It Begins...

Team Overview

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So, finally, here we are! Xazar Adalari Futbol Klubu (or Adalari FK for short).

Only the best for the club designed to represent Azerbaijan's new cultural elite. Impressive training facilities, great youth facilities, no less then you'd expect!

Our home ground is Avesta Arena (named for the company run by our billionaire owner & also our main sponsor.), a 25,000 all seater with synthetic grass, undersoil heating & a nice little roof to block out that pesky whether. State of the art, if a little small on the continental front.

Despite all this, we are only predicted to finish 6th & here's why...

Squad Overview

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Just the 9 (think I said 7 before ) players on the books.

I'll admit, what we have is pretty decent (by Azeri standards) but there is much work ahead if we are going to be compete at the top of the table. To make things a little harder, I've also decided not to use my new found wealth to poach the best home-grown players from other Azeri sides. Instead I will rely on free, listed or foreign based players.

Tactics

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So, apparently Valary Karpin's preferred formation is a 5-2-2-1. Having looked at it in action I immediately decided I couldn't make it work in its original form, so I've Lippofied it a little.

Its still a 5-2-2-1, just a little wider then he seems to like. In fact, the more astute of you will notice that its basically the same tactic I used at Everton, with a 3rd CB instead of a DM!

Now, I have next to no experience using a back 3, so god knows how its going to play! All I know is its time to get stuck in! Wish me luck as I attempt to make it to the top!

Thanks for your patience.

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Not the best start here!

My first port of call, as I began the process of building my new team, was the transfer list. I was hoping to find someone that stood out, someone of quality, someone that'd put some bums on seats! Samba Diakite was that man! (mainly because I knew who he was )

Unfortunately, I wasn't the only one after him & following a brief decision making process he decided to join, perhaps, our biggest rivals, Sumqayit City!

I can't say I'm not disappointed but I do take this as at least a bit of proof that Sumqayit, & Kinky, will be spending their money wisely, which bodes well for the save!

Anyway, Game on!!!!

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Right, so having to re-start was a bit frustrating but it afforded me the luxury of actually starting this time with a clearer idea of players to target.

I wont bore you with the Azeri signings (of which there were only 2 anyway) but, in all, I managed to sign 4 of my allowed 8, foreign players before my first friendly. My dealings included 2 young players who I hope to build a team around moving forward & 2 veterans, on 1 year deals, to add some experience to the line-up for the short term. Without further ado, here they are:

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Robert Burbano

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First up is 20 year old Ecuadorian winger/playmaker Robert Burbano. 850K (possibly rising to 1M!) is admittedly a fraction more then I'd have liked to pay but, never the less, Robert is an extremely talented youngster with a seemingly bright future. Hopefully he can develop his game a little here & become a key player for us.

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Alfredo Intriago

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Another one for the future, another Ecuadorian. This time I was more then happy to pay the 400K fee!

Alfredo looks a real talent &, maybe more importantly, seems to fit our style of play perfectly. As with Burbano, he is a guy I hope we can build a team around moving forward, thus both players have been sent on an intensive language course to learn Azeri.

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Roland Linz

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The first of my short term, veteran signings, is 33 year old Austrian forward, Roland Linz. Obviously striker is an important position for any team & having discovered a distinct lack of quality available to us in the market, I decided to go for an experienced, short term option.

Roland's aerial presence & composure in front of goal should make him a difficult customer for opposition defences to handle, while a one year contract ensures the club is taking minimal risk if he doesn't work out.

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Marek Cech

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Much like Roland, Marek is another short term, minimal risk signing.

I decided I needed a left wing back a little more capable going forward & baulked at paying 750K+ for the likes of QPR man Armand Traore. Hence I've cheaped out & gone with another veteran available on a free transfer.

Again, like Roland, Marek signs a one year deal so if he doesn't work out, or we find ourselves with the opportunity to improve, he'll be moved on with minimal fuss.

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So, there we have it. My first 4 foreign targets confirmed, which meant I could actually field a first 11 for our first ever friendly match! Here is the side that will lead us into battle against the might of Serbian Super League side, Vojvodina!

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Its not exactly world class but its a start. A good start I think but I guess only time will tell on that one!

Anyway, wish me luck as Adalari FK take their first steps on the road to footballing greatness! I hope. :)

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Adalari vs Vojvodina

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Our first ever friendly match serves a reminder of just how far we have to go. We were completely dominated from pillar to post & never looked like turning it around.

Ok, we only have 15 players on the books. Ok, this as the first time they've played together. But Jesus F. Christ! That was horrendous! 63% pass completion! 35% possession! 4 shots, none of which were on target! Its going to be a long year if this is what the guys are going to throw up!

Obviously there I much work ahead, both in the market & on the training pitch. My next update will be at the end of pre season, lets pray for some improvement between now & then!

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