How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

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Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Sunderland AFC has today terminated its contract with Adam Johnson with immediate effect. The club is now focused on a successful 2015-16 season.

[indiblue]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Sunderland appointment asks more questions than it answers

The decision to hire a Championship coach with no managerial experience could be the death knell for a former giant of the English game.

When a club hires a manager with no actual managerial experience, you can probably put it down to one of three things. They're taking a punt on someone they really believe in, said manager comes highly recommended by someone with a lot more experience and maybe a couple of trophies, or they've lost the plot. So when Sunderland announced former Brighton & Hove Albion assistant Indi Blue as their first team manager, it asked way more questions than it answered.

"I'm not going to pretend to be a messiah," Blue said at his introductory press conference, dispelling a myth that nobody believed. "I have some ideas about how I want us to play and where I want us to be, but it's a long road ahead."

Perhaps it's the resignation of Margaret Byrne as chief executive and the sacking of Adam Johnson, but Sunderland seem to have finally realised that drastic change was required, though whether they have overshot the margin is yet to be seen. But it's too soon to call this the greatest blunder in the North-East since Newcastle gave the Premiership away. After all, Pep Guardiola had been in charge of Barcelona's youth side for just a year before taking over their first team, and look what he managed to do.

Blue has been assistant at Brighton for nearly five years, absorbing the nuances of several managerial styles and providing some stability through multiple failed promotion challenges. Quite vitally, Blue also has experience with Brighton's youth side. He was coach of their under-21 side for nearly three years before spending another three as the director of their academy. Before and after joining their first team, he had a hand in the promotions of Lewis Dunk, Solly March and Jake Forster-Caskey among others.

Maybe we're being a bit quick to judge the man. Maybe he does indeed have what it takes to be our very own Guardiola, a sort of Hampshire-Catalan hybrid who can restore Sunderland to the glory days where players won trophies on the pitch instead of on the PlayStation. He certainly knows talent when he sees it. So what exactly can Blue do with a much better scouting network and more money than he'd have ever had at Brighton?

Sunderland have been lost tactically for many seasons. This is not a team capable of playing luscious football, but he has talent at his disposal. Younes Kaboul is no Cannavaro brother, but he's a massive improvement on Wes Brown, capable of playing out from the back with confidence. In midfield, Blue can call on the expertise of Yann M'Vila and Jack Rodwell to control games and create chances for Jeremain Lens and Jermain Defoe to put away. He'll probably need to buy a centre back younger than 45, which is something Sunderland desperately need. There's also a good chance he'll see through the ruse of Lee Cattermole and finally sign a midfielder who can influence games in ways that don't involve leaving the pitch halfway through the game.

Blue favours two formations: the 4-3-3 and the 4-4-2. He uses the former against weaker sides, using a pair of deep-lying playmakers and a number 10 to maintain possession, force mistakes and unlock space in the final third. Against superior teams, the 4-4-2 puts emphasis on shape, high work rate and rapid transitions from defence to attack. Eventually, Blue will want to acquire/develop enough talent to make the 4-3-3 his and Sunderland's standard system, with only the tactics changing to suit the opposition and situation. This means getting to a point where his wide forwards know when to cut in and when to stay wide, where his midfielders understand each other enough to take turns making runs into the box, where his defenders play the offside trap with more confidence than Mario Balotelli taking a spot kick.

Actually, it would be pretty nice to see Mario in Mackem colours. Who knows?

Excerpts from Indi Blue's introductory press conference

On being hired by a club of Sunderland's stature: It was an honour just to be considered. Brighton and Sunderland have had a strong working relationship for several seasons, so it was a very amicable affair. I'm looking forward to this chance to prove myself.

On his lack of managerial experience: I've coached, albeit at a much lower level. But the principles and basics are the same. It's a matter of adapting to the league and to the players in my squad. Neither the club nor I are worried. Not yet, at least.

On the squad and transfers: It was made clear that I would have the finances to strengthen, but I felt it was only fair to give everyone a chance before saying, 'No, you have to leave now'.

On Sunderland's chances this season: We should be nowhere near the relegation scrap. It's important to win games early and get points on the board in the first half of the season because we want to concentrate on the FA Cup as well.

On Adam Johnson: We're left to rue the lack of a player of his talent in the squad. But there are more important things than football. It was a moral decision from the club, one that everyone is fully behind.

On the rivalry with Newcastle: That's a special thing. To be part of such an intense rivalry is special. It means so much to the people here. The North-East has been neglected, and for many people football is the only source of joy and pleasure.

On Sunderland's academy: I haven't had time to assess it fully, but it looks like a very good setup. A couple of small tweaks should put us back on the road to developing young English talent the way we ought to do.

On the club's future: It's a bit too early to be talking about that. But I see the potential. First, we have to improve our infrastructure. And then we can talk about qualifying for European football and winning big trophies.

[TheYanks]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

NEWCASTLE APPOINT NEW MANAGER

Newcastle United have sacked John Carver after just 5 months at the club, this should be no surprise to anyone because in those 5 months they have only won 3 games. What many will be surprised to hear though is who will be taking charge at St James’ Park. The board have appointed Roger Sherman the league's very first American manager. Sherman’s only coaching experience comes at the youth level, but the board felt like his ambition is what the club needs after the dreadful second half of the season.

In his first press conference as manager Sherman was asked a lot of questions most notably if he thought he would be successful and how he would do it. He responded by saying, “Anyone in my position would tell you they think they will be successful, it’s just what you have to tell the press. As to my plan to success I don’t want to go into detail but I have to say some things may be changing around this club just because it’s my first chance at a top club doesn’t mean I’m going to be timid.”

Delving into Sherman’s past we have found out that while he may not have a lot of experience at the top level be has done his fair share at the youth level. He coached players such as Charles N'Zogbia, Tim Krul, and Sammy Ameobi. Sherman also played professionally in the United States. He was a centerback at Dallas Burn between 1999 and 2004 before his career was stopped short due to a heart condition that required extensive surgery.

Roger Sherman and Newcastle supporters will be very anxious for this upcoming season. If this new manager that very few people have ever heard of is able to come in and right the ship that barely survived the storm that was last season he very well may be a Newcastle United legend. If the opposite happens the board may find themselves in a world of hurt with a lot of backlash from the supporters.

[moose141]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Episode #37: THE REDEEMER

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P.S. I'm working on getting through everyone's updates so my next post will be my responses to all of the great work that you guys are doing!

[Matty Aqua]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Hey guys!, thanks to everyone who has been watching, I am almost at the transfer deadline so hopefully I can shake things up in the next 2 episodes as I continue to battle to save Aston Villa!

EPISODE#9 - DEFENDING DRAMA - #AVFC

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[Simppu12]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Dorados de Sinaloa
'16-'17 SEP through DEC Update

Spoiler

The Roster

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Goalkeepers: Anthony Maisonnial* (68 OVR), Alfredo Frausto (66 OVR).
Fullbacks: Antonio Barreca* (66 OVR), Felix Passlack* (66 OVR), Jairo Gonzalez (64 OVR), , Carlos Pinto (63 OVR)Sebastian Sorsa (57 OVR).
Centre-backs: Victor Alonso (69 OVR), Jonathan Lacerda (67 OVR), Heriberto Aguayo (66 OVR), Leonardo Bedolla (63 OVR), Themis Tzimopoulos (60 OVR).
Midfielders/Wingers: Romulo Otero (71 OVR), Liu Binbin (71 OVR), Anthony Caceres (68 OVR), Kofi Allen (66 OVR), Nicolas Delgadillo (65 OVR), Julian De Guzmán** (64 OVR), Hector Velazquez (62 OVR), Guillermo Rojas (61 OVR), Victor Soriano (51 OVR).
Strikers: Elias (69 OVR), Freddy Martin (68 OVR), Juan Jose Calero (62 OVR), Lobo (50 OVR)
* On loan
** Retiring at end of season.

Starting XI (4-4-2 Diamond Wide)

Maisonnial

Passlack/Alonso/Lacerda/Barreca

Caceres

Liu Binbin---------Delgadillo

Otero

Martin-------Elias
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Apertura 2016 - Game 7
Dorados - Tigres (2-1)
Liu Binbin 17' (Elias)
Sobs 45+'
Otero 84' (Martin)

There is little doubt Tigres owns one of the best roster in the league, yet they have not been able to beat us since I arrived here. Every game is a grind though, and this was no exception as neither team was able to establish possession and we both took a similar number of shots. In the end, a sweet find from Martin put Otero in position to score the game-winner and the Venezuelan didn't; miss it.

Apertura 2016 - Game 8
Cruz Azul - Dorados (2-1)
Elias 33' (Delgadillo)
Scocco 53'
Belluschi 65'

Unfortunately our inconsistencies showed yet again in this game although in all fairness a lot of credit needs to be given to the home squad who stuffed many of our attempts to create scoring opportunities. They were also able to gain an edge in possession after their go-ahead score, so all in all it was a greatly executed game by them and a not so great one by us.

Apertura 2016 - Game 9
Dorados - Chiapas (3-1)
Otero 6'
Vidangossy 72'
Elias 77' (Martin)
Delgadillo 83' (Otero)

I was sure Otero's goal inside 10 minutes will lead us to a comfortable victory but we struggled to build on the lead and didn't snap out of it till Chiapas equalized with less than 20 minutes left. We got the victory and that's what matters, but we're still far from playing at the level we need to be.

Apertura 2016 - Game 10
Dorados - Chivas (3-0)
Martin 45+' (Elias)
Liu Binbin 78' (Otero)
Liu Binbin 88' (De Guzman)
Passlack 75'

Now we're talking. Chivas was a pain in our behind in Clausura '16 and we went into this game with a lot of focus. The result speaks for itself and I was definitely pleased with what we showed on the pitch. I gotta say Liu is doing a great job for us, especially when you consider he's replacing an explosive player (Yimmy Chara).

Apertura 2016 - Game 11
Morelia - Dorados (0-3)
Otero 47' (Passlack)
Martin 81' (Elias)
Elias 90+' (Martin)

Back-to-back 3-0 wins will make a coach happy. It was an evenly matched game in the first half but after Otero's score early into the second half our flow was a lot more open and we finally sealed the deal with a couple of scores in the last 10 minutes. Of note here is that Elias has now scored in 3 of the last 4 games (and 4 of the last 6).

Apertura 2016 - Game 12
Dorados - Santos Laguna (3-1)
Aguayo 36' (OG)
Elias 54' (Barreca)
Martin 73' (De Guzman)
Liu Binbin 86' (Otero)

A four-game winning streak AND four games in a row of scoring three goals? Oh yeah, we've found our groove. Aguayo's own goal in the first half was scary and we definitely weren't feeling too hot about ourselves at the half but the lads did a great job of shrugging that off in she second half and connecting for three scores to get us the W. This win put us firmly in first place.

Apertura 2016 - Game 13
Monterrey - Dorados (0-2)
Martin 53' (Otero)
Elias 89' (Delgadillo)

FIVE-game winning streak. It's not a coincidence that Elias continues to be hot and now Martin has joined him with a four-game scoring streak. Our defense is playing outstanding as well and Alonso has not been promoted yet at this point.

Apertura 2016 - Game 14
Dorados - Veracruz (0-3)
Quiñones 6'
Villalba 33'
Albin 90'

I guess the winning had to end at some point but this was a cold shower. Veracruz played an excellent game, taking advantage of the early lead and then doubling it up inside 35 minutes to put us in a spot we hadn't been in since the fifth game of the season (down a couple of scores). We tried our best to cut the lead, firing 11 shots (6 on goal), but our desperate attempts to make something out of this only ended on giving up a third goal near the end of the game.

Apertura 2016 - Game 15
Leon - Dorados (1-0)
Montes 71'

Hard to explain but this defeat was actually more frustrating than the previous week vs Veracruz. For one, this is a rivalry game. For two, the matchup was promoted as a battle between the top scoring team (us) and the best defense in the league (Leon's). We wanted to shut down that dialogue and show our offense can offset any defense but I have to give Leon a lot of credit because their defense was indeed suffocating and they did a great job of intercepting a lot of balls to interrupt our flow. We were only able to take two shots, neither of them on goal, while Leon took 10 (four on goal). It'll be interesting to see if we will meet in the playoffs and, for now, Leon takes over the top spot in the standings.

Apertura 2016 - Game 16
Dorados - America (2-0)
Delgadillo 45+' (Otero)
Martin 49'

Delgadillo's score at the end of the first half may have taken the life out of Las Aguilas. We played as a bad a first half as you could imagina and yet America wasn't able to turn that into any scores for them, instead conceding a score to us on a late counter attack. I ripped the guys a new one at the half and they came out more focused, then Martin earned his score a few minutes in to seal the win for us as our defense took care of the rest. I hope the sloppy play from the first half doesn't show up for us ever again.

Apertura 2016 - Game 17
Toluca - Dorados (1-5)
Lacerda 4' (OG)
Martin 30'
Liu Binbin 39' (Otero)
Liu Binbin 42' (Caceres)
Caceres 66'
Martin 90' (Pinto)

This is EXACTLY how I wanted the team to roll into the playoffs. First of all, this W clinched first place for us going into the playoffs. Second, it was a dominant performance against a team that was in the semi-finals in the most recent Clausura and needed a win in this game to clinch a playoff spot. To top it off, Caceres scored on this beauty ...

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Quarter-Finals - Leg 1
America - Dorados (1-3)
Otero 17' (Martin)
Martin 61' (Barreca)
Otero 82' (Elias)
Peralta 90'

It was a nice to draw a team that we had recently played during the regular season and we got off to a nearly perfect start on the road thanks to Otero leading the charge. However, Peralta's score there at the end will make the second leg more interesting and I really wish we hadn't lost focus at the end.

Quarter-Finals - Leg 2
Dorados - America (3-3)
Martin 17' (Caceres)
Quintero 21'
Benedetto 33'
Liu Binbin 54' (Otero)
Quintero 61'
Liu Binbin 90+' (Calero)

What. A. GAME! America wouldn't quit even after we should had taken the life out of them with the early goal from Martin. But just 15 minutes later they had cut a three-goal lead in the aggregate score to just one and they never stopped giving it their all in their attempt to at least force the game into ET, so you know the whole squad jumped over Liu Binbin after the Chinese international booked our place in semis in added time.

Semi-Finals - Leg 1
Pumas - Dorados (2-6)
Calero 23' (Delgadillo)
Martin 30' (pen)
Quiñones 40'
Martin 62'
Calero 66' (Otero)
Martin 77' (Otero)
Martin 82' (Calero)
Herrera 88'

I mean ...

Spoiler

Never in my wildest dreams. Some of you may remember the interesting game we had against Pumas during the regular season (if not, click the spoiler at the top of this update to get an idea) and so we were really looking forward to this one (as if a semi final isn't reason alone to get pumped up). Everything went right for us, EVERYTHING, and Pumas had a good number of chances (8 shots, 5 on goal) but our keeper and defense didn't let them keep up with Martin and our offense in this game. Speaking of Martin, he had a lead for the scoring title coming in and I don't think he's going to lose that race now.

Semi-Finals - Leg 2
Dorados - Pumas (1-2)
Velazquez 40' (De Guzman)
Izazola 58'
Herrera 74'
Calero 25' (Sprained ankle, out 4 weeks)

I respect the hell out of every opponent but I went deep into our bench for this one, not really sweating it with a four-goal lead. Velazquez's goal in the first half confirm that it was impossible for Pumas to make any kind of comeback. Calero's injury is a shame as he's really worked hard to earn PT and had finally gotten it but he should be ready to go for the Clausura. Back-to-back appearances in the final, can we take back-to-back titles?

Finals - Leg 1
Santos Laguna - Dorados (0-1)
Delgadillo 26' (Barreca)

We had easily taken care of SL in the regular season but with high stakes they brought their A-game, earning an edge in possession (54%) and frustrating our offense holding us to just three shots on goal (eight shots total). But our defense was better, keeping a clean sheet, and we'll take the minimal advantage into the second leg, at home, for the title ...

Finals - Leg 2
Santos Laguna - Dorados

Spoiler

(2-0)

Spoiler

Orozco 65'
Bernal 83'

Sigh ... it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what went wrong. The reality is that over 180 minutes SL's defense just did a good job of not letting us establish a rhythm offensively and when we finally did get clean looks we were missing shots we had been turning into goals all season. And then they scored, and the aggregate score was even, and you'd think we still had the edge because we were at home but anxiety started to kick in as the minutes ticked, we couldn't score, again just netting three shots on goal on eight total shots. We took the edge in possession this time (53%) and our defense played really well, SL was only able to get three shots off ... but the two of them that were on goal turned into scores, the last one off a corner kick in the 83rd minute that weirdly sealed the game. We lost the title at home, this is going to sting for a bit and I'll try to turn this into some kick-*** motivation for the Clausura and the second half of the season

Top Scorers
1 - Martin (Dorados) - 18
T2 - Herrera (Pumas) - 9
T2 - Camilo (Queretaro) - 9
3 others with 9

Assists
1 - Otero (Dorados) - 11
T2 - Martin (Dorados) - 5
T2 - Elias (Dorados) - 5
T2 - Caceres (Dorados) - 5

Clean Sheets
1 - Maisonnial (Dorados) - 7
2 - Saldivar (Pumas) - 6
T3 - Yarbrough (Pachuca) -5
3 others with 5

Goalkeeper of the Tournament
Anthony Maisonnial (Dorados)

Golden Boot
Freddy Martin (Dorados)

Mexico Apertura 2016 - Starting XI

GK - Anthony Maisonnial (Dorados)
RB - Carlos Pinto (Dorados)
CB - Hugo Ayala (Tigres)
CB - Jonathan Lacerda (Dorados)
LB - Antonio Barreca (Dorados)
RM - Liu Binbin (Dorados)
LM - Nicolas Delgadillo (Dorados)
CAM - Anthony Caceres (Dorados)
CAM - Romulo Otero (Dorados)
ST - Freddy Martin (Dorados)
ST - Elias C. Pereira Filho (Dorados)

Mexico Apertura 2016 - MVP
In a stunning upset, Anthony Maisonnial was voted as the Player of the Competition over Freddy Martin.

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Spoiler

Review: Short because this post is extensive. It's really difficult to enjoy all the accolades that the club received individually when as a team we weren't able to achieve our goal. It's pretty clear that we were the best team all tournament long yet we don't have the hardware to show for it at the end of it all. Whether this will result in massive changes in the upcoming transfer window ... remains to be seen.

Quickly on our academy, other than our scout in Brazil since early in the summer we didn't send anyone else out this first half of the season. We'll wait until after the transfer window closes to assess our budget for youth scouting. Here's our youth squad right now:

- Julio Moyano (CM, 56 OVR, 80-86): 16-year old from Venezuela standing at just 5'2", 132lbs but we expect some growth out of him both physical and skill-wise. He shows flashes of being a playmaker and most recently we've started to work with him as a defender since he might fit the mold of a CDM once he's fully grown.
- Jimmy Porter (CM, 53 OVR, 77837): Our only remaining American prospect in the academy recently turned 16 years old, growing to 5'0" (from 4'9") and 124lbs (from 119). He needs to continue to work hard in the academy for now.
- Silvio Navarrete (RW, 54 OVR, 73-79): This 17-year old Venezuelan has shown some flashes for us but needs to continue to develop his game for now.
- Martim Nogueira (CM, 48 OVR, 74-82)*: This 17-year old Brazilian prospect is the most recent addition to the academy, although he projects as more of a role player early in his career.
* Recent addition.

Followers of this career may have noticed that Victor Alonso was finally promoted up to the senior squad and has rightfully been inserted into the starting line-up, already our highest-rated defender. 16-year old Yankee, Kofi Allen, has also been promoted and is a super sub for us at the moment. Another promotion from the academy happened to a youngster from Brazil that never even got a chance to be listed on the youth squad - striker Lobo (whose first name escapes me at the moment) requested to be promoted near the end of the tournament and we granted his request. He understands he will need to earn every single minute he's given.

The last part of the update is the development with Venezuela in CONMEBOL qualifiers. Click on the spoiler for that info as I don't want this to take any more space than it already has.

Spoiler

2018 WC Qualifiers - Match 7
Ecuador - Venezuela (2-2)
E. Valencia 18'
Santos 37' (Martinez)
Del Valle 51' (Santos)
Martinez 83'

Ecuador has been struggling in this qualifiers but they're always a tough opponent, and road games in CONMEBOL are really difficult, but we should had come away with the 3 points if not for a fatal error from our goalkeeper, Dani Hernandez, who weakly kicked off in the 83rd minute right to Fidel Martinez who didn't miss the chance to score the equalizer. I hope losing those 2 points won't cost us at the end of the qualifiers.

2018 WC Qualifiers - Match 8
Venezuela - Colombia (1-2)
Santos 26' (Martinez)
Martinez 45+'
James 83'

Losing rivalry games at home is never a good look but Colombia over-powered us with their speed at the end of each half to steal this game from us and seriously damage the good start we had had in the qualifiers.

2018 WC Qualifiers - Match 9
Chile - Venezuela (4-1)
Canales 5'
Martinez 27' (Rincon)
Roco 57'
Aranguiz 75'
Aranguiz 81'

I'm in trouble. The team is a downward spiral and Chile embarrassed us, giving us and the fan base flashbacks of the days when we were the Cinderella of the tournament. We need to do something, and we need to do it soon.

2018 WC Qualifiers - Match 10
Peru - Venezuela (1-3)
Del Valle 19' (Santos)
Farfan 54'
Rincon 69' (M. Rondon)
Del Valle 84' (Rivas)

No better time to face Peru, a team we beat with ease earlier in the qualifiers, than right after a few tough games. We put together somewhat of a complete game earning the edge in possession (56%) while out-shooting the Peruvians 9 to 3 (5 to 1 on goal)

2018 WC Qualifiers - Match 11
Venezuela - Uruguay) (1-2)
Cristoforo 5'
Suarez 25'
Miku 72' (Del Valle)

The Uruguayans earned their revenge from our victory on their tuff earlies this year (by the same score) putting us back in a really tough spot at the edge to fall out of the top 5, nearly negating the excellent start we had. Once ahead by a couple of goals they were more than happy to allow us an edge in possession (57%) but clamped down on defense pretty well and we were unable to score an equalizer at the end.

2018 WC Qualifiers - Match 12
Colombia - Venezuela (2-2)
Bacca 22' (pen)
S. Rondon 44' (M. Rondon)
Lerma 58'
Murillo 88'

I am lucky to be getting some love from the local press after this game, although it is definitely deserved. Colombia's speed was once again creating problems for us, especially on defense were our strikers were failing to get past them. To counter this, near the end of game I subbed in one of our younger talents, Jhon Murillo who is a winger with decent attacking skills, and he was able to get past Colombia's last line of defense just enough to score an equalizer at the end that allowed us to steal a point and remain in contention for a ticket to Russia 2018.


Just 6 games left, each one of them will be do or die.

Thanks for reading!

September started off well with a win over Tigres and after a disappointing defeat against Cruz Azul you started a very impressive winning and scoring streak which sadly came to an end. I was certain that you would win the Apertura and it certainly looked so until that God-awful defeat in the final. It must've really sucked to get so close and even beat Santos Laguna in the first leg just to throw it all away. You squad performed amazingly as we can see in the different tables, especially Martin looked to have a blast of a half a season. I believe in you and wish you luck in the Clausura! Also, an up and down start with Venezuela which will hopefully lead to a World Cup campaign! Btw, what are your plans for the Dorados squad in January?

NEWCASTLE APPOINT NEW MANAGER

Spoiler

Spoiler

Newcastle United have sacked John Carver after just 5 months at the club, this should be no surprise to anyone because in those 5 months they have only won 3 games. What many will be surprised to hear though is who will be taking charge at St James’ Park. The board have appointed Roger Sherman the league's very first American manager. Sherman’s only coaching experience comes at the youth level, but the board felt like his ambition is what the club needs after the dreadful second half of the season.

In his first press conference as manager Sherman was asked a lot of questions most notably if he thought he would be successful and how he would do it. He responded by saying, “Anyone in my position would tell you they think they will be successful, it’s just what you have to tell the press. As to my plan to success I don’t want to go into detail but I have to say some things may be changing around this club just because it’s my first chance at a top club doesn’t mean I’m going to be timid.”

Delving into Sherman’s past we have found out that while he may not have a lot of experience at the top level be has done his fair share at the youth level. He coached players such as Charles N'Zogbia, Tim Krul, and Sammy Ameobi. Sherman also played professionally in the United States. He was a centerback at Dallas Burn between 1999 and 2004 before his career was stopped short due to a heart condition that required extensive surgery.

Roger Sherman and Newcastle supporters will be very anxious for this upcoming season. If this new manager that very few people have ever heard of is able to come in and right the ship that barely survived the storm that was last season he very well may be a Newcastle United legend. If the opposite happens the board may find themselves in a world of hurt with a lot of backlash from the supporters.

Welcome to the thread! It is always great to get some new blood here. Hopefully you enjoy your time here!

I'm looking forward to your Newcastle career as they have been horrendous in real life. It will be interesting to see what you do with them.

Episode #37: THE REDEEMER



P.S. I'm working on getting through everyone's updates so my next post will be my responses to all of the great work that you guys are doing!

Very good win against Liverpool although the winning goal was a bit of a scrappy one. Butland kept you in another game and he's becoming a very valuable piece of the team. I'm a bit shocked that Norwich beat you in the next game. Oh well, just focus on the next game and get that Champions League spot at the end of the season!

Hey guys!, thanks to everyone who has been watching, I am almost at the transfer deadline so hopefully I can shake things up in the next 2 episodes as I continue to battle to save Aston Villa!

EPISODE#9 - DEFENDING DRAMA - #AVFC

I feel so bad for you as the defending is looking horrendous in almost every game. Even if that wasn't enough your strikers still seem to be missing quite a few chances every game. I really hope you manage to start getting those valuable wins after January and a couple of good signings. Speaking of signings, these wouldn't be too realistic ones, and yes, they are bias, but Hertha's John Anthony Brooks, Sebastian Langkamp and Niklas Stark are all good centre backs. Brooks and Stark also have very good potentials. Ben Yedder and Braithwaite from Toulouse could be useful strikers and Stoke's Ryan Shawcross could improve the defence. West Ham's Reid could also be useful in defence.

[Simppu12]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Ha Ho He

January 2019


Transfers Out

Yunus Malli, CAM, 78 Ovr, €10,800,000 to Hannover 96

Finally! We have been trying to sell Malli for at least a year now but the playmaker never agreed on personal terms with the several clubs that wanted him before Hannover. We wish Malli all the best and also apologise to him for wasting a couple of years in our reserves.

Transfers In



Leon Goretzka

79 Ovr, Central Midfielder, 23 Years Old, Germany

€13,500,000

With Yunus Malli gone and with Per Ciljan Skjelbred ageing, Tolga Cigerci was the only attacking-minded substitute midfielder left in the squad of Hertha BSC. The capital's club acted fast after selling Yunus Malli and they captured the big German talent Leon Goretzka from Athletic Bilbao for a fee of €13,5M. The versatile midfielder Goretzka, who used to play for Schalke 04 before moving to Athletic Bilbao in 2016, is a well-rounded midfielder capable of passing, running, defending, attacking and dribbling with the ball. Already a mature player at the age of only 23, Goretzka still has some years left to become a world-class midfielder and an important piece of the German national team.

***


Hannover 96 0 - 2 Hertha BSC
Plattenhardt 58', Aubameyang 73'


Bundesliga Table

1. Hertha BSC, 48 pts
2. Borussia Dortmund, 37 pts
3. Bayer Leverkusen, 36 pts
4. VfB Stuttgart, 33 pts
5. Bayern München, 32 pts
6. 1899 Hoffenheim, 27 pts
------------------------------------------------
16. SV Darmstadt, 16 pts
17. SC Freiburg, 15 pts
18. 1860 München, 7 pts

Starting XI



Pretty boring transfer window for us but like the saying goes, don't fix what ain't broken. The team has done an amazing job so far and all of the starters deserve their starting place. The subtitutes are capable players, too. The two transfers we did are quite self-explanatory, though. Malli was sold because he had barely stepped on the pitch in the last year or so and Goretzka was signed for squad depth and to possibly improve our starting eleven next season.

As far as league play goes, we are still unbeaten in all competitions and well on our way towards the Bundesliga title. The 11-point lead will certainly be a relief when we have several games in few days. Next month we are facing Borussia Mönchengladbach twice, once in the cup and once in the league, and we will play the first leg of our Champions League round of 16 tie against Galatasaray.

My only issue at the moment is that quite a few important players are going down in overall, including Vedad Ibisevic, Salomon Kalou, Fabian Lustenberger and Sebastian Langkamp. I'm looking to sign a world class striker in the summer to take Ibisevic's spot and a world class winger might be on the shopping list. I'm not sure, though. The centre back position should be covered with Niklas Stark getting more playing time and with Benno Adlung (72 ovr) and Yoshino Natsume (76 ovr) improving, with the latter one being on loan until next January.



Thank you for reading this post! I hope you have enjoyed it! Any feedback or suggestions will be appreciated!

[southernmetalhead]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

I'm way behind on careers and updates, but I'm out for Spring Break after this week. So if I don't catch up before then, I definitely will by next weekend.

[Keano16]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

The Bluebirds


November 2016

November 3, Cardiff City Stadium
EL Group Stage: Match 4


Cardiff City 2-1 Lazio
19' (Pen) Whittingham, 38' Afobe
89' Keita

MotM: Rubén Blanco (CAR)

Our European ambitions received a small shred of hope with a win over the group leaders. A soft Whittingham penalty followed by an Afobe strike, after he was put through by Phillips, gave us a 2-0 lead. We hung on despite a last minute Keita goal and Blanco was immense in the goal stopping multiple Lazio attempts. It's our first 3 points so there's still a lot to do if we want to advance.

November 6, Cardiff City Stadium
Barclays PL: Match 12


Cardiff City 0-1 QPR
9' Polter

MotM: Alex Smithies (QPR)

Not the result we were looking for and the main reason for this was Smithies as he was outstanding, making 10 saves. QPR didn't get many chances but Polter took his when it came to him early. Pilkington was our best player after he replaced the injured Williams just after the half hour mark.


Jonathan Williams will be out for 8 weeks with a dislocated shoulder.

November 19, Anfield
Barclays PL: Match 13


Liverpool 0-2 Cardiff City
35' Can s/o
8' 76' Afobe

MotM: Benik Afobe (CAR)

A massive win against one of the giants of the English game and at Anfield to boot. Bogdan saved the first shot from Afobe but the striker put the rebound in before a terrible tackle from behind on Whittingham by Can sent the German for an early bath. We were comfortable then with the extra man and Afobe put the nail in the coffin when he headed in Iheanacho's cross 14 minutes from time.

Spoiler

The German receiving his marching orders

November 24, Lerkendal Stadion
EL Group Stage: Match 5


Rosenborg BK 0-1 Cardiff City
13' Kennedy

MotM: Daniel Amartey (CAR)

Another win was needed coming into this game and Kennedy got the crucial goal 13 minutes into the match. Ghana international Amartey was everywhere tonight, tackling, passing and he even set up the goal for Kennedy. We are now in third with 6 points, Celtic are in second on 7 and we play against each other in the final game, with the winner going through.

November 28, Cardiff City Stadium
Barclays PL: Match 14


Cardiff City 1-1 Tottenham
52' Eriksen
56' Amartey

MotM: Rohan Ince (CAR)

It was a real midfield battle with not many chances being created. Harry Kane came close before he slipped in Eriksen to break the deadlock. But Amartey stuck a beauty to equalize soon after. On loan Alli then hit the bar late on, missing the chance to win it against his parent club.






The month started off with a huge win against the group leaders, Lazio, keeping our slim chances of qualifying for the knock out stages alive. A disappointing loss to QPR followed, Smithies was just unbeatable in between the posts for the Londoners. Two wins in a row arrived in quick succession, the win against Liverpool no doubt down to having the extra man for the majority of the game thanks to Can's reckless challenge. The victory gave us a confidence boost going into a crucial game against Rosenborg in which Kennedy secured us the three points and a chance of progressing. Spurs, wasn't the greatest match to be perfectly honest but Eriksen and Amartey both took their goals well and a point was a fair result. All in all, six points in the Europa League and four from nine in the league is good considering we played Liverpool and Spurs in two of those games. We are fourth but only three points separate us from 11th placed Southampton so I expect us to slip down at some point during the season.



Thanks for Reading!

[Keano16]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

@Rabbit: Great to see that you promoted Alonso and that he is already one of the best players in the team. The month started a bit up and down but you settled into a very nice rhythm, scoring and keeping clean sheets until a little slump but you returned to winning ways and the 5-1 thumping of Toluca must be one of the highlights. You continued the good form in the knockout stages, especially hammering Pumas. I mean 6-2! ....A real shame to lose out in the final after taking a lead into the second leg. Still you showed you can dominate and the Clausura should be achieveable. Your team's domiance showed in the Team of the Season and scoring/assisting charts. Crazy! Tough start with Venezuela but you managed to just about hang in there in 5th. Crucial games coming up!

@Indi: Nice intro and looking forward to seeing what you can do with the Black Cats! Is the first window on or off?

@Yanks: Again, good intro! Lets see who the real king of the north east is. Sunderland or Newcastle?

@Simp: Finally got rid of Malli! And for a decent price too, considering you didn't want him at all. Goretzka is a big signing and offers incredible versatility as well as being very well rounded. He should be an integral part of the team for years to come.You've built up a good lead in the league and Galatasaray are certainly beatable in the Champions League, as are M'gladbach in the cup. Good luck with a possible treble!

[TheYanks]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Season 1
July/August 2015

Season Objectives:
The Domestic Cup objective is to reach the Round of 16.
The League objective qualify for the European Cup.

Budget:
$38,000,000
$180,000 / week

Transfer were disabled for the first summer.

Pre-Season:

Newcastle 1 - 1 CSKA Moscow
Simulated

Inter 3 - 1 Newcastle
Simulated

Newcastle 3 - 1 1899 Hoffenheim
Simulated

We received $2,160,000 for advancing to the semi-finals.

Sporting CP 2 (5) - (4) 2 Newcastle
Simulated

We received $3,996,000 for playing in the semi-final.

I didn’t play any preseason games because I feel like they are a waste of my time but we still did pretty well and received a decent amount of prize money.

BPL Match
Newcastle 0 - 2 Southampton
Austin 65’
Long 72’

MOTM Austin (SOU)

This game was very back and forth with both teams getting plenty of chances just not finishing them until the hour mark. At that point Southampton started to dominate. Their first goal came when Long made a run behind and Janmaat tripped on himself and fell over which left Long wide open to square it across goal to former QPR man Charlie Austin for an easy tap in. The second goal came soon after when the ball was swung in from the right side and Shane Long was first to the ball and headed in off the crossbar, it was close enough to coming out that the referee needed goalline technology to be sure of his decision. We couldn’t get anything going after this and I don’t think we had a single shot after the 60th minute.

BPL Match
Swansea 1 - 3 Newcastle
Doumbia 5’
Sigurdsson 38’
Saivet 48’
Wijnaldum 72’

MOTM Doumbia (NEW)

This game was all around good. Doumbia, in his first game back from an injury sustained at the tailend of last season, scored off a bad pass from the Swansea City defender that let him run through in on goal 1v1 with the goalkeeper. Sigurdsson would equalize before halftime though. He hit a powerful shot that Krul was unable to push off target. We came out of halftime ready to fight though and put one away soon after play resumed. Jonjo Shelvey held up the ball very nicely allowing Saviet to get in position to collect the ball and rip a shot from just inside the penalty area. Wijnaldum would seal the game with a free kick that was very well struck. The keeper never had a chance and if the Dutch man can keep hitting them like that he will score multiple free kicks this season.


Wijnaldum’s free kick going over the wall.

BPL Match
Manchester United 1 - 2 Newcastle
Mata 25’
Wijnaldum 27’
Doumbia 41’ (PEN)

MOTM Krul (NEW)

WOW! This was an unexpected three points for us, away at Old Trafford I would have been pleased with a tie. Mata opened the scoring with a ferocious volley that left Krul stuck in place. We pulled one back against the run of play on the break though when Wijnaldum was played through out wide and cut in to beat Jones and Blind before smashing the ball across the face of De Gea’s goal to fast for him to react. Doumbia scored the winner from the spot after Rojo made an unnecessary challenge in the corner of the box when Saivet had his back to goal. The scoreline for this game doesn’t tell a true story at all. We only had three shots total to their 12 shots on target, 16 total. Krul played absolutely fantastic though and we were able to hit them on the break.

Capital One Cup Match
Bristol City 1 (1) - (3) 1 Newcastle
Townsend 58’
Wilbraham 81’

MOTM Fielding (BRC)

This game just like the game against Manchester United, just the other way around. We had so many shots I can't believe we only scored one goal! Townsend opened the scoring just before the hour mark with a simple tap in after Fielding made an excellent save to deny Aarons. Bristol would score with only their second chance of the game after Colback gave the ball away cheaply while he was the last man and Wilbraham fired an unstoppable shot past Krul. We would prevail in penalties after Krul saved two penalties. It never should have came down to penalties though and Bristol should be giving their goalkeeper Fielding a bonus after that game.

BPL Match
Newcastle 2 - 0 Arsenal
Doumbia 67’
Wijnaldum 83’

MOTM Wijnaldum (NEW)
Another unexpected win for us! We played very defensively and our only attacks came on the counter when Arsenal pushed to many men forward. We absorbed lots of pressure for the entire game and had very few chances but we finally converted one in the 67’. Wijnaldum was played through on goal, cut in and shot at Cech who made an excellent save. To his despair though Doumbia was able to out jump his man and head into a gaping goal. Wijnaldum sealed the game with his second free kick goal of the season already! Doumbia was fouled just outside the box and Wijnaldum stepped up to take the kick and curled it in magnificently. I’m very proud of the way the team played in this home game against a top side.


Doumbia’s goal.


Table:



First Team:



My Thoughts:

The season started with a lost to Southampton and that game certainly had me worried about how this was going to go. We turned it around though and came out with several big wins. Doumbia coming back from injury definitely helped us out, our other strikers aren’t bad they just can’t hustle the opposition as well as Doumbia does or lead counter attacks like him. The Bristol game we played a weakened line up because it was a mid week game but they played well just unable to finish. Rolando Aarons really showed in that game alongside Townsend and both of them will be very good in the future for us on the wings if they can continue to develop.



Something I wanted to share with you guys and see what you thought. Should I manage an international team, is that something you would be interested in or should I just decline them? I have never been approached by a 5 star nation after only such a short time. I have only completed 5 competitive games. Personally I think it would be cool but I’m not sure how I would post it. I guess just put it at the end? Maybe make a separate post? I’m not sure yet or if you even want me to take the job. Let me know what you guys think.

[Matty Aqua]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

I feel so bad for you as the defending is looking horrendous in almost every game. Even if that wasn't enough your strikers still seem to be missing quite a few chances every game. I really hope you manage to start getting those valuable wins after January and a couple of good signings. Speaking of signings, these wouldn't be too realistic ones, and yes, they are bias, but Hertha's John Anthony Brooks, Sebastian Langkamp and Niklas Stark are all good centre backs. Brooks and Stark also have very good potentials. Ben Yedder and Braithwaite from Toulouse could be useful strikers and Stoke's Ryan Shawcross could improve the defence. West Ham's Reid could also be useful in defence.

I'm just about to read through your Hertha post now Simp!!

It's been painful Simpppu!, really frustrating at times, I really under-estimated how tough it would be too keep this team alive in the BPL....but also has been uplifting at times being able to pull out a win against Manchester City!,& our Capitol One Cup run has been solid with our Quarter Final match against Crawley Town in the next episode!

I will take a look at the 3 CB's from Hertha, although being so close to the January Transfer window, I have a few targets in mind!, and I already have the other players you mention on the scouting short list!

Thanks heaps for watching! really keeps me motivated to keep the career going!

[moose141]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Vrabbit - Awful luck with Dorados What a great season you had, yet to come up short in the final has to be heartbreaking. Absolutely the worst feeling in any career mode I've done on any sports game is losing in the finals so I know how you feel. It's really cool seeing Liga MX used, as I never follow it so it's neat getting to learn the league structure and everything like that. Also, keep it up with the promotions, I love seeing people make careers their own by bringing in youth talent!

Indi - Great write up about Sunderland, always an original style that you bring to a piece so I'm looking forward to seeing how it is you mold your squad!

TheYanks - Welcome! Good choice of Newcastle, it'll be interesting to see if you can keep them up as well as if you can buid a bit of a rivalry with Indi!

Simppu - I can tell you from experience that Goretzka is a great player, extremely well rounded and should turn into something special for you! I may be repaying the favor in my January transfer window Interesting that you stuck Aubameyang on the wing there, how has he played from out wide? I assume he's been cutting onto his right foot mainly for you?

Keano - Overall a great month, and if you keep up this form you could find yourself contending for a Champions League place! Nearly could make it out of the Europa group as well, though it may be better for you if you don't make it and can focus on the league Seems to be a very well rounded squad for you, as every match has different goals scorers and MOTMs!

[moose141]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Episode #38: COMEBACK KINGS!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/In3CRNREzRQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[sportsfreak96]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Expect a new CM post from me here soon


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