Generic Journeyman Career Title

[andychar]

Deep Impact

It was a month we would wrap up the Champions League group stage. Face our first FA Cup game of the season as well as play 2nd and 3rd in the league.

Lots to do so lets get on with it.

Then 2nd of the league dispatched with relative ease. We didn't get the 2nd until stoppage time we were never really challenged. It means we have opened up a nice little lead at the top of the table and with Jeonbuk next in the league we had a great chance to seize control.

But before that we had the FA Cup. We were once again drawn away from home but its against a team we should be beating. I will be making changes and gambling a little.

The next few rounds have been drawn as well. If I get through to the 5th round I will be taking on Sangju away, should be a winnable tie (but once again away). If we get through that game we will be against either Seoul E-Land, Jeonnam or Yangju, again its a winnable tie and once again its away from home. It means we won't have had a home tie in the FA Cup since the Home Leg of the Final 2 seasons ago.

Either way the route to the Semi is there and it is achievable. It all starts here...

For the very first time since I took over I fielded an entire South Korean Starting XI and they did the job. Was never going to struggle. 5th round here we come.

Next was an away trip to Jeonbuk.

We were battered the first half and very lucky to go into the break 0-0. We came out a different team in the second half and ensured Jeonbul rued some missed chances. Great result.

We had a chance to rest players next with a pointless game in the Champions League although deep down I always want to beat a Chinese team especially one who knocked me out last season!

Good solid win and a performance to match. It means the Group finishes like this...

Very comfortable and we await the next round draw with bated breath.

We didn't have to wait long.

Its a trip to Saudi Arabia and Al-Nassr. They got to the Semi Final 4 years ago but since then its been 2 Second Round knockouts and 1 failure to get out the Group. It could have been worse, but we all remember what happened last time I said that.

The rest of the draw looks like this.

South Korea v Saudi Arabia in all 4 ties. Will be interesting. 

Both legs at the end of this month...

Back to the league now and we were up against surprise package Suwon FC who find themselves 4th and ahead of rivals Suwon. We couldn't take them lightly.

We were poor in the first half but once again scored 3 second half goals in the league to temporarily take our lead at the top to 9 points. Good stuff!

We had a nice 8 day break before the next league game. The First Leg of the Champions League followed quickly after so it would be a near second string as we can afford a slip up and I don't know what to make of the opposition!

Changes galore and it didn't half show. Very poor performance and we got what we deserve. Hopefully its all worth it and we won the First Leg comfortably.

We were away from home for the first leg so goals are important even if we lose.

Could we bounce back from a disappointing loss?

0-0 at HT and 2 injuries both to my CM, fingers crossed they aren't bad ones.

I just get the feeling that I'm not destined to ever win this trophy. Did everything but score. No away goal to rest on. We need to win the home leg. If we go out on away goals or worse I think I might just call it a day with Pohang. But judging by this there is no reason why we shouldn't spank them in the home leg.

Jeonbuk and Guangzhou are all but through. The rest are a little bit up in the air. Suwon need a miracle though to beat Al-Ittihad away from home.

Neither CM injured is serious enough to keep them out for too long which is a bonus. League game next which once again will involve heavy rotation before the make or break Second Leg to round off the month.

A good 3 points but not a good performance. It took 2 late goals but I'm not going to complain. It gives us a building block for the second leg.

It means the league table looks like this at the end of the month...

6 points clear and a tiny cushion to work with.

It was time to turn our attention back onto the Asian Champions League.

The first and potentially second goal are vital. If we can get them both I'll feel confident but if we are left chasing the game I'm going to start panicking.

Get in! Perfect start.

1-0 at HT. We have been absolutely dominant but I won't be happy till I get that 2nd goal.

That 2nd goal!

Ok now I'm happy.

Its a scoreline that doesn't flatter us in the slightest.

A bit of icing thanks to a penalty. Was never worried! *cough*

Easy. Easy. Easy.

Was 6-0 deserved?

I'd say so yeah. Very happy with the lads. 

Any shocks in the other ties?

Jiangsu blew a 3-1 lead to lose 7-3 on aggregate against a team I've not faced for a few years but could be a big threat. It was South Korea 2-2 Saudi Arabia as Suwon and Jeonnam bowed out. There are 3 teams I want to avoid in the next round and one of them is Jeonbuk. A potential rematch against Guangzhou is still on the cards.

Great way to end a pretty good month.

 

[andychar]

Record Breakers

I'm busting out Classic 80s UK TV titles now. You can tell we have reached page 5.

Its nice to break records, especially when you didn't even realise it.

We start the month on the 1st with an away trip to the basement team. No Champions League for a while so its important we build on the 6 point lead and advance to the Quarter Final of the FA Cup. In fact the draw for the Quarter Final and Semi Final of the Champions League will be the last thing on this post.

Following the game against bottom it was back to back games against 11th, first in the league then in the cup.

Late goal saved our blushes here. We clearly dominated but was unable to make the breakthrough and it looked like 2 points dropped until a fine strike stole all 3 points. We play them again in a few days away from home in the Cup.

Big result there!

Well we were set to play in the Cup but 3 games were rearranged for International Call ups. 

We have 2 pointless friendlies so I'm happy games were rearranged. It means a very busy month next month.

Lebanon & Indonesia away two easy games really.

Not spectacular but it will do nicely.

Again, nothing spectacular. Two pretty pointless games done and dusted.

Back onto Domestic issues now and 3 games in 7 days to close the month out.

Starting with my always favourite away trip to Jeju.

We were what can only be described as hot garbage. I thought we snatched a late point but that lasted all of 83 seconds. Awful performance. 

It comes after a big gap and at a ground that I hate so I'm hoping its a one off blip although any lead at the top has been erased. 

It was Cup next so it needed to be a one off blip.

We went behind but turned it around well. Decent performance but still a little bit worried. Either way we are safely into the Quarter Final.

We will face Jeonnam away in the Quarters, we are winners of the past 4 seasons between us so it will be an interesting game.

We have one more game but before that the all important Champions League Quarter Final draw.

Had to be didn't it. A repeat of last seasons Quarter Final which saw us defeated 4-3 on aggregate. We beat then 5-2 on aggregate in the Group stage and it will be the 8th time in 2 seasons I've played them. 

Al-Ittihad and Jeonbuk should be going through with the other tie tricky to call. Who will I face in the Semi Final if I can get past Guangzhou?

It will be Al-Ittihad or Al-Duhail. I know who I'd prefer to face but know who I'm likely to face. 

The Quarter Final isn't for a few months so plenty of time to focus on Domestic issues.

Speaking of which, still one more game this month.

Just what was needed. A great performance with a big win.

It leaves the table looking like this...

All over the place thanks to rearranged games but if we win our two games in hand we can open up an 11 point lead at the top. That would be huge and give me a good chance to rest players ahead of future FA Cup and Champions League fixtures. 

Next month is all League action is a perfect chance to take the lead and run with it.

[andychar]

It's A Wonderful Life

I know its not Christmas but its been a good season so far so hey!

3 big games to start the month. Lets rip the band aid off.

It was a game that could have gone either way luckily we got a penalty and converted it. Big win.

Jeonbuk next at home and a win would really open things up for us.

We got some bad news before hand though. Fingers crossed for an early exit!

We should have won this game. We were 1-0 down and 2-1 down so we did well to come back twice but we missed a penalty at 1-1. Good comeback but we should have won.

We move onto Ulsan.

Brilliant performance. We went down early and came back brilliantly. Very happy. 

Good times continue. 4 goals in the second half and a very good performance.

We need to keep this going for the rest of the month. The other Suwon away next. Much harder game.

Another game another 4 goals another brilliant performance. What can I say we are playing perfect football at the moment.

Its a warm up for the Cup Quarter Final next. Its a game we should be winning really.

And we did. Didn't score 4 goals though. Just the win will have to do.

One more game this month and its not been a bad one.

Disappointing performance. We had a goal chalked off. More dropped points against Busan, don't know why they are my bogey team! Between them and Jeju its amazing I'm getting any trophies!

12 points clear and a full 16 points clear of Jeonbuk in 4th. I'm very happy with how that month went despite the dropped points against Busan. Next month is more league action with the FA Cup Quarter Final. Champions League the month after. 

A nice long 10 day break before the start of the next month.

We are getting to the fun part of the season!

[andychar]

The Missing

I'm not in charge of the All Star game this season meaning I don't have any say on who gets picked...

That probably means nothing but this will help...

12 out of 18 players called up are from Pohang and we play the very same day. Its going to be a very long opening to the month!

And that injury is a new injury. Hes out for 4/5 weeks with fracture ribs...bad news comes in 3s...I think my in game manager might die.

I'm showing this because its the first time in my 5 seasons one of my players have won this award! Shame he has dodgy ribs!

I've not updated you on these for a while so...

Sold a few fringe players and had some clauses come in so a good month financially. We are pretty much at the same level we always have been. For once I've been good financially with a team!

El Hajhouj was the darling of last season and I rejected multi million pound bids before the start of the season. He's been distinctly average although its harsh to call it a major criticism.

Nothing to worry about here.

Not a single outsider.

There's only 5 games this month so really I'm just doing a bit of filler...anyway onto the first game and my reserves and youth play bottom of the table while my first team play the All Star game.

I will have 2 out of the team that played the last game for me...

Squad numbers will be given to 7 players! 

Did everything but score. Good effort just couldn't grab that goal. Nothing else that can be said really that I haven't said before.

Second bottom next and I intend to play the strongest XI at my disposal.

Everybody is still shattered so its 100% not my strongest team.

3 first half goals were enough to grab the win. Good result. Back on the winning draft.

FA Cup Quarter Final now and this is the part of the season last season the wheels starting to come off a little bit. Fingers crossed we don't get a repeat performance.

Another 3-0 win and we are safely into the Semi Final. The treble is still on!

4 big hitters and no easy draw for the Semi but we look forward to it nonetheless.

1st v 3rd in the league next. We have a nice comfortable lead in the league so its not the end of the World if we can't win...but I really wanna win!

We didn't deserve to win, never mind to win 3-0! If it was the other way around I would have been annoyed so I will try and remember this game next time I feel I've been screwed over!

Jeju next, the perfect fixture to bring me back down to Earth with a bang.

Another good win and a nice bit of revenge. It wasn't as comfortable as it appears but I'll take it.

Enough time to play 2 more fixture this month before an International Break.

Suwon at home next as we head into the final 10 games of the season.

A great second half performance with a late goal conceded. Its turning out to be a brilliant month with one more game to go.

Not that I was ever worried but this was nice.

Another 3m to spent with a nice chunk of wage budget. Hopefully I won't need it!

Another good win. Lee Ki-Je got taken off with an injury...

He will miss the Quarter Final.

We take a 14 point lead into September. 8 games to go. I think the league is in the bag. Its now time to finally win the Asian Champions League.

Only 4 games next month, 2 of them in the Quarter Final. Its crunch time. 

[andychar]

Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith

Not that I think I'm the "bad guy" here but I would like to see my Chinese opponents lying face down on a volcanic planet. 

We need the high ground.

But before that we have a few World Cup Qualifiers and one league game.

Bahrain away first up followed by Iraq at home. Should be 2 wins from 2 to start the Final Group Stage.

Job well done. Wasn't spectacular but it didn't need to be. Good start.

Youth Intake Day!

Always on the look out for any little McGowan's but not this year...in fact...not a lot at all this year.

Only really one player worth keeping an eye on.

Swiftly moving on!

Iraq at home next and we should be making it 2 from 2.

Good performance and a good result. It leaves the table looking like this in the early going.

Already a big gap between us and 5th. Top 4 automatically qualify for the World Cup. We should have it wrapped up in no time.

Time to focus on more domestic issues. A second XI will play the league game before back to back Champions League games.

4 out of my best 11 play mainly because I have no other options and I think they are fit enough to take it!

It wasn't a pretty game which saw 3 goals disallowed, 2 for them one for me but it was a very pretty result. We snatched it late on, probably undeserved but I don't care. Only other league game this month after the Champions League is away to Jeonbuk.

No your eyes do not play tricks. We are at home in the Cup!

So here it was the Quarter Final of the Champions League against the team who knocked me out last season. We were away first this time so hopefully we can set ourselves up nicely for the second home leg.

Loba went down a few days before the game but will be fit for the second leg.

Worst possible start but a long way to go. A score draw isn't a bad result.

Get in! Back on level terms.

We lost concentration. Still if it stayed like this it wouldn't be the end of the world.

2-1 at the break and this tie even now is on a knife edge.

I gave them the boot at half time.

All 2 goals have been defensive mistakes and we are facing an uphill battle.

And that's game over. 2 defensive errors and 2 wonder goals.

Its hard to see just how we lost by such a ridiculous scoreline.

That's that over for another season. Picked the worst game to put in the most lacklustre performance of the season.

If this carries on my love of this team is going to quickly turn into a resentment.

Rest of the results. 

Never tapped space bar so aggressively and rigorously as I just wanted to get to the second leg and get it over with.

The only shred of hope says we won the Group Stage at home 3-0 but that was a dead rubber game.

In my opinion we would need to be 2-0 up at half time to even stand a chance.

2 changes made. 1 forced and 1 I feel was needed.

Lets get this over with.

A lifeline just before the break thanks to a well taken penalty but it hasn't been a good half.

1-0 at the break and we need an early second half goal to really ramp up the pressure.

There's the early second half goal and its game on.

Amazing! We lead on away goals. We just need to hang on!

So this will be the final game for the keeper. He threw it out to a defender when really all he needed to do was boot it. Defender wasn't ready and got robbed. After this amazing comeback its a complete f*** up which will see us out.

So there we have it. Proof that this game is pure evil.

A wonder goal, a nice bit of skill I would have taken but to concede like that its absolutely sickening.

One more game this month but really my heart isn't in it anymore. No more press conferences. Nothing. Just me getting to the end of the season as soon as possible and then really having a think as to what I want to do.

Forgive me for not posting the rest of the results but honestly I didn't even look myself, I couldn't give a monkeys.

So we beat a team who is in the Semi Final by a country mile. The keeper who made the mistake didn't even make the bench as he rots in reserves. In fact I chose to have 6 subs on the bench and no GK. I wouldn't wee on him if he was on fire.

This is the most frustrating thing for me. Domestically we are destroying teams yet when we come up against a team we should be beating in the Champions League we are making some stupid individual errors. They have only beaten us twice in 12 games and both were enough to knock me out in back to back seasons.

Anyway this is the league table at the end of the month.

17 points clear with 18 left to play for. 

Despite this is doesn't make me feel any better.

 

 

[andychar]

Nightmare on Elm Street

Its October so I'm allowed a Halloween title and to be honest its the perfect month to reflect my mood regarding what happened.

The League title is a formality at this point but we still have the FA Cup to play for. We might as well finish the season with a double. 

I'm at a crossroads completely. I've sunk far too many seasons into Pohang to walk away now but at the same time I'm getting sick of the same thing happening season after season. I'm likely to stay and to keep going but I'm getting more and more disillusioned with this entire save. 

From the dark days into the light. We are Champions and in style.

3rd in a row. 4th in 5 years and the one I didn't win came down to Goals Scored. I've conquered South Korea easily, its just conquering Asia which is proving the tough nut.

International break now before we have a few league games then the Semi of the FA Cup.

Its still going to be a slog to finish this season. 

Away to Jordan and home to China. No reason why we can't make it 4 from 4.

Once again not pretty but it will do.

China next. I want to win and win heavily.

This was very annoying. He was a good CB I've had for a long time who, unknown to me, had a 675k release clause in his contract. He was worth 800k. I've lost a good player for peanuts. He will need to be replaced. (He's now worth 2.4m according to his profile).

And replaced he has been...had my eye on this guy for a season but not bothered because we had the players. Cost me 1.7m and a 50% sell on clause (hopefully will never come to that) but he will be worth it.

So things are going from bad to worse domestically. Internationally things were ticking along nicely.

Wow. So it is possible to absolutely hate billions of people at the same time.

China get seriously do one. 

Table looks like this. Us and South Korea will be safely through. Then you just pick 2 from the rest. Obviously hoping China finish bottom and the football programme is finished forever.

Couple of pointless league games next. No rotating because there's no point.

94th minute penalty gives us the win. Nice to see us getting the luck in games which mean absolutely nothing.

Just a warning my posts are going to be very bitter and twisted until next season and the Champions League starts again. Might even last until the knockout rounds.

More people came to watch a meaningless league game than they did the Champions League final.

Jeonbuk away next. They haven't secured Champions League football for next season yet and I will be doing my best to make sure they don't.

I've calmed down enough to show this...

Guangzhou keep up their injury time goals and Jeonbuk have left themselves a mountain to climb.

If I win my last 4 games it will mean finishing on 100 points which is something I've never done before in a 38 game season so it gives me something to aim for. 

We have to fancy our chances against Jeonbuk because they will have one eye on the Semi Final. But we had our own semi final to keep an eye on.

I think we went for a it a bit more than they did and the 100 point season is still on.

One more game this month and it decides if the season is over or not.

I know I said that I would give this tactic one more chance before changing but knowing I shouldn't have lost that tie over 2 legs and having a 23 point lead in the league has lead me to think I was just so bloody unlucky. I'm willing to stick to this tactic and just hope for a bit more luck in the games that matter next season. I have no doubt in my mind the team I have at the moment is good enough to win the Champions League. I just need to do it now!

I've been quick to strike with signings.

650k got me this guy. He will hopefully add something we have been missing. It means we have a foreigner too many. So somebody will have to leave and I think it will be old Hajhouj.

The reason being is we have also signed this guy...

Only 17 and South Korean, I won't be able to stand for weeks and at 1.1m I believe he could be a steal. Its also worth pointing out that my loyal keeper who I've had no problems with despite that one mistake in the Champions League...has gone.

Well well well! Maybe I have been doing Guangzhou a disservice here. Makes me feel slightly better about the defeat. Only slightly mind.

Anyway enough transfers and other games it was time for our FA Cup Semi.

Nope. As soon as it went to penalties I knew we weren't going to win. I even predicted who would miss. Get this season over with already.

Just time for one more Transfer before I close the book on yet another piece of crap month.

That's 4 new players for next season. 1 CB 1 LB 1 CM and 1 ST. Its no coincidence that's a brand new spine for this team.

[andychar]

Wasteland

So here we are, the most pointless month of the season. 

We do have pride to play for and that illusive 100 point season so at least that's something.

There are also 2 Internationals this month.

Without wasting any more time this is how the first game of this exciting month went.

Exciting! It was comfortable in everything except the score. 100 points still alive. 

Worth noting that my players were shattered after extra time so a very impressive result.

I would also like to point out that my very very very rash decision to axe my then first choice keeper seems to have paid off as my youth back up has played 6 games and conceded just the 5 goals...ok fair enough not as impressive as it sounds.

Enough time has passed where I've cooled down after the Champions League. I do these updates as I'm playing so you always get my raw emotion which is why I come across as a mardy w***er. I'm happy with my transfers and I'm raring to go for another season. Just need to get there!

It was International Time now and we had our biggest challenge, South Korea away, a nice home game for me!

Hopefully that will be 32 by end of the season.

The points record for the league is 95 so I'm only 1 behind that now.

Suppose its not bad for a "terrible" season.

Anyway back to the football. South Korea away. Wouldn't say its a must win, its a nice would be nice to win.

Fantastic result and one that fills me with confidence. Maybe not for the World Cup but certainly the Asian Cup.

At the half way point it would be practically impossible not to qualify for the World Cup.

We have a pointless friendly against Uzbekistan which is sandwiched in between the final 2 Pohang games. I may go on holiday and avoid it to be honest.

Another win and its 97 points. One more win for the century.

I knew it was a lot but I didn't know it was record breaking.

Confirmation of the record by my God now I'm close I want 100.

Holidayed as I said. I totally would have won it.

So the final game of the season was away to Suwon. 

Final of the Champions League firmly in the balance.

After 8 minutes in my final league game I had to make a change due to injury, less than 30 seconds that substitute was sent off for a two footed lunge. Outstanding.

We were 2-0 up when Suwon were also reduced to 10 men. Fantastic way to finish the season.

Absolutely fantastic season in the league. We just need to get over the line in the Champions League.

Good job we got that 5-0 win!

So its been an up and down season.

We go again!

[andychar]

Oscars 2024

Time to wrap up the season and focus on the next.

Quite surprised by the player of the year. Not saying he's not a great player but personally I thought Loba had a storming season.

100 point season, knocked out on penalties one competition and a freak last minute goal in another. Its been an ok season but any season I don't win the Champions League with this time automatically has to be classed as a failure.

The board echo my thoughts but as long as I keep doing well in the League my job should always be safe.

Obviously you have already seen my transfer activity so I'm hoping for a very quiet off season as I wait for the new season to begin.

Well this fills me with hope. I should have destroyed these over two legs and they went onto win the whole thing. I've I can get that little bit of luck surely next season is my season.

Oooooo ouch.

Finances look good despite me spending quite a bit of money this month.

I've helped with 4 of these.

Felt like a little bit of a panic buy at the time but looks like he is worth it in spades!

See.

In fact...

I only have 3 players in the entire squad over the age of 30.

The same keeper who cost us the Champions League and will be sold for 500k as soon as the transfer window opens.

No question about this one!

Its safe to say South Korea belongs to Pohang.

Ulsan ensured that in both competitions we were beaten by the eventual winner and ensured Jeonbuk continue to be trophy-less.

Again...ouch.

So that's it for that season. I'm filled with hope for the future. I know this team is good enough to win the Champions League we just need to show it!

[andychar]

The Fast and the Furious

Annoyed because I had a massive post ready. Accidentally hit the x and lost it all so here's a very quick low down of what's happened in the off season.

I bought another player.

He will be a back up but better than the crap we had on loan last season (although he played pretty well.)

We are going to lose this guy...

Easily one of our best players but Al-Ittihad of all the teams matched his release clause and he won't let us offer him a new contract because he doesn't think we have the financial power.

Its a position we have 3 good players in so its really not the end of the World I just wish he wasn't going to Al-Ittihad!

We are just about favourites to win the league although I expect that to drop after the sale of the above player.

Annoyingly I'm going to have 3m to spend but nobody really to spend it on. I will keep it for now in case something comes up in the mid season transfer window.

There was a load of other stuff I had screenshot and lost, average attendance broken, things like that. Oh well eh!

Its worth pointing out that Ake Loba will have the option to become a South Korean citizen at the end of the season. This would open up a new foreign slot for me.

I've finally reached February which means the Champions League will be starting soon and I'll be able to get my teeth into my 6th full season as Pohang manager.

Same as last season. 

Happy with the draw. Should be an easy group.

A clean sweep for the Ass Man in China. Now it was my turn...

[andychar]

Groundhog Day

So here we are again, the start of a new season.

I have odds for various awards for you...

Two in the main list. Its something I've never won because of my heavy rotation policy. I imagine it will be the same here.

If that's anything to go by I should be worried about Ulsan this season and maybe not Jeonbuk.

My new signing in there and for the first time I believe this save I've gone European!

It was time for the opening game which as always is the Champions League. Because its the only game this month I'll give you blow by blow you lucky lucky people.

Why is he showing this I hear you cry...

Because of this muppet. 20 minutes into his debut he hacks somebody down, way to play yourself into the good books!

0-0 at HT with us still having the better of the game.

Great start to the second half and the 10 men of Pohang lead.

Brilliant stuff. 

Brilliant team performance following the early red. Could have crumbled but didn't. Great start to the season.

So this is the team I've entrusted to win it all this season.

Obvious weakness in goal but he will get better. Other than that I think we are strong everywhere else. 

I believe!

[andychar]

Teeth

Time to sink our teeth into the new season. I'm really running out of ideas for post titles. I need to move countries!

Two away Champions League games and a really tough start to the League Season. Its already a big month.

I'm going to try and not rotate as heavily as I have done in the past few seasons. I will rotate if needed but not for rotation sake. I think I might be stopping players hitting brilliant form because I keep chopping and changing. That's the plan anyway. 

I also have a 2nd tactic in training that I'm willing to break out if I need too...its 3 strikers....

The oldest player in my starting XI for the first game of the season is Ake Loba at the ripe old age of 26.

Felt like we were hanging on in there towards the end but the result is the main thing. Performances will come when players get back into the swing of a new season.

A brilliant performance once against in the Champions League as we were able to make it 2 wins from 2. Our finishing was spot on. Qualification from this group already looking a formality.

We get our first look at Ulsan this season next in an important early top of the table clash.

It was an even first half which makes the scoreline even more shocking. We were brilliant in the second half and fully deserve the 3 points. The fact it was 3-0 is icing on the cake.

Jeonbuk away, this is what I meant by a very tricky start to the season.

Straight in with the draw for the 4th round of the Cup and its probably one of the hardest ties we could have drawn. Once again away from home and once again against Ulsan. Chance to avenge last seasons Semi Final exit.

We dug deep to come from 2-0 down in a game neither team deserved to lose. Great game of football and 100% the fair result.

Champions League next and my players are looking a bit tired which means we are going to need to do some rotating.

Not a great performance. I had to make more changes than I would have like and it showed in the performance. Its not the end of the World but its still not nice.

It leaves the table looking like this at the half way stage.

A late Melbourne City winner puts us under a bit of pressure but we should still qualify from the group with 2 home games left to play.

A bit of a break domestically as there's just enough time to squeeze in an International Break and I reckon we could qualify for the World Cup here.

Job done. Onto the next game. Iraq away.

Concentration went when 4-0 up but other than that no complaints.

Was it enough to secure Qualification?

It was.

And annoying it looks like China will be joining us. 

Nice easy passage into the World Cup where we will see the expanded edition for the first time in the save.

Good way to finish the month.

 

 

[andychar]

Pushing Tin

A few Champions League games this month and if I'm not careful qualification will come down to the wire.

I blew my post a little early (I swear to God it never normally happens!). Turns out I had a game left in the month.

Busan away. I just got carried away with qualifying for the World Cup.

Brilliant performance to a man. Great way to finish the month and move onto the next.

Its early yet so no table update until the end of the post.

After so many games away in a row we are finally back home with two what should be winnable league games.

We were 3-0 and cruising before 2 quick fire goals really put us under pressure. We held on but it could have been easier!

Well I don't think you can get any better than that. 3 goals and not a single shot given up. It was against the basement team but still, colour me impressed.

Going great guns in the league. Only 10 from an unbeaten season...over 2 years.

Next up is the last team to beat us on the ground they beat us on. Its Jeju away. This starts another long period of road games with 4 in a row in 3 different competitions. It means the last 2 Champions League games are at home and they could be must wins if things go wrong away to Melbourne City.

The unbeaten streak continues with a simple 1-0 win. Nothing flashy just getting the job done.

We beat Jeonbuk's record! I'm actually probably more delighted about this than I should be.

Big Champions League game next. A win will all but see us through, a loss however and things would get dicey.

I've been keeping a certain player out of the side so he's fit for this game....he's suspended! Gotta laugh.

A penalty is missed 2 minutes into the game. A huge chance missed.

And we pay the price. Danger.

1-0 at HT and things aren't looking good at all.

We have dominated this game from start to finish and I was beginning to think it wasn't going to happen but there it is.

No more than we deserved.

Great comeback and 1 foot in the next round.

Games continue to come thick and fast. Away in the league next as we continue our quest for an unbeaten season (I don't think we will but a man can dream).

Wow its almost like the game knows I'm writing this thread. Impeccable timing. Nothing I can say really other than we were terrible and didn't deserve anything.

We need to bounce back immediately. Its Ulsan in the cup and we are facing an early exit. I'm going to post early because I'm leaving the laptop for now and don't want to lose this post like I lost the last one!

 

[andychar]

Pushing Tin Part 2 (The Unofficial Sequel)

I only had 3 more games this month so lets get them over with and then I can update on tables at least!

First up was the Cup game against Ulsan.

Brilliant result and into the 5th Round we go!

The games against Ulsan have an extra edge as not only is it a derby but I have a hate/hate relationship with their manager which started when he was manager of Jeonbuk.

We are at home next against the bottom team, we should win and win well.

Yeah like that!

It leaves the table looking like this...

Throw a towel over the top 3. That disappointing loss is the difference so far.

The draw for the next round of the FA cup was made as well as the Quarter Final if we get there.

For once we have a very easy draw! The fixture adds to an already busy month.

Not the easiest Quarter Final draw but could have been worse I suppose!

So onto the last game of the month. Its in the Champions League if we win/draw we are safely through thanks to our head to head record.

We had a goal disallowed and missed a penalty but other than that a great performance!

It means...

Us and Beijing are safely through and will meet in the final game to decide who tops the group. I couldn't care less and will be playing back ups.

 

[andychar]

Winds of Change

Decided on a new way of bringing results. Just showing score and stats I feel you can really connect with the players. You have no idea who banging in the goals for me so here we go...

Busy month. 3 different competitions. Starting off with a home game against a disappointing Seoul team. Doesn't help I've nicked two of their best players!

Ake Loba is enjoying another fine season as he bagged his 10th and 11th goal.

We had Sangju at home next which should be a an easy win.

And it was. 5 different goalscorers and not a single shot given away.

Champions League next, its a pointless game really so I will be heavily rotating as I look to push on in the league and assert a bit of dominance much like last season.

We were the better team but they missed a penalty at 1-0 so it could have been different. Happy with the point, means we finish 2nd for the first time in 5 seasons. From what I've seen in previous years it won't have any impact on the draw.

6th season in a row Al-Hilal have been drawn against South Korean team in the Second Round and they have lost every single one. Including against us a few seasons ago...we beat them 7-3 on aggregate. It's not a straight forward draw but its one we should be winning. (Although I said that the past two Quarter Finals).

All 4 South Korean teams through with 3 of them playing Saudi Arabian opponents. Should be easy wins for Guangzhou and Al-Ittihad although Melbourne Victory have surprised us in the past. First leg at the end of this post and the second leg at the start of the next.

Ulsan away next and we seem to play them on a monthly basis at the moment! Hoping for a repeat performance of the last time we played them away.

We were so close to holding out for a huge 3 points but it wasn't meant to be. Could have been worse as that red card also led to a penalty which was saved. Good point given the circumstances.

It leads us into the next round of the Cup. Non-League opposition so I might do some swapping.

Some bad news before hand...

The price you pay for buying those lovely looking Africans.

It was never going to be tricky even with some rotations. Very good performance.

Suwon beat Suwon FC 4-2 so it will be them much later in the year.

The reason why I wanted to rotate was because its Jeonbuk at home next. A chance to give them their first league loss of the season. But we do have the first leg of the Champions League Second Round also on the horizon so some tricky decisions need to be made.

Absolutely brilliant performance means we only have one unbeaten team left (and it isn't us). We were brilliant and those 13 in game minutes took the game away from Jeonbuk and allowed me to make some subs ahead of a crunch Champions League game.

It leaves the table looking like this at the end of the month.

Continues to be a 3 horse race. Could be an exciting one this season.

Back to the Champions League and we are away the first game which I prefer.

Pretty much a full strength team. Here we go.

Cant say its not been coming.

And that's how it was at the break. We are looking more likely to make it 2-0 than they are to make it 1-1 but things can change quickly.

Started second like we finished the first and have been rewarded.

One at the start of the second half and one at the end and that should be all she wrote for this tie.

Pure dominance and those 95 travelling fans will be going home happy. We should be safely through to the Quarters.

All 4 South Korean won, would be nice to have as many still in the competition as possible as I believe I could beat them all over 2 legs!

Look at the Al-Ittihad score. Told you, you need to watch out for Melbourne Victory.

Beijing worry me as they beat us on aggregate in the Group Stage, maybe one to watch. Chinese teams also looking good.

Also worth pointing out that all Eastern teams beat the Western teams.

I'm struggling with AMR position. Starter is injured for 4 weeks and the back up is Loba who has just gone onto International Duty for a month. Could be a tricky month ahead.

[andychar]

Eight Legged Freaks

8 games this month. 7 of which are in the League. Means we can really get our teeth into the league before the next FA Cup or Champions League game aside from the 2nd leg of course.

First up was Jeonnam away who were a bit of a surprise package and could cause us problems.

In literally his last second before going away for the African Nations Loba left us a little parting gift. I thought it was going to be an easy ride but the sending off (his second of the season) left us in the lurch. We did dominate all the way through though, even with 10 men. Great result.

So Loba and Margeman had gone and with 7 fixtures this month they will miss a lot!

Champions League Second Round Second Leg now and unless things go drastically wrong I'll not bother with the goal by goal updates...

A few changes were made but I didn't want to be too silly and completely throw this away.

Just wanted to show how dominant we were without scoring. Not to worry, the job was done in the first leg.

So who else went through?

Al-Ahli came back to make Seoul the only South Korean team out at the moment and given their standing in the league that isn't a shock. 

Al-Ittihad are out, big news and a bit of a morale boost although Guangzhou are through. In fact all 3 Chinese teams made it through. Only 1 Western team made it. The draw for the Quarter Final will be interesting at the end of the month.

Whoever we face both starting CM's from that match will be suspended, luckily Margeman will be back by then!

So its League action for the rest of the month. Starting with a home game against Busan. Another team who have been known to show us up on occasion.

A few postponements due to Internationals meant this month is 1 fewer game than originally thought, meaning my title is now meaningless!

A win is a win. They only had 1 shot and it wasn't even on target so we were comfortable.

Suwon at home next. 1st v 2nd and a chance to open up a nice lead at the top, in fact the way its worked out we have back to back games against Suwon both home and away. If we win both then the gap at the top will be a minimum of 8 points.

Despite the postponements we are 4 players down this game as Karimi and Nabbe have joined up with their National Teams. 

We haven't won a league game this month by more than 1 goal but we have won all the games...that's all that matters!

International Break time. We had one qualifier and one friendly. Might holiday past the friendly as I don't want to see us get spanked by Chile until the World Cup itself.

4 goals, 3 penalties, 2 red cards and a partridge in a pear tree. Eventual pointless game!

I will sim the friendly as I cant be arsed.

I picked the wrong day for a holiday!

China away next, ready to spoil there day, although they will still qualify for the World Cup.

Suwon next away from home. Chance to really open up a lead.

Its Confederations Cup and luckily 8 of my players have been called up. 3 games are being postponed. At some point this season my fixture list is going to be mental.

Neither team did enough to win here. We will be happier with the point than they will be.

Depressing its been this many!

We finished the month with a great win. They are bottom and it was expected but hey ho!

It leaves the table looking like this.

We have a nice lead. Our game in hand is against Jeju so its not 3 points in the bag!

So only thing left this month were the Champions League draws.

For the third time in a row it will be the Chinese Team I faced in the Group Stage. Lost 3-2 and drew 1-1 but both times it was with a much changed team. I think we can get through that. To be honest looking at the teams left I believe this is our best chance so far to win this competition.

If we get through to the Semi Final...

It will either be an all South Korean Semi Final or a tie against the always dangerous Melbourne Victory. The road to the Final is there. Now lets get it done!

[andychar]

Game Night

A month full of league games. Time to open a gap.

Jeju! I shall curse your name till the day I die. One of those games, we dominated, couldn't put them away and were punished.

Hopefully we could bounce back straight away.

Both teams could have played for a month of Sundays and wouldn't have scored. Don't get many 0-0 draws, this one was horrible to watch.

We aren't losing at least. The gap is closing though.

We were awful again in the first half but made the extra man count. We got a little lucky I think but I'll take it. Back to winning ways.

Another 3-0 win and this one was a bit more comfortable. We seem to be back to winning ways.

Unbelievable result. We were 5-0 up in 17 minutes. Everything we touched went in. We let the foot off the gas towards the end but I don't thing anybody could complain. Brilliant result.

One more game to finish the month unbeaten.

Job done in the first 20 minutes. Wasn't a great performance but it was one that did the job.

It means the league table looks like this at the end of the month.

13 points clear. 14 games to go, the league should be in the bag, either way it gives us a chance to rest players if and when we need too. 

Simple month will be followed by FA Cup and Champions League next month. This is where historically certain things hit the fan.

 

[andychar]

Mirrors

We start this big month with an away trip to Jeonbuk. Always a game you want to win!

But unfortunately its the All Star weekend which means we will be without most of my team! This is where it seems to start falling apart.

Everybody shattered.

Brilliant result. My only thought is they must have been hit hard by the All Star game as well.

Home game next and we should win it.

We didn't play well although neither did they to get the late equaliser.

FA Cup Quarter Final next but at least it comes after a nice 7 day break. Suwon away will be very hard game and we will do well to get through to the Semi.

We did well to come back once with 10 men but couldn't do it a second time. Dean Nabbe has been sent off 3 times now this season. I've fined him a weeks wages which he feels is unfair. Seriously thinking of getting rid in the summer. If I can't trust a player he isn't going to stay.

2 more games before the Champions League Quarter Final First Leg.

We are at home to bottom of the table. This needs to be a win!

Fairly comfortable. Good game to bounce back from the disappointing Cup Exit.

Its Jeju next...looking forward to a disappointing result!

I thought it was going to be one of those games. It was 2-2 with them having one shot on target. Luckily two late goals added a bit of gloss on the score sheet. Very happy with the result. 

So we will take that win into the Champions League. We need to be so much better in the away leg than we were this time last season.

Great free kick. Great start.

1-0 at the half. Its been a close game so far.

A late sending off will mean he will miss the Second Leg. Good win and a good away goal. Hopefully we can assert a bit of dominance at home.

Ulsan look good to get through. The other games and ours still up for grabs.

One more game this month and its a home game against Suwon. If we win we will open up a massive lead at the top.

A great win and another Dean Nabbe sending off making it 4 on the season. He is becoming a massively liability.

We have a 16 point lead at the top of the table with 9 games to go. Its ours to lose from here.

So a mixed month. We have one hand on title, one foot in the Semi of the Champions League but we are out of the FA Cup. Not bad I suppose.

 

[andychar]

Bullet to Beijing

We started the month with the final two World Cup Qualifiers.

Suck it!

Unfortunately despite our best effort China still qualified.

Bad first half, great second half. Folami had a storming game.

It means the Groups finish like this...

Bahrain and Indonesia will play enough other in the playoff...I think.

Our first domestic game was away to Suwon.

We absolutely dominated but only managed a 1-0 win. It will do nicely.

It meant...

Not that I was worried it won't happen!

Next up...second leg.

Great start but it means nothing. 2 goals and they are still through.

Here we go...

Its going to be a fun game...

2-1 at the break on the night and 3-1 on aggregate. We are looking good.

Surely I can't lose it from here.

We are going to be in the Semi Final and we have laid to rest a few ghosts.

We are in the Semi Final where we will come across Ulsan. The first time we have had an all South Korean tie. I have to believe we can get through with how we are dominant domestically. The other semi final will be Guangzhou v Al-Ahli. I want to get to the final and face Guangzhou for the ultimate revenge!

Fingers crossed the game against Ulsan will break that record. I want to sell out the stadium!

Two league games to go this month. The League title could easily be wrapped up by the time we play Champions League Football again.

Its Busan away next who have had a very good season.

Our 4th 1-0 win in 5 games and 3rd in a row in the league. We are finding ways to win and that can only be a good thing.

Home to bottom to round up the month. Again I'd take a 1-0. If we win and Suwon lose then we are Champions but with Champions League Semi Final First Leg on the horizon I'm likely to swap around.

Heavily changed and quite a disappointing performance but we got the win with yet another 1-0. Its not exciting but its getting the job done.

It wasn't enough to win the title as Suwon cling on. 16 points clear with 18 still to play for. 

Next month the league title will be wrapped up and both legs of the Champions League Semi Final will be played.

 

[andychar]

Sin City

Not going to split hairs here. First game is the Champions League Semi Final. We are away first which I prefer but we need a positive result. I don't want to be chasing a result at home.

We started the brightest but its Ulsan who draw first blood.

1-0 at half time, we have just about edged it but trail. I'm not going to grill them. I'm going to tell them they have been the better team.

Unbelievable start to the second half!

Dean Nabbe may have been sent off 4 times this season but he has 2 goals in 5 minutes and has completely turned this game around.

We have had a man sent off with 20 minutes to go. Its about hanging on now.

It seemed like the entire added time was a highlight and finally they scored. We were close but a 2-2 away draw isn't bad. As it stands we win the home leg we are in the final.

It was an even game. We probably just about edged it and I reckon we would have won if it wasn't for the sending off.

Wow so the defending Champions Guangzhou will be in their third final in a row, barring a miracle in Saudi Arabia.

FC Seoul at home next in the league. Win and we are Champions. Simple as that.

Queue the plaudits.

I'm now listed as an icon which pleases me. Win the Champions League and who knows!

We have an International Break with friendlies which I will skip then its away to Jeonbuk followed by a huge second leg. Exciting times ahead despite the league already being wrapped up.

Ass Man after my job with 2 friendly wins. It keeps the train moving which can only be a good thing.

Jeonbuk next. As many changes as physically possible will be made.

Great performance and come back. We go into the Second Leg high on confidence.

So as we gear up to face Ulsan for the sixth time this season (out of 7) we are 2-2 from the away leg. We are in the driving seat, lets get this done and get the first goal!

There is only one position we are short in and that's AML.

0-0 at half time and there is a lot of tension. This game is so finely balanced. I'm not going to lie. I'm nervous!

25 minutes to go. Still 0-0 this could go either way very easily.

Get in!! What a horribly tense match. Please let this be it

We are back in the Final against a familiar foe! They have knocked us out the past two seasons, this is chance for revenge!

We did pick up 7 yellow cards in the second leg in what was a tense tight feisty derby. It will probably impact our first leg.

After looking two players will be suspended. My first choice RB and LB. Could be a problem but could have been worse. There will be plenty of players who need to be careful in the first leg. We will be at home first.

So after all that we still have one more game this month and its a league game. Both legs are after the season has finished so no need to rotate just yet.

Good win and a nice way to keep the momentum going.

It leaves the table looking like this heading into the final 3 games.

Just the casual 24 point gap to 2nd. The fight for that final Champions League spot looks set to be tight.

3 more league games and then a 2 Legged Champions League Final. I really hope this is going to be my final month in Asia!

 

 

[ToMexico!!]

Great work as ever and well done getting to the ACL Final. Lets hope you can win it and move to pastures new. 

[andychar]

2 minutes ago, ToMexico!! said:

Great work as ever and well done getting to the ACL Final. Lets hope you can win it and move to pastures new. 

Thanks for the kind words.

We should have beaten them last season so I’m hoping we can finally get the job done. It’s our best chance to do so I reckon. 

[andychar]

Clerks

3 pointless league games aside the fact we can screw a few teams out of Champions League. We can finish on 99 points which would be one less than last season but a bigger gap.

We have Ulsan away and I would love nothing more than too beat them.

Ake Loba surely will taken South Korean citizenship to help my squad registeration needs. If he doesn't I'm screwed because I've already got my eye on this guy.

What a player who would be in Asia. Truth be told I didn't really need him but I couldn't turn down signing a player like that. I have 2 very good RB's and now 2 very good LB's. I'm hoping not to be here when he arrives but if he is I need a full squad ready to finally win the Asian Champions League.

Oh you have got to be kidding me. That's us without a star striker for the Champions League Final. I know its the only injury we have at the moment but come on...ridiculous. I do have back up strikers who could easily get the job done but its going to be all that little bit tougher.

So onto the football. Ulsan for the 7th and final time this season.

Wild game. Loba will be disappointed to have scored 4 in a game and still not won! Either way we dented Ulsan chances of Champions League so I'm happy.

International Duty now. More friendlies which my Ass Man will take charge of. I've got more important things to worry about.

Might just leave him to it to be honest!

Good to be an Aussie at the moment but really we haven't played anybody decent at all. The big test will obviously be the World Cup.

Weirdly I have a domestic game then another friendly with Australia. Oh well. Suwon at home now. Match means nothing to both sides really. I will play full strength then give them a rest for the last game of the season before the Champions League Final.

I was hoping to ride this out for a few weeks, win the Champions League then ride off into the sunset, didn't bank on actually not getting the job! Its slightly worrying as I thought my reputation would be good enough I could walk into most jobs.

Nice solid performance. Opens up a 27 point lead at the top. We need to win this Champions League.

Nice Ass Man win to keep the confidence high and the unbeaten run going.

Final game of the league season and there will be many changes before the Champions League. It means nothing the top 3 are sorted.

Squad numbers were given to 4 of my starting 11 which gives you an idea the sort of team I played!

Well this was the most even 3-0 I've ever seen. The first goal seemed to open the floodgates and we romped home for a special way to finish the league season. 

It means the final table looks like this.

Just the one defeat all season and that came early on against a team I really should have beaten, an unbeaten season would have been brilliant but not meant to be. Next up...Champions League.

[andychar]

Horrible Bosses

We broke a few records this season.

Always nice.

There wasn't anything in between the end of the season and the Champions League really. We've only lost one game this year in the competition away to Chinese opposition. They have only lost one game this year in the competition away to South Korean opposition.

I don't need to tell you how massively this tie is. 

There are 4 players on a yellow card heading into this game, I could do with none of them suspended for the second leg, I don't want a repeat of the last final.

0-0 at half time and absolutely nothing has happened.

A sending off on 88 minutes pretty much ended our attack for the rest of the game. Its all about hanging on now.

Fair result. Neither side did enough. Guangzhou had the best chance of the match in the first minute but a great save kept them out. That's when the game peaked. Not the best result for us but not the worst. We go to China knowing a score draw or a win will see us Champions.

We will be without our Right Hand Side as the red card was my RB and my AMR was booked meaning he will be suspended. We are also without Dean Nabbe which isn't a shock at all given his past discipline. Again not great but could have been worse! Unlike the last Champions League Final I have much better strength in depth. Although once again our front line will consist of 3rd and 4th choice strikers! Loba will have to go AMR.

We need to keep spirits up ready for the huge Second Leg.

I was going to break up the Final into two different posts but due to the lack of entertainment in the first leg I'll not bother!

7 days separated the two legs. A week is a long time in politics as well as football. We picked up an injury on the eve of the Second Leg...luckily he was already missing out due to suspension.

The last three fixtures that have taken place on this ground have finished 3-1 loss (which overturned a 2-1 first leg win for us) and a 4-1 loss which set us up for failure last season. This season all we need is a score draw!

I'm not as confident as I was heading into the first leg but here we go, now or never...

After 108 minutes of football in this tie...

It was first blood us! Guangzhou need 2 and no matter what this game will be over in 90 minutes. Its worth pointing out I scored first when we lost 3-1 and it was 1-1 when we lost 4-1...not that I'm not confident still...

1-0 at the half and we are 45 minutes away from finally winning the Champions League.

56 minutes on the clock and Loba is taken off injured. It means we have our 4th choice AMR out there. He's got a 1 star rating. It also means we have no more options up front, the two who started are going to finish...we are hanging on...

Last season individual errors knocked us out...

This season we didn't concede a goal in 180 minutes and finally...FINALLY...

Oooooo ouch!

Never been so proud of the team!

So just when I was ready to hand my notice in it turns out next month is the World Club Championship. I just assumed we would be too late to qualify for this seasons but we actually take part this year so it will be a brilliant way to end my time at Pohang.

Of course we will be without Ake Loba who died.

[ToMexico!!]

Massive congrats on the ACL title. Looking forward to seeing where you go next. 

[andychar]

1 hour ago, ToMexico!! said:

Massive congrats on the ACL title. Looking forward to seeing where you go next. 

Cheers! Feels like weight of the World is off the shoulders and it’s only 1 down!

Ive had an interview in 2 different countries on 2 different continents but if I get my wish it will be ToMexico!!

[Minuy600]

Finally, finally. Congrats on the CL man!

[Maaka]

9 hours ago, andychar said:

Of course we will be without Ake Loba who died.

Oh my..

[andychar]

The World's End

I suppose as soon as I win the Champions League I leave so this is a nice rare chance to play in the Club World Championship.

First though a record.

Not bad to say he's only starting because I was mardy about going out of the Champions League last season.

Now the awards...

Loba had a good season.

Overall it was a brilliant season and I'm very happy to be calling it my last in the K League and in Asia (apart from Australia National Team of course).

Speaking of which the World Cup draw was the only thing I thought I had to look forward too in December...

Obviously Portugal will be tricky but I would hope to get a win against Venezuela and reach the knockouts.

Anyway onto the World Club Championship. I'm gutted to be without Loba. My 3rd and 4th choice strikers will have to lead the line for me.

Australia v New Zealand got the ball rolling.

No surprises there.

And there I thought I was done with Asian competitors.

Africa's Champions League winners were destroyed by North America and we were dominant from start to finish, even before the Sending Off. Very good win and into the Semi Final we go.

It will no doubt be the end of the road but it was always going to be tricky no matter who we faced.

Before this game I had an approach from a team and they agreed to a delay so I at least can finish the Club World Championship. There will be no rest for the wicked.

#

A very solid effort. They scored in first half stoppage time but we had some decent chances. First choice strikers might have made the difference but it wasn't meant to be. 

Racing Club in the 3rd place play off after the South American side were surprisingly beaten by the North American team so we are likely to finish 4th.

Would be nice to win by final game in charge of Pohang before heading off into the sunset.

Just enough time for one more FMing with Pohang.

Or very nearly. Very happy to leave with a win and 3rd place in the Club World Championship.

Onto a new continent!

[ManUtd1]

Well done against Atletico, man!

[andychar]

Once Upon a Time in Mexico

Its no secret I wanted to go to Mexico so I don't mind spoiling it in the title!

I had an interview with the Kaiser Chiefs but turns out I'm crap at the drums so I went to Mexico instead.

Before I go into my new job...

The Champions of North America are Champions of the World in a surprise Final.

So after 6 and a half years at Pohang where have I ended up...

I wanted to stick with the P theme!

I take charge half way through the season.

The Mexican league is split into two sections...an opening stage and a closing stage. You play each team once in each stage with the top 8 then qualifying for the playoffs at the end of each stage.

The opening stage went very well for Pachuca...

But...

The playoffs didn't.

I take over 5 days before the start of the Closing stage which means I have just enough time to evaluate the squad. There are rules I need to follow.

So I need 9 out of the 18 match day squad to be Mexican. That I can live with.

This is the team I have inherited.

Its not horrible with some nice potential in there. As you can see I've picked what I believe to be my best 11 already...

It involves 3 Mexicans. Which tells me I need to dip my toe into the Mexican Transfer Market. It also means if I fill my bench with Mexican's I'll be safe. 

Luckily we have some scope for bringing players in.

This team has only qualified for the North American Champions League once since I've had the league loaded...

They won it. 

That's where I am and where I stand. Lets dive head first into this.

[ToMexico!!]

Good Luck in Mexico from ToMexico!!  

 

[andychar]

Nacho Libre

I'm hoping to not be in Mexico very long so I'm going to smash out all the stereotypical movie titles I can.

My first task was to bring in some Mexicans. I wanted to boost the amount available to me before probably overseeing a bit overhaul in the Summer.

Worth pointing out I'm working with a DOF who is signing random youth players!

On loan from Dynamo Kiev I don't have anybody decent at AML and its a position I will focus on in the Summer. Right now he will do.

Brought in to sit on the bench and be a semi decent Mexican I can bring on if needed.

The best signing I've made and the only one I see a future for at the club. 

I need to really look at the squad. The best thing about Pohang was how young it was, I want the same in Mexico.

Anyway onto the first month of games.

Certainly a feisty start! 2-0 up before a silly sending off but it didn't really stop us. Great win but it was against the bottom team so can't look too much into it.

First game of the cup and once again it was against a team I should be beating. Was a case of getting the job done.

The first real test away to Monterrey and a brilliant result. I wasn't expecting it at all and its given me plenty of confidence.

An away match against the new World Champions was always going to be tough. We played well in the first half but terribly in the second and probably didn't deserve to win. First set back. Will be interesting to see how we can bounce back from it.

We battered Atlas from start to finish but left it as late as we could. Very happy to pick up the win and bounce back straight away.

Our second Group game in the Mexican Cup Closing Stage and really we should have done better. We were the better team but couldn't find the breakthrough we did before. Not the end of the world but still annoying.

It leaves the Cup looking like this...

We should still qualify for the knockout stages.

Technically that was the end of the month but I forgot to take a screenshot of the table so here's a bonus game.

Sucker punch at the end of the first half but we responded brilliantly and deserved the win.

It means the table looks like this at the end of the month/beginning of next month.

Top 8 is all we need but obviously the higher the better. Good positive start.

 

[andychar]

Rolling Thunder

I've downloaded a logo pack. I didn't realise how poor the game is without them really!

Games were coming thick and fast so best to jump straight into it.

We started very slow against Pumas but were lucky they were reduced to 10 men. We took control of the game and managed to turn it around.

Tigres up next and once again we found ourselves behind. A recurring theme at the moment, but for the third time in a row we turned it around. Much more convincingly this time.

We drew with them in the cup but made no such mistake in the league. We are looking good at the moment, long way it continue.

We were the better team here and I thought once we took the lead that would be it. The lead didn't last long and try as we might we just couldn't get it back. At least it isn't a loss.

The most one sided 1-0 you will ever see. We battered them from start to finish. 1-0 is still a win and I'll take it every time.

It means the league table looks like this at the end of the month.

Obviously taken before I installed the logos. Things are looking very good. Top 8 is the aim but the higher we finish the better chance we have of getting to the final and qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Back to the cup and another draw against a team we should really be beating. We grabbed the equaliser before half time and I thought that was going to be it. We huffed and puffed and were left disappointed. 

Still not worried. A home draw is all we need against the team in the division below us. 

The good start continues in Mexico.

[kidthekid]

Looks like your time in Mexico may be a short one.

[andychar]

On 05/01/2019 at 16:05, kidthekid said:

Looks like your time in Mexico may be a short one.

I'm really hoping so. I think the challenge I get in the Champions League will mainly be Mexican so if I can dominant domestically I should be ok!

[andychar]

After the Screaming Stops

So after a Christmas period (see post title) I was looking forward to digging my teeth back into FM now I was back at work...

With not long to go in the Closing Stage it was time to dig deep and finish as high as physically possible now it seemed the playoffs were almost a certainty.

A disappointing start to the month. We dominated but just couldn't score. We have only scored 3 goals in the past 4 games so we are lacking some fire power. Its clear what needs strengthening in the summer. 

It was the Cup next and we only needed a home point in order to scrape through.

We were 3-0 up and cruising then we reached the 89th minute. FC Juarez proceeded to grab a consolation then seconds later Perez decided to pass it into his own net. Then we had a goal disallowed, this was then followed by a missed penalty before we managed to finally get the 4th with the last kick of the game. Anybody who left early missed enough action to fill a full 90 minutes!

It meant we were through to the second round and after all that group stage action it feels like about 4 teams have been eliminated.

The draw for the second round was a kind one. We should be through but we are in the middle of a sticky patch so who knows.

Back to the league now and it was time to start winning again, if games in hand go against us we will be down to 3rd.

It wasn't just a win but it was a good win with 3 goals (not a single one scored by my two strikers however). Either way a good performance and 3 points.

It was the Cup next. I wouldn't take it so seriously if we were struggling for playoffs but because we are pretty much already there I feel it would be silly to rest players for the cup.

So today I learnt the Mexican Cup doesn't have extra time it goes straight to penalties. I don't need to say anything, you already know how I'm feeling just looking at the stats.

So just the league to concentrate on now. Lets bag a top two spot and try and make passage to the Final as easy as possible.

Again it wasn't the most comfortable win but we did dominant. At this stage of the league 3 points are more important than the performance.

A break in Domestic football and an International friendly. I'll still be skipping them as we get closer to the World Cup.

Another good win by my Ass Man.

One more league game this month and it was a chance to grab goals as we hosted 15th place Leon at home.

Queue the 1-0 loss with 20 shots against their 1.

At half time...

I am basically a time traveller.

Yep. This game is so predictable its not even funny sometimes. 

We need fire power this half of the season has been hard. I need to make this team my own in the summer and get rid of a lot of deadwood.

So after a pretty poor month all things considered the table looks like this.

We have lost top spot and the top 4 is very close. Playoffs are still easily achievable. Will have to wait and see what happens in the post season. I'm not hopeful, we just aren't scoring enough.

5 games to go...we have some very tricky games so it will be an indication as to how the playoffs could go.

 

[andychar]

The Mexican

I love the build up to a big game. The pressure as the managers try to one up each other and then the big game itself where anything can happen.

Yeah...like that...

Was a harsh sending off and when I critisied in the press the FA were silent. The appeal didn't work though so basically they were saying "yeah it probably wasn't a red card...still gonna ban him though!"

Bad start to the month but plenty of time to put it right.

Solid performance without being spectacular. Damage done in the first half.

3 games to go and although 1st is looking out the picture we need to finish as high as we can.

Very frustrating. Twice we blew a lead and I knew as soon as the stoppage time highlight started it was going to end in a goal. We are dropping.

The mini slide continues. We did well to come back twice but this is really a game we should be winning.

Heading into the final game of the regular season we could finish as high as 2nd or as low as 4th...

Fined the guy two weeks wages and he accepted. That's how stupid the tackle was.

It means we go into the playoffs on the worst run of form since I started. I have no hopes.

The table finished like this.

Only 4 points off top which isn't bad but we dropped like a stone the last month.

UdeG go down because Mexico works off the Average Points. Stupid really.

Playoffs next and something needs to change otherwise we won't be in it long.

[Jambo_]

Wait... please explain how UdeG have been relegated and not San Luis?!

[bigmattb28]

5 minutes ago, Jambo_ said:

Wait... please explain how UdeG have been relegated and not San Luis?!

In South America they do this confusing thing with average points over a period of time maybe they do the same in Mexico?

[andychar]

4 minutes ago, Jambo_ said:

Wait... please explain how UdeG have been relegated and not San Luis?!

Because of this bad boy...

The average points table. Takes average points over two seasons and whoever is bottom at the end of each season is relegated.

Absolutely backwards way of doing it if you ask me because the established teams are always going to have an advantage but it is what it is.

4 minutes ago, bigmattb28 said:

In South America they do this confusing thing with average points over a period of time maybe they do the same in Mexico?

So you were bob on the money!

No Hope

This is how I feel heading into the playoffs. Its seeded so we will play the team who finished 5th, just 3 points behind us. 

I have changed the tactic slightly. Not massively but hopefully it will tighten up the mistakes made at the back.

We were away first so its was important to score a few goals but mainly stay in the tie. 

Remember a trip to the Final is enough to secure Champions League football for next season. That's all I want at the moment. I can work out all the other issues in the Summer. I'm expecting a high turnover.

For the first time in Mexico...goal by goal updates! Cue the 0-0...

Just end this damn season already. Missed the first goal cos it happened so fast. 2nd was a penalty.

Changed tactic and made all 3 subs on 55th minute. One goal and we are still in this tie.

And there it is! In the nick of time too.

An even game comes to an end and its game on for the second leg.

A week before the two legs so fingers crossed nothing bad happens.

There doesn't seem to be any away goal rule so as long as we win the bare minimum will be extra time...unless its like the Mexican Cup.

Yeah something bad like that. He's been given injections to help him get through what could be our final game of the season. If it isn't he will miss the rest of the playoffs.

So here we go...2nd leg.

Get in! And with that came a message along the bottom...Pachuca lead on away goals. We need to defend now.

1-0 at the break. Its on a knife-edge.

Explosive start to the second half gives us a lead on aggregate. One goal however and we are heading to extra time. Its far from over.

Second penalty of the tie for them takes us level on aggregate and 19 minutes away from extra time. They are deadly now with that away goal.

5 minutes later...we have the ball the in the back of the net but it doesn't count! Offside is the call.

Well...turns out that there is no extra time or penalties. We are through because we were the higher seed.

Not the way we wanted to get through to the Semi Final. But my God I will take it!

If in doubt. 

His sacrifice won't be forgotten (he had a terrible game.)

So who will we play in the Semi Final?

Its an open draw so anybody can get anybody.

The other tie is Tigres v America. So either way a potential final will be very hard.

But here we are...two games away from qualifying for the Champions League next season.

 

[andychar]

The Surprise

Not going the lie, the way we finished the season I thought this was going to be a post to tell you who I've bought in the Summer.

Instead here we are in the Semi Final. We draw Toluca who finished 3rd, it was probably the best draw we could have got.

There were 7 days between games and we picked up another bad injury.

He made 12 apperences out of the 19 games. So not first name on team sheet but a big loss.

We were hit once more before the game.

He's been given painkilling injections so will miss the second leg and potentially first leg of the final if we get through. 

Injuries have hit us at the wrong time.

Its been a weird season, we started like we couldn't lose and then struggled at the end. We finished 4th so Semi Final wouldn't be a bad end of the season. That being said we are close to reaching Champions League!

So here we go...the first leg. We are away first so its important to keep solid at the back. We are the lower seed so we need to win the tie!

Orue is playing through injections and at the moment its totally worth it! We have the lead.

A beautiful free kick opens up a gap. 1 more without reply would set us up brilliantly for the second leg.

Dreamland. Absolute dreamland!

We took the chances we got brilliantly and put together one of if not the best 90 minutes since I took over. 

One foot in the final and a place in next seasons Champions League.

Could have been worse. He will more than likely sit on the bench for us as a just a case.

Once again 7 days between the legs. 7 hopefully boring empty days.

America holds a slim lead heading into their second leg but its all too play for thanks to that away goal. A 2-1 reverse win and Tigres go through.

World Cup Squads are being announced. I really hope the game doesn't screw me out of some players for the Final (if we get through).

Other than that worry it was an uneventful 7 days so we can crack straight on with second leg...

A drab 0-0 at the break. It will do us nicely.

It had been coming in all fairness but surely its too little too late...right?

Indeed it was and amazingly we are into the Final.

Nothing about Qualifying for the Champions League yet...getting slightly worried that I have gotten it wrong all this time...lets face it, it wouldn't be the first time.

But before I can worry about that there's the small matter of my opponents in the Final.

It's only the current World Champions, no big deal.

In fact in a weird way this works out for us. America only managed to finish 7th in the league meaning if the Final is a tie that can't be broken by away goals we will be champions. There is 180 minutes of football before that becomes a factor however.

The good news is none of my players have gone with their International teams yet...the bad news is neither have theirs.

[andychar]

Once Upon a Time in America

Not a cop out at all that title!

We were away first leg and will be favourites for neither. I have zero expectations for this tie and I'm just happy to be here. A sentence which could easily be the slogan for the entire playoffs.

Mexican League makes perfect sense right? Its 4th v 7th for the right to be called Champions.

Not a lot happened in between fixtures so its time to just jump straight into it...

Wish me luck!

Completely and utterly against the run of play we lead. A long hopeful ball pumped into the box was finished brilliantly. Can we hold on?

Robbed of a half time lead but the ref deciding +1 actually means "until America score". Gutted. But honestly deserved.

I saw an opportunity and went more attacking in the second half...

And boy did it pay off. We have been the better team and finally it shows. Scenes!

A stunning free kick out of nowhere and America are level late on. Hard to be mad when there was nothing that could be done.

The highlight started from the kick off and for the third time we lead. Unbelievable game of football!

Fantastic performance. Fantastic result and just a fantastic game of football. 

All we need to do is avoid losing by two goals and we will be Champions (unless we lose 3-4 which would be a bummer).

3 days separate the two legs. Less time for anything to go wrong...

 

[andychar]

The Quiet American

We had one hand on the title and it was up to us to see it through. I wanted to suffocate the game. I didn't want any highlights. I just wanted the game done and dusted.

Nothing happened in the build up so lets get to it...

0-0 at the half and I got my wish, it was the fastest half I've ever played. Neither side look like doing anything...just the way I like it.

Well as anti climaxes got this was one of them! 

If the first leg was a classic this was the opposite but you know what I don't care!

We had won the Closing Stage of the Mexican League.

See.

Ooooooooooo

20-1 pre-season and we picked up the title. Not quite as shocking as the Wellington Phoenix win but its up there.

Still no indication on Champions League qualification. Now I'm champion surely we have nothing to worry about right?

While I'm here I might as well post the awards...

 

I would just like to point out Juan Ramon Bravo was one of my signings! Cufre is on loan and really expensive, I don't think he will be back next season and he will leave a void.

I'm at a crossroads. I was ready to cull this team, but how can I stay mad at a team that won the league?

Maybe the cull won't be as big as anticipated.

Atmosphere is good. Winning the title is unspectacular to the squad. Fair enough.

Even the board don't seem very bothered.

Luckily that isn't the end of the football for this season. I have a small matter of the World Cup to take part in with Australia.  

[andychar]

The World is Not Enough

I've been a bit negletfull of my International duties recently. Not bothering with friendlies. But now its the build up to the World Cup so I need to take it seriously...

This was the latest result my Ass Man got.

It means we maintain our unbeaten run which stretches back 24 games and 2 and a half years.

Just a reminder we have Venezuela and Portugal in our Group. I'm expected to make the knockout stages and would be disappointed if we didn't at least. Obviously if we can find a way to steal top spot it would make things easier but I'm not banking on it.

We have one more friendly before the tournament kicks off...guess whose going to manage that!

So that's the Ass Man fired. Unbeaten run over. It will end during the World Cup so I'm not overly upset. Next game will be the World Cup!

Its Venezuela first so we have the must win straight away.

I'll do a day by day analysis. because...why not.

A slight boost in rep and we are the 5th more reputable in all of North America. Lets make that count in the Champions League next season that I assume I'll be involved in.

I've been waiting for a new Transfer Budget that hasn't come so it looks like slim pickings. Which is a shame because I had 3 positions I wanted to improve. Any money will have to come from selling players. Plus we are over our wage budget. I don't have the financial security I did with Pohang! The transfer window opens a day after my opening World Cup game but I won't be looking until we are out.

Our best ever player was on loan and won't be back next season so at the moment we are worse than we were last year and I don't think we were brilliant last season!

 

Early odds have us finishing 5th in the league at the same price we won the league at last season. I'm just happy to see that little CCL next to our name! I'm really hoping for a one and done because I don't think I can maintain this club in the long run.

Anyway the World Cup started!

Jamaica were so close to a brilliant point against the Belgians. USA picked up a big win. While Peru pulled off what could be considered a shock. Germany grabbed a win against a dangerous Uruguay side.

France flexing their muscles early along with Holland. Italy just do enough but performance of the day to Saudi Arabia, putting behind them my terrible reign.

No real shocks on Day 3 as all 4 teams expected to win did. Day 4 was our day and we were up first.

Venezuela are actually the favourites...never tell me the odds!

0-0 at the break and we look more likely to break the deadlock.

A minute after the restart VAR robs us of a goal (I mean it was a blatant push but for the purpose of this thread we were robbed!)

The game looked like it was going to be the first 0-0 of the tournament until Miller steps up and fires a rocket into the bottom corner. Scenes!

We held on to claim a win which should be enough to see us through to the knockout stages.

No surprises for the rest of the day really.

Uruguay and Serbia bounce back with wins meaning pressure is now on Honduras and Zambia. Belgium make it 2 from 2 and Peru have 4 points meaning they are safely through.

Bad day for Africa as all 4 teams playing today lost. Senegal gave the Dutch a scare though.

Oh Africa. Hands up who expected to see Norway v China at any World Cup. My nemesis picked up a big point to keep their hopes alive.

Another slim 1-0 loss for Venezuela means...

Bonus!

Busy day! Results means Groups A-D look like this...

One host through another out as Mexico fall at the first hurdle. Peru and USA could be nice ties for a team who finishes runner up. Jamaica get through because they lost better against Belgium.

On paper not a great day of football but can guarantee I would have sat and watched them all.

It means Groups E-H finish like this...

Saudi Arabia join Peru and USA as good draws if finish 2nd. Iraq maybe a surprise over Senegal. Good to see South Korea go through.

Not the best of days really. I would kill to draw China in the next round.

Groups I-L finish like this...

Sweden a shock exit. Mali pipping Iran probably classes as a shock as well. Norway and China get through a really poor group. Argentina and Brazil no problems.

So it was finally time for our final Group Game and I go into with no pressure at all. Obviously finishing top would be easier in the next round but at this point it really doesn't matter.

No changes made, I feel the players get enough rest in this format so no need to rotate.

Was always going to be tricky but that's a terrible start. First attempt from both teams.

2 shots 2 goals and we are crumbling.

A lifeline we don't deserve. I'll take it!

Bitter blow just before the half and that's probably game.

Men against boys.

No complaints we were awful.

We need a kind draw otherwise the ride stops here.

Oh crap.

The final groups look like this...

Knockout stages look like this...

USA v Russia will be tasty! There will be some "poor" teams in the last 16...we won't be one of them.

 

[andychar]

Underdog

I don't think anybody in the World expects us to beat Spain, especially after the poor showing against Portugal and with 3 players suspended and one injured.

But we will give it a go then I can get started domestically.

Speaking of which I've dipped my toe into the market...

He didn't cost my a penny and with him going straight into the first team hopefully he can live out that potential.

Back to the World Cup and it was time for knockout football.

Excitement guaranteed right?

Germany and USA scrape through while Serbia needed extra time to beat Peru. Belgium are looking good so far and will be very hard to beat.

Ghana shocked the World knocking out Holland. France left it late. Italy squeezed past Denmark. Look at South Korea, bossing their way into the Last 16.

Another player in, this time on loan.

An early scare for England before they sorted themselves out. Straight forward wins for Argentina and Brazil. Norway causing a shock with a late rally against Poland.

Next up is our D Day.

We conceded early against Portugal and was always chasing. We need to be better at the back here.

Yep...of course. A defensive mistake by a guy whose only playing because of a suspension. New flash mate...that's why your not a starter.

Its already game over over 192 seconds.

This is going to be long and painful.

Well at least we are making a game of it.

A stone wall penalty given away by the same guy at fault for the first. He's played his last game for us.

3-1 at the half and its a carbon copy of the Portugal game.

Free kick hits the crossbar flies into the air and hits Spanish striker on the head and goes in. Seriously f*** off and give me a chance.

2 defensive errors and a complete fluke but some gloss on this result. I didn't reserve to win but no way deserved to concede 5. Hope somebody spanks them in the next round.

The expectation was 2nd round. That's what I delivered. Means I can stick around for the Asian Cup before moving on.

Apart from Portugal a day of thumping's. Costa Rica would have been an easier game that's for sure!

Argentina v Brazil a very tasty match. 

A day of high drama as Germany were taken all the way by USA and Serbia shock the World by dumping out Belgium.

Oooft scoring 3 goals in a game and losing 2-1 is rough. Korea were well beaten by a French team looking very deadly.

The transfer window for Mexican clubs closes in a week! I still need one more player I reckon. Problem is I don't have the funds!

Anti Climax in Arg-Bra game. England leave it very late once again to end Norway's brilliant run.

The two teams who beat me this World Cup both crash out on the same day. Life is good. 

A few surprises in the Quarter Final. Germany v France is a huge game with both teams looking strong minus the USA game for Germany.

Looks like its the Opening Stage winners v the Closing Stage winners. Another trophy to add to the collection would be nice!

The North American Champions League doesn't start for a while yet. In fact the entire Opening Stage takes place first so it will be nice to get Qualification for next season sorted.

Great tournament for Serbia but that's a rough way to go out. The holders are finished and I can't see anybody beating France.

Time is fast running out and I think at this point I'm best leaving a little money in reserve for after the Opening Stage. Fingers crossed I can pick up where I left off last season.

Shades of real life as England beat Colombia on penalties. Brazil end Ukraine's good run.

Pick your winner from that.

For the first time this save I have taken part in deadline day. Mainly because I'm not 100% sure I'm finished just yet.

Another in but not in the position I needed. I just couldn't turn this guy down for free.

So that's it the Window Slams shut!

Next post I'll finish the World Cup. Update you on my squad and start the new season!

[Jambo_]

It's coming home...!

[andychar]

1 hour ago, Jambo_ said:

It's coming home...!

Lets find out!

Four Lions

So England still in the World Cup. It would have been criminal to not use this excellent movie title.

I will be accessing things after this season. Teams around me are spending 7 million on players and I barely have 7 peso's to rub together. I could easily be left behind at this club without any financial backing.

Back to the World Cup and it was my predictions that nobody could stop France.

I don't win many accumulators. So its Brazil v either England or Italy. Both teams are sort of ghosted their way through.

A repeat of the 1994 World Cup Final once again on US soil.

England will once again fight for 3rd place.

All our 3 friendly matches have finished and my Ass man did good.

We head into the season with the following squad...

I'm happy with the squad although some deadwood has remained. It has potential in nearly all positions. Maybe I don't need to buy as many players as once thought although I'm not happy with my midfield options.

The draw for the Opening Stage Mexican Cup was made...

We should qualify. I want a better showing than last season.

The board don't class the Champions Trophy as important. I want to win it. Hopefully its my only chance.

After all the transfers its interesting to see how the odds for the season have changed.

Gulp. 6th is playoffs I suppose!

Exciting 3rd place playoff with all the action coming in ET. Last minute penalty secures a French victory in a game nobody ever wants to play in.

Italy finally get revenge for USA 94 and are the new World Champions.

Goddamn it China.

That'll do me.

That's enough International Football for a while. Lets crack on with the new Mexican season and the curtain raiser.

We were holding on towards the end there but its nice to pick up the win.

Another string on my bow and a perfect way to start the new season.

[andychar]

Opening Night

I love the start of a new season, everybody excited with expectations and promise. 

Top 8 we need to finish. Last seasons playoffs proves how important it is to finish as high as possible, just for the seedings rule.

We are away first game, I have no idea what to expect, lets just win eh. Its against Veracruz who finished near the bottom of the Closing Stage last season.

Very happy with the performance. RB assisted all 3 goals. Solid start.

Home to Leon next who had a mixed season last season.

The red card made the game a lot easier than it could have been. We should have won by more but I'm not complaining. 

A win we deserved. Thought it wasn't going to happen but a great free kick gave us 3 points.

The early league table looks like this...

Santos Laguna only team who can join us on 3 wins from 3. Great start and already a 5 point lead over 9th. 

[andychar]

The Avengers: Infinity Wars

This post contains a spoiler to the above film!

So we went into the month on the back of a good start. It was important we kept momentum.

Technically the end of last month but wanted to finish with league table. We deserved this win so I don't class the late penalty as lucky. I do class the fact that Res took it with a rating an 8 as lucky it went in though. I changed 11 players and nearly paid the price to kick start the cup.

Hopefully it wouldn't affect the form.

A frustrating game of two halves. We bossed the first then were clinging on in the second. We couldn't capitalise on the late red card and this will have to be seen as 2 points dropped rather than 1 won.

Still unbeaten though...

We are less than impressive in the cup after another heavily rotated side. Its not that I don't care about the cup its just we have had 2 big games straight after. 2 wins from 2 and qualifcation is looking good.

The big game I was alluding too was a rematch of the Closing Stage Final against America. Luckily we were at home so I had a good feeling.

We were brilliant! America didn't really create much while we were constantly on the attack. It could have been more than 3 but honestly I was delighted.

Next was back to back home games against Tijuana, one in the league and the other in the cup. I needed to win both.

We weren't great. The early goal meant the rest of the game felt like a formality. A win is a win and I'll take it every time.

3 from 3 in the cup and 3 1-0 wins against Tijuana in the space 14 days. Wholesale changes once again and we left it late. Amazingly we still haven't qualified. A point in the next game will see us through.

I didn't take a screenshot of the cup table. We are top with 9 points then its Potros with 3 (and a game in hand) and then Tijuana bottom with 0 (and a game in hand).

So we aren't firing on all cylinders but we are picking up the wins.

This is where the spoilers come in...

We finished the game with 9 men, we picked up an injury. I say 1 injury...we picked up 4 of them. All 3 subs and then a guy coming off was due to injury. I took a screenshot but lost it. It was like Thanos clicked his fingers!

"You got the win but what did it cost?"

"Everything"

Injury crisis? What injury crisis? We were brilliant here and scored at perfect times, every time they looked to try and get back into the game we broke their spirit. Great performance.

To finish the month we travelled to 2nd. Who start the game 2 points behind, a great chance to open up a gap...

Or lose top spot entirely. 

I didn't deserve to win, didn't deserve to lose. The game was decided by a piece of magic so can't really complain. Just one of those games.

So the disappointing loss leaves the table looking like this...

Obviously I want to finish top but I can't really grumble how things are looking at this stage. Tigres have crept out of nowhere as the top 3 are out of sight.

3 different competitions next month. The league, the cup and a game against Dallas FC which is sort of like the European Supercup but between Mexico and the USA. Board don't care but I want to win it.

[andychar]

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 

I'm going to Dallas...so...yeah...

Not as busy this month thanks to an International Break full of friendlies. I can't wait for Asian Cup to be over so I can take a break from International Management.

We start the month with a cup game. Win or draw and we are through, a loss however and it will be out of our hands...

Oh that's frustrating. When Goroso equalised I thought it was just going to be a formality. Back to back losses now and more importantly we could be out of the cup...

Potros lost the final game against Tijuana and for the second time in a row we limp into the knockout stage of the cup. Its like the team doesn't want to win. Although I will hold my hands up and say I played a weak team in all 4 games.

Not the best of draws as we play 2nd in the league, but they will be more miffed as we are at home. Remember no extra time in this one so we could be seeing another penalty shootout.

Next up was our trip to Dallas. Like I said before the board don't care but I want to win it, I'm hoping I'm never in it again.

If this is the best that USA have to offer then I really only have to worry about the 3 other Mexican teams in the Champions League. Its been an important fixture this because its filled me with a massive amount of confidence.

We have 3 very winnable league games next...so that means I'm about to be very disappointed.

Limp, lifeless, clueless, pathetic, embarrassing...all the confidence built with the previous win shattered in 90 p*** poor minutes.

The slide down the table continues. 

2nd bottom away from home next. This better be a win otherwise there will be a cull and no amount of trophies will save some...

And the cull could start with me!

2-0 up 2 goals disallowed and they scored 2 very fluky goals. Just FM things.

Really not enjoying life at the moment. In fact I'm that miffed I'm going to see if the goals were offside or not...

Not even close. Nice one refs.

I need a win, badly. Just to get out of this funk. We have 1 point when we should have 6. There is no excuse for not winning either of these games and the same goes for the next one.

International friendlies are really starting to annoy me...

International Management isn't on my list of goals for this save so that will be that.

Last game of the month and its win or else.

1-0 down at HT no team talk. Let just get this over with.

I honestly don't know what to say or do. I'm going to need a change of tactic. We have 1 point from 9 when really we should have 9 points from 9.

We have fallen like a stone.

We are only in the playoffs by 6 points...

Is this it? My first domestic sacking?

At least the board were accepting of my response...

Things are still looking very bleak!

After everything last season I might not even make it to take part in the Champions League.

Something needs to change and sharpish.