FM13 Liverpool F.C Thread - The future's so bright, you have to wear sunglasses

[cezar.sl]

History

Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool. The club has won eighteen League titles, seven FA Cups and a record eight League Cups. Liverpool has won more European titles than any other English club, having won five European Cups, three UEFA Cups and three UEFA Super Cups.

Liverpool was founded in 1892 and joined the Football League the following year. The club has played at Anfield since its formation. The most successful period in Liverpool's history was the 1970s and '80s when Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley led the club to eleven league titles and seven European trophies.

The club's supporters have been involved in two major tragedies. The first was the Heysel Stadium disaster in 1985 in which charging Liverpool fans caused a wall to collapse, killing 39 Juventus supporters. In the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, 96 Liverpool supporters lost their lives in a crush against perimeter fencing.

Liverpool has long-standing rivalries with neighbours Everton and with Manchester United. The team changed from red shirts and white shorts to an all-red home strip in 1964. The club's anthem is "You'll Never Walk Alone".

Liverpool F.C. was founded following a dispute between the Everton committee and John Houlding, club president and owner of the land at Anfield. After eight years at the stadium, Everton relocated to Goodison Park in 1892 and Houlding founded Liverpool F.C. to play at Anfield. Originally named "Everton F.C. and Athletic Grounds Ltd" (Everton Athletic for short), the club became Liverpool F.C. in March 1892 and gained official recognition three months later, after the Football Association refused to recognise the club as Everton. The team won the Lancashire League in its début season, and joined the Football League Second Division at the start of the 1893–94 season. After finishing in first place the club was promoted to the First Division, which it won in 1901 and again in 1906.

Liverpool reached its first FA Cup Final in 1914, losing 1–0 to Burnley It won consecutive League championships in 1922 and 1923, but did not win another trophy until the 1946–47 season, when the club won the First Division for a fifth time. Liverpool suffered its second Cup Final defeat in 1950, playing against Arsenal. The club was relegated to the Second Division in the 1953–54 season. Soon after Liverpool lost 2–1 to non-league Worcester City in the 1958–59 FA Cup, Bill Shankly was appointed manager. Upon his arrival he released 24 players and converted a boot storage room at Anfield into a room where the coaches could discuss strategy; here, Shankly and other "Boot Room" members Joe Fagan, Reuben Bennett, and Bob Paisley began reshaping the team.

The club was promoted back into the First Division in 1962 and won it in 1964, for the first time in 17 years. In 1965, the club won its first FA Cup. In 1966, the club won the First Division but lost to Borussia Dortmund in the European Cup Winners' Cup final. Liverpool won both the League and the UEFA Cup during the 1972–73 season, and the FA Cup again a year later. Shankly retired soon afterwards and was replaced by his assistant, Bob Paisley. In 1976, Paisley's second season as manager, the club won another League and UEFA Cup double. The following season, the club retained the League title and won the European Cup for the first time, but it lost in the 1977 FA Cup Final. Liverpool retained the European Cup in 1978 and regained the First Division title in 1979. During Paisley's nine seasons as manager Liverpool won 21 trophies, including three European Cups, a UEFA Cup, six League titles and three consecutive League Cups; the only domestic trophy to elude him was the FA Cup.

Paisley retired in 1983 and was replaced by his assistant, Joe Fagan. Liverpool won the League, League Cup and European Cup in Fagan's first season, becoming the first English side to win three trophies in a season. Liverpool reached the European Cup final again in 1985, against Juventus at the Heysel Stadium. Before kick-off, Liverpool fans breached a fence which separated the two groups of supporters, and charged the Juventus fans. The resulting weight of people caused a retaining wall to collapse, killing 39 fans, mostly Italians. The incident became known as the Heysel Stadium disaster. The match was played in spite of protests by both managers, and Liverpool lost 1–0 to Juventus. As a result of the tragedy, English clubs were banned from participating in European competition for five years; Liverpool received a ten-year ban, which was later reduced to six years. Fourteen Liverpool fans received convictions for involuntary manslaughter.

Fagan resigned after the disaster and Kenny Dalglish was appointed as player-manager. During his reign, the club won another three League Championships and two FA Cups, including a League and Cup "Double" in the 1985–86 season. Liverpool's success was overshadowed by the Hillsborough disaster: in an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989, hundreds of Liverpool fans were crushed against perimeter fencing. Ninety-four fans died that day; the 95th victim died in hospital from his injuries four days later and the 96th died nearly four years later, without regaining consciousness. After the Hillsborough disaster there was a government review of stadium safety. The resulting Taylor Report paved the way for legislation that required top-division teams to have all-seater stadiums. The report ruled that the main reason for the disaster was overcrowding due to a failure of police control.

Dalglish cited the Hillsborough disaster and its repercussions as the reason for his resignation in 1991; he was replaced by former player Graeme Souness. Under his leadership Liverpool won the 1992 FA Cup Final. Souness was replaced by Roy Evans, and Liverpool went on to win the 1995 Football League Cup Final. Gérard Houllier was appointed co-manager in the 1998–99 season and became the sole manager in November 1998 after Evans resigned. In 2001, Houllier's second full season in charge, Liverpool won a "Treble": the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup. Houllier underwent major heart surgery during the 2001–02 season and Liverpool finished second in the League, behind Arsenal.

Houllier was replaced by Rafael Benítez at the end of the 2003–04 season. Despite finishing fifth in Benítez's first season, Liverpool won the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, beating A.C. Milan 3–2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended with a score of 3–3. The following season, Liverpool finished third in the Premier League and won the 2006 FA Cup Final, beating West Ham United in a penalty shootout after the match finished on 3–3. American businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks became the owners of the club during the 2006–07 season, in a deal which valued the club and its outstanding debts at L218.9 million. The club reached the 2007 UEFA Champions League Final against Milan, as it had in 2005, but this time Liverpool lost 2–1. During the 2008–09 season Liverpool achieved 86 points, its highest Premier League points total, and finished as runners up to Manchester United.

In the 2009–10 season, Liverpool finished seventh in the Premier League and failed to qualify for the Champions League. Benítez subsequently left by mutual consent and was replaced by Fulham manager Roy Hodgson. At the start of the 2010–11 season Liverpool was on the verge of bankruptcy and the club's creditors asked the High Court to allow the sale of the club, overruling the wishes of Hicks and Gillett. John W. Henry, owner of the Boston Red Sox and of New England Sports Ventures, bid successfully for the club and took ownership in October 2010. Poor results during the start of that season led to Hodgson leaving the club by mutual consent and former manager Kenny Dalglish taking over. After finishing in 8th position in the 2011–12 season, the worst league finish in 18 years, Dalglish was sacked. He was replaced by Brendan Rodgers.

And now, it's your turn.

Squad Analysis

Goalkeepers

• Jose Emanuel Reina
  Default [stats]
  
  First choice keeper. He's worse than last year, but still one of the best. I suspect he still has the potential to reach his old self, and is young for a goalkeeper.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Still first choice keeper. No real change in stats.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  On loan at Napoli. More well rounded than Mignolet, and will get better next season with playtime. Might come back good enough to be first choice again.

  
  

• Brad Jones
  Default [stats]
  
  He's homegrown and on low wages. Those are the only reasons to keep him until you get a young prospect.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Same.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Same.

  
  

• Doni
  Default [stats]
  
  Has high reputation and can be sold easily. Be careful to chose a big club for him, so you don't get stuck with his wages.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  No longer at club.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  No longer at club.

  
  

• Simon Mignolet
  Default [stats]
  
  Not at club yet.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Not at club yet.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  A great shot stopper, but not much else. You'll be in for a tough decision when Reina comes back.

  
  

Defenders

• Glen Johnson
  Default [stats]
  
  A good attacking full-back. First choice until you get better. Not great physical stats and will decline rapidly with injury and age.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Great going forward and improved a little with the patch. Still an important part of your team

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  An important part of your attacking strategy. If he get's injured, you're in trouble, because no other fullback can offer what he does.

  
  

• Martin Kelly
  Default [stats]
  
  Second choice RB and can cover for CB. I recommend retraining to LB for full cover. Be careful, he is injury prone.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  No change. Remember that McLaughlin is a better prospect at RB. Shave playing time

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Cover for RB only. We have enough CBs.

  
  

• Jose Enrique
  Default [stats]
  
  First choice LB. Good physical stats, and if he gets into the Spain team, his values will rise. Not the best defensively, but has the speed to recover from mistakes.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Got a little worse, but still first and only choice.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Got a lot worse. Needs replacing in 2nd season.

  
  

• Daniel Agger
  Default [stats]
  
  One of the best ball-playing centerbacks in the game. First choice when fit, but protect him in lesser games.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  No change. Your best CB.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Improved just enough to cement his place as one of the best technical CBs in to world. Can be retained into a great DM or SW.

  
  

• Martin Skrtel
  Default [stats]
  
  A beast. Should start most of your games.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  No change. First choice next to Agger.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Massive downgrade. You could try to get him back to his best, but your younger players are just better.

  
  

• Jamie Carragher
  Default [stats]
  
  Declining, but a great tutor. Give him games to keep his ability and reputation up, and watch your young defenders turn into model pros.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Still good enough to start games, but lack pace. One of the best tutors in the game too.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Retired.

  
  

• Sebastian Coates
  Default [stats]
  
  Beast in the air. Develops well if you get him tutored by Carra.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Still a beast. Retrain to DM for cover.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Injured for 8-9 months. Stats will go down a lot by then.

  
  

• Kolo Toure
  Default [stats]
  
  Not at club yet.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Not at club yet.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Out own "Invincible". First choice next to Agger. Replaces Cara's experience and determination.

  
  

• Thiago Illori
  Default [stats]
  
  Not at club yet.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Not at club yet.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  A speed demon. Give him games, but be careful, he's not that good yet.

  
  

• Mamadou Sakho
  Default [stats]
  
  Not at club yet.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Not at club yet.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Will become a beast, but not as good as Kolo yet.

  
  

• Ali Cissokho
  Default [stats]
  
  Not at club yet.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Not at club yet.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Not much better or even different from Enrique. Don't bother buying him.

  
  

Midfielders

• Lucas Leiva
  Default [stats]
  
  Your best midfielder and in the top 5 DMs in the game. Don't sell no matter what.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Same player, same quality.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Slower because of his injury, otherwise the same. Be careful with him, you have no cover.

  
  

• Nuri Sahin
  Default [stats]
  
  On loan from Real Madrid. Similar to Xabi Alonso, but unless he's cheap and you get his physicals up, don't buy him.
  
  
  Meanwhile, he's an important part of the 1st team.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  No longer at club.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  No longer at club.

  
  

• Joe Allen
  Default [stats]
  
  The possession keeper. He will make your midfield tick.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  No change.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Train him well, and he'll be worthy of the name "the Welsh Xavi".

  
  

• Jordan Henderson
  Default [stats]
  
  Has potential to be a good player, but lacks the mental strength to be great (and is to old to be tutored). His stamina will prove invaluable, but consider selling him in a season or two. Has high wages.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  No change.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Finally found some mental strength. Will become an important player. Has the best "engine" in the team.

  
  

• Joe Cole
  Default [stats]
  
  Old, slow and unfit. No room for him if everyone else is fit.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  No longer at club.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  No longer at club.

  
  

• Jay Spearing
  Default [stats]
  
  On loan at Bolton. Not good enough. Too limited as a player for a squad with so much talent. Sell when his loan finishes.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  On loan at Bolton. Not good enough. Too limited as a player for a squad with so much talent. Sell when his loan finishes.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  No longer at club.

  
  

• Steven Gerrard
  Default [stats]
  
  A legendary midfielder, but you will play him as a striker (because you have to). No longer able to do his trademark runs from one box to the other, will try to utilize his shooting and playmaking skills in a more advanced role.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Can go back in midfield, as you now have enough strikers.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Liverpool's fitness team did wonders to keep him fit and firing. Same player, but can run more.

  
  

Forwards

• Stewart Downing
  Default [stats]
  
  Squad player with high wages. Reputation allows you to sell him for good money.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  A really average player. Don't expect him to win matches for you.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  No longer at club.

  
  

• Luis Suarez
  Default [stats]
  
  Star of the team. He should provide the most goals/assists in the squad. Keep him fit and happy.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Improved to reflect his goalscoring.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  What a player. He'll run trough defenders, but his finishing is not world class.
  
  
  But he created enough chances for himself and for others to compensate this.

  
  

• Oussama Assaidi
  Default [stats]
  
  Might turn out great, but has obvious weaknesses like his creativity, stamina and passing. Give him two seasons to prove his worth.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  His speed is useful.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  On loan at Stoke.

  
  

• Andy Carrol
  Default [stats]
  
  On loan at West Ham. Could be a great alternative when usual approach is not working. Hope his loan goes well and he comes back a better player.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  COMENTARY

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  No longer at club.

  
  

• Fabio Borini
  Default [stats]
  
  A good striker. Will provide good backup for Suarez.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  No real change. Make sure he gets enough playing time.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  On loan at Sunderland. When he returns he'll challenge Sturridge for the starting spot, but his Kuyt-like workrate means there's a place for him on the wing too.

  
  

• Daniel Sturridge
  Default [stats]
  
  Not at club yet.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Good, but not close to the beast we know him to be.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Mr. a-goal-a-game himself. Expect him to lead scoring charts everywhere.

  
  

• Coutinho
  Default [stats]
  
  Not at club yet.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Adds some much needed creativity to the side.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Fully deserves his "inho". Our own little magician.

  
  

• Victor Moses
  Default [stats]
  
  Not at club yet.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Not at club yet.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Good with the ball, but little end product. No fee agreed means there's no point in picking him over out own youngsters.

  
  

• Luis Alberto
  Default [stats]
  
  Not at club yet.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Not at club yet.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  Will definitively become a star.His versatility means he'll have no difficulty finding game time.

  
  

• Iago Aspas
  Default [stats]
  
  Not at club yet.

  
  Winter Update [stats]
  

  Not at club yet.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  His stats make him look like a poor man's Suarez, so use him as such.

  
  

Young Prospects

• John Flanagan
  Default [stats]
  Winter Update [stats]
  Summer Update [stats]
  
• Ryan McLaughlin
  Default [stats]
  Winter Update [stats]
  Summer Update [stats]
  
• Jack Robinson
  Default [stats]
  Winter Update [stats]
  Summer Update [stats]
  
  On loan at Blackpool.

  
  

• Andre Wisdom
  Default [stats]
  Winter Update [stats]
  Summer Update [stats]
  
• Dany Wilson
  Default [stats]
  Winter Update [stats]
  
  On loan at Hearts.

  
  Summer Update [stats]
  

  No longer at club.

  
  

• Jonjo Shelvey
  Default [stats]
  Winter Update [stats]
  Summer Update [stats]
  
  No longer at club.

  
  

• Raheem Sterling
  Default [stats]
  Winter Update [stats]
  Summer Update [stats]
  
  He's ready for first team football, but be careful for burnout.

  
  

• Jordon Ibe
  Default [stats]
  Winter Update [stats]
  Summer Update [stats]
  
  Follows in Sterling's footsteps.

  
  

• Suso
  Default [stats]
  Winter Update [stats]
  Summer Update [stats]
  
  On loan at Almeria.

  
  

• Dani Pacheco
  Default [stats]
  Winter Update [stats]
  Summer Update [stats]
  
  No longer at club.

  
  

• Samed Yesil
  Default [stats]
  Winter Update [stats]
  Summer Update [stats]
  
  Has all the attributes to be a great striker, but needs to work on his physical side.

  
  

• Other young prospects in the summer update
  Lloyd Jones; Jordan Lussey; Joao Teixeria; Jordan Rossiter; Seyi Ojo; Sergi Canos; Jack Dun; Krisztian Adorjan; Adam Morgan; Jerome Sinclair;
  

The Challenge

1. get back in the top 4
   
2. win the Premier League
   
3. win the Champions League
   
4. have most league wins for an English Club (get back on the perch)
   
5. become most successful and valuable club in Europe / World
   

Additional Challenge

the Liverpool Way

Have your game self act in like a real LFC manager would.

Basic guidelines :

• don't handle internal affairs of the club in front of the media
  
• respect your players
  
• get rid of everyone who doesn't respect the club and what it stands for
  
• don't argue in the papers with other managers
  
• always play to win
  

Fallback rule : when in doubt, ask yourself "what would Kenny Dalglish do?"

[cezar.sl]

1st Season Tactics and Squad Guide

Default DB

Recommended Formation and 1st Team

Strengths

• Will control the middle
  
• Opposition fullbacks are occupied
  
• Wingbacks provide width
  
• Goalkeeper is well protected and takes part in the build-up
  
• Striker will drag centerbacks out of position, to leave room for cut-ins
  
• Can transform easily into a 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 if needed
  

Squad Management

• Rotate Sahin with Henderson. Sahin is physically weak and needs protection
  
• Give Borini, Robinson, Shelvey, Sterling, Coates, Suso and Yesil playing time when possible
  
• Also, train their Stamina while they are young
  
• Sub-out Suarez in won games. He's our most important player
  
• Gerrard and Agger are injury prone. Make sure you don't risk them, because they are hard to replace.
  

January Transfers

• A goalscoring AMR/AML
  There are only 3 players in the squad with the ability to score a lot of goals : Suarez, Gerrard and Borini.
  
• Upgrades for current players if available
  Don't waste money now. The squad has a lot of room to grow.
  
• Invest in the backroom staff
  
• Sell players you don't need/use/like (obviously)
  

Winter Update

Recommended Formation and 1st Team

Strengths

• Will control the middle
  
• Opposition fullbacks are occupied
  
• Wingbacks provide width
  
• Goalkeeper is well protected
  
• Striker will drag centerbacks out of position, to leave room for cut-ins
  
• Can transform easily into a 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 if needed
  

Squad Management

• Rotate Allen with Henderson. Shelvey is also an option
  
• There is no cover for Lucas. Try retraining Coates / Agger. Also, retraining Robinson and Flanagan to DM will give them playing time and you cover.
  
• Give Borini, Robinson, Shelvey, Sterling, Coates, Suso and Yesil playing time when possible
  
• Also, train their Stamina while they are young
  
• Sub-out Suarez in won games. He's our most important player
  
• Gerrard and Agger are injury prone. Make sure you don't risk them, because they are hard to replace.
  

January Transfers

• A goalscoring AMR
  Sturridge and Borini are good, but not great. If you get a good striker instead, move Suarez to AMR.
  
• DL is a weak possition in the squad.
  
• Upgrades for current players if available
  Don't waste money now. The squad has a lot of room to grow.
  
• Invest in the backroom staff
  
• Sell players you don't need/use/like (obviously)
  

Summer Update

Recommended Formation and 1st Team

Strengths

• Will control the middle
  
• Wingbacks provide width
  
• Goalkeeper is well protected
  
• Two strikers mean that there will be no spare man at the back for the opposition
  

Squad Management

• Johnson is vital. Only player providing width. Retrain Henderson untill Mclaughlin gets good enough.
  
• There are a lot of good potential youngsters, give them playing time.
  
• Use a 4-5-1 (4-1-2-2-1) and a 4-2-3-1 as backup formation. You have the players.
  
• Sub-out Suarez in won games. He's our most important player.
  
• Gerrard and Agger are injury prone. Make sure you don't risk them, because they are hard to replace.
  

January Transfers

• A DL/WBL and cover for Johnson
  
• Cover for Lucas
  
• Upgrades for current players if available
  Don't waste money now. The squad has a lot of room to grow.
  
• Invest in the backroom staff
  
• Sell players you don't need/use/like (obviously)
  

[cezar.sl]

Records

GOALS

• Most goals in a season :
  
• Most goals in a season by a u21 player :
  
• Most goals in a season by a player brought through the academy :
  

ASSISTS

• Most assists in a season :
  
• Most assists in a season by a u21 player :
  
• Most assists in a season by a player brought through the academy :
  

AVERAGE RATING

• Highest average rating in a season :
  
• Highest average rating in a season by a u21 player :
  
• Highest average rating in a season by a player brought through the academy :
  

TIME CHALLENGES

• First to win the league in the 1st season :
  
• First to win the Europa League in the 1st season :
  
• First to win the FA Cup in the 1st season :
  
• First to win the League Cup in the 1st season :
  
• First to win the all competitions in the 1st season :
  
• Earliest (season) to win the Champions League :
  

[cezar.sl]

Technical info

Screenshots

If you want to easily post screenshots of players : (using the steam screenshots feature is bad)

Go to this page.

Download latest version.

Extract the archive.

Run the program (ClipUpload3.exe).

Right-Click the icon in the taskbar.

Use the option : Drag -> Imgur

Select the part of the screen you want to save.

Wait.

The url is now in the clipboard, ready to be pasted in the forum.

To get the image to show in the forum use the code : [noparse][/noparse]

ANIMATED GUIDE : click here.

Viewing Links

if you use Google Chrome, download this extension

It allows you to see images in links without clicking and going to a new page.

It's useful for when people post season summaries, because the forum doesn't allow too may embedded images.

ANIMATED DEMONSTRATION: click here

Tax bug fix.

Download the editor from Steam tools, go to England (country) and modify the screen to look like this.

Fixed with update 13.1.3.

How to get the summer update.

Download this file

Copy it in your editor data folder. Its default location, on Win7, is in Documents\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2013\editor data\

Now, when starting a new game, check to see if it is used. When selecting the database, it should say that there is one of one editor data files enabled. If it's not, click change, and select it yourself.

[bigusbobus]

Looking good so far! Cant wait to see it finished:)

[SRL88]

Agger down the links arent working.

[cezar.sl]

Agger down the links arent working.

I'm adding them right now.

Put the template in to make it easy to copy-paste the links.

[J.W.]

Not happy with Sterling's attributes - he's a first team player for christs sake.

also - why hasnt suarez got agility & flair at least 16? everybody knows how hard he is to tackle in the box!! Joke

[Craig_R.U.F.C]

I don't see too much wrong with Suarez at all. Perfect to me.

As for Sterling he could come up a couple of points but I would put him up too much. Might be upped before full release who knows.

[lfc24]

Not happy with Sterling's attributes - he's a first team player for christs sake.

also - why hasnt suarez got agility & flair at least 16? everybody knows how hard he is to tackle in the box!! Joke

I was disappointed with Sterling's attributes but he has scored 12 with 9 assists in 23 games so far in my save.

[SRL88]

Nice work so far dude

[lfc24]

keep up the good work

[benzdbest]

my team by the second season.

GK: Reina/Jed Steer

RB: Andreas Beck/Kelly

DC: Skrtel/Carragher

DC: Agger/Coates/Wilson

DL: Marcos Rojo/Enrique/Robinson

RM: Douglas Costa/Borini/Assaidi

CM: Leiva/Allen/Shelvey

CM: Tachtsidis/Ze Roberto

LM: Andre Ayew/Sterling

AM: Gerrard/ Dzagoev

ST: Suarez/Ademilson

managed to get sanogo and d.appiah on a free transfer and 5mill for fede vico. managed to get rid of most of the deadwood. surprisingly, all the young players have been great. sterling, coates, kelly and robinson. i played them for the uefa cup and they did well. robinson played 16 games and had 17 assist and kelly had an average rating of 7.44. sterling was my supersub and he was coming off the bench to score for fun. assaidi was scoring every other game to but he only came on as a second half substitute. won the title in my first season.

[lfc24]

my team by the second season.

GK: Reina/Jed Steer

RB: Andreas Beck/Kelly

DC: Skrtel/Carragher

DC: Agger/Coates/Wilson

DL: Marcos Rojo/Enrique/Robinson

RM: Douglas Costa/Borini/Assaidi

CM: Leiva/Allen/Shelvey

CM: Tachtsidis/Ze Roberto

LM: Andre Ayew/Sterling

AM: Gerrard/ Dzagoev

ST: Suarez/Ademilson

managed to get sanogo and d.appiah on a free transfer and 5mill for fede vico. managed to get rid of most of the deadwood. surprisingly, all the young players have been great. sterling, coates, kelly and robinson. i played them for the uefa cup and they did well. robinson played 16 games and had 17 assist and kelly had an average rating of 7.44. sterling was my supersub and he was coming off the bench to score for fun. assaidi was scoring every other game to but he only came on as a second half substitute. won the title in my first season.

Congratilation on the league title, I was just wondering what was your budget for the start of season 2?

p.s

Ze Roberto, nice!!

[glenn28]

Great thread there can't wait till I start posting

[biffykins]

Yay a new season thread \o/ Looking forward to it, though think I might hold off until the full release

[phidelta42]

Suarez is easy to sell if people are wanting to play the transfer market. Offered him out at 38m over 24 months and got two willing buyers. Might be able to get more, Downing also refreshingly easy to sell compared to fm12.

[glenn28]

Agger starts Injured which he wasn't in the summer gonna do 1 season with the beta then play it for real on release day

[benzdbest]

Congratilation on the league title, I was just wondering what was your budget for the start of season 2?

p.s

Ze Roberto, nice!!

by the second transfer window in january, the board gave me an additional 20+million. man city offered me 19mill for johnson and i sold him. sold henderson, downing as well. ze roberto has been a decent back up for me. lol.

[Hagi_07]

If in doubt what would Kenny Dalgleish do? Haha!

[WI5ARD]

great intro - really looking forward to this challenge with the youth we have and no budget to spend.

Anyone sold any players to give me an idea of what may get for them ie Joe Cole, Doni, Agger, Skrtel, Downing

[glenn28]

great intro - really looking forward to this challenge with the youth we have and no budget to spend.

Anyone sold any players to give me an idea of what may get for them ie Joe Cole, Doni, Agger, Skrtel, Downing

Id keep Agger & Skrtel Sell the other 3 though

[WI5ARD]

depends what i would get for them - wouldnt want to sell Agger but injury prone in all my previous FM's and Skrtel always got me £12m+ - leaving you with Carragher (swan-song year), Wilson< Kelly, Coates!

[cheltenhams_biggest_fan]

Dzagoev is a good signing....free transfer and joins in January. I managed to agree £35k per week with him.

Guidetti at Man City is available on loan too - good goalscoring backup.

[WI5ARD]

yeah got him as well on 24k a week, also got drethye (sp) ex ajax/madrid/everton on a free so going to shift downing and raise some funds that way!

may take owen hargraves on a pay as you play basis with high appreance feel and nominal wages as could be good cheap cover for the season

[glenn28]

Dzagoev is a good signing....free transfer and joins in January. I managed to agree £35k per week with him.

Guidetti at Man City is available on loan too - good goalscoring backup.

Dzagoev won't be free in the full version he just signed a contract with CSKA will be fixed no doubt in the patch on release day if one comes out which has been the case since FM 08

[cheltenhams_biggest_fan]

Dzagoev won't be free in the full version he just signed a contract with CSKA will be fixed no doubt in the patch on release day if one comes out which has been the case since FM 08

Doh! Now thats not fair!

[cheltenhams_biggest_fan]

yeah got him as well on 24k a week, also got drethye (sp) ex ajax/madrid/everton on a free so going to shift downing and raise some funds that way!

may take owen hargraves on a pay as you play basis with high appreance feel and nominal wages as could be good cheap cover for the season

Can you offer pay as you play contracts? Only downloaded last night and played around for an hour or so

[WI5ARD]

do it by appearance fee - offer say £25k an appearance and £2.5 a week wages - doesnt always work but sometimes players bite if for example the transfer window has ended and they still have no club or when no one else is showing an interest and you have had them on trial for a number of weeks

[zeke]

I did load up the my career FM Liverpool save. I wohn't start any league matches though before the ME stuff is sorted out.

The results in the beta are too wacky at best. However to save time started the career and did stop just before the actual season begins.

I did hire quite a few staff since we definately are short of them and now the staff roster is as follows.

Director of Football : Paolo Futre

Assistant Manager: Johan Cruijff

Coach: Clive Allen

Coach: Antonio Bovenzi

Coach: Alex Gibson

Coach: Joh Owens

Coach: Francesco Pedone

Coach: Valter Vio

Under 18's coach: Bobby Downess

Under 18's coach: Giuseppe Tortora

Those are the new faces that were brough in the off season.

The board have agreed to upgrade training and youth facilities. That is always good news.

I did cancel most of the affiliate links and now the team is assiosiated with Nacional and Crewe (Really like their training facilities).

Director of Football were set task to off load couple of players: Joe Cole, Stewart Downing and Doni.

Two of them were free transfered from the unwanted list: Downing (Fulham) and Doni (Man City). Most likely should have off loaded these myself but oh well. Those two are donkeys RL so at least don't have watch them.

Joe Cole was loaned to Stoke. That is better than nothing since at least saving a lot on his wages.

There really has not been much in terms of arrivals!!! We have juicy transfer budget of 0£!!! That puts some limits on the dealings!

Thus only John Guidetti (Man City) has joined our ranks in season long loan. We also signed Alan Dzagoev (CSKA) on free transfer. Expecting a lot from him. He is due to arrive on January transfer window.

We did loan out: Jack Dunn (AFC Wimbledon), Yalany Baio (Exeter), Andre Wisdom (Brentford), Adorjan (Rochdale) and Kristoffer Peterson (Grimsby)

I did play two EURO Cup matches againts Sligo Rovers. Both of them were well were won but proved out quite difficult ones...

At Anfield we won 3-1 after going 1-0 down. Goals from Suarez (65 and 92min) and Sahin (81). Possession was 72%.

Away we won 1-0. The scorer was Fabio Borini (34). Not convincing at all but now we will face Hearts from Scotland.

In terms of of initial tactic have opted the following 4-5-1 system:

GK/D Reina/Jones

FBR/Default Johnson/Flanagan

FBL/Default Enrique / Robinson

CDR/D Skrtel / Kelly

CDL/D Agger / Coates

BMW/D Allen / Lucas

DLP/S Sahin / Shelvey / Henderson

WR/A Assaidi / Sterling

AMC/A Gerrard / Suso

WL/A Borini / (Suarez)

Poacher/S Suarez / Pacheco / Guidetti

Style: Rigid

Strategy: Attacking

Passing: Default

Creative Freedom: Default

Closing Down: Press more

Tackling: Default

Marking: Zonal

Crossing: Dril Crosses

Roaming: Default

Defensive line: "Normal high"

Width: "Normal high"

Tempo: Normal

We are definately giving the youngster a lot of playing minutes. Really hoping to see a lot progress from Suso, Sterling, Shelvey Pacheco, Robinson, Flanagan and others.

I did change some individual passing orders towards shorter passing. I might tweak this abit but it seems better to wait until ME is fixed.

Open to suggestions though from guys who have played further.

We are set to open the season home againts Norwich... hoping for an good season.. a bit skeptical on that one though...

[SRL88]

What is Yesil's PA? In a spoiler tag obviously

[Staf9]

What is Yesil's PA? In a spoiler tag obviously

Prob can't get it til the full game is out

[badger100]

It's interesting to see that coaches, director of football etc that have been hired so far are similar to mine and training is mostly 4-4.5 stars and Futre is my DOF and Cruyff total football is my Ass Man.

I also play 4-5-1 but fluid and counter and after 4 games I am top only drawing with Southampton and winning the other three, also won first game in group stages of Europa Cup playing mostly youngsters.

Only signed Accardi - LB for peanuts, Adryan for the future, LE Fondre on loan from Reading & Lugano on loan from PSG and also loaned a few of the younger guys that would not get much time even in cup games.

No sales so far but Cole will be off in the January window.

Downing has been awesome playing on the left side and has four goals in eight games and three assists and is also has the highest rating on 7.54 so far.

Early days but FM13 has started well although a few issues well documented but I am enjoying so far and as an older games player (have all versions going back to floppy discs on the Atari & Amiga) looking forward to the full version and a Liverpool save where I don't buy players over 48 months and use the current crop of good youngsters to form the backbone of the team for a good few years.

[zeke]

It seemed that I had free night thus what the heck.. lets start the show. I managed to get few games done. Mixed bag as you expect.

Currently 7th in the league after 7 games. I'am 6 points behind leading Manchester City. I do have game in hand though.

Manchester United are off to an bad start. Currently 15th with 9 points.

The Liverpool games thus far...

H Norwich 3-0 (Borini 12,14 and Gerrard 18)

H Hearts (UEFA) 2-2 (Assaidi 7, Own goal)

A Wigan 1-0 (Suarez pen 90+2)

A Hearts (UEFA) 2-0 (Carragher and Assaidi)

A Arsenal 0-2

H FC Kobenhavn 3-2 (own goal 5, Shelvey 84 and Gerrard pen 90)

A Swansea 2-3 (Gerrard 31 and Borini 42)

A Leicester (Capital cup) P3-3 (Sterling 15 and Suso 61, 104)

H Aston Villa 4-1 (Borini 12,16,23 and Suso 47)

A Trabzonsor (UEFA) 1-1 (Coates 32)

A Newcastle 1-1 (Borini 81)

H Manchester United 4-2 (Assaidi 6,90, Coates 54 and Sterling 87)

Not bad. Looking towards the january transfer market to add some quality into the club.

The kids are just fine (Robinson, Kelly Shelvey, Suso and Sterling) and getting good amount of playing time.

Yesil is improving on 3 months loan at Crewe. I did also send out Coady and Danny Wilson there.

I really would like to bring in Isco from Malaga. Whether we get that sort of money.. well we shall see.

[zeke]

It's interesting to see that coaches, director of football etc that have been hired so far are similar to mine and training is mostly 4-4.5 stars and Futre is my DOF and Cruyff total football is my Ass Man.

I also play 4-5-1 but fluid and counter and after 4 games I am top only drawing with Southampton and winning the other three, also won first game in group stages of Europa Cup playing mostly youngsters.

Only signed Accardi - LB for peanuts, Adryan for the future, LE Fondre on loan from Reading & Lugano on loan from PSG and also loaned a few of the younger guys that would not get much time even in cup games.

No sales so far but Cole will be off in the January window.

Downing has been awesome playing on the left side and has four goals in eight games and three assists and is also has the highest rating on 7.54 so far.

Early days but FM13 has started well although a few issues well documented but I am enjoying so far and as an older games player (have all versions going back to floppy discs on the Atari & Amiga) looking forward to the full version and a Liverpool save where I don't buy players over 48 months and use the current crop of good youngsters to form the backbone of the team for a good few years.

Yeah. I think you are somewhat forced to play with 4-5-1 due to lack of depth at the start.

I'am trying to obey the boards wishes for possession and attacking football. Maybe a bit too much on the road watching results.

Intresting about Downing. Watching him RL that must be an bug in the game! He was first guy out of the door when I loaded the game.

[sparkycufc]

How much are people getting for Downing?

[badger100]

I didn't see your post Zeke and the results and scores are interesting as Assaidi plays on the left I presume and seems to score a few goals as does Downing for me.

I would have got rid straight away but I played him in a friendly and he got two so decided to sell in first window after a couple of games but he has been awesome.

Sterling has got some pace but just been booked for diving, never seen a booking for diving before.

Since the last post the board have said they don't like my counter style and I need to start playing attacking football although I have just drawn away at Chelsea and beat Arsenal, Watford and Udinese at home.

Also meant to say my head of youth got a striker from Holland without my knowledge Whois 16 but looks pretty good but he won' t be doing that again.

[sparkycufc]

Also, how have people got Suarez playing well and scoring?

[7. Shevchenko]

I'm struggling for a decent tactic i'm happy with. Gone for a 4-4-2, brought in Demba Ba (£7m) and Leonard Kweuke (£3.2m) to help out Suarez up top. Wingers are Wellington Nem (£3.5m) and Andrew Ayew (£15m). The rest of the team picks itself.

Play a shorter style, rather balanced and steady. Been working ok without great results, i'm sitting in 2nd.

[Indi75]

Suspect Downing and Assaidi are benefiting from the noticeable bug with wingers getting on the end of every cross. I'm gonna reserve a meaningful campaign until some of the widespread and accepted ME issues are fixed.

[corbs87]

Bought in Guiza (loan), Redmond £7.5mil, Bony £7.5mil and Dzagozev (free). Top of the league in January. Guiza asked to be sent back due to not playing enough. Board haven't offered me any more money, although i've only shipped out Doni for £1.5mil.

[Boaxzel]

The winger bug is holding me back from playing to much with them as I want a long term game. Downing had like 7 goals in 5 matches for me...

Anyway I have to admit I am very disapointed with the work done with liverpool this season. Think its kinda lazy from SI on the players stats. Some are to good and some are to poor. All in all it properly balances out, but still it is annoying to play when I feel its wrong stats wise.

For example, Allen got 15 in passing while Gerrard got 16? really? Allen that have had 1 game under 90% passing this season, and Gerrard that have had 1 over? And it was the same story last season.

Enrique is to good tbh, he should have a decrese, while Wisdom, Sterling and Suso should have a slight upgrade. I just feel that if Suso, Sterling Wisdom was playing in Germany,Spain or som forein league they would get world beaters stats. Sometimes talents in england get thougher love really.

Agger they havnt changed for how many FM games now? Really? after last season...

Carra is to good aswell, and maby Johnson should be worse in defence and abit better in attack

overall the team skillwise is ok. Its like not in the top, but the players is wrong balanced.

Downing should be worse on crosses, otherwise got a decrese that is fine

Anyway starting a game when the winger problem get solved.

[WI5ARD]

sales wise sold downing for 20m over 48months to fulham but had to pay 28k wages for the rest of his contract till 2016! Doni man city for 1.5 over 48months and joe cole on loan to norwich for 50k a month and 20% wages - skrtel is getting a lot of interest from chelsea and could be tempted to shift out for 20m if they force my hand and unsettle him. Anyone else being quoted stupid values for players, no real value and the fact that we have f all of a budget might do the first season of steaying the ship with frees and then bid for players in january to arrive at the end of the season. Got Del horno (great name) Reo-coker and Royston Drenthe all on frees to provide back up, think i can easily stay top 6 and quailify for europe maybe push for top four if luck and injuires go my way. have to give youth a go this season its set up for that!

[lfc24]

It seemed that I had free night thus what the heck.. lets start the show. I managed to get few games done. Mixed bag as you expect.

Currently 7th in the league after 7 games. I'am 6 points behind leading Manchester City. I do have game in hand though.

Manchester United are off to an bad start. Currently 15th with 9 points.

The Liverpool games thus far...

H Norwich 3-0 (Borini 12,14 and Gerrard 18)

H Hearts (UEFA) 2-2 (Assaidi 7, Own goal)

A Wigan 1-0 (Suarez pen 90+2)

A Hearts (UEFA) 2-0 (Carragher and Assaidi)

A Arsenal 0-2

H FC Kobenhavn 3-2 (own goal 5, Shelvey 84 and Gerrard pen 90)

A Swansea 2-3 (Gerrard 31 and Borini 42)

A Leicester (Capital cup) P3-3 (Sterling 15 and Suso 61, 104)

H Aston Villa 4-1 (Borini 12,16,23 and Suso 47)

A Trabzonsor (UEFA) 1-1 (Coates 32)

A Newcastle 1-1 (Borini 81)

H Manchester United 4-2 (Assaidi 6,90, Coates 54 and Sterling 87)

Not bad. Looking towards the january transfer market to add some quality into the club.

The kids are just fine (Robinson, Kelly Shelvey, Suso and Sterling) and getting good amount of playing time.

Yesil is improving on 3 months loan at Crewe. I did also send out Coady and Danny Wilson there.

I really would like to bring in Isco from Malaga. Whether we get that sort of money.. well we shall see.

I got Isco at the start of the second season he was on the transfer market for 15mil, my transfer budjet for season 2 was 20 mil.

P.s. Borini is scoring goals for you what position is he playing

[7. Shevchenko]

Bought in Guiza (loan), Redmond £7.5mil, Bony £7.5mil and Dzagozev (free). Top of the league in January. Guiza asked to be sent back due to not playing enough. Board haven't offered me any more money, although i've only shipped out Doni for £1.5mil.

Sounds like you're doing really well, what sort of tactics are you using?

[cheltenhams_biggest_fan]

sales wise sold downing for 20m over 48months to fulham but had to pay 28k wages for the rest of his contract till 2016! Doni man city for 1.5 over 48months and joe cole on loan to norwich for 50k a month and 20% wages - skrtel is getting a lot of interest from chelsea and could be tempted to shift out for 20m if they force my hand and unsettle him. Anyone else being quoted stupid values for players, no real value and the fact that we have f all of a budget might do the first season of steaying the ship with frees and then bid for players in january to arrive at the end of the season. Got Del horno (great name) Reo-coker and Royston Drenthe all on frees to provide back up, think i can easily stay top 6 and quailify for europe maybe push for top four if luck and injuires go my way. have to give youth a go this season its set up for that!

£20M for Downing? I thought I did well shipping him to West Brom for £5M!!

[sparkycufc]

I only got £5 million for him too, no wonder the board were a tad disappointed.

[WI5ARD]

yeah got 20m for him over 48 months, nearly broke the mouse to accept it - was expecting maybe a couple of negotiated offers but it was fulhams first offer! Now he was put up for sale on the first day so maybe that helped, only other offers was from Roma on loan but he is one of few replacable players at LFC with a high market value!

Doni as well went first bid as well as City must collect keepers, kept Brad Jones as HG and cant really sell and get better for the one year that is left on his contract -agreed to buy butland at the end of the season for 5m over 48 months so he gets a another years experiance and also brad jones will leave and then Brads wages pay for Butlands Wages

going to try and buy 2 - 3 young wonderkid players more who will come at the end of the season who have low minmium release figures and wouldnt get into the team at this stage - use the money for Downing that way instead of waste it on a mad bid someone

[WI5ARD]

Anyone had a cheeky bid from anyone for either Agger or Skrtel - if so who and how much?

[UPNATEM]

Shouldn't Wisdom have better attributes and high potential?