Football Manager

[Lanteri]

Finally lost in La Liga play, 2-1 at Camp Nou. Not all that shocking that we wouldn't be able to get a result there. However, with Atletico Madrid still just 1 point behind in 5th place heading into our final matches of the season, our match against Racing became a must win to assure a spot in the Champions League Qualifying Rounds. And win is exactly what we did, with a 5-1 victory to end the season.

My final tally in La Liga play as manager of Athletic: 23 games, 14 wins, 8 draws, 1 loss. 59 GF, 20 GA for +39 GD.

More good news: RB - Cesar Azpilicueta will be joining in July to replace the rapidly aging Iraola.

All in all, it's been a fairly successful first season in charge of Athletic, and I'm definitely looking forward to next season. Not really at all interested in the summer window since the pool of players available to us is non-existent, so there's not much signing to be done haha.

Given the constricted nature of what I can do with the club, my goal is pretty much going to be win a major trophy then leave once a bigger club comes calling. Preferably back to England.

Squad Stats

 

League Table

 

Worth noting back in England, my old Blackpool side managed to finish 8th in the Premiership. Musona led the league in goalscoring with 25 goals. Chelsea won the league, 8 points clear of 2nd place Man U. Bayern won the Bundesliga for the 2nd time in 3 years. Schalke won last year. Juventus came out on top in the Serie A.

[Lanteri]

Well, as I hinted in my other post, I was looking for a move back to England since I'm not too thrilled with the lack of flexibility I would have at Bilbao long-term, I got a job offer from Tottenham, as Harry Redknapp has retired. I also got an offer from Man U as Alex Ferguson also called it quits. I don't want Man U as there's not a legacy to be built there.

While I wanted to win something with Bilbao first, I couldn't risk the opportunity to move to a big club while a position was available, so to Spurs we go.

[Lanteri]

Actually, I take that back, sorta.

I'm going back to England, but I'm going to reload my Blackpool save.

Don't mind me. I just think Tottenham would be a little too easy. (They gave me a £50m transfer kit in addition to the already loaded squad we have).

That whole legacy talk would be much more suited to making it big with Blackpool.



So basically, Atletico never happened and we're back in December 2013.

...I hate this game sometimes.

[calgaryballer]

I've got a 7 point lead in the title race with 12 games to play. Just lost Cabaye for 3-4 months, so this will be tight

[calgaryballer]

I think people were starting to figure out my 4231. I've had a narrow 442 diamond shape in my back pocket all year and broke it out against Leverkusen in the Europa League. Depends a lot on Marcus Rojo and Kyle Walker getting forward, but they've been doing well so far. 3 away goals and counting

[calgaryballer]

Well, things are a mixed bag right now. 3-3 away and 0-0 home means we beat Leverkusen in the first knockout round on away goals. Lost Canales for 3 months though and my midfield depth is dwindling. Drew Benfica in the next round.

In the prem we are still ten points clear with 10 games to go. Cisse has hit an epic dry patch, so he will be rested. Hopefully Sturridge can step up. I can lose three games in that run and still take the title, and it's a pretty ok run in. Just City from the top 6 still to play.

Not sure what I need next year or if I want to stay at Newcastle. Chelsea fired moyes but I don't think that's the job for me. Wouldn't mind a good job on the continent. But I might also stay and give the champions league another go, see if we can build on our qf loss to Barcelona two years ago

[calgaryballer]

Alan Shearer moved from 20th placed Southampton to 9th placed Chelsea. Old boys network I tell ya

[calgaryballer]

Beat Benfica 8-3 on aggregate. Pedro had his best Newcastle game as he finished with two nice goals. Not sure who we have drawn in the next round.

Still 10 points clear, down to eight matches to play. Manchester united has moved in to second after an Arsenal slump. I am pretty confident we can take home the title and will be hoping for a Europa Leauge double as well.

[calgaryballer]

Canales, Cabaye, Adryan, Tiote and Diame all injured. I have De Jong (Suspended in Europa) and Giulano left who can play CM

[calgaryballer]

6 pt lead with 5 to go because of the injuries. Squeaky bum time

[calgaryballer]

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Giuliano now out for 3-4 weeks, De Jon 11 days to 2 weeks. The game is fucking with me. Injure my wingers, I have lots!

[calgaryballer]

Steven Taylor out for 4 weeks now! Nothing has changed and guys are dropping like flies

[Fappin Raptor]

I'm curious about the UAE so I've downloaded a file that creates the UAE leagues.

[Fappin Raptor]

Went with Al-Ain. I know they are one of the richer teams in the UAE but I plan on this just being a fun save. We will see how this goes.

[Lanteri]

Went with Al-Ain. I know they are one of the richer teams in the UAE but I plan on this just being a fun save. We will see how this goes.

But really, is there such a thing as a poor team in the UAE? ;)