I'm not saying that they aren't a big club.. I just don't want you killed haha
Simply amazing update! You can really tell a lot of effort and consideration has gone into it. I really like the concept as well! A net spend of -120m, sounds like you're the new Porto/Benfica!
Last time on Chasing CSKA, Luke and some of his backroom staff returned to the club to discuss incoming and outgoing transfers. With the arrival of new goalkeeper Alexander Nübel whilst former number one Matvey Safonov left the club for Wolves. There was also some fear of losing star striker Fedor Chalov.
Today, the squad return to training, whilst the Russian Transfer Window is set to open in the coming days. This is, Chasing CSKA.
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“Welcome back lads,” professed Victor Onopko, Luke Hendricks’ assistant, “Happy new year, are we ready to get back to work!” he continued.
The 19th of January 2020 signalled the first day back to training for CSKA Moscow having had a month off due to the winter break. In their last game since the break, a 0-0 draw was secured against Chelsea in the Champions League group stages. It hadn’t changed anything with qualification being secured against Benfica a month earlier, but it showed Luke’s team could compete against some of the continents best sides.
That was important for Luke, with a game against Juventus in the Round of Sixteen just a month away. Preparations for that game began now.
“We have a month lads, a month to be ready. It’s our first time in the knockout rounds in years. We want to make the most of it and show the world our ability. For that to happen we need to work hard and be prepared and that starts now boys.” announced Luke Hendricks to his squad.
“We have five reasonably comfortable friendlies to start with and I expect to see everyone at their best. Today will revolve around fitness tests with Victor to ensure you are all in the expected shape. Anyone found to not be at the level we expect will be sent to work on their own and won’t be looked at for the games until they are in the required state.”
“This is another massively important five months boys. We can prove ourselves as the best team in Russia and make a mark in Europe. The majority of us remember how enjoyable this time was last season and that was down to the way in which we went about it. I want to see that same attitude this year. Let’s go and get it lads. Out on the pitch with Victor in twenty.” finished the manager.
As the first team made their way to the training pitches, Luke Hendricks made his way to his office for another meeting with his recruitment team. With offers still coming in for the likes of Fedor Chalov, the transfer window opens in just three days in Russia.
“Any more offers come in for Fedor?” questioned Luke to his Technical Director, Evgeny Adamov.
“Yep, Manchester United came in with another one for £26,000,000 rising to £34,000,000 whilst Atlético Madrid placed a £27,500,000 rising to £37,500,000. Neither are close to our value still so we have rejected them. They only have just under two weeks in their window, so we can expect some serious bids to come in soon.” replied Adamov.
“Nothing unexpected then. Maxim, what's the latest on Lieshout?” asked Luke
“From what we have been told, he wants the move. It’s all on Dynamo now and we know how hard they bargain after the Roman Yengenjev situation. We have made another big offer for him at around £14,000,000 in total. It’s a huge amount of money for a seventeen year old but we truly believe he will become one of if not the best Russian players in his generation. A true talent.” answered Chief Scout Maxim Dyukov.
Omar Lieshout broke into the Dynamo Moscow squad last season having come through the clubs youth academy. He was a player that had been on Luke Hendricks’ radar for some time having had numerous bids rejected in the summer window. With money still not being spent from the sale of Arnór Sigurðsson, there is certainly room for the move.
“Everyone is in great shape. They have clearly stuck to the fitness programmes and we look good to get going from tomorrow. Jesús Vallejo is the only one with the slightest of knocks and that’s a bruised ankle so he will be 100% from tomorrow. The lads seem to be in good spirits and with a couple of games that match sharpness will be right back.” Victor Onopko explained to his manager.
“Great stuff, we will go through some basic stuff tomorrow, making sure everyone is certain of their place in the tactics before a quick team meeting ahead of the game on Saturday. Next week is when we will start the full training schedule.” said Luke. “Are any of the younger players ready for the move up?” asked the manager.
“You were right to send up Igor Titov he looks like he could benefit from week in week out with the first team squad. Further improvements and he will be a very good option on that left wing. Unfortunately Andrey Ivanov isn’t looking likely to make it. He is lacking both mentally and technically for a player of his age so it could be ideal to let him go soon enough.” replied Victor.
January 22nd 2022 marked the opening of the Russian Winter Transfer Window and also marked the arrival of CSKA Moscow’s latest number one goalkeeper, Alexander Nübel. The German shot-stopper joined his new club in Greece for their first friendly matches against Sparti and Trikala. Luke Hendricks was on hand to welcome his latest signing.
“Alex,” Luke began “It is great to finally have you here, it’s been a long time coming, I hope you are well and you are excited to finally get going here?”
“It’s great to get here boss. I have been impressed by what I have seen here and I think there is a lot more to come from this squad. It’s going to be an enjoyable time I think and I can’t wait to get going.”
As the CSKA squad begins to come together again, preparations are underway for the biggest game in some time for the club. For Luke and his team they have a massive challenge ahead of them, but one they believe they can conquer.
Blake:Glad to see you like it. Hopefully it can match your standards!
Scott:Thank you, hopefully it can work out long term as it is a way in which I am enjoying writing. Preperation is massive especially for a side that doesn't have as much pull as the majority of those competing in the Champions League knockout stages. To compete we have to be prepared to replace key players at any moment.
Jack:I appreciate that, it was the idea of the new style to try and incorporate the whole club as such, glad it is coming across well so far!
tedbro:Thank you very much mate. Hope it didn't disappoint.
Griffo: The suspense is the best part though
Zed:Very kind words, thank you. In terms of spending, I think we have to accept we aren't a European giant (yet ) so we will lose some of our very talented players. It's down to us to replace them for as little as possible to ensure if we do then lose them again, another profit can be made!
Today, the squad return to training, whilst the Russian Transfer Window is set to open in the coming days. This is, Chasing CSKA.
“Welcome back lads,” professed Victor Onopko, Luke Hendricks’ assistant, “Happy new year, are we ready to get back to work!” he continued.
The 19th of January 2020 signalled the first day back to training for CSKA Moscow having had a month off due to the winter break. In their last game since the break, a 0-0 draw was secured against Chelsea in the Champions League group stages. It hadn’t changed anything with qualification being secured against Benfica a month earlier, but it showed Luke’s team could compete against some of the continents best sides.
That was important for Luke, with a game against Juventus in the Round of Sixteen just a month away. Preparations for that game began now.
“We have a month lads, a month to be ready. It’s our first time in the knockout rounds in years. We want to make the most of it and show the world our ability. For that to happen we need to work hard and be prepared and that starts now boys.” announced Luke Hendricks to his squad.
“We have five reasonably comfortable friendlies to start with and I expect to see everyone at their best. Today will revolve around fitness tests with Victor to ensure you are all in the expected shape. Anyone found to not be at the level we expect will be sent to work on their own and won’t be looked at for the games until they are in the required state.”
“This is another massively important five months boys. We can prove ourselves as the best team in Russia and make a mark in Europe. The majority of us remember how enjoyable this time was last season and that was down to the way in which we went about it. I want to see that same attitude this year. Let’s go and get it lads. Out on the pitch with Victor in twenty.” finished the manager.
As the first team made their way to the training pitches, Luke Hendricks made his way to his office for another meeting with his recruitment team. With offers still coming in for the likes of Fedor Chalov, the transfer window opens in just three days in Russia.
“Any more offers come in for Fedor?” questioned Luke to his Technical Director, Evgeny Adamov.
“Yep, Manchester United came in with another one for £26,000,000 rising to £34,000,000 whilst Atlético Madrid placed a £27,500,000 rising to £37,500,000. Neither are close to our value still so we have rejected them. They only have just under two weeks in their window, so we can expect some serious bids to come in soon.” replied Adamov.
“Nothing unexpected then. Maxim, what's the latest on Lieshout?” asked Luke
“From what we have been told, he wants the move. It’s all on Dynamo now and we know how hard they bargain after the Roman Yengenjev situation. We have made another big offer for him at around £14,000,000 in total. It’s a huge amount of money for a seventeen year old but we truly believe he will become one of if not the best Russian players in his generation. A true talent.” answered Chief Scout Maxim Dyukov.
Omar Lieshout broke into the Dynamo Moscow squad last season having come through the clubs youth academy. He was a player that had been on Luke Hendricks’ radar for some time having had numerous bids rejected in the summer window. With money still not being spent from the sale of Arnór Sigurðsson, there is certainly room for the move.
“Everyone is in great shape. They have clearly stuck to the fitness programmes and we look good to get going from tomorrow. Jesús Vallejo is the only one with the slightest of knocks and that’s a bruised ankle so he will be 100% from tomorrow. The lads seem to be in good spirits and with a couple of games that match sharpness will be right back.” Victor Onopko explained to his manager.
“Great stuff, we will go through some basic stuff tomorrow, making sure everyone is certain of their place in the tactics before a quick team meeting ahead of the game on Saturday. Next week is when we will start the full training schedule.” said Luke. “Are any of the younger players ready for the move up?” asked the manager.
“You were right to send up Igor Titov he looks like he could benefit from week in week out with the first team squad. Further improvements and he will be a very good option on that left wing. Unfortunately Andrey Ivanov isn’t looking likely to make it. He is lacking both mentally and technically for a player of his age so it could be ideal to let him go soon enough.” replied Victor.
January 22nd 2022 marked the opening of the Russian Winter Transfer Window and also marked the arrival of CSKA Moscow’s latest number one goalkeeper, Alexander Nübel. The German shot-stopper joined his new club in Greece for their first friendly matches against Sparti and Trikala. Luke Hendricks was on hand to welcome his latest signing.
“Alex,” Luke began “It is great to finally have you here, it’s been a long time coming, I hope you are well and you are excited to finally get going here?”
“It’s great to get here boss. I have been impressed by what I have seen here and I think there is a lot more to come from this squad. It’s going to be an enjoyable time I think and I can’t wait to get going.”
As the CSKA squad begins to come together again, preparations are underway for the biggest game in some time for the club. For Luke and his team they have a massive challenge ahead of them, but one they believe they can conquer.
Replies
Blake:Glad to see you like it. Hopefully it can match your standards!
Scott:Thank you, hopefully it can work out long term as it is a way in which I am enjoying writing. Preperation is massive especially for a side that doesn't have as much pull as the majority of those competing in the Champions League knockout stages. To compete we have to be prepared to replace key players at any moment.
Jack:I appreciate that, it was the idea of the new style to try and incorporate the whole club as such, glad it is coming across well so far!
tedbro:Thank you very much mate. Hope it didn't disappoint.
Griffo: The suspense is the best part though
Zed:Very kind words, thank you. In terms of spending, I think we have to accept we aren't a European giant (yet
) so we will lose some of our very talented players. It's down to us to replace them for as little as possible to ensure if we do then lose them again, another profit can be made!
Great update mate, some big things about to happen in Moscow it appears. The signing of Nübel is a great way to ease yourself into the transfer market, but Omar is a much more important signing in my opinion. 17-years old, Russian, and already better [mentally] than players twice his age! In regards to your youth lads, they still look like they could make it, although it definitely appears that Igor is more likely than Andrey atm. I like the look of Andrey, but it looks like he needs a loan move to the FNL tbh.
You've got a busy 5 months ahead of you, so I look forward to excuses on why things went wrong seeing your progress in the league and Europe!
You've got a busy 5 months ahead of you, so I look forward to excuses on why things went wrong seeing your progress in the league and Europe!
Moscow have proven they are very good at maximising what they can get for players before and I'm sure with Chalov it will be no different.
Nubel looks a fantastic capture. You forget how good he is sometimes.
Nubel looks a fantastic capture. You forget how good he is sometimes.
Another great episode, it seems to me like Chalov is a man in serious demand - with limitations in fees being offered. Nubel is a stunning signature and I'm looking forward to the clean sheets ahead
Another fantastic update. Looks like there could be a tough decision coming up though with Chalov if he goes need to make sure luke has plenty of time to find areplacement. Omar looks like he could be a great signing if your able to get him
Yep, Chalov is maybe the brightest russian talent in the moment, no wonders why is wanted by big clubs.
Nübel is a fantastic goalkeeper. And a good team must have a good goalkeeper. Excellent addition.
Last time on Chasing CSKA the CSKA Moscow first team squad returned to training with a focus on a return to fitness before their first friendly in Greece. The transfer window also opened with Luke Hendricks and his staff focusing on potential incoming transfers.
Today, CSKA prepared for their opening leg of the Champions League Round of Sixteen game against Juventus having played a number of friendlies. Whilst the transfer window comes to a close.
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“Is he having a fucking laugh?” asked Evgeny Adamov.
“I was expecting to pay but his agent is a joke. He’s good but he’s not worth quadrupling our largest wage. Then his agent asks for a million, for what, the fucking courtesy. Piss take the lot of them.” exclaimed Luke.
CSKA Moscow had recently had a £15,000,000 rising to £35,500,000 offer accepted for Manchester United player Marcus Rashford. Rashford who had seen his game time diminish following the signing of Jadon Sancho, was surplus to requirements at United and CSKA had made the attempt to sign him. However, outlandish wage demands were seemingly causing issues for the club.
“We need to look for someone else, he’s never joining us, we aren’t paying him that much and he won’t join for anything else. I do wonder who is going to pay that much, he’s barely played in recent times and when he has he’s done nothing.” continued Luke.
“So who do we look at next?” asked Maxim Dyukov.
“I want another attacker. I can’t see us holding onto Fedor come the summer with United already offering up to £50,000,000. We missed out on Louis Munteanu unfortunately. So have another look at Thomas Buitink, Fabio Silva, Patrik Schick and Vitaly Sobolev. They are my main options at the moment but let's have a further look before we make any moves. We also need to revise what we are willing to spend. Clubs and players are seemingly waking up to the money we now have so it might be something to think about” answered Luke.
With less than a week to go before the opening leg of the Champions League Round of Sixteen, Luke and his assistant Victor Onopko sat in his office discussing tactics for the upcoming game.
“What are you thinking then boss?” asked Victor
“I expect them to play four at the back with three in midfield, with an attacking midfielder behind two strikers, most likely. That's what Bojan has said is their favoured set up. That means their fullbacks are the ones who give them the width. Danilo is likely to start on the right with either Mattia De Sciglio or Jordi Alba on the left. I think we can get in behind there. All three of them are getting on so especially later in the game you’d expect them to tire. I think that is going to be key.” said Luke.
“Talles Magno and Magomed, will play wider to start off unlike their usual inverted positioning. We want more traditional wingers to get in behind the space that’ll be left by their fullbacks. I also want Matko to drop a bit deeper to start this game, pack our midfield a bit tighter and make it harder for them to play through us. Once they tire, which they will, they are ageing and ageing fast, we can go a bit more attacking in the last fifteen that’s when Matko will go forward more and we can look to go at them. It's going to be similar to the Benfica game, we need to expect pressure and then take advantage of any opportunities we get.” the South African continued.
“Alright boss I will get them working on it this week. Is there anything else?” questioned Victor.
“How’s the fitness looking? We are going to need to work hard and the boys are going to need to be in the best possible shape.” replied Luke.
“They all look good. Barring anything happening in training, we will have everyone fit and ready and the medical staff seem certain nobody is going to be doing any muscles any time soon. We have done well in the friendly games and the lads look sharp. We look good boss, very good.” answered the assistant manager.
CSKA have played five friendlies since returning in January, winning all of their matches with some ease. The first victory against Sparti saw a four goal victory, followed by another four goal win in their final game in Greece over Trikala. Their third game was the toughest, taking a 2-1 win over Lokomotiv-Kazanka Moscow. 4-1 and 7-0 wins over Veles and Rosich respectively ended the warmup games.
Preparations had gone well, now CSKA faced the biggest test in recent memory.
James:Omar is certainly a talented young player. He is someone Luke certainly is interested in but it may be one for the summer window rather than this winter. Dynamo are known to be tough to negotiate with something seen with the Yengenjev transfer so hopefully they will be a bit kinder this time, although I doubt it. No excuses here, we have a decent board unlike Wolves
Scott:Seems as though we have Chalov for at least another five months with the majority of the European windows closed. Nubel is a considerable upgrade in my opinion and with the money we got from Safonov I am very pleased with the signing.
Jack: He certainly is a man who is wanted but no offers matching what we want from him have come in yet. I am also looking forward to many a Nubel clean sheet in the near future!
tedbro: A number of options that Luke and his side are looking at for any potential Chalov replacements, if that deal ever happens. He will be a tough man to replace especially being Russian.
OneMoreGame:You aren't wrong. He is a brilliant talent who we value highly especially for the fact he doesn't take up a foreign player spot like the majority of the leagues strikers.
Tango:He is a very good keeper who still has plenty of years ahead of him. He should be a good upgrade on Safonov and I am very pleased to have him.
Today, CSKA prepared for their opening leg of the Champions League Round of Sixteen game against Juventus having played a number of friendlies. Whilst the transfer window comes to a close.
“Is he having a fucking laugh?” asked Evgeny Adamov.
“I was expecting to pay but his agent is a joke. He’s good but he’s not worth quadrupling our largest wage. Then his agent asks for a million, for what, the fucking courtesy. Piss take the lot of them.” exclaimed Luke.
CSKA Moscow had recently had a £15,000,000 rising to £35,500,000 offer accepted for Manchester United player Marcus Rashford. Rashford who had seen his game time diminish following the signing of Jadon Sancho, was surplus to requirements at United and CSKA had made the attempt to sign him. However, outlandish wage demands were seemingly causing issues for the club.
“We need to look for someone else, he’s never joining us, we aren’t paying him that much and he won’t join for anything else. I do wonder who is going to pay that much, he’s barely played in recent times and when he has he’s done nothing.” continued Luke.
“So who do we look at next?” asked Maxim Dyukov.
“I want another attacker. I can’t see us holding onto Fedor come the summer with United already offering up to £50,000,000. We missed out on Louis Munteanu unfortunately. So have another look at Thomas Buitink, Fabio Silva, Patrik Schick and Vitaly Sobolev. They are my main options at the moment but let's have a further look before we make any moves. We also need to revise what we are willing to spend. Clubs and players are seemingly waking up to the money we now have so it might be something to think about” answered Luke.
With less than a week to go before the opening leg of the Champions League Round of Sixteen, Luke and his assistant Victor Onopko sat in his office discussing tactics for the upcoming game.
“What are you thinking then boss?” asked Victor
“I expect them to play four at the back with three in midfield, with an attacking midfielder behind two strikers, most likely. That's what Bojan has said is their favoured set up. That means their fullbacks are the ones who give them the width. Danilo is likely to start on the right with either Mattia De Sciglio or Jordi Alba on the left. I think we can get in behind there. All three of them are getting on so especially later in the game you’d expect them to tire. I think that is going to be key.” said Luke.
“Talles Magno and Magomed, will play wider to start off unlike their usual inverted positioning. We want more traditional wingers to get in behind the space that’ll be left by their fullbacks. I also want Matko to drop a bit deeper to start this game, pack our midfield a bit tighter and make it harder for them to play through us. Once they tire, which they will, they are ageing and ageing fast, we can go a bit more attacking in the last fifteen that’s when Matko will go forward more and we can look to go at them. It's going to be similar to the Benfica game, we need to expect pressure and then take advantage of any opportunities we get.” the South African continued.
“Alright boss I will get them working on it this week. Is there anything else?” questioned Victor.
“How’s the fitness looking? We are going to need to work hard and the boys are going to need to be in the best possible shape.” replied Luke.
“They all look good. Barring anything happening in training, we will have everyone fit and ready and the medical staff seem certain nobody is going to be doing any muscles any time soon. We have done well in the friendly games and the lads look sharp. We look good boss, very good.” answered the assistant manager.
CSKA have played five friendlies since returning in January, winning all of their matches with some ease. The first victory against Sparti saw a four goal victory, followed by another four goal win in their final game in Greece over Trikala. Their third game was the toughest, taking a 2-1 win over Lokomotiv-Kazanka Moscow. 4-1 and 7-0 wins over Veles and Rosich respectively ended the warmup games.
Preparations had gone well, now CSKA faced the biggest test in recent memory.
Replies
James:Omar is certainly a talented young player. He is someone Luke certainly is interested in but it may be one for the summer window rather than this winter. Dynamo are known to be tough to negotiate with something seen with the Yengenjev transfer so hopefully they will be a bit kinder this time, although I doubt it. No excuses here, we have a decent board unlike Wolves
Scott:Seems as though we have Chalov for at least another five months with the majority of the European windows closed. Nubel is a considerable upgrade in my opinion and with the money we got from Safonov I am very pleased with the signing.
Jack: He certainly is a man who is wanted but no offers matching what we want from him have come in yet. I am also looking forward to many a Nubel clean sheet in the near future!
tedbro: A number of options that Luke and his side are looking at for any potential Chalov replacements, if that deal ever happens. He will be a tough man to replace especially being Russian.
OneMoreGame:You aren't wrong. He is a brilliant talent who we value highly especially for the fact he doesn't take up a foreign player spot like the majority of the leagues strikers.
Tango:He is a very good keeper who still has plenty of years ahead of him. He should be a good upgrade on Safonov and I am very pleased to have him.
I suppose wage demands may be hiked up due to the league's reputation also. Pretty annoying, but hopefully Moscow can land one of those strikers mentioned.
Any of the attackers you have set your sights on will be fantastic additions, simple as that. It's a shame Rashford couldn't materialise in the process. Good to see preparation is going well with a huge UCL game on the horizon!
All good strikers there so hopefully able to get one of them in Man Utd come in with a better offer for Chalov. Big game ahead for luke against Juve which I'm sure will be a great game for the fans
Very cool update once again, and I hope the next Chasing CSKA-episode will have a Will Grigg-to-Sunderland-esque striker signing
Rashford would be a good signing for CSKA, but if he's gonna harm the club finances, there should be other options out there
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