[FM19] Sporting Clube de Portugal - ‘Esforço, Dedicação, Devoção, Glória

[lblanc]

Sporting Clube de Portugal - ‘Esforço, Dedicação, Devoção, Glória

 

Esforço, dedicação, devoção e glória translating as Effort, Dedication, Devotion, Glory’ these are the words in which Sporting Clube de Portugal is built upon.

The Kit

History

 

Sporting Clube de Portugal or Sporting CP is a sports club based in Lisbon, Portugal, that is best known for its football team, moreover a national staple within other sports, such as futsal, athletics and handball. The club is usually referred to simply as Sporting in Portuguese-speaking countries, and it is often called Sporting Lisbon in other countries.

 

Founded on 1 July 1906, Sporting is one of the "Três Grandes" (Big Three) clubs in Portugal, along with rivals S.L. Benfica and FC Porto, that have never been relegated from the top flight of Portuguese football, Primeira Liga, since 1934. Sporting are nicknamed Leões (Lions) and Verde e Brancos (Green and Whites).

Sporting are the third most decorated Portuguese football team, with a total of 48 trophies, including one international title, the 1963–64 European Cup Winners' Cup. Domestically, they have won 18 Primeira Liga titles, 16 Portuguese Cups (Taça de Portugal), 4 Championship of Portugal (a record tied with Porto), 2 Taça da Liga and 8 Portuguese Super Cup trophies.

Honours

 

Domestic competitions

 

    Primeira Liga (18): 1940–41, 1943–44, 1946–47, 1947–48, 1948–49, 1950–51, 1951–52, 1952–53, 1953–54, 1957–58, 1961–62, 1965–66, 1969–70, 1973–74, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1999–2000, 2001–02

    Taça de Portugal (16): 1940–41, 1944–45, 1945–46, 1947–48, 1953–54, 1962–63, 1970–71, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1977–78, 1981–82, 1994–95, 2001–02, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2014–15

    Taça da Liga (2): 2017–18, 2018–19

    Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (8): 1982, 1987, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2015

    Campeonato de Portugal (4): 1922–23, 1933–34, 1935–36, 1937–38

European Competitions

 

  European Cup Winners' Cup (1): 1963–64

Facilities

 

Estádio José Alvalade

 

Throughout its history, Sporting has had several grounds. The first one was inaugurated on 4 July 1907 and was called "Sítio das Mouras".

In 1956, the first Estádio de Alvalade was inaugurated. Sporting played their matches there until 2003, when the stadium was demolished.

The new stadium, Alvalade XXI ("Estádio José Alvalade"), was built for UEFA Euro 2004, hosted by Portugal. Designed by Tomás Taveira, it was inaugurated on 6 August 2003.

The stadium is the center of a complex called Alvalade XXI, designed by Portuguese architect Tomás Taveira, which includes a mall called Alvaláxia with a 12-screen movie theater, a health club, the club's museum, a sports pavilion, a clinic, and an office building. The complex cost a total of €162 million, with the stadium accounting with almost €121 million. On the exterior, the stadium features multi-coloured tiles. Seats are also arranged in a random-looking colour mix.

It was classified by UEFA as a 5-star stadium, enabling it to host finals of major UEFA events. The stadium – originally projected to hold only 40,000 spectators at any given time – has a capacity of 50,095.

Its official opening was on 6 August 2003 when Sporting played and beat Manchester United 3–1. The stadium hosted five matches of UEFA Euro 2004, one of them being the semi-final between Portugal and the Netherlands, which Portugal won 2–1. It also hosted the 2005 UEFA Cup Final between Sporting and CSKA Moscow, which CSKA Moscow won 3–1 (Though we won’t talk about that further).

 

 

Academia Sporting

 

The Academia Sporting (English: Sporting Academy) is the name given to Sporting's training facilities located outside Alcochete, Portugal.

Inaugurated in 2002, The Sporting Academy is the first of such size and quality to be constructed in Portugal. The Academy is one of the most modern and well-equipped academies in Europe; situated in a tranquil environment and climate that is recommended for the preparation of football teams. Devoted to training and management, the complex is ready to prepare for football competition of any characteristic.

Sporting's Academy was also the first and only sports academy in Europe to receive the ISO9001:2008 – a quality certification awarded by EIC, a Portuguese anonymous society responsible for this type of reward, which is recognised both locally and internationally.

 

  

Edited April 26, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

Squad Analysis

After the attack at the training ground at the end of last season many big-name home-grown players decided to leave Sporting including Rui Patricio, Gelson Martins, William Carvalho and Daniel Podence.

If it wasn’t for Bruno de Carvalho leaving who knows how many more would have gone but the above left some scars which needed healing.

(I shall be starting with the Winter Update so the squad shall reflect that)

Goalkeepers

 

Spoiler

Romain Salin

The 33-year old French keeper was signed in 2017 replacing the departing Beto as backup to Rui Patrício, this most likely what he will remain but is an able backup if needed.

Spoiler

 

 Renan Riberio

The Brazilian Initially signed on loan from fellow Portuguese club Estoril, Renan was signed permanently in January. The former Atlético Mineiro and São Paulo stopper will start as the clubs first choice

Spoiler

 Luís Maximiano

The Youngster of the keepers at only 19, the home grown Luís shall act as number 3. Hopefully he can follow in the steps of many great Portuguese keepers to come through Academia’s ranks.

Spoiler

 

 

Defenders

 

Spoiler

Tiago Ilori

A Winter signing here, the academy graduate returns home to Sporting CP after time in England with Liverpool, Aston Villa and Reading as well as short stints in France and Spain with Bordeaux and Granada respectively. Tiago will be more the likely backup to the more experienced centre backs in the squad but a useful squad member none the less.

Spoiler

Sebastián Coates

The experienced Uruguayan signed permanently in 2017 after a successful loan spell. Sebastian is a leader and will be the first choice in central defence. Wanted by AS Monaco but i'm keen to keep him.

Spoiler

Jefferson

The Brazilian left back has been at the club since 2013, he spent last season on loan at Braga but is back now and ready to fight for his place in the starting XI.

Spoiler

André Pinto

A 2017 signing from Braga, Pinto is another capable first team player if needed but will most likely start that season as backup.

 

Spoiler

Stefan Ristovski

Another 2017 signing the Montenegrin right back offers an good attacking option from right back, good pace and acceleration with make him a real threat.

Spoiler

Jeremy Mathieu

The veteran of the defence at 34 the Frenchman came in from Barcelona on a free transfer in 2017, can cover both centre back and left back if need be, a useful player to have though given his age probably won’t be around much longer.

 

Spoiler

Cristian Borja

The Colombian left back is a Winter signing from Mexican club Toluca , his high stamina and work rate mean he’ll offer a great supporting role on the left hand side, he will fight it out with Jefferson for the starting XI.

Spoiler

Bruno Gaspar  

Summer signing Bruno Gaspar returns to Portugal after a season in Italy with Fiorentina, has the ability to also play on the left so will be good for cover as well as challenging for that right back spot.

Spoiler

 

 

 

Edited April 26, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

Midfielders

 

Spoiler

Francisco Geraldes

Having spent the last few years out on loan “Chico” as he is known is back to fight for his place in the squad, club grown, he plays just behind the striker or potentially out wide left, only 23 he has room to improve

 

Spoiler

Bruno Fernandes

Key player in the squad, one of the players who almost left the club after the attacks but has stayed. The team will be built around this guy, Captain material and of course only 23 too so room to improve.

 

Spoiler

Rodrigo Battaglia

Signed last season the 26-year-old Argentinian is capable of playing in front of the defence as a holder or further up the pitch. His work rate will be key to the team

 

Spoiler

Radosav Petrović 

The Serb joined in 2016 he’ll be backup to Battaglia in the holding role, good passing ability and teamwork stats are his highpoints.

 

Spoiler

Wendel

Summer signing Wendel is classified as a wonderkid, shall be an important player in the midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes

 

Spoiler

Nemanja Gudelj

The other Serbian holding man "Neno" is on loan from China for the season, great work rate and team work stats as well as a perfectionist personality mean he’ll be an important player in the team.

 

Spoiler

Miguel Luís

The young home-grown player is in his first season in the first team. He’ll be backup but will get his chance during the season and will hopefully learn from experienced players around him

Spoiler

Idrissa Doumbia 

Winter signing from Russia, Idrissa is another who can play in the deep lying role, at 20 he has time to improve into an important player

Spoiler

Bruno Paulista (Not pictured)

Bruno IRL has left the club to return to Brazil but he remains in game, nothing more then backup but may prove useful

Spoiler

 

Forwards

 

Spoiler

Marcos Acuña

Signed in 2017 from Racing, Marcos has become a key player on the left-hand side, Great crossing ability and work rate. Likes to get the ball in early which will be key.

Spoiler

Raphinha

Summer signing from Vitória de Guimarães, Capable of playing on both wings, great pace , dribbling and crossing ability he shall be another first team player.

Spoiler

Abdoulay Diaby 

French born Malian international, summer signing Club Brugge capable of playing out wide or up front he’ll most likely be backup but important none the less.

Spoiler

Bas Dost

The main man up front 61 goals in 61 league appearances show his importance and how lethal he has been, Simple get the ball into him in the box and he’ll finish.

Spoiler

Luiz Phellype

Winter signing from Pacos Ferreira, shall be backup to Dost but shall get he games and will get his goals

 

Spoiler

 

Jovane Cabral 

Another home grown winger from the Sporting academy, capable on both sides this lad will be a name to remember

Spoiler

Luc Castaignos (not pictured)

Luc is another who has left the club IRL but remains at the club in game. He has a few teams looking for his services so he will most likely be sold

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 27, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

Youth Prospects

Of course, a big part of Sporting CP is the fantastic Youth setup and potential they have here is the current players with the most potential

 

 

Edited April 26, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

Tactics

The main tactics of Sporting is built around 4-3-3 ,using the width of the pitch

These are the two main tactics of planning to user

The important thing here is winning the ball back and quickly getting it out wide and then into the box for Dost to take advantage.

Here I want to control the centre but make use of the defensive midfielders i have, of course getting balls out wide again is key.

 

 

Edited April 26, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

Expectations and Philosophies 

• Reach the Second Round in Europe- Well doable depending on the draw
• Qualify for The Champions League- This shall be challenge as only the top two qualify so I need to finish above one of Benfica or Porto 
• Reach the Semi Final of the Portuguese Cup- Again should be doable depending on the draw
• League Cup- Is not important- Shall most likely use this to give young players a chance.

 

I have no philosophies to start off with but I've asked for meeting to discuss these

• Give youth a chance will be a big one from within the club
• Sign Young Players -with the potential for them to get involved in the first team
• Play attacking football- Something I always look to do 

Edited April 26, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

Players out on Loan

The following are the players out on loan. Some of course have potential fees

 

 

 

Edited April 26, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

Club Staff

 

Frederico Varandas- Club President

The former club doctor moves into the role of President replacing the the departed Bruno de Carvalho

 

Beto-Public Relations Director

 Roberto Luís Gaspar de Deus Severo or simply Beto is the clubs Public Relations Director a former player and youth academy graduate. He'll be the link between the coaching team and the board.

 

Hugo Viana-Director of Football

The former Sporting academy graduate comes into the role of Director of Football. He knows the club and shall be a key figure in the scouting team

José Luís Vidigal- Head of Youth Development

Jose another former player has become the Head of Youth Development he shall work closely with Hugo and the rest of the scouting team to bring through the best young talents.

 

Manuel  Fernandes- Chief Scout

Club legend as a player, Manuel became the clubs chief scout in 2015, At 67 he may be getting close to retirement age but his wisdom will be vital

Aurélio Pereira- Youth Scout

Another club legend, Aureilo has been youth scout since 1990, and has helped identify many of the great talents who have comes through the Sporting ranks including Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

 

Edited April 28, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

RETURN OF THE LION KING

There is massive excitement around the Academia Sporting today as the club announced the return to the club of Luis Figo as manager

Fans of Sporting hope he can bring as much success off the field as he did on it.The former academy graduate who went on to play for FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, where he would win multiple trophies including the Champions League, 4 La Liga and 4 Serie A titles and the 2000 Ballon d'Or award.

He will be assisted by former Man United, Inter Milan and Real Madrid coach Rui Faria

Speaking at a press conference today Luis said

"I am extremely delighted to back at the club it all begun for me and I'm glad to have an man of immense knowledge to assist me in Rui. I worked with Rui while at Inter Milan and I knew as soon as this great opportunity arose for me that there was one man I wanted  by my side. I hope to have many great years here and to bring success back to this club so dear to my heart"

 

Edited April 28, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

Transfer Policy

As per my above Philosophies my plan and goal is to buy only players younger then 25 and help them grow, I will make exceptions for former Sporting players should they wish to come back.

I will first look to the academy before buying to as I wish to help the youth of the club grow.

One already pre-determined transfer is the signing of Luis Neto from Zenit on a free transfer, he will join in July next season.

Edited April 27, 2019 by lblanc

[Adzke]

Looking forward to this thread! I will definitly be starting a save at Estadio José Alvalade!

[kos77]

Also looking forward to this project !

[Carlf788]

Yeah looking forward to the opening thread and following it! Might give it a go too after my NUFC save

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Yeah after I get bored of my Ajax save I will be doing a Sporting save.

[TheJanitor]

Great team guide! Giving this a go.

[99]

As a FC Porto supporter and (probably) fellow portuguese, I congratulate you for this thread! Keep going.

[BadAss88]

You're really triggering me to start a Sporting CP-save  

Didn't know Raphinha is playing for Sporting this season, I had him at Anderlecht in FM18 and he was astonishing!

[lblanc]

Finished pre-season ubeaten only conceding 1 goal

First match of the Primeira Liga is against Chaves (A) then games against Rio Ave and Aves

Some transfer business concluded

 

OUT

Luc Castaignos to Trabzonspor for 750k

The Dutch forward as previously alluded to in the squad summary leaves for a mere 750k. he had one year left on his contract and was only worth 500k so a good bit of business

João Queiró- on loan to Mallorca

The young defender goes out on loan to get some game time to help his development

Pedro Empis and Pedro Marques - on loan to Farense

   

The two young Pedro's go out on loan to affiliate Farense to aid their development

IN

Xadas-900k from Braga

I don't think I need to say much about this lad, most FM players will know, this lad can turn into a World Class Player if developed correctly

Matias Vargas- 4.5m from Velez

As I plan to use Raphinha on the right hand side I wanted someone to give Acuna backup, I don't think anyone from the academy is quite right yet so from my Ar gentian Wonderkid Scouting list in comes Vargas at only 21 he has many years ahead of him.

 

Agustín Almendra- 3.5m from Boca

One I didn't really plan, but when the scout report came back as 94 sign whatever then I had to go for him. At only 18 he has a lot of time to develop into the Next World Class Argentinian playmaker.

 

Thiago Almada 1.5m (5m)-from Velez

 

The player dubbed the next Leo Messi will join in the summer of 2019. One very much to look forward to.

 

Edited April 27, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

August update

First 3 games of the season and I've finished them unbeaten unfortunately not with a 100% record

Two late goals for Rio Ave after a brilliant first half mean i've picked up 7 from a possible 9.

Europa League draw has been kind enough to me

The Fenerbahce match shall see the return of the Dragon Slayer Islam Slimani to Lisbon but Sheriff and Osijek shouldn't prove much trouble.

September will be an important one in terms of the fight for the top 2 spots as I play both Benfica and Porto at home

The draw for the League Cup Group phase has been kind too Guimarães will be the tricky one but thankfully that game is at home.

 

Player of the month

With a rating of 8.03 and 1 goal and 2 assists to his name Bruno Fernandes has been the key cog  in my midfield.

Deadline day transfer news

Out goes Petrovic to Malaga for 2.5m and Bruno Paz goes out on loan

League Table on September 1st

 

Edited April 28, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

Not a bad way to end your first derby

[Jogo Bonito]

A great thread and enjoyable read. I had a very good first season at Sporting prior to the winter update and managed to narrowly win the league which was very satisfying. The youth products were progressing very well and some would be able to join the main squad in season 2. I'm a slow FM player so unlikely to continue, but they're definitely a good club to manage. If I head back to Portugal on the winter update it's likely to be SLB as they have some good players and I believe FM would allow them to bring back Jovic and Jimenez too.

[lblanc]

Well my last update was winning the derby in fantastic fashion

Well what about this for dramatic

I'd gone ahead just before the break with a Bas Dost header. Then they scored the flukiest goal I've ever seen in FM when Renan (who has been faultless until this point) cannoned an attempted clearance into Aboubakar and the ball rolled in. Porto attacked me looking for the winner. I managed to stay strong at the back though. Then in the last minute of stoppage time I countered one last time when Porto cleared for a throw I thought that was it a draw. But a quick one two between Borja and Vargas set up Bruno just outside the area and BOOM!!! 

The José Alvalade went wild!!

A fantastic start to the season

Roll on October, were i'll only play at home once.

Player of month btw for September

With 5 Goals it's the big man

BAS DOST!!

Unlucky not to win it though was Wendel who was brilliant against Benfica and Osijek and an assist against Vitoria but just never got into the Porto game. But he is young and will learn, I've no doubt he'll claim the player of the month sometime during the season. Renan is another who was unlucky and has been very impressive so far.

Also an award for me too which was nice

Edited May 1, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

October brought another unbeaten month and two significant wins in the Europa League

The big news though happened in the 3rd round of the Taca

Making his first team debut and in style 

Diogo Bras

A goal and two assists for the young lad on his Professional debut

Luis Maximiano also made his pro debut in this match and he was close to a first clean sheet but unfortunately my defense switched off for a corner and it finished 4-1.

The two big wins in Europe coupled with Osijek beating Fenerbahce mean I have a 6 point gap over Fenerbahce the team I initially thought would cause me the most problems but one I humbled 4-0 away from home.

Porto are ahead of me at the moment though I have a game in hand which I believe I won't play until December.

November see's a tough away game to Maritimo to begin followed by a home tie against Fenerbahce who will be after some revenge, a win there and I'll be through the knockout phase with two game left to play and with the decider against Osijek to finish the month should they beat Sheriff.

Player of the month for October

It has to go to Jefferson he played in 4 out of the 5 games during the month and as seen below put in some great performances

 

 

[lblanc]

What a fantastic month November turned out to be

Not only did I go undefeated, I went through the month without conceding a single goal!

As such my player of the month is the rock at the back

Sebastian Coates who played in all 5 games and was immense throughout

The two wins in Europe see me top the group meaning hopefully an easier draw in the next round

In the league I'm now top by goal difference with a game in hand after Porto drew with Moreirense.

December is a long one

A total of 8 games including back to back away games against Braga in the cup and league.

 

[kos77]

Very nice and well written update. Although, this league is quite easy...not challenging enough. On the other hand, you have the chance to play around with your tactics and try new things. I think the most difficult part with Sporting is the financial part. They've got an outstanding loan of smg like 250 mil. That IS a challenge...!

Keep it up !

[lblanc]

15 hours ago, kos77 said:

Very nice and well written update. Although, this league is quite easy...not challenging enough. On the other hand, you have the chance to play around with your tactics and try new things. I think the most difficult part with Sporting is the financial part. They've got an outstanding loan of smg like 250 mil. That IS a challenge...!

Keep it up !

Yeah I noticed that the other day, it's why champions league is imperative.

[Jogo Bonito]

@lblanc Great updates and enjoyable reading. What role have you assigned to Acuna? I used him mainly as an attacking left-back as he had all the attributes to be effective there.

[lblanc]

57 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

@lblanc Great updates and enjoyable reading. What role have you assigned to Acuna? I used him mainly as an attacking left-back as he had all the attributes to be effective there.

Playing on the left wing, I've asked him to cross early from deep and aim for the centre namely Dost or Raphina, I've used him once or twice at left back but only if Borja/Jefferson are tiring and I have no cover on the bench, he's done a decent enough job at it though I'd be wary of his attacking intent. I've also found he his mentality is very aggressive hence why I've asked him to ease off the tackles. 

[Jogo Bonito]

Thanks for the answer. My year with Sporting was a little different as it was pre-update, but I will be following your progress.

[lblanc]

And the long month of December is over and so is my unbeaten run

A 1-0 loss to Braga away after an epic Penalty shootout win over them in the Taca de Portugal with Renan being the hero with 3 saves, including one to keep me in the tie after Chico missed

In the Europa League seems I was already through top of the group I decided to give some youngsters a game

Diogo Bras continued his impressive performances for the senior team scoring  2 and assisting 2 and gaining man of the match. I'm really tempted to bring him up to the seniors for the rest of the season. Also in that game Thierry Correira and Rafael Fernandes made their first team debuts with the latter becoming the youngest ever player to play for the Sporting First team

 

In the league cup 

There was massive surprise when Benfica crashed out after losing to Aves, I will now face Porto in the Semi Final

In Europe as I stated I finished top of the group and hoped for a decent draw

Well Rapid Vienna with the second leg at home is a decent one. There is though a lot of big names in the mix but also a lot who face off against each other too.

So back to the league my first loss to Braga what does it do to the league table

Benfica have a game in hand so can draw level but my goal difference will keep me ahead. Porto lost to Benfica dropping them back to 6 points, with both them away in the next few months the title challenge is going to a fun one.

Player of the month for December

With 5 goals and 4 assists during the month Marcos has been brilliant and thoroughly deserves the reward this month.

January sees the quest for the cup doubles continue plus the half way point of the title race.

There has been some movement in the transfer window but I will leave that until the January update.

Edited May 6, 2019 by lblanc

[BadAss88]

You're flying through the season! I haven't reached July yet, since I'm analysing the whole team!

[lblanc]

15 hours ago, BadAss88 said:

You're flying through the season! I haven't reached July yet, since I'm analysing the whole team!

Yeah I'm getting through this save quicker then I usually would. Really enjoyable save not only because I'm winning and playing great football but because I have the chance to use some very talented youngsters and not totally break the balance of the team.

It's going to be a tough summer though with all the players coming back from loan, but of course I'm not thinking about that just yet but I have one eye on it.

 

[lblanc]

January

Unfortunately the league cup* won't be coming back to Lisbon as Porto knocked me out in the Semi Final, though another month of going through the League campaign unbeaten and without conceding as such the Player of the month goes to

Renan Riberio, the Brazilian has an impressive 14 clean sheets in 18 games. Of course all the defense does their part but he deserves to called out for the season he is having so far.

With January finished it also means the transfer window has been closed.

I thankfully kept hold of my major stars, in fact despite interest no bids came in.

The only outgoings

Mathieu went to China 1.9m for 35 year old is a decent enough deal so I let him go, it gives me a chance to give younger players a chance Joao Querios has returned from Mallorca to fill the gap left. The other two permanent departures seen Bruno Paulista and Alan Ruiz leave, two players I can't find a place in my team.

The other two Plata and Bernando Sousa go out on loan to gain some first team football.

The only in during the January has seen me add some youth

Magnus Kaastrup signs for 500k (rising to 1m with appearances) from AGF

Spoiler

At only 18 he has some potential

In terms of the league table

Another loss for Porto during the month has seen them playing catch up to ourselves and Benfica, Benfica drew one their games during the month giving me a 2 point advantage. I will say though bar that result they have been relentless they haven't conceded in 11 straight games so I'm thinking my next meeting with them may decide where in Lisbon the title goes.

And of course

There they are straight bang in the middle of the month in between my Europa League ties, I have also drawn them in the Semi Final of the cup meaning I will play them twice more during the season.

 

*

The League Cup Final was held on the 27th January

Congrats to Braga

Edited May 10, 2019 by lblanc

[BadAss88]

It's going great! Curious to see if you can bring the first title since 2002! I'll be posting some updates on my Sporting CP save soon! 

[john1]

Not bad season there @lblanc

[lblanc]

The next two months are vital in that i'll be playing both Benfica and Porto, as long as I can take points off them even draws then I think i could win the title. though I have to wary of the likes of Braga for example.

As i said I'm really enjoying this save and glad others are too.

Edited May 11, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

February

What a month, I had to dig deep the highlight of course being the Lisbon Derby

Two goals in the 90th minute win the derby, big tip for anyone playing as Sporting if coming close to the end of games tell the team to shoot on sight and work it through the centre so it gets to Bruno Fernandes.

The Vitoria game could have seen me go 7 points clear as Benfica followed up their loss to me by drawing with Braga.

I thought to be honest I'd blown my big chance and was losing by 2-0 going into the last 10 minutes.

Two quick fire goals brought me back level, I then had two great chances to win it but couldn't take them, but still 5 points clear

With Benfica still to play Porto, I'm hoping they both drop points.

Of course who do I have next up in March?

Yup, Porto, followed by Schalke in the Europa League, a tough but tbh not a bad draw considering who I could have got

The Player of the month for February is a tough one, no one really stood out it was as I said a month were everyone had to dig deep but I have to choose one so I'm going to go for Jovane Cabral.

He'd been amazing in training for the last few weeks so I decided to give him a chance and he really held his own and gives me a right headache for that right hand wing.

In other news, after Battaglia and Doumbia have made the defensive mid role their own Nemanja Gudelj has returned to Guangzhou

 

[BadAss88]

It's going great so far! 4 games played in Liga NOS, 4 wins, 4 clean sheets!

[lblanc]

March

And the march towards the league title continues, dropped points to Santa Clara which was disappointing, thankfully Benfica also dropped points too. My win against Porto effectively makes it a two horse race given they are 10 points back, but who knows. 

In the cups a narrow first leg win against Benfica see me hold the advantage there, a match played during the international break which was odd meaning both teams were short of certain  first team players.

In Europe the 3-0 win at home was enough to see off Schalke though the second leg was too close for comfort.

You'll never guess who I then drew for the Quarter Finals

Yup that's right Benfica

So in April we'll play each 3 times.

The league table looks like this

5 points the gap though I have the better head to head having won both ties and a far superior goal difference. with Benfica still to play Porto I think I may have one hand on the League title.

The player of the month for March goes to

Raphinha

4 goals including 2 against Porto in the derby set him on his way, as I proclaimed in the Feb update himself and Cabral are really playing to their top form to try outdo each other

Edited May 14, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

So where i left off I had a packed month of April with a chance of 3 trophies to win, well after the month I delighted to say I still have a chance of 3 trophies.

Tondela game finished 0-0 and the other league games were decided by 1 goal each, in Europe a 2-1 home win followed by a 1-1 draw in Estadio da Luz seen me through, in the cup my 1-0 win in the previous month was enough to see me through to the Taca de Portugal final.

Player of the month has to go to the big man again

Vital goals against Benfica put me through to the Europa League Semi Final and his general workrate has being amazing.

In massive news, despite me dropping points in the league. Benfica have choked when they needed to be strong

They only picked up one win in April. What does that means for league

Simple I win my next match I win the league...

Before I have that league game I have the Europa League Semi Final where I drew Man Utd.

May fixtures are as follows

So Braga at home, a win will guarantee it but depending on the result of Porto vs Benfica which will be played on the Saturday 4th I may only need a point. I will state though I will have to do something really stupid to not win the league from here.

Edited May 16, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

League and cup double in my first season, something I wasn't fully expecting to do but i'm thrilled to do.

An unfortunate heavy defeat at Old Trafford seen me knocked out of the Europa League but getting to the Semi Finals was a superb achievement.

Season Stats and Awards as follows

Marcos Acuna with 40% of the vote was player of the season,

Dost finished the season with 28 goals

Battaglia's tough tackling earned him 10 yellows in the season, I didn't receive 1 red card all year which was a surprise.

 

 

[lblanc]

Portuguese League Awards 2018/19

An amazing 8 players were named in the the team of the year

Unfortunately none of the 8 would win the Player of the Year as that went to Porto's Jesus Corona

But Raphinha and Renan won the Young player and Goalkeeper of the season awards

I also won Manager of the season.

For next season some transfer news already

IN

First in as an already confirmed signing

Luis Neto- Free

The Portuguese centre back returns to Portugal after his time in Russia with Zenit, he also had a season on loan at Fenerbahce. 

Spoiler

An experienced head who'll be a help to the young centre backs in the team.

Thiago Almada-€4m from Velez

One which I have already posted about he officially signed at the start of last season but couldn't join until this summer. 

Spoiler

Capable as an attacking mid or a striker, looks like he'll become a world beater.

Alejandro Marques - Free from Barcelona

At 18 this is one for the future the young Venezuelan will most likely spend his time in the U19 and U23 teams 

Spoiler

Some impressive stats there already for an 18 year old, Hopefully he can learn from Dost and Phellype and reach his potential.

 

Freddie Woodman-325k from Newcastle

After Newcastle were relegated :-( I seen that Woodman was transfer listed for a nice fee of only 325k at 22 years old he does have time on his side. I managed to sign him over Roma after I promised to help develop him with Cup games which I try to fulfill.

Spoiler

My coaching team deem him to be surplus to requirements but I think he can come good he's young and has some impressive stats already.

OUT

Jefferson- €2m to Crystal Palace -After 6 years at Sporting Jefferson the left back wanted a new challenge at 30 I was more the obliged to let him go, his departure leaves a space in my squad for some of the younger players to challenge for the left back spot with Borja

Romain Salin 700k to Millwall- at 35 he was coming close to retirement age, an experienced head I would have liked to keep but he didn't want to extend his contract which would have finished in 2020 so I offered him out 700k was the best I got so off he went. 

Andre Geraldes- free to Braga- This is one I'm most annoyed with, I had a €2m fee agreed with Sporting Gijon were he spent last season on loan only for him to reject their offer and then agree a free transfer to Braga. Best of luck to him all the same,

Abdoulay Diaby- €5m Gent- The Malian forward returns to Belgium, he was a bit part player for me but with Dost being so lethal I never really could give him the time he wanted. I decided to sell after he moaned and started to miss training sessions and when he did turn up was terrible. 

 

There will be a lot more outs before the window closes with 39 players coming back from loan, some I will sell others will go out on loan again. 

[BadAss88]

Congrats on winning the double!

[Jogo Bonito]

Agreed, great work in your first season @lblanc and every update is an enjoyable read .

[lblanc]

Thanks.

Really enjoying my time with Sporting it has to be said and the results have surprised me a lot .

I'll post an update probably later this evening, just passed the summer transfer window, so I'll give an update on a a busy window having to deal with players coming back on loan, contract rebellion from a star player and breaking Sporting's transfer record.

Either way my plans for this season are based around the phrase (Apologies if the Portuguese is incorrect)

 

BUSCA PELO VIGÉSIMO

 

If my limited Portuguese is correct that means QUEST FOR THE TWENTIETH

Last season triumph makes it 19 league titles for Sporting, this season we shall aim for number 20!! and our first back to back since the great 1950's team .

 

[karanhsingh]

Hey, really enjoying this thread. Keep up the good work. It's inspiring me to have a go with Sporting myself, but I am enjoying my Cardiff save a lot right now, so maybe later! 

How has Bruno Fernandes fared for you, didn't seem to score a lot of goals? He has been lethal IRL apparently. 

I am sure you already have, but take a look at Trincao from Braga as well.

[lblanc]

1 hour ago, karanhsingh said:

Hey, really enjoying this thread. Keep up the good work. It's inspiring me to have a go with Sporting myself, but I am enjoying my Cardiff save a lot right now, so maybe later! 

How has Bruno Fernandes fared for you, didn't seem to score a lot of goals? He has been lethal IRL apparently. 

I am sure you already have, but take a look at Trincao from Braga as well.

Bruno has been brilliant for me, not sure off hand how many he actually scored and assisted during last season but I remember he came up with the goods when I needed something.

His long shots and vision and passing ability did account to a lot of chances created, where he wasn't necessarily the assister but had a big part in the goals I scored. i.e. he made the pass the second last pass before the goal or his shots hit the woodwork or are saved and rebounds are capitalised on.

I have him in my PSG save and he hit close to 20 goals in one season, that was playing him as a Deep Lying Playmaker, with Sporting I've been playing him as an Advanced Playmaker so he getting the ball higher up, in the last few games I switched to a 4-2-3-1 with him in the centre of the 3 and as stated above he was usually the one threading the ball out to the wingers/ overlapping fullbacks to cross into the centre.

I've plans to try out a type of WM formation this season so I'm thinking of having a roaming playmaker at the W base.

IRL he has hit 20 goals and 13 assists.

Yeah Trincao is one who is on my watch list, I was tempted but I have some many great wingers in my squad with Acuna, Raphinha, Vargas, Jovane, Bras, Matheus Pereira all available for me, I've also got a very nice regen who joined my academy this year.

I also brought in Xadas who while better suited as a central attacking mid, is more the capable on either wing in fact I've had the most success using him as an inside forward on the right where he can cut in onto his left foot.

Edited May 20, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

Second Season

So I've gone through the first two months of the 2nd season

A relatively short pre-season of 3 friendlies in the Netherlands  was followed by the Super Taca

A 2-1 win meant I won my 3rd piece of silverware with Sporting, before the league begun another friendly versus Girona followed, my defence then got off to the perfect start with two wins from two, a draw with Guimaraes followed but a commanding 7-1 win over Belenenenses followed.

It is still early days but top of the table and ahead of Porto and Benfica is a good place to be.

Transfers out first of all

A lot of youngsters go out on loan again to gain experience, also a good few of the deadwood leave too

IN

As I stated above there was still two transfers into the club 

First up after sending Pedro Silva and Luis Maximiano out on loan I only had Renan and Woodman as my two main keepers. I wanted to bring in someone who could learn alongside Renan and compete with Woodman and who was Portuguese

Andre Moreira

For the relatively small fee of 950K (Potentially rising to 2m) from Atlético Madrid

Spoiler

 

 

The next in was a record fee for Sporting CP at €15.5m from Sport Club Internacional

Iago

Spoiler

The young left back comes in to compete with Borja, his physicals are very good in terms of agility and acceleration, technically he can still improve but he was someone I had scouted all last year and only received glowing reports 

 

Now onto to the contract rebel I mentioned above, after Bruno Fernandes agreed to stay at the club and sign a new contract worth 55k a week, last season's Young Player of the Year Raphinha decided he wanted similar which no way was I going to give him, he is good but not 55k good..yet

I've said no to him and of course he moaned and requested a transfer which I of course did not grant him as I do see him as an important part of the future (just not 55k worth a week) he has a buyout clause in his current deal of €60M which if met then I'd be happy to sell him for, but for the moment with the window closed until January he will remain I will be hoping a bit of time on the bench will make him see the error of his ways.

Of course with winning the league last season I qualified for the Champions League.

I was 3rd seeds in the draw which meant I was looking for some luck in the draw

A group of Inter Milan, Shakhtar and Slavia Prague is both a challenging yet favorable group, One I feel I could well compete in.

In the League Cup

An extremely favorable group should pose  me little trouble if I play to my best

And it is those two competitions I start September

Two home games against Slavia and Arouca before a home game against Rio  Ave and my first big league test.

One last update for August

The top 3 in the player of the month were all Sporting players.

Another point I will add is how Benfica's wonderkids were plucked away

Their 31M purchase of Chris Wood raised my eyebrow though.

 

As for Porto

The lack of Champions League football seen them sell Aboubakar and Marega, to try and balance the books. Showing how important and necessary it is to finish in the top 2 in Portugal.

 

 

Edited May 21, 2019 by lblanc

[lblanc]

End of September in the 2nd season, unbeaten still

Though I will say a little bit unconvincing bar that Rio Ave result.  A narrow win against Slavia and I'm not going to lie a lucky win against Arouca with my youngsters set me on the way, Rio Ave were brushed aside. The Porto game you would think I say good result but Porto were down to 10 men since the 25th minute and I failed to make my chances pay.

Braga currently sit top and have been scoring for fun, it will interesting to see if they can continue their form and challenge the  Três Grandes.

Player of the month

Captain fantastic Bruno Fernandes. Produced numerous pieces of magic in the 3 games he played in September (rested for the LC). 

 

October sees tough away games in the Champions League and two home league games as well as two domestic cup games in the Taca and League Cup. 

 

[lblanc]

Another great month

Two wins in the Champions League put me in charge of the group,

Two great performances especially away to Shakthar where I had been 2-1 down

But two pieces of Raphinha magic turned it round and then Phellype gave me a cushion.

In the two domestic cups I gave some younger players a goal and they didn't disappoint

 

Echedey Carpintier scored two fantastic goals and almost completed his hat trick late only for him to be called offside.

That Chaves result was a little too close too, 

Costinha had put them ahead early on only for Bruno to equalise, Dost put me ahead then Battaglia was sent off for a two foot lunge and they scored directly from that set piece. A little reworking of the team into a midfield diamond I dropped Bruno from attacking mid to a deep lying mid role where he could pick it up and start counters but he went one better when he cracked in the winner. A nervy last 30 minutes but I survived.

And it is all change at the top after Braga drew at home to Feirense.

Player of the month is a tough one I could give it Bruno Fernandes for his match winning performances against Chaves and his 4 assists during the month or it could go to Raphinha for his performances against Shakhtar and Inter but i'm going to for

Matheus Pereira

 

Pereira has been fantastic since he came back from Nurnberg this season. I really have a nice headache on the wings now.

November sees my first clash with Benfica this season after we drew each other in the Taca.