FM14: Willkommen in München

[sabotai]

TSV 1860 München

Germany, 2. Bundesliga (2nd Division)

Player Budget: $261k per week
Player Payroll: $261k per week

I have a transfer budget of $222k, but no room in the budget to sign anyone.

Tactics - Starting off with the good ol' 4-4-2.

GK: Gábor Király (37yo, 3.5 stars) (Goalkeeper - Defend)

DL: Moritz Volz (30yo, 2 stars) (Fullback - Defend)
CDL: Kai Bülow (27yo, 3.5 stars) (Central Defender - Defend)
CDR: Guillermo Vallori (30yo, 3.5 stars) (Central Defender - Defend)
DR: Markus Steinhöfer (27yo, 3 stars) (Fullback - Defend)

ML: Daniel Adlung (25yo, 3 stars) (Wide Midfielder - Attack)
MCL: Dominik Stahl (24yo, 3 stars) (Deep Lying Playmaker - Support)
MCR: Yannick Stark (22yo, 3.5 stars) (Ball Winning Midfielder - Support)
MR: Moritz Stoppelkamp (26yo, 3 stars) (Wide Midfielder - Attack)

ST: Benjamin Lauth (31yo, 3.5 stars) (Complete Forward - Attack)
ST: Yuya Osako (23yo, 4 stars) (Poacher - Attack)

I have a few starting worthy players out with injuries that will not be back and in shape in time for the start of the season. Both Volz and Steinhöfer are better as wingbacks than as fullbacks, but I want to start off games with my back 4 playing defensively. My plan is to change them to wingbacks and go offensive at halftime if the score is tied or if we're down. And if that happens frequently, I'll change them to wingbacks fulltime.

[Brian Swartz]

Cool! Can't remember the last time I saw a German FM dynasty on here.

[sabotai]

7/1/2013: Friendly: 3-1 Win vs. Kecskemet (Hungarian Div. 1)

7/2/2013: Hired another scout (14/14 in judging) to help me out. I only had one scout.

7/4/2013: Friendly: 4-0 Win vs. Paks (Hungarian Div. 1)

7/5/2013: Sky Bet gives us 5-1 odds to gain promotion to the Bundesliga.

7/7/2013: German Cup Draw: We drew Bielefeld, a 2. Bundesliga team. Was hoping to get an easy first game. There are a few D1 vs. D2 games.

7/8/2013: Friendly: 2-1 Win vs. Diosgyori (Hungarian Div. 1) - We dominated this match but just couldn't find the back of the net. A goal in the 90th minute saved us from a draw.

7/15/2013: Friendly: 4-1 Win vs. Plauen

7/17/2013: Transfer: I sold young player Mike Ott (midfielder) to Schalke for a deal totally $2.2 million. My supporters gave it mixed reviews. They didn't want him to go but were happy we got a few million for him.

I've also loaned out several of our higher tiered young players so they can get some first team playing experience.

[sabotai]

Cool! Can't remember the last time I saw a German FM dynasty on here.

Ich hoffe, es gefällt dir!

[sabotai]

7/21/2013: Division (H): Tied 2-2 vs. Cottbus. Led 2-1 and lost it in the 89th minute when a shot bounced off the goalpost, and then bounced off the back of my GK to go into the net.

7/24/2013: We are told that our German Cup match was rescheduled so it could be shown on TV and that we'll be getting $575k in TV money.

7/26/2013: Division (A): Win 2-1 vs. FSV Frankurt. They scored in the second minute due to a defensive lapse in concentration, but we get it back on a corner kick right before half time. Stahl got sent off in the 63rd minute after getting 2 yellows, but we still score a goal in the 68th minute. It was scored an own goal by their GK. He got most of the ball on his save attempt and but it slowly rolled into the goal just as he got to it after he recovered. I guess he accidentally knocked it in when he tried to get it right before it crossed the line.

[sabotai]

8/4/2013: German Cup: Win 3-1 vs. Bielefeld. Osako with the hat trick! We also received $131k for the win.

8/9/2013: Division (H): Draw 1-1 vs. Union Berlin. We dominated the action, 22 shots to 9, 6 on target to 3. We had a few that we so close.

8/10/2013: German Cup Draw: We drew a 2. Bundesliga team, Aue. The game will be played on Sept. 23.

[sabotai]

8/18/2013: Division (A): Draw 1-1 vs. St. Pauli. Led 1-0 most of the way but they scored in the 88th minute to get the draw. Told my team that I wasn't happy with that result and they all appeared fired-up by it. Domink Stahl was injured in the game and will be replaced by Daniel Bierofka. Luckily he'll only miss one or two games. Stahl is second to Osako in form so far this year so I need him back.

8/25/2013: Division (H): Win 2-0 vs. Kaiserslautern. Went up 1-0, Osako gets hurt. Send in Bobby Shou Wood who gets hurt, so I switch to a 4-5-1 tactic I have as one of my backups. Score a second goal out of it. We held them to only 5 shots, 2 on target. It helped that they had 18 fouls.

Wood is fine, Osako will miss 4-5 weeks, and Bierofka got hurt at the very end of the game and will be out for 2 weeks.

I was asked about my opponents playing dirty and I took the diplomatic route (I'm a new head coach, I should probably keep my head down a bit).

After 5 games, we're sitting in 3rd place, one of 3 teams without a lose. Köln is 5-0-0, Bochum is 4-1-0, and we're 2-3-0.

[sabotai]

8/30/2013: Division (A): Tie 2-2 vs. Fürth. We went up 2-0, but gave up one goal to them and in the 78th minute, a header from Schindler went the wrong direction (into our goal).

9/15/2013: Division (A): Win 2-0 vs. SV Sandhausen. We hit the crossbar 3 times. Could have been 5-0.

Our match in the German Cup vs. Aue has been moved to the 24th so it can be on TV. We'll be getting $575k in TV money.

Most of my players are around 90% for the next match due to the scheduling. The game with Sandhausen had to be rescheduled. Perfect. I play the best team in 2. Bundesliga next.

9/17/2013: Signing: We signed striker Stefan Maierhofer on a free transfer. He's getting $9.25k per week. I used some of the money from the transfer budget to boost the payroll so we could sign him. He's 31 years old, has great mental attributes and looks to be a great Target Man or Advanced Forward.

9/18/2013: Division (H): Win 5-3 vs. Köln. We scored 4 goals in the first half and took a 4-0 lead. My guys unsurprisingly faded in the 2nd half but we were able to hold on for the win.

We now have a game in 4 days, and then our German Cup game 2 days after that...

9/22/2013: Division (H): Lose 0-5 vs. Düsseldorf. With the German Cup game just 2 days later, I played mostly backups. I was giving the game away, but 0-5...geez...

9/24/2013: German Cup: Lose 1-2 vs. Aue. We played like total crap in the first half and managed to show up for the 2nd. Not good enough.

We received $327k for getting to (and losing in) the 2nd round of the German Cup.

[sabotai]

9/29/2013: Division (A): Lose 0-1 vs. Karlsruhe. With 30 seconds left in extra time at the end of the game, the ball just sat there in fron of the net, wide open, 2 players right there but they just couldn't get it. Longest 1.5 seconds of the season so far.

10/4/2013: Division (H): Draw 1-1 vs. Ingolstadt

10/13/2013: Division (A): Win 2-0 vs. Aue.


Bobby Shou Wood doesn't like that he's not getting my first team time. Osako and Lauth are the starters, I have Stefan Maierhofer now who's a good target man and when they've had their chances, Stephan Hain has played better. Wood is 5th of 5 strikers on the team right now. The guy has a ton of potential and is only 20 years old. He could end up being great, but there's just no space for him now. I offered to loan him out and he said no. So, he's transfer listed and we'll see what happens.

So far the season MVP is MR Moritz Stoppelkamp. His average rating is 7.32 so far this season, highest by far for the team.

The bright side of potentially selling Wood is that I'll be able to build up my defense. Christopher Schindler is only defender pulling his weight. Vallori is the team captain, but he's been very average and the two fullbacks, Mortiz Volz and Markus Steinhöfer have played poorly. I have a player, Grzegorz Wojtkowiak, who I can try in one of the fullback positions, but I need major help on defense.

I did make an offer to a good 22 year old D(C) with some potential, but he was expecting to be treated like a star so no go there.

[sabotai]

10/20/2013: Division (H): 0-4 Loss vs. Paderborn. No idea how to explain this one. My guys just got beat down.

11/3/2013: Division (A): 2-1 Win vs. Bielefeld.

11/10/2013: Division (H): 1-0 Win vs. Dresden. Both teams had over 20 shots (23 for me - 9 on target, 22 for Dresden - 7 on target). Frustrating watching Osako and Stoppelkamp miss shots they've been making all year as well as watching the other team tee off on us. Lauth finally buried one in the 85th minute to give us the win.

Right now we are in 4th place, tied with 3rd (Köln) in points and with the same record but they have +7 GD and we just have +1.

[sabotai]

11/24/2013: Division (A): Win 2-1 vs. Aalen. Stoppelkamp back in form in this match with an assist and being named player of the match with an 8.1 rating.

12/1/2013: Division (A): Draw 1-1 vs. Bochum. Bochum is the division leader right now so I'm content with a draw on the road against them.

World Cup news: Germany (2nd in world ranking) drew Group D along with England (11th), Costa Rica (40th) and Peru (18th).

12/13/2013: Division (A): Win 3-2 vs Cottbus. Was hoping to do better against one of the last teams in the division, but the win is most important. Stoppelkamp saves us from a draw with a goal in the 87th minute, his second of the match. This win also moved us into 2nd place in the division.

[sabotai]

12/22/2013: Division (H): Win 5-3 vs. FSV Frankfurt. Took a quick 3-0 lead, and was coasting to a 4-1 win when they score twice (81st, 89th minutes). Stoppelkamp completes the hat trick in the 90th minute to stop the bleeding on defense and secure us the win.

The next game is in 47 days, so I suppose I should schedule some friendlies to keep my guys match fit.

1/6/2014: Friendly (H): Win 1-0 vs. FC Bayern II. 25,806 showed up to watch us take on FC Bayern's second squad. That's the most we've gotten for a home game, but not much higher. Most of our home games get ~18k-23k to show up. Our last game against FSV Frankfurt had the most so far this year with 23,299.

[sabotai]

1/14/2014: Friendly (A): Draw 3-3 vs. Anderlecht (Belgium team - unsimmed league)

1/21/2014: Friendly (H): Win 1-0 vs. Schalke (German 1st Division - middle of the rankings)

[sabotai]

1/27/2014: Friendly (H): Win 4-2 vs. Eching

2/2/2014: Friendly (H): Win 4-0 vs. FT Starnberg

And now the midseason break friendlies are done. Back to business.

[sabotai]

2/9/2014: Division (A): Win 3-1 vs. Union Berlin. Osako got two goals and player of the match. He has 8 goals on the season in division games. We're 1 point behind #1 Bochum and 1 point ahead of #3 Inglostadt in the standings.

2/16/2014: Division (H): Draw 1-1 vs. St. Pauli. St. Pauli is the 12th ranked team and Bochum won their latest game. I need to be winning games like this.

2/24/2014: Division (A): Win 1-0 vs. Kaiserlauten.

2/28/2014: Division (H): Win 3-0 vs. Fürth.

We are tied in points with Bochum for 1st place, but are 2nd due to goal difference. We are +11 and they are +12. We are 4 points ahead of Ingolstadt.

[sabotai]

Youth Candidates to watch

M R - Metehan Subasi - 14 years old - scouted potential - 4 stars
M/AM L - Michael Schneider - 14 years old - scouted potential - 3.5 stars
D R - Kristijan Con - 15 years old - scouted potential - 3.5 stars
M C - Iasonas Moumos - 14 years old - scouted potential - 3 stars

The rest are between 0.5 to 2.5 stars potential.

3/9/2014: Division (A): Win 1-0 vs. Köln. We faced a lot of pressure in the 1nd half but held on for the win.

My U19 team defeated the Youth Candidates 4-2.

Stoppelkamp told me that he wants to move to a bigger club. I told him I think that we can win promotion this year. He said that if we don't, he will be gone. He's contracted to 2015 so I'll have him for at least another year. But if he keeps playing out o fhis mind, I could get a ton of money to upgrade everywhere. Right now he's valued at $4.9M.

3/16/2014: Division (H): Draw 1-1 vs. Sandhausen. On a freezing cold, snowy pitch, we settle for a draw against one of the bottom teams of the division. I told my team that I was not happy. They all responded favorably to my reaction. That does mark twelve straight games without a defeat, though.

[sabotai]

3/22/2014: Division (A): Draw 0-0 vs. Düsseldorf. They were 3rd place in the rankings. The draw keeps the status quo going. Bochum win their game and have pulled ahead by 4 points. We are 2 points ahead of Düsseldorf with 8 games to go. 2nd place is good enough for promotion. This is the first game in a 6 day stretch where I have three games.

3/25/2014: Division (H): Win 2-0 vs. Karlsruhe. Had several backups in and still got the win. Bochum lost to Düsseldorf. That pulls us to 1 point behind.

3/28/2014: Division (A): Win 2-1 vs. Ingolstadt. Some of my guys were tired for this one, but so were several of their players. I still told my guys to play at a lower tempo to conserve their energy. Bochum lost to Karlsruhe. That puts us 2 points in 1st place.

I negotiate a new contract. A 2 year deal giving me $15,500 per week (a raise of $1,500 per week), plus an $84k promotion bonus. I also get a 15% raise on promotion to the top tier. I bought some more money on the promotional bonus by throwing in a 50% decline in my salary if we get relegated. Well that won't happen this year and if it happens next year (even if we win promotion), well, I would kinda deserve to have my salary slashed.

3 months left to sign my players with expiring contracts.

Daniel Bierofka - A backup making $15k per week, plus he's 35 years old. I'd only resign him if he were willing to take a massive pay cut, and he's not.

Necat Aygün - A backup making $5.5k per week. I offer him a $6k per week contract for 1 year and he accepts. Can't have all my backups walking away.

Kodjovi Koussou - A 3.5 star prospect at the same position as Stoppelkamp. Stoppelkamp might be walking soon. I lock him up for 3 years at $4k per week.

I lock up several other 2.5-3 star prospects on the cheap. Anyone with a potential or actual star rating of 2 or less is not being resigned.

4/6/2014: Division (H): Lose 0-1 vs. Aue. I decided to back off a bit and just calmly tell them it just wasn't our day. They responded favorably to it. Luckily Bochum tied, so we're still 1 point up on them.

[sabotai]

4/12/2014: Division (A): Win 4-3 vs. Paderborn. We were ahead 4-1 with a goal right after half time began, but then Paderborn scored two quick goals at the 51st and 58th minute. We locked down on defense the last 30 minutes though and they didn't get close to getting that 4th goal.

I give a youth contract to the youth candidates that are 2 star prospects.

Marco - a Spanish 15 year old M/AM (L) prospect. My scouts rate him a 5 star prospect. I give him a contract to 2018 worth $1k per week.

4/17/2014: Division (H): Lost 2-3 vs. Bielefeld. We lost Benjamin Lauth for a few weeks to injury prior to this match. Stoppelkamp has been our MVP but Lauth has been 2nd best. 9 goals, 14 assists, 7.18 Avg Form. Contrast that with Osako, who has 11 goals but just 1 assist. Losing Lauth hurts just as much as losing Stoppelkamp would, and we have to make the final stretch of the season without him.

With 3 games to go, we are up 4 points on Düsseldorf but have fallen to 2nd and are 2 points behind Bochum. On top of that, Bochum will be our last game. I'm hoping Lauth will return for the last game.

4/27/2014: Division (A): Win 1-0 vs. Dresden. With this win, we a guaranteed a playoff spot.

Lauth returns to full training.

5/4/2014: Division (H): Win 3-0 vs. Aalen. Lauth won player of the match with 2 goals. Now we get ready for our showdown with Bochum. With this win, we secure promotion as we are 4 points ahead of Düsseldorf,. We'll be playing Bochum to determine 1st place.

5/11/2014: Division (H): Win 3-1 vs. Bochum. And with that, we win the division. 47,267 people attended the game. Our friendly with Schalke was still out highest attended game until this one. Nearly 20,000 more people came this game and we delivered.

We received $14.46M for winning the division.

Not too surprising that we were able to get promotion. I took over one of the btter teams in the 2. Bundesliga. At the beginning of the season, we were given the 4th best odds of winning the division.

Now that we made it to the Bundesliga, the real challenge of dethroning FC Bayern Münich as the Fußball team in the great city of Münich begins.

[Greyfriars Bobby]

Congratulations on your championship, and good luck in the Bundesliga next season. I'm enjoying following your dynasty. Keep up the good work!

[sabotai]

Congratulations on your championship, and good luck in the Bundesliga next season. I'm enjoying following your dynasty. Keep up the good work!

Vielen Dank!

[sabotai]

My signing of striker Stefan Maierhofer didn't work out like I had hoped. He looked to be a great Target Man, but a funny thing happened as the year went on. He got old. I was told he was a 4 star Target Man. By the end of the year, that dropped to 2.5 stars.

Stoppelkamp came out of nowhere for me. He's now listed as a 4 star player after starting the year at 3 stars. Hopefully he'll be happy now that we made it to the Bundesliga.

I started off the year playing a 4-4-2, but then started using a 4-1-1-2-2 that I developed. Well, it started out as a 4-1-2-1-2, but I didn't have anyone to play the AMC role, so I moved the AMC to MC and the wingers up to attacking wingers and so I have a 4-1-1-2-2. It seemed to work well. The DCs play as Central Defenders (Defend), the defensive wingers play as Fullbacks (Defend). The DMC plays as a Deep-Lying Playmaker (Defend) and the MC plays as a Ball-Winning Midfielder (Support). The two wingers play as Inside Forwards (Attack). One striker is a Poacher (or Target Man - either Attack) and the other plays as a Complete Forward (Support).

I also had Shorter Passing and Much Deeper Defensive Line team instructions on all season.

When it was time to go defensive, I usually didn't change mentality too far down. Usually just put it on Counter, and changed the DMC to play as an Anchor Man and put the Ball-Winning Midfielder on Defend.

I also made a 4-1DM-2-2-1, but never really got a chance to use it. With Lauth and Osako, I never wanted to take either of them off the pitch, so just stuck with my formations with 2 strikers.

In truth, I wanted the DMC to play as a Regista, and while Stark was rated a 4 star as that as well, I just went with the normal Deep-Lying Playmaker because I didn't want my defense to be exposed while he was being too aggressive.. I'll experiment with a DMC Regista next season if I can boost my defense.

Going by average rating, my defensive wingers and my goalkeeper are my weakest areas.

[sabotai]

FC Bayern Münich won the German Cup. Enjoy it while it lasts...

And they won the Bundesliga title, winning the division by 8 points and going 22-8-4 with a +40 GD (65 for, 25 against)

[sabotai]

Stoppelkamp won the 2. Bundesliga player of the year. And was also named to the 2.Bundesliga team of the year (our only player on it)

I won the 2. Bundesliga coach of the year award.

[sabotai]

Competition Reputation

1. LIGA BBVA (up from 3rd)
2. Bundesliga (up from 2nd)
3. Premier Division (down from 1st)
4. Serie A (stayed at 4th)
5. Ligue 1 (stayed at 5th)

[JonInMiddleGA]

I won't go into detail about how long it took me to figure out that Division (H) and Division (A) meant Home and Away rather than suggesting that the team was playing in two different divisions simultaneously.

Nope, not even gonna discuss that.

[sabotai]

The board have set the initial budget at $400k per week with a transfer budget of $2.1M. I tell them we can get a mid-standing finish. $425k per week and $2.6M transfer budget.

We receive $14.41M in TV money this year.

We made a profit of just over $10M last year.

World Cup News
Germany 1-1 tie with Peru; England 3-1 win over Costa Rica.
Germany 2-0 win over Costa Rica; England 6-0 win over Peru
Germany 0-2 lose to England; Peru 2-2 tie with Costa Rica

Germany advances

I spend some of my money.

For $1.8M, I get D(LC) Markus Suttner (27 years old) from FK Austria Wien. He is a 4-star player at the position I was weakest at last year (D(L) Fullback). We are paying him $25k per week, along with a bunch of bonuses.

For $450k, I get D(C) Daniel Hofstetter who is a potential 4 star player. He's 22 is currently 2 stars. He signed for $9.25k per week. I pulled the rigger because Vellori is getting old (32) and Bülow hasn't been playing up to snuff. My best D(C) was Christopher Schindler (who is 24 years old), but I had to play him at D(L) for lack of a decent player to put there.

Now if Hofstetter progresses well, I can have Schindler and Hofstetter at D(C) with Suttner and Steinhöfer (3.5 as Fullback at D(R) - 28 years old) on the wings and have my D-Line in good shape for at least a few years.

Transfer budget is now gone. But I still have nearly $50k per week of room to resign my players and grab a few new players on a free.

World Cup news: Germany 2-1 win over Columbia. Advance to quarter finals

We are given 200-1 odds of winning the Bundesliga title.

Our mortal enemies, FC Bayern, are favorites at 4-5.

World Cup news: Germany 1-0 win over France. They advance to the semi-finals.

It's an all European Semi-Finals at the World Cup. Germany will play Belgium and Italy plays Spain.

German Cup Draw: we draw non-division team Lübeck.

[sabotai]

TSV 1860 Münich - 2014 Roster

Goalkeepers
GK Gábor Király - Hungarian - 38 yo - 3.5 / 3.5 stars ($17,500 p/w)
GK Vitus Eicher - German - 23 yo - 2 / 3.5 stars ($3,100 p/w)
GK Michael Netolitzky - German - 20 yo - 1.5 / 3.5 stars ($950 p/w)
GK György Székely - Hungarian - 19 yo - 1 / 2 stars ($950 p/w)
GK Tobias Beck - German - 15 yo - 2.5(silver) / 2 stars ($140 p/w)

Király was the starter last year and will continue in that role. Eicher was the backup and I'll keep him in that role as well, as well as playing for the 2nd squad. Last year, Netolitzky was loaned our and I'll probably do the same this year hoping he improves.

It doesn't look good for Székely or Beck being in my long term plans. But Beck is only 15 and his scouted potential could change.

[sabotai]

Defenders

(Listed by best position, not all of their listed postions)

Defender - Left
Markus Suttner - Austrian - 27 yo - 4 / 4 stars ($25,000 p/w)
Sebastian Hertner - German - 23 yo - 2 / 2.5 stars ($4,400 p/w)
Phillipp Steinhart - German - 22 yo - 2 / 2.5 stars ($3,900 p/w)
Peter Kurzweb - German - 20 yo - 1.5 / 2.5 stars ($3,100 p/w)
Maximilian Wittek - German - 18 yo - 1 / 2.5 stars ($1,300 p/w)
Angelo Mayer - German - 17 yo - 3(silver) / 2 stars ($250 p/w)

Defender - Right
Markus Steinhöfer - German - 28 yo - 3.5 / 3.5 stars ($24,500 p/w)
Moritz Volz - German - 31 yo - 3 / 3 stars ($13,500 p/w)
Grzegorz Wojtkowiak - Polish - 30 yo - 2.5 / 2.5 stars ($12,000 p/w)
Markus Schwabl - German - 23 yo - 2 / 2.5 stars ($4,100 p/w)
Kristijan Con - German - 15 yo - 5(silver) / 4.5 stars ($140 p/w)
Andreas Scheidl - German - 19 yo - 4.5(silver) / 1.5 stars ($375 p/w)

Suttner and Steinhöfer are the clear starters. Volz and Wojtkowiak can play as backups for both sides, but I plan to work Hertner and Steinhart into some games if I don't find loan offers for them.

If the scouting reports hold true, Con will be a future star.

Defender - Center
Christopher Schindler - German - 24 yo - 3.5 / 4 stars ($15,500 p/w)
Guillermo Vallori - Spanish - 32 yo - 3 / 3 star ($11,000 p/w)
Kai Bülow - German - 28 yo - 3 / 3 stars ($11,000 p/w)
Daniel Hofstetter - German - 22 yo - 2 / 3.5 stars ($9,250 p/w)
Manuel Bühler - German - 22 yo - 1.5 / 2 stars ($2,100 p/w)
Necat Aygün - German - 34 yo - 1.5 / 1.5 stars ($7,500 p/w)
Christoph Rech - German - 21 yo - 1 / 2 stars ($2,900 p/w)
Felix Weber - German - 19 yo - 1 / 2 stars ($375 p/w)
Philipp Walter - German - 18 yo - 5(silver) / 2 stars ($230 p/w)
Korbinian Burger - German - 19 yo - 4.5(silver) / 1.5 stars ($375 p/w)
Andreas Hartmann - German - 14 yo - 4(silver) / 3.5 stars ($140 p/w)
Haguibo Soro - German - 15 yo - 3.5(silver) / 2.5 stars ($140 p/w)

Schindler is my best starter and Vallori had been the captain but i think it's time for someone else to take that role. Vallori and Bülow will be in open competition during friendlies for the starting role, but I'll rotate them in and out through the season unless one becomes clearly the better starter. Hofstetter will get plenty of 1st team play as well.

I've asked Aygün if he'd agree to a mutual termination. Just his salary alone will cost me $390,000 this year, and releasing him on a free will cost me $375,000. So if he declines mutual termination, I'll just release him.

[sabotai]

Defensive Midfielders
Yannick Stark - German - 23 yo - 3.5 / 4 stars ($12,500 p/w)
Dominik Stahl - German - 25 yo - 3.5 / 3.5 stars ($10,750 p/w)
Stefan Wannenwetsch - German - 22 yo - 3 / 3.5 stars ($4,400 p/w)
Angelos Oikonomou - Greek - 18 yo - 1 / 3.5 stars ($2,900 p/w)
Marius Wolf - German - 19 yo - 5(silver) / 2 stars ($375 p/w)
Joseph-Antoine Tchoumi - 15 yo - 3.5(silver) / 2.5 stars ($85 p/w)

Central Midfielders
Andreas Geipl - German - 22 yo - 1.5 / 2.5 stars ($4,000 p/w)
Julian Weigl - German - 18 yo - 1.5 / 4 stars ($375 p/w)
Iasonas Moumos - Greek - 15 yo - 3(silver) / 2.5 stars ($140 p/w)

Stark is better at the Deep-Lying Playmaker role that I use in my formation which is why he got the start at DM. As it so happened, Stahl is better at being a Ball-Winning Midfielder at the M(C) position. Wannenwetsch was the primary backup for both of them last year and that won't change this year.

Weigl can be a star, but he'll need more time. He went out on loan last year and I'll probably look to do the same this year.

Left Midfielders / Attacking Left Midfielders
Daniel Adlung - German - 26 yo - 3.5 / 3.5 stars ($12,000 p/w)
Marco - Spanish - 16 yo - 1 / 5 stars ($85 p/w)
Michael Schneider - German - 15 yo - 4.5(silver) / 4.5 stars ($140 p/w)

Right Midfielders / Attacking Right Midfielders
Moritz Stoppelkamp - German - 27 yo - 3.5 / 3.5 stars ($20,000 p/w)
Marin Tomasov - Croatian - 26 yo - 3 / 3 stars ($9.500 p/w)
Kodjovi Koussou - Togolese - 22 yo - 1.5 / 3 stars ($5,750 p/w)
Korbinian Vollmann - German - 20 yo - 1.5 / 3.5 stars ($3,100 p/w)
Daniel Hägler - German - 17 yo - 1 / 4 stars ($2,200 p/w)
Fotios Katidis - German - 17 yo - 1 / 4 stars ($500 p/w)
Metehan Subasi - Turkish - 15 yo - 4.5(silver) / 4 stars ($140 p/w)
Sebastian Wiesböck - German - 19 yo - 4/5(silver) / 2 stars ($375 p/w)
Marco Stolz - German - 15 yo - 4(silver) / 3.5 stars ($140 p/w)

Lots of potential. With the exceptional of only one or two, all players can play either side and can play with M(LR) or AM(LR).

Stoppelkamp and Adlung are the clear starters. Tomasov got some chances last year, didn't perform well and is now super pissed at me at not getting enough 1st team play time. I've been trying to sell him but I have no takers. He'll waste away on the reserve squad until I get a buyer or his contract runs out.

Koussou and Vollman will get some 1st team time (if they don't go out on loan), but Stoppelkamp and Adlung will play the majority of the time.

Adlung, Stark and Stahl are all going to want bit time raises soon. Stark's contract is up next year, but Adlung and Stahl are signed to June 2016.

[sabotai]

Attacking Central Midfielders / Strikers
Yuya Osako - Japanese - 24 yo - 4 / 4 stars ($16,500 p/w)
Stefan Maierhofer - Austrian - 31 yo - 3 / 3 stars ($11,500 p/w)
Stephan Hain - German - 25 yo - 2.5 / 2.5 stars ($12,500 p/w)
Benjamin Lauth - German - 32 yo - 2.5 / 2.5 stars ($29,000 p/w)
Bobby Shou Wood - American - 21 yo - 2 / 4 stars ($3,800 p/w)
Fejsal Mulic - Serbian - 19 yo - 1.5 / 2.5 stars ($4,200 p/w)
Chaka Ngu'Ewodo - German - 18 yo - 1 / 3 stars ($875 p/w)
Richard Neudecker - German - 17 yo - 4.5(silver) / 3 stars ($250 p/w)

Nuedecker is only one listed with the best position of AM(C), the rest are strikers. Neudecker can also play M(C).

Osako got off to a fast start last year, but struggled after his injury. Lauth was a star, but looks to have aged quite a bit. Maierhofer was lackluster in his appearances. Hain played decently with his chances.

Wood demanded I transfer him after not getting enough 1st team play, but I eventually found a loan for him. A few weeks ago, he asked to be taken off the transfer list.

Osako will be starting again as a Poacher, and Lauth, despite his age and declinging attributes, will start again as my Complete Forward (Support). It's a role that highlights more than 50% of a player's attributes, and Lauth is the only one that has decent attributes for most of them. Maierhofer has fantastic values in some of them, terrible values in others. Wood also has decent coverage. I guess it's time to give him a shot at it too.

[sabotai]

Agyün refused a mutual termination. I swallow the penalty and let him go.

I also offered mutual termination to Grzegorz Wojtkowiak and he agreed. His salary would have cost me $625,000 for the year left on it, and he agreed to a mutual termination of $375,000. I figured Schwabl, Steinhert or Hertner can fill that role and he's not worth the $12k p/w.

Tactics and Starters

GK - Gábor Király (Goalkeeper - Defend)
DL - Markus Suttner (Fullback - Defend)
DC - Guillermo Vallori (Central Defender - Defend)
DC - Christopher Schindler (Central Defender - Defend)
DR - Markus Steinhöfer (Fullback - Defend)
DMC - Yannick Stark (Deep Lying Playmaker - Defend)
MC - Dominik Stahl (Ball-Winning Midfielder - Support)
AML - Daniel Adlung (Inside Forward - Attack)
AMR - Moritz Stoppelkamp (Inside Forward - Attack)
ST - Yayu Osako (Poacher - Attack)
ST - Benjamin Lauth (Complete Forward - Support)

[sabotai]

Vellori is super pissed that I replaced him as Captain. In fact, most of my team seems pissed about it. I transfer listed him and everyone else will get over it.

7/7/2014: Friendly (A): 1-5 Lose vs. Newcastle. That was rough.

World Cup news: Germany defeated Belgium 1-0 and Italy defeats Spain 1-0. Germany vs. Italy in the final.

7/13/2014: Friendly (H): Win 2-1 vs. Bochum

World Cup news: Germany lost to Italy 2-1 in the World Cup Final.

We fire a new Fitness Coach, Gian Nicola Bisciotti. $4,500 p/w and he has a 20 for Fitness.

We gave Yannick Stark a new contract. $28,500 p/w until 2017.

I might be getting myself into trouble here...

We sign a hot prospect Striker. 20 year old German Nils Quaschner. $850k transfer bid. We sign him for $9,250 p/w. He's scouted to be a 4 star potential player, currently 1.5 stars.

I moved some budget money over to transfer budget to make the deal. I better stop now.

7/20/2014: Friendly (H): Win 3-0 vs. FC Bayern II.

Vallori agrees to mutually terminate his contract for $250k, saving me a lot of money. He couldn't wait to get out of here. The guy was becoming a cancer. I was told that he was complaining to everyone about being removed as captain.

7/27/2014: Friendly (A): Tie 1-1 vs. Stuttgart.

[sabotai]

8/1/2014: German Cup (A): Win 6-0 vs. Lübeck. Pulled it back when we are up 3-0 at half time but we kept finding the net despite being completely defensive in the 2nd.

I hire two more coaches (forgot to replace a few that I decided not to resign.)

Richardo Moritz, Attacking: 18, Man Mg.: 16, Mental: 18, Technical: 20, Working With Youngsters: 20

Kurt Niedermayer: Mental: 15, Tactical: 16, Technical: 14, Working With Youngsters: 19

We draw 2. Bundesliga team Saarbrücken for round 2 of the German Cup.

[sabotai]

8/8/2014: Division (A): Lose 1-2 vs. Schalke. We lose our opener and we were never really in it. Steinhöfer showed that he is the weak link in the defensive line as the Schalke winger ran right by him for their first goal.

8/16/2014: Division (H): Draw 0-0 vs. Braunschweig. At least we get on board with a point.

I sign a new scout. Manfred Linzmaier - Ability 18 / Potential 17. Signed for $4,300 p/w

8/23/2014: Division (A): Lose 0-2 vs. Gladbach.

Going to switch back to my vanilla 4-4-2 for awhile.

[sabotai]

I've had a few Bundesliga teams interested in Steinhöfer, (even though I have not transfer listed him), but they come at me with offers of $500k or so. He's valued at $750k so I always counter with $1m, and then they walk.

8/29/2014: Division (H): Lose 0-2 vs. Wolfsburg. I am getting no offense.

Dominik Stahl was injured during practice and will be out for 5-6 weeks.

Tomasov has agreed to mutual termination for $200k, saving me a good bit of money and getting rid of a poor morale guy. I tried to unload him, but even at $400k, I couldn't hook any team, even though he's valued at $2.3m.

Striker Stefan Maierhofer was sold for $250k to an Austrian team. The deal wasn't finalized before the transfer window closed, however, so it won't go through until Jan 1st.

I decide to make Bobby Shou Wood the starter of Benjamin Lauth. We'll see if that sparks a bit of offense. Plus my coaches tell me that Wood will improve better if he gets more 1st team playing experience, and Lauth ain't gettin' any younger.

9/6/2014: Friendly (H): Win 2-0 vs. SV Reid. 14 days is too long to let my guys just sit around. I was without my GK Gábor Király as he was away playing in Hungary's European Championship Qualifying match vs. Malta so Vitus Eicher gets the job today. My guys needed this win, even if it was just a Friendly.

[sabotai]

9/12/2014: Division (A): Draw 0-0 vs. Augsburg. A scoreless draw vs. the early league leaders. We'll take it.

9/20/2014: Division (H): Draw 1-1 vs. Frankfurt. I thought a late goal by Frankfurt might have ended it, but Adlung comes through with a goal in the 90th minute to give us another draw.

9/24/2014: German Cup (A): Win 0-0p vs. Saarbrücken. We played all game like we didn't want to be there. I ripped them at the end of 90 minutes and they responded well. We had several chances in extra time but couldn't get a goal. We win the shootout 5-3 (we went first)

We drew Bundesliga team Freiburg for the 3rd round of the German Cup.

[sabotai]

9/27/2014: Division (A): Lose 0-3 vs. Leverkusen.

10/3/2014: Division (H): Win 1-0 vs. Stuttgart. We were expected to lose this one.

[sabotai]

10/10/2014: Division (H): Tied 2-2 vs. Zavrc. Suttner was away for international play. Stoppelkamp was back in form with 2 goals, but we weren't good enough in a game that we should have won.

Not sure if this is a compliment or not. FC Kaiserlautern asked me to come interview for their Head Coach job. They are a 2. Bundesliga team....that'd be a move down, not up! Not even a lateral move! Sie sind verrückt!

10/17/2014: Division (A): Lose 0-2 vs. FC Bayern. Honestly, I was just happy not to get killed.

[sabotai]

Players

11 Total Matches in, let's take a look at how the team is doing.

GK Gábor Király - 11 Games - Av. Rating: 6.78 - 5 shutouts, 12 goals allowed

DL Markus Suttner - 10 Games - Av Rating: 6.88 - 20/25 (80%) Tackles Won/Att. - 348/448 (77%) Passes Suc./Att.
DR Markus Steinhöfer - 9 Games - Av Rating: 6.80 - 23/28 (82%) Tackles Won/Att. - 326/391 (83%) Passes Suc./Att. (1 Yellow Card)
DCR Kai Bülow - 9(1) Games - Av Rating: 7.00 - 19/22 (86%) Tackles Won/Att - 281/356 (78%) Passes Suc/Att. (1 Yellow Card)
DCL Christopher Schindler - 10(1) Games - Av Rating 7.04 - 16/20 (80%) Tackles Won/Att. - 308/415 (74%) Passes Suc./Att

DM Yannick Stark - 11 Games - Av Rating: 6.98 - 19/27 (70%) Tackles Won/Att - 874/1019 (85%) Passes Suc/Att. - 1 Goal (5 Shots) (1 Yellow)
MC Dominik Stahl - 5(1) Games - Av Rating: 7.03 - 25/30 (83%) Tackles Won/Att - 287/355 (80%) Passes Suc/Att - 1 Goal (6 Shots)
MC Stefan Wannenwetsch - 6(2) Games - Av Rating: 6.78 - 27/33 (81%) Tackles Won/Att - 433/515 (84%) Passes Suc/Att (3 Yellows)

AMR Moritz Stoppelkamp - 11 Games - Av Rating: 6.96 - 10/108 (9%) Crosses Suc/Att - 447/585 (76%) Passes Suc/Att - 7/18 (38%) Shots On Target/Att - 3 Goals
AML Danial Adlung - 11 Games - Av Rating: 6.85 - 8/48 (16%) Crosses Suc/Att - 378/564 (67%) Passes Suc/Att - 7/10 (70%) Shots On Target/Att - 1 Goal

ST Yuya Osako - 10(1) Games - Av Rating: 6.78 - 254/332 (76%) Passes Suc/Att - 11/25 Shots on Target/Att - 1 Goal (ONE GOAL!)
ST Bobby Shou Wood - 6(4) Games - Av Rating 6.65 - 199/257 (77%) Passes Suc/Att - 6/12 (50%) Shots on Target/Att - 1 Goal
ST Benjamin Lauth - 6(3) Games - Av Rating: 6.80 - 202/260 (77%) Passes Suc/Att - 4/10 Shots on Target/Att - 1 Goal (1 Yellow)

First of all, I don't expect Osako to be a good passer. I don't pay him to do that (He's a "Poacher" for a reason). I pay him to do one thing, put the ball in the fucking net. He's getting his shots but just one goal so far. I'm not sure if there's anything I can do about that except just keeping him in and letting him work through his drought.

The other thing that sticks out to me is Adlung's passing. I DO pay him to pass well and he's not doing that. Honestly, I have no idea where these stats "should" be, but he's coming in 10% lower than everyone else. I'm pretty sure for someone that's supposed to be setting up my strikers, that's not good.

Stahl is just getting back to form after his injury and should be ready to go soon.


Team Record: 1-3-5 -9GD, 6 points
We are in 16th place out of 18. If the season ended today, we'd have to play to stay in the division.

[sabotai]

One thing I've largely neglected has been management of my coaches and scouts. I've mostly just kept what was given to me, except for adding a few new people.

I fired (mutually terminated) the contract of my Head of Youth Development. He had a 14 in Judging Potential and a 12 in Working with Youngsters. I saw several available coaches that had much better values in those attributes (18-19 range) and am going after them for the role.

And I'll be slowly remaking my coaching staff, letting contracts expire when possible but buying out the crappy coaches that were handed to me if they still have a few years left to go.


Volker Kersting - 45 years old - Head of Youth Development
Judging Potential: 18
Working with Youngsters: 19
(Judging Ability: 18, Man Management: 19, Motivating 16, Determination: 17)
$7.25k per week. until June 2017

10/25/2014: Division (H): Lose 1-3 vs. Dortmund. Our team played badly, but Dortmund is one of the best teams in the Bundesliga. I'm happy we didn't get shutout. Stoppelkamp found the net just after halftime to save us that embarrassment.

Erik Lukin - 35 years old - Coach
Defending: 19
$1k per week.

We didn't have a single coach with higher than a 12 for Defending, so I signed Erik Lukin to help us out in that department. I'm an idiot, though, I didn't realize (read: google before hand) that other attributes would be important for training defending and was a little surprised to see 3 stars when I assigned him Defending training. Tactical also matters and his, well, sucks. Oops...

Marcel Lucassen - 44 years old - Coach
Mental: 20
Technical: 19
$2.3k per week

He'll be our Ball Control coach.

11/1/2014: Division (A): Lose 1-4 vs. Hoffenheim. We get killed in another game. I don't think we were ready for Bundesliga play just yet. The good news, or the silver lining, or whatever, is that we are still ahead of Bochum and Werder Bremen in the standings.

11/8/2014: Division (H): Lose 0-4 vs. Freiburg. And they aren't even one of the top teams. My team is totally collapsing.

I talked to several players individually (the ones who have been stinking up the place) and told them I had faith in them improving, and I said the same in the team meeting. They all seemed to improve their morale so hopefully that does...something.

11/13/2014: Friendly (H): Win 6-0 vs. Eching.

11/21/2014: Division (A): Draw 3-3 vs. Bochum. Down 3-1 at the 70th minute, we fought back to get the draw.

[sabotai]

11/30/2014: Division (H): Lose 1-4 vs. Werner Bremen. Sat some starters in preparation for the German Cup game in a few days. I guess that was a mistake.

Stefan Wannenwetsch is belly aching for a new contract. He's only 22 years old, so it's no surprise that he's been inconsistent. He's third behind two other young DM/M players, though. I told him I would negotiate a new contract at the end of the year and he didn't like that answer.

12/3/2014: German Cup (H): Win 1-0 vs. Freiburg. A good win that puts us in the quarter-finals. Osako got us the lone goal in the 82nd minute.

We draw Augsburg for out quarter-final opponent.

12/7/2014: Division (A): Draw 1-1 vs. Nürnberg. We were big underdogs in this game so a draw is a good result.

Our team and Bochum have fallen quite a bit behind the rest of the division in the points standings. Bochum has 7 points, we have 8. The next team has 15. Not an insurmountable difference, there's still 19 games left to play but we need to start putting together wins. So far, we only have 1 win in the league.

Team Record: 1-5-9 -21GD, 8 points

[bbgunn]

Don't worry... I'm sure change is just around the corner. (And I'm not talking about your job!)

[sabotai]

We'll see. I hope the German Cup win and the draw with Nürnberg will give my guys a decent morale boost.

Decided to start talking with Wannenwetsch's agent on a new deal. The guy wants what Stark makes (he started at $28k per week). Stark is the star of our team, Stahl is the starting over Wannenwetsch (Stahl has played much better). He's not getting $28k a week.

Me and his agent got nowhere close to each other and I walked away for now.

I do add two more years to Stoppelkamp's contract. His contract was up in June, so I decided to get this out of the way (maybe he gets a morale boost from having his contract situation dealt with.

His new deal: $400k loyalty bonus, $35k per week (the max my board would allow), $6k appearance, $4k goal, and a match highest earner clause.

I have an issue, though. Lauth has a "match highest earner" clause as well. His contract is due up at the end of this year too (in June). His not the same player he was, even last year. The bump in opposition talent was too much, I think. He could use his technical ability to out perform more physically gifted players in 2.Bundesliga. In Bundesliga, however, they are just as technically skilled as he is, but also much better physically. 13 appearances, 6.65 av.rating, 1 goal, 1 assist...not worth the money. I'll have to swallow the wage hike for the rest of the year, but I'm thinking, unless he takes a pay cut...he'll be gone.

12/13/2014: Division (H): Draw 3-3 vs. Mainz. We jumped out ahead, they tied it up 2-2 in the 75th minute, we get another goal right away, they tie it up again. Mainz is the team directly ahead of us in the standings. We need to win these games.

12/20/2014: Division (A): Draw 2-2 vs. HSV. Up 2-0, they score in the 84th minute, and then scored the tying goal at 93:43 (even though only 2 minutes of injury time was added, grrrrr).

Bülow picked up an injury that will keep him out for 3 weeks, but we are hitting the mid season break so he'll be back by the time division games start up again.

12/29/2014: Friendly (H): Win 4-0 vs. Markt Schwaben.

I did some researching (googling) on some tactics. I have a very fast, not very strong, striker in Osako, so with his role still as Poacher - Attack, I've also given him the instructions "Move Into Channels" and "Hold Position". The other role, my Complete Forward role which I had on Support I changed to Attack, but also gave the player instruction "Roam From Position".

I also took off the team instructions "Deep Defensive Line" (because of the talent disparity, I'm always in Counter these days) and "Shorter Passing" and added in "Drill Crosses" because I have no big men to win in the air (on offense), and I want them to drill the pass to Osako so he can out run his opponents, and also "Play Wider" to encourage play to my two AM wingers and to stretch the field wider to hopefully open up more 1 on 1 chances for Osako.

I offer Gábor Király a contract that will keep him on the team until 2016 at $20k per week. He's 38 so this will probably be his last extension. A few of his attributes have started to decline.

Vitus Eicher also gets extended until 2017 at $8.25k per week.

Maierhofer is now officially gone.

A Turkish team is offering me $1.2M for 15 year old prospect Metehan Subasi. At the beginning of the year, he was a 4.5(silver) player and 4 gold star prospect. Now, he's 5(silver) and 4.5 gold star prospect. Volker Kersting is my best evaluator or talent, and he says Sabusi is a 1 gold star player right now and a 4.5 start prospect. A few others on my staff put him at 5 stars.

At this point, $1.2M won't boost my team enough for me to get another star to add to my squad and win right now. And Sabusi is progressing quickly, although at 15 there's no guarantees. I'm going to roll the dice and keep Sabusi.

So far, the board is still satisfied with me as their head coach. I hope they still feel that way after we get booted back to 2.Bundesliga.



We still had a good deal of budget available, so I adjusted it to give me some transfer money. I threw out a $850k offer to a team for a 3.5 star D(R) (but can play on the left side too) to help me bolster my defensive line. He's an Italian player named Mattia Cassani. He's 31 years old so he's not a long term acquisition, I'm just going to get the best player I can afford that my scouts say can be gotten to help stop the bleeding that's going on with my defense. We are tied with Bochum for worst team in goals allowed (36).

Cassani agrees to a $19.75k per week contract.

And nevermind. I gave myself a $100k cushion in the transfer budget and it still wasn't enough. I need $1.1M and have $950k, and the board won't let me change it so I'll have to cancel the transfer.....

[sabotai]

1/5/2015: Friendly (H) Win 3-1 vs. Heimstetten.

[sabotai]

1/12/2015: Friendly (H): Win 3-1 vs. SV Gödig.

1/18/2015: Friendly (H): Win 5-0 vs. Ismaning.

Because the last transfer fell through, I went out and got a prospect who can contribute right away. A 19 year old D(C) from Ghana named Isaac Donkor who we bought from Inter. Right now he's a 2 star player but a 4 star prospect and we're paying him $5.25k per week.

1/24/2014: Division (A): Draw 1-1 vs. Braunschweig. Back to the grind.

1/27/2014: Division (H): Draw 2-2 vs. Gladbach. It was 1-1 within 5 minutes, 2-2 within 20 and then a stalemate from then on.

I started practicing a 4-2-3-1 tactic ("AM Triangle"). Lauth is capable of playing the AMC role, so my thoughts are that I can switch between this tactic (when I have Lauth start) and go back to my 4-1DM-1-2-2 tactic with Bobby Shou Wood starting. I'm hoping switching between tactics like this might throw off my opponents....doubt it, but it's worth a shot. It's going to take awhile training the tactic though so it won't happen soon.

1/31/2014: Division (A): Draw 1-1 vs. Wolfsburg. Grinding out the draws. At least Bochum is grinding out loses.

That fact the team from Turkey that I turned down keeps trying to lure Sabusi away (they are up to $2M now) tells me that I really should just keep him.

And now they are up to $2.5M....these guys aren't giving up. I counter with a $5M offer. They come back with $2.7M now, I got them up to $4M, $1M over 12 months and 30% of the next sale.....

I couldn't pull the trigger. That's screaming to me that he's going to be a star. I hope I don't regret turning down all that money...

And now they are offering $6M upfront with 30% of the profit of the next sale...

Then they offered $7M.....I think they got tired of negotiating, though. I countered with $10M and they walked. Again...I really hope I don't regret turning down that money. In fact, I'm suffering from non-seller's remorse right now. What was I thinking? $7M for a 15 year old! Damn it!

2/4/2014: Division (H): Lose 1-3 vs. Schalke. I decided to just try my new tactic against Schalke since I figured we'd lose to them anyway. Despite the score, I think we played better than I expected.

2/8/2014: Division (H): Lose 1-4 vs. Augsburg. And we played much worse than I expected in this one.

[sabotai]

Andreas Geipl is gone. He bitched about first team playing time and he has not potential to be a starter so he agreed to a mutual termination.

2/14/2015: Division (A): Lose 0-2 vs. Frankfurt.

2/22:2015: Division (H): Draw 1-1 vs. Leverkusen. They had played a game 3 days prior and most of their players were in the high 80s/low 90s for condition, so I upped the tempo and told my guys to hassle them and it seemingly worked. I had a 1-0 lead at half time and while they tied it up by the 75th minute, they had used all 3 subs and were running on fumes. My guys couldn't finish them off but Leverkusen were heavy favorites so it was good to get the draw.

2/27/2015: Division (A): Draw 0-0 vs. Stuttgart. Took the opposite approach, I lowered tempo, retained possession and used shorter passing, because I had a German Cup game in a fer days and didn't want my guys to go into it tired. Was surprised to get the draw, although we should have had a penalty kick late in the game and I said as much in the post game interview.

I was warned not to do that. :)

3/3/2015: German Cup (A): Lose 0-2 vs. Augsburg. And our run the German Cup comes to an end. Was honestly happy to just make it to the quarter-finals. It'll be our silver lining for the year after getting relegated back to 2.Bundesliga at the end of the season.

[sabotai]

Contract Extensions

There really isn't any hope left. Unless we put together a string of wins (not draws), we will get relegated. I thought it best not to go into next year with a bunch of my best talent in a contract year where they'd might think it best to pursue other options (by demanding a salary my board would not approve as a 2.Bundesliga team).

Wannenwetsch got a $24k per week contract. Stahl gets a $26k per week contract. Christopher Schindler gets a $25k per week deal. Benajmin Lauth agrees to a pay cut. He was getting $35k because of his "match highest earner" clause. He agrees to a deal for $23k per week, but only to 2016 with a clause to extend it 1 year after playing in 10 league games (I guess he was worried he'd be riding the bench?). Daniel Adlung signs for $24k per week until 2017.

That should give me a team that will do very well next year in 2.Bundesliga, regain promotion and then in 2016, again, look for upgrades for whoever doesn't pull their weight.

Except I went over the budget. Oops. The Board will just have to deal with it.

I'm still looking for a D(R) though. Steinhöfer and Volz have both utterly failed me this year. (Not that everyone else hasn't....but I think the team's performance, or lack of performance, is probably more of me not doing good enough with tactics than the players bad performances).

3/7/2014: Division (H): Lose 1-3 vs. FC Bayern. Backup GK Eicher is in for Kiraly due to injury.

[sabotai]

New Players

Received an influx of youth players.

(Name - Pos - Age - Stars)
Uros Dimitrijevic - S(C), M(R), AM(LC) - 15yo - 1 / 5
Daniel Langer - D(RC), DM, M(C) - 14yo - 4 / 4.5
Emmanuel Adjel - M/AM(C), ST(C) - 14yo - 4 / 4
Janik Herberger - D(R) - 15yo - 4 / 3.5
Yannick Pavlov - M(R) - 15yo - 3.5 / 3.5
Alexander Wagner - D(C), DM - 15yo - 3.5 / 3.5

The rest have a Potential star rating of 3 or lower.

Head of Youth Development, Volker Kersting, singled out Uros Dimitrijevic as possibly one of the best players of his generation.

I didn't waste any time and immediately gave him a Youth Contract. Did the same for Langer and the rest of the 3.5 potential or better players.

[sabotai]

3/14/2015: Division (A): Lose 2-6 vs. Dortmund. At least we didn't get shut out.

3/21/2015: Division (H): Lose 0-3 vs. Hoffenheim.

Bochum is officially relegated. I'm about to be.

Hannover 96 is offering me an interview for their head coaching job. They are a 2.Bundesliga team (currently in 5th position), but even so they have a budget of $550k per week ($150k more than 1860 Münich) and some really good players. I'm turning it down, though.

4/4/2015: Division (A): Win 1-0 vs. Freiburg. We hold off official relegation for a bit...

4/12/2015: Division (H): Lose 1-2 vs. Bochum. And we are relegated.

Stark is asking to be moved to a bigger club. I guess even though I locked these guys up, they're going to force jumping the ship. He wasn't very happy after our talk and I'm thinking I'll be having the same talk with several of the guys.

I have some great prospects and young players....maybe it wouldn't be the worst thing to implode the team, make millions on selling them, and use that to buy more young talent....it's not like Stark and most of the guys on the team were really lighting it up this year anyway.

Suddenly, everyone'se getting injured too. Bobby Wood and Stoppelkamp are out for a few weeks.

4/18/2015: Division (A): Lose 3-6 vs. Werner Bremen.

4/24/2015: Division (H): Draw 1-1 vs. Nürnberg.

5/2/2015: Division (A): Draw 0-0 vs. Mainz

5/9/2015: Division (H): Draw 1-1 vs. HSV

And so ends our season. We were given a little over $30M for finishing 17th so that's not too bad I guess.

Final 2014-15 Record: 2-15-17 | -40GD | 21 Points

[sabotai]

In the end of season meeting with my team, I told them I thought we could come right back if we all stuck together. Adlung, Stoppelkamp and Stark said that they weren't sure, with Stark saying explicitly that he might look to move off the team next year.

Then I had a meeting with the Board....

They made it clear that they pretty much want me gone...

They told me that I needed to pick up 9 points in the next 5 games.....did they forget the season was over?

[sabotai]

FC Bayern wins the Bundesliga and the German Cup. And I get relegated....you win this round FC Bayern, but I'll be back, whether it's with 1860 Münich or not...

[sabotai]

2015-16 Season

Initial Budget: $400k per week
Transfer Budget: $5.82M

I can do something that. And if I'm going to go out, I'm going out swinging. That transfer budget is getting used (first things first, I'm going to up my payroll budget but then use the few million left over to grab me a few players)

Christopher Schindler asked to be moved to a bigger club. I've convinced him to stay for now.

A bid for Sabusi came in, but it's back to the low end and from a different club. Maybe it'll continue to grow and this time I'll sell him if the price is high again.

Osako made it clear that he does not want to be here anymore. It wasn't even "I think I want to move to a bigger team" but "I want out".

I am on thin ice with the board, so when I was asked for my expectations for the season (My choices: "Promotion" and "Winner") I said fuck it, I'll go with Winner and get a bigger budget.

[sabotai]

Yunus Malli - 23yo - Turkish - AM(C) - 3.5 / 4.5

$20.5K per week, gets bumped to $26.5K if he plays in an international match. He was on Mainz but he was transfer listed. The fee was small (only $56k)

I've made the 4-2DM-3-1 (AM Triangle) my default formation now, and aside from upgrading the D(R) position, no one on my team was capable of pulling off the AM(C) role, except for Stoppelkamp but he's my main guy on the wing.

I did try going after a player who is already 4.5 stars, and was set to leave his current team on a free, but he flat out told me that he didn't think I could afford him and we never did negotiate any contract terms.

7/1/2015: Friendly (H) Win 2-1 vs. Spartak Moscow.

German Cup Draw: We draw Solingen (non-division) for the first round.

7/6/2015: Friendly (H): Win 4-1 vs. Ulm.

I keep getting offers for Schindler and Stark. And they are offering money in the $5M range. They are both 4 star players and both are in their mid 20s. I have ambitions for being a top team in Germany...

While Schindler is 25, I do think that Isaac Donkor and Daniel Hofstetter would perform....adequately as the two central defenders.

Stark....I do have Stahl and Wennenwetsch to play the two DM roles.

Maybe I should just sell them. I can see them getting mad about being on a 2.Bundesliga team and bringing down morale. Plus, Donkor and Hofstetter both have high potential.

But I need to win now....ugh....if only we had made 15th instead of 17th and stayed in Bundesliga.

I've also been getting offers for 16 year old D(R) Kristijan Con. Right now they are at $2.6M. But I can't find a D(R) out there and, well, I guess 16 year old Kristijian Con is going to start at D(R) for me. ( 1 / 4.5 stars)

7/11/2014: Friendly (H): Win 1-0 vs. Zavrc.

[sabotai]

Stephan Hain has been sold. He goes to Paderborn for a fee of $350k, plus $75k if he reaches 20 goals.

[sabotai]

oops, wasn't aware players under 17 were ineligible to play on the senior team. Kristijian Con will turn 17 in January, so he'll play on the U19 team until then.

[sabotai]

7/16/2015: Division (A): Draw 2-2 vs. Cottbus. I told them I wasn't happy with this result and they responded well.

Wolfburg buy our young player, 16 year old M/AM (L) Michael Schneider, for $2M. He's behind Marco as far as our "left winger of the future" goes and, all these offers are too tempting. $2M for a 16 year old that is behind another young player is too good of a deal.

7/24/2015: Division (A): Lose 0-1 vs. Ingostadt.

8/1/2015: German Cup (A): Win 3-0 vs. Solingen.

I sold D(C) Christopher Schindler to Augsburg for $4.5M. It was tough but I guess it was time to let him go.

German Cup Draw: We drew Werder Bremen (D1)

8/9/2015: Division (A): Win 3-0 vs. Osnabrück.

I moved Marco, our young prospect winger (on the left side), to the senior squad at the beginning of the year. Adlung plays on the left side and maybe he's feeling the pressure because he's been on fire so far. 3 league games, 3 goals.

I resigned on of the players I let go at the end of the year, Moritz Volz, to fill the hole at D(R), seeing that I couldn't find anyone to play there. At least, no one I could afford, and I wasn't going to spend millions in a transfer fee to sign a 3 or 3.5 star player when I had Volz sitting there on the market. Besides, my board is being strick with money for salaries right now even though we have a ton of budget room now.

8/16/2015: Division (A): Win 4-3 vs. Kaiserlautern. Stoppelkamp was injured in this one and will be out for 3 months. It's going to be very tough to keep my job now.

[sabotai]

8/23/2015: Division (H): Win 1-0 vs. Bochum. Bochum turned into thugs at the end, getting 2 yellows and a red in the last 10 minutes.

8/29/2015: Division (A): Lose 0-2 vs. Aue.

Lots of action at the transfer deadline.

I sign Markus Mendler, 22 year old winger ( 2 / 4 ), $18.5k per week.

I sign Aniello Cutola, 32 year old winger ( 4 / 4 ). I paid Pescara a transfer fee of $475k, and he signed a $22.5k per week deal.

I sign Danny da Costa, 22 year old defender (right) ( 3 / 4 ). I paid a transfer fee of $3.1M to get him, and got him signed to a $33k per week (second highest salary) contract until 2018. He also got a "Minimum release" clause of $7M (meaning I have to accept a transfer bid for him if someone offers $7M).

I sell one of my young players, 16 year old winger Marco Stolz to Freiburg for $1M.

[sabotai]

9/5/2015: Division (H): Lose 0-2 vs. Paderborn.

The Board gave me a talking to....

Yunus Malli was injured in the Paderborn game and will miss 2 weeks.

9/14/2015: Division (A): Win 2-0 vs. Aalen.

Osako is again moaning about wanting to be moved. I told him I'd let him go at the end of the season. I'm hoping promotion will change his mind. If I don't make promotion, well, I won't be around to need to keep that promise.

We have 3 games in a 5 day period coming up. I might be gone at the end of the week.

9/21/2015: Division (H): Draw 1-1 vs. Dresden.

9/23/2015: German Cup (A): Lose 0-3 vs. Werder Bremen.

9/25/2015: Division (A): Win 3-1 vs. Fürth. Most of my guys were really tired and still managed to win big.

[sabotai]

Board Confidence: 48%

Squad Harmony and First Team Youth Signings are keeping me from being fired right now.

10/4/2015: Division (H): Win 1-0 vs. Hannover. Recent signing Cutolo gets his first goal.

M(C) / DM / AM(C) - Ousim Bouy - Dutch - 22 years old. Transfer cost of $2.2M, signed a deal for $28.5k per week. ( 3.5 / 4 ). Yannick Stark is better at the defensive part of the Defensive Midfielder than the "midfielder" part. Bouy is the opposite, much better at passing, dribbling, etc. and more suited to supporting attacks.

I have made three 4-2-3-1 "AM Triangle" tactics (standard, attacking, defensive (counter)), with the defensive one having 2 Anchor Man DMs (this goes against everything I've read about making tactics, having 2 DMs with the same role, but I've been running this tactic almost exclusively for the last month (since the Aalen game) and, aside from the German Cup game, my team has done well). I think the main reason being is that I've been playing Stark in the "deep-lying playmaker" role when it doesn't exactly suit him. He's much better at defensive roles than supporting roles. Stahl is a slightly lesser version of Stark, and Wannenwetsch is more of an athletic "jack-of-all-trades" type player, not excelling at anything.

Switching to the defensive tactic has put Stahl and Stark in roles better suited for them.

Bouy will give us that DM player that can truly support an attack. But he's not as athletic as Wannenwetsch, he's fairly average there. And Bouy's mental attributes lag behind Wannenwetsch as well (technical, Bouy is decently ahead). Once Bouy gets here, I'm going to need to through him on some Off The Ball and Positioning training. The transfer will go through on January 1st, 2016.

10/11/2015: Friendly (H): Draw 1-1 vs. FC Bayern II.

10/18/2015: Division (H): Win 4-1 vs. FC Köln. We scored 3 goals in the first 7 minutes and got the 4th in the 18th minute.

10/21/2015: Division (A): Draw 2-2 vs. FSV Frankfurt.

[sabotai]

Board Confidence: 53%

That injury to Stoppelkamp might have been a career changer for him. He suffered a bit of damage to his attributes (some of them dropped a full point). My staff now rates him as either a 3/3 or 3.5/3.5, and have him either equal or behind Cutolo.

11/1/2015: Division (A): Win 4-3 vs. Duisburg. We went up 3-0, but gave up a goal right before half time and then 2 more right after. Cutolo buried the game winner in the 72nd minute. Adlung had 2 more goals. He's having the year that Stoppelkamp had 2 years ago.

My contract runs out in June of next year and a few times I've been given a button in my messages about requesting a new contract. I don't want to push my luck so I haven't demanded anything yet.

11/8/2015: Division (H): Win 1-0 vs. St. Pauli. Stoppelkamp makes his return for about 30 minutes before getting injured again (2 more weeks)

11/15/2015: Friendly (H): Win 4-2 vs. Ulm.

D(C) / SW - Leobardo López - Mexican - 32 years old. $19.5k per week unitl 2017, free transfer. Hofstetter and Rech have both been underwhelming at D(C), Isaac Donkor has been great. López will fill the role for the next year or two while Hofstetter improves or I find another long-term solution.

11/23/2015: Division (A): Draw 1-1 vs. Braunschweig.

11/29/2015: Division (H): Win 5-3 vs. Union Berlin.

[sabotai]

Board Confidence: 58%

12/5/2015: Friendly (H): Draw 1-1 vs. Levski.

12/13/2015: Division (A): Draw 1-1 vs. Cottbus. Cottbus is at the bottom of the standings. We can't settle for draws here. We are still in 1st place, but only by 1 pint over Bochum, Köln and Inglostadt.

Markus Mendler is complaining about lack of first team time. Ugh. I wasn't expecting Adlung to catch fire the way he has. Now I have too many wingers.

12/18/2015: Division (H): Win 3-0 vs. Inglostadt.

Benjamin Lauth wants a new challenge. I switched to a 1 striker formation and there hasn't been much room for him anymore. I told him I'd let him go at the end of the season.

[sabotai]

Board Confidence: 58%

Well now that we are at the midway point and my contract is up in 6 months, I think now's a good time to discuss things. They're not having any of it.

1/5/2016: Friendly (H): Win 4-0 vs. FC Bayern II. Stoppelkamp injured again. He'll be out 5-6 weeks. They had 14 fouls and picked up 4 yellows and a red.

Gábor Király announced that he will be retiring at the end of the season. Hopefully Eicher will be ready for primetime when next year begins.

1/11/2016: Friendly (H): Win 2-0 vs. Litex.

1/17/2016: Friendly (H): Lose 0-1 vs. Mainz.

1/21/2016: Friendly (A): Win 2-0 vs. Hannover.

I sell one of my prospects (3.5 star potential) to Freiburg for $400k and 25% of the next deal's profit.

1/26/2016: Friendly (A): Lose 1-2 vs. FK Austria Wien.

2/1/2016: Friendly (H): Win 3-0 vs. Buchbach.

I'm still getting offers in the $4M range for Sabusi, but he's progressing very quickly and now I'm more than happy to just keep him.

[sabotai]

Board Confidence: 58%

Here's the rundown of my tactics, which are probably terrible.

4-2-3-1 Standard
Mentality: Standard
Fluidity: Balanced
Team Instructions: Drill Crosses, Play Wider

ST - Advanced Forward - Attack (Player Instructions: Hold Position, Move Into Channels)
AML - Inside Forward - Attack
AMR - Inside Forward - Attack
AMC - Attacking Midfielder - Support (Player Instruction: Move Into Channels)
DM - Deep-Lying Playmaker - Support
DM - Anchor Man - Defend
DL - Fullback - Defend
DR - Fullback - Defend
DC - Central Defender - Defend
DC - Central Defender - Defend

4-2-3-1 Attack
Mentality: Attacking
Fluidity: Balanced
Team Instructions: Higher Tempo, Play Wider, Drill Crosses, Work Ball Into Box

ST - Advanced Forward - Attack (Player Instructions: Hold Position, Move Into Channels)
AML - Inside Forward - Attack
AMR - Inside Forward - Attack
AMC - Attacking Midfielder - Support (Player Instruction: Move Into Channels)
MC - Deep-Lying Playmaker - Support
MC - Ball-Winning Midfielder - Defend
DL - Wing Back - Support
DR - Wing Back - Support
DC - Central Defender - Defend
DC - Central Defender - Defend

4-2-3-1 Defend
Mentality: Counter
Fluidity: Balanced
Team Instructions: Drop Deeper, Lower Tempo, Shorter Passing, Retain Possession, Drill Crosses

ST - Advanced Forward - Attack (Player Instructions: Hold Position, Move Into Channels)
AML - Inside Forward - Support
AMR - Inside Forward - Support
AMC - Advanced Playmaker - Support (Player Instruction: Move Into Channels)
DM - Anchor Man - Defend
DM - Anchor Man - Defend
DL - Fullback - Defend
DR - Fullback - Defend
DC - Central Defender - Defend
DC - Central Defender - Defend

Over the last three months, I'd say I was in the Defend tactic about 75% of the time. I was in Attack most of the rest of the time, but that was a 2 DM tactic. I've changed it during the break to be more attacking and have my standard be a bit more like the old attacking tactic and that will be my default tactic.

2/8/2016: Division (A): Win 1-0 vs. Osnabrück.

2/14/2016: Division (H): Win 1-0 vs. Kaiserlautern. First half was played in Defend with Stark and Stahl in the DM spots and Bouy in AMC. At half time, We switch to Standard, moved Bouy into Stahl's spot and subbed on Yunus Malli for the AMC position. I wanted Malli fresh for the 2nd half. Osako scored the game's only goal in the 65th minute.

I've built a little lead in 2.Bundesliga. We have 44 points, 2nd, 3rd and 4th are tied with 38.

2/21/2016: Division (A): Lose 0-1 vs. Bochum. Standard for most, Attack after the 70th minute. First lose in 14 games.

2/28/2016: Division (H): Draw 2-2 vs. Aue.

[sabotai]

Board Confidence: 56%

Hannover caught up to use quickly and are just 2 points behind now.

3/5/2016: Division (A): Lose 1-3 vs. Paderborn. López had a terrible game (5.9). Uncharacteristic of him.

3/13/2016: Division (H): Win 1-0 vs. Aalen. Adlung has fallen back to Earth. His recent form has been very average.

3/21/2016: Division (A): Win 2-0 vs. Dresden. Stoppelkamp makes a statement in this one, scoring both of our goals.

Markus Mender has decided he'd like to stay. I've been working him in more, especially now that Adlung's been nonstop 6.6 +/- 0.1 for the last several weeks.

3/23/2016: Division (H): Lose 0-2 vs. Fürth. We allowed 28 shots, only had 7. Really hate these scheduling issues getting 2 games in 3 days...

3/28/2016: Division (A): Draw 1-1 vs. Hannover. We are tied with Hannover for #1 spot, but they get the tie break (GD, we have +15, they have +24)

New Youth Candidates
AMC, ST - Mohammad Karnib - 4.5 / 4.5
DR - Matthias Fahrenholz - 5 / 4
DM - Luca Bastians - 4 / 4

The rest are 3 stars or less potential. I signed those three to youth contracts.

[sabotai]

Board Confidence: 54%

4/1/2016: Division (A): Lose 0-1 vs. FSV Frankfurt. We had 16 shots, only 3 on target.

4/11/2016: Division (A): Win 2-1 vs. FC Köln.

4/17/2016: Division (H): Win 3-1 vs. Duisburg.

4/23/2016: Division (A): Draw 2-2 vs. St. Pauli. López has been a force off the corner kicks. He has 3 goals since joining, including 1 in this one.

The division is now a 3 way tie at 59 points (and I'm sitting at 3rd because of GD), with one team at 58. 2 Games left...

5/1/2016: Division (H): Lose 0-1 vs. Braunschweig. This one might have cost me my job, but Köln and Hannover also lost their games. I can still pull it off, but I'm going to need some help. I think maybe I let my (apparent) previous success with my Defend tactic cloud my judgement (Truth is, thinking about it, it actually hasn't been that effective except in a few games. I should analyse my games more to see why a tactic worked or not....). I stayed in my Defend tactic all game. I was going to switch out of it, but I kept getting pressure, it just never materialized into a goal...

5/8/2016: Division (A): Draw 1-1 vs. Union Berlin. And the 3 teams I was racing with all won (so it wouldn't have mattered if I won or not). Yeah....I'm about to get fired.

[sabotai]

Stoppelkamp asks for a transfer...

I requested a new contract and they said "not now". I leaked it to the press (:D) and gave the typical PR response.

Osako asks for a transfer...

Well, I'm surprised that they offered me a new contract. I am signed until 2018, at $9,000 per week (pretty sizable pay cut). I will get a $100k bonus if I win promotion as well as an increase of 25% in salary. I'll be getting a 15% raise next year regardless.

There is also a clause cutting my salary by 35% if I get relegated, but I'm sure I'd be out of a job if that happened.

The catch: I have a transfer budget of only $275k and a payroll budget of $550k. I am currently at that budget limit. Chances are, a few of the higher paid players will not accept staying on the club, so I'm sure I'll be freeing a salary or two.

[sabotai]

Stoppelkamp now says he wants to stay.

The Board have updated the budgets for the coming year.
Transfer: $3.17M ; Payroll: $585k

6/26/2016: Friendly (A): Draw 2-2 Kaiserlautern.

Gábor Király has officially retired and Benjamin Lauth has left the team (turns out he never hit even that 10 games extension clause and he wanted to leave anyway). With their departures, I have ~$38k per week in budget room.

DC Isaac Donkor gets a new deal. $14k per week until 2019.

Three teams offered transfer bids for Osako. I've accepted them, they're all in the $3.5M range and we'll see what happens.

Kristijan Con is a current member of the Germany Under 19 team. Marco is on Spain's Under 19 club.

7/1/2016: Friendly (H): Win 1-0 vs. FK Austria Wien.

German Cup Draw 1st Round: Lübeck

Interesting dilemma. I got an offer for da Costa, my Defender (Right). He is costing me a lot ($41k per week after his recent raise), and provided me an average rating of 6.86 for it last year. He's young, 22, and could become a great player.

But I have Kristijan Con, who is not as good yet, but has more potential. The bid was for $3.3M, I upped it to $3.5M plus $375k after da Costa appears in 10 games and they accepted. We'll see what happens.

7/6/2016: Friendly (A): Win 1-0 vs. Ajax.

Da Costa signs with Freiburg. We unload a big contract and get $3.5M in return.

Osako signs with Hannover (promoted last year). We get $3M. (Osako got a contract from Hannover for $68k per week. Nice pay day for him.)

7/11/2016: Friendly (H): Win 5-2 vs. Victoria Köln.

Bobby Shou Wood is now starting to make noise about moving to a bigger club.

7/15/2016: Division (H): Win 2-0 vs. Osnabrück. Good to start off with a win, even with Wood away for international play (and won't be back until we're several games into the season)

[sabotai]

Tactics

So I've worked on my tactics more after doing more reading, and I'm probably making it worse, but whatevs.

4-2-3-1 AM Triangle (Standard)
Mentality: Standard
Fluidity: Balanced

Team Instructions: Drill Crosses, Play Wider, More Direct Passing, Work Ball Into Box

ST - Poacher (Attack) (Hold Position, Move Into Channels)
AML - Inside Forward (Attack)
AMC - Attacking Midfielder (Support)
AMR - Inside Forward (Attack)
DM - Deep-Lying Playmaker (Support) (Roam From Position)
DM - Ball-Winning Midfielder (Defend)
DL - Wingback (Support) (Run Wide With Ball, Stay Wider)
DC - Central Defender (Defend)
DC - Ball-Playing Defender (Defend)
DR - Wingback (Support) (Run Wide With Ball, Stay Wider)

With the Inside Forward roles, my wingers go on the attack and get inside. What I think was happening (being that I don't usually watch matches - just let the commentary go by quickly - and even if I did, I probably wouldn't really know what I was seeing anyway) was that, because I had the defender wingers on Defend, there was this void on the outside that my team wasn't covering.

From what I read, having the AM wingers be Inside Forwards means that I need to put the defender wingers in a support role (or Fullback - Attack) to cover the area above them.

One DC is a Ball-Playing Defender. That's López because of his passing ability. If he's not in there, I revert that back to a Central Defender role.

4-2-1-2-1 Defend
Mentality: Counter
Fluidity: Balanced

Team Instructions: Drop Deeper, Drill Crosses, Shorter Passing, Retain Possession

ST - Poacher (Attack) (Hold Position, Move Into Channels)
AML - Inside Forward (Attack)
AMR - Inside Forward (Attack)
MC - Advanced Playmaker (Attack)
DM - Ball-Winning Midfielder (Support)
DM - Anchor Man (Defend)
DL - Wingback (Support) (Run Wide With Ball, Stay Wider)
DC - Central Defender (Defend)
DC - Ball-Playing Defender (Defend)
DR - Wingback (Support) (Run Wide With Ball, Stay Wider)

The main changes are: The AMC is pulled back to the MC position and becomes an Advanced Playmaker, the Deep-Lying Playmaker is changed to a a Ball-Winning Midfielder (Support), And the the BWM (Defend) player becomes an Anchor Man. I also tell my guys to pass shorter, retain possession and hassle opponents (to try to create counter attacking chances).

4-2-3-1 Attack
Mentality: Standard
Fluidity: Balanced

Team Instructions: Drill Crosses, Play Wider, More Direct Passing, Work Ball Into Box, Higher Tempo

ST - Poacher (Attack) (Hold Position, Move Into Channels)
AML - Inside Forward (Attack)
AMC - Attacking Midfielder (Attack)
AMR - Inside Forward (Attack)
MC - Deep-Lying Playmaker (Support)
MC - Ball-Winning Midfielder (Defend)
DL - Wingback (Support) (Run Wide With Ball, Stay Wider)
DC - Central Defender (Defend)
DC - Ball-Playing Defender (Defend)
DR - Wingback (Support) (Run Wide With Ball, Stay Wider)

Not much changes. The DMs move up to MCs, The AMC goes from Support to Attack and add the shout "Higher Tempo".



Let the disaster that is my strategy begin...

[sabotai]

2016-2017 Roster

Star ratings based on what my Assistant Coach says (17 JPA, 16 JPP), ordered by Ability

Goalkeepers
Vitus Eicher - GER - 25yo - 3 / 3 ($8.25k p/w , expires June, 2017)
Sven Müller - GER - 20yo - 2 / 2.5 ($4.9k p/w , 2018)
Michael Netolitzky - GER - 22yo - 2 / 4 ($2.2k p/w , 2017)
Daniel Martinez - ESP - 18yo - 1.5 / 4 ($6.25k p/w , 2018) - loaned out
Tobias Beck - GER - 17yo - 1 / 3.5 ($725 p/w , 2018)
Karl-Heinz Schmitt - GER - 16yo - 5 / 4 ($85 p/w , 2019)

Eicher will be the main starter this year, but I'll be giving Netolitzky some playing time as well. Müller will play for the Reserve Squad. Beck and Schmitt on the U19 squad.

[sabotai]

Defenders (Central)
Leobardo López - MEX - 32yo - 4 / 4 ($19.5k , 2017)
Isaac Donkor - GHA - 20yo - 3.5 / 4 ($14k , 2020)
Christoph Rech - GER - 23yo - 2 / 2.5 ($7.25k , 2018)
Andreas Hartmann - GER - 17yo - 1.5 / 3.5 ($575 , 2018)
Philipp Walter - GER - 20yo - 1.5 / 2 ($1.2k , 2019)
Haguibo Soro - GER - 17yo - 1 / 3 ($600 , 2018)
Claudio Maier - GER - 16yo - 4 / 2 ($85 , 2018)
Mario Rott - GER - 15yo - 4 / 2 ($85 , 2018)
Christopher Thaller - 15yo - 4 / 3.5 ($140 , 2019)

López and Donkor are the clear starters. Rech will be the main backup for either of them, but I'd like to get a bit more depth here. Hartmann will be on the U19 squad, but might get called up at some point in the season to get first-team experience. Other than 15 year old Thaller, though, I don't have a potential star in the pipeline at all.

Defenders (Left)
Markus Suttner - AUT - 29yo - 4 / 4 ($25k , 2017)
Stefan Kreß - GER - 15yo - 4 / 2 ($140 , 2019)
Tobias Schultz - GER - 15yo - 2 / 1 ($140 , 2019)

Defenders (Right)
Kristijan Con - GER - 17yo - 2.5 / 4.5 ($1.4k , 2018)
Moritz Volz - GER - 33yo - 2 / 2 ($9.5k , 2017)
Matthias Fahrenholz - 15yo - 1 / 5 ($85 , 2020)
José Alberto - GER - 16yo - 1 / 4 ($85 , 2018)
Janik Herberger - GER - 16yo - 5 / 3.5 ($85 , 2019)
Mamadou Traoré - GER - 15yo - 4 / 3 ($85 , 2018)

Suttner is the starter on the left, Con on the right. Volz can play either side, and Rech can play on the wings too, so if Con or Suttner go down or leave for international play, I can plug them in temporarily.

Fahrenholz and Alberto are potential stars, but...Con is going to be the star...I need to teach them the left side.

Back Four: Suttner - Donkor - López - Con
Backups: Volz, Rech

[sabotai]

Defensive Midfielders (Midfielders for Attack)
Yannick Stark - GER - 25yo - 4.5 / 4.5 ($34.5k , 2017)
Ouasim Bouy - NED - 23yo - 4 / 4.5 ($32.5k , 2018)
Stefan Wannenwetsch - GER - 24yo - 4 / 4 ($29.5k , 2017)
Dominik Stahl - GER - 27yo - 3.5 / 3.5 ($25k , 2017)
Joseph-Antoine Tchoumi - GER - 17yo - 1.5 / 3.5 ($500 , 2017) - loaned out
Alexander Wagner - GER - 16yo - 1 / 3.5 ($85 , 2019)
Daniel Langner - GER - 16yo - 1 / 4 ($85 , 2019)
Luca Bastians - GER - 15yo - 5 / 4.5 ($140 , 2019)
Stefan Bönig - GER - 15yo - 4 / 2 ($85 , 2018)
Stefan Hein - GER - 15yo - 2 / 1 ($85 , 2018)

Stark, Bouy, Wannenwetsch, and Stahl make up a great line up for my DM spot. They can all also play in the MC spot. Stark and Wannenwetsch are the starters, but Bouy and Stahl will get tons of playing time. Bouy is a bit one-dimensional, much better at supporting an attack and I'll favor his playing time for the Attack and Standard tactics. Wannenwetsch can play any role, Stahl is a defender. Stark is better at defensive roles, but is so good that he's also better at support than any of the other players. Except maybe Bouy, but only out of the MC spot (Bouy's natural position).

I might have made Bouy the starter at DM, but I am lacking depth at AMC, so Bouy is going to be a utility guy, backing up not only the DMs, but also backing up the AMC, and giving that his natural position is MC, he'll be coming on for one of the DMs when I go Attack, and coming on for the AMC when I go Defend.

I also have Bastians, Langner and Wagner coming through the pipeline and they all look to be very good. Wagner is only a 3.5 prospect, but has good defensive attributes, he's more of a one dimensional DM. Langner looks like a good all-around player and it's too early to tell on Bastians.

Attacking Midfielders (Midfielders on Defend)
Yunus Malli - TUR - 24yo - 4 / 4.5 ($22.5k , 2018)
Julien Weigl - GER - 20yo - 2 / 3.5 ($4.6k , 2018) - loaned out
Florian Rauscher - GER - 16yo - 1 / 3.5 ($85 , 2018)
Iasonas Moumos - GRE - 17yo - 1 / 3.5 ($625 , 2018) - loaned out
Felix Wallner - GER - 15yo - 3.5 / 2 ($140 , 2019)
Sebastian Duhnke - GER - 15yo - 2.5 / 1.5 ($140 , 2019)

Malli is the clear starter and Bouy will be his main backup. I have some prospects that could be good at AMC. I'm bloated at ST prospect wise and I might try training one or two of them in the AMC role.

AM Triangle: DM Stark, DM Wannanwetsch, AM Malli
Backups: DM Stahl, DM/AM Bouy

[sabotai]

Attacking Midfielder Left
Marco - ESP - 18yo - 3.5 / 5 ($1.2k , 2018)
Daniel Adlung - GER - 28yo - 3.5 / 3.5 ($24k , 2017)
Aniello Cutolo - ITA - 33yo - 3.5 / 3.5 ($22.5k , 2017)
Bernd Pollman - GER - 16yo - 4.5 / 3 ($85 , 2018)

Attacking Midfielder Right
Moritz Stoppelkamp - GER - 29yo - 3.5 / 3.5 ($41k , 2017)
Markus Mendler - GER - 23yo - 3 / 4 ($20.5k , 2018)
Metehan Subasi - TUR - 17yo - 2 / 4.5 ($700 , 2018)
Kodjovi Koussou - TOG - 24yo - 2 / 3.5 ($7.75k , 2017)
Daniel Hägler - GER - 19yo - 2 / 3.5 ($5k , 2018)
Max Endres - GER - 15yo - 3.5 / 4 ($140 , 2019)
Gerold Franz - GER - 15yo - 1.5 / 1.5 ($140 , 2019)

Most of them can play both sides. Sabusi is only "Competent" at AM(L) and I'm currently training him in that position to make him better there.

It's time for Marco to join the first-team, but I'm not sure I'm going to have him be the starter. I'm weary of playing an 18 year old for 90 minutes week in and week out.

Other potential quality players are Hägler and Endres. I think Koussou is what happens when you loan a player out too often.

Starting Wingers: Cutolo, Stoppelkamp
Backups: Marco, Adlung, Mendler, Subasi

Looking at their attributes, Cutolo is much better at the Inside Forward role than Adlung. But, there will be quite a bit of rotation.

[sabotai]

Strikers
Bobby Shou Wood - USA - 23yo - 4 / 4 ($17.25k , 2018)
Uros Dimitrijevic - GER - 16yo - 2.5 / 5 ($85 , 2018)
Nils Quascher - GER - 22yo - 2.5 / 4.5 ($13.25k , 2018)
Fejsal Mulic - SRB - 21yo - 2 / 2.5 ($5k, 2017)
Lars Wölfel - GER - 16yo - 1.5 / 4 ($85 , 2018)
Muhammad Karnib - GER - 15yo - 1 / 4.5 ($140 , 2020)
Tobias Schmidt - GER - 16yo - 4.5 / 2 ($85 , 2018)
Christopher Romminger - GER - 15yo - 4 / 3.5 ($85 , 2018)
François Yao - GER - 16yo - 3.5 / 2 ($85 , 2017)
Matthias Nees - GER - 15yo - 2 / 1 ($140 , 2019)

Bobby Shou Wood is the starter, but while playing internationally, Nils Quascher gets the nod. Dimitrijevic is progressing very quickly. He's gained 1.5 stars in one year (Head of Youth Development gives him 2.5 / 5 too, and he had him 1 / 5 when he joined the team). If Bobby Shou Wood, wants to leave, we've got many options.

Starter: Bobby Shou Wood
Backups: Nils Quascher, Fejsal Mulic

[sabotai]

And just as I go through all that, Wannanwetsch tells me he wants to move to a bigger club. He's even leaked his unhappiness to the press. So Stahl or Bouy might end up starting afterall.

[sabotai]

Kristijan Con will be out for a month due to a sports hernea.

7/22/2016: Division (A): Draw 0-0 vs. Aue.

8/1/2016: German Cup (A): Win 8-0 vs. Lübeck. I thought this would be an easy win, but damn. Marco played the whole game and scored 3 goals. Nils Quascher scored 4, with Isaac Donkor getting the lone goal.

I might regret this, but I've decided to sell Daniel Adlung, and to a division rival (Braunschweig). They're giving me $1.9M plus 10% of the next sale.

German Cup Draw: I draw Nürnberg for the 2nd round.

8/7/2016: Division (H) : Lose 0-2 vs. FSV Frankfurt.

My inbox is being flooded with bids for my young players, but they are mostly offers of $200k-$750k. I'm not selling a 4.5 or 5 star prospects for that amount!

8/13/2016: Division (A): Win 1-0 vs. Cottbus. Was in my defend tactic for this game while I played some backups/young players to get them on the field. I don't have enough players to field a reserve team this year, so I need to keep my guys rotating in and out to keep them all match fit.

With all the sales I've made, my transfer budget has gone up to nearly $9.5M and I have $120k per week of payroll budget to offer. I just can't find any players I need or want.

I've been sending my scouts out to look for any 4 star (or better) recommendations, but I've been looking specifically for DCs, GK (who is already a 4 or better Ability) and AMC prospects. I think I found an AMC prospect to grab, but there doesn't seem to be any DC (prospect or veteran) available or good GKs....

And I think it's time I cashed in on Sabusi. A team (in Turkey) offered $6.5M for him. I took it. The transfer will go through in June, 2017.

AMC / MC - Ante Roguljic - CRO -20yo - 2.5 / 4.5
Transfer: $1.5M, Contract: $15k p/w, until 2020, Squad Rotation. Bouy has proven to be fragile and Malli gets winded. I also needed a young prospect at the AMC spot. I'll be using him on rotation and we'll see how he progresses. Not the most athletic guy, but has a few high technicals already (Dribbling: 14, First Touch: 15, Passing: 13, Technique: 15). He needs some work but could be our next starter is Malli leaves in the next few years.

Selling Sabusi for $6.5M ($6M upfront, another $500k over 12 months) and buying Rogulijic for $1.5M has given me a transfer budget of $11.9M

Kristijan Con finally resumes full training.

My Assistant Coach told me that he feels Nils Quascher is ready for first-team action.....way to pay attention assman.

8/21/2016: Division (H): Draw 2-2 vs. RB Leipzig. We had a 2-0 lead and squandered it. This game did mark the return of Bobby Shou Wood who got us started with a goal in the 3rd minute.

Wannanwetsch is determined to be off the squad. The only offers I'm getting are from teams in the division. I sold Adlung in the division, I don't see myself selling Wannanwetsch to a rival.

López and Mendler came to me and expressed concern that the team is under-achieving. First off, López has had to be replaced in a few games already this year because of poor play, and Mendler, in his stints coming off the bench, hasn't played well either. Yeah, we're under-achieving, guess why...(besides me sucking at making tactics...)

8/29/2016: Division (A): Draw 1-1 vs. Dresden. We thoroughly outplayed them, had 18 shots, 9 on target, they had 7 shots, 3 on target. They just wouldn't go in...

Here's the dilemma I keep running into on transfers. I'm about to a sign a player that, by all accounts, would be a major signing for a second level team. I'm about to drop $4.5M in transfer budget money, and give the guy the biggest salary on my team. But I look at his attributes, and he's not much better than the guys I already have. I mean, in most areas he's...better....but is he THAT much better? Well, I have all this money, I might as well...

DC / DM - Jan Kirchoff - GER - 25yo - 4 / 4
Transfer: $4.5M, $42.5k per week , highest earner clause, signed to 2019, a slew of the typical bonuses that are higher than anyone else on the team.
As I said in the mini-rant above, best DC on the team....but not [i]so]/i] much better than Donkor or López. Kirchoff is fast (Pace: 18) but not fast (Acc: 8, Agi: 8). He is strong (Str: 16) and can jump (Jump: 18). Heading: 13, Tackling: 16, Marking: 15, Anticipation: 16, Composure: 15, Decisions: 15, Positioning: 15, Teamwork: 18....He's just a more complete defender than Donkor and López, but not a whole 'nother level above them, but I hope that makes it worth the $4.5M I dropped on him plus that large salary.

The deal got done and signed an hour before the transfer deadline.

[sabotai]

Board Confidence: 44%

They weren't much happy about the sale of Adlung and our under-achieving start to the year.

September 6, 2016: Division (A): Win 3-0 vs. Bochum

Unavailable (International): Con, Donkor, Wood, Marco, Roguljic

Tactic: 4-2-3-1 Triangle (Standard)
GK Netolitzky
DL Suttner
DC Kirchhoff
DC López
DR Volz
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stark
AML Mendler (off 70)
AMC Malli (off 70)
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Quascher

AML Cutolo (on 70)
MC Bouy (on 70)

I saw Quascher sit with the ball outside of the box and then pass it. He should have tried to just shoot it, and I think it's the "Work Ball Into Box" instruction. I gave him the Player Instruction "Shoot More Often" to see if that will encourage him to shoot it despite the team instruction.

Stoppelkamp has high (for my team) ratings in the set pieces attributes, but he's terrible at them...he also had 17 crosses and connected on 1 of them (He has a 10 for Crossing)

GK Netolitzky's rating for the game was 7.2, but Bochum had 2 almost goals off of 2 mistakes he made. It's now been 270 minutes (according to the post match interview) since Netolitzky let up a goal. But man, he nearly blew that twice in this game.

Mendler had a 6.5, the only player to start the game to get lower than 7.0 (the two subs both had 6.8). He also had a few good looks, but his Finishing isn't very good (7) and his shots kept going into the side of the net.

[sabotai]

My Wingers and AMC situation

The more I look at my tactics, the more I realize that I've been handling my AMC and wingers a bit carelessly. I have my wingers playing as Inside Forwards. The point of my tactics, at least on the attack, is to have my wingers rush in towards the goal, have my poacher already in the middle and have my AMC dictate the action, passing it to whoever is in the best position to score. I haven't really been paying attention to this and have just gone after and played players based on their gold star rating (which I'm thinking might be just fool's gold.........see what I did there?)

First off, having "Play Wider" Team Instruction has been undermining that, but I'll go over tactic changes next post.

For my wingers, I've been focusing a bit too much on their passing and not enough on their Finishing. I don't really want them to be the assist men, feeding it to my striker all the time. It'd be great if they could, but I need them, especially with just one striker, to be able to bury that ball in the net.

Finishing - First Touch - Passing - Crossing scores
Stoppelkamp: 12 - 12 - 10 -10
Mendler: 7 - 11 - 11 - 12
Marco: 9 - 15 - 11 - 11
Cutolo: 13 - 13 - 13 - 14

There's a reason Mendler hasn't performed as well as his overall star rating should suggest. It's because he can't put the ball in the net. If I had a system where he would cross and pass more, he'd probably be performing better. Conversely, Stoppelkamp performs well in my system (I have no idea why or how he managed to attempt 17 crosses in the last game, though. I'm thinking it was a product of set pieces? He takes the corner kicks, so the ball bounces back his way and he just crosses it. Gets the ball on a throw in and crosses it? I'll have to watch for that)

They also need to do some running with the ball, unlike the striker who is always sitting there, ready to strike. The wingers will ideally 1) get the pass from the AMC as they are cutting in and 2) get loose balls/rebounds/etc. to the side and be able to dribble around a defender to either take a shot or pass it inside. (Not sure "Drill Crosses" is working the way I want it to. With the lack of a big target man, I should pull back on crossing in general...?)

Dribbling - Tech. - Acc. - Agi - Balance
Stoppelkamp: 14 - 13 - 13 - 14 - 9
Mendler: 13 - 11 - 14 - 11 - 11
Marco: 13 - 13 - 16 - 13 - 11
Cutolo: 13 - 16 - 13 - 14 - 11

Mendler isn't terrible there, but there's just enough of a difference between him and the other three that it's noticeable. (And Stoppelkamp used to be better. He's 29 and his attributes are now steadily, slowly but steadily, declining. I think because of those injuries last year.)

I've been trying for a good squad rotation, but I think Marco and Cutolo rotating regularly on the left, but Stoppelkamp being the starter for the right with Mendler only coming on sometimes (just enough to keep him match fit) will be how I handle this area of my roster.


Because of my formation, the AMC needs to be able to run with the ball, pass it, and when the chance presents itself, go for a long shot. He's the focal point of the attack, if all goes to plan.

Yunus Malli has been great so far, but he's shown that he won't hold up through a full season. Bouy's there to help him out sometimes, but I really try to save Bouy for when there's an MC (Attack/Defend tactics) because that's where he's best. But Bouy has also shwon himself to be fragile. Now that I have Roguljic, I can spell Malli if he needs it when I still want an AMC and/or have Bouy subbed in elsewhere. Roguljic also has low stamina, so neither will be a 90 minutes long, game in game out, type of player.

First Touch - Long Shots - Passing - Tech. - Anticipation - Decisions - Stamina
Roguljic: 15 - 11 - 13 - 15 - 12 - 12 - 8
Malli: 16 - 11 - 15 - 16 - 13 - 12 - 12
Bouy: 15 - 16 - 16 - 16 - 12 - 14 - 12

Based on attributes (those and some others), Bouy would stand out as the best. But as I said, Bouy's natural position is at MC, but from what I've read, if I play him at AMC enough, he'll eventually become "Natural". *shrug*. We'll see.

[sabotai]

Some changes to tactics

I took off the "Play Wider" and "Work Ball Into Box" Team Instructions.

For my Standard and Attack Tactics, I changed the AMC player from an "Attacking Midfielder" to "Advanced Playmaker".

For the Attack tactic, I changed the roles of the 2 MCs to be generic "Central Midfielders", one on Defend and one on Support.

I also changed the Ball-Playing Defender DC back to just a Central Defender. I thought López would take to that role well but I guess not.

[sabotai]

September 9, 2016:

1860 Münich (3-3-1 - 12pt) at Inglostadt (4-0-2 - 12pt)

Lineup
GK Eicher (6.9)
DL Suttner (6.7)
DC Kirchhoff (6.9)
DC Donkor (6.7) (off 65)
DR Con (7.0)
DM Stahl (6.8)
DM Stark (6.9)
AML Marco (6.9)
AMC Malli (6.8) (off 52) Injury
AMR Stoppelkamp (6.9)
ST Wood (6.3)

AMC Bouy (6.7) (on 52)
DC López (6.8) (on 65)

Half Time score was 0-0. They didn't really get close. Some shots but most were long range and had no chance. We had one really good look, that was Marco taking a pass from Malli but he sent it too wide. Like, really wide. Like, I was sure we were going to get a corner kick because it must have been deflected wide.

Almost disaster in the 55th minute deep in our side when Bouy cut in front of one of their players just as he passed it, the ball deflected off Bouy right to an opponent running full speed at our goal and nearly buried one. Eicher made a nice save, though.

Another scary moment in the 72nd minute. Long pass going across the field connects and my defense is caught flat footed. Eicher again makes a nice save.

In the 74th minute, Con gets fouled in the penalty area (apparently not a very good call) and Stoppelkamp scores on the penalty kick to give us the 1-0 lead. We've been losing possession most of the match, so I switch to my Defend tactic after the score.

Kirchhoff looked like he was going to have easy header goal off a corner kick, but instead he sends it out of bounds and it wasn't even close.

We hold on for the win.

1860 Münich 1 - 0 Ingostadt

10 - Shots - 13
4 - On Target - 3
4 - Fouls - 16
1 - YCs - 1
43% - Poss. - 57%

Yunus Malli out for 7-10 days, so he'll miss at least one game.

Make that two games. I have a game vs. Köln on the 19th and then the German Cup game on the 21st.

[sabotai]

September 19th, 2016

It's amazing just how often I have a match rescheduled to appear on TV right before a German Cup game...

FC Köln (4-1-3, 13pt) at 1860 Münich (4-3-1, 16pt)

Lineup
GK Netolitzky (6.8)
DL Suttner (7.4) - 1G
DC Rech (6.9)
DC López (6.8)
DR Volz (6.8)
DM Wannenwetsch (7.5) - 1A
DM Stahl (6.8)
AML Marco (6.8)
AMC Roguljic (6.8) (off 67)
AMR Mendler (6.8)
ST Quaschner (6.6)

AMC Bouy (6.7) (on 67)

Yup, mostly backups.

Suttner scored in the 21st minute off a nice pass from Wannenwetsch. My guys won possession for the first half, had a few good shots, but also gave a few good looks to the other team. Both teams had 5 shots and 1 on target.

Marco really stood out. The kid's got speed and can up the field in a hurry. But he always runs up the side, never makes a move inside with the ball to run at the goal. Always running to the corner and trying to cross it.

In the second half, my team continue to win possession, but not do much. They always made that one mistake right before a good shot could be taken.

In the 85th minute, a long cross got behind my defense and Köln had an easy goal. It seems to be something my defense tends to give up at least once or twice a game.

FC Köln 1 - 1 1860 Münich
13 - Shots - 13
4 - On Target - 4
8 - Fouls - 5
2 - Yellow Cards - 1
46% - Poss. - 54%

POM: Wannenwetsch

[sabotai]

German Cup, 2nd Round

September 21st, 2016

1860 Münich at FC Nürnberg

Lineup
GK Eicher (6.6)
DL Suttner (6.2) (off 70)
DC Kirchhoff (6.5)
DC Donkor (6.4)
DR Con (5.2)
DM Stark (6.8)
DM Stahl (6.7)
AML Cutolo (6.2)
AMC Bouy (7.1)
AMR Stoppelkamp (6.7) (off 67) injury
ST Wood (6.8)

AML March (6.6) (on 67) (Cutolo moved to the right side)
DL Volz (6.6) (on 70)

A cross into the box at minute 19 gets Nürnberg their first goal. It wasn't the same variety as I've been noticing. This one was crossed in, I had two guys there, and their player run between them and headed it in. Watching it a few times, Donkor was the player at fault He backtracked, waiting for the ball to get to him and their striker Toni Vastic ran in and knocked it in.

As "punishment", I told Kirschoff to man mark him the rest of the game.

Didn't matter, Vastic did it to us again in the 21st minute. This time, again, my defenders got caught backpeddling on a cross, couldn't get to it, and Vastic ran by them and knocked it in.

I decide to switch to my Defend tactic to stop the bleeding and to hopefully get some counter attack going.

It seemingly worked, in the 35th minute, Wood held the ball up in the hole and then fed it to Bouy on the run and he drained it.

Stoppelkamp was injured and had to come off in the 67th minute.

Off a free kick in the 79th minute, their kicker lobbed it over the wall and Eicher misplayed it, allowing their player to head it into the air, and then he knocked it in when it came down in a crowd of players right in front of the goal.

They score a 4th goal in extra time when a ball went right by Con (misses it) to a waiting Nürnberg player who shot it passed Eicher. Con had a very bad game. I noticed him doing poorly, but I didn't notice it was 5.2 bad. I should have subbed him out early in the 2nd half, but my eye was on Suttner because, having played the previous game, I knew he'd need to come out. I just didn't think Con would have THAT bad of a game. My fault for not paying attention.

1860 Münich 1 - 4 Nürnberg
6 - Shots - 15
2 - On Target - 6
15 - Fouls - 9
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
41% - Poss. - 59%

Stoppelkamp will miss two weeks

[sabotai]

September 24th, 2016

1860 Münich (7th, 4-4-1, 16pt) at Paderborn (13th, 4-0-5, 12pt)

Lineup
GK Netolitzky (6.6)
DL Suttner (7.1)
DC López (7.0)
DC Kirchhoff (7.0)
DR Con (7.0) (off 82)
DM Stark (6.7)
DM Wannenwetsch (6.9)
AML Marco (6.9)
AMC Malli (6.5) (off 64)
AMR Cutolo (6.0) (off 87)
ST Wood (6.6)

AMC Bouy (6.8) (on 64)
DR Volz (on 82 - no rating)
AMR Mendler (on 87 - no rating)

The first half didn't see much action. A few chances for both teams but nothing really close. Paderborn owned possession 60-40 in the first half.

I'm going to try the "Pass Into Space" team instruction to see if that gets some better chances to my faster players.

In the 46th minute, Netolitzky had a ball go off his hands and hang in the air. I thought it was going to be a goal for sure but Kirchhoff cleared it

66th minute, Cutolo received a perfect pass from Bouy just 10 yards from the goal and....didn't shoot (I'm guessing he failed a First Touch saving throw or something because all he did was stop it and a second later their player slides in and knocks it out of bounds). That would have been such a nice goal...

Just a minute later, Cutolo splits two defenders with the ball in the box, and then sends it over the net.

74th minute, a Paderborn long shot, Neto save that barely stays out of the net.

80th minute, again, Cutolo in position in the box, receives a long pass from Con and just can't find the net (blocked out of bounds).

Subbed out Con in the 82nd minute because he was exhausted, and Mendler came on for Cutolo in the 87th minute for the same reason.

In extra time, Neto passed it to López who tried to direct it to Stark, but it got intercepted and their winger had a clean run at our goal with it, but Neto or Suttner gets a piece of it to send it over.

1860 Münich 0 - 0 Paderborn
13 - Shots - 13
4 - On Target - 4
9 - Fouls - 11
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
41% - Poss. - 59%

[sabotai]

2.Bundesliga Standings

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>Braunschweig</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>0</td> <td>3</td> <td>+12</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Düsseldorf</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>+5</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Osnabrück</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>+9</td> <td>19</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Bielefeld</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>+6</td> <td>19</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>+6</td> <td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>FSV Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>+5</td> <td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>+5</td> <td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Bochum</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>+4</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>Aue</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>-4</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>Ingolstadt</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>0</td> <td>5</td> <td>+2</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>Dresden</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>-2</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>Köln</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>+3</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>Paderborn</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>-1</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>St. Pauli</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>0</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Aalen</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>-2</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Rostock</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>7</td> <td>-8</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Cottbus</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>8</td> <td>-16</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>Wehen</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>-24</td> <td>2</td></tr></tbody></table>

[bbgunn]

Hmmm... you seem to also have low game ratings at the forward position, like I do. I don't get it.... unless they score, my starting forward always has a 6.5 or 6.4 or something like that.

[mrtourette]

I generally have that situation with my whole team.

[sabotai]

Hmmm... you seem to also have low game ratings at the forward position, like I do. I don't get it.... unless they score, my starting forward always has a 6.5 or 6.4 or something like that.

I think it might be a product of my system more than anything (which I've changed, again, and I know constantly changing my tactic is a recipe for disaster, but I'm sticking with a Counter Attacking tactic now and am going to for awhile, regardless of results...unless it's a total disaster...so that my guys can learn it and gel as a team).

I have (had) my ST as a Poacher, so all he was asked to do is shoot. He stays high up when playing defense, he's constantly pushing up, waiting for a pass. So he doesn't really do anything besides some passing and shooting, so if he doesn't score, he's going to have a mediocre rating for lack of doing anything else.

I've changed my ST to an Advanced Forward - Attack now though (which, as it happens, is what my scout tells me is the best role for Wood, Quascher, and one or two of my other strikers).

[sabotai]

Here's the counter attacking tactic I'll be using for several matches before I worry about other tactics or changes

4-2DM-3-1 Counter

Team Instructions: Pass Into Space, More Direct Passing, Play Wider, Drop Deeper, Hassle Opponents

GK - Goalkeeper

DL - Fullback - Support
DC - Central Defender - Defend
DC - Central Defender - Defend
DR - Fullback - Support

DM - Deep-Lying Playmaker - Support
DM - Ball-Winning Midfielder - Defend

AML - Inside Forward - Attack (Sit Narrower)
AMC - Advanced Playmaker - Attack (Roam From Position, Move Into Channels)
AMR - Inside Forward - Attack (Sit Narrower)

ST - Advanced Forward - Attack (Move Into Channels)


Something I'm toying with. I've seen people talking about tactics like this on other forums. I was thinking of making one of my Defender wingers a Complete Wingback and the other a Fullback (Defend). For my AM wingers, the one on the CWB side would be an attacking Inside Forward and the other (in front of the Fullback - Defend) would be a Winger - Support or a Defensive Winger - Support.

But that's for a later date....for now, just sticking with this tactic.

[sabotai]

October 1st, 2016

Bielefeld (5th, 5-4-1, 19pt) at 1860 Münich (7th, 4-5-1, 17pt)

Starting Lineup
GK - Eicher
DL - Suttner
DC - Donkor
DC - Kirchhoff
DR - Volz
DM - Stark
DM - Stahl
AML - Marco
AMC - Bouy
AMR - Mendler
ST - Wood

In the 3rd minute, Marco had a breakway but he mishit the ball while dribbling, allowing the defense to recover and his shot was blocked. In a year or two, he's probably going to be killing teams similar situations. A pass from Bouy to Wood to Marco set up the chance.

In the 6th minute, a pass from Marco to Wood in the box sets up a great chance, but the shot from Wood was weak. Easy save.

In the 9th minute, Wood makes a nice move, gets around the defender near midfield and runs at the goal, but his shot goes high. Lots of chances early, nothing to show for it.

By the 10th minute, my assman told me to remove Pass Into Spaces. He said we were gifting them to ball. I ignore him.

In the 32nd minute, Cutolo puts a pass just over the head of an opponent, Bouy takes it...and misses. That was our 7th shot, 2 on target.

In the 35th minute, Bouy directs a pass to Wood in space, Wood barely beats out the defender to it, lobs a shot passed the GK at the net and.....barely misses. That would have been a nice goal.

In the 37th minute, they manage to sustain an attack until my defenders clump up, leave an attacker alone and an easy pass becomes an easy goal. Eicher was also a bit slow to react to that one.

In the 52nd minute, Marco lobs a pass into the box, Wood beats his man there, makes a move around the GK and scores easily to tie the game.

In the 60th minute, Stark lobs the ball upfield, Wood heads it on and Marco picks it up, dribbles towards the goal and...sends it wide.

I feel like my attacking players need to work on their finishing....

In the 64th minute, Bouy passes the ball into the box, Wood gets to it and sends it into the net to give us the lead. I feel like "Passes Into Space", while I'm sure has given the ball over to their team, has helped generate a ton of scoring chances in this game. In the previous games I've watched (not exactly a large sample size), I've never seen a player on either team just push the ball into the box to no one in particular. In this case, Bouy just sent it in. Wood just simply reacted and got there first (in this case, it wasn't even close). Not that it's been all great. I've seen some bad passes into space, but seeing bad passes in general is not uncommon while watching my team.

Also, if I faced a team with superior speed, I might be in a giant world of hurt right now. So I think I'm really going to need to scout out my opponents and turn that off if I'm facing a team with a lot of speed on defense.

In the 89th minute, Wood made a beautiful move to get by a defender, but his shot was sent over by the GK.

We dominated this game and should have won by a much larger margin. It's still 3 points though, and hopefully my team keeps up this kind of performance.

Bielefeld 1 - 2 1860 Münich
7 - Shots - 19
2 - On Target - 7
4 - Fouls - 13
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
48% - Poss. - 52%

POM: Bobby Shou Wood, 2 goals

Player Performance
GK Eicher 6.7 , DL Suttner 6.9 , DC Donkor 6.9 , DC Kirchhoff 6.9 , DR Volz 6.2 (off 68) , DR Rech 6.8 (on 68) , DM Stark 6.9 , DM Stahl 6.8 , AML Marco 6.8 , AMC Bouy 7.7 , AMR Mendler 6.7 (off 24 - injury) , AMR Cutolo 6.7 (on 24) , ST Wood 8.8

Volz got subbed due to poor performance. I thought Con could use a day off.

[sabotai]

October 7th, 2016

1860 Münich (4th, 5-5-1, 20pt) at Wehen (18th, 0-3-8, 3 pt)

I decided that I do, in fact, need a Reserve team. To give players a chance to regain match fitness following injury, to keep the backup players busy so that they don't lose match fitness, to play some of the players who are just not quite there yet but too old to play on the U19 team....I'll sign some free transfers and build a Reserve team following this match.

Unavailable: DR Con, AML Marco, ST Wood (International play)

Lineup
GK Eicher
DL Suttner
DC López
DC Kirchhoff
DR Volz
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Cutolo
AMC Malli
AMR Mendler
ST Quascher

Looked at the team thoroughly. 3 of the 4 players they have on their defensive line are very slow. My 4 attackers should have no problem running by them. The 4th player has some speed and technical ability, but looks like he might fold mentally under pressure. They do have a very good goalkeeper, though.

Suttner was yellow carded in the 20th minute. Thankfully, it was just outside the penalty box.

In the 26th minute, Cutolo had the ball on a breakaway, crossed it into the box and Malli received it, held it for a half second and then sent a shot off the goalpost. That was my first real scoring chance. Wehen is playing very defensively.

Mendler is still sending his shots into the side of the net. I've seen 2 so far by the 32nd minute.

In the 38th minute, López the corner kick threat finally arrived this season. Cutolo took the corner, passed it short to Malli who sent it into López who was standing at the near post. The guy on López came out to get Malli, Malli crosses it in, López attacks the pass and heads it in, not giving the 2nd closest defender a chance to cover him.

In the 45th minute, Quascher sends a long shot just a hair too wide.

In the 46th minute, I saw the bad side of Pass Into Spaces. Wannenwetsch passed into space, but looked like it was meant for Volz to react to and get, but all I saw was a slow, lazy pass directly to an opposing player, and Volz just standing a short distance away, not reacting to it at all. Luckily nothing came of it.

In the 73rd minute, Suttner got his 2nd Yellow Card and was sent off. I subbed out Wannenwetsch for DC Donkor (who can play the right side) and moved him to the DR spot, moved Volz to the left side and changed Stark to a Half Back - Defend. Time to just try to hold this 1-0 lead.

In the 78th minute, they score off a corner kick (it was knocked out, right to one of their players who drains it). Changed Stark back to a Deep-Lying Playmaker.

In the 82nd minute, a long pass by Bouy goes over a defenders head and Quascher had a clean run at the goal (but took a second to gain control of the pass, giving the defense time to recover). His shot was barely sent wide by the GK.

In the 88th minute, Cutolo kicks in a cross from Donkor to give us the lead late in the game.

In extra time, Mendler takes a cross from Volz and scores his first goal of the season. Honestly though, that was more the fault of the GK. He reacted very slowly to that and it should have been an easy save. Mendler took what felt like forever to get the ball under control and shoot it.

1860 Münich 3 - 1 Wehen
17 Shots 3
7 On Target 1
14 Fouls 7
4 Yellow Cards 2
55% Poss. 45%


POM: Mortiz Volz, 1 assist

Player Performance
GK Eicher 6.8 , DL Suttner 6.7 (off 73, sent off) , DL/DR Volz 8.0 , DC López 7.4 , DC Kirchhoff 7.1 , DR Donkor 6.9 (on 74) , DM Stark 7.0 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.7 (off 74) , AML Cutolo 7.6 , AMC Malli 7.2 (off 78) , AMC Bouy NR (on 78) , AMR Mendler 7.7 , ST Quascher 6.8

Goal Scorers: López, Mendler, Cutolo
Assists: Volz, Malli, Bouy

[sabotai]

October 16th, 2016

Düsseldorf (6th, 6-2-3, 20pt) at 1860 Münich (3rd, 6-5-1, 23pt)

Unavailable: DM Stark (injury), Stuttner (Sus.)

They run a 2DM formation as well, and from what I can see, we are evenly matched. This will be the first true test of my tactics I think.

Starting Lineup
GK Eicher
DL Volz
DC Donkor
DC Kirchhoff
DR Con
DM Wannenwetsch (DLP-S)
DM Stahl (BWM-D)
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

In the 4th minute, I saw Eicher try to give the ball to a defender. The problem is, they had a player covering the defender. Eicher's lucky that he took an ill-advised long shot. He would have had a clear one-on-one on Eicher if he wasn't in such a hurry.

In the 7th minute, exactly what I wanted to see from this tactic. Bouy launches the ball from midfield, and Wood flat out beats the defender to it. Their GK made a nice save, unfortunately. That would have been sweet.

In the 10th minute, Con get caught flat footed but their player sent it wide. Con has the ability to make plays, but as is expected from a young player, he's very streaky and makes a lot of mistakes.

In the 18th minute, Wannenwetsch feeds Con in the box, but he barely sends it wide.

In the 34th minute, Donkor was so close to a goal. Better First Touch would have buried it easily. Or better Finishing. Either way, another wasted opportunity.

Eicher makes a really nice save in minute 39. My defense was caught napping as a pass went into the box and they didn't react quickly. The guy had all day.

Subbed out Bouy in the 41st minute (Malli in). He took a knock but should be okay, but he was slow to recover from it and I thought it best to get him off the field.

They score in extra time before the half (+1...scored at 1:31) off a corner. It bounced around a bit before finding the net.

In the 69th minute, a pass from Malli to Stoppelkamp into the box, but their GK makes a good save.

I sub Cutolo in for Stoppelkamp in the 72nd minute. Stoppelkamp was still not match fit from his injury, and I need a final push at the end of this game. I also set my Mentality to Control.

In the 84th minute, they cross it into the box, and their player barely missed the header. As soon as I changed to Control, Düsseldorf dominated possession. I change to Attacking (only got several minutes left)

In the 85th minute, Wood scored but was very offsides. They answer with a disallowed goal in the 88th minute by a player that was even more offisdes (by like 10 yards!)

Düsseldorf 1 - 0 1860 Münich
14 - Shots - 13
6 - On Target - 3
13 - Fouls - 14
2 - Yellow Cards - 2
49% - Poss. - 51%

Suttner and Stark were badly missed in this one. In fairness, they were without their starting DR as well (who looks like a very good player)

Player Performance
GK Eicher 6.7 , DL Volz 6.8 (YC) , DC Donkor 6.7 , Kirchhoff 6.9 , DR Con 6.7 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.8 , DM Stahl 6.9 (YC) , AML Marco 6.7 , AMC Bouy 6.8 (off 41) , AMC Malli 6.7 (on 41), AMR Stoppelkamp 6.4 (off 72) , AMR Cutolo 6.7 (on 72) , ST Wood 6.3

This wasn't a case of just not scoring for Wood causing a low score, I saw him make some bad mistakes. Same for Stoppelkamp, but he wasn't match fit and I'm sure that caused some rustiness. Con also had some crucial mistakes. And passes into space intended for Marco....he doesn't seem to react correctly to them. I wish I could train Anticipation.

[sabotai]

In the 7th minute, exactly what I wanted to see from this tactic. Bouy launches the ball from midfield, and Wood flat out beats the defender to it. Their GK made a nice save, unfortunately. That would have been sweet.

Here it is.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JMHeq_UFBM8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[sabotai]

October 23rd, 2016

Friendly

1860 Münich at FC Bayern II

A 12 day hole in my fixture and I didn't want my guys to go 12 days without playing. I think I accidentally made this game too close to my next one (5 days).

I added two more Team Instructions to try them out for this game.

Work Ball Into Box - My guys have been taking a few too many long shots. I didn't have this on originally because I didn't want anyone slowing up the counter attack to look for passes into the box instead of just running at the goal. But, there's been too many shots from long range during normal attacking phases so I'm trying it out.

Stay On Feet - I turned on "Hassle Opponents" and my fouls and yellow cards shot up. Also, the point is to get the ball back and push it upfield quickly. If my guy tackles and is on the ground, he can't then make a play for the ball. So I'm going to see if this helps as well.

Just a quick summery, it was just a friendly.

Most of my guys did not play that well, but part of the reason for this friendly was to get them match fit. Due to some injuries and maybe a few too many players, several players weren't match fit and my new reserve team hasn't had any games yet.

I'm still having an issue with the opposing team crossing the ball from one flank to the corner of the box on the opposite side, where my defenders have left their winger alone. Would this be solved by having my defensive wingers man mark their midfield/attacking midfield counterparts?

Work Ball Into Box - Seemed to work the way I wanted. On sustained attacks, there was more passing, trying to get a good shot from inside the box. On the breakaways, there was no holding up to look for passes.

Stay On Feet - Not sure what to make about this one. We actually had fewer "fast break" chances in this friendly, but I was playing mostly unfit and backup players.

Final Score: 1860 Münich 4 - 3 FC Bayern II

[sabotai]

October 28, 2016

2.Bundelsliga
1860 Münich (5th, 6-5-2, 23pt) at Aalen (15th, 3-4-6, 13pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Eicher
DL Suttner
DC Donkor
DC Kirchhoff
DR Volz
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

We get started early with a goal by Bouy. Volz passed to Stoppelkamp and he crossed it to Bouy who heads it in.

In the 30th minute, a nice set up from Suttner to Marco to Wood, but their goalie just gets a hand on it to send it wide.

In the 39th minute, Marco crosses to the middle of the top of the box, Wood beats his man there and scores our 2nd goal.

In the 47th minute we give up a goal. A few passes in the box, an attack left uncovered and it's an easy goal for them.

Scary moment in the 53rd minute where the ball bounced around right in front of the goal. After a few seconds, thankfully, one of my guys cleared it.

In the 59th minute, my own chance at a ball bouncing about in front of the goal, but they get it cleared too.

In the 75th minute, they score after Suttner decides he should suck some more by getting beat by his opponent on a move not once, but twice. (and this was after I decided to sub him out minutes, minutes, before....)

In the 88th minute, a pass from Wood to Stoppelkamp set up a great chance, but their keeper directs it wide.

There were a few passes to Stoppelkamp that looked like he reacted incorrectly to. He just seemed to not be in the right place. We lost a few scoring chances because of breakdown in communication.

1860 Münich 2 - 2 Aalen
7 - Shots - 9
5 - On Target - 4
14 - Fouls - 10
2 - Yellow Cards - 0
47% - Poss. - 53%

Player Performances
GK Eicher 6.6 , DL Suttner 5.6 (off 75 , YC), DC Donkor 6.0 (off 75) , DC López 6.7 (on 75) , DC Kirchhoff 6.6 , DR/DL Volz 6.9 , DR Con 6.7 (on 75) , DM Stark 6.8 , Wannenwetsch 6.8 , AML Marco 7.5 (YC) , AMC Bouy 7.3 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.7 , ST Wood 7.0

Goal Scorers: Bouy, Wood
Assists: Stoppelkamp, Marco

I made the subs for Suttner and Donkor in the 72nd minute. They were at 5.9 and 6.2 rating, respectively, at that time. What a difference 3 minutes makes.

[sabotai]

November 1st, 2016

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td><td>Team</td><td>
</td><td>P</td><td>W</td><td>D</td><td>L</td><td>GD</td><td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>1st</td><td>Braunschweig</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>8</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>+14</td><td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>2nd</td><td>Düsseldorf</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>8</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>+4</td><td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>3rd</td><td>Osnabrück</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>8</td><td>2</td><td>4</td><td>+14</td><td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>4th</td><td>RB Leipzig</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>7</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>+11</td><td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>5th</td><td>Bielefeld</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>+7</td><td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>6th</td><td>1860 München</td><td> </td><td>14</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>+7</td><td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>7th</td><td>FSV Frankfurt</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>7</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>+6</td><td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>8th</td><td>Ingolstadt</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>7</td><td>1</td><td>6</td><td>+4</td><td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>9th</td><td>Paderborn</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>7</td><td>1</td><td>6</td><td>+1</td><td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>10th</td><td>Bochum</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>6</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>+3</td><td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>11th</td><td>Köln</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>6</td><td>+4</td><td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>12th</td><td>Aue</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>6</td><td>1</td><td>7</td><td>-7</td><td>19</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>13th</td><td>St. Pauli</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>6</td><td>+1</td><td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>14th</td><td>Dresden</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>-4</td><td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>15th</td><td>Aalen</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>-5</td><td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>16th</td><td>Rostock</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>10</td><td>-11</td><td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>17th</td><td>Cottbus</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>10</td><td>-20</td><td>8</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>18th</td><td>Wehen</td><td>
</td><td>14</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>11</td><td>-29</td><td>3</td></tr></tbody></table>

[sabotai]

Board Confidence
Job Security: 54%
Club Stature: 58%
Salaries: 56%
Squad Harmony: 84%
Job Status: 38% (It won't cost them much to dump me)
German Second Division: 55% (not lower since we still are in a good position to win. It's still early)
German Cup: 47% (They wanted at least 3rd round, but understand when hit a tough opponent in round 2)
First Team Youngster Signings: 100%
Give Youth a Chance: 50%
Possession Soccer: 50%

For the month of November, I have changed my training to be that of two days of match training, and for all games I'll be focusing on Teamwork. After this month, I'll go back to 1 day of match training. I've also gotten rid of the rest day before match training. We were the favorites to win promotion and are closer to the middle of the standings than the top. We need to practice more, evidently.

In 11 division games, Eicher has given up 14 goals. In 5 division games, Netolitzky has given up 1. But I think Netolitzky's success is mostly luck. Average rating wise, they are the same. And I am not happy with my goalkeeper situation. Netolitzky is a 4 star prospect, but there's not guarantee that he'll fulfill that, nor is that the case for my other two 4 star prospects. Having a GK that was at least a 4 star player right now is what I need. I'll be on the look out for a GK to sign.

[sabotai]

GK - Odisseas Vlachodimos - GRE - 22yo - 3 / 4.5
Transfer: $3.8M. $35.5k per week, bumps up to $39k per week once he makes 5 international caps. Plus many bonuses and whatnots.
Attribute wise, he's better than Netolitzky and is better than Eicher in the many ratings, and only 1 or 2 points lower in most of the others. He'll be my immediate starter. Signed from Suttgart. The transfer will go through on January 1st.

[sabotai]

November 6th, 2016

2.Bundesliga
St. Pauli (13th, 5-3-6, 18pt) at 1860 Münich (7th, 6-6-2, 24pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Eicher
DL Suttner
DC Donkor
DC Kirchhoff
DR Con
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Cutolo
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

In the 14th minute, a pass from Wood to Stoppelkamp would have set up a great scoring chance, but Stoppelkamp was just a step too slow.

In the 17th minute, Cutolo dribbles the ball into the box and just needs to make a move and shoot, but he loses control of the ball and their defender clears it to safety.

In the 18th minute, A pass from Bouy to Wood, who directs it into the box, Cutolo comes flying by the defenders and....hits it wide.

In the 33rd minute, Stoppelkamp looks to have a breakaway, but he just doesn't get full control of the ball. He still manages a pass to Cutolo who has a shot, but it's a weak one and the GK easily handles it.

In the 36th minute, Suttner passes to Bouy into the box and Bouy finishes strong giving us the 1-0 lead.

In the 45th minute, a bad pass from Kirchhoff leads to a counter chance, but Wannenwetsch puts an end to it.

In 45 + extra time, Bouy sends the ball upfield, Stoppelkamp has a look with Wood in great chance to get the rebound, but Stoppelkamp's shot is a bit weak and their GK easily handles it.

In the 61st minute, off a throw in, they head it into the box and have a great look but their player sent it a bit wide. That should have tied it up.

In the 72nd minute, in their half looking to form an attack, Bouy steps in front of their player with the ball, chipping the ball towards Wood who just barely puts it wide. That should have been a goal.

St. Pauli 0 - 1 1860 Münich
4 - Shots - 16
0 - On Target - 5
14 - Fouls - 8
0 - Yellow Cards - 1
50% - Poss. - 50%


POM: DL Markus Suttner (1 Assist)

Player Performances
GK Eicher 6.8 , DL Suttner 7.7 , DC Donkor 7.0 , Kirchhoff 6.9 , DR Con 7.0 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.6 (off 62) , DM Stahl 6.7 (on 62) , DM Stark 7.0 (YC) , AML Cutolo 6.4 (off 62) , AML Marco 6.8 , AMC Bouy 7.4 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.6 , ST Wood 6.5

Goals: Bouy
Assists: Suttner

Suttner rebounded from his crappy game very nicely.

The more I watch this team, the more I see that Stoppelkamp and Cutolo just don't have the speed for this tactic. They're not slow, but Marco and Wood both are just a step faster.

Pace - Acc - Agi
Stoppelkamp: 11 - 13 - 14
Cutolo: 12 - 12 - 14
Marco: 17 - 16 - 13
Wood: 16 - 15 - 14
Mendler: 15 - 14 - 11
Quascher: 15 - 13 - 13

[sabotai]

November 12th, 2016 - Friendly

FK Austria Wien at 1860 Münich

Just keeping my guys busy while several are away for international play. I didn't even watch the game.

Draw 2-2

[sabotai]

A little update on the Daniel Adlung sale. He played 1 game, on August 13th he came on in the 84th minute. Then he got injured and was out for over a month, then 2 games as "Not Selected" and then several games as "Unused Substitute".

That was $1.9M well spent by them. :)

[sabotai]

November 21st, 2016

2.Bundesliga
1860 Münich (5th, 7-6-2, 27pt) at Rostock (16th, 3-1-11, 10pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Netolitzky
DL Suttner
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

In the 6th minute, Bouy to Wood to Stoppelkamp...GK just gets enough to send it over the net.

In the 29th minute, Wood passes to Bouy who, with the ball just yards from the goal and GK, is hassled by the opponents nad just couldn't get a shot off, dumps it to Stoppelkamp who sends it wide. Should have been a goal by Bouy there.

They were winning the possession so I changed Mentality to Control to see if that changed anything

Bouy is injured in the 40th minute and has to come off.

40th minute still, Wood wrestles for control of the ball with two of their players near the back line in the box, he gets it, passes to a wide open Stark who has a good angle and he buries it. 1-0 lead for us.

In the 44th minute, Marco is hurt and is taken to the sideline. It's close to half time so I leave him in to see if he can recover at half time.

In the 56th minute, their player heads a corner kick off the side post.

Off a goal kick in the 63rd minute, Stoppelkamp heads it forward to the goal and Wood barely gets beaten to it by the GK.

In the 63rd minute, Stoppelkamp takes it into the box, the GK comes out, he passes to Wood who has a wide open net, but he waits on the pass, and his shot bounces off a defender. If he had just stepped forward and kicked it, goal. He backpeddled and a defender is able to slide in front of it.

Marco comes off, Cutolo in in the 64th minute. Marco never really recovered from the knock he took in the first half.

In the 76th minute, a long cross from Wood to Cutolo who turns and passes to Malli rushing it, but Malli has trouble controlling it and when he did get a shot off, it's a weak shot off the side of the net.

In the 77th minute, Wood feed Stoppelkamp in the box and it gets blocked by the GK. Stoppelkamp was called offsides, which was BS. Good thing that wasn't a disallowed goal. I would have gotten fined if asked about it.

In the 84th minute, Wood feeds Stoppelkamp from midfield. Their defender was very late reacting and Stoppelkamp had a one-on-one with the GK, but the GK makes the save. *sigh* Another goal that should have been.

In the 86th minute, a pass to Wood in open space and his foot got stuck in the ground or something because he got injured trying to field it....I had no ST to put in.....I sub in Stahl and move him down to DM so I have 3 DMs....4-3-3 sorta....I make him an Anchor Man. Time to just full on turtle.

And then Stark gets injured in extra time and I am out of subs. Next time I play Rostock, I'm going full out thug on them....

1860 Münich 1 - 0 Rostock
7 - Shots - 5
3 - On Target - 0
13 - Fouls - 14
1 - Yellow Card - 2
52% - Poss. - 48%


POM: Yannick Stark (1 Goal)

Player Performances
GK Netolitzky 6.4 , DL Suttner 6.8 (YC) , Kirchhoff 6.8 , DC Donkor 7.3 , DR Volz 6.7 , DM Stark 7.9 (off 90 - injury) , DM Wannenwetsch 6.9 , DM Stahl NR (on 90) , AML Marco 6.1 (off 64) , AML Cutolo 6.7 (on 64) , AMC Bouy 6.6 (off 40 - injured) , AMC Malli 6.8 (on 40) , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.2 , ST Wood 7.2 (off 90)

Goals: Stark
Assists: Wood

[sabotai]

Yannick Stark is going to miss 6-7 weeks
Ouasim Bouy will be out 2-3 weeks

Marco and Wood will be fine.

Nils Quascher came to me looking to go out on loan. That's great, I've been looking for an excuse to bring up Uros Dimitrijevic, who is already a 2.5 star player, has the speed I'm looking for and high values in the right technicals. Mediocre mental attributes right now, though. I didn't want to juggle him, Quascher and Wood, but if Quascher goes out on loan, I can bring Uros up and get him some playing time in the reserve team and first team.

Markus Mendler wants to leave. Since Marco has really owned the AML position, he's pretty much been the odd man out. I get two immediate offers of $300k. On from a 2nd division team and one from a 3rd division team. Guess which one gets him.

[sabotai]

November 25th, 2016

2.Bundesliga
Braunschweig (1st, 9-4-3, 31pt) at 1860 Münich (2nd, 8-6-2, 30pt)

Would have really liked to have Bouy and Stark for a first v.s second clash....

Starting Lineup
GK Netolitzky
DL Volz
DC Kirchhoff
DC López
DR Con
DM Wannenwetsch (DLP)
DM Stahl (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Mendler (damn, forgot to change him before pressing Submit Team....)
ST Wood

In the 8th minute, Roguljic set up Mendler with a great pass, but there were too many in the area and the shot bounces off a defender.

In the 37th minute, Marco crosses the ball into the box just a bit too far for Wood, but the defender misplays it, Wood shoots but it's blocked by another defender and cleared.

In the 65th minute, Volz is injured while tackling and has to come off. Suttner comes on for him.

In the 75th minute, they cross it in near my goal, their header bounces off the side post.

Braunschweig 0 - 0 1860 Münich
5 - Shots - 8
1 - On Target - 3
3 - Fouls - 7
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
48% - Poss. - 52%


POM: Kristijan Con

Player Performances
GK Netolitzky 6.8 , DL Volz 6.7 (off 65 - injured) , DL Suttner 6.7 , DC Kirchhoff 6.8 , DC López 7.1 , DL Con 7.3 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.9 , Stahl 6.9 , AML Marco 6.5 (off 84) , AML Cutolo NR (on 84) , AMC Roguljic 6.3 (off 62) , AMC Malli 6.6 (on 62) , ST Wood 6.5

Marco took several knocks and was ~60%. Thought I might be able to make a push if a fresh Cutolo came on.

[sabotai]

December 1st, 2016

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>Braunschweig</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>9</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>+15</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>9</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>+14</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>+9</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Düsseldorf</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>9</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>+5</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Osnabrück</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>+11</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>FSV Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>+7</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>Bochum</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>+5</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Paderborn</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>9</td> <td>1</td> <td>7</td> <td>+2</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>Bielefeld</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>+5</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>Köln</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>+6</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>Ingolstadt</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>1</td> <td>8</td> <td>+4</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>St. Pauli</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>+2</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>Dresden</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>-5</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>Aalen</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>-5</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Aue</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>9</td> <td>-10</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Cottbus</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>11</td> <td>-22</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Rostock</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>12</td> <td>-13</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>Wehen</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>0</td> <td>5</td> <td>12</td> <td>-30</td> <td>5</td></tr></tbody></table>

[sabotai]

1860 Münich Team Rankings
Goals: 20 (13th)
Allowed: 11 (1st)

Player Rankings
Goals: Wood and Stoppelkamp 4 (27th)
Assists: Stoppelkamp 3 (33rd)
Av Rating: Bouy 7.09 (31st)
Shutouts: Netolitzky 6 (3rd)

Job Security: 54%

[sabotai]

December 2nd, 2016

Friendly
Levski at 1860 Münich

We win 3-0. A friendly in the middle of a 2 week break to keep everyone match fit.

[sabotai]

December 10, 2016

2.Bundesliga
1860 Münich (3rd, 8-7-2, 31pt) at Osnabrück (5th, 8-4-5, 28pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Netolitzky
DL Suttner
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DL Con
DM Wannenwetsch (DLP)
DM Stahl (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Malli
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

In the 23rd minute, Marco scored off a free kick, but it was disallowed because he was offsides. And yeah, he was ...... waaaay .... offsides. So much so that I thought he did it as a lark.

In the 30th minute, my defenders sat back and watched as a ball went over their heads. Netolitzky sat in front of the goal, expecting the ball to go out for a goal kick. No one must have seen the Osnabrück player who ran down the ball. He scored easily.

In the 44th minute, my defender misplays a pass and their player gets a breakaway. Luckily he sent it a bit too high and a bot too wide.

In the 45th minute, a pass to Wood is a bit too strong, their defender stops it but takes one step too many (I'm thinking he failed a First Touch check) and Wood steps up and drills it for a goal to tie the game.

46th minute, Marco finally does what I've been waiting for him to do. He takes a pass, makes a move around the defender, and buries the shot. The GK got a piece of it, but his shot was strong and it finds the net.

In the 62nd minute, we hit a corner but a defender heads it out. Stahl had a chance but his shot goes too high.

In the 80th minute, they get a counter attack going, but their player kicks it off the top bar. That should have been a goal for them.

In the 86th minute, we go on the attack, Cutolo crosses it in and Wood heads it strong, but their GK is in the exact right place and it bounces out.

In extra time, Cutolo fed Wood and he had a great chance, but it goes off the side of the net.

1860 Münich 2 - 1 Osnabrück
13 - Shots - 7
4 - On Target - 2
12 - Fouls - 15
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
51% - Poss - 49%


POM: Marco (1 Goal)

Player Performances
GK Netolitzky 6.8 , DL Suttner 6.9 , DC Kirchhoff 7.0 , DC Donkor 6.7 , DR Con 6.4 (off 71) , DR Volz 6.8 (on 71) , DM Wannenwetsch 6.9 , DM Stahl 6.9 , AML Marco 7.9 , AMC Malli 6.7 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.7 (off 71) , AMR Cutolo 6.7 (on 71) , ST Wood 7.2

Goals: Marco, Wood
Assists: Suttner

[sabotai]

December 18, 2016

2.Bundesliga
Aue (13th, 7-2-9, 23pt) at 1860 Münich (3rd, 9-7-2, 34pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Netolitzky
DL Suttner
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Con
DM Wannenwetsch (DLP)
DM Stahl (BWM)
AML Cutolo
AMC Roguljic
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

Off a free kick in the 8th minute, Stoppelkamp kicks it from midfield to Wood, he holds the ball up, passes to Stoppelkamp who is running full force to the box, and the GK makes a nice save.

In the 11th minute, Suttner sends a lang pass to Wood, he directs it to the goal, GK makes a save sending it wide, but it doesn't go with enough force. Wood is able to get to it before it goes out of bounds and buries it in the net giving us the early lead.

In the 37th minute, Wood sets up Cutolo perfectly in the box but he misses wide. The commentator called it "an embarrissing miss". It absolutely was.

In the 55th minute, Stoppelkamp feeds a corner to a close by Roguljic who crosses it in and Cutolo heads in a goal to give us a 2-0 lead.

Off a corner kick in the 81st minute, the ball is headed out but it goes right to Marco. Unfortunately his shot was just a bit too wide.

In the 84th minute, the ball is crossed near the goal. The GK tries to get to it but Wood gets there first, but he just doesn't have a good angle. He hits it off the post.

Aue 0 - 2 1860 Münich
7 - Shots - 18
4 - On Target - 8
17 - Fouls - 12
4 - Yellow Cards - 2
48% - Poss. - 52%


POM: Ante Roguljic

Player Performances
GK Netolitzky 6.9 , DL Suttner 7.2 , DC Kirchhoff 7.1 , DC Donkor 6.8 , DR Con 7.6 , DM Wannenwetsch 7.0 , DM Stahl 7.0 , AML/AMR Cutolo 7.3 , AMC Roguljic 8.3 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.8 (off 69) , AML Marco 6.7 (on 69) , ST Wood 7.4

Goals: Wood, Cutolo
Assists: Suttner, Roguljic

And now we hit the midseason break having gained 1st place (by 1 point).

[sabotai]

December 22nd, 2016

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>19</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>+12</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>+16</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Braunschweig</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>+17</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Paderborn</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>11</td> <td>1</td> <td>7</td> <td>+7</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Bielefeld</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>+7</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>Bochum</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>+6</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>Düsseldorf</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>+3</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Ingolstadt</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>9</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>+6</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>Osnabrück</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>+9</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>FSV Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>+2</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>Köln</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>8</td> <td>0</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>St. Pauli</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>8</td> <td>0</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>Aue</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>10</td> <td>-11</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>Dresden</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>-5</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Aalen</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>-7</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Cottbus</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>11</td> <td>-19</td> <td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Rostock</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>13</td> <td>-12</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>Wehen</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>-31</td> <td>8</td></tr></tbody></table>

[sabotai]

Thoughts on Tactics

In the last several games, for most the Aue game and the second half of the Osnabrück game, I was in Control rather than Counter, so I'm going to stick with that. My team seemed to play better with Control mentality, and I still got some breakaway chances. For some of the friendlies, I'm going to experiment with Go Route One as well as Higher Tempo.

[sabotai]

December 28th, 2016

Friendly vs. Evian TG FC. Draw 4-4 (HT: We were ahead 4-2 (up 4-1 at one point) then I put my backups in)

Just a one game sample, but it looked like I got out of Go Route One what I was trying to get out of More Direct Passing. Saw a lot of very quick movement from defense to attack. My defense was leaky though. Suttner had an especially bad game (5.3).

Stark's contract is up in 6 months. I tried to offer a new contract and he shut it down before it started. Pretty sure I'm going to need to gain promotion to get him to talk new contract.

Wannenwetsch also shut down before talks could start.

Stahl's on board, though. He signed through 2019 for $27.5k per week (a small pay increase from $25k p/w). If both Stark and Wannenwetsch don't sign, my team goes down the tubes. Then again, if I don't gain promotion, I'll probably fired so whatevs.

I've gotten messages about Suttner and Wannenwetsch getting contract offers from other teams.

I talked to Wannenwetsch. Seems he had an issue with my asking price for him? Anyway, I told him he was underestimating his value to the team and that picked him up. Enough so that he was willing to listen to contract talks. I tried talking to Stark, but for him it's clear. Promotion or he's leaving.

Suttner.....I might just let him go. He is way too streaky. I'd rather have a consistent 6.7 player than someone who gives me as many sub-6.0 performances as he does 7.5+ performances.

January 1st, 2017
Mendler joins Union Berling, GK Odisseas Vlachodimos joins our team.

Got an offer of $100k for Christopher Rech. Hey, $100k for a career backup, thanks.

I'm going to bring up ST Uros Dimitrijevic. I told him I'd get him some 1st-team playing time. He said he wanted to be loaned out, but I want to keep him in house to ensure he gets trained by my coaches.

One thing that worries me about Uros is that he's not getting big offers. Con gets offers around $3.7M all the time, Sabusi got offers of $6M-$7M...Uros is only getting offers around $375k, with the occasional $700k off.

January 3rd, 2017

Friendly vs. FC Bayern II. Win 4-1.

Saw Dimitrijevic make some nice moves and get an assist. He's already a great dribbler (15) and fast (Pace: 14, Acc: 16, Agi: 14). He'll run circles around some players in 2.Bundesliga.

Wannenwetsch signs to 2020 at $34.5k p/w.

January 8th, 2017

Friendly vs. Dortmund II. Win 5-0

I tried Wood at AMR (He's "Accomplished") with Uros at ST and Marco on the other side. That combination of speed was something they couldn't handle. And when Marco gets a good shot off, he really blasts it.

GK Vitus Eicher agrees to a mutual termination.

ST / AM(RL) - Dominik Masek - 21yo - CZE - 2.5 / 4
Signed to a Pre-Contract, it'll go through on July 1st, 2017. $8k /pw until 2019.
Signed him mainly to back up my wingers and strikers. I just sold Mendler, I'm not going to resign Cutolo and I don't know what's going on with Stoppelkamp. His Av.Rating in league games in 6.88 with a game here and there that's over 7.0. It's not that he's playing badly, just a step below what he used to. And he's getting $42.5k p/w. His contract i sup in July and his production doesn't match his salary.

Even if I keep Stoppelkamp, that gives me him and Marco. Wood if I decide to keep him at AMR. I'll need a good player to step in if they get injured or called up for international play (which frequently happens with Wood).

January 14, 2017

Friendly vs. Ludogorets. Win 1-0

They played a 5 man defensive line and kept them back so it was hard to get a lot of fast break chances. Possession was evenly match, but the action was mostly in the middle or their end. We did have 24 shots, but with so many in the box, it was hard to get any good shots. 9 on target, but most were blocked by defenders in the way. They only had 5 shots, and most of them came late in the game when my backups were in.

January 20, 2017

Friendly vs. RC Red Bull Salzburg. Win 3-1

This game was mostly played in the middle of the field. I'm not seeing any long passes, where my DLP or AP launch it and let my fast Wingers and Striker try to beat out the defense. I tell my two playmakers "More Direct Passing" to see if that encourages them to try that more often. There were a few times where it looked clear a s day to do that, but then my AMC just held up the ball and passed it short. But I also tell my DCs, hoping that will cause them to give it to the DLP (or AP if he's close by) and let them worry about getting it upfield quickly. I was going to tell my BWM DM to do the same (short passing), but Wannenwetsch is actually pretty good at passing, so I'll tick that on for when Stahl is in.

I felt I needed to keep Stoppelkamp. Even if he isn't the player he used to be, losing Mendler, Cutolo and Stoppelkamp would been too much and then I'd have zero depth at the winger position. He's agreed to a slight paycut. He'll be here until 2019 at $40.5k p/w, and we dropped the "match highest earner" clause.

[sabotai]

January 26th, 2017

Friendly vs. SK Sturm Graz. Win 2-0

January 30th, 2017

Friendly vs. SK Rapid Wien. Win 1-0

Many of my players were away for international play.

Markus Süttner is officially joining Köln on July 1st. Would it be poor form for me to just drop him from my squad (but, you know, not release him? Well I'm doing that!!).

Okay, so the issue with Uros Dimitrijevic had to do with an asking price that was apparently set to $750k. I pushed that up $7.5M to see what the response was. $7M offer is the best so far.

DL / WBL / DM / ML - Andreas Ulmer - 31yo - AUT - 2.5 / 2.5
Found him on the free transfer market. $12k a week. He'll split time with Volz, start at DL when I want Volz at DR, etc.

DL / WBL / DM / M(LC) - Rochdi Achenteh - 28yo - MOR - 3.5 / 3.5
Found him for a free transfer too. $24k p/w. He'll probably step in as the starter, with Ulmer and Volz backing up.

Con's agent wants a new deal for his client. I was worried. He's getting just $1.2k p/w and thought an extension might break the budget, but he just wanted a modest increase and I was happy to give it to him. $4.2k p/w until 2020.

$8M seems to be the ceiling for offers for Dimitrijevic. Not for sale.

[sabotai]

February 5th, 2017

1860 Münich (2nd, 10-7-2, 37pt) at FSV Frankfurt (11th, 8-4-7, 28th)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Volz
DC Kirchhoff
DC López
DR Con
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Wood
ST Dimitrijevic

Scary moment in the 7th minute, GK Vlachodimos passed to a DC, but it was weak and their player stepped up, seemingly had a one-on-one but our defense responded fast and shut it down.

In the 14th minute, our GK made a great save to bail out Volz who got terribly beat by their winger.

In the 15th minute, Wood had a chance, but their GK gets just enough to send it off the post.

So far Vlachodimos has shown a bad habit of trying to pass it to DCs who are covered.

The ball was bouncing about near our goal, but when their attacker had a chance, he sent it wide.

In minute 33rd, a great chance from Dimitrijevic to Wood, but Woods shot is sent over the net by their GK.

In the 40th minute, a cross from Frankfurt gets headed in and they take the lead. López was the defender who got beat.

In the 62nd minute, I took Marco out (slight injury), moved Wood to AML ("Accomplished") and brought Stoppelkamp on.

In the 64th minute, Dimitrijevic had a great chance, but he didn't get all of it and the GK made an easy save.

In the 72nd minute, I take Stark off (injury, condition under 60%), move Wannenwetsch to DLP and Stahl to BWM. I made the sub in the 69th minute. Right before Stark finally comes off the field, he picks up a yellow card and will miss a game as he hits the limit.

In the 87th minute, after several chances that came up empty, Dimitrijevic buries one. Bouy with the assist. That was from point blank range too. He couldn't possibly miss that one.

In the 90th minute, Bouy had a great chance to give us the win, but their GK blocks it. He really should have scored there.

1860 Münich 1 - 1 FSV Frankfurt
13 - Shots - 8
7 - On Target - 3
22 - Fouls - 3
2 - Yellow Cards - 1
52% - Poss. - 48


22 fouls, damn.

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.5 , DL Volz 6.7 , Kirchhoff 6.9 , López 7.0 , DR Con 6.5 (YC), DM Stark 6.8 (off 72 , YC) , DM Stahl 6.7 (on 72) , DM Wannenwetsch 6.7 , AML Marco 6.5 , AML/AMR Wood 6.6 , AMC Bouy 7.1 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.8 (on 62) , ST Dimitrijevic 7.1

Goals: Dimitrijevic
Assists: Bouy

[sabotai]

February 12th, 2017

Cottbus (16th, 5-4-11, 19pt) at 1860 Münich (2nd, 10-8-2, 38pt)

Unavailable: Yannick Stark (Sus.), Dominik Stahl (Inj), Achenteh (Inj)

Stahl was injured during practice and will miss a few weeks. Achenteh was injured while playing internationally.

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Ulmer
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Con
DM Bouy (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Malli
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

Here's something I don't get. Why am I just given a choice for "Goal Highlights"? I can upload a mostly prearranged highlight video of just the goals, but if I have to do it manually if I want the Key highlights....why not also a "Key Highlights"?

I guess because it takes forever to make a video...

I wanted to stop doing full match writeups because I felt like I was repeating myself and because they take a bit of time. I would instead just upload a video of the most important plays (not just the goals)....but it was a bit of a pain in the ass. And it takes forever to encode the video. I made a 3 minute long highlight video and canceled the upload after 45 minutes and it being only 50% done encoding.

Cliff Notes version: Dimitrijevic scored 2 goals and easily could have had 2 more.

Cottbus 0 - 2 1860 Münich
5 - Shots - 10
1 - On Target - 6
3 - Fouls - 13
0 - Yellow Cards - 2
55% - Poss. - 45%


POM: Uros Dimitrijevic (2 Goals)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.9 , DL Ulmer 7.1 , DC Kirchhoff 7.1 , DC Donkor 7.0 , DR Con 7.3 , DM Bouy 7.2 , DM Wannenwetsch 7.0 , AML Marco 7.3 , AMC Malli 6.6 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.9 (off 71) , AMR Wood 6.8 (on 71) , ST Dimitrijevic 8.8

Goals: Dimitrijevic (2)
Assists: Stoppelkamp, Marco

[sabotai]

February 19th, 2017

2.Bundesliga
1860 Münich (2nd, 11-9-2, 42pt) at RB Leipzig (1st, 12-7-3, 43pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Ulmer
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Con
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

A clash of 1st and 2nd, so I felt I needed a more experienced lineup so Wood back at ST and Stoppelkamp at AMR.

In the 9th minute, Con picks up a misplaced pass and runs at the goal....but he's a defender and his shot was not good. Went wide.

15th minute, my guys have this down to a science now...at least I hope. Bouy lobs it upfield from midfield, Marco wins the race to it and scores easily giving us the 1-0 lead.

So my assman tells me that I should remove Stay On Feet because we are getting too many fouls....huh, I thought that would help with fouls, not make more. Still, more fouls being a trade off for more chances to push the ball upfield...I guess.

They tie the game in the 47th minute with a free kick - header play. Looks like Kirchhoff is the one who misplayed it (the guy he was covering made the play and he misjudged the ball).

In the 54th minute, Wood on the breakway, one man running parallel to him, preventing an inside move. Still gets close for a shot, but their GK makes the save.

In the 60th minute, a pass from Wood to Marco sets up a nice chance, but Marco tries to lob it over the GK and ends up pushing it too wide.

In the 66th minute, I move Wood to AMR and sub Dimitrijevic in at ST.

Dimitirjevic gets a good shot off in the 77th minute, but the GK makes the save. It still nearly went in, but it bounces just wide.

In the 8th minute, Stark lobs it deep for Wood, and he tries to kick it right away, but he doesn't get all of it and the shot is weak.

In extra time, they nearly steal the game from us but Vlachodimos makes his best save so far.

1860 Münich 1 - 1 RB Leipzig
10 - Shots - 7
3 - On Target - 4
16 - Fouls - 11
3 - Yellow Cards - 0
47% - Poss - 53%

POM: Marco (1 Goal)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Ulmer 6.7 , DC Kirchhoff 6.7 , DC Donkor 6.9 , DL Con 6.4 (YC) , DM Stark 6.9 (YC), DM Wannenwetsch 6.7 (YC), AML Marco 7.4 , AMC Bouy 6.7 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.5 (off 66) , ST/AMR Wood 6.7 , ST Dimitrijevic (on 66) 6.7

Goals: Marco
Assists: Bouy

[sabotai]

February 27, 2017

2.Bundesliga
Dresden (14th, 6-7-9, 25pt) at 1860 Münich (3rd, 11-9-2, 42pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC López
DC Donkor
DL Con
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Cutolo
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

Wannenwetsch doesn't get many chances to score, but he had a shot in the 8th minute. Stoppelkamp passed it into space, and Wannenwetsch ran up and booted it, but their GK sent it over the net.

They score in the 17th minute. Their winger got passed Achenteh, he crossed it in and got the goal.

In the 29th minute, too easy as López is caught flat footed and his man runs by for a pass and easy goal.

In the 33rd minute, Bouy gets it to Dimitrijevic on a break, but he takes one step too many before shooting and a defender is able to slide and knock the ball away.

At half time, I lit into my team and subbed out Cutolo for Marco.

In the 51st minute, a pass from Bouy to Dimitrijevic goes a bit wide, Dimitrijevic gets to it, passes it back to the middle of the box and Bouy runs up and buries it.

Out wide in the 59th minute, Achentah makes a nice move to get around his man, moves inside, passes to Dimitirjevic near the goal and at that range, Dimitrijevic won't miss. Great move and pass by Achentah.

In the 76th minute, Kirchhoff off a corner heads it in to give us the lead.

In the 88th minute, they mishit a pass which gives Marco a clean run at the net with it, but their GK makes the save.

Dresden 2 - 3 1860 Münich
6 - Shots - 20
3 - On Target - 7
6 - Fouls - 10
1 - Yellow Cards - 3
43% - Poss - 57%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Achenteh 6.8 , DC López 6.1 (off 59) , DC Kirchhoff 7.2 (on 59) , DC Donkor 6.6 , DR Con 6.8 (YC) , DM Stark 6.9 (YC) , DM Wannenwetsch 6.9 , AML Cutolo 6.5 (off 45 , YC) , AML Marco 6.7 , AMC Bouy 7.7 (off 86) , AMC Malli NR (on 86) , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.8 , ST Dimitrijevic 7.7

Bouy picked up an injury in the 86th minute, nothing serious but he needed to be treated on the sideline. Because it was late, I decided to put Malli in right away so I wasn't down a man.

Goals: Bouy, Dimitrijevic, Kirchhoff
Assists: Acheteh, Bouy, Dimitrijevic

Con reaches the YC limit and will be suspended for 1 game.

[sabotai]

March 1st, 2017

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>23</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>2</td> <td>+15</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Paderborn</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>14</td> <td>2</td> <td>7</td> <td>+13</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>12</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>+21</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Bochum</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>12</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>+9</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Düsseldorf</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>12</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>+9</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>Braunschweig</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>11</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>+15</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>FSV Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>+6</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Köln</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>+5</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>Bielefeld</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>+4</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>St. Pauli</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>9</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>+7</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>Osnabrück</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>9</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>+7</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>Ingolstadt</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>9</td> <td>2</td> <td>12</td> <td>-3</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>Aue</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>9</td> <td>2</td> <td>12</td> <td>-11</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>Dresden</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>-6</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Aalen</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>11</td> <td>-8</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Cottbus</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>-23</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Rostock</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>16</td> <td>-22</td> <td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>Wehen</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>2</td> <td>6</td> <td>15</td> <td>-38</td> <td>12</td></tr></tbody></table>

[bbgunn]

Nice run going!

[sabotai]

Thanks. Hopefully, I keep it going the rest of the year.

[sabotai]

March 3, 2017

2.Bundesliga
1860 Münich (1st, 12-9-2, 45pt) at Bochum (4th, 12-4-7, 40pt)

Unavailable: Kristijan Con (Inj + Sus), Dominik Stahl (Inj)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC López
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Wood
ST Dimitrijevic

In the 10th minute, Marco is injured and has to come off. Cutolo in.

In the 12th minute, they score on a long shot. Vlachodimos should have gotten to it, but I guess he fell down or something.

I switch to a Counter mentality. The weather is 0 degrees Celsius with hail. I figure it's best to keep my guys back a bit more and hope for the best.

In the 35th minute, a cross from Bouy to Wood, Wood heads it just over the bar.

47th minute, Cutolo crosses it in and Bouy heads in a goal strongly to get us tied up.

In the 5th minute, Bouy sets up Wood perfectly, but he doesn't get much on the shot and it's an easy save for their GK.

51st minute, Volz crosses it in, Wood heads it to Bouy who scores for his second goal.

They got a lot of pressure on me in the 2nd half, but we held on and get the win in miserable weather.

1860 Münich 2 - 1 Bochum
12 - Shots - 15
4 - On Target - 7
6 - Fouls - 8
0 - Yellow Cards - 1
52% - Poss. - 48%


POM: Ouasim Bouy (2 Goals)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Achenteh 6.6 , DC López 6.5 (off 64) , DC Kirchhoff 6.7 (on 64) , DC Donkor 6.9 , DR Volz 6.9 , DM Stark 7.1 , Wannenwetsch 6.9 , AML Marco (inj 10) , AML Cutolo 6.8 (on 10), AMC Bouy 8.8 , AMR Wood 6.8 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.6

Goals: Bouy (2)
Assists: Wood, Cutolo

[sabotai]

Youth Candidates
Marian Schmidt - 15yo - DM, M(C) - 1 / 4
Niklas Moll - 14yo - ST - 4 / 3.5

And the rest are 2.5 star recruits or lower. Not as good as recent years, though Schmidt looks to be Stark's heir. Schmidt and Moll both get youth contracts. I'll let the head of youth development handle the rest.

[sabotai]

March 10, 2017

2.Bundesliga
Inglostadt (13th, 9-3-12, 30pt) at 1860 Münich (1st, 13-9-2, 48pt)

Unavailable: Ouasim Bouy (Inj)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Con
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Malli
AMR Wood
ST Dimitrijevic

They cross it to the middle of the box in the 40th minute and get an easy goal. To this point, I've had 5 "half chances", 9 shots and most of the action had taken place in the middle of the field or their end.

Inglostadt 1 - 0 1860 Münich
5 - Shots - 17
2 - On Target - 7
16 - Fouls - 23
1 - Yellow Cards - 2
51% - Poss - 49%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Achenteh 6.9 , DC Kirchhoff 6.9 , DC Donkor 6.5 , DR Con 6.9 (YC) , DM Stark 7.0 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.9 , AML Marco 6.6 (YC) , AMC Malli 6.8 (off 66) , AMC Roguljic 6.7 (on 66) , AMR/ST Wood 6.6 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.6 (on 66) , ST Dimitrijevic 6.5 (off 66)

Both López and Donkor have been very disappointing this year. In league games, Donkor has an average rating of 6.92, López 6.75. López is 33 and his contract is up in June, so I'll be letting him go.

Donkor is 21 and has a few years left. I was expecting more from him and have been getting offers of $2M during the transfer windows. Unless he improves, I might just take that $2M to invest in another DC.

[sabotai]

MR / AMR - Steve Clancy - 19yo - ENG - 2 / 4.5
Pre-Contract, signed for $16k per week, will be used initially in heavy rotation with Stoppelkamp, freeing up Wood to be used in rotation with Dimitrijevic at ST. The signing will go through on July 1st. I needed to bring in a young AMR. My only reasonable prospect at AMR is 16 year old Mike Endes who is a 3.5 prospect. yeah, it's a lot to pay to a rotation/prospect, but I really wanted him. He's already a fast (Pace: 13, Acc: 16, Agi: 13) dribbler (14) who is good at passing (13) and crossing (12). He's going to need work on his finishing (6) though.

DL - Carlos Grasso - 19yo - ARG - 2.5 / 4
Pre-Contract, $12.5k per week. I have one really great looking prospect at DL in 16 year old Matthias Fahrenholz, but I don't want to pin all my hopes on one player.

[sabotai]

March 22, 2017

2.Bundesliga
Paderborn (5th, 14-4-9, 46pt) at 1860 Münich (2nd, 13-9-3, 49pt)

Unavailable: Con, Achenteh, Marco, Roguljic, Wood (International)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Ulmer
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Cutolo
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

After dominating the first half in possession and shots, Cutolo finally gets us on board with a goal in the 35th minute. Ulmer to Bouy to Cutolo.

In the 54th minute, on a cross a head goes off the post. So close.

In the 64th minute, Bouy's shot bounces off the post. Again! 17 shots to their 3 and we just have a 1-0 lead.

In the 68th minute, Bouy passes to Stoppelkamp who shoots, the GK blocks it, it goes back to Stoppelkamp, GK makes another save, rebounds to Stoppelkamp again and this time he finally buries it.

Paderborn 0 - 2 1860 Münich
3 - Shots - 20
1 - On Target - 5
12 - Fouls - 9
3 - Yellow Cards - 0
43% - Poss - 57%


POM: Moritz Stoppelkamp (1 Goal)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.9 , DL Ulmer 7.1 , DC Kirchhoff 7.2 , DC Donkor 7.4 , DR Volz 7.2 , DM Stark 7.3 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.9 (off 76) , DM Stahl NR (on 76) , AML Cutolo 7.3 , AMC Bouy 7.1 , AMR Stoppelkamp 7.8 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.6 (off 76) , ST Quascher NR (on 76)

Goals: Stoppelkamp, Cutolo
Assists: Bouy

[sabotai]

So I was thinking about my tactics today, about how my shots seem to be up since changing to "Go Route One" which took off "More Direct Passing" and "Work Ball Into Box", but I'm not sure if that made a difference in On Target and Goals. My suspicion was that my on target shots have either stayed the same or have actually declined. So I was going to go back to "More Direct Passing" and "Work Ball Into Box". But I crunched the numbers

On the old tactic ("More Direct Passing" + "Work Ball Into Box"), I played 7 games (3 with Direct Passing but not Work Ball). This is a small sample size, though, so I can't make too many conclusions off of it. But, I had 8 goals (1.14 per game), 69 Shots (9.85 per game) and 28 shots on target (4 per game). 40.5% of my shots were on target, 11.5 percent of my shots found the goal, 28.5% of my on target shots were scored.

On the "Go Route One", again 7 games. 11 goals (1.5 per game), 102 shots (14.5 per game) and 39 on target (5.57 per game). 38.2% of shots are on target, 10.7% of shots are goals and 28.2% of on target shots are goals.

So while the percentages do suggest that my shooting has taken a tiny bit of a dip in efficiency, my per game numbers have shown all 3 have gone up since change to "Go Route One".

But like said, small sample size, different opponents, etc. But, I'll stick with "Go Route One" for now.

[sabotai]

March 26th, 2017

2.Bundesliga
1860 Münich (2nd, 14-9-3, 51pt) at Bielefeld (7th, 11-10-6, 43pt)

Unavailable: Achenteh, Wood (traveling back from international)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Ulmer
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Con
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Stahl (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Malli
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

12th minute, Marco passes into space, Stoppelkamp wins the race to it and scores even though the GK got a piece of it.

In the 14th, Con takes the ball from their player, passes up to Stoppelkamp who gives it Dimitrijevic who has a "clear cut chance" and blows it. GK makes the save.

In the 15th minute, Malli gives it to Marco in stride as he runs passed the defender and he scores easily. We get a 2-0 lead early.

In a scary moment, a long free kick (by their GK) goes over the heads of our defenders and Vlachodimos comes out to play it and barely beats their player to it.

In the 22nd minute, it's Stark who puts in a deep pass to Marco, who beats his man to it and scores again, hitting the corner of the goal.

A pass from Arco to Dimitrijevic is perfect in the 31st minute, but Dimitrijevic must have misplayed it. He had an easy chance, but doesn't get the shot off right away and ends up shooting it wide.

In the 41st minute, they get a penalty kick and it's 3-1. One of my players committed a foul on a corner kick.

In the 76th minute, Con gets red carded.

In the 89th minute, Quaschner scores by lobbing it over the GK who came out to try to make a play.

In extra time, we score off a penalty kick and this weird game ends.

1860 Münich 5 - 1 Bielefeld
17 - Shots - 5
9 - On Target - 4
13 - Fouls - 6
5 - Yellow Cards - 3
55% - Poss - 45%


POM: Moritz Stoppelkamp (2 Goals)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 7.4 , DL Ulmer 7.8 (YC) , DC Kirchhoff 7.5 (YC) , DC Donkor 7.9 (YC) , DR Con 6.9 (off 76 , RC) , DR Volz NR (on 81) , DM Stark 8.4 (YC) , DM Stahl 6.9 (off 81 , YC) , AML Marco 8.9 (off 85, inj) , AML Cutolo 6.9 (on 85) , AMC Malli 8.7 (YC) , AMR Stoppelkamp 9.3 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.1 (off 66) , ST Quaschner 7.8 (on 66)

When Con was sent off, I moved one of the DMs to DR and subbed in Volz.

[sabotai]

March 29, 2017

2.Bundesliga
1860 Münich (2nd, 15-9-3, 54pt) at FC Köln (10th, 11-6-10, 39pt)

Unavailable: Con (Sus) , Vlachodimos (Inj - food poisoning)

Starting Lineup
GK Netolitzky
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Cutolo
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

In the 15th minute, Volz scores! He crossed it into the box, Wood cuts in front of the GK who looks like he'll catch the ball, the ball bounces off the GK and goes in. I initially thought Wood had headed it over the GK, but that wasn't the case. Wood missed the ball and the GK simply made a mistake trying to handle the ball. Either way, it's a goal and Volz gets the credit.

They even it up on a goal in the 25th minute. A free kick pass to the top of the box, a pass in and they bury it.

In the 32nd minute, the ball kicks out of their box to Stark who takes a long shot. Their GK makes the save but the rebound goes right to Cutolo who easily puts it in.

In the 33rd minute, Wood has the ball in the middle of the field and dribbles towards their net, their player holds him up and the ball ends up rolling wide of the goal. Their defender stops the ball right before it goes out of bounds but keeps running an extra step or two. Wood was right behind him and shoots the ball and scores easily. I'm sure their GK didn't appreciate that.

In the 49th minute, they nearly close the gap with a good cross and shot, but Donkor dives in front of the shot just in time to knock it away.

In the 54th minute, they do close it with a cross and header.

In the 74th minute, they tie it. Achenteh got beat, they pass it inside and Kirchhoff can't prevent a shot that Netolitzky absolutely should have blocked. Total fail on multiple fronts.

Even though we had a 3-1 lead, we were outplayed in this one and feel lucky to get away with a draw.

1860 Münich 3 - 3 FC Köln
7 - Shots - 15
4 - On Target - 6
20 - Fouls - 7
5 - Yellow Cards - 1
41% - Poss - 59%


Player Performances
GK Netolitzky 6.6 , DL Achenteh 6.2 (YC) , DC Kirchhoff 6.8 , DC Donkor 6.4 (off 62 , YC) , DC López 6.6 (on 62) DR Volz 7.4 , DM Stark 6.8 (YC) , DM Wannenwetsch 6.8 (YC) , AML Cutolo 7.2 , AMC Bouy 6.5 (off 62) , AMC Malli 6.6 (on 62) , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.5 , ST Wood 7.1

Goals: Volz, Wood, Cutolo
Assists: Cutolo, Stark, Stoppelkamp

[sabotai]

April 1st, 2017 - 2.Bundesliga Standings

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>+31</td> <td>58</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>28</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>3</td> <td>+21</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Düsseldorf</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>15</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>+14</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Bochum</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>14</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>+10</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Braunschweig</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>+15</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>Paderborn</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>14</td> <td>4</td> <td>10</td> <td>+8</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>FSV Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>12</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>+5</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Bielefeld</td> <td>
</td> <td>29</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>+4</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>St. Pauli</td> <td>
</td> <td>29</td> <td>11</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>+11</td> <td>41</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>Köln</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>+5</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>Aue</td> <td>
</td> <td>29</td> <td>12</td> <td>3</td> <td>14</td> <td>-10</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>Ingolstadt</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>11</td> <td>3</td> <td>14</td> <td>-3</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>Osnabrück</td> <td>
</td> <td>29</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>-3</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>Aalen</td> <td>
</td> <td>29</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>-8</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Dresden</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>-5</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Wehen</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>16</td> <td>-34</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Cottbus</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>16</td> <td>-29</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>Rostock</td> <td>
</td> <td>29</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>19</td> <td>-32</td> <td>22</td></tr></tbody></table>

[sabotai]

Few minor tactic changes. I've told my team to Drill Crosses. My team is usually beaten in headers and crosses. Also, fast players, I'd rather drill the cross than float it.

I've told my Inside Forwards to dribble more. If they make a move passed a player, other players need to move to compensate and that creates chances. I hate seeing them pass back when I can see the opening in the defense happening and all they needed to do was make a move and pass it into the box.

[sabotai]

April 2nd, 2017

2.Bundesliga
Wehen (16th, 6-6-16, 24pt) at 1860 Münich (2nd, 15-10-3, 55pt)

Unavailable: Con (Sus - 2 matches)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DL Volz
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Stahl (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

In the 13th minute, their GK kicks a free kick right to Dimitrijevic, who then thinks it's a good idea to just shoot from the spot....near midfield. It nearly went in too.

Minute 23, our best chance. A pass from Dimitrijevic to Stoppelkamp, but Stoppelkamp pushes it wide.

He makes up for it 5 minutes later with a score off a pass from Bouy. Bouy passes it to the middle of the box, Stoppelkamp beats his man there and buries it.

We get lucky on a shot from Bouy. It was going way wide, but strikes a Wehen defender and goes in.

Right before half time, Marco had a great chance but sent it wide.

In the 50th minute, Marco to Bouy to Dimitrijevic goal. Great passing from my guys set up an unmissable goal.

Our luck continues in the 75th minute when their header goes off the post and Vlachodimos grabs it. That should have been a goal.

They finally get on in minute 90 after several good chances. Cross - header.

Wehen 1 - 3 1860 Münich
8 - Shots - 18
2 - On Target - 6
10 - Fouls - 5
1 - Yellow Cards - 0
49% - Poss - 51%


POM: Ouasim Bouy (3 Assists)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Achenteh 7.0 , DC Kirchhoff 7.0 , DC Donkor 6.7 , DR Volz 7.1 , DM Stark 7.0 , DM Stahl 6.9 , AML Marco 6.8 , AMC Bouy 9.0 , AMR Stoppelkamp 7.3 , ST Dimitrijevic 8.8

Goals: Dimitrijevic, Stoppelkamp
Assists: Bouy (3)

I guess the shot that bounced off their player counts as an assist.

[sabotai]

April 8th, 2017

2.Bundesliga
1860 Münich (2nd, 16-10-3, 58pt) at Düsseldorf (4th, 15-4-10, 49pt)

Unavailable: Con (Sus)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Malli
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

In the 10th minute, Wood gives us the early lead off a pass from Marco.

In the 27th minute, Wood takes a pass from Malli and launches a long shot just over the GK and into the goal.

At half time, we were lucky to not be tied or down. They had a ton of chances, but couldn't get many shots off. Way too much action on my side of the field.

In the 61st minute, Malli gives to Wood who chips it to the goal around the GK but it, slowly, rolls wide and out of bounds before Marco could get to it.

In finally happened, I saw a goal off a free kick just outside the penalty area. Bouy got it over the wall and into the goal.

1860 Münich 3 - 0 Düsseldorf
12 - Shots - 16
9 - On Target - 4
15 - Fouls - 15
2 - Yellow Cards - 4
45% - Poss - 55%


POM: Bobby Shou Wood (2 Goals)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.9 , DL Achenteh 7.2 , DC Kirchhoff 7.2 , DC Donkor 7.4 , DR Volz 7.4 , DM Stark 7.3 (YC) , DM Wannenwetsch 7.0 (YC) , AML Marco 7.6 , AMC Malli 8.1 (off 65) , AMC Bouy 7.2 (on 65) , AMR Stoppelkamp 7.3 , ST Wood 8.8

Goals: Wood (2), Bouy
Assists: Amlli, Marco

[sabotai]

Only 4 games left, we are 12 points ahead of 3rd place Braunschweig and are tied with RB Leipzig for 1st place (they hold GD advantage). Unless there's a monumental collapse, I'll finish at least 2nd and gain promotion.

[bbgunn]

Good luck!

[sabotai]

April 13th, 2017

2.Bundesliga
Aalen (14th, 9-9-13, 36pt) at 1860 Münich (2nd, 17-11-3, 62pt)

Unavailable: Stark (YC Sus)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DL Con
DM Wannenwetsch (DLP)
DM Stahl (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Wood
ST Dimitrijevic

In the 21st minute, Achenteh made a long pass to Wood who heads it to Bouy who doesn't get all of the shot. Would have been a beautiful play.

Told Con to ease off tackles. He's too reckless out there.

At half time, both teams had lots of shots, lots of chances, but nothing to show for it.

Bouy set up Wood perfectly in the 46th minute, but he can't get a shot off. He just dribbles the ball into their GK (that's what it looked like anyway).

Finally in the 54th minute, Kirchhoff heads in a corner kick to give us the 1-0 lead.

72nd minute, a corner kick gets booted out, Wannenwetsch kicks it back in and Cutolo finishes it. We take a late 2-0 lead.

Aalen 0 - 2 1860 Münich
13 - Shots - 17
4 - On Target - 9
8 - Fouls - 10
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
49% - Poss - 51%


POM: Ouasim Bouy (1 Assist)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.6 , DL Achenteh 7.2 , DC Kirchhoff 7.5 , DC Donkor 6.9 , DL Con 7.4 , DM Wannenwetsch 7.8 , DM Stahl 6.8 , AML Marco 6.4 (off 63) , AML Cutolo 7.2 (on 63) , AMC Bouy 8.0 , AMR Wood 6.8 (off 63) , AMR Cutolo 7.2 (on 63) , ST Dimitrijevic 6.6

Goals: Kirchhoff, Cutolo
Assists: Wannenwetsch, Bouy

With this win, we have gained promotion.

[sabotai]

Following the game, Yannick Stark agrees to a deal. $35.5k p/w (most my board would let me), a big loyalty bonus of $375k (which is how I got him to accept the wage), $6.5k appearance fee.

He was the last player I wanted to resign. The rest of the players whose contracts are expiring in June will not be resigned.

[sabotai]

April 21st, 2017

2.Bundesliga
1860 Münich (2nd, 18-10-3, 64pt) at St. Pauli (10th, 11-9-11, 42pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC López
DR Con
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Quaschner

Since the promotion is won, I decide to start working in some of the backups for the last few games.

24th minute, Marco's shot hits the top bar, bounces out high, looks like Stoppelkamp has a chance but his shot is blocked by a defender.

In the 28th minute, they take the lead. Vlachodimos got a piece of it, but it was a strong shot and found the net. Lazy effort by my defense.

Stoppelkamp ties it up in the 56th minute off with a goal to the corner of the net. If it went an inch or two wider, it probably dings off the post.

In the 64th minute, Vlachodimos makes a save, but it goes high in the air and behind him. My guys were just a fraction of a second too late getting to keep it from rolling in.

In the 77th minute, Stoppelkamp ties us back up again. Dribbling towards the goal, he chipped the ball to the left and shot around the GK. Great move. They whined about offsides. Whatevs.

We had a few more good chances, but can't get the win.

1860 Münich 2 - 2 St. Pauli
15 - Shots - 5
7 - On Target - 2
12 - Fouls - 7
0 - Yellow Cards - 1
53% - Poss - 47%


POM: Moritz Stoppelkamp (2 Goals)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.6 , DL Achenteh 6.6 , DC Kirchhoff 6.8 , DC López 6.7 , DR Con 6.4 , DM Stark 6.8 , DM Wannenwetsch 7.6 , AML Marco 6.3 , AMC Roguljic 6.7 (off 70) , AMC Malli 6.9 (on 70) , AMR Stoopelkamp 8.8 , ST Quaschner 6.8 (off 70) , ST Wood 6.7 (on 70)

Goals: Stoppelkamp (2)
Assists: Quaschner, Malli

[sabotai]

April 30th, 2017

2.Bundesliga
Rostock (17th, 7-5-20, 26pt) at 1860 Münich (2nd, 18-11-3, 65pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC López
DR Con
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Stahl (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

In the 36th minute, Con floats the ball deep down the field to Stoppelkamp who takes it in...only to shoot it right into the GK.

In extra time, we finally....FINALLY....score. 3 "Clear Cut Chances", 6 Half Chances, 25 shots, 10 on target, 0 goals...until finally a pass from Stark to Marco in the box sets up a nicely placed shot by Marco to give us the 1-0 lead and win.

Rostock 0 - 1 1860 Münich
6 - Shots - 26
1 - On Target - 11
9 - Fouls - 17
0 - Yellow Cards - 1
40% - Poss - 60%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Achenteh 7.0 , DC Kirchhoff 7.0 , DC López 6.7 , DR Con 7.1 (off 84 - inj) , DR Volz NR (on 84) , DM Stark 6.8 (YC) , DM Stahl 6.8 , AML Marco 7.2 , AMC Bouy 7.1 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.8 , ST Wood 6.3 (off 81) , ST Dimitrijevic NR (on 81)

Goals: Marco
Assists: Stark

[sabotai]

May 7th, 2017

2.Bundesliga
1860 Münich (2nd, 19-11-3, 68pt) at Braunschweig (5th, 15-8-10, 53pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Con
DM Stark (DLP)
DM Wannenwetsch (BWM)
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

In the 4th minute, Donkor heads in a corner to give us the early lead.

In extra time, Dimitrijevic seals it for us with a lob shot over the GK.

1860 Münich 2 - 0 Braunschweig
19 - Shots - 9
6 - On Target - 2
9 - Fouls - 9
2 - Yellow Cards - 1
52% - Poss - 48%


POM: Isaac Donkor (1 Goal)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Achenteh 7.0 , DC Kirchhoff 6.7 , DC Donkor 7.8 , DR Con 7.3 , DM Stark 7.1 , DM Wannenwetsch 7.2 (YC) , AML Marco 7.2 , AMC Bouy 7.2 (off 54 - Inj) , AMC Malli 6.7 (on 54) , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.6 (off 60) , AMR Wood 6.8 (on 60) , ST Dimitrijevic 7.2

Goals: Donkor, Dimitrijevic
Assists: Bouy, Marco

[sabotai]

Leipzig tied in the final game, and we finished with the same amount of points, but they get 1st place due to goal differential.

May 13th, 2017 - 2.Bundesliga Final Standings

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>21</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>+36</td> <td>71</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>34</td> <td>20</td> <td>11</td> <td>3</td> <td>+31</td> <td>71</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Düsseldorf</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>17</td> <td>5</td> <td>12</td> <td>+11</td> <td>56</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Bochum</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>16</td> <td>6</td> <td>12</td> <td>+12</td> <td>54</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Braunschweig</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>11</td> <td>+14</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>FSV Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>14</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>+6</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>Köln</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>14</td> <td>8</td> <td>12</td> <td>+6</td> <td>50</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Paderborn</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>14</td> <td>6</td> <td>14</td> <td>0</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>St. Pauli</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>12</td> <td>11</td> <td>11</td> <td>+13</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>Bielefeld</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>12</td> <td>11</td> <td>11</td> <td>0</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>Aue</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>14</td> <td>4</td> <td>16</td> <td>-12</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>Dresden</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>13</td> <td>+4</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>Osnabrück</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>13</td> <td>0</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>Aalen</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>11</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>-8</td> <td>41</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Ingolstadt</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>12</td> <td>4</td> <td>18</td> <td>-9</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Cottbus</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>18</td> <td>-29</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Rostock</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>7</td> <td>5</td> <td>22</td> <td>-35</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>Wehen</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>20</td> <td>-40</td> <td>26</td></tr></tbody></table>

[sabotai]

I finished in 2nd place for 2.Bundesliga Coach of the Year. Leipzig's coach got the honor.

AMC Ouasim Bouy was named to the 2.Bundesliga Team of the Year (earning him a $60k bonus).

[bbgunn]

Congrats!

[sabotai]

Thanks. Hopefully this time I can at least survive year 1 in Bundesliga. If that happens, I think I can get on a roll with Marco, Dimitrijevic and Con continuing to get better. If I get bumped out again (and especially if I fail to gain promotion the next year), it could be very hard for me to keep the team together.

[sabotai]

Tactics

I made tweaks here and there to my tactic as the year went on. Here's how my 4-2DM-3-1 Counter tactic looks going into the new season.

4-2DM-3-1 Counter
Mentality: Counter/Attacking (usually on Attacking)
Fluidity: Balanced

GK - Golakeeper - Defend

DL - Fullback - Support
DC - Central Defender - Defend (Pass It Shorter)
DC Central Defender - Defend (Pass It Shorter)
DL Fullback - Support

DM - Deep-Lying Playmaker - Support (More Direct Passing)
DM - Ball Winning Midfielder - Defend

AML - Inside Forward - Attack (Sit Narrower, Dribble More, Get Further Forward)
AMC - Advanced Playmaker - Attack (More Direct Passing, Move Into Channels, Roam From Position)
AMR - Inside Forward - Attack (Sit Narrower, Dribble More, Get Further Forward)

ST - Advanced Forward - Attack (Move Into Channels, Roam From Position, Pass It Shorter, Fewer Risky Passes, Shoot More Often)

Simply put, my strikers aren't good passers. I don't want them passing. They occasionally make a nice assist, but much more often, just end up giving the ball away.

Team Instructions
Hassle Opponents
Stay On Feet
Pass Into Space
Go Route One
Higher Tempo
Play Wider
Much Deeper Defensive Line
Drill Crosses
Run At Defense

[sabotai]

As the year went on, I noticed I did have trouble with some teams. Not even teams that were "better", but ones that loaded up on defense, or I simply didn't have the speed advantage. There were game where I simply could not keep possession. So I created a tactic that's similar to my tactic above, but more focused on keeping possession and looking for the shot inside the box, but still keeping my defense back to protect against the counter and still give my players room to be creative and make moves.

4-2M-3-1 Retain
Mentality: Counter
Fluidity: Balanced

GK - Golakeeper - Defend (Distribute To Defenders)

DL - Fullback - Support (Pass It Shorter, Fewer Risky Passes)
DC - Central Defender - Defend (Pass It Shorter)
DC Central Defender - Defend (Pass It Shorter)
DL Fullback - Support (Pass It Shorter, Fewer Risky Passes)

DM - Deep-Lying Playmaker - Support (Fewer Risky Passes)
DM - Ball Winning Midfielder - Defend (Pass It Shorter)

AML - Inside Forward - Attack (Sit Narrower, Pass It Shorter, Dribble More, Get Further Forward)
AMC - Advanced Playmaker - Attack (Fewer Risky Passes, Move Into Channels, Roam From Position)
AMR - Inside Forward - Attack (Sit Narrower, Pass It Shorter, Dribble More, Get Further Forward)

ST - Advanced Forward - Attack (Move Into Channels, Roam From Position, Pass It Shorter, Fewer Risky Passes, Shoot More Often)

Team Instructions
Play Wider
Shorter Passing
Retain Possession
Work Ball Into Box
Much Deeper Defensive Line
Use Tighter Marking
Hassle Opponents
Lower Tempo
Stick To Positions

[sabotai]

And for some fun, a different type of tactic. I've been reading about attempts to replicate Dortmund's real world "Gegenpressing" tactic. I decided to make my own.

4-2DM-3-1 Gegenpressing
Mentality: Attacking
Fluidity: Rigid

GK - Golakeeper - Defend (Distribute To Defenders, Pass It Shorter)

DL - Complete Wing Back - Attack
DC - Central Defender - Defend (Pass It Shorter)
DC Central Defender - Defend (Pass It Shorter)
DL Fullback - Defend (Pass It Shorter)*

DM - Deep-Lying Playmaker - Support
DM - Ball Winning Midfielder - Defend (Pass It Shorter)

AML - Inside Forward - Attack (Sit Narrower,Get Further Forward)
AMC - Advanced Playmaker - Attack (Move Into Channels)
AMR - Winger - Support

ST - Advanced Forward - Attack (Move Into Channels, Fewer Risky Passes, Pass It Shorter)

* Con gets the extra instruction: Cross Less Often. I gave him that instruction on the other two tactics as well.

Team Instructions
Much Higher Defensive Line
Work Ball Into Box
Play Out Of Defense
Drill Crosses
Higher Tempo
Hassle Opponents
Stay On Feet
Retain Possession
Shorter Passing
Be More Disciplined

[sabotai]

Chelsea puts in a bid of $3.4M for Marco. Not for sale.

Sabusi is officially transfered. The $6.5M transfer was a new record for my team.

That also makes it a record for my team in total transfers in one year. $16.5M, breaks previous record of $10.5M.

Marco was pissed about me not letting him speak to Chelsea. I told him the bids were far below his value and he didn't like that answer. In fairness to him, he is still just being paid $1.2k per week....his contract is up in a year. He's about to be paid.

Team Finances
Budget: $850k p/w
Transfer: $2.01M

Would have liked to have a good sized transfer budget so I could go get a long-term solution to the DL position as well as another DC, but overall, I am happy with this. The budget will allow me to sign the young players who will be due big contracts while keeping the veterans around. Lots of salary bonuses kicked in to us being promoted, though, and the payroll went from ~$650k p/w to $788k p/w.

I change the budget and get rid of the transfer budget. I'm not going to get someone for $2M or less that's going to help at this point, so pushing the payroll budget to $880k p/w helps more.

Hamburger HSV offered me an interview for their job. I declined.

DL - Ali Ahamada - FRA - 20yo - 2.5 / 4
Found him on the free transfer market. Signed for $9.5k p/w. Decent speed (Pace: 12, Acc: 13, Agi: 14), can tackle very well (17), very good at heading (14) (but no jumping reach: 7). Needs some work on his crossing (11), passing (9) and marking (11). Very good work rate (16). Most of his mental and technical attributes are below Achenteh's, so he'll mostly be a backup, but he's got good potential.

Steve Clancy, Carlos Grasso, Dominik Masek, Michel Lieder and Ali Ahamada join the team.

Suttner joins Köln.

I have too many goalkeepers so when Unterhaching made a bid for Sven Müller for ~$100k, I accepted.

Board Confidence: Job Security 54%

I wanted to just get it done and sign Marco to a new deal. Except now he's not talking to me. Hopefully he'll be happier after the season gets started. I'm a bit fucked if I lose him.

[sabotai]

July 1st, 2017: Friendly vs. Gladbach. Lose 1-2. First Half, Counter tactic. Got nothing. Down 0-2. 2nd Half, Gegenpressing, won possession and got a goal. Only 1 shot in the first half, 9 in the second. Gladbach is more talented than us and we definitely did not have the speed advantage so I didn't think my Counter tactic would work.

Seems I forgot about Dimitrijevic....he's at $1.7k p/w and wants a new deal. And his agent is the worst agent ever. He signs for $6k p/w until 2020.

I did get an offer of $8.25M for Dimitrijevic. Not for sale.

We're given 1000-1 odds of winning the Bundesliga title. Not the worst though, Leipzig was given 2000-1 odds. FC Bayern has Even odds.

July 8th, 2017: Friendly vs. Stuttgart. Lose 1-2. Saw the dumbest goal I've seen yet. GK takes a free kick near the corner, passes it to Kirchhoff and Stark who are standing near each other. They let the ball pass between them, their player takes an easy long shot to an empty net and scores easily.

The Dortmund head coach takes the head coach job for the German national team....that means the Dortmund job is open....I don't need any help losing my job, so I don't outright apply, but if they offer an interview....

I draw Stade (non-divisional) for the first round of the German Cup.

I sell Fotios Katidis to Bielefeld for $175k.

I come to terms with Ouasim Bouy on a new contract. He's signed through 2021 for $57k p/w (he was at $47k p/w), $8.5k Appearance, $500k Loyalty, 15% yearly raise, Wage set to $65k after 1 International Appearance.

Things are getting expensive now. Bouy has definitely owned the AMC position, though.

Other contracts up in 2018. Marco (won't talk to me), Bobby Shou Wood (not sure I want to resign), Yunus Malli (not resigning, one too many AMCs with Roguljic), Daniel Martinez (GK prospect), Nils Quaschner (ST, need to resign if I don't resign Wood) and a few other prospects.

I transfer listed Malli and he wasn't happy about it. He wants to stay, but...thems the breaks. I gave him the PR answer of "prove it on the field" and he was all like "I don't think have to!".

I life of a head coach to a team that's not rich....The offers I'm getting for Marco are $7M+. He's in his last year of his contract. He might not resign with me.....tough decisions. Maybe I'll give it 2-3 months. If his attitude doesn't chance, I can't risk him just leaving and I'll sell him.

July 15th, 2017: Friendly vs. Anderlecht. Lose 1-2. I was in my Gegenpressing tactic most of the game. We got a goal, and they scored on a counter attack. At around minute 70, they were countering a lot so I switched to my Counter tactic. They promptly scored a goal and we never got any pressure offensively the rest of the game.

July 22nd, 2017: Friendly vs. Nürnberg. Lose 1-3. 3rd goal allowed was an own-goal. In Gegenpressing the whole match. I win Possession 61-39, but can't get many shots off (6). Allowed 10 shots.

Uros Dimitrijevic was named to the Euro U19 Championship Dream Team. He had 3 goals in 3 games during the tournament, 2nd behind Pablo of Spain (who had 6). He had an average rating of 7.67 (3rd place).

July 30th, 2017: Friendly vs. Frankfurt. Draw 1-1. We take the lead in the 81st minute and they tie it right up in the 83rd. Gegenpressing the whole time. Unless I see a distinct speed advantage for my team (in 2.Bundesliga, my team was ranked 1st in Pace so I had the speed advantage over most of the teams), I'll stick to my Gegenpressing tactic.

[sabotai]

August 5th, 2017

German Cup, 1st Round
1860 Münich at Stade

Unavailable: Isaac Donkor (Inj)

Starting Lineup - Tactic: 4-2DM-3-1 Gegenpressing
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Ahamada
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

Stoppelkamp gets us started with a goal in the 7th minute. Achenteh kicks a free kick just over the wall and into the goal in the 11th minute. Kirchhoff off the corner in the 18th minute gives us a 3-0 lead.

The bleeding stops for the rest of the half. In the 2nd half, Wood scores off a header from a Stoppelkamp cross in the 62nd minute.

1860 Münich 4 - 0 Stade
26 - Shots - 1
13 - On Target - 0
15 - Fouls - 12
1 - Yellow Card - 0
63% - Poss - 37%


POM: Rochdi Achenteh (1 Goal)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 7.1 , DL Achenteh 9.0 , DC Kirchhoff 8.7 , DC Ahamada 7.8 , DR Con 8.0 , DM Stark 7.8 , DM Stahl 6.9 (off 45) , DM Wannenwetsch 6.8 (on 45) , AML Marco 6.8 , AMC Roguljic 7.7 (off 68 - Inj) , AMC Bouy 6.8 (on 68) , AMR Stoppelkamp 9.0 (YC) , ST Wood 8.4

Goals: Wood, Stoppelkamp, Achenteh, Kirchhoff
Assists: Wood, Stoppelkamp, Roguljic

[sabotai]

Thoughts on Tactics - What I need to make my fast break tactic work in Bundesliga

One thing I noticed while watching my Gegenpressing tactic in the friendly matches and the Cup game. It's boring. I loved watching my fast break, counter-attack tactic. It's just not going to work in Bundesliga, though. When I was in 2.Bundesliga, my team was ranked first in Pace, and I'd imagine (though never checked) that I was high on acceleration and agility. My team, overall, was faster than most.

In Bundesliga, my Team Summery page lists Work Rate as my best attribute, ranked 9th in the league. Worst: Height (dead last)

I don't need overall speed, though. What I really need is speed at the striker and inside forward positions. Marco is pretty much there (Pace: 17, Accel: 17, Agi: 13), Dimitrijevic (Pace: 14, Accel: 17, Agi: 15), Wood (Pace: 16, Accel: 16, Agi: 14)...Stoppelkamp isn't very fast, but I don't just need speed.

Two things I saw that caused too many of my fast break chances to fail were 1) Not getting a good start (First Touch) and 2) Slowing down too much on the dribble, or just plain mishitting the ball while dribbling.

Marco (FT: 16, Dribble: 13), Dimitrijevic (FT: 13, Dribble: 15), Wood (FT: 11, Dribble: 12), Stoppelkamp (FT: 12, Dribble: 14)....for this tactic to work in Bundesliga, I'd think I would need a few players that were not only lightning fast, but also 16+ on both FT and Dribble.

Outside of the striker and two wingers, I need my playmakers to have great passing. Thankfully, Bouy and Stark do. Bouy (Pass: 16, Tech: 17) (Bouy is also 16 for Long Shots, which is an added bonus), Stark (Pass: 16, Tech: 14).

My Fullbacks need crossing ability as well as passing. With my Inside Forwards sitting inside and my Fullbacks on Support, I saw them attempting a lot of crosses. Achenteh is decent for a 2.Bundesliga player (Cross: 13, Pass: 12) but not so much in Bundesliga. Con is lightning fast, but his technicals need a ton of work (Cross: 5, Pass: 9). He's already a decent defender (Marking: 12, Tackling: 13), he just isn't much of a help offensively.

As for the BWM DM and DCs, I just need them to shut down the opponents offense and get the ball to Stark. So nothing special for them, although Passing ability would be a great bonus, especially if I could tell my BWM DM to go with more direct passing.

So the only area I'm comfortable with going with my fast break tactic in Bundesliga is the playermaker positions. The rest of my team isn't good enough to pull that off in the top division. At least not yet. I have a lot of young, developing players. Maybe in a few years.

As for my Gegenpressing tactic, I haven't seen much yet, so I'm not sure yet how it's going to hold up against Bundesliga teams in real matches or what I need to make it better.....we'll see. This could be painful.

[sabotai]

August 12th, 2017

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (0-0-0) at Schalke (0-0-0)

Unavailable: Isaac Donkor (Inj)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Ahamada
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

They score quickly in the 7th minute. Crossed it in, it bounces around a few time until a Schalke player sitting right in front of the net gets the easiest shot he'll ever have.

Only had a few chances in the first half, nothing very close. Saw a few examples of what I just posted about. Stoppelkamp easily was caught from behind on one play, and in a another, so was speedy Marco.

In the 50th minute, Wannenwetsch got sent off for getting 2 Yellow Cards. Which made the 4th YC my team received. This might be an issue...my guys got a lot of fouls last year due to Hassle Opponents + Stay on Feet. Might end up causing more fouls and more yellows now in Bundesliga...

They easily score a few more goals as my team, down a man, didn't have a chance.

1860 Münich 0 - 3 Schalke
3 - Shots - 17
1 - On Target - 7
15 - Fouls - 9
4 - Yellow Cards - 1
44% - Poss - 56%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.5 , DL Achenteh 6.0 , DC Kirchhoff 6.7 , DC Ahamada 6.2 , DR Con 6.7 , DM Stark 5.8 (off 67, YC) , DM Stahl 6.8 (on 67) , DM Wannenwetsch 6.5 (off 50, 2 YC) , AML Marco 6.5 , AMC Bouy 6.1 (off 67, YC) , AMC Roguljic 6.7 (on 67) , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.2 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.3

[sabotai]

I completely forgot about this. Marco has an extension clause in his contract. I triggered it. His $1.9k p/w contract is now set to expire in 2020.

Netolitzky is complaining about lack of first-team soccer. Told him I'd give him a chance.

I accepted a $1.7M offer from Trabzonspor, a Turkish team, for Yunus Malli.

[sabotai]

August 19th, 2017

Bundesliga
Freiburg (5th, 1-0-0, 3pt) at 1860 Münich (16th, 0-0-1, 0pt)

Unavailable: Stefan Wannenwetsch (Sus)

Pre-Game thoughts: In the last 2 seasons, Schalke finished 4th and 6th. Freiburg has finished 9th two years running. Freiburg is at the top of what I think is the list of teams I need to compete against and win. Schalke is in the list of teams I probably should just chalk up as loses. This will be my first real test. If I can compete against Freiburg, I have a good chance to stay in Bundesliga.

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

In the 7th minute, Stark comes off with an injury. I move Bouy down to his spot and bring Roguljic in as AMC.

In the 26th minute, Marco cuts inside, holds, puts a pass into the box and Stoppelkamp gets there and buries it to give us the lead.

31st minute, they tie it up. Their player knocked the ball to the side, Donkor misplayed it and they had an easy goal.

61st minute, Roguljic sets up Marco with a long pass, but Marco doesn't take it cleanly, nor can he dribble passed his opponent and can't get a clean shot off.

In the 77th minute, they had a free run when Kirchhoff misjudged the ball. Kirchhoff makes up for it by catching him and sliding to knock the ball away just as he was about to shoot.

Freiburg 1 - 1 1860 Münich
17 - Shots - 7
5 - On Target - 4
7 - Fouls - 11
2 - Yellow Cards - 1
51% - Poss - 49%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 7.0 , DL Achenteh 7.0 , DC Kirchhoff 7.3 , DC Donkor 7.0 , DR Con 6.9 (YC) , DM Stark NR (off 7 - Inj) , DM Stahl 6.8 , AMC/DM Bouy 6.8 , AML Marco 6.8 , AMC Roguljic 6.5 (on 7) , AMR Stoppelkamp 7.5 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.7 (off 65) , ST Wood 6.5 (on 65)

Goals: Stoppelkamp
Assists: Marco

[sabotai]

DM Stark will be out for 3-4 months. That.....sucks.

There were a couple of veteran DMs on the free transfer market, but I think I'll let Wannenwetsch and Stahl hold down the fort. I'm not going to have much depth there, though, and if either of them gets dinged, I might have to bite the bullet and just sign someone.

[sabotai]

Just occurred to me, I haven't done a run down of my team for this year. Here we go.

(All players sorted by Ability (according to assman))

Goalkeepers
Odisseas Vlachodimos - 23yo - GRE - 3.5 / 4 - $52k p/w until 2020
Michael Netolitzky - 23yo - GER - 3 / 4 - $11.5k p/w, 2020
Daniel Martinez - 19yo - ESP - 2 / 3.5 - $8.75k p/w, 2018
Karl-Heinz Schmitt - 17yo - GER - 1 / 3.5 - $405 p/w, 2019
Tobias Beck - 18yo - GER - 1 / 2.5 - $2.2k p/w , 2019
Christoph Stöger - 15yo - GER - 2.5 / 2 - $140 p/w, 2020

Vlachodimos has a big edge of Netolitzky because he has a high One-on-One (17) and high Reflexes (16). Other than that, they are somewhat similar, but those two are big. Netolitzky also has high Eccentricity, and I'm not all that sure that's a good thing...

[sabotai]

Defenders (Left)
Rochdi Achenteh - 29yo - MAR - 2.5 / 2.5 - $33.5k p/w, 2020
Carlos Crasso - 20yo - ARG - 2.5 / 4 - $12.5k p/w, 2019
Ali Ahamada - 20yo - FRA - 2.5 / 4 - $9.5k p/w, 2020
Andreas Ulmer - 31yo - AUT - 2.5 / 2.5 - $15.5k p/w, 2020
Dan-Patrick Poggenberg - 25yo - GER - 1.5 / 1.5 - $6.5k p/w , 2018
Stefan Kreß - 16yo - GER - 1 / 3.5 - $85 p/w, 2020
Björn Fischer - 18yo - GER - 5 / 2.5 - $1.7k p/w , 2018
Dominik Richter - 15yo - GER - 4.5 / 4 - $140 p/w , 2020
Tobias Schultz - 16yo - GER - 3.5 / 1 - $85 p/w, 2019

I've already transfer listen Ulmer. Achenteh I might keep for awhile, unless I get an good offer. My hope is that either Ahamada or Crasso really take to the role. Looking long term, Richter might be the future at the spot.

Defenders (Right)
Kristijan Con - 18yo - GER - 2.5 / 4 - $6k p/w, 2020
Matthias Fahrenholz - 16yo - GER - 2 / 5 - $85 p/w, 2020
Mortiz Volz - 34yo - GER - 2 / 2 - $9k p/w, 2018
Benno Schmitz - 22yo - GER - 1.5 / 2.5 - $8.5k p/w, 2018
Malte Berauer - 22yo - GER - 1.5 / 2 - $7.25k p/w, 2018
José Alberto - 17yo - GER - 1 / 3.5 - $425 p/w, 2020
Janik Herberger - 17yo - GER - 1 / 3 - $775 p/w, 2019
Herbert Bockhorn - 22yo - GER - 1 / 2 - $3.9k p/w, 2018
Mamadou Traoré - 16yo - GER - 4.5 / 3 - $85 p/w, 2019
Jamal Rachdi - 15yo - GER - 3 / 2.5 - $140 p/w, 2020

Con is a total defensive player. His best position is "Limited Fullback". He won't be much help on the offense. Fahrenholz is the opposite. His best position if "Complete Wingback" and already has a 10 for dribbling, 8 for crossing and 7 for passing. The first two, well ahead of Con (and he has a 9 for passing).

Fahrenholz is also "Accomplished" on the left side.

The future looks really bright for these two positions. Currently....not so much, but in a few years (if I'm still around)...

[sabotai]

Defender (Center)
Jan Kirchhoff - 26yo - GER - 4 / 4 - $57k p/w, 2019
Isaac Donkor - 22yo - GHA - 3.5 / 3.5 - $19.5k p/w, 2020
Andreas Hartmann - 18yo - GER - 2 / 2.5 - $1.4k p/w 2020
Christopher Thaller - 16yo - GER - 1 / 4.5 - $85 p/w 2021
Claudio Maier - 17yo - GER - 1 / 2 - $85 p/w 2018
Haguibo Soro - 18yo - GER - 1 / 2 - $1.4k p/w 2019
Lukas Grill - 24yo - GER - 1 / 1.5 - $5.5k p/w 2018
Florian Uhde - 15yo - GER - 4.5 / 3.5 - $85 p/w 2019
Mario Rott - 16yo - GER - 4.5 / 2.5 - $85 p/w 2019
Frank Langer - 15yo - GER - 4 / 2 - $140 p/w 2020
Matthias Hampf - 15yo - GER - 3.5 / 1.5 - $140 p/w 2020
Tobias Schultz - 16yo - GER - 3.5 / 1 $85 p/w - 2019

A lot of youth players but not a lot of hot prospects. Thaller is the only one among that bunch that has the chance to be a star, Uhde may be a productive player as well. The rest are just taking up space. I might bring in a veteran 3 star player or something just to give me depth at the spot. DL Ahamada can play DC if I need him, but I'd rather have a veteran who is natural at DC back up Donkor and Kirchhoff.

I remember being worried about the money Kirchhoff was going to cost me. Turns out it was the right choice. He's (usually) been a rock at that spot for me while Donkor (and López even more so) were shaky a lot of the times.

[sabotai]

Defensive Midfielders
Yannick Stark - 26yo - GER - 4 / 4 - $41k p/w, 2021
Stefan Wannenwetsch - 25yo - GER - 3.5 / 3.5 - $45k p/w, 2020
Dominik Stahl - 29yo - GER - 3.5 / 3.5 - $35.5k p/w, 2019
Michel Lieder - 21yo - GER - 2 / 3.5 - $7.5k p/w, 2019
Luca Bastians - 16yo - GER - 1.5 / 4.5 - $85 p/w, 2020
Alexander Wagner - 17yo - GER - 1.5 / 3.5 - $450 p/w 2019
Daniel Langer - 17yo - GER - 1.5 / 3.5 - $800 p/w, 2019
Joseph-Antoine Tchoumi - 18yo - GER - 1.5 / 2.5 - $1.8k p/w, 2018
Marcel Sobottka - 23yo - GER - 1.5 / 2 - $6k p/w, 2018
Marian Schmidt - 15yo - GER - 1 / 5 - $85 p/w, 2019
Stefan Bönig - 16yo - GER - 1 / 2.5 - $85 p/w, 2020
Daniel Schwabl - 15yo - GER - 4 / 2.5 - $140 p/w, 2020
Stefan Hein - 16yo - GER - 3 / 1.5 - $85 p/w, 2018

I think Wannenwetsch has a better agent that Stark. Stark has a yearly salary raise, Wannenwetsch doesn't but I think he had a decent sized "% increase on promotion" clause that bumped him up nicely. It will work back into Stark's favor after this year, though.

Still pretty much set here for the very long term. Stark + Wannenwetsch + Stahl for now. Bastians + Schmidt with Langer and/or Wagner giving depth several years from now. Lieder might be able to step in for Stahl in a year or two. Stahl doesn't have many years left.

[sabotai]

Attacking Midfielder (Left)
Marco - 19yo - ESP - 4 / 5 - $1.9k p/w, 2020
Dominik Masek - 22yo - CZE - 2.5 / 3.5 - $8k p/w, 2019
Sinan Gümüs - 23yo - 1.5 / 2 - $12k p/w, 2018
Ante Tomas - 15yo - 3 / 2.5 - $140 p/w, 2020

Marco could have cashed in this year, but wasn't talking to me so I exercised a clause in his contract giving me two more years. Terrible agent. Nothing coming through the pipeline in case he bolts, though. Lots of strikers who can play AML, but no natural hot prospects at that position.

Attacking Midfielder (Center)
Ouasim Bouy - 24yo - NED - 3.5 / 4 - $57k p/w, 2021
Ante Roguljic - 21yo - CRO - 3.5 / 4 - $21k p/w, 2020
Florian Rauscher - 17yo - GER - 1.5 / 3.5 - $2.6k p/w, 2020
Tim Fahrenholz - 23yo - GER - 1 / 2 - $4.6 p/w, 2018
Felix Wallner - 16yo - GER - 5 / 2.5 - $85 p/w, 2020
Sebastian Duhnke - 16yo - GER - 3.5 / 1.5 - $85 p/w, 2019

As long as I keep Bouy and Roguljic, I'll be fine. I don't have much coming up through the pipeline though. I'll have to keep my eye out for a youth player. I do have a few strikers who can play AMC, but their attributes don't match up well with what I do there. Most don't have much in way of passing, long shots, etc.

Attacking Midfielder (Right)
Mortiz Stoppelkamp - 30yo - GER - 2.5 / 2.5 - $53k p/w, 2019
Steve Clancy - 20yo - ENG - 2.5 / 4.5 - $16k p/w, 2019
Daniel Hägler - 20yo - GER - 1.5 / 2.5 - $7.25k p/w, 2018
Max Endres - 16yo - GER - 4.5 / 4 - $85 p/w, 2020
Gerold Franz - 16yo - BIH - 3 / 2 - $85 p/w, 2019

Stoppelkamp has definitely lost a step. Since 2013, he's dropped 1 point in most attributes, 2 points in several. Clancy will get a lot of playing time over the next two years, at which point it'll probably be time to say goodbye to Stoppelkamp. Endres is the main prospect here.

[sabotai]

Strikers
Bobby Shou Wood - 24yo - USA - 3 / 3.5 - $25k p/w, 2018
Uros Dimitrijevic - 17yo - GER - 2.5 / 5 - $6k p/w, 2020
Nils Quaschner - 23yo - GER - 2.5 / 4 - $18.5k p/w, 2018
Mohammad Karnib - 16yo - GER - 1.5 / 5 - $85 p/w, 2020
Lars Wölfel - 17yo - GER - 1.5 / 3.5 - $1.7k p/w, 2020
Tobias Schmidt - 17yo - GER - 1 / 2 - $85 p/w, 2018
Christopher Romminger - 16yo - GER - 5 / 3.5 - $85 p/w, 2019
Niklas Moll - 15yo - GER - 4.5 / 3.5 - $140 p/w, 2020
François Yao - 17yo - GER - 4.5 / 2 - $240 p/w, 2019
Steffen Cuntz - 15yo - GER - 4 / 3.5 - $140 p/w, 2020

Having 2 5-star prospects is a good problem to have. Karnib can play AMC and is the only one of my strikers that can realistically pull off the position. He does have the PPM "Dwells On Ball" so I need to get him to stop that. Lots of 3.5 star prospects that I can develop and sell.

I need to make a decision on Wood or Quaschner. Both will get playing time and we'll see. Whoever has played better, I'm keeping, the other I'll try to sell before the next window opens (which is when teams can come in an poach players with a pre-contract).

[sabotai]

August 25th, 2017

Bundeslinga - TV
1860 Münich (17th, 0-1-1, 1pt) at Nürnberg (13th, 0-1-1, 1pt)

Unavailable: Con (Inj), Stark (Inj)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

In the 8th minute, Kirchhoff hit a header off a corner, but it goes right to the GK and he knocks it away.

Stoppelkamp to Bouy to Dimitrijevic in front of the net. Too easy for a player like him. We go up 1-0.

In the 19th minute, Bouy made a nice pass to Marco and he should have had a goal, but got caught from behind by their player who slides and knocks it out of bounds.

In the 31st minute, Volz passed it to Vlachodimos, who tries to play it to Kirchhoff, but the pass is weak and their player intercepts it, has a one on one and scores. Fucking pathetic. To make a point, I immediately sub in Netolitzky.

In the 57th minute, Dimitrijevic had a great chance, but he gets caught while dribbling and a defender knocks the ball out of bounds. In 2.Bundesliga, that was a goal. *sigh* Need more speed!

In the 63rd minute, Bouy gives it to Marco. He had a ton of space so no one caught him this time and he finishes strong to give us the lead again.

In the 75th minute, they got a great chance. Volz sent a long pass to the other side of the field. Of course, it was off target and after a few passes, they had a great look but their player sent it wide.

1860 Münich 2 -1 Nürnberg
13 - Shots - 10
8 - On Target - 2
14 - Fouls - 17
3 - Yellow Cards - 2
60% - Poss - 40%


POM: Ouasim Bouy (2 Assists)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.4 (off 31) , GK Netolitzky 6.9 (on 31) , DL Achenteh 7.1 , DC Kirchhoff 7.1 (YC) , DC Donkor 6.8 , DR Volz 6.9 (YC) , DM Wannenwetsch 6.9 , DM Stahl 7.0 , AML Marco 7.3 , AMC Bouy 8.5 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.8 (off 63) , AMR Clancy 6.7 (on 67) , ST Dimitrijevic 7.2

Goals: Dimitrijevic, Marco
Assists: Bouy (2)

[sabotai]

DC - Davide Moncelli - 20yo - ITA - 2 / 4
Found him on the free market. Signed for $15k p/w, until 2020, Squad Status: Rotation. Gives me some depth at DC for now, and hopefully a player to develop at DC.

[sabotai]

September 1st, 2017

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Bayern</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>11</td> <td>1</td> <td>+10</td> <td>9</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Schalke</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6</td> <td>0</td> <td>+6</td> <td>9</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mainz</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>+5</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hannover</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>6</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Leverkusen</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>+4</td> <td>5</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dortmund</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>+5</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Werder Bremen</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>+2</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wolfsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>+1</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gladbach</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>-1</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td></td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>-2</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Freiburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>-3</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hoffenheim</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>-2</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Augsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>6</td> <td>-4</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>11</td> <td>-8</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stuttgart</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>10</td> <td>-8</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>-1</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hertha BSC</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>-2</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nürnberg</td> <td>
</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>-2</td> <td>1</td></tr></tbody></table>

[sabotai]

September 2nd, 2017

Bundesliga
Wolfsburg (8th, 1-1-1, 4pt) at 1860 Münich (10th, 1-1-1, 4pt)

Unavailable: Stark (Inj), Ahamada (Inj)

Starting Lineup
GK Netolitzky
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DL Con
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Quaschner

In the 9th minute, Quaschner had a great chance, but he pushed it wide. Just seconds later after the goal kick, they take it right down field, cross it to the far post where none of my defense was and got a way too easy header. 3 of my defenders were glued to one of their players in the middle of the box, leaving the guy at the far post uncovered.

In the 43rd minute, Bouy puts a nice pass between two defenders to Marco who absolutely should have scored, but he ends up waiting to shoot a half second too long and their GK got in front and knocked it away.

At half time, 2 clear cut chances and 2 half chances for us, zero goals. 1 CCC and 2 HCs for them, 1 goal. This is a team I figured was no question a lose. Quaschner's first half performance was terrible, it's like he wants my decision to be easy. And my fullbacks are getting smoked by their wingers. I did have possession 63% of the time.

In the 61st minute, Quaschner had a chance on a cross from Marco, but his header is just wide.

In the 63rd minute, they score on a play that I used to use a lot in the lower division. Long pass from midfield and their attacker blows by the defender for an easy score.

In the 78th minute (8 minutes after I made the sub for him), I watched as Bouy and Marco went down the field, and Quashner ran down, offsides the entire time. They didn't pass to him, and it looked to me that his being offsides the enitre time so that he couldn't be passed to ruined a decent chance. BTW, this was 8 MINUTES after I had made the decision to sub him out.

Wolfsburg 2 - 0 1860 Münich
13 - Shots - 11
7 - On Target - 5
7 - Fouls - 10
0 - Yellow Cards - 2
42% - Poss - 58%


We had 4 CCC, 3 HC. They had 3 CCC and 3 HC. This game could have been won but a few bone headed plays from my players cost us.

Player Performances
Netolitzky 6.9 , DL Achenteh 6.9 , DC Kirchhoff 6.8 , DC Donkor 6.7 , DR Con 6.9 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.8 , DM Stahl 6.9 , AML Marco 6.8 , AMC Bouy 6.9 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.6 (off 79) , AMR Clancy NR (on 79) , ST Quaschner 6.2 (off 79) , ST Dimitrijevic NR (on 79)

9 fucking minutes to make the subs. How the fuck does that happen?

[sabotai]

One thing that bothers me about my tactic is that despite the Attacking mentality and the Higher Tempo TI, I keep seeing my guys just pass the ball around, not looking like they care much about pushing the ball upfield.

So I read about another attempt to recreate "Gegenpressing" (here: Borussia Dortmund tactic for Football Manager 2014 - Nerdoholic (http://www.nerdoholic.com/games/borussia-dortmund-tactic-football-manager-2014/) ) and am going with his Go Route One TI, which takes off "Work It Into Box", "Pass Shorter" and "Retain Possession" TIs, and give all of my players, except the two play makers, the "Pass It Shorter" PI (the two playmakers get "More Direct Passing") and I'll see how that goes.

Sept. 9th, 2017: Friendly vs. SK Rapid Wien. WIn 3-1. Most of my starters were away for International play.

[britrock88]

I've mostly been in my FM12 dynasty, but picking up FM14, it certainly does seem that it takes longer to get subs in--often in the neighborhood of 5 minutes.

[sabotai]

Usually 2-3 minutes for me, and I've seen as long as 4-5 minute. 9 minutes? That was absurd. Not that I would know, since I don't follow the sport in the real world so for all I know, sometimes it does take that long...somehow I doubt it, though.

[sabotai]

Netolitzky has demanded a transfer, saying that I did not fulfill my promise to give him first team playing time. Uhhh...since I made that promise, we've had 3 games, he started 1 and played most of the other....

I told him off. Said he was being unprofessional and that he could sit on the reserves squad for all I care. Congrats Vlachodimos, you just got your job back.

[sabotai]

September 16, 2017

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (14th, 1-1-2, 4pt) at Hannover 96 (7th, 2-1-1, 7pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Con
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

I took off the player instructions for the GK to pass shorter and distribute to defenders. Hopefully I don't see those dumb goals again.

During the first half, they had 3 CCCs, including one from our former player Osako, but Vlachodimos came up big. Our offense hasn't done much, just 1 CCC. And possession was 51/49 in our favor.

In the 53rd minute, Bouy knocks in a cross from Marco to give us the lead. Not much in way of defense there, most of their players were still trying to get back when the quick run down the sideline and the cross to the box occurred. That's exactly why I want my guys to transition quickly and to drill their crosses. I don't have any big bodies for floating crosses into a crowd.

We had a great chance just a minute later. It was Wannenwetsch on the break. He tried to give it to Marco to the side, but his pass was off and that ended our chance.

We had another chance in the 58th minute. Wood's shot was just wide, though.

80th minute, I tell my defensive line to play much deeper and change to a Counter mentality.

1860 Münich 1 - 0 Hannover 96
15 - Shots - 8
5 - On Target - 3
5 - Clear Cut Chances - 3
1 - Half Chances - 2
8 - Fouls - 15
1 - Yellow Cards - 2
52% - Poss - 48%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.6 , DL Achenteh 6.9 (off 61, YC) , DL Ahamada 6.7 (on 61) , DC Kirchhoff 7.2 , DC Donkor 6.6 , DR Con 7.0 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.9 , DM Stahl 6.9 , AML Marco 6.8 , AMC Bouy 7.7 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.5 (off 61) , AMR Clancy 6.7 (on 61) , ST Wood 5.7

It's like neither Wood nor Quaschner want a job...

Goals: Bouy
Assists: Marco

[sabotai]

September 22nd, 2017

Bundesliga
Augsburg (15th, 1-0-4, 3pt) at 1860 Münich (12th, 2-1-2, 7pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Moncelli
DR Con
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

We get started in the 9th minute when, while in their end, Bouy takes the ball from their defender, gives it to Dimitrijevic and he scores. Nice play by Bouy.

In the 58th minute, Marco looked like he was going to get a great shot off, but I guess he failed a First Touch check because he received the pass badly, the ball went to his side and when he got the shot off, it was at a bad angle and it goes wide.

In the 84th minute, Moncelli misplays a long pass and their guy gets a run at my GK. Vlachodimos turns the shot away.

In the 85th minute, Dimitrijevic takes a pass from Bouy and takes a long shot from just outside the box and catches the very corner of the net. One foot more and it dings off the post. Their manager complained about it being offsides, but it wasn't even close to being offsides.

In extra time, Clancy takes a corner kick to him, all along in the penalty area, and drills a shot. The GK got a piece of it, but not enough.

Augsburg 0 - 3 1860 Münich
10 - Shots - 13
3 - On Target - 4
1 - Clear Cut Chances - 2
0 - Half Chances - 4
10 - Fouls - 12
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
50% - Poss - 50%


POM: Ouasim Bouy (2 Assists)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Achenteh 8.1 , DC Kirchhoff 8.0 , DC Moncelli 7.6 , DR Con 7.9 , DM Wannenwetsch 7.6 , DM Stahl 6.9 , AML Marco 6.4 (off 64) , AML Wood 6.8 (on 64) , AMC Bouy 9.0 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.3 (off 64) , AMR Clancy 7.3 (on 64) , ST Dimitrijevic 8.8

Goals: Dimitrijevic (2), Clancy
Assists: Bouy (2), Achenteh (Corner)

We are off to a much better start this time around. Last time, we only got 2 wins during the whole season. We've already surpassed that.

[sabotai]

Roguljic is complaining about his lack of first team soccer. He has a point, he hasn't played much. Bouy's been playing at such a high level that I don't want him off the field, but I need to keep Roguljic happy too.

The day after that happens, Bouy's injured and will miss 2 weeks........seems a bit suspicious.....

Con gets injured during practice, out for 6 weeks to 2 months. Ugh.

[sabotai]

September 30th, 2017

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (7th, 3-1-2, 10pt) at Leverkusen (14th, 1-2-3, 5pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Wood
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

We start off fast in the 4th minute. Roguljic dribbles into their third of the field, gets the attention of a defender, passes into the box where Dimitrijevic smokes the two defenders near him and buries it to give us the early lead.

They get it back quickly. Grasso was running into the penalty area to help cover due to the ball being brought up on the other side. Quick pass to their MC, quick pass to their uncovered winger and he makes it look easy.

They take the lead in the 14th minute on what looks like a cross that ends up finding the corner of the net. Vlachodimos was positioned in front of the attacker who was the target of the cross, so when the cross was a bit too high for a header and kept on going....

In the 16th minute, they nearly start the route when their winger gets behind Grasso and makes a run, but Vlachodimos makes the great save.

26th minute, Volz gets injured for the second time. Not major, but I decide to bring him off. I move Donkor over to the DR spot (because I don't have anyone else to play the spot) and sub in Moncelli.

In the 32nd minute, we had a chance to tie it. Roguljic takes a pass in the penalty area, and everyone reacts. Instead of shooting, he passes to Dimitrijevic, but he put the shot wide. That one hurt. That has to be a goal there. We had a ten minute period of lots of possession and a few close shots, but nothing to show for it.

In the 42nd minute, a run by Wood is shut down due to a bad offsides call.

In the 66th minute, Vlachodimos comes up with another save. This time Moncelli attempted a tackle and missed, giving the attacker a CCC.

In the 84th minute, Clancy gets a great chance, but their GK sends it to the side. It rolled to the side and if we had a guy in the area...but, their player ultimately gets there and kicks it away.

1860 Münich 1 - 2 Leverkusen
11 - Shots - 12
5 - On Target - 6
4 - Clear Cut Chances - 5
3 - Half Chances - 0
9 - Fouls - 4
58% - Poss - 42%


POM: Ante Roguljic (1 Assist)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.7 , DL Grasso 6.0 (off 63) , DL Achenteh 6.7 (on 63) , DC Kirchhoff 6.8 , DC/DR Donkor 6.9 , DC Moncelli 6.8 (on 28) , DR Volz 6.6 (off 28) , DM Wannenwetsch 6.8 , DM Stahl 7.1 , AML Wood 6.3 , AMC Roguljic 8.3 , AMR Clancy 6.0 , ST Dimitrijevic 7.0

Goals: Dimitrijevic
Assists: Roguljic

[sabotai]

October 1st, 2017

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>FC Bayern</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>+15</td> <td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Schalke</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>+11</td> <td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Mainz</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>+7</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Wolfsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>+7</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Werder Bremen</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>+8</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>Gladbach</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>+1</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Hoffenheim</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>-1</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>Stuttgart</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>4</td> <td>-9</td> <td>9</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>Dortmund</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>+4</td> <td>8</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>Leverkusen</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>+1</td> <td>8</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>Freiburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>-2</td> <td>8</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>Hannover</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>-3</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Nürnberg</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>-5</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>6</td> <td>-12</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Augsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>6</td> <td>-13</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>Hertha BSC</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>-9</td> <td>2</td></tr></tbody></table>
The last several years, the Bundesliga has been a 2 team race with FC Bayern and Dortmund. One wins the division, the other finishes 2nd. Dortmund's coach left to coach the national team, and Dortmund is off to a poor start.

[sabotai]

October 4th, 2017

German Cup, 2nd Round
Freiburg at 1860 Münich

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

In the 10th minute, Marco drills a cross and is headed in by Dimitrijevic to gives us the early lead.

In the 15th minute, Kirchhoff takes a corner kick at the near post and scores after holding it for half a second.

In the 23rd minute, Roguljiv passes to Marco in the box and he hits it in stride to give us the 3-0 lead. Marco just barely beat his man to it.

In the 29th minute, Dimitrijevic dribbles the ball to the back line near the goal. He passes it into a crowd, but Roguljic comes up with it and the goal.

In the 40th minute, a pass from Stoppelkamp to Dimitrijevic and his shot finds the corner. I'm stunned at how much my team is dominating this match. At half time, we had 5 CCCs and 5 HCs.

They get on board in the 60th minute with a long, strong shot that squeezed in between Vlachodimos and the goal post.

In the 76th minute, they head in a corner kick to the near post.

Freiburg 2 - 5 1860 Münich
9 - Shots - 25
5 - On Target - 16
1 - Clear Cut Chances - 6
2 - Half Chances - 8
15 - Fouls - 4
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
46% - Poss - 54%


POM: Uros Dimitrijevic (2 Goals, 1 Assist)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 7.1 , DL Achenteh 8.0 , DC Kirchhoff 8.0 , DC Donkor 7.4 (off 67) , DC Moncelli 6.6 (on 67) , DR Volz 7.1 , DM Wannenwetsch 7.1 , DM Stahl 7.8 , AML Marco 8.8 , AMC Roguljic 9.0 , AMR Stoppelkamp 7.8 (off 67) , AMR Clancy 6.7 (on 67) , ST Dimitrijevic 9.3

Goals: Dimitrijevic (2), Marco, Roguljic, Kirchhoff
Assists: Dimitrijevic, Marco, Roguljic, Achenteh (Corner), Stoppelkamp

[sabotai]

October 7th, 2017

Bundesliga
Hertha BSC (16th, 1-2-4, 5pt) at 1860 Münich (8th, 3-1-3, 10pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Ahamada
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Wood
AMC Roguljic
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

They put the pressure on early with a few could have/should have been goals. Vlachodimos is the only reason we weren't down 2-0 within 10 minutes.

In the 16th minute, Wannenwetsch to Wood to Dimitrijevic, two short passes in the box and an easy goal.

In the 29th minute, they send a long pass upfield and their player beats Kirchhoff to it, has a one-on-one with the GK and ties the game.

Bouy, who has just started trining again, comes on at half time because Roguljic was exhausted.

By the 60th minute, I had generated hardly any offense. I switch Wood to ST and bring on Marco and switch to my Counter tactic to see if I can catch them off guard.

In the 64th minute, it seemed to work. Wannenwetsch to Wood for a goal, but it was waved off due to offsides (it was close).

In th e72nd minute, they score on one of those "the winger is left completely alone by my defense" plays. In fairness to Ahamada, there were two attackers and only one of him, and none of my other players where close.

Hertha BSC 2 - 1 1860 Münich
13 - Shots - 10
8 - On Target - 6
5 - Clear Cut Chances - 2
3 - Half Chances - 5
5 - Fouls - 12
2 - Yellow Cards - 1
51% - Poss - 49%


Player Performance
GK Vlachodimos 6.7 , DL Ahamada 6.6 (YC) , DC Kirchhoff 6.8 , DC Donkor 6.7 , DR Volz 6.5 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.8 , DM Stahl 6.8 , AML/ST Wood 6.9 , AML Marco 6.6 , AMC Roguljic 6.2 (off 45) , AMC Bouy 6.8 (on 45) , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.4 , ST Dimitrijevic 7.0 (off 63)

Goals: Dimitrijevic
Assists: Wood

[sabotai]

October 20th, 2017

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (11th, 3-1-4, 10pt) at FC Bayern (2nd, 6-1-1, 19pt)

Because this is FC Bayern, I am changing my tactic a bit. Defensive Line is going to be made "Much Deeper". They will run all over me if I sit my defensive line in midfield. I've been thinking of making this change because I've let up too many of the type of goals I was aiming for last year. My Gegenpressing tactic won't be very pressing anymore...

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitirjevic

In the 11th minute, they kick a corner, it's headed around three times before finding the net.

After several more minutes, I just put it on Only Commentary because my team is completely outclassed and will probably get slaughtered so I just wanted to get it over with. I was surprised it only ended 0-3, with one of the goals being an own goal by Donkor.

1860 Münich 0 - 3 FC Bayern
2 - Shots - 19
1 - On Target - 5
0 - Clear Cut Chances - 3
1 - Half Chances - 4
5 - Fouls - 7
0 - Yellow Cards - 1
43% - Poss - 57%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.4 , DL Achenteh 5.8 , DC Kirchhoff 6.5 , DC Donkor 6.8 , DR Volz 6.6 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.8 , DM Stahl 6.9 , AML Marco 6.4 , AMC Roguljic 6.2 (off 60) , AMC Bouy 6.7 (on 60) , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.2 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.3 (off 60) , ST Wood 6.6 (on 60)

[sabotai]

October 28th, 2017

Bundesliga
Dortmund (11th, 3-2-4, 11pt) at 1860 Münich (12th, 3-1-5, 10pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Amrco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Wood

In the 3rd minute, Achenteh kicks a corner that bounces off their own guy and into the net. We start off the game very lucky.

In the 6th minute, they make a pass into the box and their winger barely beats Achenteh to it, but he sends it just wide.

In the 10th minute, Marco passes to Bouy who shoots. It's blocked but Wood is in the perfect spot to get the rebound and put in an easy goal to give us the 2-0 lead.

By half time, it was a defensive battle. We had had 1 CCC and 1 HC, they had 1 CCC and 0 HC.

In the 57th minute, they kick a corner, their man holds up for a second, passes in the box and then scores.

In the 64th minute, I take Marco out, move Wood to AML and send Dimitrijevic in. Marco was having a pretty bad game.

In the 76th minute, they tie it. A pass to the winger and an easy goal because of Achenteh. I'm wondering if it's because I have his role as "Complete Wing Back". Still seems to me that when my team is on defense, his first job would be to make sure the winger doesn't get behind him for an easy pass...but what do I know.

In the 80th minute, Dimitrijevic makes a superb move to get around a defender, but his shot is blocked.

Very late, Stahl takes an injury and I take him off. Kirchoff moved to DM, Moncelli in for Stahl at DC.

In the second half, they put on more pressure but we held on for the draw.

Dortmund 2 - 2 1860 Münich
15 - Shots - 6
6 - On Target - 3
3 - Clear Cut Chances - 2
2 - Half Chances - 1
17 - Fouls - 9
1 - Yellow Cards - 0
54% - Poss - 46%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.6 , DL Achenteh 6.6 , DC/DM Kirchoff 6.9 , DC Donkor 6.8 , DC Moncelli NR (on 90) , DR Volz 6.7 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.7 , DM Stahl 6.9 (off 90) , AML Marco 6.1 (off 64) , AMC Bouy 6.8 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.8 (off 76) , AML/ST Wood 7.0 , AMR Clancy NR (on 76) , ST Dimitrijevic 6.6 (on 64)

Goals: Wood
Assists: Bouy, Stoppelkamp

(Not sure where Stopplekamp's assist came from, but there it is in the stat sheet)

[sabotai]

Making a few chances to my tactic.

the DL will no longer be a Complete Wing Back and the DR won't be Fullback - Defend. I don't think my squad (read: Achenteh and the other DLs) are good enough to pull off this quasi-asymmetrical tactic. I'm going back to what they both were last year, Fullback - Assist.

The same with the wingers. I'm making both of them Inside Forwards - Attack again. The AML was already this, but the AMR (Stoppelkamp and Clancy) was Winger - Support.

Aside from the German Cup game, we've had a pretty bad run of games here, and I've noticed a trend of my opponents' wingers blowing by Achenteh. I think he's too offensively minded in those moments due to the Complete Wing Back role. And Stoppelkamp has had an average rating of 6.59 in league games. I think he'll do better in the Inside Forward - Attack role than the Winger - Support role.

I also think there is an element of Stoppelkamp just not being able to perform at this level. He took a big hit to his attributes after a major injury (and I'm very worried that will happen to Stark).

I've also changed the "Much Higher Defensive Line" shout to just "Push Higher". With a Rigid for fluidity, I think "Much Higher..." might have been bunching up my DCs and DMs too much. "Push Higher" will keep them back a bit more.

[sabotai]

November 1st, 2017

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>Schalke</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>+14</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>FC Bayern</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>+17</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Werder Bremen</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>+12</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Wolfsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>+10</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Mainz</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>+10</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>Gladbach</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>+1</td> <td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>Hoffenheim</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>+1</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Freiburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>-2</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>Leverkusen</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>+3</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>Dortmund</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>+3</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>-3</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>10</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>-5</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>Stuttgart</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>6</td> <td>-12</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>Hannover</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>-5</td> <td>9</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Hertha BSC</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>6</td> <td>-9</td> <td>8</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Nürnberg</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>7</td> <td>-9</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Augsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>7</td> <td>-10</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>10</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>8</td> <td>-16</td> <td>4</td></tr></tbody></table>

[sabotai]

November 4th, 2017

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (12th, 3-2-5, 11pt) at Stuttgart (13th, 3-1-6, 10pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DL Volz
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

They start off with a lot of pressure (1 CCC and 2 HCs by the 5th minute), but it's us on the counter attack, Bouy to Marco to Dimitrijevic, who draw first blood in the 6th minute.

In the 12th minute, we get a penalty kick (they fouled Bouy) and get the quick 2-0 lead.

In the 43rd minute, they cut our lead in half with a Vlachodimos own goal (it looked more like a piss poor save attempt, but whatever).

In the 77th minute, Bouy takes a free kick and sends it into the penalty area. Marco picks it up, holds, dribbles wide a bit and shoots, Donkor was still near the net from the free kick set up and redirects the shot with a header and it goes it. Donkor's first goal of the year.

1860 Münich 3 - 1 Stuttgart
9 - Shots - 13
6 - On Target - 4
3 - Clear Cut Chances - 1
2 - Half Chances - 4
9 - Fouls - 19
0 - Yellow Cards - 1
40% - Poss - 60%


I think we were a bit more lucky than good in this one. Pass completion was 66% (it's usually ~80%) and they dominated possession. If we played like that against most other teams in the Bundesliga, we would have gotten beat down.

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Achenteh 6.5 (off 61) , DL Ahamada 6.6 (on 61) , DC Kirchoff 7.5 , DC Donkor 8.3 , DR Volz 7.3 , DM Wannenwetsch 7.2 , DM Stahl 7.2 , AML Marco 7.6 , AMC Bouy 7.4 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.9 (off 61) , AMR Clancy 6.7 (on 61) , ST Dimitrijevic 7.3

Goals: Dimitrijevic, Stoppelkamp (PK), Donkor
Assists: Marco (2), Bouy

[sabotai]

After that match, Stuttgart fired their head coach. It's very tempting for me to throw my name into consideration. They have a payroll budget of $1.6M p/w (nearly double what I have at 1860 Münich), Financial Status "Rich" (we are at "Secure") and Training Facilites "Top" (we are at "Good").

I'd be able to do all kinds of things with that budget and those facilities.....but no. I'm trying to build this team into that and more.

[sabotai]

November 11th, 2017

Bundesliga
Frankfurt (9th, 4-3-4, 15pt) at 1860 Münich (11th, 4-2-5, 14pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

In the first half, they started off with a good amount of pressure, but it only generated 1 half chance. After the initial offense from Frankfurt, it was all us, but we still only got 3 half chances. At the end of the first half, my team was all 6.5-6.7 for ratings.

Very close calls in the 59th minute. They had a CCC with the shot going off the post, we manage to get the ball out of the box but they cross and a header goes off the top bar. Two times it should have been a goal. We escaped that one.

In the 74th minute, the corner kick to Kirchhoff scores for the 3rd time this year. That gives us the 1-0 lead.

In the 76th minute, my D just sits back and watches them pass it around for a full minute before their attacker finally gets by Kirchhoff and ties it up.

In the 84th minute, they take the lead with a semi-longish shot with Vlachodimos looking like he didn't know where the net was. He just stood and watched as the ball went between him and the near post.

Frankfurt 2 - 1 1860 Münich
12 - Shots - 12
8 - On Target - 3
3 - Clear Cut Chances - 1
3 - Half Chances - 5
9 - Fouls - 16
0 - Yellow Cards - 1
50% - Poss - 50%


Player Performance
GK Vlachodimos 6.7 , DL Achenteh 6.9 (YC) , DC Kirchhoff 7.3 , DC Donkor 6.9 , DR Volz 6.8 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.7 , DM Stahl 6.8 , AML Marco 6.6 , AMC Roguljic 6.8 , AMR Clancy 6.5 (off 76) , AMR Stoppelkamp NR (on 76) , ST Dimitrijevic 6.4 (off 61) , ST Wood 6.6 (on 61)

Goals: Kirchhoff (Corner)
Assists: Achenteh (Corner)

One week off due to international play. Normally I'd set up a friendly, but with so many of my players getting called up, I decide not to and just have a week of training focused on Fitness.

[sabotai]

Marco and Mohammad Karnib were injured while playing for the international teams. Marco will miss a few weeks, Karnib will miss 4 months. That hurts a lot. I'm worried that will significantly hurt his progress and his potential.

[sabotai]

I sign a new contract. $15k p/w until Jun 2020 (up from $12.5k p/w now). It gets cut by 25% if we get relegated (doesn't matter, I'll probably be fired if that happened), and I get a $100k bonus if we do not get relegated.

[sabotai]

November 26th, 2017

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (12th, 4-2-6, 14pt) at Werder Bremen (2nd, 9-1-2, 28pt)

Unavailable: Yannick Stark, Marco, Dominik Masek (Inj)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Gasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Volz
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Wood
AMC Bouy
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

In the 3rd minute, they get on the board. A corner kick, it gets kicked around a bit until finding its way to the penalty area where their player buries it. It just took 3 minutes for them to get 2 CCCs (the corner kicked didn't count as one). Vlachodimos saved us on those.

In the 20th minute, Bouy crosses to Clancy, and just before going out of bounds, he heads to the goal, it goes off their GK and into the goal to tie it up.

In the 27th minute, they take the lead again. Grasso and Kirchhoff both beat by their guys to let up the goal.

By half time, they had 4 CCCs and 4 HCs. We just had the one CCC which we scored on, so we're lucky to just be down 2-1 at the half.

In the 49th minute, Bouy gives it Dimitrijevic. Two fo the defenders react and Dimitrijevic passes into the box, Wood runs up and gets to it before their GK. A move to his left and an easy goal ties it up again.

They get the lead back in the 67th minute with a cross and header which just barely caught the corner of the net.

In the 78th minute, they score again on a basic pass to the left, shoot to the right and catch the corner of the net.

Wood gets injured very late. Well, that makes all of the players on my senior squad that can play AML injured.

They add insult to injury scoring in extra time.

1860 Münich 2 - 5 Werner Bremen
5 - Shots - 31
3 - On Target - 17
2 - Clear Cut Chances - 5
1 - Half Chances - 9
17 - Fouls - 10
4 - Yellow Cards - 2
42% - Poss - 58%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.5 , DL Grasso 6.4 (off 63, YC) , DL Achenteh 6.5 (on 63) , DC Kirchhoff 6.3 , DC Donkor 6.3 (off 63, YC) , DC Moncelli 6.3 (on 63) , DR Volz 5.9 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.4 , DM Stahl 6.7 (YC) , AML Wood 7.2 (off 90 - Inj ) , AML Stoppelkamp NR (on 90) , AMC Bouy 6.8 , AMR Clancy 7.1 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.1

Goals: Wood, Clancy
Assists: Bouy

[sabotai]

Time to make some wide sweeping changes to my tactics, as I've been doing a lot more reading on the subject and because I've gone through a streak of poor games, I'm starting to fall in the rankings, and if I'm gonna go out, I want to go out playing my type of soccer....

Tactic: The Münich Counter
Formation: 4-2DM-3-1
Mentality: Attacking
Fluidity: Balanced

Team Instructions: Pass Into Space, Drill Crosses, Play Wider, Much Deeper Defensive Line, Higher Tempo

GK: Goalkeeper - Defend

DL: Fullback - Support
DC: Central Defender - Defend
DC: Central Defender - Defend
DR: Fullback - Support

DM: Deep-Lying Playmaker - Support
DM Ball-Winning Midfielder - Defend

AML: Inside Forward - Attack
AMC: Trequartista - Attack
AMR: Inside Forward - Attack

ST: Advanced Forward - Attack

Players do not have shouts by default. They are dependent on the player's attributes (and my opponents if I feel the need to do something). An example would be a fast player with Dribbling of 15 or higher, I will tell him to Dribble More if the shout is selectable. On the other hand, if he has a single digit Dribbling, I tell him to Dribble Less.

The same for the rest of the simple More/Less ones. If he's terrible at it, I tell him to do it less, if he's great at it, I tell him to do it more.

An example: Kirstijan Con in the DR position. He has a Crossing of 5 (Cross Less Often), A Dribbling of 6 (Dribble Less), and a Passing of 9 and Technique of 11 (Fewer Risky Passes). In fact, he's so bad at support, that I just have him become Fullback - Defend when he's in. He's still just 18 though, so hopefully he becomes awesome at defense and serviceable at support in a few years.

Another example. In the DM - DPL spot, when Stark is in, I tell him More Direct Passing. Wannenwetsch gets no shouts and Stahl, if I ever need him there, is told to Dribble Less.

In the DM - BWM spot, if Stark is there, I tell him More Direct Passing and More Ricky Passing. Wannenwetsch and Stahl get no shouts in that spot.

[sabotai]

December 1st, 2017

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td><td>Team</td><td></td><td>P</td><td>W</td><td>D</td><td>L</td><td>GD</td><td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>1st</td><td>Schalke</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>11</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>+15</td><td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>2nd</td><td>Werder Bremen</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>10</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>+19</td><td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>3rd</td><td>FC Bayern</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>8</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>+22</td><td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>4th</td><td>Mainz</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>8</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>+13</td><td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>5th</td><td>Wolfsburg</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>6</td><td>5</td><td>2</td><td>+9</td><td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>6th</td><td>Leverkusen</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>6</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>+5</td><td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>7th</td><td>Frankfurt</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>6</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>+1</td><td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>8th</td><td>Dortmund</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>+5</td><td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>9th</td><td>Gladbach</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>-2</td><td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>10th</td><td>Freiburg</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>-4</td><td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>11th</td><td>Hoffenheim</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>-2</td><td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>12th</td><td>Augsburg</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>4</td><td>2</td><td>7</td><td>-5</td><td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>13th</td><td>1860 München</td><td></td><td>13</td><td>4</td><td>2</td><td>7</td><td>-7</td><td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>14th</td><td>Hertha BSC</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>2</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>-9</td><td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>15th</td><td>Hannover</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>2</td><td>4</td><td>7</td><td>-9</td><td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>16th</td><td>Stuttgart</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>9</td><td>-20</td><td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>17th</td><td>Nürnberg</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>8</td><td>-11</td><td>9</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>18th</td><td>RB Leipzig</td><td>
</td><td>13</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>10</td><td>-20</td><td>5</td></tr></tbody></table>

[sabotai]

December 2nd, 2017

Bundesliga
Mainz (4th, 8-3-2, 27pt) at 1860 Münich (13th, 4-2-7, 14pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Moncelli
DR Volz
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Wood
AMC Roguljic
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

In the 16th minute, Stoppelkamp kicks a long free kick into a crowd in the penalty area and Wood heads it over the GK and into the goal.

They tie it up in the 23rd minute. A few passes, out to the winger, he blasts it and Vlachodimos gets a piece of it, but the shot was too strong and it finds the net.

In the 39th minute, they score on what looked like was supposed to be a cross, but it finds the net as it goes right over our GK's head.

There are times where it looks like my guy is CLEARLY going to beat out their player to the ball, but for some reason, they hold up and let the other guy get it....

In the 51st minute, Wood scores off a penalty kick. A long cross to Stoppelkamp went unplayed because he was fouled.

I think we were quite lucky to get away with a draw in this one.

Mainz 2 - 2 1860 Münich
23 - Shots - 7
12 - On Target - 4
3 - Clear Cut Chances - 2
7 - Half Chances - 2
5 - Fouls - 5
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
53% - Poss - 47%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.7 , DL Grasso 6.9 , DC Kirchhoff 6.8 , DC Moncelli 6.4 (off 66) , DC Donkor 6.9 (on 66) , DR Volz 6.8 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.8 , DM Stahl 6.7 , AML Wood 8.8 , AMC Roguljic 6.3 , AMR Stoppelkamp 8.2 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.2

Goals: Wood (2)
Assists: Stoppelkamp (2)

[sabotai]

December 6th, 2017

German Cup, Third Round
Hannover at 1860 Münich

Kristijan Con is finally back. Stark is in full training again, but is severely lacking match fitness so it'll still be a few weeks for him.

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Achenteh
DC Kirchhoff
DC Donkor
DR Con
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Wood
AMC Bouy
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

In the 7th minute, we were putting on a bunch of pressure. A shot, their GK blocks it, Clancy passes to in front of the net, Bouy's shot is blocked. Finally, Wood buries the rebound to give us the early lead.

In the 17th minute, Dimitrijevic passes to CLancy who passes to Wood. Beautiful. Except Wood's shot is blocked, but again Wood picks up the rebound and gets his second goal.

In the 26th minute, their attack split my defenders on a thru pass and just beat them by a half step. He shoots the ball in stride and just beats Vlachodimos to cut our lead in half.

In the 65th minute, Dimitrijevic dribbles up the middle of the field. Their defense gets sucked in as he approaches the net, leaving Clancy wide open for an easy pass and shoot.

I usually take players out at this point, but everyone is playing really well and I don't want to take anyone out.

They get it back to within 1 in the 68th minute off a corner kick - header by our former player Osako. Thanks a lot Osakoa.

In the 86th minute, they tie it up on a play that sure as hell looked offsides. Oh well, we go into extra time. I sub in Roguljic for Bouy (want fresh legs for the middle of my attack) and Grasso in for Achenteh as he's started to fade.

No one scores in extra time. Neither team got much pressure.

It goes to penalty kicks and we come out on top, 11-10.

Hannover 3 (10) - (11) 3 1860 Münich
17 - Shots - 22
5 - On Target - 10
3 - Clear Cut Chances - 9
4 - Half Chances - 3
18 - Fouls - 7
3 - Yellow Cards - 1
52% - Poss - 48%


POM: Bobby Shou Wood (2 Goals)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.5 , DL Achenteh 6.6 (off 90) , DL Grasso 6.8 (on 90) , DC Kirchhoff 6.9 , DC Donkor 6.8 , DR Con 6.7 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.9 , DM Stahl 7.0 , AML Wood 9.0 , AMC Bouy 6.8 (off 90) , AMC Roguljic 6.7 (on 90, YC) , AMR Clancy 7.7 , ST Dimitrijevic 7.7

Goals: Wood (2), Clancy
Assists: Bouy Dimitrijevic

[sabotai]

We draw Dortmund for the Quarter Final in the German Cup.

[sabotai]

December 9th, 2017

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (13th, 4-3-7, 15pt) at Gladbach (8th, 6-3-5, 21pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Ahamada
DC Kirchhoff
DC Moncelli
DR Volz
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

They start off fast with a goal in the 5th minute.

In the first half, they completed dominated. We didn't get a single shot, they had 17. We're very lucky to just be down 1-0 at half. I add the team shouts "Retain Possession" and "Shorter Passing" to try to turn this around. I also switch to Counter mentality.

They add to their score with a goal in the 54th minute.

In the 56th minute, we finally put something together and it results ina Marco cross to Dimitrijevic for a goal.

In the 60th minute, I put Bouy in for Wannenwetsch, move Kirchhoff to the BWM DM spot and send Donkor in for Stahl. Wannenwetsch was having an uncharacteristically bad game and Stahl was exhausted.

In the 64th minute, we almost get another goal with another Marco cross to Dimitrijevic, but this time Dimitrijevic sends it a bit wide.

In the 78th minute, we get another. Once again, Marco cross to Dimitrijevic ends up in the net to tie it.

We get away with one here. Should have gotten beat down.

1860 Münich 2 - 2 Gladbach
5 - Shots - 26
3 - On Target - 9
1 - Clear Cut Chances - 1
1 - Half Chances - 10
11 - Fouls - 6
2 - Yellow Cards - 0
35% - Poss - 65%


POM: Uros Dimitrijevic (2 Goals)

Player Performance
GK Vlachodimos 6.7 , DL Ahamada 6.5 , DC/DM Kirchhoff 6.6 (YC) , DC Moncelli 6.4 (YC) , DC Donkor 6.7 (on 60) , DM Wannenwetsch 5.8 (off 60) , DM Stahl 6.7 (off 60) , DM Bouy 6.7 (on 60) , AML Marco 7.3 , AMC Roguljic 6.6 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.3 , ST Dimitrijevic 8.8

Goals: Dimitrijevic (2)
Assists: Marco (2)

[sabotai]

One minor tweak to my tactic. I turn off Pass Into Space because I don't want all of my players doing that! And the Playmaker role as "More Risky Passing" player shout on by default, so there's no need for it.

[sabotai]

The game crashed when the Leipzig match was almost over (and up 3-1, blech), and I didn't feel like sitting and watching them again so a few quick results and then we're in the mid season break. (And I also changed it to auto-save every week instead of every month)

Dec 17th: Hoffenheim at 1860 Münich: Win 1-0

Dec 23rd: 1860 Münich at RB Leipzig: Win 2-0

So the crash ended up helping me turn a draw and a win to two wins. Still would like to have that hour+ back, though.

[sabotai]

Time for a rundown of the roster as we are about to hit the transfer window.

Strikers
Uros Dimitrijevic - Has solidified his spot as the #1 striker on the team. Contract ends in 2020.
Bobby Shou Wood - Hasn't really matched his potential, and as I go to negotiate another contract with him, he wants $43k p/w. He's basically a backup at this point and that's too much. I have to let him go. I'm going to try to find a buyer for him when the transfer window opens. But he's in the last year of his deal, so anyone can jump in and grab him.
Nils Quaschner - #3 of the strikers, but one that's much cheaper than Wood. I signed him til 2021 to a $25k p/w contract recently.
Mohammad Karnib - At 16 years old, according to assman, he's already 2 star player, with 5 star potential. He's going to want some first-team playing time, and he'll want it very soon. Quaschner might get pushed out of the picture before long.
Niklas Moll & Steffen Cuntz - 4 star prospects years from contributing anything, but if Dimitrijevic and Karnib reach their potential, these three might bring in a good amount of cash.

AMC
Ouasim Bouy - My #1 AMC and signed until 2021.
Ante Roguljic - #2 AMC but star rating, attributes, etc. just as good at the spot as Bouy. Signed until 2020.

Both are still young (Bouy 24, Roguljic 21) which is good because I don't have any young players coming up through the pipeline. So, I think it's best if I hold onto both of them, unless I get an insane offer that I can't refuse.

AML
Marco - At 19, he wants out. I have him signed until 2020, but unless I become the best team in Germany before then, he'll probably want out. When I try to give him more money, his agent tells me that he does not like the club (meaning me, because I didn't sell him to Chelsea). I don't have high hopes that he'll stay even if we do the impossible and become a top team in the next two years. I hate to say it but it looks like I need to sell him. But, that will wait until next year at the earliest. Unless I find someone on a free that can step in right now.
Dominik Masek - Has some decent potential (3.5 stars) and can hopefully fill the spot if needed. Not a long term solution for the spot, though.

And that's it. Steffen Cuntz is a left footed striker who can play AML. I'm going to try to get him trained there and to work on his passing and crossing.

AMR
Moritz Stoppelkamp - Our 31 year old captain. Signed until 2019 and while he's still holding his own out there, I can easily see some fading skills. Contract up in 2019.
Steve Clancy - 20 year old, possible replacement. He's a 4.5 star prospect with a 2.5 star ability right now. I'm going to start working him in more often now. Next season, I'll aim for a 50/50 split in time with Stoppelkamp unless Stoppelkamp's skills fade too much. Signed until 2019.
Max Endres - 16 year old who is a 4 star prospect. Future rotation guy with Clancy, hopefully.

Dominik Masek can also play this side as well if need be.

DM
Yannick Stark - 27yo and #1 DM, and according to all staff, a 3.5 star player following that major injury. Signed until 2021.
Stefan Wannenwetsch - 25yo, can play either DM role (DLP or BWM). 3.5 star. Contract up in 2020.
Dominik Stahl - 29yo, realistically is limited to the BWM role. 3 stars. Signed until 2019.
Luca Bastians - 16yo 4.5 star prospect.
Marian Schmidt - 16yo with a 4.5 star prospect. Is currently at 1.5 stars. His best abilities are in the BWM/DM/Anchor roles.

I have a few other 3 and 3.5 star prospects, but if I want to keep doing my 2DM formations, I need to find a few more DM prospects in case Bastians and/or Schmidt don't work out. Luckily Bouy can move down to the DM spot (Accomplished) and play the DLP role if the worst happens.

DC
Jan Kirchhoff - 27yo - I was worried about how much he cost to bring here, but he's been worth every penny. Signed until 2019.
Isaac Donkor - 22yo - still has a bit of progress to make. 3/3.5. Signed until 2020.
Davide Moncelli - 20yo, 4 star prospect. Contract up in 2020.
Christopher Thaller - 16yo 4.5 star prospect.
Florian Unde - 15yo 4 star prospect.

Lots of contenders to take over Kirchhoff's spot, but hopefully he sticks around awhile. Thaller and Unde are going to need at least a few more years. I did offer a pre-contract to a DC recently so we'll see if I land another prospect here.

DL
Rochdi Achenteh - 29yo. His hold on the spot has always been shaky. He's had a solid career here so far, but there are a few times each game where he just makes a massive mistake. His contract is up in 2020 but I'm going to look to move him soon.
Carlos Grasso - 20yo, 2.5/4 stars. Ready to start getting more starts and hopefully starts progressing quickly.
Ali Ahamada - 20yo, 2.5/4 stars - hasn't shown the same as Grasso. Hopefully he progresses more if I get him some playing time.
Andreas Ulmer - 32yo - Have been trying to unload him. Contract up in 2019.
Dominik Richter - 15yo - 4.5 prospect

I'm set here....potentially.

DR
Kristijan Con - 18yo - 2.5/4 stars. Has been the starting for a bit, and has been injured quick often recently. I'm wondering if those injuries are taking a toll on him.
Mortiz Volz - 34yo - Holds the fort down when Con is hurt. His contract is up this year and it's time to find another stand in.
Matthias Fahrenholz - 17yo 2/4.5 stars - Will be looking for some first team playing time soon.

I'm pretty much set here as long as Con and Fahrenholz keep progressing.

GK
Odisseas Vlachodimos - 23yo - 3.5/4 - Signed to 2020. Established starter.
Michael Netolitzky - 23yo - Been trying to find a buyer. Signed to 2020.
Daniel Martinez - 20yo - 2/3.5 - Backup, signed to 2020. Recently resigned him.
Karl-Heinz Schmitt - 17yo - 4 star prospect.

I'm set here for awhile as well.


So the plan for the transfer window: Find buyers for GK Netolitzky, ST Wood, DL Ulmer and DL Achenteh. I won't be looking to buy anyone, but I might look for some prospects with contracts expiring.

[sabotai]

Dec 30: Friendly vs. Verase. Lose 0-3.

So this suddenly happened. The offers I've been getting for Matthias Fahrenholz have been in the $500k to $1M range. Nothing I'd come close to considering.

Real Madrid tossed out a $7.75M offer. I countered with a $9M offer. Their final offer was $7.75M + monthly installments bring it to ~$8.25M + 30% of profit from the next sale + Friendly. I took the offer.

I might regret this.....I sold Isaac Donkor to Parma for $4.5M. I feel for that money, I can easily find a similar level talent for much less.

Jan 6th: Friendly vs Union Berlin. Draw 1-1

Both transfers have gone through. And now my job status is "Untouchable". Really!?

I take some of the pile of cash I recently acquired and buy a DC for $1.5M. He was in the last year of his deal but I need a replacement for Donkor now. He's older, 28yo, but should last a few good years allowing Moncelli to develop.

DC Zargo Touré - SEN - 28yo - 4 / 4
He signed a $49k p/w deal through 2021. After all of that, I might have, in the short term, upgraded at DC. Long term will depend on how my prospects develop.

Of course, after I sign him my staff say my scouts were wrong and that he's actually a 3.5 player. Whatever, as long as he performs for a few years.

Jan 13th: Friendly vs Sepahan. Lose 3-1. Didn't watch but according to the stats, we dominated in chances and shots.

Jan 20th: Friendly vs. Club Brugge. Draw 0-0.

[sabotai]

It seems my Head of Youth Development signed a player.

DC Kabamba Zola - 17yo - BEL - 2.5 / 4
The transfer goes through July 1st.

[sabotai]

January 28th, 2018

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (12th, 6-4-7, 22pt) at Freiburg (10th, 6-5-6, 23pt)

Unavailable: Jan Kirchhoff (Inj - will be back next week)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Grasso
DC Moncelli
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

In the 24th minute, I add the "Retain Possession" and "Shorter Passing" shouts. Partly because I was being dominated with possession. Also because I saw the weather is it said "Gusty, Sleet" so.....yeah, probably don't want the ball in the air that much.

And not much happens.

1860 Münich 0 - 0 Freiburg
4 - Shots - 11
0 - On Target - 4
0 - Clear Cut Chances - 0
1 - Half Chances - 6
2 - Fouls - 6
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
39% - Poss - 61%


POM: Davide Moncelli

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Grasso 7.1 , DC Moncelli 7.2 , DC Touré 6.9 , DR Con 7.1 , DM Stark 7.1 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.8 (off 81 - Inj) , DM Stahl NR (on 81) , AML Marco 6.4 , AMC Bouy 6.3 (off 68) , AMC Roguljic 6.6 (on 68) , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.3 (off 68) , AMR Clancy 6.5 (on 68) , ST Dimitrijevic 6.7

[sabotai]

February 1st, 2018

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td></td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>Schalke</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>15</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>+20</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Werder Bremen</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>13</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>+22</td> <td>42</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>FC Bayern</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>+27</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Mainz</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>+12</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Leverkusen</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>+8</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>Wolfsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>+10</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>Dortmund</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>+8</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>-1</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>Gladbach</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>-4</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>Freiburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>-5</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>18</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>-4</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>Stuttgart</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>10</td> <td>-16</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>Augsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>10</td> <td>-7</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>Hoffenheim</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>8</td> <td>-4</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Hertha BSC</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>-13</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Nürnberg</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>11</td> <td>-13</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Hannover</td> <td>
</td> <td>19</td> <td>2</td> <td>6</td> <td>11</td> <td>-16</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>12</td> <td>-24</td> <td>8</td></tr></tbody></table>

[sabotai]

The transfer window closes and I don't get any offers for the players I was looking to unload. I'm sure a team will come in soon and give a contract to Bobby Shou Wood soon. The rest, I'll just have to pay them until their contracts run out.

[sabotai]

February 2nd, 2018

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (11th, 6-5-7, 23pt) at Wolfsburg (6th, 8-6-4, 30pt)

Unavailable: Vlachodimos (Inj - will be back in a few days)

Starting Lineup
GK Martinez
DL Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

They score off a header from a corner kick in the 28th minute.

They score again in the 29th minute. Wannenwetsch held up the ball in our penalty area. I said "WTF, get rid of it!" and he did. Launched it to the sideline (instead of giving it to Stark who was open), their player gets it, 2 passes later it's in our net.

Dimitrijevic gets us on board in the 41st minute with a strong shot off a pass from Stoppelkamp. He blasted that by the GK.

We get very lucky in the 44th minute. They should have scored off a long shot, but it bounced off the top bar.

They score in the 49th minute. A pass into the box and they made it look easy.

In the 79th minute, after having zero offense for the longest time, A pass from Bouy to Dimitrijevic to a breaking Marco ends up cutting it back to within one.

They dominated on offense. Wolfsburg is one of the teams I place in a category of "I have no chance", so I'm happy to come away with just -1 damage to my GD.

1860 Münich 2 - 3 Wolfsburg
3 - Shots - 26
2 - On Target - 10
1 - Clear Cut Chances - 3
1 - Half Chances - 8
5 - Fouls - 7
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
44% - Poss - 56%


Player Performances
GK Martinez 6.4 , DL Grasso 6.1 (off 63) , DL Ahamada 6.9 , DC Kirchhoff 6.4 , DC Touré 6.5 , DR Con 6.2 , DM Stark 6.9 , DM Wannewetsch 6.7 (off 63) , DM Stahl 6.9 (on 63) , AML Marco 7.2 , AMC Bouy 6.8 , AMR Stoppelkamp 7.2 , ST Dimitrijevic 7.8

Goals: Marco, Dimitrijevic
Assists: Stoppelkamp, Dimitrijevic

[sabotai]

Update on Vlachodimos - Just as he started trining again, he gets injured again and it out 4-5 weeks.

The very next day, Daniel Martinez goes out for 3 weeks due to injury.

I have to bring up Netolitzky.

[sabotai]

February 7th, 2018

Bundesliga
Schalke (1st, 15-3-2) at 1860 Münich (11th, 6-5-8, 23pt)

We have a brutal schedule coming up (a few games with just 2-3 days break) so I have to do a lot of rotating. (So of course I'd lose both of my goalkeepers for this stretch of games.)

Starting Lineup
GK Netolitzky
DL Ahamada
DC Moncelli
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Stahl
AML Masek
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

Not much happens in the first half. Our best chance came during injury time. Masek sent a long pass to Dimitrijevic who dribbled towards the goal, but was a bit too wide and couldn't get around the defender running with him. He puts it into the side netting, but if he could have gotten a bit better angle would could have gone into half time with a lead.

In the 67th minute, after playing so well and making some nice saves, Netolitzky lets in a lazy long shot. That was pathetic.

In the 78th minute, another long shot. He got a piece of it, but another goal off a long shot makes it 2-0 Schalke.

In the 80th minute, a Quaschner own goal off a corner.

Schalke 3 - 0 1860 Münich
19 - Shots - 6
9 - On Target - 1
0 - Clear Cut Chances - 0
7 - Half Chances - 1
10 - Fouls - 10
0 - Yellow Cards - 4
58% - Poss - 42%


Player Performances
GK Netolitzky 6.7 , DL Ahamada 6.3 , DC Moncelli 6.6 , DC Touré 6.7 (YC) , DR Con 6.5 (YC) , DM Stark 6.8 , DM Stahl 6.9 (YC) , AML Masek 6.8 , AMC Roguljic 6.2 (YC) , AMR Clancy 5.9 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.5 (off 64) , ST Quaschner 6.6

[sabotai]

February 10th, 2018

Bundesliga
Hannover 96 (17th, 2-7-12, 13pt) at 1860 Münich (12th, 6-5-9, 23pt)

Unavailable: GK Vlachodimos, GK Martinez

Starting Lineup
GK Netolitzky
DL Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

Nothing happens in the first half. The weather is "Light Snow, -4 C". After half time, I set team instructions to Retain Possession and Shorter Passing.

In the 58th minute, we finally have a chance but Marco sent it wide.

Not much happens, Hannover got the better of it. We can't give away these games.

Hannover 96 0 - 0 1860 Münich
11 - Shots - 4
3 - On Target - 2
0 - Clear Cut Chances - 1
6 - Half Chances - 1
5 - Fouls - 8
0 - Yellow Cards - 1
55% - Poss - 45%


POM: Jan Kirchhoff

Player Performances
GK Netolitzky 6.8 , DL Grasso 6.9 , DC Kirchhoff 7.7 , DC Touré 6.9 , DR Con 7.1 , DM Stark 6.8 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.8 (off 67) , DM Stahl 6.7 (on 67) , AML Marco 6.4 (YC) , AMC Bouy 6.5 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.6 (off 67) , AMR Clancy 6.7 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.4

[sabotai]

DL Tripy Makonda - 28yo - FRA - 4 / 4
The transfer will go through July 1st. Got him because I don't think Grasso or Ahamada will progress like I want. $45k p/w until 2022. Should give me some stability at the position. Then again, Achenteh was supposed to as well, and he ended up aging in dog years.

[sabotai]

February 14th, 2018

German Cup, Quarter Finals
1860 Münich at Dortmund

Unavailable: GK Vlachodimos, GK Martinez

Starting Lineup
GK Netolitzky
DL Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Wannenwetsch
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

I revert to my Counter Pressing tactic because I think a wide open tactic vs. Dortmund is asking for trouble.

They take an early lead in the 9th minute.

In the 15th minute, Clancy had a great chance but their GK blocked it. Marco had a shot at the rebound, but their defender wins the header for it and clears it.

In the 38th minute, Dimitrijevic gets a break and outruns the defense. One on one with the GK, Dimitrijevic puts it in the corner of the net.

In the 55th minute, Clancy blasts a goal past their GK. Clancy had 2 previous goals taken away due to offsides. Good to see one finally stand to give us the lead.

They tie the game in the 63rd minute on a shot that was going to go wide, but was redirected into the goal by one of their players.

In the 86th minute, they take the lead on a not very strong long shot that Netolitzky just watched go by.

In the 88th minute, Kirchoff nearly tied it on a header off a corner.

1860 Münich 2 - 3 Dortmund
6 - Shots - 13
3 - On Target - 6
3 - Clear Cut Chances - 1
1 - Half Chances - 6
12 - Fouls - 6
2 - Yellow Cards - 0
40% - Poss - 60%


Player Performances
GK Netolitzky 6.7 , DL Grasso 6.3 (off 64, YC) , DC Kirchhoff 6.7 , DC Touré 6.9 , DR Con 5.9 , DM Waeenwetsch 6.8 (off 64) , DM Stark 6.5 (on 64) , DM Stahl 6.9 , AML Marco 6.5 , AMC Roguljic 7.5 , AMR Clancy 7.3 (YC) , ST Dimitrijevic 7.0

Goal: Clancy, Dimitrijevic
Assists: Roguljic (2)

[sabotai]

February 18th, 2018

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (12th, 6-6-9, 24pt) at Augsburg (15th, 6-3-12, 21pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Netolitzky
DL Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Volz
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Masek
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

They score off a corner in the 12th minute. They weakly headed the ball to the goal, and Grasso just stood and watched it go by.

In the 78th minute, Clancy gets fould right at the edge of the penalty area. Bouy scores the penalty kick and we tie it up.

Both teams had chances, they got off a bunch of shots but not many on target...just a sloppy game. The weather was pretty crappy. "Breezy, Wet, 7 C". I don't think my counter tactic works well in this kind of weather.

1860 Münich 1 - 1 Augsburg
12 - Shots - 26
6 - On Target - 6
4 - Clear Cut Chances - 3
2 - Half Chances - 7
14 - Fouls - 9
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
45% - Poss - 55%


POM: Ouasim Bouy (1 Goal - PK)

Player Performances
GK Netolitzky 6.6 , DL Grasso 6.9 , DC Kirchhoff 6.9 , DC Touré 6.8 , DR Volz 6.9 , DM Stark 6.9 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.5 (off 60) , DM Stahl 6.8 (on 60) , AML Masek 7.0 , AMC Bouy 7.4 , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.4 (off 60) , AMR Clancy 6.9 (on 60) , ST Dimitrijevic 6.6

Goals: Bouy (PK)

[sabotai]

AML -Juan Carlos - 27yo - ESP - 4 / 4
Will join the team on July 1st. Signed to take over for Marco next year, give Masek some time to develop and if Masek isn't the guy, to give us time to find a prospect to develop. I'll be selling Marco after this season to make sure I get something for him. Carlos got a contract worth $58k p/w, it goes to $65k p/w if he gets an appearance in international play.

[sabotai]

February 24th, 2018

Bundesliga
Leverkusen (4th, 11-8-4, 41pt) at 1860 Münich (12th, 6-7-9, 25pt)

I created a 4-2-3-1 "Possession Football" tactic that uses 2 MCs instead of DMs. Going to try it out in this match. None of the stats said "Awkward". Going to lose this match so I figured I'd look to see what this tactic looks like.

Starting Lineup
GK Netolitzky
DL Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
MC Stark
MC Wannenwetsch
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

We dominate possession in the first half, but they still get more shots. In the 41st minute, Grasso sends a short cross into the box, several players bunch up and a lazy header towards to the goal line is picked up by Marco and he buries it to give the lead.

In injury time at the end of the first half, Dimitrijevic is foulded right outside the penalty area. If only that had been 1 or 2 yards later...

In the 58th minute, they get an attack going after a terrible pass from Wannenwetsch. Twenty seconds later, their player ties the game after Kirchhoff fails to adequately cover his man.

They take the lead in the 71st minute off a header from a long cross. This time it was Touré who did a shit job of covering his man. My grandmother would have reacted quicker...

In the 72nd minute, Stoppelkamp had a great chance, but never even gets the shot off. The GK came out and just took the ball from him. What the fuck Stoppelkamp?

Was hoping we could pull off the upset, but they were too good. I wonder if my sudden shift in tactics caught them off guard at all.

Leverkusen 2 - 1 1860 Münich
16 - Shots - 8
8 - On Target - 3
2 - Clear Cut Chances - 2
6 - Half Chances - 0
9 - Fouls - 12
1 - Yellow Cards - 0
43% - Poss - 57%


Player Performances
GK Netolitzky 6.8 , DL Grasso 6.9 , DC Kirchhoff 6.9 , Touré 6.6 , DR Con 6.7 , MC Stark 6.9 , MC Wannenwetsch 6.8 , AML Marco 7.2 (off 77 - Inj) , AML Masek NR (on 77) , AMC Roguljic 6.3 (off 68) , AMC Bouy 6.8 (on 68) , AMR Clancy 6.9 (off 68 - Inj) , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.6 (on 68) , ST Dimitrijevic 6.4

[sabotai]

February 28th, 2018

Bundesliga
Nürnberg (16th, 4-7-12, 19pt) at 1860 Münich (13th, 6-7-10, 25pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Martinez
DL Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

I go back to my Counter tactic. We had a few chances early but couldn't get the job done.

They score in the 27th minute off a free kick.

In the 35th minute, they score again when their attacker blasts it by Martinez. Bouy was there but, well, he's not a defender...

In the 27th minute, a Kirchhoff header off a corner gets us on the scoreboard.

Stark is red carded in the 61st minute. Not for 2 YCs, just a straight up red card. I switch to my possession tactic...

In the 89th minute, Clancy could have scored, but an BS offsides call kills it.

We had plenty of chances in this game, we just didn't finish well.

Nürnberg 2 - 1 1860 Münich
15 - Shots - 15
5 - On Target - 7
1 - Clear Cut Chances - 3
7 - Half Chances - 5
9 - Fouls - 11
1 - Yellow Card - 1
48% - Poss - 52%


POM: Jan Kirchhoff (1 Goal)

Player Performances
GK Martinez 6.4 , DL Grasso 6.9 , DC Kirchhoff 7.3 (YC) , DC Touré 6.7 , DR Con 6.7 , DM Stark 6.8 (off 61 - RC) , DM Wannenwetsch 6.7 (off 68) , MC Roguljic 6.7 (on 68) , AMC/MC Bouy 6.7 , AML Marco 6.7 , AMR Clancy 6.6 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.3

Goals: Kirchhoff (Corner)
Assists: Grasso

[sabotai]

March 1st, 2018

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td><td>Team</td><td></td><td>P</td><td>W</td><td>D</td><td>L</td><td>GD</td><td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>1st</td><td>Schalke</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>18</td><td>4</td><td>2</td><td>+28</td><td>58</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>2nd</td><td>FC Bayern</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>16</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>+41</td><td>52</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>3rd</td><td>Werder Bremen</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>16</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>+20</td><td>51</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>4th</td><td>Leverkusen</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>12</td><td>8</td><td>4</td><td>+14</td><td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>5th</td><td>Wolfsburg</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>10</td><td>9</td><td>5</td><td>+10</td><td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>6th</td><td>Frankfurt</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>11</td><td>6</td><td>7</td><td>+4</td><td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>7th</td><td>Mainz</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>11</td><td>5</td><td>8</td><td>+2</td><td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>8th</td><td>Dortmund</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>10</td><td>4</td><td>10</td><td>+10</td><td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>9th</td><td>Hoffenheim</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>8</td><td>7</td><td>9</td><td>-2</td><td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>10th</td><td>Gladbach</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>8</td><td>7</td><td>9</td><td>-3</td><td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>11th</td><td>Freiburg</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>6</td><td>9</td><td>9</td><td>-7</td><td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>12th</td><td>Hertha BSC</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>6</td><td>8</td><td>10</td><td>-11</td><td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>13th</td><td>1860 München</td><td></td><td>24</td><td>6</td><td>7</td><td>11</td><td>-10</td><td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>14th</td><td>Stuttgart</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>7</td><td>3</td><td>14</td><td>-23</td><td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>15th</td><td>Nürnberg</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>5</td><td>7</td><td>12</td><td>-12</td><td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>16th</td><td>Augsburg</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>6</td><td>4</td><td>14</td><td>-14</td><td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>17th</td><td>Hannover</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>3</td><td>8</td><td>13</td><td>-18</td><td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>18th</td><td>RB Leipzig</td><td>
</td><td>24</td><td>2</td><td>7</td><td>15</td><td>-29</td><td>13</td></tr></tbody></table>

[sabotai]

March 3rd, 2018

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (13th, 6-7-11, 25pt) at Hertha BSC (12th, 6-8-10, 26pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Martinez
DL Ahamada
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Bouy
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Masek
AMC Roguljic
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

Possession Tactic

In the 16th minute, Stoppelkamp to Roguljic to Dimitrijevic in space for the goal.

In the 34th minute, Masek with a pass into the box and Roguljic puts it in the net.

In the 39th minute, Roguljic with a long-ish pass to Stoppelkamp and he scores.

(This Possession tactic is working pretty well...I did move the MCs back to DMs in it)

In the 82nd minute, they cross it and score...on an own goal by Kirchhoff.

Finally get something going after a long period of time....Dimitrijevic leaves due to injury....Stoppelkamp leaves due to injury...

They score in the 86th minute during an attack that started with the dumbest cross I've seen attempted by my team in this game. Con has the ball deep in their area, sends long cross towards the other side of the field, but way back toward midfield to the fullback on the other side....

My team had 8 On Targets shots in the first half. Zero in the 2nd.

1860 Münich 3 - 2 Hertha BSC
11 - Shots - 12
8 - On Target - 5
4 - Clear Cut Chances - 1
3 - Half Chances - 3
5 - Fouls - 18
59% - Poss - 41%


POM: Ante Roguljic (1 Goal, 2 Assists)

Player Performances
GK Martinez 7.0 , DL Ahamada 6.7 , DC Kirchhoff 6.8 , DC Touré 6.7 , DR Con 5.7 , DM Bouy 8.0 , DM Wannenwetsch 7.0 AML Masek 7.3 (off 66) , AML Marco 6.8 (on 66) , AMC Roguljic 8.9 , AMR Stoppelkamp 7.9 (off 84 - Inj) , AMR Clancy NR (on 84) , ST Dimitrijevic 7.9 (off 80 - Inj) , ST Quaschner NR (on 80)

Goals: Stoppelkamp, Roguljic, Dimitrijevic
Assists: Bouy, Roguljic (2)

[sabotai]

Stoppelkamp's injury will keep him out 4-5 days. Dimitrijevic is out for 3-4 weeks.

[sabotai]

Youth Candidates
AM(C), ST - Robert Neubauer - GER - 14yo - 4.5 potential
D(C), DM - Markus Peters - GER - 15yo - 4 potential
D(RC) - Dieter Adam - GER - 14yo - 4 potential
D(C), DM, M(C) - Daniel Lehmann - GER - 15yo - 4 potential
M(R) - Metteo Ricci - GER - 15yo - 3.5 potential

The rest are 2.5 or lower.

I sign all of the above to youth contracts.

[sabotai]

March 9th, 2018

Bundesliga
FC Bayern (2nd, 17-4-4, 55pt) at 1860 Münich (11th, 7-7-11, 28pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Martinez
DL Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Bouy
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Quaschner

Possession Tactic

They score in the 15th minute on a long shot. Kirchhoff tried to make a move on the attacker, but he missed giving him a clear look from long range.

In the 63rd shot they get 2 rebounds and finally score on the 3rd chance.

In the 89th minute, an attack by Marco is brought to an end when he passes to a player on the wrong team. Didn't even have a player anywhere near the area he passed into. Just their one guy standing alone, and Marco kicked the ball directly to him...

He nearly made it up a minute later, but he failed to finish after a nice pass to him by Roguljic.
FC Bayern 2 - 0 1860 Münich
17 - Shots - 6
7 - On Target - 3
3 - Clear Cut Chances - 2
4 - Half Chances - 1
6 - Fouls - 17
0 - Yellow Cards - 3
52% - Poss - 48%


Player Performances
GK Martinez 6.7 , DL Grasso 7.1 (YC) , DC Kirchhoff 6.8 (YC) , DC Touré 6.8 , DR Con 6.7 (YC) , DM Bouy 6.1 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.8 , AML Marco 6.6 , AMC Roguljic 6.5 , AMR Clancy 6.6 , ST Quaschner 6.5

[sabotai]

Tactics Update

(I know, I need to stop changing this shit around, but I keep reading about tactics on other sites and can't help updating....but I think I've got 3 good tactics (I think) and will try to stick with them...)

First, my possession Tactic

Tactic: The Münich Control
Formation: 4-2DM-3-1
Mentality: Control
Fluidity: Balanced

Team Instructions
Retain Possession, Shorter Passing, Work Ball Into Box, Play Out of Defense - All for the purpose of keeping control of the ball
Hassle Opponents, Use Tighter Marking - Get the ball back!
Use Offisdes Trap - Why not (Seriously, why wouldn't someone use this? I'm assuming because if they try to trap and fail = easy goal)
Stick To Positions, Be More Disciplined - What I read is you want to form triangles on the field so the players can pass it around. I want my guys to retain formation shape and not get too careless with where they are on the pitch.
Much Deeper Defensive Line - To give my guys space and to keep counter chances at a minimum.
Drill Crosses - Because I have smaller, fast players. Except on corner kicks to Kirchhoff, floating crosses simply don't work on my team.

GK: Goalkeeper - Defend

DL: Fullback - Support
DC: Central Defender - Defend
DC: Central Defender - Defend
DR: Fullback - Support

DM: Deep-Lying Playmaker - Support
DM: Ball-Winning Midfielder - Defend

AML: Inside Forward - Attack
AMC: Enganche - Attack
AMR: Inside Forward - Attack
ST: Advanced Forward - Attack

Went with Enganche for AMC because he's more stationary (helps to keep formation shape)

I'm still trying to figure out how to make the exact tactic I want. What I want is a possession minded tactic like this, but also one that stretches the field to use space (to take advantage of speed) where players are always looking for the deep pass, catching the defense off guard, allowing my fast wingers and strikers to make a play and get into a one-on-one with the GK. But if it isn't there...stick to short passing, retain possession, etc...

Bouy has the PPMs "Tries Killer Balls Often" and "Tries Long Range Passes". So if I have him in the DM or AMC position, and despite the team instructions, does that mean he'll do the above? Look for those chances often through the game?

[sabotai]

Tactic: The Münich Attack
Formation: 4-2DM-3-1
Mentality: Attacking
Fluidity: Balanced

Team Instructions
Shorter Passing, Pass Into Space - While I want to keep with short, (hopefully) smart passes, I also want the players to take risks to try to create chances.
Push Higher Up - Try to keep the action in their half
Roam From Positions, Be More Expressive - Try to confuse the other team with players moving around, looking for opportunities.
Hassle Opponents, Use Tighter Marking, Use Offside Trap - Get the ball back!
Drill Crosses - Fast players, not very big.
Higher Tempo - Get them reacting and, hopefully, out of position

GK: Goalkeeper - Defend

DL: Fullback - Support
DC: Central Defender - Defend
DC: Central Defender - Defend
DR: Fullback - Support

DM: Regista - Support
DM: Ball-Winning Midfielder - Defend

AML: Inside Forward - Attack
AMC: Advanced Midfielder - Attack
AMR: Inside Forward - Attack
ST: Advanced Forward - Attack

While the idea behind the possession tactic to pass the ball around until a chance presents itself, this tactic aims to create those chances by having the players move around more, keep a higher tempo and press forward some to keep the ball in their end. Only one playmaker, the regista, with the AMC pushing up the field as an attacking advanced midfielder. I want people attacking the area in front of the net, I don't want too many sitting outside the box.

[sabotai]

Tactic: The Münich Counter
Formation: 4-2DM-3-1
Mentality: Counter
Fluidity: Balanced

Team Instructions
More Direct Passing, Pass Into Space - Get that ball up the pitch fast!
Drill Crosses - speed guys, not headers
Player Wider - More space for my guys to move around
Much Deeper Defensive Line - More space
Hassle Opponents, Use Tighter Marking, Use Offside Trap - Get the ball!
Higher Tempo - Once we have the ball, move it quickly up the pitch
Be More Expressive - I want to retain more formation shape than with the Attack, but I also want my players to try to create chances using their creativity, so I put this one on but not the roaming from positions one.

GK: Goalkeeper - Defend

DL: Fullback - Support
DC: Central Defender - Defend
DC: Central Defender - Defend
DR: Fullback - Support

DM: Deep-Lying Playermaker - Support (More Direct Passes)
DM: Ball-Winning Midfielder - Defend

AML: Inside Forward - Attack (Roam From Position, Get Further Forward)
AMC: Trequartista - Attack
AMR: Inside Forward - Attack (Roam From Position, Get Further Forward)
ST: Advanced Forward - Attack (Moves Into Channels, Roam From Position)

DLP - I want him to look for the deep pass as much as possible (that is the point of this tactic, afterall) so even though I have the team shout on, I also tell him More Direct Passing. For the ST, I need him to roam around and get into channels so that he can get a clean run at the goal when the chance comes. The same for the Inside Forwards, I want to be up the pitch and roaming around looking for chances to make a run at the net.



Side Note: The player instructions are tactic based. I'm still telling my players who can't cross for shit to do it less, those who can't dribble to do it less, those who are great at it to do it more, etc.

Going forward, I'm going to use The Münich Control most of the time, and switching to Attack or Counter based on my opponents and how the game is going.

[sabotai]

March 18th, 2018

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (13th, 7-7-12, 28pt) at Dortmund (8th, 11-4-11, 40pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Martinez
DL Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Bouy
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Quaschner

They just played a game a few days ago. Most of their players are in the low 90s for condition. I set Tempo to "Much Higher Tempo" to see if I can wear them out.

In the 10th minute, Quaschner got a chance but couldn't finish well. If only Dimitrijevic wasn't injured....

We got off to a good start, but they dominated most of the half. We were lucky to get out of there without giving up a goal. Time to go Much Higher Tempo with my Attack tactic to see if I can tire them out more.

They score in the 55th minute when they drill a cross and my GK and defense don't react fast enough. My Attack tactic was a bit of a mess. Trying Counter now.

In the 61st minute, again a drilled cross and my defense has lead in their shoes.

In the 62nd minute, Quaschner makes me regret having him on my team. He gets the exact chance this tactic is meant to create and flat out blows it.

They score in the 63rd minute. Their players are just too fast and pass too well for my team.

In the 66th minute, Stoppelkamp's shot is just barely wide.

In the 79th minute, Quaschner makes a fool of himself with another clear cut chance.

With the Control tactic, I got 1 CCC and 1 HC. With the Counter tactic, I got 4 CCCs and 1 HC. No goals. It didn't count as a CCC, but Quaschner again had a run at the goal, but just as he got into the box, he messes up dribbling and the chance ends before it's counted.

1860 Münich 0 - 3 Dortmund
7 - Shots - 19
4 - On Target - 7
5 - Clear Cut Chances - 4
2 - Half Chances - 4
17 - Fouls - 4
2 - Yellow Cards - 0
45% - Poss - 55%


Player Performances
GK Martinez 6.3 , DL Grasso 6.4 (YC) , DC Kirchhoff 6.1 , DC Touré 6.7 , DR Con 6.6 (YC) , DM Bouy 6.9 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.5 (off 61) , DM Stahl 6.5 (on 61) , AML Marco 6.6 , AMC Roguljic 6.2 , AMR Clancy 6.3 (off 61) , AMR Stoopelkamp 6.8 (on 61) , ST Quaschner 6.1

[sabotai]

March 31st, 2018

Bundesliga
Stuttgart (12th, 9-4-14, 31pt) at 1860 Münich (13th, 7-7-13, 28pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Ahamada
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

I scouted their team a bit and saw that they are weak on their left side (my POV - right flank). 3.5 and 3.5 for the DL and DCL, 4.5 and 4 in the DCR and DR positions. So I tell my team to Exploit The Right Flank.

In the 1st minute, a long pass misses its mark and it rolls deep into their side. Marco is in a foot race with two defenders to get to it, he wins the race and places his shot in the corner of the net to give us the quick lead.

In the 24th minute, Kirchhoff with a header of a corner.

In the 31st minute, despite having two players to give it to, despite the player instruction telling him to dribble less, despite the player instruction telling him to cross less, to pass shorter, to make fewer risky passes....Con, deep in our own side, decides to launch a long pass laterally to the other side and it's, unsurprisingly, picked up by their player. Luckily, he shot it wide. Con's awful passing is becoming a liability....

In the 35th minute, Clancy with a cross, Bouy shoots, it's blocked, the rebound comes right back out to him and he buries it. This started with a Con interception and him giving it to Clancy right away. That's what I want to see!

In the 57th minute, a drilled cross and our defense was late getting back = easy goal for them.

In the 64th minute, Dimitrijevic gives it to Bouy who tries to lob it over the GK but he just got enough of it to send it wide.

In the 85th minute, Stark to Roguljic to Dimitrijevic who gets a clean run at the net. Their GK got a piece of it, but not enough, and that puts the game away.

We needed these 3 points. We are getting dangerously near the bottom of the standings. Before this game, only 4 points separated us from the playoff (to stay in) spot.

Stuttgart 1 - 4 1860 Münich
12 - Shots - 9
4 - On Target - 6
1 - Clear Cut Chances - 5
2 - Half Chances - 1
16 - Fouls - 15
5 - Yellow Cards - 2
53% - Poss - 47%


POM: Uros Dimitrijevic (1 Goal, 1 Assist)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 7.0 , DL Ahamada 7.2 , DC Kirchhoff 8.1 , DC Touré 7.3 , DR Con 7.4 (YC) , DM Stark 7.0 , DM Wannenwetsch 7.2 , AML Marco 7.9 , AMC Bouy 7.9 (off 66) , AMC Roguljic 6.9 (on 66) , AMR Clancy 6.9 , ST Dimitrijevic 8.2

Goals: Kirchoff (Corner), Bouy, Marco, Dimitrijevic
Assists: Bouy (Corner), Dimitrijevic, Roguljic

[sabotai]

April 1st, 2018

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td></td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>Schalke</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>21</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>+36</td> <td>67</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>FC Bayern</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>19</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>+47</td> <td>62</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Werder Bremen</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>19</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>+28</td> <td>60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Leverkusen</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>+13</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Wolfsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>12</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>+11</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>12</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>+5</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>Mainz</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>12</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>+3</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Dortmund</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>12</td> <td>4</td> <td>12</td> <td>+13</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>Hoffenheim</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>11</td> <td>-5</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>Gladbach</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>12</td> <td>-12</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>Freiburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>7</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>-12</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>28</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>-11</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>Stuttgart</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>15</td> <td>-22</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>Augsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>15</td> <td>-9</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Nürnberg</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>13</td> <td>-12</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Hertha BSC</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>-18</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Hannover</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>-18</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>2</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>-37</td> <td>15</td></tr></tbody></table>
We are now 5 points ahead of 16th place with 6 matches to go, and I hold the GD tie breaker ahead of most of the teams below me. It's really a "battle" to see who will finish 17th among the bottom teams. RB Leipzig has pretty much no chance left. That lose to Nürnberg really did hurt. If we had won that game, they'd be sitting in 16th place with 24 points and we'd have 34 points, a far more comfortable 10 point lead.

I have a few tough games coming up. Frankfurt (6th), Werder Bremen (3rd) and Mainz (7th). Then it's Gladbach (10th), Hoffenheim (9th) and RB Leipzig (18th).

It looks like Schalke has a good chance to break the FC Bayern / Dortmund streak. One of those two teams has won the Bundesliga title every year since 2010 (FC Bayern 5 times, Dortmund 3). And since 2012, it's been them finishing 1st and 2nd place. At the very least, there's going to be a new 2nd place finisher.

[sabotai]

April 7th, 2018

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (12th, 8-7-13, 31pt) at Frankfurt (6th, 12-7-9, 43pt)

Con reached the limit for yellow cards and is out. Dimitrijevic picked up the flu and is out.

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Moncelli
DR Touré
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Quaschner

In the 4th minute, they score on a header off a corner kick.

In the 22nd minute, Quaschner gets the ball off a pass from Clancy. He's standing about 5 yards in front of the GK and has the entire goal open to him. He shoots it weakly directly to the GK. Ugh...Wood's too expensive (and won't talk to me now) and Quaschner sucks. I hope Mohammad Karnib is the real deal...because as far as I'm concerned, as of August, he'll be the primary backup. The only thing keeping me from bringing him up now is that he's too young (16, he'll be 17 in August)

In the 44th minute, a pass to Touré in the box, shoots, goes off the near post, gathered up, pass to Clancy, shoot, off the post again! Ugh.

In the 51st minute, they cross it, Vlachodimos makes a great save, the rebound bounces off of Touré back towards the goal and their player puts it in easily.

In the 77th minute, Ahamada puts a free kick over the wall and into the net.

In the 87th minute, Quaschner blew our first and only clear cut chance.

1860 Münich 1 - 2 Frankfurt
7 - Shots - 23
4 - On Target - 9
1 - Clear Cut Chances - 5
1 - Half Chances - 7
22 - Fouls - 9
2 - Yellow Cards - 1
41% - Poss - 59%


POM: Ali Ahamda (1 Goal)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.7 , DL Grasso 6.2 (off 69) , DL Ahamada 8.0 (on 69) , DC Kirchhoff 6.4 , DC Moncelli 6.5 , DR Touré 5.8 (off 68) , DR Volz 6.8 , DM Stark 6.8 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.8 , AML Marco 6.8 , AMC Roguljic 6.7 , AMR Clancy 6.7 , ST Quaschner 5.9

Goals: Ahamada (FK)

[sabotai]

April 14th, 2018

Bundesliga
Werder Bremen (3rd, 20-3-6, 63pt) at 1860 Münich (13th, 8-7-14, 31pt)

Dimitrijevic is still out and Grasso is out after reaching the YC limit.

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Ahamada
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Clancy
ST Masek (because he can't be worse than Quaschner)

*cry* I want Dimitrijevic back! ... Bouy passes to Clancy, but their player gets in the way and heads it towards his teammate, but the header is angled too far towards their goal. Masek hustles and gets to it, he has a one-on-one with the GK...and his shot is blocked. Only counted as a half chance because he tried to shoot too soon.

In the 34th minute, it's Marco's turn to blow a clear cut chance.

In the 37th minute, a pss into the box. Vlachodimos starts to come out to get it. Freezes. Their player gets to it and scores. Vlachodomis would have easily beaten him to the ball...

I was the poker player, standing, waiting to leave while waiting for the river card...

In the 90th minute, Roguljic gives it to Masek who finds a space between the defenders and puts it in the corner of the goal to tie that game.

Werder Bremen 1 - 1 1860 Münich
15 - Shots - 12
7 - On Target - 4
4 - Clear Cut Chances - 2
4 - Half Chances - 5
13 - Fouls - 17
1 - Yellow Cards - 0
47% - Poss - 53%


POM: Dominik Masek (1 Goal)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Ahamada 6.9 , DC Kirchhoff 6.8 , DC Touré 6.9 , DR Con 6.8 , DM Stark 6.8 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.9 , AML Marco 6.6 , AMC Bouy 6.3 (off 64) , AMC Roguljic 6.9 (on 64) , AMR Clancy 6.7 , ST Masek 7.0

Goals: Masek
Assists: Roguljic

[sabotai]

April 22nd, 2018

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (13th, 8-8-14, 32pt) at Mainz (7th, 13-8-9, 47pt)

RB Leipzig is officially relegated.

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DR Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

They have a fairly poor player in their DR spot, so I tell my team to Exploit The Left Flank.

They score in the 9th minute. It looked like Vlachodimos made the block falling down. He got a hand on it but it just directed the ball more into the goal.

They score in the 20th minute. I tell my guys to hassle opponents, I tell them to mark tighter. This time they don't do it, they pass it around without anyone trying to stop them until a player at the top of the box blasts a shot with no one closing down on him for an easy goal.

In the 21st minute, Grasso crosses into the box, there's a scramble for the ball, Roguljic blasts a shot, it's blocked, it comes back out to him and he blasts a second shot that finds the net.

I switch to my Counter tactic in the 77th minute to try to generate more offense. I hadn't had any chances (CCCs or HCs) in the 2nd half.

The referee blows the whistle ending the game right when a pass to Stoppelkamp was going to generate a chance. Ugh...

1860 Münich 1 - 2 Mainz
12 - Shots - 24
7 - On Target - 10
1 - Clear Cut Chances - 1
2 - Half Chances - 8
16 - Fouls - 4
4 - Yellow Cards - 1
55% - Poss - 45%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.7 , DL Grasso 6.9 (YC) , DC Kirchhoff 6.7 , DC Touré 6.4 (off 64) , DC Moncelli 6.5 (on 64) , DR Con 6.7 , DM Stark 6.9 , DM Stahl 6.9 , AML Marco 6.6 , AMC Roguljic 7.5 , AMR Clancy 6.5 (off 64) , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.7 (on 64) , ST Dimitrijevic 6.4

Goals: Roguljic
Assists: Grasso

[sabotai]

Okay tactics change (lol). I scrap the Attack tactic and replace it with a pressing tactic.

My Press tactic is a copy of my Control tactic with these changes
Mentality changed from Control to Attacking
Much Deeper Defensive Line changed to Push Higher Up
Higher Tempo is the standard
Deep-Lying Playmaker DM is changed to a Regista
Enganche AMC is changed to an Advanced Midfielder - Attack

Just a version of my Control tactic where everything is "pressed" against their third of the field.

So those are my 3 tactics. Counter - Control - Press, all out of the 4-2DM-3-1 formation.

[sabotai]

3 games to go. After going 0-1-2, I am now just 2 points ahead of 16th. I knew it I'd probably go about that, if not 0-0-3, and that I'd be in trouble. I am in 13th place and have 32 points. Stuttgart and Freiburg in 12th and 11 both have 35.

However, I hit an easier stretch now and should, should, come away with at least 2 wins in the next 3 games. The other teams in the race are...

Hertha BSC, 14th, has games against RB Leipzig, Leverkusen and FC Bayern. That should be at least 2 loses.
Augsburg, 15th, faces FC Bayern, Dortmund and Stuttgart. 2 loses there at least.
Nürnberg, 16th, faces Frankfurt, Werder Bremen and Mainz. Should be 3 loses, will be at least 2.
Hannover, 17th place (5 points behind Nürnberg), faces Dortmund, Stuttgart and Frankfurt. 2 loses at least.

So as long as I manage to not lose all 3 games, and the teams that should beat those teams do, I'm good to go.

[sabotai]

April 28th, 2018

Bundesliga
Gladbach (10th, 9-9-13, 36pt) at 1860 Münich (13th, 8-8-15, 32pt)

Kirchhoff unavailable due to YC limit

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Ahamada
DC Moncelli
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Masek
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

Control tactic.

In the 7th minute, Stoppelkamp shows the old dog still has a few tricks. He squeezed a shot between the GK and the post to give us the early lead.

They get a penalty kick in the 25th minute and easily tie it up.

They were putting on a ton of pressure during that first half. I saw their defensive line pushing up quite a bit so I change to my Counter tactic for the 2nd half.

In the 46th minute, they have a player sent off. They adopt a defensive stance. I switch back to my Press tactic.

In the 60th minute, Masek barely missed wide on a bit of a tough angle.

They take the lead in the 63rd minute when Con just flat out got beat by his man and gave him an easy look.

On the ensuing kickoff, a long pass to Stoppelkamp and he has a lane to....hold up the fucking ball and wait for the defense to get in position to block his path....*sigh*

Gladbach 2 - 1 1860 Münich
14 - Shots - 11
7 - On Target - 4
3 - Clear Cut Chances - 3
5 - Half Chances - 5
8 - Fouls - 19
1 - Yellow Cards - 1
53% - Poss - 47%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Ahamada 6.9 (YC) , DC Moncelli 6.6 , DC Touré 6.1 , DR Con 6.9 , DM Stark 6.9 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.9 , AML Masek 6.8 (off 64 - Inj) , AML Marco 6.7 (on 64) , AMC Bouy 6.6 (off 72) , AMC Roguljic 6.7 (on 72) , AMR Stoppelkamp 7.1 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.2

Goals: Stoppelkamp
Assists: Wannenwetsch

[sabotai]

Masek out for 10-12 days. Effective ends his season with only 2 games left.

All of the other teams did their part and lost. 2 games to go, that standings situation is the same.

[sabotai]

May 1st, 2018

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td></td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>Schalke</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>23</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>+39</td> <td>75</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>FC Bayern</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>23</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>+58</td> <td>74</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Werder Bremen</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>21</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>+30</td> <td>68</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Leverkusen</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>15</td> <td>11</td> <td>6</td> <td>+19</td> <td>56</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Wolfsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>14</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>+16</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>15</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>+8</td> <td>52</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>Mainz</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>14</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>+3</td> <td>50</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Dortmund</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>14</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>+12</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>Hoffenheim</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>12</td> <td>-5</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>Gladbach</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>13</td> <td>-12</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>Freiburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>8</td> <td>11</td> <td>13</td> <td>-11</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>Stuttgart</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>17</td> <td>-27</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>32</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>16</td> <td>-14</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>Hertha BSC</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>16</td> <td>-23</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Augsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>18</td> <td>-13</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Nürnberg</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>16</td> <td>-20</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Hannover</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>17</td> <td>-21</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>32</td> <td>3</td> <td>10</td> <td>19</td> <td>-39</td> <td>19</td></tr></tbody></table>
FC Bayern has gotten within one of Schalke. FC Bayern has one tough match against Leverkusen. Schalke has two they should win easily. FC Bayern will also face Dortmund in the final of the German Cup.

[sabotai]

May 5th, 2018

Bundesliga
1860 Münich (13th, 8-8-16, 32pt) at Hoffenheim (9th, 10-10-12, 40pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Grasso
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Marco
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

Control

In the 13th minute, Clancy makes a move, gets the GK out of position, and slams the ball against the top bar...

In the 17th minute, they get on board. Vlachodimos was very late reacting to that one.

I notice that they are pressing and bringing their d-line up, so I switch to my Counter.

Another dumb moment by my team. One player is dribbling, no opponent near him, and his own team mate cuts him. They collide (I guess), the ball dribbles away from them and is picked up by their player, a pass and an easy shot. Thankfully Vlachodimos was on it and blocked it. Con was the player the just ran right into Kirchhoff.

A bullshit offsides call costs us a goal in the 67th minute. I checked that from every camera angle given. Dimitrijevic was not offsides...

In the 75th minute, Bouy gets a clear chance and blows it.

In the 81st minute, Bouy makes up for it and scores off a pass from Dimitrijevic.

They retake the lead in the 88th minute. My defense let a guy just sit alone in the box and he gets an easy goal.

My guys must have loved playing in the second division because it sure looks like a lot of them are trying to get back there.

1860 Münich 1 - 2 Hoffenheim
12 - Shots - 16
7 - On Target - 10
2 - Clear Cut Chances - 1
5 - Half Chances - 6
13 - Fouls - 10
4 - Yellow Cards - 2
39% - Poss - 61%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Grasso 6.0 (YC) , DC Kirchhoff 6.3 , DC Touré 6.7 , DR Con 6.8 (YC) , DM Stark 6.7 (YC) , DM Stahl 6.9 , AML Marco 6.7 , AMC Roguljic 6.1 (off 56) , AMC Bouy 7.1 (on 56) , AMR Clancy 6.0 (off 56) , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.6 (on 56) , ST Dimitrijevic 6.8 (YC)

Goals: Bouy
Assists: Dimitrijevic

[sabotai]

May 12th, 2018

Bundesliga
RB Leipzig (18th, 3-10-20, 19pt) at 1860 Münich (14th, 8-8-17, 32pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Ahamada
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Stahl
AML Marco
AMC Bouy
AMR Stoppelkamp
ST Dimitrijevic

Control

We get a goal disallowed because of an offsides call. Yeah, this one was legit and Dimitrijevic didn't even try to stay onside.

In the 36th minute, they get a penalty kick and take an easy lead. We've been dominating possession until then (70-30).

I feel like cutting my whole fucking team after this performance against this team...

In the 80th minute, Marco gets our first CCC and puts it wide very pathetically.

Roguljic ties the game in the 85th minute. marco passes it in, Stark nudges it to Roguljic and he buries it.

RB Leipzig 1 - 1 1860 Münich
7 - Shots - 12
3 - On Target - 5
1 - Clear Cut Chances - 1
3 - Half Chances - 3
6 - Fouls - 18
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
40% - Poss - 60%


POM: Yannick Stark (1 Assist)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Ahamada 6.8 , DC Kirchhoff 6.9 , DC Touré 6.7 , DR Con 6.8 , DM Stark 7.7 , DM Stahl 7.0 , AML Marco 6.8 , AMC Bouy 6.3 (off 60) , AMC Roguljic 7.1 (on 60) , AMR Stoppelkamp 6.6 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.7

Goals: Roguljic
Assists: Stark

[sabotai]

Bundesliga - Final Standings 2017-2018 Season

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td></td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>ECC</td> <td>Schalke</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>24</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>56</td> <td>15</td> <td>+41</td> <td>79</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>ECC</td> <td>FC Bayern</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>24</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>84</td> <td>25</td> <td>+59</td> <td>78</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>ECC</td> <td>Werder Bremen</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>21</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>68</td> <td>41</td> <td>+27</td> <td>69</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>EC</td> <td>Leverkusen</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>16</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>47</td> <td>27</td> <td>+20</td> <td>59</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>EC</td> <td>Wolfsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>15</td> <td>12</td> <td>7</td> <td>55</td> <td>36</td> <td>+19</td> <td>57</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Frankfurt</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>16</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>50</td> <td>40</td> <td>+10</td> <td>56</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Mainz</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>11</td> <td>39</td> <td>36</td> <td>+3</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dortmund</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>14</td> <td>6</td> <td>14</td> <td>55</td> <td>45</td> <td>+10</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hoffenheim</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>11</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>29</td> <td>33</td> <td>-4</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gladbach</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>33</td> <td>46</td> <td>-13</td> <td>42</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stuttgart</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>11</td> <td>6</td> <td>17</td> <td>42</td> <td>68</td> <td>-26</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hertha BSC</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>16</td> <td>39</td> <td>60</td> <td>-21</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Freiburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>8</td> <td>11</td> <td>15</td> <td>45</td> <td>59</td> <td>-14</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nürnberg</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>16</td> <td>36</td> <td>54</td> <td>-18</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td></td> <td>1860 München</td> <td></td> <td>34</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>42</td> <td>57</td> <td>-15</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Augsburg</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>18</td> <td>43</td> <td>56</td> <td>-13</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>R</td> <td>Hannover</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>19</td> <td>24</td> <td>48</td> <td>-24</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>R</td> <td>RB Leipzig</td> <td>
</td> <td>34</td> <td>3</td> <td>11</td> <td>20</td> <td>24</td> <td>65</td> <td>-41</td> <td>20</td></tr></tbody></table>
We'd be playing in the playoff game if not for Roguljic's goal near the end of the game. Augsburg would have had the tie break with us on GD.

Schalke hold on and win the Bundesliga title.


I just realized I've been spelling München wrong in my game write ups. I fail at German.

[sabotai]

Kirchhoff wants to move to a bigger club. Told him we'd win the title by the end of next season....lol.

[sabotai]

June 16th, 2018: Friendly vs. Stuttgart. Win 4-2.

June 23rd, 2018: Friendly vs. Nürnberg. Lose 2-1. So I just made a bunch of friendly matches without thinking of the calender. Oops. This match was all reserve quad players.

June 30th, 2018: Friendly vs. Ajax. Win 8-0. lol, wut? (14 shots. 11 on target, 8 goals)

I cancel the next few friendly matches. I started them too soon and my guys are exhausted.

[sabotai]

I set expectations at avoid relegation. Budget: $950k p/w, Transfer Budget: $7.7M

[sabotai]

Marco signs with a Portuguese team. I sell him for $6.5M.

We draw FC Pommern Grelfswald in the first round of the German Cup.

I give Netolitzky to Leverkusen on a free transfer. He's now off my books.

July 14th, 2018: Friendly vs Man U. Draw 2-2.

I make my big move on the transfer market.

DM / M(C) - Daniel - ESP - 21yo - 4 / 4.5
I spend $8.5M bringing him in, as well as giving 30% of the profit on the next sale to Liverpool. He signs for $42.5k p/w until June, 2022. App Fee of $6k, his salary goes to $51k p/w after 20 games. Which will happen. He comes in instantly as my best DM. He's a few steps above Wannenwetsch and Stahl, and is equal to Stark mentally, faster but weaker, and is Stark's equal in most technical traits, better in a few others, specifically heading (17). If I get an offer for $30M, a clause says I have to sell (which will net me a profit of ~$15M taking into account Liverpool's cut. So that wouldn't be so bad, especially if by then Bastians and Schmidt have developed.)

[sabotai]

June 21st, 2018: Friendly vs. Real Madrid. Lose 0-1. Got this friendly due to a transfer clause from a year or so ago. 25k people came to see Real Madrid play.

FC Augsburg offered me a job interview. Looking at their finances, 1860 München (got it right!) is actually about the same in payroll now. Pass.

June 28th, 2018: Friendly vs. Frankfurt. Win 3-0.

Our old player Mendler was sold. We get 30% of the profit, $100k.

[sabotai]

1860 München Roster

Goalkeepers
Odisseas Vlachodimos - GRE - 24yo - 3.5 / 4 - $59k p/w, 2020
Daniel Martinez - ESP - 20yo - 1.5 / 3.5 - $11.5k p/w, 2019
Karl-Heinz Schmitt - GER - 18yo - 1.5 / 3 - $3k p/w, 2020
Tobias Beck - GER - 19yo - 1 / 2 - $2.7k p/w, 2019 - out on loan
Christoph Stöger - AUT - 16yo - 4 / 2 - $85 p/w, 2020
Stefan Betz - GER - 15yo - 3.5 / 2.5 - $85 p/w, 2020

As long as Vlachodimos holds up and Martinez gets better, I'm set here for several year. Still, I'd like a highly rated prospect to be coming up the pipeline.

Central Defenders
Jan Kirchhoff - GER - 27yo - 4 / 4 - $75k p/w, 2019
Zargo Touré - SEN - 28yo - 3.5 / 3.5 - $49k p/w, 2021
Kabamba Zola - BEL - 18yo - 2.5 / 4 - $4.3k p/w, 2020
Davide Moncelli - ITA - 21yo - 2.5 / 4 - $16.5k p/w, 2020
Christopher Thaller - GER - 17yo - 1.5 / 4 - $1.1k p/w, 2021 - out on loan
Claudio Maier - GER - 18yo - 1.5 / 2 - $850 p/w, 2021 - out on loan
Andreas Hartmann - GER - 19yo - 1.5 / 2 - $1.6k p/w. 2020
Florian Unde - GER - 16yo - 1 / 3.5 - $85 p/w, 2021
Mario Rott - GER - 17yo - 1 / 2.5 - $190 p/w, 2019
Dieter Adam - GER - 15yo - 5 / 4.5 - $140 p/w, 2021
Haguibo Soro - GER - 19yo - 5/ 2 - $1.7k p/w, 2019
Matthias Hampf - GER - 16yo - 4.5 / 2 - $85 p/w, 2020
Frank Langer - GER - 16yo - 4.5 / 2.5 - $85 p/w, 2020

How did Soro get a $1.7k p.w deal? I had my head of youth development handling youth contracts and extensions for youth players. I put a stop to that...

Kirchhoff probably won't resign. Losing $75k p/w off the payroll will be the silver lining there. I recently brought in Zola as a prospect. As long as Touré holds on for a few more years, as long as Moncelli and Zola progress some, I'll be okay in the short term. After his loan this year, I plan to keep Thaller in house to train him up. And I hope Adam is the real deal. Thaller and Adam will hopefully be the DC pair of the future.

Left Fullback
Tripy Makonda - FRA - 28yo - 3.5 / 3.5 - $45k p/w, 2022
Carlos Grasso - ARG - 21yo - 2.5 / 3.5 - $12.5k p/w, 2019
Ali Ahamada - FRA - 21yo - 2.5 / 4 - $11k p/w, 2020
Rochdi Achenteh - MAR - 30yo - 2.5 / 2.5 - $37k p/w, 2020
Andreas Ulmer - AUT - 32yo - 2 / 2 - $15.5k p/w, 2019
Dominik Richter - GER - 16yo - 1.5 / 4 - $85 p/w, 2020
Stefan Kreß - GER - 17yo - 1.5 / 3.5 - $1k p/w, 2020 - out on loan
Frank Broich - GER - 18yo - 1.5 / 3 - $1.3k p/w, 2020 - out on loan
Francisco Javier Lopez - GER - 15yo - 4.5 / 3.5 - $140 p/w, 2021
Tobias Schultz - GER - 17yo - 4 / 1 - $85 p/w, 2019
Kamil Paprocki - POL - 15yo - 2.5 / 2 - $140 p/w, 2021

I brought in Makonda to give me a veteran there to allow a few more years of progress for Grasso and Ahamada before I need to rely on them. Richter and Kreß are the long term prospects here.

Right Fullback
Kristijan Con - GER - 19yo - 2.5 / 3.5 - $7k p/w, 2020
Dimas Roberto - BRA - 19yo - 2 / 3.5 - $8.25k p/w, 2021
José Alberto - GER - 18yo - 1.5 / 2.5 - $475 p/w, 2020 - out on loan
Benno Schmitz - GER - 23yo - 1.5 / 2.5 - $8.25k p/w, 2020
Janik Herberger - GER - 18yo - 1 / 2.5 - $800 p/w, 2019
Mamadou Traoré - GER - 17yo - 5 / 2.5 - $525 p/w, 2019
Jamal Rachdi - GER - 16yo - 4.5 / 2.5 - $85 p/w, 2020

Very young here, nothing in way of prospects since selling my big prospect Fahrenholz. I didn't think I needed to worry much. Con was the guy. But he's dropped a half star in potential without progressing in ability. Looking at his development, his progress has mostly stalled over the last 2 years. He's still getting better, but those arrows next to his attributes a barely pointing up. And there aren't many of them. I think I might have backed the wrong horse.

I brought in Roberto to give me some depth, but I think I need to look for a good, veteran presence here. I have a long list of average prospects, and the one potential star I had is dropping. I'm feeling very concerned about this position.

[sabotai]

Defensive Midfielders
Daniel - ESP - 21yo - 4 / 4 - $42.5k, 2022
Yannick Stark - GER - 27yo - 3.5 / 3.5 - $47k p/w, 2021
Stefan Wannenwetsch - GER - 26yo - 3 / 3 - $45k p/w, 2020
Dominik Stahl - GER - 29yo - 2.5 / 2.5 - $35.5k p/w, 2019
Luca Bastians - GER - 17yo - 2 / 4 - $950 p/w, 2020
Marian Schmidt - GER - 16yo - 1.5 / 4.5 - $85 p/w, 2021
Stefan Bönig - GER - 17yo - 1.5 / 2.5 - $725 p/w, 2020
Alexander Wagner - GER - 18yo - 1.5 / 2.5 - $525 p/w, 2019 - out on loan
Daniel Langer - GER - 18yo - 1.5 / 2.5 - $925 p/w, 2019 - out on loan
Michel Lieder - GER - 22yo - 1.5 / 3 - $8.25k p/w, 2019
Daniel Lehmann - GER - 15yo - 1 / 4.5 - $85 p/w, 2020
Markus Peters - GER - 15yo - 5 / 4.5 - $85 p/w, 2020
Daniel Schwabl - GER - 16yo - 5 / 2.5 - $85 p/w, 2020
Stefan Hein - GER - 17yo - 4 / 1.5 - $150 p/w, 2020

As said, Daniel is an instant starter. Stark and Daniel, Wannenwetsch and Stahl the backups, and Stahl will depart after this year. Bastians, Schmidt, Lehmann and Peters are the big prospects. Just need half of them to develop to their potential.

Central Advanced Midfielder
Ouasim Bouy - MAR - 25yo - 3.5 / 3.5 - $75k p/w, 2021
Ante Roguljic - CRO - 22yo - 3.5 / 4 - $23k p/w, 2020
Florian Rauscher - GER - 18yo - 1.5 / 2.5 - $3k p/w, 2020
Felix Wallner - GER - 17yo - 1 / 2 - $275 p/w, 2020 - out on loan
Robert Neubauer - GER - 15yo - 5 / 4.5 - $140 p/w, 2021
Kai Teichmann - GER - 15yo - 4 / 3 - $85 p/w, 2020
Sebastian Duhnke - GER - 17yo - 4 / 1.5 - $85 p/w, 2019
Ferdinand Kinzel - GER - 15yo - 2.5 / 2 - $140 p/w, 2021

Bouy and Roguljic split time here. Neubauer is the big prospect. But if I'm hit with a few injuries here, I'm in deep trouble. I'd like to have a few more prospect coming up.

[sabotai]

Left Inside Forward
Juan Carlos - ESP - 28yo - 4 / 4 - $58k p/w, 2022
Dominik Masek - GER - 18yo - 2 / 3.5 - $9.25k p/w, 2019
Ante Tomas - CRO - 16yo - 4.5 / 3 - $85 p/w, 2020

We say goodbye to Marco and hello to Carlos. Knowing that Marco wanted out, and the payoff was buying DM Daniel, I went out to get a veteran to fill the spot until Masek developed. Juan Carlos was the best available, his contract was ending, and we grabbed him. He decently fast, though not as fast as Marco, but he is much better at corssing (16), corner kicks (15), and has decently better mental attributes overall. He'll be an upgrade I think, but at 28, it'll be a short term upgrade, and Marco still had room to grow.

But that's in the past. Right now I have Carlos starting, Masek progressing and...barely any depth or prospects to speak of. I have some strikers and inside forwards on the right side who can play this spot, so we'll see how they develop as passers and at crossing.

Right Inside Forward
Steve Clancy - ENG - 21yo - 2.5 / 4 - $18.5k p/w, 2019
Moritz Stoppelkamp - GER - 31yo - 2.5 / 2.5 - $53k p/w, 2019
Daniel Hägler - GER - 21yo - 1.5 / 2 - $8.25k p/w, 2020 - out on loan
Max Endres - GER - 17yo - 1 / 3.5 - $1.2k p/w, 2020
Gerold Franz - BIH - 17yo - 4.5 / 2 - $230 p/w, 2020
Daniel Freund - GER - 15yo - 3.5 / 2.5 - $140 p/w, 2021

Stoppelkamp has fallen a lot in the last 2 years, Clancy is the player of the future. Clancy will get the majority of playing time. Endres looks to be a decent prospect, but it'd be nice if I had a few more.

Strikers
Uros Dimitrijevic - GER - 18yo - 3.5 / 4.5 - $7.25k p/w, 2020
Nils Quaschner - GER - 24yo - 2.5 / 3.5 - $26.5k p/w, 2021
Mohammad Karnib - GER - 17yo - 1.5 / 4.5 - $1.3k p/w, 2020
Lars Wölfel - GER - 18yo - 1.5 / 2.5 - $2k p/w, 2020 - out on loan
Niklas Moll - GER - 16yo - 1 / 4 - $85 p/w, 2020
Christopher Romminger - GER - 17yo - 1 / 2.5 - $375 p/w, 2019 - out on loan
Tobias Schmidt - GER - 18yo - 1 / 1.5 - $925 p/w, 2020
Steffen Cuntz - GER - 16yo - 5 / 3.5 - $85 p/w, 2020
François Yao - GER - 18yo - 4.5 / 1.5 - $275 p/w, 2019
Screve Lavie - GER - 15yo - 2 / 1.5 - $140 p/w, 2021

Dimitrijevic owns the spot. Quaschner is a dud. Karnib doesn't progress and loses a half star off his potential. I'm told his training is going well, but for the last 2 years, there's barely any movement in his attributes. They nearly look like straight lines. I think it's time for first team experience for him.

I have a few other decent prospects in Moll and Cuntz.

[sabotai]

Board Confidence

Job Security - Secure (55%)
Club Stature - 71%
Salaries - 50%
Squad Harmony - 84%
Job Status - 27%
German First Division - 50%
German Cup - 50%
First Team Youngster Signings - 50%
Give Youth a Chance - 100%
Possession Soccer - 47%

[bbgunn]

Congrats on avoiding relegation! Now time to consolidate.

[sabotai]

August 4th, 2018

German Cup, First Round
1860 München at Pommern Greifswald

DM Daniel has a minor injury and is out.

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Makonda
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Carlos
AMC Bouy
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

Clancy gets us on board with a goal in the 11th minute.

In the 35th minute, Clancy makes a move around the GK and puts in an easy goal for his 2nd goal.

Touré scores a goal in the 51st minute off a corner kick.

In the 60th minute, Dimitrijevic scores off a cross from Makonda.

And one more for good measure, Roguljic in the 87th minute off a cross from Carlos.

1860 München 5 - 0 Pommern Greifswald
33 - Shots - 2
14 - On Target - 0
7- Clear Cut Chances - 0
4 - Half Chances - 0
10 - Fouls - 5
2 - Yellow Cards - 0
57% - Poss - 43%


POM: Steve Clancy (2 Goals)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 7.3 , DR Makonda 9.0 , DC Kirchhoff 8.1 , DC Touré 9.1 , DR Con 7.9 (off 60, YC) , DR Roberto 6.8 (on 60) , DM Stark 8.3 , DM Wannenwetsch 8.0 , AML Carlos 8.0 , AMC Bouy 9.1 (off 60) , AMC Roguljic 7.2 (on 60) , AMR Clancy 9.4 , ST Dimitrijevic 8.5

Goals: Clancy (2), Touré, Dimitrijevic, Roguljic
Assists: Bouy (3), Carlos, Makonda

[sabotai]

August 11th, 2018

We draw D2 team Hannover 96 in the second round of the German Cup.

Bundesliga
Hertha BSC (0-0-0, 0pt) at 1860 München (0-0-0, 0pt)

Bouy is out for 3 weeks.

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Makonda
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Daniel
AML Carlos
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

In the 11th minute, they send a pass across the box. I guess Con never saw their player there, because he just ran right by him. Their player takes the pass and has all day and scores easily.

In the 55th minute, Touré got a second yellow card and gets sent off. On the free kick, the ball bounces off the post and their player scores the rebound.

In the 66th minute, Con attempted a cross and it ended up in the goal.

In the 74th minute, a pass from Roguljic to Clancy in the middle of the penalty area. Clancy blasts it by their GK.

In the 79th minute, a cross from Clancy and Dimitrijevic's header is just wide.

Just as injury time began, a Carlos cross and Dimitrijevic header gives us the lead.

For the first 25 minutes, I was in my Control tactic. My team seemed lifeless so I switched to my Counter tactic and they came alive.

Hertha BSC 2 - 3 1860 München
13 - Shots - 19
6 - On Target - 9
1 - Clear Cut Chances - 3
4 - Half Chances - 5
6 - Fouls - 18
0 - Yellow Cards - 4
46% - Poss - 54%


POM: Ante Roguljic (1 Assist)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Makonda 6.7 (YC) , DC Kirchhoff 6.8 , DC Touré 6.4 (off 64, 2YC) , DC Moncelli 6.7 (on 55) , DM Stark 7.2 (YC) , DM Daniel 6.6 (off 30 - Inj) , DM Wattenwetsch 6.7 (on 30, off 55) , AML Carlos 7.3 , AMC Roguljic 8.0 , AMR Clancy 7.7 , ST Dimitrijevic 7.2

Goals: Con, Clancy, Dimitrijevic
Assists: Carlos, Roguljic

[sabotai]

August 18th, 2018

I offered contracts to most of the players who are on their last season. Stoppelkamp won't take less money, so I transfer listed him. Don't think I'll be getting any buyers though. Jan Kirchhoff won't talk to me. When we get close to the midseason break, I might have to see if I can sell him.

Bundesliga
1860 München at Dortmund

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Makonda
DC Kirchhoff
DC Moncelli
DR Roberto
DM Stark
DM Daniel
AML Carlos
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

They score in the 6th minute on a header off a cross. They made it look too easy.

In the first half we got zero chances. In the first minute of the second half, Roguljic lobs a pass to Dimitrijevic who lobs it over the GK to tie the game.

In the 77th minute, I watched my DC (Zola) take the ball at midfield, slowly dribble back towards out goal line and then kick it out for a corner.....wut?

In the 81st minute, a Zola own goal off their corner kick gives them the lead. They got a corner because, after trying to field a pass and having the ball bounce a bit away from him, he ran up to it just as their player got to it and BOOTS it out of bounds, giving them a corner. It wasn't like it was near our goal, though. They were close to midfield when that happened...

With as much dominance Dortmund showed in this match, I'm lucky to come away with just a -1 GD lose. But still, I feel like Zola cost us a tie...

1860 München 1 - 2 Dortmund
2 - Shots - 21
2 - On Target - 6
0 - Clear Cut Chances - 3
1 - Half Chances - 6
9 - Fouls - 3
1 - Yellow Cards - 0
39% - Poss - 61%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.5 , DL Makonda 6.4 (off 66, YC) , DL Ahamada 6.6 (on 66) , DC Kirchoff 6.7 , DC Moncellia 7.0 (off 75 - Inj) , DC Zola 6.7 (on 75) , DR Roberto 6.3 , DM Stark 6.2 , DM Daniel 6.3 , AML Carlos 6.2 , AMC Roguljic 6.7 , AMR Clancy 6.0 , AMR Masek 6.7 , ST Dimitrijevic 7.1

Goals: Dimitrijevic
Assists: Roguljic

[sabotai]

August 25th, 2018

Bundesliga
Werder Bremen (6th, 1-1-0, 4pt) at 1860 München (8th, 1-0-1, 3pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Makonda
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Daniel
AML Carlos
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

Tactic: München Counter

In the 11th minute, Carlos his a corner, it bounces around a bit, and then Stark steps up and blasts it into the goal to give us an early lead.

I took Dimitrijevic out at half time due to him picking up a knock and not recovering well from it.

In the 49th minute, Carlos crosses and Mohammad Karnib scores his first goal.

In the 60th minute, Con gets his second yellow card (despite me telling him to ease off tackles for the whole game) and gets sent off. I rearrange my formation a bit (move one DM to DR and subbed Daniel out for DR Roberto).

They poured on the pressure bout our defense held up.

In the 86th minute, Karnib squeezed a shot between the GK and the post to get his second goal. The kid's gotten off to a great start.

Werder Bremen 0 - 3 1860 München
15 - Shots - 8
4 - On Target - 3
1 - Clear Cut Chances - 3
6 - Half Chances - 3
14 - Fouls - 14
3 - Yellow Cards - 3
56% - Poss - 44%


POM: Juan Carlos (2 Assists)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.9 , DL Makonda 7.8 , DC Kirchhoff 7.2 , DC Touré 7.7 , DR Con 6.6 (off 61 - 2YC) , DR Roberto 6.8 (on 61) , DM Stark 8.2 , DM Daniel 6.6 (off 61, YC) , AMR Carlos 9.0 , AMC Roguljic 7.1 , AMR Clancy 7.1 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.4 (off 45) , ST Karnib 8.7 (on 45)

Goals: Karnib (2) , Stark
Assists: Carlos (2), Stark

[sabotai]

I fined Con 1 wk salary and he wasn't happy. I flat out told him that I thought he deserved a fine and that I was sticking to my decision. He actually reacted well to that.

Karnib became the youngest player ever to scored a goal in the Bundesliga.

The transfer deadlines comes and goes without any more action for my team.

[sabotai]

September 1st, 2018

Bundesliga
1860 München (7th, 2-0-1, 6pt) at Nürnberg (5th, 2-1-0, 7pt)

Kirchoff is out with a minor injury.

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Grasso
DC Ahamada
DC Touré
DR Roberto
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Carlos
AMC Bouy
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

Tactic: München Counter

The first half had several chances by both teams but no goals.

In the 55th minute, their player sent in a cross, Vlachodimos tried to an impression of an acrobat for some unknown reason and ends actually redirecting the ball into the goal with his had as he was falling down.

In the 60th minute, Clancy lobs a pass to Dimitrijevic who puts it in the corner of the goal to tie it up.

Clancy got most of our chances, but he never got a good strike on the ball. Could have won this one by a few goals if his shots were on.

1860 München 1 - 1 Nürnberg
10 - Shots - 11
7 - On Target - 6
3 - Clear Cut Chances - 0
2 - Half Chances - 4
15 - Fouls - 15
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
48% - Poss - 52%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Grasso 7.2 , DC Ahamada 6.6 , DC Touré 6.7 , DR Roberto 6.8 , DM Stark 7.0 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.9 (off 69) , DM Daniel 6.7 (on 69) , AML Carlos 6.7 , AMC Bouy 6.9 , AMR Clancy 6.7 , ST Dimitrijevic 7.2

Goals: Dimitrijevic
Assists: Clancy

[sabotai]

September 16th, 2018

Bundesliga
Wolfsburg (15th, 0-2-2, 2pt) at 1860 München (8th, 2-1-1, 7pt)

Dimitrijevic was hurt playing in an international game and will miss a few weeks.

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Makonda
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Daniel
AML Carlos
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Karnib

Tactic: München Counter

They score in the 7th minute when their striker got between my two DCs, got behind them on a pass and scored easily. After that, I tell Kirchhoff to man mark him. They run a 4-4-1-1, so I guess I'm an idiot for not doing that from the start.

The rest of the half, we got a few shots, they got several more, but neither team got any real good looks.

In the second half, it was pretty much all the same. Very few chances for either team.

Wolfsburg 1 - 0 1860 München
13 - Shots - 5
5 - On Target - 1
1 - Clear Cut Chances - 1
2 - Half Chances - 1
8 - Fouls - 19
0 - Yellow Cards - 0
59% - Poss - 41%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Makonda 6.8 , DC Kirchhoff 6.6 , DC Touré 6.7 , DR Con 6.8 , DM Stark 6.8 , DM Daniel 6.6 (off 64) , DM Wannenwetsch 6.7 (on 64) , AML Carlos 6.7 , AMC Roguljic 6.6 (off 64) , AMC Bouy 6.6 (on 64) , AMR Clancy 6.6 , ST Karnib 6.1

[sabotai]

I accept a transfer offer from Gladbach for Kirchhoff. He's been the anchor in my defensive line, but I'm not winning the title any time soon and he refuses to talk contract negotiations. I can't just let him go and get nothing for him. His contract ends in 2019, so this would have been his final season with me.

Gladbach offered $6.25M. They agreed to terms. Kirchhoff will join Gladbach in January.

The question now.....do I sit him so my other players can play and get experience, or ride it out with him, hoping he contributes to a some more wins...

[sabotai]

September 22nd, 2018

Bundesliga
1860 München (8th, 2-1-2, 7pt) at Gladbach (2nd, 4-1-0, 13pt)

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DL Makonda
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Wannenwetsch
AML Carlos
AMC Bouy
AMR Masek
ST Karnib

Tactic: München Counter

A long pass to a winger in the 5th minute, they score. The entire defensive line, despite specific team instruction to be "much deeper", got caught pushing too far up as they were coming on the attack and the winger just blew right by them.

Switched to my new München Wall tactic* - just like my Counter tactic except both DMs become Anchor Men, the Fullbacks are put on Defend and I tick off Direct Passing and Pass Into Space.

In the 38th minute, Bouy sends a long pass to Clancy (replaced Masek due to injury) who finishes the job to tie it up.

They get a whole bunch of half chances the rest of the game, but our wall holds. We actually had more clear cut chances than they did.

1860 München 1 - 1 Gladbach
10 - Shots - 23
4 - On Target - 9
3 - Clear Cut Chances - 2
1 - Half Chances - 10
9 - Fouls - 11
0 - Yellow Cards - 2
36% - Poss - 64%


Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.8 , DL Makonda 6.7 , DC Kirchhoff 7.0 , DC Touré 6.5 (off 75) m DC Moncelli 6.7 (on 75) , DR Con 7.0 , DM Stark 6.0 , DM Wannenwetsch 6.5 , AML Carlos 6.8 , AMC Bouy 7.3 , AMR Masek 6.7 (off 26) , AMR Clancy 7.2 (on 26) , ST Karnib 6.1

Goals: Clancy
Assists: Bouy

* - I also created a new München Attack tactic. It's a copy of my Counter tactic, except I change the Mentality to Attacking, the Fullbacks change to Complete Wingbacks and I tell my d-line to Push Higher Up.

[sabotai]

And just as Daniel was gaining match fitness, he's injured again and will be out for ~4 weeks.

[sabotai]

September 26, 2018

German Cup, Second Round
1860 München at Hannover 96

Starting Lineup
GK Vlachodimos
DR Makonda
DC Kirchhoff
DC Touré
DR Con
DM Stark
DM Stahl
AML Carlos
AMC Roguljic
AMR Clancy
ST Dimitrijevic

Start off in my Attack tactic to see if I can catch them off guard. I don't and switch to my Counter tactic in the 11th minute.

They take the lead in the 30th minute. They hit a corner, Dimitrijevic is called for a foul and they get a gift from the refs to take the lead.

Change to my Wall tactic.

Dimitrijevic is injured and has to come off in the 36th minute.

In the 41st minute, Touré hits a header off a corner to tie it up.

In the 53rd minute, Carlos dribbles up, the GK comes out, he moves to the side a bit and puts it in. Nice move by Carlos to give us the lead.

In the 56th minute, Roguljic hits a shot right on the goal line and ends up using the GK to deflect it in.

In the 90th minute, Clancy gives us an extra goal off a pass from Karnib.

1860 München 4 - 1 Hannover 96
13 - Shots - 13
7 - On Target - 6
6 - Clear Cut Chances - 2
0 - Half Chances - 2
19 - Fouls - 7
2 - Yellow Cards - 0
44% - Poss - 56%


POM: Juan Carlos (1 Goal, 2 Assists)

Player Performances
GK Vlachodimos 6.9 , DL Makonda 7.5 , DC Kirchhoff 7.1 , DC Touré 8.0 , DR Con 7.2 , DM Stark 7.0 , DM Stahl 8.0 , AML Carlos 9.1 , AMC Roguljic 7.6 , AMR Clancy 8.1 , ST Dimitrijevic 6.3 (off 37 - Inj) , ST Karnib 7.4

Goals: Touré, Clancy Roguljic, Carlos
Assists: Carlos (2), Stahl, Karnib