Hootieleece

I made a decision to take the Team USA job. It is 2038 and the World Cup is over. England won; it came home. I will try to coach the team until the next World Cup in 2042 and then retire. I will play this save and post about it on Weekends, usually play Saturday and write on Sunday. But first I am going to take a few days away from the save and start another one.......just to see if a 4-4-2 Route One "Hoofball" can work starting in the Lower Leagues of England. I will not be writing about it in Career updates. If I do it will be in this thread.

Scamacca does well as a Targt Man like Giroud.

Eintract Frankfurt is always a tough match especially away, after playing RB Leipzig.

I will sleep on it and think about during Lunch tomorrow at work and probably make a decision.

I have played further, and this came up during preseason: This would be the "perfect" last job......I would resign as Hertha Manager to take this job. I find it too unrealistic to be both a club manager and a National Team Coach. I would love to hear what my readers think!

Bischof turns into a good player.....I had him in my save at ASSE, but he has become a bit of journeyman after returning to Germany in my save.

As for Intakes are you expecting 15–16-year-olds to go straight into a Bundesliga lineup? Maybe in a 3 Liga team.

How's Zak Brown doing for you? I hear he's quite a popular musician in the States.....Zak Brown Band.

This past season I put it down to a puzzling lack of Tactical Familiarity. (even though we played with the Formation the second half of the season prior to great success) and everyone worried about their own playing time until I changed up the tactic and everyone realized we were in a sinking boat yet again. I have almost all good personalities in the team most players are determined or resolute and our Vice Captain is a Model Citizen which is what made it so weird. This season we are continuing the 4-2-3-1 DM Wide and most players are playing their natural positions and roles. Which should help with tactical familiarity. PS. I am in my Preseason Friendlies, so I have finally caught up on my "homework" and can get back to fun of playing FM.

Hertha BSC June 2038: Offseason Manager's Thoughts I went into the offseason looking to upgrade the team. I ended up doing so by bringing back our best player and adding a better goalie. This was happening as rumors were swirling for our players to leave. Bayern Munich came in for our Striker Kunert, but they were unwilling to trigger his $27.5 million release clause. Other than that, the offseason went smoothly, and we are looking to move a few players but only for the right price and not to competitors. We want a top seven finish this year so we can get to European Competition to help our bank balance. As I have pushed all our chips in to make this happen. Highlights The captain was re-signed when it became apparent that he would be happy in a Backup role and let Dermitas take over the AMR position. Jeltsch is important as our Ball winning Midfielder, I was happy to re-sign him for the playing time he was already getting. Tredup and Fabbian are here to mentor the kids in the team.....as we start playing more important matches. I don't think I need to improve the coaching staff or the medical department. That means with the loan repayment we start every month $1.4M in the red. Commercially we did decent business, but prize money is not to be counted on. New Scouting Budget. I moved some money from the transfer budget, so it wasn't just enough to pay for the "World" Scouting Package. In case I decide to scout an Argentinean or Brazilian wonderkid. Frankfurt may want him but we aren't selling possibly our best defender. I approached Abrassart after the end of the season and he was amenable to re-signing with us. He also didn't have an agent. So, I was able to come up with a reasonable deal for both parties. Unfortunately, this makes the Rokaas deal redundant. He is easily our best playmaker a Kevin De Bruyne type. He had been exploring his options and decided playing in front of 30 people in Saudi Arabia wasn't in his interest. I don't know where this rumor came from, he isn't on any of our shortlists. The New Season is about to be announced. We are in good shape except for a GK. We aren't really interested in selling him, but we are a little overloaded in attacking players and Center Backs. We will not be selling if possible. The Bundesliga remains the 4rth best League in the World. We gained 1 place! We need to get into Europe and the Top 100 with a good season! German Football needs to do better in Europe. We spend too much time beating each other up in the Bundesliga and selling all our best players to Bayern Munich which is also failing..... We were midtable mediocrity, but we were mentioned for best match of the season! No Hertha players among signings of the season. We lost our Portuguese Feeder club...... Pep left after not delivering in Munich for a second time. They brought in a fresh face to the managerial merry-go-round. Our Schedule has been released an average start to the season and no really big games, but we will have to be on top of our game from the off. After losing Belenses, I asked to find another Affiliate Club and I chose Paderborn in 3 Liga. I will be sending the best 18-year-olds to play a season with them instead of them playing U-19's or sitting on Hertha II bench. But of importance was the good training facilities. The newly promoted side got a new manager......not a good sign for them. We would sell if Santos wanted it...... I said no to the rumors and they never offered and went and got some more new blood for the carousel. We went out and got ourselves a new GK. It is going to cost us $22M over the next two years in Transfer Fees. He becomes the new #1 and Goller becomes the Cup GK and Kleppinger the backup. Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued:

Yes, it did. I just wish we wouldn't start so slow......when we play together as a team, we have the talent to be in the European places in a good season. Which I am hoping will be next season.

Hertha BSC Season Review 2037-2038 We didn't do much in the transfer market and neither player had much impact, Rokaas is more for next season. After a slow start we ended up in midtable in 10th place. The DFB Pokal run could have been better, but the board was happy enough. The Season Highlights were quite good! We did well financially. This is not how we set up after December....... Fans Player of the Season Young player of the Season Assists Record Breaker to be continued:

Hertha BSC May 2038: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team was able to win two out of the last three games and remain in a respectable position of 10th place in the Bundesliga. Since I have three seasons until I retire, I plan on trying to upgrade Hertha and reach European Football next season. The team is actually good enough to be better than midtable mediocrities. We are the 4rth best scoring team in the Bundesliga. Thus, I am going to try an upgrade the defense and Goalkeeper over the summer. The Board is just happy being in the Bundesliga, and that isn't enough to get the fans flocking to Olympia Stadion. Highlights The month of May began with the official intake into the U-19's The first Match of the month would see us travel to Frankfurt in Western Germany. We were considered underdogs, but I thought we had a chance since they had just offered me an interview not so long ago. The Transfer spending shows that I have so far been restrained and am actually turning a profit in my transfer dealings, but that may change this summer. Eintracht Frankfurt proved to be too much for us in a high scoring match where neither team played defense to the enjoyment of the fans! We had a lot of the ball and made many passes but couldn't quite control the match. Even though by XG we should have won the match...... We are near the bottom of percentage of turnover in payroll.....which means we are being responsible financially. My former team hasn't won a match in Ligue 1 all season! The next match was against relegation threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf. We dominated and didn't make the defensive mistakes of the Frankfurt match and won easily relegating Dusseldorf! Refusing to panic when you have been relegated......I guess you knew it was coming. I want teams to fear Festung Berlin! Highlights of our domination were all over German TV! We had another great day passing the ball and really attacked Dusseldorf's Left Flank. The final match of the season saw us head to Hoffenheim. We were playing well and Hoffenheim had already been relegated we were hoping to put on a show for the traveling fans. and we won the ugly match in which Hoffenheim was out to hurt Hertha players....... Our Veteran Vice Captain was seriously injured in the final match of the season. He won't get to enjoy vacation too much! Another good day passing the ball and we were able to attack both flanks even though we only scored one. We finished in Tenth Place! End of Season Board Meeting The Board is backing me the same as last season but due to financial prudence we have some room to maneuver on the payroll front. The Team lost some social media followers, but the support mostly remained steady. We need Europe and trophies to really move this needle. After a terrible start our statistics turned our okay. The team is in a good place after finishing midtable. The Board isn't expecting much more next season, but I am. I am not a spring chicken anymore and my chances at trophies a dwindling as I intend to retire at the end of the 2040-2041 season. So, I am going all in this summer to try and reach the European places. Highlights Pt. II RB Leipzig did the domestic double this season. Rumors abound that Dortmund want me.....but I am happy where I am. Not moving unless Liverpool comes open....... Leo Kunert missed a month of the season and came 3 goals short of the golden boot! Jurgen Klopp led Real Madrid to the Treble! League Table Management Report Monthly Financial Report to be continued:

Hertha BSC April 2038: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The fever dream of European Football next season ended with the twin losses to Freiburg and Bayern at the start of the month. The team played well in both matches but injuries and the backups just weren't enough. The team won the next two matches to assure safety and midlevel mediocrity for another season by beating relegation threatened Werder Bremen and St. Pauli. I am going to try and bring back Abrassart at the end of the season with a new contract since he is the straw that stirs our drink on offense. More importantly I will look to improve the goal keeper position and strengthen the defense yet again. To do so we may have to pay more than I am willing to pay and then we will be committed to making Europe next season to help German Football. Schedule Highlights The month of April began with a trip to Freiburg followed by Bayern Munich at home. The Home team was favored even though their form was slipping. I thought we had a chance. Both left backs were down....and so I had to play a Left Midfielder that I was trying to get rid of in the spot. Which meant our chances of winning took a hit! It was an even match they had more of the ball, but our press kept them from taking shots. We moved the ball rapidly in counterattack and were profligate. In the end their more clinical finishing gave them the three points. The press wanted me to blame the loss on VAR.....I continued my non-commital answers. The team didn't have much of the ball and it showed in our passing map and stats. Returning from Freiburg we had to ready ourselves for Bayern Munich coming to town. Even though Pep's Bayern were stumbling for form, they were solid favorites for the match. We played hard but just couldn't find a way to beat their keeper. The only goal came just before halftime when Kleppinger made a mistake on a low long shot. Kleppinger's mistake cost us the match, but I hoped he would bounce back quickly. St.Pauli get a new manager just before our match......who knows anything about the new guy? We are close to profitable and much less than the average...... We take on Werder Bremen next on the schedule. I expected to beat the Relegation threatened team. Even though the home team was favored by the bookies and media. German Football is sputtering in European Tournaments, and we aren't in a position yet to help. We won the match by dominating the shots even though we had less of the ball. We found our success down the Left Flank this time..... My old team made it to Ligue 1 Uber Eats but isn't cut out for top level football......no wins all season between two managers! St. Pauli was scheduled to visit us with their new coach and we were expected to win. Our Left Winger and version of Kevin De Bruyne is on pace to break the club record of assists. We controlled the match from start to finish and controlled possession as well as had more shots. I was complimentary of their fight even though they were outclassed on the day. We are officially safe from relegation! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued:

Hertha BSC March 2038: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts Other than the first match of the month in which I underestimated our opponents and hubristically played the backups. The team played well and excelled. Unfortunately, though we have lost our First Choice GK for the rest of the season. Injuries have been a problem all season and that hasn't changed but whoever I play seems to answer the whistle and play well. We will probably continue to play well but not gain much ground on the top teams. After our horrific start being safely mediocre and midtable is an accomplishment. I am also beginning to think about next season and will probably look for a younger profile in the team. The biggest need though is a better GK. Schedule Highlights The month of March would have three fixtures before an international break. The first match of the month was against fellow strugglers Hannover. We were in better form and I was a bit over confident and decided to play the backups in this match to help with playing time concerns. We tackle hard and play physical but within the laws of the game. We did nothing right in this match and were on the back foot from kick off...... and with that loss our unbeaten streak is ended at 13. The pass map shows we tried to attack the Right Flank of the defense but it didn't work this time...... Starting Center back will miss training the next two weeks during the international break. This injury ends whatever chance we had of making a miracle run to the European places.......since our Backup GK will be the starter the rest of the season! Kleppinger becomes the man between the sticks,,,,,NOW! We returned to Berlin and Olympia Stadion to take on BMG. We were favored as the home team, and we were looking for a better result this time around. I was looking for a win to start another unbeaten streak! and did the boys deliver! 5-0 as comprehensive a win as it gets! Kunert led the line and the team with a Hat Trick! And was named player of the week with a few of his teammates! Five players made the team of the week we were so good! Another Star player will miss a match...... Hertha looks to have a decent intake this season. The Team then got ready to take its show on the road to Mainz05 that was still struggling in the relegation battle. Mainz 05 was considered the favorite, but I thought we were the team to beat in the match. I never really pay attention to kickoff times other than making sure my team is ready for ours! Both sides played a tough game, but we played a bit counterattack football on a team that likes to control possession. We caught them out twice on the counter and twice with set pieces for a great victory! The Mainz05 boss was less than happy with the result. Our young Main stay in the defense had a great day. I said a few inspiring words at halftime after the Mainz05 goal just before halftime...... and now we lose our leading scorer and line leader for a month with a twisted ankle...... The "good" Youth candidates were Identified and signed. The two Best were: Gavin Martinez Tomasz Olejnik Eintracht Frankfurt thinks I want to leave......when they are in a similar situation with just more money for payroll. Plus this is one of my favorite clubs.....I will only leave for two clubs.....Liverpool because it is a top job and NE Revolution to fix a mistake and bad job. I am happiest in Berlin......plotting the overthrow of RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich. Dermitas had been complaining about playing time now that he has capped for Germany he will be in the starting XI much more. Especially since he scored for his country as well. And now our Starting Left Back will be out for the next month......injuries SMH! We signed a new Left Back for next season for depth reasons. We are adding height to our backline as we seem to be losing Set-Pieces (Corners) on a consistent basis. We are in an injury crisis........here come the kids! The wonderkid report came out and again no Hertha players. League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month The young player led the backline and was a keystone in both our victories this month. Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking ahead to be continued:

one more victory is all that is needed.......for safety! You can do it!

I have played till the end of the season and we end up exactly where we belong......midtable mediocrity. Thanks to our terrible start.

Hertha BSC February 2038: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The good play continued even if we were losing points by drawing more than winning, but overall, we were climbing out of the relegation battle to midtable mediocrity. We had an outside chance at something more, but I think that we are still too leaky defensively and getting too many draws. The team otherwise is enjoying their football and playing time thus getting them on my side. Let's hope the good play keeps up. Schedule Highlights The team is near the bottom of the payroll expenditure but is talented enough to "Punch above its weight" if players are all on the same page as the last month showed. We had a bit of a "panic buy" but I am sure he will fullfill his promise and take Abrassart's place on the left wing next season. After the good month of January, we were excited to be taking on our rivals Schalke04 in the first match in February. The Home team was favored even though we were in better form, but since it was a rivalry. I was expecting a tough match. I let this one slip in the buildup to the match..... I think the AI Manager thought I was playing mind games..... The match was between two even teams and we were able to get a draw even though they dominated long spells of the game after we scored first, but some of it was due to the referee favoring the hosts in most of his calls. I was pleased to get the draw and remain unbeaten in 10 matches....we were moving out of the relegation fight slowly and surely now that we had a tactic that worked! We returned home to face another tough match this time, Wolfsburg in Berlin. Both teams were in good form, but the visitors were favored. Never underestimate a home underdog. It was a superb match between two equal teams, and it ended in a draw. Eleven Unbeaten! we need to keep this up and greatness might beckon! The Media asked about what is now called "Leece-Ball", it is good because it gets results! We had to travel next to Koln for a match with FC Koln. My old rival from the French League started playing mind games..... Koln made some late subs, and they paid off with another Draw of a match we shouldn't have lost! even if it had been against the run of play. We remain unbeaten! We're doing well, but it isn't over yet, far from it. It was the game of the day! We were returning home to play highflying Dortmund and a big crowd was expected. Even though Dortmund had dip in form they were expected to beat us. We played a masterful match that was bookended by goals. Our young center back had a great game! A baker's dozen undefeated! I paid homage to our young center back's contribution. Highlights of our impressive victory on TV sets across Germany! Even though the system doesn't specifically attack the opponents right flank we had a lot of success there. The New formation and lineup shakeup settled the playing time problems. The Board took out a loan to pay for transfers.....and repayment begins! League Table Monthly Analysis Report We are finally scoring more than we are conceding! Player of the Month The captain led the team by example. Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued:

How did you ever find that many Goalkeepers available on Free Transfers?

You look like my Hertha, good enough to be better (European places), but muck around too much and lose too many matches you shouldn't and end up as midtable mediocrities. Except that I have to do the relegation battle thing at the start of every season first.......LOL!

Yes, it is much better in the dressing room and with the board. There is nothing wrong with your tactic. It just didn't really fit my players and I needed to get results fast if I was going to maintain safety in the Bundesliga. The New Tactic is an "Out of the Box" Gengen press with a few position/role changes. By out of the box, I mean if you press Genge press in the Tactics Creator these are the TI's you get.

Doing well for a small, promoted team. I am loving the tactical summaries of your play. I wish I was more tactically able and not just play a 4-2-3-1 Wide Gengenpress variation and find tactical success in the game. I am definitely in awe of both you and @SixPointer.

Hertha BSC January 2038: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The change to the 4-2-3-1 Wide Gengen Press has so far been a success. We are unbeaten and have four wins since changing tactics. With the ship steadied and now on course for safety of midtable mediocrity. I started planning for next seasons roster. I brought in a few players on Bosman's for depth in midfield and one for a starter at center back. The team made one transfer acquisition for $12.5M for a striker I think will make a great Left Winger and replace Abrassart that was player of the month. The team is coming together after my tactical mistakes which came from trying to deviate from my tactical philosophy of Klopp Style Gengen press that got me into football management and won me trophies. Schedule Highlights Our month of January started with a Friendly during our Training Camp in Qatar. We were dominant and I allowed the backups to play major roles using our new formation and tactic. We signed a player on a Bosman for next season to help with our Defensive Midfield depth. Olexiy Komar Stefan Richter was signed to provide depth at the Hertha II Level. After returning from Qatar the team turned their attention to preparing for a match with table propping Hoffenheim. We were the home team and favored in the Six-Pointer. I thought winter break went well.....and was happy to have it. Match Day came and we were in control from the start, we went out to a 2-0 lead and then slackened a little after making some subs and Heidenheim got one back and that made the next few minutes nervy, but a penalty shot restored our two-goal lead late and we cruised to victory. Hoffenheim's new manger was unhappy with his teams play....... Lorenc a Centerback adjusting to life as a Wingback in a Back Four had a great game. Six unbeaten with two wins in a row.....I think we are turning it around. We dominated possession in this match and that is shown by all the passes. The team sold a young player and the fan base was upset all I could do was ask for trust. The Takeover talks are ever present, but at least they are internal and don't place a transfer embargo on the team. The team added another player through a Bosman for next season......his signing means we will have to sell some Center Backs. Halvor Flogstad We also put in an offer for a player to take Abbrassart's place on the left next season. He is a natural striker but I think he will make a better winger. With all the transfer news swirling the team headed for Leipzig and a match with League leading RB Leipzig. It's a big match and the Leipzig boss starts the mind games. ' I ignored the criticisms of my players and was upbeat about our new formation and tactic in the news conference. We played well and was able to escape with a point and give them something to think about for next time. RB Leipzig boss wants referees reviewed because he didn't win! Hertha captain Tredup led the team from the right wing. Seven in a row unbeaten we are slowly climbing out of the Relegation Battle. Our match made the nightly highlights on German TV! Tredup was named player of the week! Rokaas is being brought in and trained as an AML-Winger Attack for next season and will see some play unless Abbrassart gets hurt. He joins the team as a squad player this season and regular starter next. Decent Turnout for another match against Stuttgart that knocked us out of the DFB-Pokal. Stuttgart due to past performance were considered the favorites, but I thought we had a chance as home underdogs. Stuttgart had the better of the day until they were sent down to ten men and in extra time, we got the win after wearing down their defenses. Another whiny manager.....blaming the officials! That makes is 8 unbeaten we are still slowly coming out of the relegation battle to midtable mediocrity. The last match of the month Bayer Leverkusen would visit Berlin for the match. Leverkusen was favored, but I thought we had a chance. We controlled the game and were rewarded with a late goal to seal our victory. During the Post match Press conference, the media were more interested in transfers than our great victory. League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued:

Maybe It is the German Vesrion of College Football in America. Also Schalke04 is one of the biggest clubs in Germany even though they might disband after this season due to debt.

Hertha BSC December 2037: Regular Season "Back to the Future" Manager's Thoughts The team continued to battle for points, but it was obvious that even with the tactical tweak of going to the 5-2-3 WB wasn't enough. So, I went back to the early days of my career and resurrected a formation and tactic that would have us playing hopefully like Liverpool of 2016! It had only one match against a relegation rival in a six -pointer but it was dominant, and we will be using it for the remainder of the campaign. I think that I was trying to become too cerebral and forgot that sometimes Football is simple. Deny the opponent the ball, take it away from him if he happens to have it, and put it in his net. The new formation does just that and allows us to play our myriad of Attacking midfielders in their natural positions. Which should help as we become more tactically familiar as we navigate the second half of the season and hopefully out of the relegation battle. Schedule Highlights The month of December began with a tricky match against Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal. Stuttgart was favored and our new tactics hadn't done the trick yet either. I wanted a good result, but I wasn't about to let my dreams get ahead of reality. The Bundesliga Coaching Carousel continues to spin......a manager leaves a relegation fight for a "safer" job..... Match Day came and we couldn't play from the back from a determined press by a 4-4-2 that also bypassed our press by playing direct "Hoof Ball". Dermitas who was wanting more playing time.......will miss the next month of chances. I was disappointed to go out as well as the manner of it and I started thinking how I could turn this ship around! After the terrible result in Stuttgart the team then traveled to Hamburg to take on St.Pauli. It was another tough match up with a 4-4-2 formation. I am looking to build from within with the small transfer budget I have. We were on the backfoot yet again, but we defended doggedly and escaped with a draw and much needed point. We had our goalie to thank yet again.....for bailing us out. We haven't won a game in a while...... Our GK was player of the week! AS Roma to Wolfsburg........a lot of pedigree......with a lot of losing. Recently Relegated Augsburg coach thinks he can turnaround Hoffenheim........I don't think so! The first looks at the Academy Class are exciting if we get 4 future players I will be happy. As the Winter Window is about to open transfer rumors are running wild about our players. I intend to keep most of them for now. Takeover Rumors won't go away either....... The team came home from Hamburg looking for a win and I thought this was a winnable match. Even if the bookies backed our opponents. This is a bit of an untruth it is more like they aren't afraid of us and pen us in our end and we get no chance to attack their end. It was a more even match but in all it was an ugly game decided as a draw by matching penalties. Almost two months since we tasted victory! At least we are still getting points, but things need to change and fast. The team is doing so bad that the rest of the board thought we should panic buy a player or two change things up.......when the problem is tactical and disunity among the players. Relegation Rival Fortuna Dusseldorf went to Darmstadt for their Coach. This is their new Boss. After trying and failing with several formations and styles of play over the past few years. I decided to go back to the basics. and I reintroduced my team to the Gengen Press using the Second Formation from my Conwy days at the start of my career. This will be the main formation for the rest of the season. I am using it to take advantage of all the Attacking Midfielders we have and several #10's. Our Goalie will miss the meeting with Fortuna Dusseldorf! He is an important part of our team for sure! We traveled to Dusseldorf for the important six pointer just before the midseason break. We were considered favorites.......for some reason. A former fan favorite had harsh words for the play of our Left Back and said in no uncertain terms he had to play better if we were to succeed. Dusseldorf had a new coach and we had a new formation and tactic..... We dominated playing the gengenpress from the Conwy days.....and I think it took them by surprise! The fans that bothered to watch were thrilled! We were dominant all match long it just that we couldn't seem to find the net until late on......mostly because we were so surprised to have that much of the ball. Happy for the fans and team that our winless streak is over. There was one injury and he will only miss training on the trip to Qatar over Xmas. the team also started loaning out players from the Farm Team or Hertha II. He would start as a player in the Irish League. The Day after Christmas we headed to Qatar for some warm weather training and one friendly before our 6 pointer with Hoffenheim. This is the training schedule for our week in Qatar. Since we have a new tactic I made sure to get some tactical work in. Our Star Left Winger is thought to be in Man City's sights and will be leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season. We are not shopping anyone but will accept reasonable offers on a number of players. Reason we are losing our AML at the end of the season. League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: