Trouble In Spain: The Pedro Llorente Chronicles

8/6/2014

Financial Fair Play. Three words which tonight strike fear into the hearts of football fans all around the world, as Spanish Giants Barcelona appear to have fallen victim to football’s money regulations.

The regulations were established in an attempt to prevent clubs from spending outside of their means, and bring a degree of parity back to the game’s biggest competitions. However, with big name signings such as Luis Suarez (£75m), Neymar (£71m), Alexis Sanchez (£30m), Cesc Fabregas (£30m), and Javier Mascherano (£18.5m) all arriving in the past 5 years on big-money contracts, Barcelona’s spending seems to finally have outstripped the club’s means.

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Neymar: One of Barcelona’s record signings, could be one of the names leaving the club in the near future

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Speaking about the importance of FFP, UEFA president Michel Platini was unequivocal in his views on the matter, stating that:

Michel Platini, UEFA President:

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Fifty per cent of clubs are losing money and this is an increasing trend. We needed to stop this downward spiral. They have spent more than they have earned in the past and haven't paid their debts. We don't want to kill or hurt the clubs; on the contrary, we want to help them in the market. The teams who play in our tournaments have unanimously agreed to our principles…living within your means is the basis of accounting but it hasn't been the basis of football for years now. The owners are asking for rules because they can't implement them themselves - many of them have had it with shovelling money into clubs and the more money you put into clubs, the harder it is to sell at a profit.

Certainly, Barcelona fans will be on the edge of their seats, wondering what is to happen to their club in light of these revelations, while El Clasico opponents Real Madrid are sure to be gleeful at the prospect of an almost-uncontested crack at the La Liga Title.

More news on this as the situation develops

Good luck, interesting to see how this develops

ooo interesting... nice updates and good luck! I'm a sucker for a good Spanish story

9/6/2014

After yesterday’s sensational news that Barcelona have fallen victim to Financial Fair Play, news emerging from Spain this morning suggests that Real Madrid have also found themselves on the wrong side of FIFAs regulations, with their spending far outstripping their revenue for up to the last 5 years.

In that time, Madrid’s transfer spending has included names such as Gareth Bale (£85.3m), James Rodriguez (£63m), Asier Illarramendi (£34m) and Luka Modric (£30m), while the largest fee received for an outgoing player came this summer, when Angel Di Maria moved to Manchester United for £59.7m.

Speaking today in Rome, Michel Platini showed little sympathy for the Madrid club’s plight:

Michel Platini, UEFA President:

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It distresses me that so soon after the regulations going live, two of the World's biggest clubs have fallen foul. It is interesting to note just how large the discrepancy between what they could afford and what they have actually spent is. Barcelona and Real Madrid are obviously huge names within football, as were the players they signed, however it falls to us now to deal with this as best we can, and send a clear message to other clubs with regards to how any further transgressions will be treated.

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Kaka: Signed for £56m in 2009, the Brazilian is one of Madrid’s biggest signings to date

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With Real Madrid now joining Barcelona on the waiting list for retribution, the footballing world waits with baited breath to see exactly how the governing body, so often a pushover, will deal with the situation which now presents itself.

Bombshell!

Good luck mate!

Hello, and welcome to Trouble In Spain, my final ever FM15 story, based around a database by pointer4ncfc, which can be found here.

I will be playing as fictional manager Pedro Llorente, a 39 year old from Barcelona, who has found himself thrust into the spotlight as Barcelona and Real Madrid face the fallout from their inability to control their spending.

Pedro’s philosophy is one of nurturing home grown talent, as opposed to splashing the cash on foreign imports.

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Pedro’s Diary

8/7/2014

One month since my beloved Barcelona were found to be in violation of FFP rules, and today we find out the punishment. Demotion. Both us, and Real Madrid, were to be demoted to the Second Division, group B1, and have to restore our reputation from there. We got to keep our UCL spots, but both clubs received terrible fines - enough to put both teams into administration.

I thought the day I was named manager of Barcelona would be the happiest day of my life. Instead, it is one of the most daunting.

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Very interesting start, I'll be watching to see how this story develops. Good luck!

A great start with two big clubs being knocked down a peg or two! Keep it up.

12/7/2014

As Barcelona and Real Madrid brace themselves for life in Spanish Football’s 3rd tier, many of their players have bought out their own contracts, and headed for the door. With Administration looming over both clubs, and little to no chance at major silverware, the success-driven stars have decided to take their footballing talents and reputations elsewhere.

Some players have already found clubs, and we’ll look at that below, but two of the main talking points are Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale who return to Spurs and Liverpool respectively, after FIFA ruled that their transfers breached FFP. This does leave the English clubs in something of a muddle financially, but it has been suggested that any discrepancy in their finances this season will be overlooked, to give them time to balance the outlay which came with replacing their star names.

James Rodriguez - PSG

James Rodriguez:

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I’m disappointed that I never got to play a competitive match for Real, but now, with PSG, I can look forwards to the future, and build on a great World Cup.

Sergio Ramos - Manchester United

Sergio Ramos:

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I am sad to be leaving Real, but I had to do what was best for my Career, and right now, that is continuing to play at the highest level, and win trophies for both club and country. Who knows, maybe one day i’ll return...

Gerard Pique - Liverpool

Gerard Pique:

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I love Barcelona; the club will always be my home, but with the financial situation, it wasn’t viable for me or for my Family. Liverpool is worlds away from the sun of Barca, but I’m hoping I can settle here - it’s great to be back in the Premier League. I wish Barcelona and the fans all the best in the future.

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Former Real Keeper Casillas is one of several players still not with a club

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While some former Galacticos have found new clubs, some, like Spanish goalkeeper Casillas have preferred to take their leave of Madrid, and hold off on finding a new club. With the transfer deadline approaching fast, speculation remains rife on the futures of both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, neither of whom have made any comment on their futures.

As Barcelona prepare for life in Spain's 3rd professional tier, they came through what could have been a tricky pre-season relatively unscathed, with some encouraging performances, including several slick performances on a tour of the States, where their fanbase remained loyal in spite of the club's troubles.

Results

Koniz 2-1 Barcelona (Friendly)
FCB: Ortola, Patric, Costa, Le, Grimaldo, Samper, Kaptoum, Traore, Messi (c), Roman, Sandro
FCB Subs: None
Goals: Edgar Le (36)

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Lokomotiv Moscow 1-2 Barcelona (Friendly)
FCB: Ondoa, Bagnack, Diagne, Patric, Samper, Grimaldo, Halilovic, Babunski (inj 88), Bicho, Messi (c), Dongou
FCB Subs: Kaptoum (on 88)
Goals: Lionel Messi (40, 42)

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Tolouse 5-1 Barcelona (Friendly)
FCB: Ondoa, Bagnack, Diagne, Patric, Samper, Grimaldo (inj 67), Halilovic, Babunski, Bicho, Messi (c), Dongou
FCB Subs: Gafarot (on 67)
Goals: Lionel Messi (6)

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Charlotte Eagles 1-4 Barcelona (Friendly)
FCB: Ortola, Patric, Costa, Le, Gafarot, Kaptoum (sub 45), Gumbau, Traore (sub 45), Camara (sub 45), Messi (c), Sandro
FCB Subs: Sergi Samper (on 45), Alen Halilovic (on 45), Joan Roman (on 45)
Goals: Edgar Le (41), Juan Camara (44), Sandro (64, 89)

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Carolina RailHawks 0-2 Barcelona (Friendly)
FCB: Ondoa, Patric, Diagne, Bagnack, Grimaldo, Ca, Kaptoum, Traore (inj 15), Lionel Messi (c), Joan Roman, Sandro
FCB Subs: Halilovic (on 15)
Goals: Sandro (6), Messi (27)

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Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2-5 Barcelona (Friendly)
FCB: Ortola, Patric, Costa, Le, Grimaldo, Samper (sub 61), Gumbau (sub 61), Traore (sub 61), Messi (c), Camara (sub 61), Dongou
FCB Subs: Babunski (on 61), Sandro (on 61), Halilovic (on 61), Diagne (on 61)
Goals: Adama Traore (19), Jean-Marie Dongou (53), Lionel Messi (63), Alen Halilovic (7, 85)

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Orlando City 0-2 Barcelona (Friendly)
FCB: Ondoa, Patric, Costa, Le, Grimaldo, Samper, Gumbau, Traore, Halilovic, Camara, Messi (inj 45)
FCB Subs: Sandro (on 45)
Goals: Conor Donovan o.g (2), Juan Camara (9)

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Barcelona 2-1 Llagostera (Friendly)
FCB: Ortola, Patic, Le, Diagne, Grimaldo, Samper (c), Calvet (sub 57), Traore (sub 57), Halilovic (sub 57), Roman (sub 57), Sandro
FCB Subs: Bicho (on 57), Babunski (on 57), Camara (on 57), Gumbau (on 57)
Goals: Alen Halilovic (34), Sandro (81)

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Al-Ittihad 1-3 Barcelona (Friendly)
FCB: Ondoa, Patric, Costa, Le, Grimaldo (sub 72), Samper (c)(sub 72), Gumbau (sub 72), Traore (sub 72), Halilovic (sub 72), Babunski (sub 72), Sandro (sub 72)
FCB Subs: Diagne (on 72), Bicho (on 72), Dongou (on 72), Gafarot (on 72), Roman (on 72), Camara (on 72)
Goals: Sandro (15), Adama Traore (25), Faris Al-Aliany (60)

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Player Of The Month: Sergi Samper

The Youngster has been in excellent form this month, sitting as a rock in midfield for the tour off the USA. With a pass completion rate of 88%, and contributing an assist as well as some excellent technical skills, Samper looks like he could be a major force for us this season

Season Standings

League: Not Yet Entered
Champions League Not Yet Entered
Spanish Cup Not Yet Entered

Good pre-season considering the circumstances, wonder where Messi will go!

As the new season rolls around, Barcelona Manager Pedro Llorente seems to have settled on his squad for the new season; despite the loss of Wilfrid Kaptoum who moved to Monaco for £94k, and the potential departure of Macky Bagnack to Olympiakos in a deal worth around £1.4m after clauses, the young manager has gone for a large, rotatable squad, full of youthful vigour, and packing bags of talent. The biggest boost to Barcelona fans will be Lionel Messi’s recent admission that he is determined to stay at Barcelona, and help his club fight their way back to the top of the pile.

2014/15 Squad: FC Barcelona

Goalkeepers

Adrian Ortola - The 21 year old Spanish ‘keeper is likely to be the first choice goalkeeper this season. A youth graduate of Villareal, Ortola moved to Barcelona before everything went wrong, and cannot have expected his first-team break to have come as quickly as this.

Fabrice Ondoa - A product of Barcelona’s own Academy, the 18 year old Cameroonian is a solid backup to Ortola, and as time progresses, his development may reach a point where he can stake a claim to the number one jersey at the Nou Camp.

Fullbacks

Patric - With pace to burn, and a work rate that would put many defenders to shame, Patric is likely to be a starting face at right back for Barcelona this season. Patric already has a reputation as a right back who could do a job in La Liga, and Llorente will be keen to hold onto him.

Dani Palao - Still a raw talent, Palao has an eye for a pass, although the defensive side of his game does need some hard work. Should cover be needed at right back this season, Palao may not be the ideal candidate, but with hard work in training, and some game time, he could go on to be a major player for Barcelona.

Alex Grimaldo - Another player who has stayed back to help his club return to the top, Grimaldo is head and shoulders above the other left backs at the club this season. Quick and with great technique, Grimaldo will look to take this opportunity to make a name for himself with his club.

Lucas Gafarot - Likely to be backup to Grimaldo, Gafarot is a graduate of Cornella; a 3rd division side, but he made the step to Barcelona in 2012, and made 7 appearances for the B team last season. With time and space to develop, Gafarot is an excellent prospect for the future.

Julen Arellano - Another rough diamond, promoted by Llorente this season, Arellano is a huge prospect for Barcelona, but needs some hard work in training, much like Palao. Efficient in the tackle, and possessing explosive pace with acceleration, Arellano has the foundations to be a great left back.

Centerbacks

Diawandou Diagne - A new arrival in Spain, Diagne is a strong, energetic defender, who knows exactly how to keep opposition strikers at bay. With 60 professional appearances already under his belt at 19, Diagne will be critical to Barcelona’s push back to the top.

Edgar Le - Signed from Sporting for £1.4m in 2012, Le is a talent that Barcelona have been working hard to develop over the last 2 seasons. He has made 19 appearances for the B team, and now finds his chance with the first team this season. Alongside Diagne, he is likely to be first choice this season.

Xavi Quintilla - Another youngster who Llorente has brought up from the B team, Quintilla is a massive prospect for the future of the Barcelona defence; quick off the mark, and representative of the style of football the Catalan club are famed for, Quintilla needs some work and plenty of game time, but could soon push for a starting position.

Robert Costa - At 20, Costa is likely to be 3rd choice Centreback this season, behind Le and Diagne. A solid all-round defender, Costa provides some flexibility in defence, and is a solid and reliable backup.

Defensive Midfielders

Sergi Samper - Named the club’s Vice Captain for this season, Samper displayed his credentials in pre-season with a series of powerful performances. Technically gifted and with an eye for a killer pass, Samper will be critical for Barcelona this season, and is likely to be the first name on the teamsheet.

Gerard Gumbau - Bought from Girona, Gumbau has already made 32 professional appearances, and scored 7 goals. With that track record, he will be critical backup to Samper, and with careful development, could become a key player in the future.

Agostinho Ca - Another arrival from Sporting, Ca was once thought to have potential to become one of the World’s best. That dream may be out of sight for now, but if he makes the most of the facilities at Barcelona, he could become one of the club’s greats. A good all round midfielder, he will have to be patient to get his break, but he can rest assured it will come in time.

Central Midfielders

Pol Calvet - Out and Out central midfielders are somewhat lacking in this Barcelona side, and Calvet seems to be the pick of the bunch at the moment. Calvet could grow into an incredible player, but he will need some real work. His work rate and ability to work well with a team are his two main assets for now, and in a team with many inexperienced but talented personalities, that will be critical.

Lionel Enguene - Calvet may be the slightly more accomplished midfielder, but 18 year old Enguene has the complete package. His attitude, work rate and technique are all there in abundance, they just need to be nurtured, and brought to the fore. Likely to be used in a rotational system in the heart of midfield, Enguene may just be the level head that Barcelona need.

Amir Natkho - Potentially one of the biggest talents to have been brought from the B team, Natkho is an 18 year old Russian who could yet be Llorente’s roughest diamond. With great technique, and the vision to create something from nothing, Natkho will be keen to get his head down and drive his career forwards.

Wingers

Adama Traore - Another growing reputation who decided to stay with Barcelona to rebuild the squad, Traore is already building a solid reputation as a talented technical winger, with 5 goals in 27 appearances for Barcelona’s B team. Traore is likely to be one of Barca’s biggest threats this season, and Llorente will be keen to keep hold of him.

Joan Roman - Behind Messi, Roman is Barcelona’s most talented left winger this season, and his pace and trickery will be a real problem for the opposition sides this season. Likely to be a starting name, Roman will be keen to develop his already accomplished skill set.

Juan Camara - A graduate of Villareal’s youth system, 20 year old Camara already has 104 competitive appearances under his belt, and 23 goals to his name in Spain’s lower divisions. An accomplished passer of the ball, and technically accomplished, Camara’s development will be critical to Barcelona’s progress.

Attacking Midfielders

Alen Halilovic - Halilovic, at just 18, had a £1.6m price tag slapped on him by Dinamo, for whom he made 44 appearances, scoring 7 goals. Barcelona paid it, and in doing so, brought one of world football’s biggest talents to the Nou Camp. Along with Traore and Roman, Halilovic brings real bite and pace to the Barca midfield, and is another name Llorente may face a struggle to keep hold of.

David Babunski - A Macedonian national, 20 year old Babunski has bags of talent, and is likely to push Halilovic for a starting spot this season. Although not the fastest of players, his vision and technical ability mean he can find pockets of space for his team mates to exploit.

Bicho - On loan from Deportivo, Bicho provides a handy backup for Babunski and Halilovic, and will be looking to make the most of the platform he’s been given at Barcelona. Accomplished in the pass, and technically gifted, the Spaniard has a big future ahead, and Llorente’s passion for developing youth can only aid him.

Strikers

Lionel Messi - A player who needs no introduction, Messi is one of the biggest names in World football, and has committed his future to Barcelona. The only risk in regards to his future is the club’s financial position - any bid of reasonable value which is given, is likely to be accepted.

Jean-Marie Dongou - One of Barcelona’s most gifted young strikers, Cameroonian Dongou has already made 75 appearances, scoring 15 times. Although likely to be backup to Messi this season, the youngster could prove to be a useful tool for Llorente.

Sandro - Another talent, Sandro has been with Barcelona for the last 4 years, making 31 appearances and scoring 7 times. The 19 year old Spaniard had a good pre-season as well, stepping into the gap left by Messi’s injury to make 5 appearances, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 Man of the Match performances.

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Overall, despite the club’s financial turmoil, Llorente has a great squad to work with, and the coming season is likely to provide a platform from which he can develop his own tactical philosophy.