, with my save primarily being in Germany, in the past I have received this for completing a Championship/Relegation group - such as seen in Belgium, Wales, Scotland etc. - undefeated, despite losing games in the regular season. Last year I also received it for completing one of the Opening/Closing league stages (popular in South America) undefeated.

My assumption is that the game code that awards these achievements treats these 'mini leagues' as it's own season, and awarding this achievement accordingly (Purley anecdotal, but I'm sure I've received top scorers/least conceded achievements in the same scenarios in the past).

With only 6/8/12/18/whatever games, it would be far easier to remain undefeated - causing this achievement unlocking percentage to be far higher than expected.

Of course, this is all anecdotal from years of playing these games, and I haven't actually done anything to properly test my memory of this - but with most things in my life I'm almost certain I'm correct!

[Jimbokav1971]

Oct 2036.

SuperLeague.

Super Cup. I think there is a problem with the database in that because we won the double last season we don't have any opposition in the Super Cup this season so there is no game. So the only way to win the treble is to not do the double the previous season. 

UEFA Champions League. We need to finish 9th-24th to qualify for the Playoffs but our remaining Champions League games are against Rennes, Liverpool & Bayern, so it's unlikely we're going to make it, (even though we've done really well to get 2 wins and a draw from our opening 5 games). 

Facilities. Whether it be the swap to Pro, FT Training/FT contracts or our facilities improving, the development of some of our young players seems to have gone through the roof recently. 

Records.

Finances. 

[Jimbokav1971]

39 minutes ago, BML said:

I know this post was a few days ago (I tend to catch up on threads during my working week ) but I thought you'd like to know that this achievement has always seemed to have a weird relationship with some leagues with how it is awarded.

While I haven't experienced it this year, with my save primarily being in Germany, in the past I have received this for completing a Championship/Relegation group - such as seen in Belgium, Wales, Scotland etc. - undefeated, despite losing games in the regular season. Last year I also received it for completing one of the Opening/Closing league stages (popular in South America) undefeated.

My assumption is that the game code that awards these achievements treats these 'mini leagues' as it's own season, and awarding this achievement accordingly (Purley anecdotal, but I'm sure I've received top scorers/least conceded achievements in the same scenarios in the past).

With only 6/8/12/18/whatever games, it would be far easier to remain undefeated - causing this achievement unlocking percentage to be far higher than expected.

Of course, this is all anecdotal from years of playing these games, and I haven't actually done anything to properly test my memory of this - but with most things in my life I'm almost certain I'm correct!

Thanks for that. 

That makes FAR more sense than the 19.4% being accurate. 

[Jimbokav1971]

Fewer updates. Dec 2036. 

Records. I think I have to make a decision about this.....

We've now gone 102 SuperLeague games from 5th March 2034 to 28th Dec 2036 without losing and I think the time has come to focus updates on European football and then just 1 domestic update per season and then a few as and when something significant happens. I'm sure it's as boring for all of you to keep reading about us winning every game as it is for me to keep doing it, so I will be reducing the updates to try and help me speed through the seasons. 

If anyone particularly doesn't like this new plan then feel free to let me know. 

[Jimbokav1971]

Dec 2036. 

SuperLeague. We're at the half-way stage of the season, we usually perform better in the 2nd half of the season than the 1st, we've only dropped 2 points and we've only conceded 4 goals. We're 14 points clear at the top of the table. 

Kosovan Cup. He might have scored 5 goals in a game, but by missing a pen, (31j) Lange (GER) * missed the opportunity to score 6, and in doing so gain himself a place in our record books as the 1st man to score 6 goals in a game. (The record is still 5). 

UEFA Champions League. This was a good win and it would seem my earlier reservations about (31j) Lange (GER) * were unfounded. He's scored 18 goals in 15 appearances in all competitions this season. 

Youth Intake preview. 

Records. I think I have to make a decision about this.....

Facilities.

Finances. 

This will be my last proper monthly update. From now on I will just update on European games, International stuff, Youth Intakes and anything that is more interesting then us just winning every week. 

[Jimbokav1971]

End of European Campaign. Feb 2037.

Champions League. We did ok, but Porto were just too strong for us in the end. It's been a really good campaign, but we need some player improvement to progress to the next level and win games like this. 

Facilities.

 

Records.

Finances. 

[Scribe]

I'm really enjoying following this  

Out of interest, what is the standard of your coaches like?

 

[Jimbokav1971]

1 hour ago, Scribe said:

I'm really enjoying following this  

Out of interest, what is the standard of your coaches like?

I have completely delegated hiring and firing of all staff, (except scouting staff because I don't want any), so I don't actually know, but let's have a look. 

Senior Squad - Coaching. I had looked at the HoYD before, but not anyone else. There are some pretty rubbish personalities in there. The way I see it, I save upgrading the coaches until the very last thing to finally get the most out of everything. 

[Jimbokav1971]

Youth Intake day. Mar 2037. 

I wanted to be quite strict with my culling of the intake this season, but it's easier said than done when you're desperate for centre-backs. 

(37a) Krasniqi looks.... average. But he's a centre-half and that's important. 

(37b) Bogdani (L.Det) may have (L.Det), but he's just too good not to sign. Look at all those 8's and 9's. Turn them into 10's and he looks like a proper baller. 

This is what he looks like with all the 8's and 9's changed to 10's. Do you see what I mean? I "might" have discarded him if he was (Casual) or....... sorry, I'm a bit pished and I can't remember the other really rubbish personality that's like (Casual), but he looks really good and I just can't release him.  Slack!!! (Slack) is the other one I really hate. 

I have been careful to reload so he doesn't stay like this by the way. 

(37c) Poretti (KOS)(SUI) looks really good and even more so because we're so desperate for a centre-half or 5. 

(37d) Troka looks a decent looking DR.

(37e) Blliku (KOS)(ALB) looks more MC than SC, but that's perhaps wishful thinking on my part. 

(37f) Daci (Uamb)+(L.Det) has only survived the cull because he's a centre-half. There is no other position in which he would be staying. 

(37g) Mërtiri looks a bit raw and there are a few too many really low attributes for my liking. He still gets a contract though. 

(37h) Ajeti looks average, but his physicals are decent and his personality is great. 

(37i) Kqiku. (L.Det) looks ok, but I just can't offer him a contract with so many good strikers already at the club and with such a poor personality. 

(37j) Karapici.(Unamb)+(L.Det) has the dreaded (Unamb)+(L.Det) double and he's just not getting a contract. 

(37k) Adili isn't great, but there are no real reasons to bin him off. 

(37l) Lamert (KOS)(SUI) looks reasonable at best, but again, no reason to bin him off. 

(37m) Roçi. (Temp) is not getting a contract. I'm sick to death of (Temp) players, their pants attitude to training and then their willingness to argue about it afterwards. 

(37n) Terenzi (SMR)(ITA) is very lucky I have a soft spot for San Marino or he wouldn't be getting a contract either. 

(37o) Alla. (KOS)(ALB)(Unamb) isn't getting a contract for obvious reasons. 

(37p) Bull. (USA)(ENG)(Unamb) is getting a contract, but only because he's a GK. 

[Jimbokav1971]

New contract. (3 year deal).

Records. 

Finances. 

[Jimbokav1971]

Season Update. Jun 2037. 

• There was just 1 single Superleague game that we didn't win, (a 0-0 draw away to Prishtina). 
• We conceded 1 goal less than last season. 
• We scored 14 goals less than last season. 
• Ballkani will play in the Europa League this season rather than the Europa Conference, (as the Kosovo SuperLeague moves up the coefficient table).  
• Despite scoring 62 more goals than anyone else, none of our players won the Golden Boot, (because of the rotation system), however at least it was won by Academy product (29a) Vonmoos (KOS)(SUI) who scored 48 goals in all competitions. 

• The 48 goals scored by (29a) Vonmoos (KOS)(SUI) this season is still 1 short of the 49 goals scored by the on loan (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * who has now sadly played his last game for us. 

• Squad by Appearances. (32g) Kadriu 6'1" * started all 60 of our games this season. (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * started the most games for an outfield player (35), and that's right on the upper end of what I want. We've been pretty lucky over the course of this save with injuries and I think that's largely down to the rotation system I'm using and the fact that players don't get over-loaded at the back end of the season, (although the mid-season-Winter break helps too). I see others who regularly have their players with 40-50 starts per season, but I think that takes it's toll on players. The other thing of course is that for every game that (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * didn't play, an opportunity was given to a younger player to boost their development. The strongest XI probably gives you better short-terms results, but absolutely does not develop the next generation of talent coming through. Rotation gives other players a chance to develop and also keeps your stars fresh for the big games. I find that player condition is becoming more and more important in FM with each issue of the game. 

• Squad by Goals. I was a tiny bit peeved that we scored 14 fewer goals in the league than last season, but in hindsight that's completely understandable as we sold (30i) Barrigana (POR) * who scored 24 league goals for us last season. The fact that his replacement in the 1st Team (33e) Shumeli * scored 27 league goals this season, and his replacement in the 2nd Team (31j) Lange (GER) * scored 20 league goals suggest that the future is still looking decent. 

• Squad by Assists. 9 different players contributing double-figure assists is brilliant, but nobody breaking the 20 mark is frustrating. 

• Squad by Average Rating. They are some astonishing Avg ratings there and in particular my eyes are drawn to the very top player (33c) Mema * who scored 2 goals in a MOM performance in his only appearance for us. I think there is a fair chance of him being asked to step up next season in the absence of (32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) *, (although we do have loads of striking options). 

[Jimbokav1971]

International recognition. Jun 2037.

(31g) Hassoun (ISR) * has the most International Caps in our squad, and that despite the fact that he's currently been dropped to the (ISR) U21 squad. 

I won't bother to show you the whole U21's Caps list, (it's just about everyone), but this is everyone who has at least 20x U21 Caps. 

Main. We've got 12 players currently in National Team squads.

U21's.

U19's.

U18's. It's interesting to note that the 3 players in the U18's are actually older than the players in the U19's. 

[Deisler26]

I've never seen that level of dominance in a domestic league. Amazing.

[Jimbokav1971]

Kosovo National Team. Jun 2037. 

While we might have 12 of the 23 man Kosovo National Team squad, the oldest (29a) Vonmoos (KOS)(SUI) is only 23 years old and 7 of them are teenagers. 

It's interesting that the 2 big sales we have made have both been FGN players, (Spanish & Finnish), although both did have (KOS) as a 2nd Nationality. 

 

It was a decent EURO's qualifying campaign, but ultimately they were just a little short of the Dutch & Welsh. 

Promotion, (on goal difference), and unbeaten from the 3rd Tier of the Euro League. 

It's tough to get out of a group like this, and especially so when Austria only lose 1 game. 

A really strong season saw them finish in 2nd behind Scotland, but only having lost 1 game. 

What a performance this was from the lads as they qualified for their 1st ever EURO's Finals behind Portugal who took maximum points. 

3 games and 3 losses doesn't matter. They were there and that's what's important. 

A decent campaign to finish 2nd behind a very strong Austrian squad. 

An under-whelming campaign that saw them comfortably beat Andorra twice and beat N.Ireland twice, but fail to take even a single point off Holland or Denmark. They're not going to get to the World Cup like that!

Some good results here, but just still a little bit off Switzerland. 

The game that killed them here was the home loss to Austria. If they even draw that then they finish 2nd and qualify for another EURO's FInals. 

It's tough in this 2nd tier in European League. 

It's tough for Kosovo to qualify for a World Cup, but this shows they are just starting to mix it with the bigger teams. They beat Poland but then blew it by losing twice to Ireland. Consistency still an issue. 

What a qualifying campaign this was. 4 wins and 13 goals scored sees them promoted to the top table in Europe for the 1st time. 

The 2 games against Czech are the difference here. In 2034 they took 4 points from them. Here they took 0. That's the difference between 2nd and going to the EURO's again and 3rd and staying at home. 

This is no surprise. Life at the top table in the European League is tough. To be completely fair here, there results are decent, (despite all being losses). 

I'm just starting to look at the Kosovan National Team job with an eye on it for myself in the future. I think they have had some good results and some great results, but I also think they should be doing better. Watch this space....

[RoguPL]

Where is Kosovo national team ranked now ? And where where they at the start of the save? 
Giving that they became a very decent team realistically fighting for qualifying to major tournaments. 

[Jimbokav1971]

3 hours ago, Deisler26 said:

I've never seen that level of dominance in a domestic league. Amazing.

I'm pretty sure I went undefeated in Iceland back in the day, but the "problem" there was that I was trying to bring other Icelandic clubs with us on our journey so happy to sell to them to improve them. For some reason, (I think because of their initial dominance), I took an early strong dislike to Ballkani, (probably something to do with them nicking 4 of our early stars), so I'm giving them absolutely nothing and happy to hammer them again and again. The problem with that is that they're the Kosovan club with the money, and if I sell to someone else they will just then sell on to Ballkani anyway, and we won't get all the fee that Ballkani pay. 

I am thinking about a new strategy though as the gap is obviously hige and we can afford to be just a little more generous now. 

[Jimbokav1971]

20 minutes ago, RoguPL said:

Where is Kosovo national team ranked now ? And where where they at the start of the save? 
Giving that they became a very decent team realistically fighting for qualifying to major tournaments. 

According to the 1st save I've got when I was holidaying, Kosovo started off ranked 106th as of 11th Jul 2022.

They're now ranked 73rd, but have been as high as 65th.

I'm starting to be interested in managing them and with that in mind I have had a little look at some of the players in the Main Kosovo squad. I will scout these players if I can so I can show you a better look at them in the future). 

Muqiqi (KOS)(SUI) * came through at Basel in Switzerland and has had a very good career to date. 

Zejnullahu (KOS)(NED) should have way more than 26 Caps shouldn't he? He made his debut in Sept 2029. Since then "we"(Kosovo) have played 70 games but he's only featured 26 times? 

Shala (KOS) looks ok, but nothing special, although he looks decent in the air. 

Bajramaj (KOS)(SUI) looks decent, but nothing more. 

Spahiu (KOS) could be decent, but to be honest it's hard to tell without a proper scout report. 

Nreca-Bisinger (KOS)(GER) is unlikely to be around for long. 

Pajaziti (KOS)(ALB)(ENG) was born in London, but is a Kosovan legend and has had a proper career. I'm guessing he was a very good player in his day. 

Lici (KOS) is a player I recognise from him playing, (and doing well), against us. 

(29a) Vonmoos (KOS)(SUI) is a player we know only too well. The only real surprise here is that he isn't 1st choice. He just scores goals!

Tusha (KOS)(MKD) and his 30 International goals is probably why (29a) Vonmoos (KOS)(SUI) hasn't been starting more, but it perhaps makes me wonder why (33e) Shumeli * is starting now? Maybe his physicals have dropped right off. 

Berisha (KOS) looks decent and has done well agt Ballkani but probably needs to move abroad now. 

Curumi (KOS) is the last player in the squad who isn't one of our players. I was about to say that we have 2 or 3 right backs who are better than him, but then I remembered that (35c) Koch (GER) * is German, (31g) Hassoun (ISR) * is Israeli, (34j) Memaj (F.Pro) * is actually in the Kosovo squad as a midfielder, (but hasn't been capped yet and is more suited to WBR than DR anyway) so.... yeah, I can understand why there is a shortage of DR's. (They should be playing 1 of my midfielders there like I do!)

So that's everyone other than our own players.... which makes me wonder, where the hell is the ex Ballkani striker who scored all the goals for them before moving to Middle East after (29a) Vonmoos (KOS)(SUI) arrived? 

He's not in the squad despite being fit! 

Beqiri (KOS) * is playing in UAE and not scoring very often so just not being called-up, which is absolute flippin madness because I don't care what level the Kosovan SuperLeague is, you don't score 260+ career goals without being a proper goal-scorer. He's even scored 8 goals in 16 International appearances on top of 8 goals in 12 games for the U21's. This bloke is just a goal-scorer and should be in the squad. I wonder how many more like him there are? 

[oche balboa]

I've might have missed it. But do you have any feeder clubs ? 

Edited September 5, 2023 by oche balboa

[Jimbokav1971]

10 minutes ago, oche balboa said:

I've might have missed it. But do you have any feeder clubs ? 

We have just 1, (only set up last season), and we haven't used it yet but I plan on using it this season.

[Jtomsett11]

I think the international job might add that layer of competition you now only have in European competition. Would be interesting to see how you did as I'm sure you'd better the AI. 

Really enjoying your goal scoring stats, if you were playing the games it would take you ages just seeing the goals 

[Jimbokav1971]

10 minutes ago, Jtomsett11 said:

I think the international job might add that layer of competition you now only have in European competition. Would be interesting to see how you did as I'm sure you'd better the AI. 

Really enjoying your goal scoring stats, if you were playing the games it would take you ages just seeing the goals 

I haven't quite decided on the International job quite yet. I'm considering going for the U19 or U21 job 1st depending on what becomes available when. 

I will be honest, I didn't watch all the goals towards the end of last season. 

[Jimbokav1971]

Squad Depth. Jun 2037. 

GK. 

(32g) Kadriu 6'1" * is our 1st choice and having started the last 10 games for (KOS) seems to be the Nations 1st choice too. He's signed to 2+3 contract. 
(36b) Shaholli 6'3" * (U19's) is actually our 2nd choice, but I plan on keeping him in the U19's ti help him develop for at least 1 more season. 
(33h) Jeaneret 6'0"(KOS)(SUI)* (LOAN) is in the NT squad but has never been capped. He spent the season at Dukagjini Klinë in SuperLeague & I will send him for another season at least. 
(34g) Pettersson (KOS)(SWE) * (LOAN)
(35n) Balla * (U19's)
(37p) Bull. (USA)(ENG)(Unamb) (U19's)

DL. 

(31i) Dedja * 1st Team is 2 years older than (31i) Dedja * but they are both signed for 3 more years. If we get someone good soon then I will move him on, (ideally abroad).
(33d) Jonuz WBL * 2nd Team. I will look to extend his contract soon. 
(37b) Bogdani (L.Det) (U19's) He's top ranked for PA but I don't like that Low Det. 

DR.

(35c) Koch (GER) * will be in the 1st Team.
(31g) Hassoun (ISR) * will be in the 2nd Team.
(34e) Asllani WBR * (LOAN).
(37d) Troka. (U19's).
(36d) Lakti. (U19's).
(34a) Asani. (Unamb) SELL
(34p) Beqiri. SELL

DC. It's taken a while for us to have enough depth to have 3 actual centre-backs for the U19's. For the most part we've had players playing out of position until now. 

DLC1. (34f) Ademi 6'0" *
DC1. (31f) Shabani 5'11" *
DRC1. (32c) Nurmi (KOS)(FIN) 5'11" *

DLC2. (36g) Hismani *
DC2. (33j) Sulejmani 6'5" (Merc) *
DRC2. (32e) Vlcek (SVK) 6'5" *

(29l) Imeri 6'3" (Backup DRC).
(35b) Pashaj * DC 6'2" (LOAN)
(37c) Pretti (KOS)(SUI) 5'10"* (U19's)
(36k) Magny (KOS)(SUI) * (U19's)
(37f) Daci (Uamb)+(L.Det)5'11" (U19's)
(33n) Kasemi 5'10" (SELL)
(35p) Benko (KOS)(CRO) (LOAN)

MC.

MLC. (34d) Xhafa (Res) *
MRC. (34c) Hidri (Perfect) *

MLC2. (36a) Young (KOS)(ENG)
MRC2. (34j) Memaj (F.Pro) *

Backup1. (33o) Elezi *
Backup2. (35i) Bala * (U19's)

(31k) Shehi * (SELL)
(37e) Blliku (KOS)(ALB) (U19's)
(27b) Kapo (SELL)
(35m) Muca * (LOAN)
(37n) Terenzi (SMR)(ITA) (U19's)
(36j) Kirkevold (KOS)(NOR) (LOAN)
(35g) Alla (Unamb)+(L.Det) (SELL)

SC.

SLC1. (31h) Capi *
SC1. (33e) Shumeli *
SRC1. (35a) Siano (ITA) *

SLC2. (33o) Elezi *
SC2. (31j) Lange (GER) *
SRC2. (33f) Fahrni (KOS)(SUI) *

(36f) Qehajaj (Temp) (LOAN)
(33c) Mema * (LOAN)
(34b) Pasha (KOS)(ALB) * (LOAN)
(32f) Mehmeti * (LOAN)
(36m) Kryeziu (U19's)
(34h) Aliu (F.Pro) (SELL)
(37h) Ajeti (U19's)
(37g) Mërtiri (U19's)
(36c) Morina. (SELL)
(34m) Ajdini. (SELL)
(34a) Asani. (Unamb) (SELL)
(35j) Elshani. (SELL)
(36n) Gmür. (KOS)(SUI) (SELL) 

2037 1.

2037 2.

Edited September 5, 2023 by Jimbokav1971

[Jimbokav1971]

Rankings. Jun 2037. 

I'm surprised that Kosovo has moved up to 22nd in the European Nation coefficients table and I wonder if clubs other than ourselves have been performing well in Europe over the last 5 seasons. 

Ballkani. 

2032/33.

2033/34.

2034/35.

2035/36.

2026/37.

Prishtina.

2032/33.

2033/34.

2034/35.

2035/36.

2036/37.

Drita. 

2032/33.

2033/34.

2034/35.

2035/36.

2036/37.

Llapi.

2032/33.

2033/34.

2034/35.

2035/36.

2036/37.

Gjilani. 

2032/33.

2022/34.

2034/35.

2035/36.

2036/37.

Shkëndija Hajvali.

2032/33.

2033/34.

2034/35.

2035/36.

2036/37.

Ballkani had a couple of good seasons when we just got into the Superleague, but since then it's really been all about us. We really need to drag some of the other Kosovan clubs with is and if this means us selling some of our fringe players to them and improving them then so be it. 

[Jimbokav1971]

2037/38 European campaign. Feb 2038. 

UEFA Champions League. 1st Qualifying Round. 1st Leg.

UEFA Champions League. 1st Qualifying Round. 2nd Leg.

UEFA Champions League. 2nd Qualifying Round. 1st Leg.

UEFA Champions League. 2nd Qualifying Round. 2nd Leg.

UEFA Champions League. 3rd Qualifying Round. 1st Leg.

UEFA Champions League. 3rd Qualifying Round. 2nd Leg.

UEFA Champions League Playoff. 1st Leg.

UEFA Champions League Playoff. 2nd Leg.

Fixtures. There's some winnable games here, but there are also some absolute beasts.

(33e) Shumeli * has scored 15 goals in the Champions League before we even get to the Group Stage. The only problem is that my usual strategy isn't for him to play many Group games at all, (and play in the SuperLeague instead), but I think I might change that just to see how many goals he will score and to see if he can win the Champions League Golden Boot. He's made 3 sub appearances so far in the SuperLeague, but that's it. 

It was a hell of a campaign, but we crash out of the Champions League at the Playoffs stage for the 2nd successive season. 

(33e) Shumeli * is currently the top goal-scorer in the Champions League with 17 goals, but there is a lot of football still to be played and lots of time for someone to beat him to the Golden Boot. 

Records. 

#

Facilities. 

Finances.  The money does just keep coming in and keep adding up. When you add to that that we're also ridiculously tight with wages then there's loads of profit to be had at this stage of the save. 

Transfers. 

Big Bid. This is a huge deal for us, but with the Champions League money coming in again, (hopefully as I write this before the Bodo/Glimt games), and £50M+ in the bank we can afford to turn it down, (and hope that the Balkan El Presidente doesn't get involved), as the player is on a 3+3 deal and we're in no rush to sell. 

The above bid was on the last day of the Summer Transfer window 2037. 

These next bids were made on the last day of the Jan Winter Transfer window 2038.

I should also add that (30i) Barrigana (POR) * came through with a Portugese only Nationality and I think in a save such as this there is added value in players who come through with a FGN Nationality only, (with no home Nationality as a 2nd Nationality), and where "I think" the Youth Rating used for these players is that of their own Nation rather than that of the Nation they were produced in (Kosovo in this case). This is just a theory of mine based on experience so it's always something I look out for. 

So far in this save we have had a few of them. 

(30i) Barrigana (POR) * is obviously the most high profile example because he scored loads of goals and then went for a decent fee. 
(32d) Väänänen (KOS)(FIN) * is not an example of this because not only did he have Kosovo as his 1st Nationality initially, but Finland won't have a much better Youth Rating than Kosovo anyway. 
(36e) Panagiotou (CYP) didn't have (KOS) as a 2nd Nationality when he arrived, but again. (CYP) won't be much better than (KOS) Youth Rating if at all so I'm not expecting anything special. 
(31j) Lange (GER) * came through as (GER) only initially so while I expect him to have a good PA, I also think his development might have been stunted by having so many good players in front of him and not making senior appearances early enough. 
(35c) Koch (GER) * was (GER) only when he arrived & because we were short at DR he was thrown straight in & obviously blossomed as a result. I would expect him to have a high PA.
(31g) Hassoun (ISR) * was (ISR) only when he came through but I'm not sure how good the (ISR) Youth Rating is so this isn't a good example. 
(35a) Siano (ITA) * is a perfect example of this. Came though (ITA) only & was blooded early because of athletic ability. I bet he has a high PA.
(37p) Bull. (USA)(ENG)(Unamb) came through as a Dual Nationality & in addition the primary Nationality was (USA), who play soccer rather than football, (so he's bound to be rubbish).
(36k) Magny (KOS)(SUI) * came through with (KOS) as their primary Nationality and then changed. 
(33f) Fahrni (KOS)(SUI) * came through with (KOS) as their primary Nationality and then changed. 
(32e) Vlcek (SVK) 6'5" * was (SVK) only when he came through, and although I expect the (SVK) Youth Rating to be better than that of (KOS), I don't expect it to be huge, so maybe good but not great PA.
(37n) Terenzi (SMR)(ITA) looks rubbish and I think we can blame that on his (SMR) Nationality causing the Youth Rating used to be that of (SMR) rather than (ITA) or (KOS). 

Every time I see a player come through in a FGN Country with a Nationality of (ITA), (BRA), (ESP), (FRA), (POR), (BEL), (ARG), (ENG), (NED) and even (SRB) the alarm bells go off in my head and I think I have a star. I don't think this is something I've mentioned much since my L10 England Youth Only save so will keep an eye on it. 

Youth Intake preview. 

Edited September 6, 2023 by Jimbokav1971

[Jimbokav1971]

Youth Intake day. Mar 2038. 

It's easier to talk 1st about the players I'm not signing, (for obvious reasons). 

And a few of the best looking players. 

[Jimbokav1971]

5.0 PA players currently at club.Mar 2038.

As the CA of player players at the club increases, obviously fewer players at the club have 5.0 PA ratings as the level against which they're being judged is raised. At the moment we now have 10 players rated at 5.0 PA rating. 

(37c) Pretti (KOS)(SUI) 5'10"* is a very decent looking centre-half who has already made a couple of League appearances this season at just 16. He's also played for (KOS) U21's.

(36a) Young (KOS)(ENG) * looks brilliant, but I'm just started to get a bit frustrated with him because he keeps getting injured.

(36k) Magny (KOS)(SUI) * is a very good looking centre-half who has opted to play for (SUI) rather than (KOS) at this stage of his career. He made 3 league starts +1 in Europa last season, but none this season. 

(36b) Shaholli 6'3" * looks decent and that's the highest valuation so far on this list. 

(35a) Siano (ITA) * appears as if he hasn't been playing as often this season, but actually he's been a regular in our European campaign to such an extent that he has 9 Champions League goals to his name. 

(35c) Koch (GER) * is our hottest prospect right now. Everyone wants him and he's currently being tracked by AC.Milan, Bayern, Dortmund, Juve & Napoli. He's on a 2+3 contract though so I'm in no rush to sell him, (especially considering that we have £75M in the bank and nothing to spend it on). 

(34d) Xhafa (Res) * has made 17 Champions League starts this season and if his physicals and technicals ever catch up with his mentals then he's going to be some player.

(34f) Ademi 6'0" (Perfect) * had popped to (Perfect) without me noticing and I really love that. He's our only lefty centre-half so is key to us. 

(33e) Shumeli * is developing really well and as he has scored 17 Champions League goals this season is in with a real shout of winning the Golden Boot even though we went out at the Playoffs stage. He's also just starting to score consistently for the (KOS) National side and I just wonder how special he would look if I popped his Finishing, Off the ball, Jumping and Pace to 15? Unfortunately he's only contracted for 2 more years which means we will probably only have him for 1 more. I'm surprised he's not valued higher. 

(32c) Nurmi (KOS)(FIN) 5'11" * is probably the best player at the club right now and looks great. He's another who is only contract for 2 more years, so again we will probably only have him for 1. He's made 254 career appearances by the age of 21, (even with our rotation policy), so he certainly seems to always be available. He will be really hard to replace.

[Jimbokav1971]

I had a crash and lost the above intake. 

[Jimbokav1971]

21 minutes ago, Jimbokav1971 said:

I had a crash and lost the above intake. 

This is the new intake. 

Where as there were only 2 players I didn't sign in the original intake, there are 4 in this intake who are being released immediately. 

The personalities really aren't good. 

But here are the best players. 

[BML]

38j Qose (Temp) must have something about him if you're keeping a Temperamental player who plays in a position you don't use.

I've been burnt trying to use such players so many times in the past they are usually an instant pass from me.

[Jimbokav1971]

14 minutes ago, BML said:

38j Qose (Temp) must have something about him if you're keeping a Temperamental player who plays in a position you don't use.

I've been burnt trying to use such players so many times in the past they are usually an instant pass from me.

Not really. I don't like (Temp) players, but they're nowhere near the level of annoyance that I feel towards (L.Det) players. To be honest, it's not so much that I like him, (I don't), and much more his (Det) is in double figures and after releasing 4 players already I don't want to release any more. 

When I see an AMC I don't see him as an AMC in this save. I just see him as a MC or a SC and that's that. A few players have MC or SLC or whatever in their name to remind me of where I see them playing. This bloke is an MC. 

[Jimbokav1971]

Facilities. Mar 2038. 

I had planned to stop expanding the Facilities at every opportunity, but because we have so much money in the bank, (£71M+), it makes sense for me to just keep on asking expansion after expansion. 

I'm not completely sure why I'm not getting the opportunity to upgrade the Youth Facilities, but we will just keep on plugging away and hope it's linked to something like reputation or.... something else that we can't achieve.