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#218031 Dans Journey Around The World [FM15]
DP91
#218014 Tommos European Journey
DP91
#218008 DP91's European Glory
DP91
November was another good month for Shakhtar as we recorded a series of wins by small margins but positive margins none the less. The month actually started with a transfer budget increase which was a slight shock after the huge record transfer for Konoplyanka at the end of the Summer Window, albeit a transfer which involved payments over a 48-month period.
Champions League - Group Stage - Fixture 4
Our away trip in the return group stage fixture to Olympiacos kicked off the month as we ran out comfortable 2-0 winners, placing us in a great position for qualification in our next fixture against goal-difference leaders Atletico.
Champions League - Group Stage - Fixture 5
The afore mentioned tie and first opportunity to qualify from the group stage game was against Atletico who had managed a 3-2 win over us in the away tie. The game was dominated by 'Key' chances for the Ukrainian outfit however was pretty even according to the match stats. An early flurry or chances for Shaktar resulted in an offside goal and also a chance which hit the woodwork before Wellington Nem bagged the only goal of the game towards the end of the first half. Little in fact happened during the second half as only a single opportunity was highlighted as the Ukrainian's bagged qualification for the Round of 16.
Domestic Summary
The majority of domestic games in November were hard fought fixtures much to my disliking but once again a clean sweep of results extended the league at the top of the table as we look to secure yet another league title. The character of the squad shone through in the final two league fixtures of the month as we overcame early 1-0 deficits to come out 2-1 winners and finally Luiz Adriano stopped the rot by scoring for the first time in well over 10 appearances.
#217988 The Rise of Valencia
DP91
Pjanic, Strootman, Florenzi, Destro, Iturbe, Ljajic are all great / have great potential and are the main reason for my predicting their future triumphs in Serie A. The likes of Manolas, De Rossi, Gervinho, Castan are also very good, especially for the current standards in Serie A.
The only reason I suggest Valencia instead is because it is a harder challenge. I personally feel that Roma is a very easy task.
#217976 A European Trophy Hunt
DP91
Good summer transfer window with some good young talent coming in and looks like plenty of dead weight was shifted. Unbeaten season so far too and not just that but 13 straight wins! Looks to me like getting rid of Pyatov was a good move, not many conceded.
#217605 DP91's European Glory
DP91
Not bad Dan but not quite to the standards we set ourselves last year. Barbosa has been great so far, often appears nervous but being a debut season, new league and 19 years of age it's understandable. 9 goals in 12(9) appearances so far either way!
A month which we returned to winning ways for the majority and plenty of goals were flying in as well, starting with our home tie against rivals Dynamo who were comfortably dispatched 3-1.
Champions League - Group Stage - Fixture 3
We reached the half-way stage in the group fixtures with what was on paper a comfortable game, even with their recent win over Atletico Madrid.
A very good win for the lads as we dominated the fixture from start to finish.
The month played out much the same as the first 3 games as we dominated all opponents and found our winning formula coasting it's way through fixtures once more and in doing so we extended our unbeaten streak to well over a seasons worth of fixtures with our only loss in domestic competitions coming way back last season against Metalurg D.
It was in fact Metalurg D whom prevented a perfect winning month as we dropped 2 points in a game which saw us hit the woodwork 4 times and the target 11 times but struggling to find away past the keeper.
The league table looks a little more comfortable after our October fixtures as we extend our lead to 5 points.
#217583 A European Trophy Hunt
DP91
Away win over Porto puts you in a great position to qualify from the Champions League group this season too, a very good start all round.
Noticed that Marin has been chipping in with a few goals here and there too, good start from him? Benteke and Roberts doing very well also. Seem's to be a league where players can thrive, I had thought the conditions may have stifled players for at least their debut seasons but maybe SI didn't incorporate these factors!
#217577 Tommos European Journey
DP91
#217347 DP91's European Glory
DP91
We started the month with a league fixture against Zorya which was dominated from the off as we ran out 3-1 victors and following this we faced arguably our toughest Champions League fixture away at Atletico Madrid.
Champions League - Group Stage - Fixture 1
We were 2-0 down early on as we were headed towards our worst Champions League defeat yet but Wellington Nem grabbed one back right after the Atletico 2nd to give us some hope and late into the game we won a penalty after Srna was brought down. L.Romero put it away and gave a brief moment of hope before Griezmann put Atletico back in front with a cross which looped right over Pyatov.
September Summary
A pretty bad month by our standards in September as we dropped 4 points and allowed Dynamo and the rest of the chasing pack to claw back our early 6 point advantage. Hindsight would suggest that the squad rotation which I have been enforcing for every fixture in September is probably the cause for this slight dip in form but nothing we can't turnaround.
Finally, as was shown in our September fixture list we had a comfortable 2-0 win in the Champions League.
Champions League - Group Stage - Fixture 2
Shockingly Olympiacos ran out winners over Atletico Madrid blowing the group wide open after 2 games as we face them next in October.
#217316 The Hero The World Has Been Waiting For
DP91
#217309 DP91's European Glory
DP91
As soon as the 14/15 season had ended we were bombarded with transfer bids from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United & Paris Saint Germain with their eyes firmly set on disrupting our squad after the amazing season we had. Balanta, Bernard, Douglas Costa, Wellington Nem & Kaderabek were the subjects of the incoming bids but with no substantial offer's received I was appeal to deter the majority and keep the players happy with new contracts.
The fans player of the year was also decided
Summer Transfer Window
We started the window looking for a new striker, the long-term replacement for Luiz Adriano and replacement for Gladkyi who I felt was not up to the task of plying his trade within European football. Destro and Alcacer both turned down the chance to join the club, joining Schalke and Man City respectively.
Our attentions turned to a prospect whom could really work towards replacing Luiz Adriano long term rather than a completely instant replacement. Joining Umtiti and Patric who arrived on free transfers...
Young Gabriel Barbosa
Transfers Out
Plenty of transfers out including Fred who is not included in the list as he is still waiting to leave the club for Gremio for a fee of £5.5m. I tried not to include the list of players whom were released from the club as well!
A great start to the season saw us drop 2 points in the league as we open up a 6 point gap already!
August League Table
Champions League Group 2015/2016
A good group once again was drawn out for Shakhtar as we look for that 'European Glory'.
July/August Fixture Summary
We did also secure a 4th successive Super Cup for Shakhtar defeating Dnipro. I must also add that Pyatov our #1 GK has been injured throughout our start to the season and youngster Sarnavskyi who has now joined promoted side Olexandriya on loan.
Finally...
Some of you may have noticed a player in the goalscorer list above whom hasn't been mentioned yet. With the funds raised and all transfers in consisting of payments over a 48 month period I decided to make one further signing whom would allow for tactical rotation in the squad in the forward area's and therefore allow the likes of Umtiti and Balanta more game time at the back due to the foreign player rule.
A huge transfer stealing away Konoplyanka from rivals and last years runners-up Dnipro. A huge transfer also in terms of fee, one which I had haggled over since May last year with an initial fee being asked for in the region of £65m! With this transfer completed we made a final day signing of young and hot prospect keeper Roman Pidkivka as understudy to Pyatov.
Season 2015/16 Squad
#217266 Tommos European Journey
DP91
#217263 Dans Journey Around The World [FM15]
DP91
#217254 On a quest to be the best. [FM15]
DP91
#217241 DP91's European Glory
DP91
Hah! Thanks Dan, it was a pretty unstoppable performance that's for sure, there quite literally nothing I could do tactically to change his impact on the game and in the end we had to take it on the chin. Fantastic season, a few additions and I think we can match it again next season. The luck of the draw will help!
Thanks Tommo didn't expect to win it that clearly to be honest, I think the tactical control of possession was the explanation for dominating teams which let's be honest are in the most part quite a lot weaker than Shakhtar.
Cheers Wilc94 looks like we had similar first seasons in the end with the domestic double triumphs!
Thanks again for all the comments and interest for the 2014/15 season.
#217207 A European Trophy Hunt
DP91
#217151 BMG x2
DP91
#217138 Dans Journey Around The World [FM15]
DP91
#217088 DP91's European Glory
DP91
We started May with our first cup semi-final fixture against Dynamo Kiev with a slightly rotated squad to ensure full fitness in the upcoming Champions League fixture.
A good win and away goal gives us a very good chance of making it to the final and at least completing the domestic double.
Champions League - Semi Final - 1st Leg
The 1st leg this time saw us play the home leg first rather than going into the game knowing whether or not we have an away goal advantage.
An unbelievable result to take into the second leg against Bayern, I didn't think we would have a chance even in the home tie of this game and initially thought if we could prevent an away goal that would be a success. Hitting the target 7/9 times was brilliant and it was often Neuer being tested throughout the games highlights.
Going into the 2nd leg were hoping for an away goal to make the difference and put the tie to bed!
Our second leg of the semi-final was a complete demolition job of Kiev. They were lucky to come away from the game only conceding 4 times as we also hit the woodwork 3 times on top of the dominant result! A cup final and the chance of a domestic double is just around the corner.
Champions League - Semi-Final - 2nd Leg
A slight change of philosophy for the 2nd leg as we looked to counter Bayern as the game would likely be one we couldn't control the possession for being both away from home and holding a 2-0 lead.
A decent first half, although dominated by Bayern, clear cut opportunities were prevented as the Bayern goal came from a corner early on.
The second half panned out much the same as the first half.
As can be seen we had to enforce a tactical change in formation after 81 minutes as 2 minutes earlier Alex Teixeira replaced Luiz Adriano to enforce a false-9 themed formation and hopefully can a little more control over the ball and chances in the later stages. This however did only last 2 minutes as Teixeira was forced to leave the pitch with an injury meaning we now had to play the remainder of the game with just 10 men!
Extra time was forced.
A fantastic effort from the lads but it wasn't enough to prevent an on form Lewandowski dominating the game with 2 goals in extra time to send us out of the competition at the penultimate hurdle. A 9.8 from Lewandowski and 4 goals on the night, pretty unstoppable.
I hadn't expected to get this far in the competition, especially in our first season and truth be told even when the group was drawn with Benfica and Napoli I was unsure that we would qualify from the group as I had placed us at the same potential as both those sides.
Plenty to build on and confidence that this task of achieving European Glory for the first time in the Champions League is very much possible with Shakhtar!
May Summary
Our cup final followed along with our final two fixtures of the season.
A cup final win and the Domestic Double after the first season was achieved
The Final League Table 14/15
An incredible season saw us finish the season 20 points ahead of our competitors and sit on top of most of the players charts. Luis Adriano also claimed the golden boot for the season.
Team of The Year 14/15
Finally a note to finish the 14/15 season. An unbelievable one which leaves plenty of positives to build upon as we prepare to go again for 'European Glory'. This wonderful season does however come at a price...
And so the challenge of maintaining my squad begins!
#216921 Tommos European Journey
DP91
Another surge up the table with Katowice was great to see and even more so with the 'Champions Group'. Didn't know they had this system in Bulgaria and it has me intrigued! Fantastic achievement again. Slowly moving up that managerial ladder
It might be a blessing in disguise should the Europa League campaign end early though as the league looks a possibility this year.
#216910 BMG x2
DP91
The new signings were fantastic also both those for 15/16 summer window and those bosman-rule signings will prove fantastic, whether it be to become squad players or sales down the line to generate some extra cash.
Great results over the EPL contingent recently also, a win at Stamford Bridge isn't something to be sneezed at and complete dominance over United too! Proving to be another fantastic season
#216903 Dans Journey Around The World [FM15]
DP91
#216900 DP91's European Glory
DP91
We started April with the knowledge that our first leg game would be played away in Paris following two league fixtures including the away trip to Kiev.
A rotated squad faced bottom of the table Olimpic D and comfortably ran away with a 3-0 victory which could have easily been double that. Our second and considerably harder fixture saw the away trip to Kiev who had been faltering of late whilst Dnipro surge up the table joining Metalist sitting one point behind Dynamo after this result, which was played out without little incidence to a goalless draw as we clearly take our foot off the gas somewhat are securing the title.
Early April League Table
With just 2 games remaining this season we are champions now by 17 points.
Champions League - Quarter Final - 1st Leg
Our first leg tie was again away, similarly to the game against Juventus and we went into this game with the hope of an away goal going into our fortress Lviv Arena where we are unbeaten at this stage of the season in competitive matches.
My wish for an away goal was however not to be granted.
A good control of possession for an away tie and a better performance than that of the away leg against Juventus. No away goal this time but the late sending off of David Luiz, whom picked up 2 yellow cards in 2 minutes! Was sent off and will miss the second leg. Opinions on whether this is actually worse or better for me I'm sure will actually be pretty equal
A 1-0 cup victory away against Karpaty followed before the biggest night of Shakhtar's history as we dawned upon a potential Semi-Final in the Champions League.
Champions League - Quarter Final - 2nd Leg
We dominated the game and controlled possession once again alike to the first leg and found ourselves hitting the woodwork consistently rather than the back of the net, 3 times recorded at FT. The loss of Luiz Adriano meant a shift of tactic into a False-9 formation as Alex Teixeira replaced the striker to adopt an AMC role.
Goal - A late corner for Shakhtar saw Rakitskyi head straight at the keeper who palmed the ball away to rebound off Verratti and into the back of the net! We continued with late pressure and as can be seen, a chance even fell to Bernard for the final kick of the game which was saved by Sirigu.
Extra Time
Extra time had very little chances as neither side were able to hit the target. We go to the drama of penalties!
We've done it! 3 saves from Pyatov claims an amazing victory over Paris Saint Germain!
I can't believe we've achieved this feat in our first season! Walk in the park this Shakhtar malarkey
April Fixture Summary
So another great month for Shakhtar, have been waiting for the bubble to burst for a while now but we'll continue to enjoy it whilst it lasts as in hindsight it appears that the goals are drying up!
Finally if you're still reading...
Champions League - Semi Final Draw
#216793 Dans Journey Around The World [FM15]
DP91
I'm sure the cup will be turned-around though with the current form you're picking up, quite a strange format for the cup that also. Almost seems to be setup as their sides are unlikely to fair too well in the European competitions!
#216784 On a quest to be the best. [FM15]
DP91
Not as mad though as 43/24 in just 11 games. Great start!
#216775 DP91's European Glory
DP91
Very true, in comparison to Napoli they were a class above and we should have taken all 6 points from Napoli but I felt we should have performed better.
I think it might prove the difference for us in this round!
Nothing wrong with the result but the performance and stats were not great, we were lucky to come away with such a good result
We faced three league games in preparation for the return leg in the Champions League against Juventus and finally our showdown with Dynamo Kiev.
All of these results would put us through to the next round of the Champions League should we be able to beat Juventus by any of these scores.
I believe it's fair to say we prepared for the big upcoming tie in dramatic fashion, we have won the league mid-way through March, the earliest I have seen or achieved in any career!
Champions League - Round of 16 - 2nd Leg
My tactics were the same as we have adapted throughout the vast majority of this season, 4-3-3 DM, looking to control the game as mentioned throughout the OP. A result of 2-1 to turnaround.
BOOM!
One of the best games this season saw chance after chance for either side in the match highlights. An early goal from Luiz Adriano and dominance gave me great confidence with the early 2-2 aggregate lead. It was however very short lived with Bonucci scoring from a corner soon after.
The chances were still coming at either end and Wellington Nem gave us the goal that would take the game to extra-time should it finish this way.
Into the second half and the game teetered out a little briefly as neither side clearly wanted to commit too much before star-striker Luiz Adriano was put through on goal by Srna with a first time return ball towards the left wing which the striker took one touch before smashing home for a 3-1 lead on the night!
Just minutes later and Juventus had committed forward plenty of players to get the elusive away goal which would swing the tie back in their favour. A quick counter by 4 Shakhtar stars resulted in L.Romero putting away a rebounded shot to put the game out of reach for the Italians.
A late corner resulted in a Pogba goal from a few yards out however was not enough to get Juventus back into the tie as the game came to a halt with no late surges or chances for either side!
4-2 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate. I was absolutely elated as the majority of the team claimed ratings of over 8.0 for the game.
March Fixtures Summary
Another fantastic month for the club, wrapping up the Premier League title and also qualification for the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League! The one negative to come from the month was an end to our domestic winning run which I believe totalled 14 or 15 games and also consistent scoring run as we drew 0-0 away to Dnipro, which in itself is nothing to be sneezed at.
So the next important event in our calendar.
Champions League - Quarter Final Draw
Shakhtar will Play....
Next Up - April Summary
#216720 DP91's European Glory
DP91
A little unsure whether or not we can pull of a result against Juventus but perhaps an away goal would make the difference going into the 2nd leg.
So our return after the winter break saw 2 competitive games in February, starting with our last 16 game away to Juventus.
Champions League - Round of 16 - Leg 1
We have been absolutely destroyed in this game, the worst I have seen as manager so far into the season. Away from home I expected to see as much but we were completely dominated from start to finish. Would you believe it though, that away goal I wanted! The tie isn't over yet but if we play anything like we did in this game in the 2nd leg were going out of the competition no problem. 4 players performed below a 6.5 rating which I cannot stand let the team down more so than others but a collectively poor performance.
We finished the month with a dominant performance against lowly Goverla however only managed a 1-0 result for the game which again left much to be desired! Onwards and upwards, some improvements need to be made quickly before the coming 2nd leg and also league games including Dynamo Kiev.
Next Up
Our 2nd leg tie against Juventus and the rest of the March fixtures!
#216606 DP91's European Glory
DP91
Thanks Dan
Champions League - Last 16 Draw
Thought I'd do something a little different and show the draw for the Champions League, being the main concentration of this career.
So we have been drawn to play Juventus. A tough draw but a game I don't think is beyond us if we can get a good result away from home in the first leg and follow it up with a controlled performance at home.
Winter Transfers
So a few transfers were proposed through the use of the lovely bosman-rule which I'd have thought could be very useful for a club like Shakhtar.
2 Transfers In:
Two acquisitions I am extremely happy with. Samuel Umtiti a talent I believe is likely to a starter in the French national team in the future along with Varane and should Kurt Zouma live up to his potential, Umtiti may play LB for them. Either way a player that I couldn't resist signing even with the foreign player rules in Ukraine.
Secondly Patric, the young star from Barcelona B who has plenty of potential to become a future starter for most top sides across Europe. With Srna and Kaderabak very strong at the back currently I may look to loan out Patric initially and replace Srna down the line with the player. Again I feel this could become an issue with the foreign player laws but I always take the approach with the bosman-rule that if it doesn't work you can make a profit anyway.
As for transfers out, a few foreign players who were not even in rotation with the main squad were sold for somewhat discounted fee's but a lower wage bill and extra cash for players whom wouldn't get game time sounds perfect to me.
Winter Friendlies
Finally the winter friendlies, these I decided the assistant manager could take the squad for and 5/6 wins wasn't a bad run going into our next Champions League fixture.
Next Up
Our February summary, the away leg against Juventus and our first league game after the winter break.
#216476 On a quest to be the best. [FM15]
DP91
#216474 A European Trophy Hunt
DP91