Xen0n10

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Hello everyone,

I was reading a few football manager stories and thought it would be good to start one myself as my first ever post.

I will be posting various parts to this over the next week or so, probably break it down into pre-season and then post after every 10-15 games.

I have had reasonable success in Fm16, most recently with Hartlepool bringing them to 8th in the premiership in 6 seasons but I never really felt, in any of my saves to date, that I had full control over the tactic or match results so hopefully as part of this story, I can get constructive feedback which may help me understand the tactical element and match engine a little more.

I decided to start in the english championship and using the pick random team functionality, Leeds was the first team I landed on in the English championship.

Having looked through the squad, I noticed a lot of younger players with great potential and a core of 5-6 players who I could build a promotion challenge around however there was a severe lack in squad depth outside the top 13-15 players.

1. Formation

Leeds have a great selection of centre midfielders already in the squad and two great wing backs on other side so I decided I wanted to build something around a 5-3-2 formation given the options existing in the squad already. I always try to play possession football but have never tried it along with wing backs and a 532 base, so not sure how this will work but I can tweak as the season goes on.

2. Key Players

Goalkeepers - Clear number 1 in Marco Sylvestri. Not 100% convinced with his goalkeeping stats but I think given the lack of transfer budget, I will start the season with him and watch closely and can maybe make a change in january depending on funds. Ross Turnbull will be used as number 2.

Central Defenders - As I intend to use 3 centre backs, I am probably a bit short here, so will look to add 1 more if possible. There are 2 clear stand out players - Giuseppe Bellusci who has the stats to really excel in the championship and higher and Sol Bamber who's got great composure, is tall, decent speed and good defensive stats.

The first choice third spot is between Scott Wootton and Liam Cooper. Initially based on the stats, Cooper, although he has bad composure and concentration, the rest of his defensive stats are pretty solid, so he will start the season as the third centre back. Beyond these 4, there are a few talented younger centre backs but realistically they aren't ready for the first team, so I will definitely have to add at least 1 additional centre back.

Wing Backs - A key part to the 532 formation. I plan to use them in a more attacking way so expect them to have good crossing, dribbling, positioning and stamina and of course good defensive stats will be a big bonus! Luckily I have Sam Byram and Charlie Taylor who have both got excellent stats for this role and are young enough to improve much more. Beyond these there's Gaetano Berardi who can play both wingback roles (left and right) but as he is right footed I would prefer to keep him on the right, so I will need to bring in cover for left wingback.

Central Midfielders - Leeds are blessed with a lot of talented central midfielders and as mentioned above this is part of the reason I wanted to play 3 in the middle - so i can play 3 in every match. Alex Mowatt and Lewis Cook are the clear stars in this area and if the game progresses as I expect them to, then these guys will become key players in the premiership. Tom Adeyemi on loan is another great option, probably more defensively based but will become useful as the season progresses. Casper Sloth and Luke Murphy complete the options in the existing squad who i believe are ready for the first team, however, Murphy is priced at 4.7million and his stats do not impress me as much as Mowatt and Cook. Given he would be used in a similar role, I may look to sell him and strengthen with a more rounded box to box midfielder. Finally, there are a couple of other young midfielders who have great potential but probably not ready for this season. Transfer wise it looks like I will sell Murphy and bring in 1-2 more rounded midfielders.

Forwards - Possibly the weakest part of the team. Realistically there are only 4 strikers ready for the first team. Mulheron could be a great prospect but I don't think he is ready. It looks like Chris Wood could be the key player here. He's tall, got good jumping reach and heading ability and great strength. I don't usually tend to use players like this but his abilities might actually suit the wing backs.

Mirco Antenucci is possibly the next best striker and looks to have the stats to be a smaller more creative player who could thrive beside a big man.

Lee Erwin is next and looks to have decent enough striker stats - fast, good dribbling finishing, passing and workmate. Possibly third choice.

Finally, there is Souleymane Doukara. Looking at his stats, I don't like his composure, first touch, finishing or positioning stats. I can;t see how he will fit in so he will be shipped on if possible.
 
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2. Tactics

As mentioned above, I am going to try to create a successful possession based 532 with attacking wingbacks. I have went with the following initially but will be looking to tweak as the game progresses.

View attachment 184442

Key Roles

- Started with complete wingbacks as I want them to press high up the pitch, attack, dribble past the fullbacks and get crosses into the big man - Chris Wood. I also want to provide another option to recycle possession high up the pitch.
- Roaming Playmaker to dictate the play and tempo, ball winning midfielder support to win the ball high up the pitch and a box to box midfielder to try to impact the game both defensively and offensively (plus another body to recycle the possession high up the pitch)
- Standard centre backs on the left and right, with a ball playing centre back in the middle. Purpose of this is to get the ball off the keeper and try to play it out of defence into the middle players.
- Upfront I have started with a complete forward support so he can hold the ball up, win headers, attack the crosses from deep, and generally be an all round striker. The other role is a Trequarista who i expect to find space, provide creativity and generally cause mayhem up front alongside the big man.

3. Team Shape, Player Roles and Team Instructions.

View attachment 184441

Controlled, Structured, Play out of defence and low tempo - I want the team to keep shape and play a controlled low temp type of possession football from the back. Generally been able to create v good tactics using a 4-3-3 type formation but untested with wingbacks and 3 at the back, so there's a good chance I will have to tweak this significantly as the season goes on.

I have also added in dribble less to try and encourage the players to pick a pass and recycle possession. Finally, roam from position to again provide the movement needed to help recycle possession.

Going to play the friendlies now and look at buying and selling some players. Will post again before the season starts.
 
Looks good. I'll be following. I'm early in the first season of a Leeds save, so curious to see how you do.
In terms of forwards, have you looked at Jose Valencia on a free? He gets a work permit and is excellent as an advanced forward playing next to Chris Wood.
 
Looks good but already snapped up!!

Will post another update soon - nearly finished all friendlies.

Having a hard time getting a striker in - signed Amr Gamal but turned out he didn't get a wp so have had to loan him out! Disaster as he would have been perfect. Great stats for 325k.
 
Friendlies and Transfers

I am a big fan of playing as many friendlies as possible and always watch the match in 3D, and on elevated so that I can see if the tactic is working the way I want it to work.

In this case, I have set up 10 friendlies - Results as per below screenshot - I will write a few words about each match below and highlight any transfer activity/tactical changes that occurred between the matches.

View attachment 184377

Played 10, won 5, drew 2 lost 3 - Pretty mixed results but did stick a lot of younger players on in the second half of games.

Player stats from the 10 friendlies below.
View attachment 184376

Match 1 vs Leeds U21s. Won 4-0

Dominated from start to finish. Keep possession well and scored 4 in the second half. Not much else to take from this match.

Scorers - Doukara (2) , Bellusci (1), Bianchi (1) - All from the bench.

Match 2 vs Lask Linz U21s. Lost 1-0

Very poor the whole game, Tried to mix it up in second half but couldn't keep possession or make any chances.

terrible against such a poor side.

Tactical Changes - post match I noticed I had low crosses selected when i wanted balls in the air for Woods, so changed this to mixed. Not sure how I selected Low earlier - clearly a mistake. I also dropped the ball winning midfielder into a defensive midfield role to try and have a deeper option to receive the ball in midfield as the CB's went long quite a bit in the previous game.

Match 3 vs SV Grodig. Lost 3-1

Not sure how this happened. Had 13 shots to their 4 and had 63% possession. Couldn't score the second and they hit me for three. V poor so far. Tactic seems to be keeping possession but not making enough good chances.

Scorer - Antenucci

Transfers confirmed after match 3.

In
  • George Green (Free) - Good potential, decent attacking and technical stats. Looks like he can be a good back up player and possibly play box to box midfield when required.(or up front in an emergency)
  • Demy de Zeeuw (free) - Experienced midfielder with great technical skills. Think he will be a great back up player and also be good to help tutor some of the younger midfield. I think he will be an absolute steal. Could be wrong but let's see.
Out

  • Stuart Dallas (375k) - Got rid of him very cheap but he doesn't fit into my formation plans
  • Jordan Botaka (275k) - Same as above
  • Tommaso Bianchi (250k) - Poor friendlies and lots of options in centre mid so let him go
  • Souleymane Doukari (250k) - 2 goals in the first match but let him go as I just didn't like his stats.
Match 4 vs SCR Altach Won 2-1

Found it difficult again to get clear chances but got the win with an assist from wingback (Cross and Header by Woods). Second was another assist, great ball in by Byram and their centre back knocked it in. Still not looking great.

Scorer - Woods, and an own goal

Match 5 vs TSV Hartburg Won 3-0

Dominated possession and managed to create quite a lot of chanced. Two goals from Woods using his head again with two balls in from the right WB, Sam Byram. Third was by Lee Erwin, who got his first goal of preseason from the bench.

Match 6 vs INF Clairefontane Won 6-0

Poor opposition and completely dominated. Not much else to say. Had 61% possession and heaps of chances.
left wing back got an assist and a goal so the wingbacks seem to be working well so far.

Scorers - Taylor (1), Woods (1), Erwin (1), Antenucci (3 - 12 min hat trick off the bench)

Match 7 vs Stade de Reims 1-1

Dominated all game, took the lead through a screamer by new boy de Zeeuw but could;t get the second. Equaliser came in 92nd minute. Antenucci dislocated his shoulder so will be out for 9 weeks. Lack of strikers is worrying now.

Match 8 vs Quievilly Lost 1-0.

Played a few kids but got completely run around. Couldn't keep the ball or make chances. Easily beat by a 4th tier french club. What's going on?!?! Maybe time to tweak some tactics.

Decided to keep tactics as they are for a few more matches.

Transfer activity
IN
  • Kristoffer Ajer (800k) - 17 year old that seems to have everything. I came across him on the forums and decided to splash out 800k for him. I hope he can be the defensive midfielder I need to help break down plays and build my own from the back. Can play any position in centre midfield I think.
  • Gaston Silva (Loan) - Left wing back. Backup only. Decent stats.
  • Milos Veljkovic (Loan) - Promising Centre back from spurs who will be back up to first team
  • Amr Gamal (325k) - Spectacular signing. Centre forward who can score goals and create. Strong as well. Unfortunately signed him before noticing he didn't get a work permit so have to loan him out! Threw money away there as really need a striker
OUT
  • Jack Turnball (loan) - promising centre half sent out to get matches
  • Luke Murphy (4m) - good player but have enough creative option with cook and mowatt. Hopefully I don't miss him.
Match 9 vs Brescia won 4-2

Controlled the game from start, went 4-0 up and took all the key players off and then things went pear shaped. Thought it was going to end 4-4. Possibly reserve players aren't good enough. Ajer in defensive midfield was an absolute beast.

Goals from Lee Erwin (3) - Surprised at how good he's been and Lewis cook. 2 more assists for charlie taylor who has been immense from left wing back.

Match 10 vs Burnley Drew 2-2


Started really quickly and completely dominated the match, Went 2-0 up and controlled possession. Again decided to make some changes for the second half. Burnley then came back with two quick goals but overall I was very happy with how I controlled the game and restricted them to limited chances.

My goals came through Charlie Taylor (assisted by Sam Byram - wanted to show how well the wing backs are working ) and Alex Mowatt.

Overall pretty mixed results but by game 9 and 10 I think the tactic is started to work quite well. Will follow the matches and analysis closely and see how things progress.

Will try to finalise a few transfers before the season starts.

Back after 5-10 games of the season.
 
Ajer is an absolutely sensational signing for only 800k. Normally, bidding wars drive the price up to the low-2 million range--what are you promising in clauses?
I feel like with Ajer, Mowatt and Cook, Leeds could have one of the best midfields in your game in a couple years. Plus, Ajer's young enough to become home-grown.
Also, in terms of strikers--have you though about Alessandro del Piero on a free to play trequartista? He's ancient, but it's his favored role and he's so, so good on his day. Plus he won't set you back much in wages at all.
 
Absolutely agree. Those 3 are good enough to lead Leeds for many years in this game. Just need to find a balance that works! Played 4 games so far, will post again after 10. Finding it hard to get the midfield to create enough chances at the moment but hopefully as they learnt he tactics and instructions, the creativity will come good.

Del Piero was gone when i remembered about him. Will post my final transfers in the next post.

In terms of Ajar, I started off at 525k but after Liverpool, Milan and a few others bid I got it accepted for 800k plus 35% of future fee. Didn't realise that was cheap.!

The main thing for me, was to ensure I got him now I had the bid accepted so I maximised the terms as much as I could. Wage of 17.5k pw. A lot for his age but as youve mentioned, he looks like he will be an excellent player.
 
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Sorry for the lack of updates. I had to go away for work and forgot my laptop!

I've a few matches to finish tonight and then will make another post. I plan to get playing a lot this weekend.
 
Again apologies for the lack of updates. I've now played 16 games in the league and one carling cup game.

It's been a pretty mixed bag so far. I've dominated possession pretty much every match and have (after roughly the 5th game) started creating a decent amount of chances (2-4 CCC's every game) however, most likely, due to the lack of striker quality, I am not scoring an awful lot. I have tweaked the tactic a few times along the way (will screenshot the current tactic in the post later)

I am currently sitting 7th after 16 League games. Played 16 won 7, drew 7, lost 2. As you can see from the screenshots, most of my games that haven't ended in draws have either been won or lost by a goal. I just can't score enough goals at the moment. The two games I have lost - vs Middlesborough who were second at the time and Bolton who were 3rd, where both very unlucky. 60% plus possession 8 shots on target in both games but got beat 2-1 in each. More on each match to follow.

View attachment 182356View attachment 182355

My final transfers are as follows;

View attachment 182353

1. George Green - discussed earlier
2. Demy De Zeeuw - discussed earlier
3. Kristoffer Ajer - discussed earlier
4. Gaston Silva - discussed earlier
5. Milos Veiljikovic - discussed earlier
6. Amr Gamal - discussed earlier
7. Richard Dunne - Brought him in on a free to provide some further cover - got him on good wages and should bring some experience in.
8. Pablo Granoche - Liked the look of his stats - really found it difficult to find a striker within budget that looked decent. Thought this guy would be worth 825k and hopefully get 12-15 goals.
9. Harrison Reed - Decided to bring him in loan to rotate with Ajer given how young Ajer is. Cancelled Tom Adeyemi's loan to bring him in. Overall looked like he had better stats to fit into my tactical approach and cheaper wage than Adeyemi.
10. Leon Best - Just before transfer deadline woods got injured for 5 weeks, Antenucci was already out for 8 weeks as previously mentioned, and no work permit for Gamal. Left me with just two strikers - Granoche who was untested and Erwin. Had limited funds so decided to take a chance on Leon Best as a last resort. Not the perfect striker but could hopefully do a job.
 
As you can see from the screenshot, Byram and Taylor have been pretty lethal so far this season (especially Byram). They are getting a lot of the ball on each flank, keep possession well and when a chance presents itself get good balls into the box. They have a lot of assists but again would be more (I think) if I had better players up front. Woods is the top scorer even though he missed a fair few games when out injured. Leon Best has scored 3 goals for me so far and each has been off the bench to win the game! Pretty happy with that!

Midfield with the exception of Mowatt, has been pretty average so far but they do keep the ball very well for the majority of the time. Mowatt has been class (when he hasn't been injured) but needs to add more goals and assists to his game.

View attachment 182352

Matches

Match 1 vs Burnley Drew 2-2

Had just played them in preseason which finished 2-2. This was pretty much the opposite of the preseason game where I had started very fast and went 2-0 up before losing the lead. This time I went 2-0 down within 40 minutes. Second half I went Attacking and gave an aggressive team talk. Woods and Erwin scored to bring me back into it. Assists one each from Byram and Taylor. I had 18 shots (11 on target) 4 CCC and 60% possession. They had 4 shots 1 CCC but I just couldn't get the win.

Match 2 vs Burton in the Carling Cup - Lost 2-0.

Played my first team and got absolutely played off the park by a lower league club. I have no idea what was going on. Couldn't keep possession or make any chances. Ended up changing the tactic at half time but to no avail. Out of the cup at the first attempt - fans and board not happy.

Match 3 vs Reading Away - Won 2-1

Reading dominated the whole game, went 1-0 up early in the second half. I brought Granoche on for Erwin and that changed the game. He scored the equaliser (Bryam assist) and then Woods scored the winner in the 80th minute (Taylor assist)!! Definitely a hit and run!!

Promising enough start in the league after 2 games! But then I hit 4 draws in a row!

Match 4 vs Bristol City away Drew 1-1

Had heaps of the ball first half but still found myself 1-0 down at half time. Liam Cooper had a stinker and was at fault for what ended up a tap in to an empty net. Made a few changes at half time and scrapped a draw from a set piece. Strikers had 2 shots between them. Very poor.

Match 5 vs Sheff Wed Home Drew 2-2

Shelf wed were in the bottom 4 and I was at home. Was expecting an easy win - Dominated the game again but couldn't make any good CCC. Ended up with 61% again but took an 84th minute goal from Erwin to rescue it for me. Went 1-0 up through an own goal from a corner but got punished on the counter twice again when I lost the ball high up the pitch passing needlessly sidewise! I'm trying to dominate possession but I want to be able to create chances and not just keep the ball needlessly and for the sake of it.

Match 6 vs Derby Away 0-0

Derby were top going into this game so was happy with the result, especially after Byrom got sent off in the 75th minute for a second booking. Results are pretty decent so far but I am not happy with the tactic. Had 58% possession at the end against derby but had 4 shots the whole game. Tweaks are required. p.s Woods was also injured for 5 weeks. Disaster.

Match 7 vs Brentford at Home 1-1

Hugely disappointed after this game. Changed it up and played a CAM instead of the CDM. Took the lead, dominated for large parts of the game but the lack of DM may have cost me on the counter. Brentford equalised in the 75th minute. This was my first game without Woods who had been injured previous game. Granoche had 9 shots and 1 on target. Checked the analysis and these where all from pretty central positions in and around the box. v disappointing. Strikers not doing great.

Match 8 vs Ipswich at home Won 2-1

Was sitting 13th before this game. Really wanted a win to get me up a few spots. Played a flat three in midfield. two box to box midfielders and a roaming playmaker. 1-0 after 10 mins. This was going well. at half time I went back to the formation I ended pre season with but could not create any chances. Went all out attack on the 70th minute, fired on Leon Best as had nothing to loose! Got an equaliser in the 76th minute from a centre back heading in a corner and then the super sub!88th Minute - Leon Best Winner! Get in!

Match 9 vs MK Dons Away - Drew 2-2

Can the Leon Best late winner act as a catalyst? Looked like it was helping! Went into a 2-0 lead at half time and was creating some good chances!! Two assists from the left wing back again - Lee Erwin and Byram knocking the goals in. Byram the star performer at right wingback so far!! Second half, fell to pieces, didn't close the game down and they scored in 57th minute! It was coming. Then in the 89th minute (i didn't make any tactical changes - my fault), they scored from a corner to make it 2-2. Poor on my part

Match 10 vs Middlesbrough - Lost 2-1

61% possession away from home against one of the favourites for the title. Played some nice stuff, the trio in midfield play some lovely football to get the ball up the pitch but the same old story. loose the ball in around their box and get hit on the counter again - for both their goals! Went 2-0 down after dominating, got one back and really deserved at least a draw. Byram Assist, Erwin Goal

Will finish the rest of the matches over the weekend - getting late here. By end of Sunday I hope to have played 35-30 games in the league and posted progress reports. I'll also post my tactical tweaks and the reasons I made them.

Would appreciate feedback on this if there is any? Am I posting enough screenshots/detail etc...
 
Match 11 Leeds vs Birmingham

View attachment 181122


Dominated possession but couldn't create many chances or shots on target. Got the winner from a set piece through Bamba. Mowatt assist. Worrying times for the strikers, wingbacks continuing to excel.

Match 12 Leeds vs Brighton

View attachment 181123

Very close game. Brighton created lots of chances but generally let down by poor finishing. Was 1-0 down at half time but got the equaliser through a Chris wood header (Byram cross for the assist). Made a triple change in the 72 minute to push for the win and the super sub Leon Best came to the rescue again! Second time with the winner off the bench! Byram with his second assist of the game! Great 3 points to bring me up to 9th in the table!

Match 13 Fulham vs Leeds

View attachment 181124

League leaders away. Restricted them to very little chances, scored early through wood but conceded pretty much straight away. Went for the win but just couldn't get the second goal. Pleased with the final result given how well Fulham have been doing.

Match 14 Bolton vs Leeds

View attachment 181125

Bolton where on a great run before this game and sat in 3rd. Took an early lead through Taylor (another assist from Byram) before they got a man sent off straight away. Even with the 10 men, my team found it very difficult and Bolton equalised early in the second half. I went attacking and pushed forward for the goal! Ended up leaving lots of space at the back and got hit on the counter and ended up losing the game! Bolton ended up with lots of chances! Very poor result!

Tactical Changes



Decided I needed to tweak the tactics slightly as I haven't been creating enough CCC or scoring enough with the strikers. Attached the latest Team Instructions and Player roles. Formation stays the same (for now).
View attachment 181116View attachment 181115

Changed both strikers to F9s as I read another FM story where there was a lot of success with this as the two up front. Complete wing backs changed to wingbacks - wasn't sure if this was the right thing to do given how well they have been doing but I wanted to try to make my defensive base a little more solid given the amount of goals I have been conceding on the counter after dominating the game.

Match 15 Leeds vs Blackburn

View attachment 181126


Brilliant start to the match! 2-0 up within 8 minutes through Liam Cooper (set piece) and Marco Antenucci who scored his first goal for me (just back from injury as well). Scored a third to go 3-0 up early in the second half through Antenucci who was having a great game! Made three changes in the 67th minute and then conceded straight away in the 68th minute and then again in the 73rd. Played the rest of the game on counter as I had a bad feeling and managed to hold out for the 3 points!


Match 16 Leeds vs Cardiff

View attachment 181127

Pretty dominate performance but still can't score enough goals or create enough clear cut chances. Got the win via another Chris Wood Goal. Sam Byram got man of the match after another great performance on the right flank. Happy with the win and clean sheet but starting to think the lack of chances might cost me promotion this season.


Match 17 Huddersfield vs Leeds

View attachment 181110

Didn't keep possession as well as previous games but did seem to create a lot more chances for the strikers. 1-0 up at half time but a poor reaction from the team talk cost me as Huddersfield equaliser early in the second half. Had some chances to win it but Granoche was absolutely terrible again! (Forgot to mention that Antenucci got injured again in training - he is becoming very difficult to relay on) Put Leon Best on again in the 66th minute and he scored the winner again to secure another 3 points!! Super sub or what - third game in which he's came off the bench to win the match! Granoche looks a terrible signing and the fans and board have made a point of reminding me!
 
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I've decided to change the format of my updates and post them every game month throughout the season.

Before moving to the new format, there are two games at the end of November I have to post updates on.

Match 18 Leeds vs Rotherham

View attachment 180894
Very difficult game at home and another poor performance by Granoche up front!! Got a late goal to reduce the draw!

Match 19 QPR vs Leeds
View attachment 180893
Very close game both teams couldn't create chances. Tried to change it around a little but just couldn't get any momentum going forward. Had 1 shot on target the whole game and 3 attempts! Very poor! Will leave the tactic for 5 or 6 more games before judging/changing but at the moment something isn't right. Bellusci sent off in the 76 minute, switched to counter to try to keep it tight and possibly get a goal on the break. In hindsight I should've went defensive and played for the point. Austin scored soon after and that was enough for the three points.

Ended November in 9th which isn't a disaster but need to do much better going forward and possibly look at bringing in another striker in January. This, I feel, may cost me promotion.
 
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December

December was a pretty good month - Played 6, Won 4, Drew 1 and Lost 1.


Pretty even game. Hull took the lead and I got the equaliser through a Mowatt screamer. Strikers still finding it hard getting goals.


Charlton vs Leeds

View attachment 180886

Got my first win in 4 games through a Charlie Taylor goal (Sam Byram assist). Wingbacks connect again for an assist and goal - not for the first time this season. Another game without a goal for any of my selection of strikers. Dominating possession but not converting the possession into chances or goals.


Wolves vs Leeds



View attachment 180887

Wolves away. I knew going into this game that it was a difficult one. Afobe has been banging the goals in and they have been in around the top 3 all season. Was 2-0 down after 25 minutes and it could've been more. Got a goal back in the second half after a slight formation change at half time. Dominated the whole second half in terms of possession but couldn't create enough chances (again!!!) and wolves scored a third just before the end.

Leeds vs Preston

View attachment 180888

Finally a change of fortune, albeit against a Preston team that's been finding it hard all season. Dominated the whole match and restricted preston to just 4 long range chances. Got a 2-0 win through Charlie Taylor (Sam Byram assist again) and Chris Wood (Wood has now 2 goals in a row)

Nottm Forest vs Leeds



View attachment 180887


A late winner got me the 3 points to make it two wins in a row in the league! Much needed points. Generally controlled the game but forest scored two through some very poor defending. Lewis Cook scored a sensational long range goal for his third of the season and it got me the points! Erwin also got a goal - third game in a row that a striker has scored - hopefully a slight change in fortunes!


Leeds vs Derby

View attachment 180879

Second game in a row where a long range strike from the midfield got me the points! Mowatt hit another screamer for his third of the season. Generally a close game, kept possession well and restricted Derby to long range chances. Third win on the spin to take me up to 7th going into January.

Going to spend some time now focusing on my squad and seeing if there is any way I can shift a few players to free funds/wage budget to bring in another quality striker.

Will post another update at the end of January.
 
DECEMBER GOAL OF THE MONTH


ALEX MOWATT'S SENSATIONAL STRIKE TO EQUALISE AGAINST HULL WINS GOAL OF THE MONTHView attachment 180843



DECEMBER PLAYER OF THE MONTH

MY TWO WING BACKS FINISH FIRST AND SECOND IN PLAYER OF THE MONTH - THEY ARE BOTH HAVING FANTASTIC SEASONSView attachment 180842
 
January 2016


January proved to be a pivotal month with some great results to take me into the top 5 in the league. Managed to get a new striker in, with a few players going in the other direction. More on that later.


Played 6 won 3, drew 1, lost 1 (FA cup) At the end of January I am now on a 7 game unbeaten run in the league.





Leeds vs MK Dons


View attachment 180768
Started the month off with a pretty poor performance against MK Dons - to be fair both teams found it difficult to make any chances and a 0-0 was probably a fair result. Rested Cook, Mowatt and Ajer which definitely didn't help the final result.


Transfer News

Just before the FA cup match, de Zeeuw complained about lack of game time. Tried telling him to be patient but he kicked up stink which resulted in 5 players coming to be for a team meeting. I told them I was the manager and this was for the good of the team - they all felt he would add to the first team! I decided that given his age and lack of playing time to offer him out quickly to get him out of the club before any more damage was done. As you can see below, he left pretty quickly on a free transfer. Disappointing as I thought he would have been a great signing at the start of the season.




FA CUP - Leeds vs Wrexham

Tried to rotate for this game and it showed! Poor performance against lower league opposition but there was a positive as Gronoche finally gets a goal for the club!


FA CUP 4th Round Draw - Tough game as Leeds are drawn away to Newcastle who are sitting 5th in the premiership


Best performance and result of the season. Decided to leave Granoche in given he broke his duck in the fa cup game! Turned out to be a great decision as he scored 2 great goals and set up a third. Ipswich never really threatened apart from their goal!

Sheff wed vs Leeds


Great start with an early penalty within 2 minutes. Unfortunately Granoche missed which would have made it 4 goals in 3 and 3 matches in a row scored in! Not to be. Dominated again without ever really looking likely to score but Erwin popped up with a screamer to bag the points near the end!!

Leeds vs Bristol City

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Last league game of the month sees a 1-1 draw at home to Bristol. Given my recent form, I was pretty disappointed with this result although it is probably a fair result in the end. Mowatt scored again to give me the lead and had a few chances (Woods twice) to score the second but it wasn't to be. Bristol equalised in the second half and not much else happened after that.

League table at end of january

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Although I have drawn a lot of games, I am still sitting in 5th and only 5 points off the top! Very happy with how the last two months have went - especially given the trouble I am having scoring goals!!

FA CUP 4th Round

Just before the cup game I managed to sell Antenucci for 150K - Just couldn't put up with the injuries and wanted to free up some wage budget. Looked about and still couldn't afford to get anyone in on loan. Finally noticed, Ezequiel Ponce on the market from Roma - No wages required to be paid and no monthly fee.18 year old Argentinean who looks like he has huge potential. Hopefully can be back up for the rest of the season or until Leon Best comes back from injury at least. Might grab a few goals.


Newcastle vs Leeds

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Dominated possession but Newcastle countered extremely well and created a lot of chances. I had my chances as well and afterwards the media said that Leeds rue missed chances. Unfortunately Newcastle had too much quality (5th in premiership at the moment) but on the plus side it was good to see the team/tactic dominate possession away from home against a big team.

Overall a good month, out of the FA cup but can now focus on the promotion challenge. 5th in the league with 3 home games coming up next!!!
 
Apologies for the lack of updates. I have now finished February and March so will cover both below. Will finish the season tonight and post progress at the end of the season.

February

There were 5 matches in February and before playing any of them I thought I should be able to get at least 3 wins given the form of the team!


Brentford vs Leeds





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Brentford were in 20th place and hadn't won in 4 so I thought this could be an easy win and I was right! 3-0 and should have been 4 but Granoche missed another penalty!! Mowatt was incredible and got 2 assists - Wood and Granoche both scored! On a great run at the minute.

Leeds vs Nottm Forest


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Was expecting a difficult match here as forest where doing quite well, sitting in 10th. Went one nill down but managed to turn it around and continue the great run! Goals from Taylor, Wood and Granoche again get us a great 3-1 win!! Sam Byram gets another MOTM award - definitely going to get Leeds player of the year at least.

Leeds vs Boro


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Boro were top before this match so the 0-0 was a great result but i did have heaps of chances, so was disappointed that I didnt get the winner!! Sitting 5th still but only a few points of second!

Leeds vs Fulham

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A win would've taken me into the top 4 so actually decided to start the game playing attacking instead of control. Scored on the stroke of half time and went back to control as I didn't feel like I was creating enough to warrant playing attacking! Got a man sent off in there 56 minute and changed to counter and changed the formation to be a little more defensive. managed to restrict fulham to some long range shots and then hit them on the counter through byram to take the 3 points. Great Result! Byram got MOTM for the third game in a row!

Brighton vs Leeds

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Pretty tight game but managed to hold on for a 2-1 win! Team is on an unbelievable run at the moment - 13 games unbeaten in the league and up to 4th, 4 points off the top at the end of February!! Absolutely loving the formation now.

March up next post.
 
March


Another 5 games coming up in March. Aim was for 10 points from the 15 - that would have left me in pretty decent shape to at least make the play offs. Things didn't pan out as I had hoped with a few very disappointing results!


Birmingham vs Leeds
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It was coming! I dominated the whole game and couldn't score! Went all out attack towards the end and got punished with a late birmingham goal! V poor!


Leeds vs Bolton

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For the second time this season Bolton had a man sent off early against me and still dominated the game! I had a lot of chances but was lucky to come away with a 3-1 win! They would have surely beat me if they had 11 men on the pitch. They are playing a strange formation with 3 up front seems to work v well against me! Zach clough looks class, will be trying to purchase him if we go up and bolton don't! Great 3 points, albeit with a bit of luck!


Cardiff vs Leeds


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Another frustrating game, couldn't get into it and Cardiff deserved the win even though I had more possession. Saadi came of the bench for them at half time and scored both goals! 2 losses in 3 and it should really have been 3 defeats in a row!
Blackburn vs Leeds

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After two defeats, I can't hit the target of 10 points from the 5 games in March but did really need a win here. Decided to play one up front with Sloth in behind as a Attacking midfielder for the first time this season. The logic behind this was to try and hold the ball a bit better in midfield before getting the ball into the box for a big target man! It seemed to work as sloth got an assist and a goal and woods scored a header! A great 2-1 win which could've easily ended in a draw!


Leeds vs Huddersfield

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Kept the same formation as the blackburn game but it didn't quite work - gave the ball away a lot and couldn't keep possession. a 1-1 draw was probably a fair result but as Huddersfield were just sitting outside the relegation zone, this was a very poor result!

So a return of 7 points from the 15 in March wasn't quite what I expected but it was still enough to bring me up to Second act the end of March. All the other teams around me are faltering, with the exception of Wolves who now have a 6 point lead at the top!


The season is going so much better than I imagined! Second after 38 games! 8 games left in the league to secure promotion!!

 
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