Awful, truly awful.
By: Tom B |
1 Comment
So for the match against Creteil, I opted for the same side as last time, looking to reward them for their fine work.
10 Mins in, disaster. Their right back cleared a long ball forward, which was bouncing harmlessly to my Jules Vanni, my keeper. He had a brain freeze (a la Mad Jens) running out of his box and heading straight to one of their players, who chipped him with ease. I wasn’t having any effect on the game, and further disaster struck on 27 mins where I left their striker with too much space 22 yards from goal and he smashed a strike into the bottom corner. I switched to a diamond just before half time, and matched them for a bit.
I tinkered and I tweaked, but today was not my day. Sodden, in my suit on the touchline, they rifled in a free kick in the 57th minute. I then lost turtle man Denga to injury for 3 months (after making my 3 subs) so was playing a 441 diamond with Tony Patrao as a target man. We were awful, so I yelled at them after the match.
Argh, oh well, there’s always next week.
Category: FM09
September Retrospective.
By: Tom B | 7 Comments
So, to the first day of (virtual) Spring. And I think it is time to have a look where we stand.
Firstly – to the table, I’m sitting pretty in 10th, having knocked off the league leaders.
Secondly – what the fans/board think. In short, they like who I’ve signed.
Thirdly – how the signings are doing (new signings are underlined). I’ll leave conclusions up to you, as I think it is still to early to draw major conclusions.
Key:
Ps C/90 = Passes completed per 90 mins
Ast = Assists
Dist/90 = Distance per 90 mins (in km)
Mins/Gm = Minutes played per game
Apps = Appearances (as substitute)
Fourthly -What lies in store.
Trips to 8th, 15th, 16th and 12th
While I welcome the clubs in 2nd, 7th, 3rd and 5th. It doesn’t get any easier.
Fifthly – What is happening elsewhere.
England: See how well Wolves are doing.
France: OM in the Relegation Zone?
Category: FM09French National Just Got Interesting
By: Tom B | Add Comments
I fear I may have chosen the wrong club.
I mentioned before of my affection for Jan Koller
Well check this out
http://www.goal.com/en/news/90/france/2009/12/01/1658678/veteran-striker-jan-koller-set-to-join-cannes
Oh to restart in January with Mr Koller under my charge. Oh well, such is life.
Category: FM09Next Up – A tough assignment.
By: Tom B | 2 Comments
Next up is the 997km trip to Amiens, a team predicted to come 3rd this season.
The only selection change was to bring in on loan (from parent club AS Monaco) Left/Centre Back Jérémy Dazzan as a more solid (and less attacking) option at left back.
They set up with a 5-3-2 with a sweeper and I was 8.00 outsiders. I set up with a counter-attacking strategy and told them the pressure was off.
We made and enterprising start and despite conceeding a lot of possession, we were able to prevent them from having a shot until the half hour mark. However, on the half time whistle, disaster struck. I was undone by a fine footballing move down the left. It was quite the passing move, and probably deserved a goal.
So, a goal down, I decided to start to blast them with long shots, and I actually came into the game a bit in the second half. Johan Gallon, however, was having next to no impact. So I subbed him and N’Diaye for Culainez (as a makeshift attack minded central midfielder) and Patrao as a target man.
I doubt it could have worked any better. With the minutes ticking away, and myself only really posing a threat from long shots, Vanni my keeper’s goal kick met Patrao, who nodded it down to his fellow sub. The play was then swiftly switched to Marancini down the left, who crossed and found the run of Patrao who smashed his header past the helpless keeper. 1-1, valuable point.
In the last 5 mins I subbed off the disappointing Diafutua for Oudjedi to shore up a 5 man midfield. Time wasted, job done.
This was an excellent result, and I’m proud of the lads, and I let them know this. Lesson learnt – Playing on the counter works against good teams, I really stifled their play – and that Culianez is an option as an attack minded centre mid.
And finally, I found a photo of the great man himself. Mr Tony Patrao:
Category: FM09All you need is height. Well some technique could do me some good as well.
By: Tom B | 1 Comment
Sorry for the delay, have been applying for jobs and rehabilitating my knee.
So, having gone 5 games unbeated, it is now time to face Club Sportif Louhans Cuiseaux 71.
So, I shape up to Patrick Deceguis, my ass. man., who informs me that the only advantage we hold over Louhans is height. How useful. I am slight underdogs, paying 2.73, and apparently they play a wide, high tempo 4-4-2. Hopefully my narrow pitch will be their undoing.
On the plus side, they are expecting a record crowd of “Over 500″, brilliant.
Selection wise, Mathias Di Mondo will make way for the more defensive Turtle Man Denga. Johan Culianez keeps his spot (just) as a wing back on the left. Otherwise, the only change is that Joel Kiki makes his way back to the bench and Di Mondo drops out altogether. I sent them out with a rigid philosophy, and a standard strategy , and told them they could win.
After 30 mins, I’d had 10 shots at goal, and so decided to throw the kitchen sink at them. I switched to a standard philosophy, and instructed Johan Gallon (on loan from Istres) to play in an advanced playmaker role.
Disaster – they score from a long shot, their first shot of the game. Revert to original plan, and play with an attacking strategy. I huffed, and I puffed, and I created 2 clear cut chances, both of which fell to Diafutua. However, I couldn’t break them down. For the last 10 minutes I played 4-2-4 with an overload strategy taking more risks, still couldn’t break them down.
Oh well, can’t win em all, have to try again next week, against Amiens FC – who the media think will come third this season. Two things which I learnt from the game – I need to stay solid at the back at all times, as I’m left too vulnerable if I commit men forwards. I lack a good creative midfield spark, and cover on the wings.
Category: FM09Whipping Boys
By: Tom B | 3 Comments
v
Next up we were off to the cellar dwellers: Etoile FC Fréjus Saint-Raphaël. They are probably most notable for producing Abdy Faye (now of Stoke City) and Adil Rami (now of Lille) through their youth system. They play at the Stade Pourcin, which is only 92km down the road.
Their record is not pretty reading, Played 3, Lost 3, Goals For 1, Goals Against 11. I’m therefore out to attack, the way I’ve decided to do this is to switch from my rigid philosophy to a balanced oneJohan Culianez will be thrown into a wing back role. Mathias Di Mondo keeps his position at right back after a good performance (7.2) and will play as a wing back.
So I sent them on their way and told them they could win.
10 mins in, Bounab found Diafutua with pinpoint volleyed 40 yard pass, sending him through. Cover arrived and he was held back 19 yards from goal. From the resulting kick, Gallon smashed the crossbar. Good early signs. I then suffered from an early spell of pressure, giving away a couple of goalmouth scrambles and free kicks round the box – I shouted “retain possession”.
What followed was amazing, Paternotte stepped up into midfield to win the ball, which then resulted in 6 quick passes and Diafutua being able to turn into an empty net – beautiful. 8 minutes later – N’Diaye broke his duck for the season. He held the ball up 19 yards from goal, wasn’t closed down, so slammed the ball into the top left corner. Wonderful. We pretty much controlled the game up until half time. I then decided to go back to a rigid philosophy, and play on the counter. Drawing them onto me before pouncing, and shouting – “clear ball to flanks”. On 70 mins I switched to a 4-5-1 and played even slower. Content with the 2 goal cushion and the lack of threat they posed. I also made a triple sub, withdrawing Johan Gallon and both strikers for Tony Patrao (ST-target man), Segredo (DM-defend) and Oudjedi (CM-support). I rode out the game very, very comfortably without really threatening for a third, in what was a pretty easy win.
So with 9 points from 5 games things are looking rosy, only two points and +7 goal difference from first place. However, I have in the back of my mind that I have played 4 easy teams, and this league will get tougher.
Otherwise, I think Gallon is more effective in the standard (right picture) rather than rigid philosophy (left picture).
Category: FM09Next…
By: Tom B | Add Comments
So, a contract has been offered to Culianez. Consider the poll closed. Victory to the sign him up gang.
v
So onwards to SO Cassis-Carnoux. I’ve got them away next, and Patrick Deceguis has let me know that we have a height and strength advantage, but are weaker at passing, flair and dribbling. So, perhaps it is back to industrial football, which is in sharp contrast to the pretty venue in which they play, the Stade Marcel Cerdan.
Even though we are not rivals, this is something of a quick trip, with them only being 61km down the road. I’ve decided we are not rivals as they were only established in 2002 and from a commune of only 8 000 (kind thanks to Wikipedia).
I am 1.80 favourites heading into this clash, so am thinking to take them down with a standard application, and then branch into attack for the 2nd half. The press conference was much of a muchness. Nothing of note except I realised I only had a 3 day break. They play a 4-4-2 with good width and high tempo.
In terms of team selection – Turtle Man Denga (RB) for Mathias Di Mondo and Ibrahima N’Diaye (FC – Deep Lying) for Tony Patrao are rested, after not coming up fresh after the last match. Obviously with Ameth Biaye injured, on loan from Monaco CB Dazzan (who can fill in at LB) slots in on the left hand side of defence. Tactically, given I’m expected to win, I’ll change Nabil Bounab to an attack role rather than a defence role.
So – after telling the team I expect a win – we started brightly so I switched to an attack mentality. 30 mins in, it was a fantastic open match, which was entertaining, and I was having the better of the chances. The game then seemed to break down a bit, and at half time, it was still 0-0, and thus I told the lads I was disappointed. Again, much of a muchness in the 2nd half, so I shook things up, moving Zemzemi to right back to replace Di Mondo, and brought (blog)fans’ favourite Joel Kiki into centre half. Patrao had been largely anonymous (blowing his big chance) so I brought on N’Diaye instead. They made an immediate impact and I had a large enough spell of dominance from 70-77 minutes that I switched to Overload and “take even more risks” was being bellowed from the touchline. I was chasing the win. I couldn’t believe it on 86 minutes when Nabil Bounab spooned a clear cut chance over the bar. However – 0 0 it stayed, and I’ll have to be satisfied with anouther away point.
The fans weren’t happy with how little the keeper was tested, however, this time I have no guilt about how I played. I tried to open the game up, and it was an open game, we just couldn’t scored. I really, really want a classy right midfielder and creative central midfielder.
Impressive performances from my back 4 – with Dazzan slotting into left back like a natural, which should force some competition for Culianez. One concern for me was the ineffectiveness of Tony Patrao, who had been given his big shot with N’Diaye being rested.
On the tactical analysis side of things, here are the passing stats for Johan Gallon. A couple of things to note are the lack of range of his passing for a playmaker, and how ineffective his corners are. If you have any suggestions on how to tweak his instructions let me know.
Category: FM09Mach II
By: Tom B | Add Comments
Finally, I signed Joel Kiki, and he takes his spot on the bench.
My next opponent is Stade Plabennecois Football, who I have at home. I am $1.50 favourites, (they’re paying $5.50).
v
After scouting them, I’m informed they play a 4-4-2 with some width, but we hold a touch, height and fitness advantage over them. Their danger man is the tecnhincally gifted Laurent David. He’s an attacking midfielder of age 38, and I think I’ll leave Nabil Bounab (defensive central midfielder) to close him down often, but not dive in. The weather will be a blissful 25 degrees (C) and it will be dry. This is why I moved here, the weather. Otherwise I’ve decided my coaches hate each other, as there is often “strong disagreement” between them. So I told them they could win, and sent them out.
Worst possible start. 15 minutes in and Mombris hit a 25 yard stunner. However, 4 minutes later Diafutua was crudely felled in the box, Johan Gallon calmly stepped up and the on-loan midfielder slotted home bottom right. Both teams had scored with their first shot on target, and it loomed as a cracker. I was sitting with 9 men behind the ball most of the time, so I switched to a “Counter-Attack” setting. N’Diaye then broke away but shot straight at the keeper from a narrow angle.
Bad news on 41 Minutes – Ameth Biaye was stretchered off. So Joel Kiki ran on for his debut at Centre Half, with Zemzemi slotting in uncomfortably on the left, with a full back, defensive setting. Half time lurched forward, and I told the lads that “we can win this”.
Coming out from half time, we started brightly, with a stinging Diafutua drive hitting the post. Johan Gallon then picked up a knock, and was replaced by Nadir Oudjedi who was given a basic centre midfield support instruction. I started to improve my hold on possession (after giving a “retain possession” instruction) and was able to pop a couple more shots at goal. There was a goalmouth scramble after they had a corner. With 10 minutes to go, I brought Tony Patrao to make an impact and set an attacking mentality, which was almost felt at the other end when a 40 yard drive rattled against my crossbar. With time running out, Patrao hit the crossbar with a powerful drive from 15 yards, before time just ran out. I’m a little disappointed with myself, as I think, with hindsight, I should have opened the game up a little earlier.
I told the players I sympathised with them, but I was really unhappy for the 553 people who rocked up to watch us, in order to see us attack and win. Not whimper and draw.
To compound issues- Ameth Biaye is out for 4-5 weeks, good thing I signed Dazzan on loan from parent-club Monaco who can cover at left back. Next Question – Culianez – do I sign him? He’s availabe for free, and will provide good cover at LB and LM. He wants 300 Euros a week. Here’s a comparison with my current left winger Christophe Maraninchi.
Category: FM09Midweek Musings
By: Tom B | Add Comments
Well, in the BIG NEWS OF THE WEEK – we are now an affiliate of AS Monaco Football Club, Chamions League Finalists and home of the Great Man Himself: Jan Koller.
I’ve been a touch obsessed with Mr Koller for a while now (thus my affection for Dortmund in the Bundesliga) and why I have a #9 AS Monaco 3rd strip from 2 years ago with the great man’s name on the back.
They also want to loan me Jérémy Dazzan:
I’m still in negotiations with Joel Kiki – he wants €400 per week now, he rejected €275 so now I offered him €375.
I’ve also signed a scout – Valentin Oliviera -Judging ability and potential of 10.
Robbie Coltraine would be pleased with me signing someone called Valentin
He’s from the coummunity of Tourcoing – and has a full knowledge of France, and a decent working knowledge of Belgium and England. I sent him out to scout the good (and mediocre) footballers in France.
Category: FM09My First Assignment – A Raid on the RAF.
By: Tom B | 4 Comments
Firstly I have offered Joel Kiki a contract in line with your wishes. Can’t have enough cover in a team as flimsy as mine.
v
So, after your (Dhaw’s) useful advice, I feel I’m finally ready to face my first challenge, a 418km away trip to Rodez Aveyron Football, or RAF.
My scout went and watched them train, and told me that their pitch is narrow, they play 4-4-2, and that Jérémy Choplin their left sided fullback/midfielder is their main threat. However, I think that I can just tell Turtle Man at Right Back to mark him tightly. I released a comment that Choplin is “almost impossible to stop” on the advice of my assistant (we’ll see how that turn out) apparently because he can’t withstand the pressure of media scrutiny. He also told me to tightly mark their attacking central midfielder and left winger, however, my coach strongly disagreed with this. Who am I to play favourites?
Watching them train
My backroom staff assure me that we have a height and strength advantage, whereas we are disadvantaged in fitness (good to know late in the match), dribbling and flair. Industrial football it is, maybe the lads were onto something when they said that we must be strong to win matches.
So, the bookies had me as slight 2.75 outsiders, and RAF had home advantage. The weather was gusty with a temp of 24 degrees (C), and the referee was one Mr Gaël Lecellier fom Paris. I think he is Graham Poll in disguise, because his personality was media friendly, confrontational and outspoken.
So, in my pre-match instructions I told my lads to clomp down on Choplin and instruct my team “they can win tonight”.
So to the match action:
I started off on the back foot, with RAF having a couple of pops, before slowly resting control from my opponents and creating a couple of good chances from crosses. Then in the 26th minute, Gautier Diafutua received the ball with his back to goal 30 yards out, turned and drilled one into the top corner. MAGIC! The rest of the half was somewhat of a non-event, with them fashioning one chance from a corner which was squandered by the striker under heavy pressure from Jean-Baptiste Paternotte. At half time I encouraged my charges, then shouted at them to retain possession, as RAF controlled much of the last 10 minutes of the first half.
After a couple of drives from range, before they created an overlap down their left and a good deep cross was just headed wide. In response, the Dragon Boy nodded in at the back post, but it was ruled out for offside. So with 72 minutes gone, the game was basically in lockdown, and I was faced with the challenge, sit back and invite pressure or keep chasing the game with my Standard instruction? I decided to keep it the same, but replaced the flagging Gallon with Nadir Oudjedi. It almost had instant effect with Diafutua through one on one with the keeper, but from a narrow angle he it it straight at their waiting goalie.
My keeper Vanni then had an amazing freakout. Watching the ball bounce over his head and into the path of the onrushing striker. Again Paternotte was able to clear the danger from the cross, but then it was headed back at goal and Vanni then watched the ball… slowly… loop… against… his… crossbar. Zemzemi was then able to hack it away to safety. Not a situation for keeping one’s hair (pun intended). With 7 minutes left I took off Diafutua for Segredo, a holding midfielder, playing a 4-1-4-1 and slowed the tempo, increased time wasting and dropped my defensive line. I also told my players to clear the ball to the flanks, hold possession, pass the ball to feet and work the ball into the box. RAF were then only able to fashion 1 chance from the last kick of the game, which was blazed over.
So, my first win, here’s a breakdown of what happened
The fans were happy
and here’s how we scored:
So, onwards and upwards I suppose.
Category: FM09
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