Jogo Bonito

I like the idea of this, Lyon do have a rich history of producing talent and this approach is similar to how I try to shape my clubs too. Best of luck

@smplfc123Strong finish to the season, unlucky to lose the Brentford tie though. I hope you decide to stay with The Swans. Some challenges for the new season, but that's the kind of thing we often crave for in FM and it's right at your fingertips now

Season 2022/23 - Part 2 Playing time has been limited of late, but I've found time to make some small progress with Valencia September and (in particular) October 2022 were fixture-heavy months due to the over-achievement of last year putting us back in to European competition At the end of August we sat second after five league games, and September was a little disappointing domestically after a good start against Villarreal Dropped points at home to Celta Vigo was one thing, but losing at Cadiz was poor in every sense In contrast the month had seen an excellent start in Champions League Group F with tight and invaluable wins over strong German and Italian outfits A 3-3 draw away to PSG was also a fine result, but being 3-1 up until very late on meant this was seen as a bittersweet outcome despite being huge underdogs The league form in October was also a mix of good and bad with a heavy defeat at Barcelona and a 4-3 loss away to Atletico Madrid (also after being 3-1 up) The draw against local rivals Levante wasn't good, but hard-fought wins over Sevilla, Alaves & Mirandes (in stoppage time) were useful and kept us in a reasonable spot The 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao was our best performance in the league during the month, and hopefully that standard will be met more often again now October saw two European nights, and despite a narrow loss away to PSG, a second win over AS Roma confirmed qualification alongside PSG with one game to go The graph below shows we have dipped over this period, partly due to losing our stronger right-flank combination of Porro and De Frutos for most of this batch of games The latter returned a few weeks ago, and the winger marked his return with a goal - whilst the former will be back soon and will be a big improvement at right-back Left-back Gaya has been the outstanding player so far, although his assists tally is boosted by taking most of our set-pieces on the right side You'll see that we have neither excelled in attack (10th best) or defence (8th best) but we have had to heavily rotate and both rankings should improve in time Financially we have taken massive steps forward, partly due to sound business acumen but significantly due to obscene money you get for playing in the Champions League The month of November is, of course, a domestic football tragedy due to the Winter Wonderland (aka 2022 World Cup in Qatar) After our game in Germany on 2nd November, we have nothing else in the calendar until 1st January 2023 We'll make our transfer plans and report back after the winter window closes, but we did add one player on 14th October Spanish international Isco had been a free agent since leaving Real Madrid in the summer, and I managed to secure him on a very low wage The short term deal was by choice (and he took some convincing), but he should add quite a bit as we tackle multiple competitions He was ineligible for the Champions League group stage, but will get included at next registration point (so far he has given two assists in three league games) See you again soon, and thanks for reading

@Sysiphus Excellent season with The Owls, your squad seems to be at peak ages or youngsters with potential. @smplfc123Doing very well with Swansea. I like the idea of starting on a different date, taking on an alternative challenge. I've not done that for a couple of versions but does give a fresh approach. You did well to steer them away from relegation and it's a very solid season this time so far. Will wish you success. @warlockHow many times have you managed Forest now? Joking apart, that's a good place to start with them and although a first season promotion should be fairly obvious, it least you'll get another year out of them before abandoning your PL effort I've decided to finish my second season with Valencia before cracking on in the EFL. The main contenders remain Cardiff, Plymouth and Hartlepool unless something more interesting comes up early with a fresh transfer update.

It could be time. Somewhere between 0-3 saves are possible as following Bradford on the elimination from the shortlist of five is Derby (for now). Despite their kits being my favourite creations after my Valencia ones, I just don't think it's the club for now. Which leaves one from each division in Hartlepool, Plymouth, and Cardiff. Speaking of which... Sorry to hear that but I understand. That's what happened to me after three months absence from FM when managing Palermo. Cardiff would be a great choice and we could end up in friendly competition Elsewhere, incredible success at Shrewsbury (some amazing signings there, good work) and Oldham (unlucky, but an excellent season). Good luck at Bolton with that run of friendlies, that's...heavy. Financial gains will be useful but for me, too much early pressure

Good to hear on TGH. He has actually filled in at left back for West Brom this season but I see he has no ratings for that. However for me he would be used as defender or wing back on both sides (cover for the left) when required. Boards be like boards. That always seems out of sync, I just ignore what anyone thinks. Boards, fans, media. Whatever

A solid season with Oldham @Parmie I've had Whelan on my EFL striker shortlist since before launch, I like his goal ratios and seems he is decent in FM too. @hasdgfasGood luck with Bolton. A good pick and squad. They came close on my contender list but I have managed them before. I feel they have a good balanced L1 squad. @warlock Ipswich have done very well to be clear of you, but you're having a great season there. Big gap to 3rd. You won't be the last person on this thread today who has signed Gardner-Hickman on loan. Great choice