How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

[texasbum06]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

UNBELIEVABLE, JEFF! Well done, buddy! Luck really did fall your way, and hopefully the board will be financially supportive of you. Even otherwise, qualifying for the group stages and playing those six games should earn you a few million. I remember getting about £12 million for six wins, so even a poor campaign (which I doubt you'll have) should be worth at least £6 million.

Hopefully you can use the money to bring in some fresh talent of a higher class, but don't forget the boys who helped the club get to this stage!

Thanks! I really didn't even know the Champions League was still in play going into that last game, my focus was so intent on getting into those last two Europa league spots that I just didn't realize 4th was in reach as well.

The board gave me 12M and 60K wages, but I got a huge deal in a sale of one of my stars. It was tough to let him go, but it helped to build the team a lot.

I have several of the old boys that will be featuring in the starting XI again no worries. My back line is largely unchanged aside from 1 addition in the middle and of course Giefer is back in goal, Gary Medel and our Captain Juan Dominguez in the midfield will still be staples of the XI as well. And of course Memphis Depay, the man of the hour, will be returning as well. Dani Iglesias will still get plenty of matches as the 2nd choice striker as well. I wish Suso could have continued with us for this campaign, but I got an offer I just couldn't turn down for him. It's all in the post above. But, of the starting XI, 7 will be returning from last season.

[indiblue]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

RC Deportivo
Season Four



Transfers In
Jonathan Dos Santos - 7.2M
Koke - 20M
Morata - Graziano Pelle + 10M
Manoel - 8.5M
Terrence Boyd - 2.8M

Transfers Out
Bicho - 750K
Jorge Enriquez - 7.5M
Graziano Pelle - Part of Morata deal
Suso - 40M

July & August Matches

RC Deportivo 2 - Athletic Bilbao 2
9' Juan Dominguez
17' Susaeta
76' Susaeta
81' Juan Dominguez


RC Deportivo 3 - Zenit 3
8' Medel
23' Depay
53' Fayzulin
78' Rondon
89' Medel
90' Hulk

RCD Mallorca 2 - RC Deportivo 1
19' Thomas
35' Mendez
69' Dani Iglesias


Zenit 1 - RC Deportivo 2
18' Witsel
38' Medel
71' Pelle

RC Deportivo 3 - Villarreal CF 1
5' Morata
13' Agirretxe
18' Depay
56' Dos Santos

Table
1. Sevilla FC - 9 pts
2. FC Barcelona - 9 pts
3. Atletico Madrid - 7 pts
4. Valencia CF - 7 pts
5. Real Betis - 6 pts
6. Real Zaragoza - 6 pts
8. RC Deportivo - 4 pts


Press Conference

Q: A lot of transfer activity. The main story of the window being the sale of Suso. He meant a lot to this team and his presence will be very hard to replace. What is your strategy in moving on without him?

A: I could talk all day about Suso and I still wouldn't have said all I wanted to. He was a huge part of this club ever since we bought him for only 6.5M. Several clubs were interested and we once again set our value and stuck to it. Last year we set his value at 35M and a deal was almost made with United, but this year we raised it after his great season to 40M and Fiorentina came in and met it. It was hard to see him go, but this is a great opportunity for him and I know they will not be disappointed in the level of player they got. The funds we got from the sale really let us prepare for Champions League play. We brought in a great midfielder in Jonathan Dos Santos who should feature a lot for us. We improved our attack by bringing in Morata and Terrence Boyd. Morata is likely to be our main striker moving forward with Dani Iglesias close on his heels. Boyd is a great depth option and he will see the pitch from time to time. We also brought in Manoel from the Brazilian league. He will need some time to adjust to the different league, but his talent is undeniable and he will get plenty of opportunities early on. All together with the loss of Suso, we were able to use the funds from his sale to improve the team all around.

Q: Congratulations on advancing to the group stages of the Champions League. Your group consists of yourselves, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, and PAOK. Do you think you can advance from this group?

A: It certainly isn't an easy group by any means, but then again there is no such thing as an easy group in the Champions League. These are the best of the best teams in Europe and nothing is going to come easy. We have made several additions to this team to prepare ourselves for this test, and I promise you that we will prepare as hard as possible for each match.

Q: What are your expectations for Deportivo in La Liga this season?

A: As I said last year, I don't believe in setting expectations lower than what you last accomplished. So this year our target will be to get back to the Champions League. I think we have a good shot at it after the additions we brought in. We still need to stay focused though, and the added European fixtures certainly won't make it easier.

Wow, 40 mil for Suso is not a bad chunk of change. Tidy profit plus some to spend. I assume you got around 30 mil from the board for your own use, so that's a good bit of money you had to play with. Looks like you more than made up for his loss, snagging Koke looks like a wonderful move. Morata is just great as well, I remember he did well for me at Sunderland on loan and I presume he's even better now you're several seasons into your career. So in him and Koke, you've got two world beaters to lead you forward. La Liga this season or the next, hopefully!

And your CL group looks tough but not unbeatable, especially if Dortmund or Arsenal end up beating the other home and away while you do well against everyone.

[_ChicoBass]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

RC Deportivo

Season Four

Spoiler

Transfers In

Jonathan Dos Santos - 7.2M

Koke - 20M

Morata - Graziano Pelle + 10M

Manoel - 8.5M

Terrence Boyd - 2.8M



Transfers Out

Bicho - 750K

Jorge Enriquez - 7.5M

Graziano Pelle - Part of Morata deal

Suso - 40M



July & August Matches



RC Deportivo 2 - Athletic Bilbao 2

9' Juan Dominguez

17' Susaeta

76' Susaeta

81' Juan Dominguez





RC Deportivo 3 - Zenit 3

8' Medel

23' Depay

53' Fayzulin

78' Rondon

89' Medel

90' Hulk



RCD Mallorca 2 - RC Deportivo 1

19' Thomas

35' Mendez

69' Dani Iglesias





Zenit 1 - RC Deportivo 2

18' Witsel

38' Medel

71' Pelle



RC Deportivo 3 - Villarreal CF 1

5' Morata

13' Agirretxe

18' Depay

56' Dos Santos



Table

1. Sevilla FC - 9 pts

2. FC Barcelona - 9 pts

3. Atletico Madrid - 7 pts

4. Valencia CF - 7 pts

5. Real Betis - 6 pts

6. Real Zaragoza - 6 pts

8. RC Deportivo - 4 pts





Press Conference



Q: A lot of transfer activity. The main story of the window being the sale of Suso. He meant a lot to this team and his presence will be very hard to replace. What is your strategy in moving on without him?



A: I could talk all day about Suso and I still wouldn't have said all I wanted to. He was a huge part of this club ever since we bought him for only 6.5M. Several clubs were interested and we once again set our value and stuck to it. Last year we set his value at 35M and a deal was almost made with United, but this year we raised it after his great season to 40M and Fiorentina came in and met it. It was hard to see him go, but this is a great opportunity for him and I know they will not be disappointed in the level of player they got. The funds we got from the sale really let us prepare for Champions League play. We brought in a great midfielder in Jonathan Dos Santos who should feature a lot for us. We improved our attack by bringing in Morata and Terrence Boyd. Morata is likely to be our main striker moving forward with Dani Iglesias close on his heels. Boyd is a great depth option and he will see the pitch from time to time. We also brought in Manoel from the Brazilian league. He will need some time to adjust to the different league, but his talent is undeniable and he will get plenty of opportunities early on. All together with the loss of Suso, we were able to use the funds from his sale to improve the team all around.



Q: Congratulations on advancing to the group stages of the Champions League. Your group consists of yourselves, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, and PAOK. Do you think you can advance from this group?



A: It certainly isn't an easy group by any means, but then again there is no such thing as an easy group in the Champions League. These are the best of the best teams in Europe and nothing is going to come easy. We have made several additions to this team to prepare ourselves for this test, and I promise you that we will prepare as hard as possible for each match.



Q: What are your expectations for Deportivo in La Liga this season?



A: As I said last year, I don't believe in setting expectations lower than what you last accomplished. So this year our target will be to get back to the Champions League. I think we have a good shot at it after the additions we brought in. We still need to stay focused though, and the added European fixtures certainly won't make it easier.

Sad to see Suso and Enriquez go but great new signings! Looking forward to seeing how well Morata and Dos Santos do for you!

[_ChicoBass]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

Season Three

August 2015

Nottingham Forest 1 - 2 AFC Wimbledon (Capital One Cup)
NFO: Mackie 19'
WIM: Gornell 61' 69'
This match was an example of determination and hard work as Wimbledon came from behind to stay alive in the Capital One. Chavez put his confidence into Terry Gornell as the starting striker and he responded perfectly. Gornell showed why he deserves to be in the starting 11 and carried his team to victory with two great goals.

Birmingham 0 - 1 AFC Wimbledon
WIM: Gornell 20'

AFC Wimbledon 2 - 1 Burnley
WIM: Nicholson 21' Hanson 40'
BRN: Vokes 71'
Looked like Ross Worner would earn his first clean sheet of the season until a penalty was called in favor of Burnley. Worner dived in the right direction but the ball hit the post, rebounding straight at Vokes' feet who tapped it in for the goal.

Europa League:
PSG 0 - 2 AFC Wimbledon (1st Leg)
WIM: Gornell 38' 64'
Possession: PSG 39% - WIM 61%
Shots On Goal: PSG 5/11 - WIM 4/5
The biggest surprise in this years' qualifying stage without a doubt. Ryan Tafazolli kept Edinson Cavani on check and completely neutralized his opponent. Cavani started the game as a striker, but was often seen on the wings and in midfield as he did everything he could to shake off Tafazolli's tough mark with no success. Tafazolli will be marking him even in his dreams. Hats off to Cavani though, who did everything he could to get his team back in the game. Unfortunately for him, he did not have the support of his teammates who reflected PSG's difficult season from last year which left them in the Europa.

Barnsley 2 - 2 AFC Wimbledon
BAR: Zohore 2' Jennings 45'
WIM: Gornell 62' Sheringham 90'

AFC Wimbledon 1 - 2 Blackburn Rovers
BLB: Olsson 6' Higgins 78'
WIM: Ortiz 68' (First goal of senior career)

Europa League:
AFC Wimbledon 1 - 1 PSG (2nd Leg)
PSG: Motta 12'
WIM: Gornell 81'
AFC Wimbledon have eliminated French giants PSG and qualified to the group stage! Massive celebrations from fans and players alike as Wimbledon will be playing their first European competition in their history. PSG once again showed why they were left out of the Champions League this season and couldn't keep up with the newly promoted Championship side. Edinson Cavani, who put in an honorable performance in the 1st leg, became the villain in this match as he was only able to put in 1 shot on target out of 5 shots. Cavani was able to shake off Tafazolli's mark this time around, but then discovered another major problem: Harry Pell. Not to mention that the two-consecutive-time Golden Glove winner Ross Worner was always on his toes as well. Cavani is rumored to be pushing for a move away from disappointing PSG. 33 year old Zlatan Ibrahimovic spent 180 minutes on the bench.

Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 1 AFC Wimbledon
SHW: Helan 72'
WIM: Ortiz 21' (Assisted by Mario Ruiz, both played together in Wimbledon's youth academy)


FL Championship League Table
1. Fulham - 15 points
2. Wigan Athletic - 10 points
3. Brighton & Hove Albion - 9 points
4. QPR - 8 points
5. Leeds United - 8 points
6. AFC Wimbledon - 8 points
----------
22. Reading - 4 points
23. Bristol City - 4 points
24. Peterborough - 0 points

Europa League Group L
1. VfL Wolfsburg - N/A
2. FC Twente - N/A
3. Molde FK - N/A
4. AFC Wimbledon - N/A

~~~~~~~~~~

Midson Won't Let Go
It was reported that Jack Midson would be stepping down from his starting position at the beginning of this season and possibly even being transferred away from Wimbledon, but the 31 year old player has left Chavez scratching his head and forced him to reconsider through exceptional performances. In Chavez's new formation (4-1-4-1) Midson now has less defensive responsibilities and has been able to show why he should remain in the starting 11.

Youth Academy Steps Up
The Wimbledon youth system has made an impact on the league already, with many teams left surprised not only by Chavez's decision to field these players at such a young age, but also by their performances at this level. 17 year old Diego Ortiz (Has Potential To Be Special - 64ovr) has already scored 2 goals in 3 starts, while 16 year old Mario Ruiz (An Exciting Prospect - 62ovr) who is expected to be Midson's successor, has 2 assists in 2 starts. 17 year old Nicolas Ayala (54ovr) has made 3 appearances as a substitute and while he has not impressed yet, still holds a promising future. The three players from Mexico were brought to England by the "inexperienced" scout Michael Flanagan. Flanagan has now been sent to Scotland for further scouting and has also been promoted to Head of Youth Development. It is said that Chavez has been very disappointed in Swedish youth scout Marcus Wihlborg who spent 9 months scouting in England and was only able to bring in 1 player worthy of professional football - 17 year old Kyle Shelvey (62ovr).

Last Season for Worner?
Ross Worner has informed Chavez that he will not be signing a new contract with the club and will be moving on at the end of his 1 year contract as he feels he is underpaid. The 25 year old goalkeeper has been exceptional for the club and is a popular fan favorite. Chavez will undoubtedly do everything in his power to persuade Worner to stay, although the team's recent qualification into the Europa League may just be enough to inspire him to continue defending the Wimbledon colors.


Ross Worner celebrating Gornell's goal against PSG with the Wimbledon fans

A pleasure as always, this has been ChicoBass for HYFCMG. Thanks for reading!

[texasbum06]

Great job on taking PSG down! Did you receive and funds for winning the qualifier?

[rob7gun]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

Hey fellas.. I want to play as a manager but can't seem to settle with a team. My goal is to take a below average team and make them great over the seasons. Can someone shoot me a few teams? As well as a tip or two oj recruiting good talent. I'm new to fifa and this sport altogether. Thanks

[_ChicoBass]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

Great job on taking PSG down! Did you receive and funds for winning the qualifier?

Thanks! PSG have some work to do in the January transfer window if they want to return to Europe. It was like playing against Cavani and 10 others. For example, their starting goalkeeper, 35 year old Nicolas Douchez, is rated at 74 overall in season 1. We're in season 3, so based on his age he must have have went down a lot possibly not even in the 70s anymore.

Nope, no money. Pretty disappointing. I was hoping to receive funds, and begin scouting in the GTN for targets for the January window based on funds received, but I'll have to wait until the end of the group stage

[_ChicoBass]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

Hey fellas.. I want to play as a manager but can't seem to settle with a team. My goal is to take a below average team and make them great over the seasons. Can someone shoot me a few teams? As well as a tip or two oj recruiting good talent. I'm new to fifa and this sport altogether. Thanks

Welcome! A few teams that come to mind Sunderland, Southampton, Hamburg but check out this thread for many great options!:
http://www.operationsports.com/forum...d.php?t=727659

[Minnesota1859]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

A little background info here before we get started. I will be playing with Newcastle in the 2013-14 season but will refer to events of that season in real life for entertainment purposes. So basically the job of new manager of Minnesota1859 is to restore some sanity to the toon army and get the St. James Park crowd to support their team again (instead of walking out during a game )! Last season started pretty well but with the January sale of star man Yohan Cabaye and Manager Alan Pardew's moment of madness (Btw how's your head David Meyler?) the season turned disastrous quickly. Pair that with a derby loss to Sunderland and the second half was quite awful on the Northeast coast. But a new manager is here to save the club! His goal? Remove the bad taste from the fan's mouths and perhaps add some English talent (hint hint)! Transfer update coming soon.

[vrabbit]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

Dagenham - '13-'14 season
August update

It was an eventful first month for Paez with 7 games this month not including two friendlies (man are there a lot of competitions in England). To recap

@ Oxford United: 0-0 Draw. Dagenham had plenty of opportunities but were unable to score. They deserved better.
@ Tranmere Rovers (Capital One Cup): 1-0 Win. Paez's boys upset the League 1 team with a goal from Howell. The reward is a matchup against Manchester City ...
Vs Exeter City: 2-0 Win. Starting to realize that teams in this league may lack as much talent as Dagenham does. This was an easy victory.
@ Torquay United: 2-0 Win. Back to back solid wins to prove the early success isn't a fluke.
@ Plymouth Argyle: 1-1 Draw. Dagenham was able to take a lead towards the end but the home team proved to be clutch as well, scoring the equalizer in the 87th minute.
Vs Notts County (J. Paint Trophy): 0-2 Loss. First time this season that Dagenham is truly outplayed. Notts County shook off their struggles in League 1 to win this one convincingly. It could had been uglier. Big shout-out to the board for the $3K + in funds, that will make a difference ...
Vs Burton Albion: 0-1 Loss. A heartbreaking loss in the 90th minute after completely dominating the game. We outshot Burton 15-2 ...

Standings (after 5 games)
1. Bury - 11pts
2. S****horpe Utd - 11pts
3. Portsmouth - 10 pts
4. Chesterfield - 10pts
5. Northampton - 10pts
6. Morecambe - 10pts
7. Southend United - 9pts
...
10. Dagenham - 8 pts

The transfer window has gone by and some additional transactions have taken place:

TRANSFERS IN: Yohan Watcher (CB, 55 OVR) - on short loan from FC Lorient; Mark Birighitti (GK, 60 OVR) - on short loan from Newcastle Jets.
TRANSFERS OUT: Chris Lewington (GK, 58 OVR) - sold to Oxford United for $130K; Gianluca Gracco (ST, 56 OVR) - sold to Halmstads Bollklubb fpr $160K; Matthew Saunders (CM, 55 OVR) - sold to Newport County for $150K; Louis Dennis (RM, 57 OVR) - loaned to Colchester United for the season; Jack Connors (LB, 51 OVR) - loaned to Wycombe Wanderers for the season.

Some interesting developments have taken place. Bad news for Brian Saah who suffered an ACL injury that will sideline him for 7 months. Doe has taken his place as LCB and Watcher was brought in for depth. Josh Scott, previously reported as not being in the team's long term plans, has made his presence felt with 3 goals (team best), all in League 2 competition. He has been listed for transfer all along and the team did receive offers for him, however each offer was countered by the team as we looked to receive the appropriate value for him given how well he's playing. At the end teams were not willing to go the extra mile to buy him. The great form he's in has earned him a starting spot next to Murphy in the Dagenham attack. Seabright, the young keeper, had a positive first month. However, the team may choose to run with Birighitti for a while to see how he fares.

As far the youth squad, the first set of scouting reports came in and the team signed a player from each report. Scottish GK Jamie Black (60-84 potential, 6'7", 194lbs), English GK Jordan Derbyshire (76-94 potential) and Spanish defender Xabi Lopez (64-86 potential) are the first members of Dagenham's youth squad.

[indiblue]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

Brighton & Hove Albion
Taking Flight



September 2015

Bolton 0-3 Brighton (Capital One Cup)
Kongolo 31', Mutch 66', Sanogo 90'
Man of the match: Terence Kongolo

Brighton end their cup misery with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Championship side Bolton Wanderers, as Kongolo opens the scoring off a corner following some good possession. Mutch comes good for his first goal of the season in the second half, driving home a rebound. Sanogo gets the third in injury time after Cresswell delivers a pinpoint cross.

Man. United 2-2 Brighton
Kagawa 54', Cleverley 77'
Bendtner 49', Buckley 74'
Man of the match: Fabio

Bendtner scores what will likely be the goal of the season, getting on the end of a Jonathan cross to blast home a bicycle kick. An overexcited Brighton concede soon after, allowing Shinji Kagawa too much time in the box. Buckley gets a second for the Seagulls playing as a striker after Bendtner is subbed off with a minor injury, jumping highest on a corner to head home. Brighton repeat their lackadaisical defending to allow Tom Cleverley to equalise for United.

Brighton 2-0 Wigan
Bendtner 56', Dunk 66'
Man of the match: Fraser Forster

Two lovely headers from free kicks, one each from the talismanic Dane and the promising Englishman, give Brighton a routine win over the relegation battlers from the northwest.

Reading 1-2 Brighton (Capital One Cup)
LeFondre 70'
Azogue 83', Kongolo 86'
Man of the match: Izet Hajrovic

Reading capitalise after a long period of profligacy in front of goal from both sides as Adam LeFondre's shot curves past Forster. Bolivian midfielder Azogue manages a lucky equaliser late in the game, and with minutes to go, King Kong grabs another vital goal and prevents the exertion of extra time.

Aston Villa 0-1 Brighton
Dunk 88'
Man of the match: Brad Guzan

A match played in the pouring rain. Brighton keep the ball but can't seem to finish past an in-form Guzan, while Villa striker Christian Benteke is absolutely wasteful for his side. Dunk gets a late goal off a set piece outside the box, sealing an excellent month for Indiblue's side.

September 2015
Cup: Reached the round of 16 in the Capital One Cup
League: 7/9 points

Indiblue's analysis: We had an excellent month, much better than August. To only drop two points, that too against a team as good as Manchester United, is wonderful for us. That bicycle kick from Bendtner was stunning, I can't stop going on about it. I told you the lad would come good with his shooting boots!

********************

October 2015

Brighton 1-0 Man. City
Aranguiz 8'
Man of the match: Fraser Forster

Brighton score early as Bridcutt plays a one-two with Aranguiz, releasing the Chilean into the box and allowing him to gently nudge the ball past a rooted Joe Hart. The Seagulls then repel wave after wave of City attack, with Kongolo and Forster combining to deny top scorer Stevan Jovetic more than 11 times. Unfortunately, they also lose Hajrovic to a sprained ankle for three weeks.

Hull 0-0 Brighton
Man of the match: Pedro Azogue

A very dull affair with no goals on either side, but it at least shows Indiblue that Azogue is good enough to be in this team, affording him a viable midfielder for the rest of the season.

Brighton 3-2 Arsenal
Bendtner 12' 65', Buckley 81' (pen.)
Cazorla 59', Traore 72'
Man of the match: Nicklas Bendtner

Bendtner scores a brace against his old club, both goals coming from shots outside the box. Santi Cazorla and Lacina Traore, who arrived at Arsenal in the summer for £12 million, equalise after each of the Dane's goals. A late penalty is awarded to Brighton for Wilshere's shove on Azogue in the box, and Buckley tucks away the spot kick to earn Brighton a massive win.

Sunderland 2-5 Brighton
Fletcher 54', Bardsley 83'
Jonathan 16', Buckley 43' 59', Bendtner 56' 74' (pen.)
Man of the match: Jonathan

League leaders Sunderland entered the game level on points with Brighton, Newcastle, City and Spurs. They finished it having been exposed and dismantled by a clinical team. Jonathan opened his account within 20 minutes, as a shove from Modibo Diakite gave him enough momentum to cut in and put one past Keiren Westwood. Buckley then added a second before the break with his left foot. Steven Fletcher pulled one back for the Wearside outfit shortly after the break, but Bendtner immediately put Brighton 3-1 up with a powerful volley after the returning Hajrovic sends in a lofted cross with perfect accuracy. Buckley gets his second not much later when Westwood throws himself in the way of a shot, which hits his leg and goes into the net. Brighton are given a penalty when Diakite is adjudged to have fouled Aranguiz in the box, and Bendtner puts it way with ease. Sunderland score a second when Phil Bardsley's free kick beats Forster, but there's not enough time for a rally as the match finishes 5-2 to Brighton.

Brighton 3-0 Bristol Rovers (Capital One Cup)
Depay 2', Bendtner 53' 77'
Man of the match: Nicklas Bendtner

Match simmed. We've reached our first domestic cup quarterfinals and are in with a realistic chance to go all the way.

Brighton 1-0 Nott'm Forest
Hajrovic 64'
Man of the match: Jamal Lascelles

Lascelles does what few defenders have managed to since the start of last season. He keeps Bendtner absolutely quiet in front of goal, forcing the Dane to abandon his poaching game and get more involved in the build-up play. It pays off when a little past the hour mark, Forster grabs hold of a Forest corner and throws to Bendtner, who releases Hajrovic with a through ball into space. The Bosnian makes no mistake, hitting the net to score his first goal for Brighton. Despite the poor result, the performances of Lascelles and Henri Lansbury stand out.

October 2015
Cup: Reached the quarterfinals of the Capital One Cup
League: 13/15 points

Indiblue's analysis: Wow, just an amazing month for us. We only dropped 2 of our 15 points and managed to get to the quarterfinals of the league cup, so we're realistically in with a chance. To be top of the table after 11 games, UNDEFEATED, is incredible and far beyond what any of us expected to achieve.

********************

Barclays Premier League

1. Brighton, 25 points (7-4-0)
2. Spurs, 23
3. Manchester City, 22
4. Newcastle, 22
5. Southampton, 20
6. Sunderland, 20
...
18. Nott'm Forest, 7
19. Wigan, 7
20. Norwich, 6

********************

Indiblue's press conference @ The Amex

It seems your signings have been spot-on yet again. The squad seems to be gelling very well so early in the season.

I was extremely pleased to see them get along well in training, but even happier to watch that translate to goals and chemistry during games. It's not always that you make all the right moves in the transfer market, but we have had a rare 100% success rate this window.

And some players have emerged as contenders for game time.

Yeah, I suppose you mean Pedro (Azogue) specifically?

Lewis Dunk and Yaya Sanogo as well.

Well, let's begin with our Bolivian lad. Pedro has done well to force me to rethink sending him out on loan. When Izet went down to that sprained ankle, he came in to anchor midfield beside Liam Bridcutt, and Jordon Mutch moved up to the hole. He's played every game since then, either starting or as a substitute. I think he's not quite ready for a regular starting role, but as an impact sub and cover player for injury/suspension, he can look to develop into a contender for a first-team position in the coming seasons.

As for Lewis, he's been amazing so far. That winner against Villa was absolutely tasty. Right now, he and Liam Moore are competing for that RCB slot in our four-man defence, and they know it. It's good, because both of them are training and playing at exceptionally high levels. As for Yaya, he's doing a great job now that he's getting more chances to prove his worth. He will keep helping us out but will play a bigger role after the January window, something he is aware of.

What's this we hear about some funny nicknames on the training ground?

The boys have their names for each other, it picks up with the rest of us and soon enough, even the tea lady is using these monikers. They've named Will 'Swashbuckley' because of the way he plays, Terry Kongolo is 'King Kong' for his physical ability on set pieces, and they've named Izet 'Steve', god knows why.

You thought Nicky Bendtner was a bit of liability going into this season, but he's proven you wrong it seems.

Yes, I have to eat humble pie there. I thought Nick would find it difficult to adapt to our new system. He scored 32 goals last season in a 4-3-3 designed to play to his strengths. We crossed often and delivered set pieces with precision, and more than 50% of his goals were headers. What we learned during that first outing in the top flight is that we have to be more proactive with the ball and get our boys comfortable having it at their feet. This meant that Nick would have to involve himself more in the build-up play, rather than find space and wait for the ball to arrive to his feet or head. The first couple of games were not too promising, but I have to give him credit. He did extra work with his ball control and dribbling, and he's retained that spot with some ease. It's not a coincidence that he's leading the goalscoring tables again with 6 in 11 games, but he's been a lot more proactive in creating chances as well.

Nearly a third of the season gone, and Brighton is top of the table. Can you sustain it?

We're not concerned with being able to sustain it or not. I will not say that we are title contenders as we lack the experience of playing under pressure. So much of last season's success came because everyone expected us to get relegated immediately. This year, they all know what they're up against. So we will look to win each game as it comes, but the final result is not something we're thinking of right now.

Even when Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all outside the top six?

Like I said, we are not used to playing under pressure while those teams are. It will not be as tough for them to work their way back into the top four in another 8-10 games, or for Spurs and Manchester City to remain in contention for the title. It will be more difficult for us to finish well and, to a lesser extent, for Newcastle to remain in the top four.

But United and Liverpool are almost 10 points behind you. Humility is one thing, but aren't you denying your team's ability to hold this form?

Being 10 points ahead of United and Liverpool is always good, but less so with 27 games to go... that's 81 points left to play for. You consider how good those clubs are and do the math, I don't need to tell you how precarious this situation is. We are in good form, but remember that this all very new to us. I am not denying my team's talent, just saying that there are many factors to consider.

And being undefeated is a coincidence?

At this point, it is down to organisational discipline and good fortune. But don't expect it to remain so for the rest of the season. We're not.

You said in July that qualifying for European football, specifically the Europa League, would be the club's main goal. Is that still so?

We still believe that we can qualify for next season's European competition, and we are still focused on achieving that. Belief is not the same as expecti

Can you confirm that you've received an offer to replace Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool?

I have no comment.

What about AC Milan?

That's old news, my friend. I was contacted by their chief executive soon after the game against Bristol, and I'll tell you what I told him. That a club of Milan's prestige and decoration considers me a worthy candidate to lead them is beyond flattering. It's an absolute honour. However, I have commitments at Brighton. Moreover, I'm in the middle of a very exciting project with some highly talented players. Thanks, but I'm only interested in Brighton at the time.

Why are you willing to talk about Milan but not Liverpool?

I think you're smart enough to figure that one out by yourself.

So a move in the future isn't ruled out?

If I could predict the future, I would be a very rich man.

[indiblue]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

Thanks! PSG have some work to do in the January transfer window if they want to return to Europe. It was like playing against Cavani and 10 others. For example, their starting goalkeeper, 35 year old Nicolas Douchez, is rated at 74 overall in season 1. We're in season 3, so based on his age he must have have went down a lot possibly not even in the 70s anymore.

Nope, no money. Pretty disappointing. I was hoping to receive funds, and begin scouting in the GTN for targets for the January window based on funds received, but I'll have to wait until the end of the group stage

You can expect about £2-3 million from the group stages, which is a huge chunk of change given your current finances. My recommendation is to move it all into wages and sign some good players for free. Grin and bear it through this season, and then next year, you're armed with plenty of talent. If you don't get promoted, you surely will with the boys you sign on pre-contract deals. If you do, you're backed up to avoid relegation.

[Minnesota1859]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

When Minnesota1859 took over he thought it was finally time for French center back Mapou Yanga-M'Biwa to lead the defense. He was after all supremely talented physically and was 24 years old! So after 2 great friendly performances from M'Biwa the manager knew that Fabricio Colocini was replaceable. So he sent Colocini and 3 million dollars to River Plate for highly rated Colombian center back Eder Alvares Balanta. The next3 signings were made simultaneously when Chilean midfielder Felipe Gutierrez, Shakhtar attacker Alex Teixiera, and defender Terrence Kongolo were all revealed at once!
Pre-deadline day transfers:
CB Balanta 3M + Colocini from River Plate
CB Kongolo 1.3M + Williamson from Feyenoord
CM Gutierrez 4.5M from FC Twente
CAM Teixiera 10M from Shakhtar
After starting the season with 2 wins and one loss (including a deadline day win over West Ham) we went into deadline day still wanting a winger and a backup striker (I wanted to cancel De Jong's loan). Also the club wanted to move on from talented and mercurial yet inconsistent winger Hatem Ben Arfa. (Side note why in earth did Ben Arfa ever have the #10 shirt?! My first action with the team was giving that shirt to Remy!) So on a deadline day triple move that sent five players changing teams this happened:
ST Luuk De Jong loan cancelled
LW Iker Muniain 9M + Ben Arfa (I looooove speedy wingers and full backs)
ST Danny Ings 4 M + Obertan (remember we wanted more English players!)
So our quest to make this an English club as well as an international one began! We have some solid English players already that are young and I sent a scout to England too. We don't want to be Man City after all!

After all these moves our first game with Muniain and Ings was a away fixture against Villa. Iker started and scored a fantastic goal early! I brought Ings on late and he provided an assist for Muniain's brace! We won 3-0.

This is my best XI rn (4-4-1-1)
Gk: Krul
Rb: Debuchy
Cb: M'Biwa
Cb: Taylor/Balanta
Lb: Santon/Kongolo
Rm: Goufran/Sissoko
Cm: Gutierrez/Tiote
Cm: Anita/Tiote
Lm: Muniain/Sissoko
Cam: Teixiera/Muniain
St: Remy
(First player listed by each position would be the first choice XI. If a second player is listed that indicates that those players switch out every other game usually)

[_ChicoBass]

How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

A little background info here before we get started. I will be playing with Newcastle in the 2013-14 season but will refer to events of that season in real life for entertainment purposes. So basically the job of new manager of Minnesota1859 is to restore some sanity to the toon army and get the St. James Park crowd to support their team again (instead of walking out during a game )! Last season started pretty well but with the January sale of star man Yohan Cabaye and Manager Alan Pardew's moment of madness (Btw how's your head David Meyler?) the season turned disastrous quickly. Pair that with a derby loss to Sunderland and the second half was quite awful on the Northeast coast. But a new manager is here to save the club! His goal? Remove the bad taste from the fan's mouths and perhaps add some English talent (hint hint)! Transfer update coming soon.

You mean you're gonna bring English players to Newcastle? :0 excited!

[vrabbit]

Re: How's Your FIFA 14 Career Mode Going?

AD Alcorcon - '16-'17 Season Update

We are now one quarter of the way through this season and we are right were we need to be. 11 games in here are the standings:

1. RCD Mallorca - 25pts
2. UD Las Palmas - 25pts
3. AD Alcorcon - 25pts
4. FC Barcelona B - 22pts
5. Granada CF - 21pts
6. UD Almeria - 21pts

Leandro Paredes continues to fit right into the system, already with 4 goals and 5 assists (tied for the league best). We also won our first Copa del Rey matchup, 3-2 over Cordoba CF, and are now in the round of 32 (I think) where as luck would have it we'll face ... yes, Osasuna. First game will be at Osasuna after we go through a gauntlet in league play when we visit UD Las Palmas and host Mallorca in back to back games, two teams recently relegated from La Liga.

As far as CONMEBOL qualifiers with Venezuela, well it isn't going so fell. Back to back defeats at Chile (0-1) and at Argentina (1-3) have left us in a difficult position with 8 games to play. Here are those standings after 10 games:

1. Argentina - 23pts
2. Brazil - 19pts
3. Colombia - 18pts
4. Chile - 18pts
5. Uruguay - 18pts
6. Ecuador - 14pts
7. Venezuela - 8pts
8. Paraguay - 8pts
9. Peru - 7pts
10. Bolivia - 3pts

As a reminder, the top 4 teams qualify directly to the World Cup while the 5th place team plays in a playoff against the 5th place team from Asia. There are still 24 points out there to be had, and we'll need to get more than half of them to have a shot at the dream (qualifying for the first time ever). For reference, Uruguay qualified for the 2014 WC as the 5th place team with 25 points. Venezuela will travel to Switzerland and Sweeden for some friendlies next month before going to Brazil and Peru for the next qualifying matchups.