From Guadalajara to the World! - Can I make it to the top?

[MrTepig]

Hello all! I figured it would be fun to do some exercise in writing and that it would be even more fun to combine it with FM.

So for that purpose I have started a new save with a challenge: to go from the bottom and become the best manager ever! (At least in the save game universe, I know there's a lot of tough competition in this forum haha)

Now, for most the bottom is probably the English 6th tier but with flights from my city to the UK costing at least one thousand dollars, I started at my own bottom, or at least the bottom the game allows me to: the Mexican 2nd tier.

You might call it an advantage to begin with a professional club, with professional players in the 2nd division of what's probably a top 20 league in the world and my answer would be: yes, it is an advantage. But the advantages probably stop there. For one, there's no promotion from this league, and there hasn't been since San Luis won promotion on the field in 2019. Second is the issue of money. Championship teams spend themselves into debt in order to try to get to the Premier League. With no clear objective here, together with the league restrictions, our best bet is to have a good, young squad, win a couple championships and get poached by a Liga MX team. That goes for the managers and the players.

So let's talk about who we'll be managing. With almost 40 professional and semi-professional in my home state of Jalisco, you'd think there's a lot to choose from. Unfortunately, 31 clubs in the 4th tier and 4 clubs in the 3rd tier are unplayable. This includes Tecos, which is the club whose academy I played for almost 10 years ago. But don't worry, the team we'll begin with and I have some different ties.

Club Deportivo Leones Negros de la Universidad de Guadalajara is a club founded in 1970 in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Originally the Venados (Deer), they became the Lions in 1972 following a promotion to the 2nd division. By 1974, the University had bought a spot in the First Division and would make their debut by playing América at the Estadio Azteca. This would also be the debut of 5 brazilian stars, leading to the team being dubbed Leones Negros (Black Lions) by journalist Ángel Fernández, which is the nickname that has stuck to this day. The team would reach new heights at the end of the decade, losing 2 finals straight in the 75/76 and 76/77 seasons. The Black Lions qualified for the 1978 CONCACAF Champions Cup, beating out Pumas in the North American Zone portion of the tournament. In true CONCACAF fashion, the teams qualified from the 3 zones couldn't agree on dates for the semifinal and final matches and were all crowned champions. Thus, UdG share their only international title with Guatemala's Comunicaciones and Trinidad and Tobago's Defence Force.

At the end of the 80s, the team were once again in their best form, managing a club record 55 points in the 89/90 season, reaching another final which they lost to Puebla. The club managed their 2nd title after winning the cup in 1991. However, they were about to hit something of a speed bump: relegation.

The club was relegated and subsequently bought by the league in 1994. They managed to keep their affiliate in the 3rd tier, going by the name Bachilleres and this was the only University team until it was sold in 2002. This year also saw another University club, Cachorros UdG, start play in the 3rd tier. In 2009, following a new investment into the club, they bought a spot in the 2nd division, allowing them to compete to become one of the best in Mexico.

Leones Negros finally reached promised land in 2014, beating Estudiantes Tecos in the promotion final. This would be a short-lived adventure as the team went down at first asking, which makes it almost 10 years since the club last played Liga MX football.

And that's where I come in (of course I'm not as handsome as the guy pictured above). A 23 year-old biologist-turned-manager chosen to take my alma mater back to the top of Mexican football and hopefully win them a first division title. Of course, I start with the recommended experience and licence: Pro (Regional) and Continental A. I will be looking to improve myself as well as the club, and if I get poached before teams can be promoted to First Division again then so be it. As is usual with these types of challenges, I will try to do everything as realistic as possible.

Next time up, we'll be going over the playing staff. Any feedback or comments appreciated!

Edited January 30 by MrTepig

[MrTepig]

Time to see who'll defend these colors, at least for the Apertura 2023:

Goalkeepers

Felipe López - 27 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2025

Pipe is one of the best in the league and he's been with the club for 10 years now. 150 games later, he's injury prone but still one of the best keepers in the league. He excels at controlling his area, together with his positioning and handling make him a great option to start.

Jorge Hernández - 25 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2024

Jorge makes good backup and is truly a great option if anything happens to López. At 189 cm tall, his aerial reach and handling are pretty good for this level.

Right Defenders

Rodrigo Vargas - 21 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2024

Despite his youth, he's a candidate for replacement straight away, especially since he's the only capable of playing here right now. Rodrigo is best suited for the level below and our coaches don't expect him to improve much. He's a smart player and an effective tackler, but the rest of his skillset isn't up to par.

Central Defenders

Dionicio Escalante - 33 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2024

A 9-year Liga MX veteran, even having 3 seasons in Spanish football under his belt, his experience will be key for the team. Standing at only 179 cm and injury prone, he's a good left-footed option at this level. Escalante's heading ability might be a concern but he's good at marking, tackling and knows where to position himself effectively. He can also play on the left, but with his ineffective crossing he's an emergency left defender at best.

Juan Manuel de Alba - 28 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2024

Juan Manuel is set to play his 3rd season with the University. Another short defender who'll have issues with heading but his strong marking and tackling make him suitable enough to start at this level.

Aldo Mota - 23 y/o - Mexican - On loan from Tigres until December

Backing Escalante and de Alba is a loanee who has a good deal of potential. He's a strong and effective tackler who never leaves his man alone. Even then, his positioning lets him down at times which along with his issues reaching aerial balls make him only a bench player.

Bryan Flores - 22 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2025

Flores is a good defender who'll only get better. There's serious doubts about his ability to play at this level though, given his injury and mentality issues. We'll give him a shot from the bench and hope for good performances and as few suspensions as possible.

Left Defenders

Jairo González - 31 y/o - Mexican - On loan from Necaxa until 2025

Jairo was part of the Leones squad that gained promotion to Liga MX in 2014, making his first division debut with the club in the 2014/15 season. The club went down but Jairo stayed for 6 more years. He's spent the last 3 years with us and with his speed and passing ability is set to be a good offensive left defender.

Edson Jaramillo - 22 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2025

Jaramillo is a good homegrown talent, he's a great tackler and passer who'll accelerate down the left wing. He really shines when the lights get brighter though he can be dirty at times. Overall a good backup.

Francisco Rabago - 22 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2024

Another homegrown left defender, Rabago is more of a defensive asset with his marking, tackling and stamina the highlights of his game. If he can stay away from the ambulances, Rabago has potential to be one of the greats.

Central Midfielders

Romario Hernández - 28 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2024

After 10 years with the club, Romario has already expressed his interest in testing free agency. He's one of the best tacklers in the league and is almost always in the best position, but at only 171 cm he's not the strongest nor the fastest player. We'll keep him around for now, but might relegate him to the bench for the most part.

Wilber Rentería - 31 y/o - Colombian - Contracted until 2024

As the only foreigner in the team, Rentería is really worth it. He's as consistent as they come and is really a top tier defensive midfielder. Despite his age, we might think about giving him a new contract.

Alejandro Carreón - 21 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2023

We have already handed a new contract to Alejandro, just waiting on him to sign for 2 more years. He's a good passer and is also decent on the defensive side, with the potential to be even better.

Ricardo García - 23 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2024

His technical prowess and speed are the highlights of his skillset, García is best suited for the bench and we might look for a replacement who's better at the passing game.

Wingers

Jesús Henestrosa - 28 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2024

He's a good enough winger for this level, both on speed and crossing. Our coaches consider him a "leading" player but I think he can be replaced by a younger and better player.

Miguel Ángel Vallejo - 32 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2024

Vallejo is a great crosser and he'll rarely get tired with a hard-working mindset. However, we need to take into account his injury issues when managing his workload.

Denilson Muñoz - 19 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2024

The speedy youngster has great potential, and we'll give him the chance to add minutes from the bench.

Adrián Villalobos - 25 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2025

Another homegrown option, Villalobos is not very fast but is technically gifted. He's a bench option but his versatility will make him play more than enough minutes to impress.

Erick Morales - 22 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2023

Not fast but is good technically, we'll just let his contract run out in a month or so unless he impresses in preseason.

Attacking Midfielders

Daniel García - 23 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2025

García is a consistent finisher. He fits right into the way we want to play and will only get better.

Adrián Marín - 29 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2023

A 6-year Liga MX veteran, Marín is fast but his best years might be behind him. We'll give him a chance and decide in november whether we resign him or not.

Strikers

Leonardo Martínez - 21 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2024

The youngster is fast and a good finisher, according to our coaches he's nearing his peak but that means he'll get even better and that can only be good for the club. He only scored 3 goals last year but I'm betting he'll at least double his tally this year.

Joaquín Alonso Hernández - 29 y/o - USA - Contracted until 2024

The former Monterrey striker was thought to have more potential, but his inconsistency and poor performance in big matches have him as a bench 2nd division player now. He's nearing the end of his line and has to make a good season if he wants to remain at this level.

Alan Murillo - 21 y/o - Mexican - Contracted until 2024

Another pacy striker with good finishing, he's not quite ready to be starting but will certainly be good competition for the other 2 strikers. We'll have patience and let him develop into a good striker for this level.

 

Assessment

We have a good mix of veteran and young players with great talent. This squad should be able to compete for the top of the table and be good on both sides of the ball. Immediately we're looking for improvements at right-back but will otherwise leave the squad the same and re-evaluate in December before the Clausura.

I'll give you guys monthly updates, with the first one coming after the preseason. Thanks for reading!

[MrTepig]

Leones Negros have positive preseason

Guadalajara, Jalisco - July 20th, 2023

Ahead of their opening game, away to Atlante, the Universidad de Guadalajara team have played 6 preseason matches and made a couple additions to the squad, with a couple players leaving.

The Academics began their preseason by playing local club Oro, with UdeG winning 7-2. Each of the goals came from a different player (Miguel Vallejo, Denilson Muñoz, Joaquín Hernández, Adrián Marín, Adrián Villalobos) except for a brace from Leonardo Martínez. Sánchez' men came out with a pretty offensive, high intensity 4-2-3-1, which they played in the rest of the preseason and is of course expected to be the shape we see this team in this season.

The Lions' biggest challenge came in the form of the team they share a stadium with, Liga MX outfit Atlas. The University came out swinging, but the higher quality club prevailed and Atlas won 4-1. Leones' only goal came on a penalty which Alejandro Carreón put in. Despite the score, it wasn't a bad game for UdeG but it just shows the gap between Expansión and Liga MX teams.

That game was followed up with a win against the Tercera División affiliate, resulting in a 4-0 win for the senior club. This time the goals were scored by Alejandro Carreón, Adrián Villalobos and a penalty brace from Romario Hernández.

Next, UdeG would invite two teams from the USA: beating Phoenix 3-1 and drawing San Antonio 2-2. Villalobos would score in both games, while Jesús Leyva and Ricardo García scored in the first game and Alan Murillo scoring the go ahead goal in the second before San Antonio drew level.

Finally, Liga Premier club Halcones de Zapopan would visit the University's Primavera facilities for the first time. Leones Negros would end their preseason on a high note, beating them 2-0 with goals from new signing Carlos Prieto and Leonardo Martínez.

Speaking of new signings, here's what manager Jesús Sánchez had to say about the way the club is going about building the squad: "We're only counting on players who want to be here and are 100% commited to the club, I have no problem with letting anyone go. We're looking to build a young, talented squad that can ultimately take us back to Liga MX in a couple years."

So, who's gone as who's new?

Gone: Miguel Vallejo (Santos Laguna), Romario Hernández (Atlante)

New: Edson Gutiérrez (Monterrey), Carlos Prieto (Pioneros Cancún)

Both Vallejo and Hernández had publicly stated their reluctance to sign new contracts with the club and were promptly sold before they ran their deals out, with Vallejo earning a move to the Liga MX at age 32. He had previously played 3 games for Tecos in the 2010/11 season. On the other hand, Romario leaves the club after 10 years, not wanting to work alongside an unexperienced manager who's also younger than him and never played professional football at any level.

Meanwhile, UdeG address their glaring weakness at right back by getting once promising Edson Gutiérrez from Monterrey. With 41 Liga MX matches under his belt, but still only 27 years old, he's expected to be a solid defender and an offensive contributor down the right flank. 22 year old Carlos Prieto was a part of the Querétaro squad from 2019-22 though he never made his Liga MX debut and ultimately left for Cancún, playing with both Cancún FC and Pioneros. He's a young replacement for Romario Hernández though will have to be patient as Wilber Rentería hasn't left the club yet.

Spoiler