Long update...
So I'm through the end of January 2012 with Ajax. Still nothing but wins in the league, which means I'm running away with it. Basically, I'm upset if my side doesn't score at least 4 goals and/or if we give up one. Between the combination of quality players (both those who start at Ajax and those who I've added) and the tactic working pretty well, its beeen a stroll.
A 5-1 win over Otilul of Romania in the final round of the Group Stage secured advancement. Bayern were tough as hell, but Lyon were a little lighter than I expected - took a 0-0 draw in France and a 3-0 win in Amsterdam. Drew agasinst Inter in the first knockout round, which has me thinking the European adventure might be over. Still, I'll see what I can manage against the Italian giants.
January was a bit frustrating. I didn't buy much - a couple young players for the future. But apparently success breeds attention, because I had some of the big dogs of Europe bidding on my players. All my players. Seriously, almost every player in the starting XI and most of my key rotational guys had bids come through. Rather than reject them, I'd negotiate to something ridiculous and the club would withdraw the offer. Worked in every case except one. I signed Anderson Martins, a Brazilian DC who starts at UAE club and can be bought at the start for change (like 60k euros). He came in as cover, didn't play as much as he wanted, so through December and January he was getting more appearances. Milan comes in with a bid of 60k, even though is value is now 850k. I negotiate it something reasonable - like 5m - and they walk. He gets choked, even when I tell him I'll sell him when a reasonable offer comes in. His performance tanks, including a 5.20 performance in a cup match that sees him responsible for a goal against and I subbed him at the half. I gave him a formal warning for performance after that one and he actually accepted it. Now its the very end of January so I dont' really have time to sell him, and he's playing so poor I really can't use him. Off to the reserves you go, I guess. Fuck you Milan, fuck you.
Many of the guys I brought in have performed brilliantly - particularly Sigurrson, the Icelandic playmaker from Hoffenheim. But many of the starting talents have developed nicely, such as Lodeiro and the Icelandic ST Sigborrson (yes, that get's confusing). I kinda now regret making so many additions to the squad, and the temptation is already there to give the club another with fewer, or even no additions. I doubt i'd run the league as easily, but having things almost wrapped up by the halfway point is kinda boring.
The plan is to make it through the season with Ajax but then probably give Hamburg a go. I'll come back to Ajax and try again in the future.
