[FM 18] If You're Not First, You're Last (Re-Redux) - Redemption for the "Nearly Men" of Europe

[ManUtd1]

8 hours ago, HawkAussie said:

What has happened to Malmo in this save because they did well in the previous edition

Simple explanation, I think.

Last time around, Hakan started his journey in Malmo and left them as European champions with a massive bankroll, a full stadium, nd a strong, young squad. Soon after he left, they built a massive new stadium. With that foundation, they won something like 20 straight Allsvenskan titles.

This time, they have done moderately well for the first 10-15 years but have none of those built-in advantages over the rest of Sweden.

I really am looking forward to getting there 

[ManUtd1]

I'm bringing sexy back...

Leeds United -- October 2041

Just like last year, we've had a rough-and-tumble start to the domestic calendar, with 3 wins from 7 matches.  The good news is that we only have 1 loss, with 3 draws.  So we are in a far better position than we were 12 months ago...but it still is not the start we wanted.  An away loss to Southampton?!?  Come on, lads.  That's not acceptable.

In Europe?  Just like last year, we're doing the business.  We took Bayern down in Germany, again, before smashing OIympiacos at Elland Road.  Which means that we've got 2 big matches coming up against Messi and Sampdoria, a chance for redemption after last year's humiliation in the semifinals.

 

[Sheriff7]

This should be West Ham's best start in a season ever.. 

[ManUtd1]

I'm bringing sexy back...

Leeds United -- November 2041

When 3 of last years semifinalists were drawn into the same Group, I knew it would be a challenge.  I did not expect us to win our 1st 4 matches, though, including two against defending champions Sampdoria.  But we've done it.  Revenge.  Sampdoria are not eliminated, however, as Olympiacos managed to beat Bayern in Greece, so the 2nd position is very much up for grabs...but to claim it, Sampdoria will likely need to beat Bayern in Germany.  A big ask.

Regardless, we're through.  If it is at the expense of Sampdoria, that would be a shame.  But that is not and cannot be my concern.

 

[ManUtd1]

And now the monkey comes out of the sleeve...

Leeds United / Netherlands -- November 2041

3 years ago, the timing did not feel right.  Something was off.

But not anymore.

This Dutch side is far too good to miss out on the World Cup.  There's nothing I can do about Portugal 2042...that ship has sailed.  But it won't happen again.  Not on my watch.

Zlatan will be dispatched to Amsterdam as the in-country point of contact for our managerial trio.

The Oranje shall be avenged.

With sexy football.  Obviously.

 

  

 

  

    

Edited November 28, 2018 by ManUtd1

[BoxToBox]

3 hours ago, ManUtd1 said:

I come for the gifs...

9 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

...and stay for the gifs.

[ManUtd1]

22 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

I come for the gifs...

...and stay for the gifs.

It's hard out here for a pimp.

[HawkAussie]

1 hour ago, ManUtd1 said:

It's hard out here for a pimp.

Yes it is, yes it is.

[ManUtd1]

I'm bringing sexy back...

Leeds United / Netherlands -- December 2041

A whirlwind month.  Numerous matches with Leeds, legwork to be done with the Dutch.  Delegation is key.

I've considered dispatching Iker Casillas -- a member of the coaching staff here in Yorkshire, who pre-dated my tenure -- to Amsterdam to assist Zlatan.  He's practically begging me to go there.  I've told him I'll let him know after the holidays.  We need to finish the calendar year in style, without distractions.

  

 

 

Edited November 29, 2018 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

Malmo 

 

[ManUtd1]

Portugal 2042 is looking solid.  The Dutch have no excuses whatsoever.  Failure to qualify was a total shambles.

  

[BoxToBox]

34 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

Malmo 

 

[ManUtd1]

20 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Zlatan is very disappointed. 

This could make going there extra fun, though. Time in the second tier will give them a big reputation hit.

[BoxToBox]

It does make it a much more interesting challenge, especially if they're in the second tier when you get there.

[ManUtd1]

1 hour ago, BoxToBox said:

It does make it a much more interesting challenge, especially if they're in the second tier when you get there.

Indeed. Although I suspect their reputation will see them bounce back quickly. With the Superettan inactive (for now), it'll be a hard trick to pull off.

I love the narrative possibilities inherent in going there, while they're in the second tier.

[BoxToBox]

Oh yeah, with the league inactive, they're likely to bounce right back up. I know there's a random element to it, but it's definitely weighted by rep.

[ManUtd1]

45 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Oh yeah, with the league inactive, they're likely to bounce right back up. I know there's a random element to it, but it's definitely weighted by rep.

I may try to load it up...probably too late for the Sweden reset, though.

[ManUtd1]

I'm a little disappointed that Iker couldn't be more patient.  But in the end I could use a second set of eyes in Amsterdam and traveling around, focused on the Dutch players scattered across Europe...

While Casillas will remain on staff at Leeds, he's going to pull double-duty with the Dutch.  Lots of travel ahead, but with Sara leaving him for David De Gea...he needs something to fill the long, lonely hours he's confronting right now.

A change of scenery will do him some good.

[ManUtd1]

Ok, thanks to @BoxToBox my revised counter has a proper name: PM Grapefrukt Diarre. "A cautious style of play where you run like crazy on the break."

 

[ManUtd1]

I'm bringing sexy back...

Leeds United / Netherlands -- March 2042

There were whispers after the 1st leg in Monaco...we were not sharp.  Unfocused.  If anything, those doubts have now been silenced.  An emphatic 90 minutes at Elland Road sends Nicolas Bénézet's men crashing out.  If we play like that, we can take anyone.

Domestically, it looks like a three-way battle for the title.  Regardless, we've got the inside track to the club's first League title since 1992...50 years.

Casillas and Zlatan have been sending reports dutifully, as we prepare to select our first Dutch side for friendlies against Bosnia and Albania.  Their last missive suggested that they'd connected with one of our former Serbian contacts, but I cannot for the life of me figure out what Bozidar would have to offer us...disgraced former child actors and Amsterdam are never a good mix, especially given the state Iker is in.

 

[ManUtd1]

We draw Kostas Tsamouris' Schalke.  

Zlatan sent me a strange text today.  Seems that Casillas has also been hanging out with some Yorkshire lads who went on a stag do to Amsterdam, but aren't being let back into the UK.  I've told Zlatan to get him sorted out, can't have Iker falling in with the wrong crowd.

 

 

Edited December 1, 2018 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

Our first matches with the Dutch.  We're playing the same tactics as at Leeds, and it is clear that we've got the talent to go far.  But we always knew that.

The press are a bit upset about our decision to drop some senior players...but we're building towards a World Cup in 4 years' time.  There's no room for sentiment.

Fortunately, with their attention on the squad and my first matches in charge, no one has noticed all the shenanigans going on with Casillas in Amsterdam.  Between Bozidar and the Leeds' supporters stuck abroad -- who've naturally decided to support the Netherlands, now -- he's making some bad choices.  This won't end well.

  

[ManUtd1]

I'm bringing sexy back...

Leeds United / Netherlands -- April 2042

We were dominant in the 1st leg at Elland Road, but far from ruthless in front of goal.  A 2-nil win on the night simply did not do us justice...we'll only have ourselves to blame if the Smurfs turn things around in Germany.

While I would normally rotate the squad fully...we were due to host Manchester United in a top-of-the-table clash...we swapped out 5 players...and ran away with it.  Meaning that we're 2 points clear with a game in hand.  The inside track...

In Germany, we set out in our PM Grapefrukt Diarre tactic, looking to strike quickly, and without warning...like di-- well, you get the picutre.  Heavy legs but willing hearts...a 32nd minute goal from Coleman all but sealed the tie...until Schalke pulled one back in the 52nd, to make things interesting.  Camus buried one in the 53rd, ending what little hopes of a comeback the Smurfs had.  A 67th minute penalty (and the second yellow for Mulitinovic) was just salt in the wounds.  Schalke lost their cool and were reduced to 9 men in the 81st...and then 8 in the 92nd, so we comfortably saw the evening out.

Into the Champions League semifinals, with an eye on the FA Cup semifinals and the League...buckle up, lads.  It's squeaky bum time.

 

[ManUtd1]

We draw Nordi Mukiele's United in the semifinals.  A Roses Derby at this stage...epic.

  

[ManUtd1]

I'm bringing sexy back...

Leeds United / Netherlands -- May 2042, Champions League Semifinal

The fireworks were as epic as expected, for a Roses Derby in the Champions League semifinal.  At Old Trafford in the 1st leg, we raced out to a 3-1 lead and could have made it 4-1...but Barrionuevo saved Camus' penalty...and United scored twice in the last 10 to draw level.  Before the match, I would have taken a 3-3 draw...after, it felt like a kick in the teeth.

But back at the fortress of Elland Road, we knew United would have to attack...and we carved them apart on the counter.  Ruthless.  Even when the tie was long since over, they didn't stop...and neither did we.  We buried their noses in it, repeatedly, inflicting the biggest loss United have ever suffered in Europe.

A massive night.  We've booked our tickets to Bucharest.  And stand ready to claim the Premier League title.

 

[ManUtd1]

We will face Gattuso's PSG, kicking off in about an hour.

 

[ManUtd1]

50 years and 17 days after claiming their last title (the final season of the old First Division), Leeds United claim the Premier League title.  But all of our focus is on Bucharest and the Champions League final at the end of the month.

 

Edited December 2, 2018 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

I think Drake got into the bath salts again, @BoxToBox...you should have a word with him.

 

[wynter]

Go forth and beat the oil 

[ManUtd1]

Champions League Final, May 2042; Arena Naţională

"BUCHAREST, IS BUCA-BEST!!!  IT'S THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL, LIVE FROM THE ARENA NASHIONALLA!!!"

"[Gary continues screaming incoherently.]

"Thank you, Gary!  I'm Jamie Carrager, he's Gary Nevi-- oi!  Gary, lad!  You're yelling, mate.  Time to-- PUT THAT DOWN, GARY!  I TOLD YOU, NO MORE 'COUGH SYRUP' UNTIL AFTER THE MATCH.  Will someone...just...take it away.  He's got it in the sunscreen bottles, for ****'s sake."

"WE ALL HATE LEEDS SCUM, WE ALL HATE LEEDS SCUM, WE ALL HATE LEEDS SCUM, WE ALL HATE LEEDS SCUM!!!!  BAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!"

"Can you...thank you."

[Gary's voice fades into the background.]

"That's Gary's mic cut...as you can see, he, like all of Europe is up for this epic match.  The old school class of a historic club like Leeds United, versus the...well, they're not 'nouveau riche' anymore, but like they say down at the pub, just 'cause she ain't got that junk in the trunk, doesn't mean she ain't got that funk."

[Gary, muffled in the background: "What language are you speaking, Jamie-lad, because from here it sounds like bulls**t."  Jamie ignores him.]

"Jean Bleu and his men will be ready.  But Gattuso...he's brought some steel to the Parisians, whom many have long faulted for a lack of physicality."

[Gary begins to sing a song about a Leeds Supporter, 2 sheep, a magnum of Sizzurp, and a shocking lack of prophylactics.  It is quite catchy.]

[Jamie begins to glance nervously at his colleague, who continues to swig from a sunscreen bottle that the Production Assistants are trying to take away, in vain.  Gary just laughs and keeps singing.]

"Last year, Bleu had PSG's number, winning 8-3 on aggregate at the quarterfinal stage, including a massive 4-nil win at Elland Road."

[At the mention of Elland Road, Gary begins to boo loudly, and then switches to screaming like a sheep in Jamie's ear. The producer is forced to cut Jamie's mic but, with all the screaming Jamie remains unaware.  The camera lingers on him, as he tries in vain to explain the tactical battle that will take place this evening.  Gary continues to gleefully shout, sing and dance.  But the broadcast only captures the ambient sounds of the stadium, coming to life as the Champions League anthem blares and the teams line up for kickoff.  It's time for football.]

   

Edited December 2, 2018 by ManUtd1

[wynter]

[ManUtd1]

"20 minutes, Leeedz are doong what Leedz scum doo best, playing like **** and runnin round like their chasin some neighburz sheep, yeah?  That Johnny Blue is so fake, even Barbie is jealous."

"Gary, I thought you agreed to behave if we turned your mic back on."

"I agreead to nothing, Jamie-lad.  Nothing. "

[ManUtd1]

"Leeds, looking confident in midfield.  Forbes with all the time in the world and...that's where Leeds have punished you...Coleman wide right, gets to the byline and cuts it...Kulpinski!  A header off the crossbar!!"

"That Serbian warlord-looking motherf***er...he couldn't hit water if he fell out of a ****ing boat..."

"PSG fail to clear, and it's Eckel!  Denied by Ludovina!  It should be 1-nil to Leeds United!  PSG have to do better than that!"

"5-nil to the welfare office, more like, those dirty c***s."

"Gary, there ... there are children watching."

[Gary just stares blankly back at Jamie, before casually taking another swig from his bottle of "sunscreen."]

 

[wynter]

Taking control...

[ManUtd1]

"Just when you were waiting for the ref to blow for half, Leeds threaten again.  A free kick to PSG in dangerous territory, but Leeds clear and counter at pace...only Ludovina keeping Forbes' header from finding the back of the net."

[Gary mumbles incoherently, brooding as he watches the match.  He'd hoped that PSG would have put Leeds to the sword by now.]

[ManUtd1]

"At this point, Gary, even you have to concede that the Leeds gameplan is working.  They're in control and have denied PSG a single good look at goal.  In the past, you've been an admirer of Bleu and his tactical acumen...can't you give him a little credit here?"

[Gary stares daggers at Jamie, offended to his very core.]

"In fact, back during his days at Sampdoria, didn't you say--"

[Gary launches himself at Jamie, bottle of sunscreen forgotten as he grabs for a pen, a microphone, anything within reach that could be used to stab or bludgeon Jamie, after he dared use Gary's own words against him.  The producer quickly cuts to commercial.]

Edited December 2, 2018 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

"An hour gone, and you have to wonder...at what point does Bleu unleash his attack in full?  They controlling, but not creating.  They're preventing PSG from threatening...but to no purpose.  It's a stalemate, unless someone changes things up, isn't it, Gary?"

[The camera pans to Gary, who sits duct-taped to his chair in the far corner, his microphone removed.  Gary is the picture of rage.  Gary shouts incoherently at Jamie, questioning his virility, parentage and mathematical acumen.  Jamie just turns back to the pitch, ignoring Gary's tirade...which only enrages Gary further.  Gary begins to sing another anti-Leeds song, with gusto.]

"What's that you say, Gary?  Can't really hear you, mate.  COME ON YOU LEEDS, DO IT FOR GAR-BEAR!"

[A vein in Gary's temple looks as if it is about to burst.  And, as if on cue, Bleu walks into the technical area during a brief stoppage in play, whistles and says one word softly...Camus, his captain, nods.  Immediately, Leeds take up more aggressive positions all across the pitch.  Jamie, noticing what is happening, begins to chortle with glee.]

"Ladies and gentlemen...I think this is the moment, Bleu is marshalling his side...30 minutes to play, lads.  Get stuck in."

[ManUtd1]

[While Jamie looks on in horror shouting wordlessly, Gary wheels himself about the room in glee moaning with delight.  Neither can find the words to express it, but everyone watching can see that the aggression from Leeds left them exposed to a counterattack from Yao and Engler, two of Bleu's former charges...now come back to haunt their former manager, and beat him at his own game.]

[wynter]

THE TWIST!

[ManUtd1]

"15 minutes to play...can Leeds find an answer?"

[Gary continues to wheel himself about, cavorting with reckless abandon, smashing into Jamie and the various members of the crew who are no longer focused on transmitting a broadcast, but avoiding being trampled by the Mancunian menace in their presence who cannot stop singing about how much he hates "Leeds scum."]

[ManUtd1]

[As the final whistle blows, Jamie lets out a string of curses and leaves the room.  Gary shouts with joy, careening about the room dangerously.  It is all over.  Gattuso's men are the champions of Europe.  A muffled discussion can be heard between Jamie and the production staff, followed by the sound of a closing door and engagement of a lock.  It looks like Gary is going to be on his own for the foreseeable future.]

[ManUtd1]

Gutted.  But the reality is that we went down swinging.  I'd rather go down having been more aggressive, under these particular circumstances, than while being cautious.

PSG is immense, with the likes of Ludovina, Nascimiento, Engler, Nuno Ferreira and Serge Yao, all of whom featured in one of my prior sides.

We're young and will only be better next year...at which time we'll hopefully have a chance for revenge.

 

[ManUtd1]

You know, someone once told me time is a flat circle. Everything we’ve ever done or will do, we’re gonna do over and over and over again.

Leeds United / Netherlands -- 2041/42 Season Review

I don't want to talk about it.  It isn't like we have anything to explain ourselves for.  What...must we explain how we shut down one of the best teams in Europe for 90 minutes, giving them only one look at goal?!  Explain how we, the most feared attack in all of Europe, simply had an off night?!  One off night, after hitting 119 goals in the Premier League and 44 in Europe?!

No.  We do not owe anyone an explanation.  We'll let our sexy football do the talking.

Goals for 2042/43: Win the f***ing lot.

Squad|League Overview|Finances Overview|Income Detail|Expenditures Detail|Transfers

Premier League Fixtures (1)|Premier League Fixtures (2)|FA Cup Fixtures|League Cup Fixtures|Champions League Fixtures

Champions League Review

This is heavily documented above.  Very frustrating, but we should be amazingly good next year, with another year of development for this young side.

 

Challenge Overview

 

Edited December 2, 2018 by ManUtd1

[kidthekid]

Tough result against PSG. Great progress though

[BoxToBox]

9 hours ago, ManUtd1 said:

I think Drake got into the bath salts again, @BoxToBox...you should have a word with him.

 

Holiday's probably spending the entire summer sitting in a dank basement drinking knockoff supermarket brand "Tennessee bourbon" and cola.

[ManUtd1]

5 hours ago, kidthekid said:

Tough result against PSG. Great progress though

Thanks, man!

3 hours ago, BoxToBox said:

Holiday's probably spending the entire summer sitting in a dank basement drinking knockoff supermarket brand "Tennessee bourbon" and cola.

That's not going to be good for anyone, certainly not when his primary meal consists of grapefruit.  The plumber will be in business, at least.

[ManUtd1]

Let's look around Europe before we head to Portugal for the World Cup...

Tayfun Korkut's Real Madrid and Gattuso's PS-***ing-G did their usual thing.  I really need to get to Spain and France to disrupt this nonsense.  Charly Musonda's Gladbach defended their title.  Messi's Sampdoritos were rampant once again.  Angel Correa's Partizan went undefeated.  Laurent Henkinet's Club Brugge ran away with the title in Belgium.  Shakhtar continues to dominate, as one would expect.  Michalis Boukouvalas' PAOK won their first title in 5 years while Panathinaikos suffered yet another relegation (as indicated in the club tracker, above).  And, as previously seen in a screenshot, Jesper Karlsson's AIK won the Allsvenskan in 2041, with Malmo suffering relegation.

Sampdoria also claimed the Europa League title, beating Hannover 1-nil in the final.

         

  

Edited December 2, 2018 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

Portugal 2042; World Cup Review

Not a lot of time right now, so let's get right down to it.  Gary Rowett's England brings football home with an emphatic 5-nil win over 10-man Belgium in the final.  Meaning that Belgium is a newly-eligible side after a relatively straightforward World Cup.

In terms of the other eligible (and formerly eligible sides) Portugal played well, while Scotland, Sweden and Croatia will be disappointed with their failure to progress out of the Groups.  The USA and Mexico shouldn't be too embarrassed, while Denmark should be quite pleased.  Eder Sarabia's Ireland was the Cinderella of the tournament, going out against Germany in the quarterfinals.

Screenshots and updated trackers are also included below.

 

 

[OJ403]

13 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

Gary Rowett's England 

Well I hate that. What a snake

[ManUtd1]

3 minutes ago, OJ403 said:

Well I hate that. What a snake

His path to the job was an odd one, too. Leaving Derby for Palace...who he left for QPR...who he left for Bristol City...who he left for Watford...who sacked him.  Got sacked by West Brom.  Then 2 years back at Derby, before taking  over the national team.  Seemed to be always looking out for something "better."