Dr Rizzoli's Journey Through Europe

A Football Manager Career by Rizzo89

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Dr Rizzoli's Journey Through Europe

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Rizzo89

8 years ago

1 month ago

13 Mar 2024 11:58:36

Season 1 Looking for Work, the work found me.

In this career mode I will be using my lack of coaching badges, playing experience and languages to challenge myself to turnaround teams, if they'll have me, and work my way up to the top. With Moneyball, five year plans, some pressing, maybe a bit of hoof ball, I'm aiming for a top league in Europe and some silverware. And as a journeyman does, I start unemployed for what feels like an eternity.

Alas, November 2023 arrives with a struggling team in the Hungarian 2nd Division. So lets dive in.

kazincbarcika from en.wikipedia.org — kazincbarcika SC

Kazincbarcika is an industrial town in Borsod–Abaúj–Zemplén county, Northern Hungary playing at the Kolorcity Arena which holds around 8000. As I turn up the team is 2nd from bottom,. Trying to turnaround this team requires us to think of a plan to steady the ship and stop the leaks in defence.

Short term

Step 1 - Use the first few games to stop the goals, a clean sheet is as good a starting point as any.

Step 2 - Recruit some creativity in midfield, no assists equals no goal threat.

Step 3 - Add a proven solid centre back, the defence is aging and looking a little leggy.

Step 4 - Press the ball carrier. If we cant defend well in our own half, we can win the ball further up the pitch.

Step 5 - Avoid relegation.

Season 1 Nov 23 - Jan 24 Review

The first 3 games up until the mid season break were positive, 1 win and 2 draws, and only 2 goals conceded including 2 clean sheets. The squad possesses some talented players, but the full squad review can come later in the season.

Shutting up shop for those clean sheets.

January Transfer Window 24

We were in the market for a starting CB, a backup RB, a creative CM and a CAM to play just behind the striker. Using the player performance calculator we narrowed down the search to the following and wrapped up our business early. The clubs new panini stickers come out in full force.

Biro 20 is backup for first choice Tenorvan, he has a good tackle won and att cont. %. Signed free on £120 PW

Arter isa solid CM and at 31 is undervalued, is signed on a free and for £1.4k PW is a top earner.

Luhaka is 30, pacey and wins a good % of headers. He is signed on a free, for £850 PW

Birkas is CAM, a good 2nd option and is a good presser. Signed free, for £150 PW

Season 1 Jan 24 - May 24 Review

I couldn't in my wildest dreams have predicted the following run by the team which left me wondering, is FM too easy nowadays? I had no coaching badges, no playing experience and this was the result.

This seamless run for the rest of the season, led to a 2nd place finish and promotion to the Hungarian Division 1. It all happened a bit fast, this team needed an overhaul for the current division, let alone promotion.

Having lost 10 games already before I took the job, it was nothing short of extraordinary.

I will therefore pickup for next season in the top flight with some more detail and structure. And the many signings on a shoestring budget, using the player performance calculator of players scouted by the club.

Long Term Goals

1 - Dismantle the team and build around a strong core of players

2 - Make sure the club is making a profit

3 - Qualify for Europe within the next two seasons

4 - Sign players based on the data

Rizzo89

8 years ago

1 month ago

05 Jun 2024 08:51:09

Season 2

Rizzo89

8 years ago

1 month ago

05 Jun 2024 09:39:56

Season 2 Part 1

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