So close mate, but hopefully you can come back stronger!
The SAF Challenge
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Here comes season five
So now that i am on break, and have time, I will be switch back to monthly reports. I felt better doing it that way than yearly, but time just was not on my side. Now that it is we will go back to monthly.
Pre-season and transfers
Outs
Bazoer
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Was not looking to sell him, but Arsenal met his release clause, i forgot was there after he signed the new contract and i could not stop the sale. Happy we sold him for double the amount we paid, but gutted to lose one of our bright young stars to our rival.
Manolas and Reid
I forgot to snip pictures of their sales, and now cannot find the news articles in my inbox.
Manolas sold for 32.5 million to Juventus, at 29 i was going to have to replace him soon, and was happy to get as much as i did for him.
Reid sold for 3 million to Swansea, he did what was needed for the first two seasons, but after we had the money to get in better players he just did not get game time.
Still looking to sell Cleverley, Lisandro Lopez, and Bender, but time is almost up in the window and nobody seems to want any of them.
Ins
Flebmann
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He looks like he could be a really good player in the future, thanking my Head of Youth Development for finding him. Liga BBVA teams came in for him soon after i signed him, which is always a good thing for youngsters, so he is currently out on loan.
Javier Dominguez
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Just got him in on loan, his stats look really good, but the scout report had a couple of negatives on them. So i will test him this season, and make a decision at the end. Have a future fee of 8.75 agreed already.
Jorge Pereira
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Bought for 2.3 million, he will be good cover in the midfield seeing that Bazoer left and hoping Bender will too. At only 21 his mentals are insane, his physical are really good as well, and he looks technically good, so he can only grow from here.
Daniel Amartey
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Initially bought as Bazoer's replacement for only 10 million, he played at CB during preseason and did well there. So now, he is my starting CB.
Almamy Toure
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Just bought as backup. Payed a bit much at 10.75 million, but better options were far more expensive in transfer fees and wages, and he is only 23. Should have a couple years in him and maybe break into the first team.
Anthony 'ToTo' Martial
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Last season we just did not score enough goals, when it mattered most, so i switched to a two striker system and since we only had 2 strikers i felt we needed another. Man United have not really played him for the past two seasons and he became unhappy. He was valued at 29 million at the time, and i picked him up for 31 million. Really happy with this season, and i think you guys will be too, once you see what happened in August.
Pre-season
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These friendlies just involved me shuffling through formations trying to find a goalscoring tactic that was defensively solid, ended up getting a 4-4-2 to work over that last two games and and it has worked wonders in the league during August.
So now that i am on break, and have time, I will be switch back to monthly reports. I felt better doing it that way than yearly, but time just was not on my side. Now that it is we will go back to monthly.
Pre-season and transfers
Outs
Bazoer
Was not looking to sell him, but Arsenal met his release clause, i forgot was there after he signed the new contract and i could not stop the sale. Happy we sold him for double the amount we paid, but gutted to lose one of our bright young stars to our rival.
Manolas and Reid
I forgot to snip pictures of their sales, and now cannot find the news articles in my inbox.
Manolas sold for 32.5 million to Juventus, at 29 i was going to have to replace him soon, and was happy to get as much as i did for him.
Reid sold for 3 million to Swansea, he did what was needed for the first two seasons, but after we had the money to get in better players he just did not get game time.
Still looking to sell Cleverley, Lisandro Lopez, and Bender, but time is almost up in the window and nobody seems to want any of them.
Ins
Flebmann
He looks like he could be a really good player in the future, thanking my Head of Youth Development for finding him. Liga BBVA teams came in for him soon after i signed him, which is always a good thing for youngsters, so he is currently out on loan.
Javier Dominguez
Just got him in on loan, his stats look really good, but the scout report had a couple of negatives on them. So i will test him this season, and make a decision at the end. Have a future fee of 8.75 agreed already.
Jorge Pereira
Bought for 2.3 million, he will be good cover in the midfield seeing that Bazoer left and hoping Bender will too. At only 21 his mentals are insane, his physical are really good as well, and he looks technically good, so he can only grow from here.
Daniel Amartey
Initially bought as Bazoer's replacement for only 10 million, he played at CB during preseason and did well there. So now, he is my starting CB.
Almamy Toure
Just bought as backup. Payed a bit much at 10.75 million, but better options were far more expensive in transfer fees and wages, and he is only 23. Should have a couple years in him and maybe break into the first team.
Anthony 'ToTo' Martial
Last season we just did not score enough goals, when it mattered most, so i switched to a two striker system and since we only had 2 strikers i felt we needed another. Man United have not really played him for the past two seasons and he became unhappy. He was valued at 29 million at the time, and i picked him up for 31 million. Really happy with this season, and i think you guys will be too, once you see what happened in August.
Pre-season
These friendlies just involved me shuffling through formations trying to find a goalscoring tactic that was defensively solid, ended up getting a 4-4-2 to work over that last two games and and it has worked wonders in the league during August.
What an August
The matches
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Started with a come from behind penalties win against Chelsea in the community shield.
Then City came to Goodison park, and after going 1-0 down with our new tactic I was worried this tactic would not work in the BPL, then we came back, second half and lost the lead late on in the 85th minute. Gutted to draw first game of the season, but it was against City, so no worries.
Next was Chelsea (A). We were 3-0 up by halftime, and my tactic was finally working. Then we nearly through it away at the end, but we just managed to hang on.
Then another tough game against Spurs(A), and we were again 2-0 up by halftime, Spurs scored soon after the half, but Sisto scored soon after to seal the victory.
Lastly easiest game of the bunch West Brom (H). Comfortable 3-0 victory, and life after August seems really good.
The matches
Started with a come from behind penalties win against Chelsea in the community shield.
Then City came to Goodison park, and after going 1-0 down with our new tactic I was worried this tactic would not work in the BPL, then we came back, second half and lost the lead late on in the 85th minute. Gutted to draw first game of the season, but it was against City, so no worries.
Next was Chelsea (A). We were 3-0 up by halftime, and my tactic was finally working. Then we nearly through it away at the end, but we just managed to hang on.
Then another tough game against Spurs(A), and we were again 2-0 up by halftime, Spurs scored soon after the half, but Sisto scored soon after to seal the victory.
Lastly easiest game of the bunch West Brom (H). Comfortable 3-0 victory, and life after August seems really good.
Monthly Awards
We swept the awards, except goal of the month except Martial did come second.
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Martial has been amazing in his first month, he scored 6 in the league and has 3 assists. He is totally worth the money, and is linking up really well with Rashford,who has assisted 3 of Martial's goals and has 2 of his own.
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Was surprised Cerny won it over Rashford, since he only played 2 games compared to Rashfords 4. But an Everton player won it, so I am happy.
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I also won manager of the month. This has been a really good month considering the teams we have played, and i am looking forward to this season.
We swept the awards, except goal of the month except Martial did come second.
Martial has been amazing in his first month, he scored 6 in the league and has 3 assists. He is totally worth the money, and is linking up really well with Rashford,who has assisted 3 of Martial's goals and has 2 of his own.
Was surprised Cerny won it over Rashford, since he only played 2 games compared to Rashfords 4. But an Everton player won it, so I am happy.
I also won manager of the month. This has been a really good month considering the teams we have played, and i am looking forward to this season.
The Champions League draw
After we winning the league, we were seeded 1st, so an easy group was somewhat a probability, since pot two was filled with English teams. The best team besides English teams were Monaco, who we played in the Semi's last year and just my luck we drew them. But we should be beating Schalke and PAOK, so I expect to qualify.
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Capital One Cup
Got drawn Away at Chelsea, so do not expect it to make it far, but we did beat them away, and in community shield, so we might have the mental advantage. But I am not to bothered about this cup.
After we winning the league, we were seeded 1st, so an easy group was somewhat a probability, since pot two was filled with English teams. The best team besides English teams were Monaco, who we played in the Semi's last year and just my luck we drew them. But we should be beating Schalke and PAOK, so I expect to qualify.
Capital One Cup
Got drawn Away at Chelsea, so do not expect it to make it far, but we did beat them away, and in community shield, so we might have the mental advantage. But I am not to bothered about this cup.
Season 5 End
The BPL
League form started off really well, we had a 12 point lead by January and our main contenders were faltering. At one point Aston Villa were second and Sunderland were third. Then Sunderland fell away and the main contenders started picking up pace, but we were just to far ahead at that point, so we went on to win the league with 3 games to spare.
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The BPL
League form started off really well, we had a 12 point lead by January and our main contenders were faltering. At one point Aston Villa were second and Sunderland were third. Then Sunderland fell away and the main contenders started picking up pace, but we were just to far ahead at that point, so we went on to win the league with 3 games to spare.
Great season mate, well done on winning the title!
Our European Journey
Uefa Champions League
Yeah going from making the final one season to going out in the group stage really sucks. We had an easier group this season and could not make it through the group. Losing to Schalke at home, then drawing away really killed our chances and then we got whipped by Monaco and that was that.
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Europa League
A bit of a redemption for our poor champions league showing. Had a bit of a scare when Southampton took a 4-1 lead in the second leg of knockout round 2, but we scored soon after they scored their 4th and we had more away goals at that point so I could rest easy after that. After that we had a fairly comfortable ride to the final.
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The final itself was so nerve wrecking. We went behind first and then took the lead at 2-1. Then they scored from kickoff and had a couple chances afterward. Then they conceded an own goal and we wrapped it up with a late Goretzka goal.
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Uefa Champions League
Yeah going from making the final one season to going out in the group stage really sucks. We had an easier group this season and could not make it through the group. Losing to Schalke at home, then drawing away really killed our chances and then we got whipped by Monaco and that was that.
Europa League
A bit of a redemption for our poor champions league showing. Had a bit of a scare when Southampton took a 4-1 lead in the second leg of knockout round 2, but we scored soon after they scored their 4th and we had more away goals at that point so I could rest easy after that. After that we had a fairly comfortable ride to the final.
The final itself was so nerve wrecking. We went behind first and then took the lead at 2-1. Then they scored from kickoff and had a couple chances afterward. Then they conceded an own goal and we wrapped it up with a late Goretzka goal.
Fa Cup
Run in FA Cup was fairly easy. Only challenge being City away. We stole a late 81st minute draw and then in the replay, we were 4-0 up by the 31st minute thanks to a Martial hat-trick. After that the run to the final was comfortable.
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The final was a bit to close for my liking, but our man Barkley scored the winner right after the break and we hung on for the win.
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Run in FA Cup was fairly easy. Only challenge being City away. We stole a late 81st minute draw and then in the replay, we were 4-0 up by the 31st minute thanks to a Martial hat-trick. After that the run to the final was comfortable.
The final was a bit to close for my liking, but our man Barkley scored the winner right after the break and we hung on for the win.
Season Review
My review
We won a treble, kind of. We do complete the next part of the challenge, which is the league cup double, though. Next up is the real treble and we have 8 seasons to do that so i am confident we can finish this challenge.
New signings
Anthony Martial
Avg. rating 7.51
Goals 26
Assists 10
What a signing he was, he has been awesome and i am hoping now that he is settled into our squad he can score more next season. I am really happy i decided to splash the cash for him.
Daniel Almartey
Avg. Rating 7.14 and also scored 4 goals.
He became was solid at the back for us and has developed a nice partnership with Riedewald. With them both being still young, i am confident we have a nice young, long term partnership.
Almamy Toure
Avg. rating 7.24.
He is a good squad player. Rotated in at CB and RB and chipped in with 4 assists and a goal.
Jorge Pereira
Avg. rating 7.07
A good rotational player. he was mainly used as a substitute and only costing 2.5 million, he worked out really well.
Javier Dominguez
Only played one game, it was hard to get him into the team with Martial, Rashford, and Werner. Don't think i will sign him because i found out we had this youngster after he scored a hat-trick for Holland.
his name is Bahri Utlu
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My review
We won a treble, kind of. We do complete the next part of the challenge, which is the league cup double, though. Next up is the real treble and we have 8 seasons to do that so i am confident we can finish this challenge.
New signings
Anthony Martial
Avg. rating 7.51
Goals 26
Assists 10
What a signing he was, he has been awesome and i am hoping now that he is settled into our squad he can score more next season. I am really happy i decided to splash the cash for him.
Daniel Almartey
Avg. Rating 7.14 and also scored 4 goals.
He became was solid at the back for us and has developed a nice partnership with Riedewald. With them both being still young, i am confident we have a nice young, long term partnership.
Almamy Toure
Avg. rating 7.24.
He is a good squad player. Rotated in at CB and RB and chipped in with 4 assists and a goal.
Jorge Pereira
Avg. rating 7.07
A good rotational player. he was mainly used as a substitute and only costing 2.5 million, he worked out really well.
Javier Dominguez
Only played one game, it was hard to get him into the team with Martial, Rashford, and Werner. Don't think i will sign him because i found out we had this youngster after he scored a hat-trick for Holland.
his name is Bahri Utlu
Top Five Performers
Gino Peruzzi
Avg. rating 7.83
He had 23 assists from RB and also had MOM in both the FA Cup and Europa League finals.
Ross Barkley
Avg. rating 7.80
What can i say, he is our main star and performs consistently every season. He had 10 assists and 10 goals this season.
Anthony Martial
Avg. rating 7.51
He scored 26 goals and assisted 10 in his first season. Really happy with his season.
Pione Sisto
Avg. rating 7.77
Scored 12 and assisted 11 from right wing, he like Barkley perform consistently every season.
Marcus Rashford
Avg. rating 7.27
He has become second fiddle behind Martial, but has still scored 22 goals and assisted 15. Him and Martial have massive futures at our club and i am really happy to have bought the two of them.
Gino Peruzzi
Avg. rating 7.83
He had 23 assists from RB and also had MOM in both the FA Cup and Europa League finals.
Ross Barkley
Avg. rating 7.80
What can i say, he is our main star and performs consistently every season. He had 10 assists and 10 goals this season.
Anthony Martial
Avg. rating 7.51
He scored 26 goals and assisted 10 in his first season. Really happy with his season.
Pione Sisto
Avg. rating 7.77
Scored 12 and assisted 11 from right wing, he like Barkley perform consistently every season.
Marcus Rashford
Avg. rating 7.27
He has become second fiddle behind Martial, but has still scored 22 goals and assisted 15. Him and Martial have massive futures at our club and i am really happy to have bought the two of them.
@mgriffin: Yeah was happy to win the league again, but Champions League performance was extremely disappointing.
@foy: Yeah we have had him since he was 16 and kept loaning him out. I did not even know we had him but after he scored 8 in 6 for Holland, I will have to give him a chance.
@foy: Yeah we have had him since he was 16 and kept loaning him out. I did not even know we had him but after he scored 8 in 6 for Holland, I will have to give him a chance.
Next Season
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Yeah, my squad is so strong, and i really do not know where to spend 111 million pounds, there is a couple of players i need to get off our wage bill though.
I guess the challenge for this season is going for that treble and completing the challenge.
Yeah, my squad is so strong, and i really do not know where to spend 111 million pounds, there is a couple of players i need to get off our wage bill though.
I guess the challenge for this season is going for that treble and completing the challenge.
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