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#428140 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
REGIONALLIGA BAYERN
MATCHDAY 10
When you struggle to put away the bottom club, you know things need a revamp. Went along with a 4-2-3-1 wide in the second half et voilà; Nico Karger screaming to get some game time provided the cross for the all important breakthrough by Kai Luibrand. Still not good enough for my high standards.
MATCHDAY 11
Yep, think this tactic nails it on the head. Looked far more lucid and in control to batter slippery Schweinfurt. Lukas Gerlspeck had acres on space to ease us in front before triangulating balls between the wingers found its way to Sam Schreck in first half stoppage time. Strikers however did not turn up, otherwise it would have been a drubbing.
MATCHDAY 12
Man, Nico Karger is tearing it up since I've brought him into the team, his crosses were devastating in a cosy win over midtable Bayreuth. Assisted for the free scoring Muslija and almost set up Luibrand for a second but the post got in his way. Luibrand did eventually double the lead before a netbuster by sub Seferings enforced more misery to the visitors. Definitely reading off the same hymnsheet now.
BAYERISCHER POKAL
THIRD ROUND
Took a gamble with a rotated side but the lottery of penalties saw us miss out on a threepeat of this competition. For all our dominance, Schweinfurt against the run of play scored with their first shot on target - Nicolas Görtler humiliating our defence. It took for a B team member to finally break their resistance, Felix Braun entered the fray and delivered superbly to drill home. All the penalties were top notch until the fifth and final one, Danny Dressel ballooned his kick into the car park to allow the swine farts a passage into the next round. Ah well, focus solely on the league now.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Far better than last month with three back to back wins plus clean sheets in all. Nico Karger and Florent Muslija bringing harmonious wide play creativity to the shape, transforming us to prime title challengers again.
LEAGUE TABLE
For all our good work, Illertissen are like a dog with a bone to remain only a point behind. Five point gap to Schalding in third.
#428095 [FM18] Around the World in 19 levels
DNZY
#428087 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
NEW SIGNINGS
Oliver Hein - D(R)/DM/M(C)/WB(R) - two-season long loan from Regensburg
Depth in midfield needed improvements, especially defensive minded ones. Might not exactly be A list material, but his devotion to work rate, teamwork, stamina, strength and natural fitness fulfils justification of bringing him in...plus there weren't many alternatives. Versatility is a big plus.
Florent Muslija - AM(C)/AM(L)/(R) - two-season long loan from Karlsruhe
Technically strong and quick for this tier to stick in behind the lone striker (in my tactic at least), though can operate on either wing to add more strings to his bow. Might be the creative influencer to get us out of this hellhole division. Experience in the second and third leagues also makes him a standout. Very happy to get this one over the line.
REGIONALLIGA BAYERN
MATCHDAY 7
Memmingen's idea of two holding midfielders made it difficult to break them down, still no excuse for drawing a blank here. Günther-Schmidt nodded onto the post which sadly was our only threat all game.
MATCHDAY 8
Entertaining encounter between the top two ended all square. Despite an early disallowed goal, Sam Schreck eventually opened the scoring for us at the near post. Our set piece defending is woeful lately, the source of the equaliser where Danilo Dittrich was unmarked at the edge of the area to wallop in from 25 yards. For all our pressure, typically we went to sleep at the back, far too easy for Eberle to be left free to tap Eichstätt ahead. Loanee Muslija made a solid first impression, assisting the first then quickly responding to make it two each. Fair result on reflection, but should have been more clinical up front. Seferings having a mare.
MATCHDAY 9
Not overly convincing, but a win is a win. Lion's share of possession and efforts on goal but in the end it was only a penalty that separated the sides, Kai Luibrand given the green light to start and calmly scored what proved to be the difference. Luibrand and Schreck squandered glorious chances to further the lead, but our rearguard never really looked in trouble.
BAYERISCHER POKAL
SECOND ROUND
Our 100th game in charge saw us easily advanced to the third round with thanks to Luibrand and Muslija feasting on Kottern's weaknesses.
THIRD ROUND DRAW
Schweinfurt always tricky customers, won't be an easy game.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
This was a poor month by my standards, only two draws and a win in the league we should be dominating by now. Struggling to decide on my best XI in this side and who is to lead the line, but Muslija is looking like a fine addition at this early stage.
LEAGUE TABLE
Still top but many sides are maintaining the pace. The superior goal difference might be vital should it come to that on the final day (hopefully not!).
#427920 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 31
Ugh, Levadia and their entourage are nothing but little worms. So what if they denied us bragging rights on what could have been, it'll take a lot more to derail us. Doesn't excuse our abomination of a 'performance' (in deliberate air quotes). Eleven shots and not one hit the target. The only goal came from a penalty, to which Eduard Afonin dispatched to the delight of the scummy fans. Urbonas was a hot tap turned cold, being absent all game before two quickfire yellows saw him walk the plank. If that wasn't bad enough, Levadia were awarded another penalty late on, however Bastig's strong wrists spared further blushes.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Nine unbeaten league games interrupted by Levadia to keep the champagne on ice for now. Mutle is definitely keeping Smirnov out of action, him and Urbonas were top of the class. Also a mention to Alexey Bykov with two assists in Ivanov's absence.
LEAGUE TABLE
Bad news is we don't rub the glory in Levadia's face, but the good news is we're only one win away. Furthermore, only eleven points away from smashing the all time points record of 85. Can we make it?
OCTOBER 2048 SCHEDULE
One win against any of these boys? Easy.
This new chairman is a boss, new youth facilities and now looking to expand the stadium. Top bloke.
#427919 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 30
Round two was even better, playing with slick confidence to leave us within one win of mathematically wrapping it all up. A quick counter and an excellent solo run to the byline from Mutle put it on a plate for Urbonas to reap rewards before Mutle got on the act himself with a low drive just thirteen minutes in. The Lithuanian number ten's finishing was sublime, getting in all the right areas to complete the job with a third. Kalju may want to look over their shoulders as three defeats on the bounce doesn't guarantee safety in the division yet.
#427918 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Two players stood out in an ordinary mixture.
Mario Kuusma - D(C) - youth intake
Definitely some potential there, however certainly needs to hit the gym with his sluggish demeanour. Could be a perfect candidate for McParland to tutor.
Sander Rannamäe - M(C) - youth intake
Needs a lot of room to improve for certain, should be just a run of the mill central midfielder. 1 heading won't bear well, even at youth level, but perhaps an artist of the set piece with promising free kick taking. Development better be swift.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 29
First of back to back meetings with Kalju ended as expected, Priit Mutle showing why he's the main marksman in Estonia. Kalju were wasteful in front of goal missing a key chance early on and it seemed to diminish their threat as the game went on, allowing Mutle to open the scoring from the edge of the area. An excellent move followed for the second, Sander Kõiv cut out a Kalju attack, whipped the ball all the way diagonally to Mutle with thanks from nervy defending to smash it home. Made for a dull second half, controlling the flow to edge one step closer to back to back titles.
#427915 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 28
International break somewhat stifled our momentum, only settling for a draw against relegation threatened Paide. The boys in blue cocked up an early clear cut chance after McParland's dilly-dallying on the ball, but hesitation to finish gave ample time for Bastig to exploit it. About as much entertainment established in a 'pig fodder' of a game.
Ivanov, a casualty in the aftermath.
#427914 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
Settling into an international break, Ivanov still made headlines by bagging his first international goal at the age of 19. Bright future.
EESTI KARIKAS
SECOND ROUND
Speaking of bright futures, Kristjan Zelentsov ran the show to bag a brace, comfortably pushing Noorus-96 aside. Kevin Tamm twice set the markers for the 17 year old while a man twice his age in Radovan Szabo snuck in his first Infonet goal to safely advance. Three was too kind on these minnows.
THIRD ROUND DRAW
Another easy tie ahead, though this side have a pretty aesthetic crest.
#427769 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 27
Back to the old grind, making somewhat hard work of basement cellar Trans. Anatoly Smirnov will be disappointed with his first half performance, missing two sitters against on loan Levadia keeper Taavi Piir. Stepped his game up in the second as we finally drew blood after 75 minutes of pressing, helping himself to two either side of a rare goal from Kevin Tamm who got forward. Stomping the league at present yet again.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Finally ending a tiring month of eight games with long trips out to Cyprus and Portugal. League form has been excellent with six consecutive wins, no signs of any European hangover here. Difficult to decide who has been the standout performer this month, but Mutle and Smirnov take turns to bang in goals while Karl Altosar's freekicks in the CL/EL ties were nothing short of exceptional.
LEAGUE TABLE
Fifteen clear with nine games left including a game in hand..safe to presume we've got it in the bag.
SEPTEMBER 2048 SCHEDULE
Starting it off against cup part timers, then taking a dive into league action again. Crossing swords with struggling Paide, two games home and away to Kalju then what could be the pièce de résistance at Levadia to confirm the Meistriliiga.
Our new chairman open to broadening our youth facilities after a very successful European adventure.
#427768 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
PLAYOFF, SECOND LEG (HOME)
The European dream is over, but gave it a right whack in the second leg. Karl Altosar delivered one of his premium free kicks to get within a goal of making it, however Edu Fubá couldn't believe how much time and space he got to pick his spot thanks to sluggish, sloppy defending. The Portuguese side missed a hat full of chances, we tested the gloves of Britos in goal but the scoreline was probably a fair reflection. 4-2 on aggregate isn't a rough defeat in my eyes.
Nearly a mill made in Europe alone.
#427764 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 26
After causing us problems last season, Flora are really heading south and waltzed unscathed to a cool victory. A horrendous blunder between Juhnev's weak clearance to a daydreaming Aardemäe and Mutle got in between to plant home the opener. Nothing happened really until the second goal, Mutle feeding on Varadin's cross to extinguish Flora's European hopes. They missed a one on one with Bastig to make the win even sweeter. Petrauskas might be regretting his move.
#427763 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
PLAYOFF, FIRST LEG (AWAY)
It's a long way back to Estonia, but perhaps a late away goal gives us a glimmer of hope. We didn't honestly play badly, just Braga's gulf in quality showing. Set pieces training is needed after the first two goals were from being disorganised when defending free kicks, Bastig in particular in no mans land trying to punch air. McParland tripled our problems, despite nobody around him failed to clear a cross and instead trickled off him into the back of the net. Smirnov did give us something to take home, a hopeful shot from the edge of the D, catching out Daniel Brito in the Braga goal. Need two unanswered goals in Tallinn, it won't be easy.
#427762 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 25
o rly? With all that possession, Tammeka couldn't register a shot on target with their hoof-ball antics and feeding on them as easy prey. Sure they kept us out for a half, but once Urbonas rifled in the first, the rest fell like dominoes. Mutle calmly put his laces behind the second, and the third came from 12 yards via the penalty spot. Better think twice before acting smart there, eh Silver?
At least they got something out of it, taking out our best box to box midfielder. Dirty team. Out for the Braga games it seems.
#427761 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
FIRST ROUND
Bish, bash, bosh against non leaguers. Next.
SECOND ROUND DRAW
Noobus-96 should feel the same fate.
#427760 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 24
Took our anguish out on poor Pärnu, ending the game effectively after seven minutes. Debutant midfielder Anton Morozov impressed with a lovely connection to Smirnov's cross to get us rolling before Muric got in the way of Nikita Ivanov's shot to double the tally. Smirnov absolutely peppered the goalmouth before finally crediting himself with a goal, in fact two in eight minutes to empty out the stadium. Sadly, the clean sheet was denied by a silly Juska o.g.. Still an easy victory.
#427759 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG (AWAY)
Football is a cruel sport. Held on for 83 minutes before APOEL finally hammered the nail into the coffin in a game we honestly didn't deserve to lose. Perhaps Mihhailov's red card was a turning point but nearly everyone threw their bodies on the line until the unfortunate Ariel Dos Santos killer at the back post. Of course when you try to retaliate with ten men, it goes pear shaped to which Almeida added insult to injury and send us down to the Europa League playoffs. Devastated.
But the money is pretty good.
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
PLAYOFF DRAW
Picked the highest seed, FML. At least we'll have a lovely view of the Estádio Municipal before losing on aggregate.
#427758 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 23
Last minute prep before flying out to Nicosia, just about shaking off struggling Tallinna Kalev. An early move by Mutle into Ivanov gave us a headstart and Mutle doubled it after a well worked, alternative free kick routine gazumped the TK backline. Lead was halved on the counter through ex-Infonet choker Rene Sabanov to give us the wobbles and despite a disallowed goal for Conor McParland, the three points were safe.
#427598 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG (HOME)
Trojan defending and accurate finishing to deliver a sensational win against the Cypriot champions. Jaanus Vazinski latched onto a cross designated to Mutle but it caught out the APOEL keeper regardless. Started Issakov on the back of a superb debut, however he probably took to the occasion like a kid with a sugarhigh with clumsy challenges resulting in a red card before the half. Karl Altosar scores some fine free kicks, but this one topped them all - a 30 yarder deep into first half injury time to double our lead. APOEL's man advantage caught us out big time to steal a goal back through Ariel Dos Santos but composed ourselves to see the game out. What a result!
Nearly broke the 10k mark.
Rolling in the green.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Wins galore bar the HJK/Levadia patch. Priit Mutle and Simonas Urbonas are a devastating partnership lately, keeping Smirnov out of the team again. Mikk Issakov though, serious potential.
LEAGUE TABLE
Lead into double figures despite a game in hand for Levadia. Anything less than top spot would be criminal at this stage.
#427595 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 22
As far as debuts go, 17 year old novice Mikk Issakov stepped up like a true professional. Only 3.5 grey stars, shoehorned into an unfamiliar left back role provided wonderful balls over the top to Mutle who opened the scoring in an otherwise sluggish start. Latvian striker Oskars Kurtiss only seems to score against us, their only shot on goal in the first half (quelle surprise) to tear up my half time notes. Not even Mutle and Smirnov could grind out a winning goal, but commeth the unknown figure to stun the competition, delivering an astonishing effort from the edge of the area straight into the top corner. Unbelievable Jeff!
#427593 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG (HOME)
Well blow me down, we've actually done it! Not quite Roma-esque but quite the comeback nonetheless. Following a slow burner first half, something special had to be pulled out of the hat to stun Huovila in goal. Urbonas provided the answer - a sumptuous 25 yarder to flatfoot the Finnish number one. Pushing for a second, Priit Mutle emerged from the bench to link in with Smirnov and squeezed in the equaliser to level the score on aggregate. HJK's late onslaught almost recoiled all our good work but thankfully salvaged extra time followed by penalties. Despite an early miss, Martin Bastig stood strong to save two in a row while Simonas Urbonas smashed in the winning spot kick for a memorable night in Tallinn.
Always a turn out when we're in Europe. smh.
THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW
Ah, APOEL. We meet again. See Pyunik stint for citation.
#427430 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
So Germany and Denmark want a manager who can't take down the champions of Finland. gr8 b8 m8.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 21
Levadia manager Aleksandr Issakov fired shots by pinpointing Tomas Juska as the weak link to my team...well it certainly made the difference as we faded to a costly defeat. His early own goal knocked us off our perch, failing to respond in a shocking performance up front. Ref got very trigger happy with yellows handed out all over, one too many for Deividas Stesko in the first half, then Meelis Bazjukin in the second. We're goosed if we play like this in the CL second leg.
#427429 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG (AWAY)
Might have left our sea legs on the boat over, the Fins quality up top was the difference. First half we had the better chances but Priit Mutle bottled two glorious chances to leave it all square. Second half we fell to pieces defensively, failing to hold our markers to allow a slow paced Vesala header to knock us down and a Koskinen close range finish to knock us out (in this game at least). Lot to ponder for the second leg, we have it all to do.
#427360 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Next time lift with your knees, you daft bugger.
NEW SIGNING
Alexey Bykov - AM(C) - unattached free agent
Released by Olimpik Donetsk, it escaped my mind that I had this guy shortlisted. Be foolish to pass up the opportunity to sign him for reasonable wages too. Excellent flair and decision making could have him being that stealthy armament to create something from nothing. His poor composure on the other hand might make him a grenade without a pin and explode to pieces in seconds. Still, a bit of depth to challenge Ivanov.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 20
Left it late to splurge for a comfortable win over underperforming Paide. Came devilishly close in the first half with Mutle forcing a solid save from Monakov while Ivanov almost split the crossbar down the middle with a strong shot from range. Midfielder Tahvanainen's red card was the turning point, allowing us more room to exploit. Mutle powered in a header, Vazinski drove one home from range and finally Urbonas got his laces behind a ball within a crowded penalty area to condemn the home side to a punishing defeat. Next stop, Helsinki.
#427292 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 19
Round two was harder to crack the code, Trans stood firm to hold us out for 70 odd minutes. Walloped the woodwork four times though so it was only prolonging the inevitable and it was sub Nikita Ivanov who stole the limelight after some questionable clearances from back and forth crossfield balls. Four league wins in a row.
#427287 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 18
To quote the colourful language of David Haye, "about as one sided as a gangr*pe". Annihilated Trans in 22 minutes with a double from Mutle plus two quite powdery finishes by Varadin and Urbonas yet the Trans keeper was glued to his position. The visitors put up no sort of battle and strolled to a fifth thanks to sub Kaarel Tarvis passing out their rearguard with ease to slide one in at the near post. So simple.
#427237 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
TRANSFERS
OUT
Had high hopes for him when at Stumbras, but ever since he's moved to Estonia Petrauskas hasn't brought that same 'panache' as I'd liked. Contract was up in the summer regardless and was unwilling to pen an extension, so profit was happily invited. £20k is a solid price and it was unlikely we'd get more. Astute business.
Greeted by a somewhat poor response. So let me get this straight - Mihhailov is our starting left back, practically tenure but is unhappy that he doesn't have to fight for a place in the XI? How noble...and daft.
Guess we'll have to resort to kids, maybe Eduard has a point.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 17
Returned to league football completely revitalised, dominating Paide to only a single shot on goal. Urbonas curled in a 25 yard beauty to ease nerves, however Smirnov looked to be playing with a bundle of them - missing almost everything. Thankfully, an apt substitute of Mutle closed the case, linking in with a sweet one-two with Urbonas who ran the show.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
One shot, one kill.
LEAGUE TABLE
Basically unchanged.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW
Pleasantly surprised we've managed to bypass the first QR and our opposition are perfectly located. A simple ferry over to Helsinki to face Finnish champs HJK.
EESTI KARIKAS
FIRST ROUND DRAW
The Estonian cup cycle comes around again, shame I won't be around to see it's conclusion. This tie is in the bag though.
JULY 2048 SCHEDULE
Busy schedule ahead, starting simple before gradually going up the levels. Levadia game conveniently sandwiched between the two CL games, lovely.
#427136 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
#427129 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
#427102 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
There goes the majority of our best players for our next game.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 16
Nevertheless, it didn't hold us back from another entertaining clash with Kalju, this time going one better. Smirnov is seriously looking to deplatform Mutle's role in the team with yet another score while Slovak defender Lukas Varadin smashed in his first Infonet goal to double our tally. Rinken and Stokas went within a whisker from unbalancing our strong lead, but were given a lifeline after a shocking Albert Kübar foul landed him in hot water. Ivan Grafina cut our lead in half via a deflection off McParland on the way but sadly couldn't complete the comeback. Good game though.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Couldn't help but feel like this month was a bit insipid despite our strong form. Anatoly Smirnov on fire currently with five in four games. Not sure our defending has been quite up to the standard of last season.
LEAGUE TABLE
Clear of Levadia but still a long way to go as we near the halfway point. Fair to say that Tallina Kalev are doomed at the other end.
JUNE 2048 SCHEDULE
Due to the Baltic Cup taking place, we've a well earned rest for a month. We return to face midtable Paide at the end of June.
#427101 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 15
Far from enthralling, probably a fair result though. Both goals stemmed from free kicks in almost identical fashion. Smirnov can't stop scoring lately and held up the ball beautifully to dispatch the first only four minutes in. Levadia waited until just after the hour to hit back, Eduard Afonin missed a pen in our last meeting but timed his run well from a free kick to dart in behind and fire home an equaliser. Basically the only two highlights all game.