WEEKEND EPL TACTICAL BATTLE: 4/12/16

BOURNEMOUTH (4)   -   (3) LIVERPOOL:

Eddie Howe vs Jurgen Klopp:

A crazy game.  I wouldn't say is a game of the year of what but is a crazy game contributed by a weak Liverpool defensive game.  Liverpool were dominant from the start until Fraser substitute in for the game.  Liverpool were weak in the defense led by errors from Karius and Leiva.  What a 'game changing' performance from Fraser.

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

EVERTON (1)   -   (1) MANCHESTER UNITED:

Ronald Koeman vs Jose Mourinho:

A tough match for both side.  Everton recent form has not been good and Man Utd mood will be buoyed by their win in EUROPA league.  A quite evenly battle match for both side. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

WEEKEND EPL TACTICAL BATTLE: 3/12/16

MANCHESTER CITY (1)   -   (3) CHELSEA:

Pep Guardiola vs Antonio Conte:

It is obvious that tactical battle between them won by Conte but the fact is, Man City could be 3 or 4 nil up before Costa equalized.  So who is the winner between them?  Pep's football is unbelievable against Chelsea unfortunately, the discipline of Chelsea side won the battle.  I think we can try implementing both team's tactics in FM17.  Looks fine.

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

CRYSTAL PALACE (3)   -   (0) SOUTHAMPTON

Alan Pardew vs Claude Puel:

Battle between the mid table team.  Pardew team started slowly and gain their momentum as the game goes on.  Pardew in under tremendous pressure due to poor recent result for Palace.  In form Southampton team just beaten Arsenal in EFL Cup.  Here you go.  

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

STOKE CITY (2)   -   (0) BURNLEY

Mark Hughes vs Sean Dyche:

Hughes has changed the way Stoke play since he took over from Pulis.  The current Stoke side like to keep the ball and play on the feet rather than typical Stoke City long ball game.  Sean Dyche is definitely underrated.  Burnley can be brilliant at home.  They are not afraid of any big team and play their own football.  Beaten Liverpool this season at home.  Let's see what can we learn from both teams.

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

SUNDERLAND (2)   -   (1) LEICESTER CITY

David Moyes vs Claudio Ranieri:

Sunderland is in good run of form.  Winning 3 out of last 5 games.  Sunderland has started to understand the type of football Moyes trying to implement.  As for Leicester, their team is struggling in EPL and competitor started to read their game.  Typical 4-4-2 and definitely weaken by the departure of Kante to Chelsea.   

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

TOTTENHAM (5)   -   (0) SWANSEA

Mauricio Pochettino vs Bob Bradley:

A very obvious winner.  Tactically spot on and definately player quality between both teams is the key reason.  Let's see what can we learn from it. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

WEST BROM (3)   -   (1) WATFORD

Tony Pulis vs Walter Mazzarri:

We are all impressed with WBA's performance this season.  They are in rich vein of form standing at No.7 in the league at the moment.  Their tactical approach is something for us learn if we look to manage a smaller club in FM.  As for Mazzarri, he played with 4-4-2 instead of his normal tactical approach. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

WEST HAM (1)   -   (5) ARSENAL

Slaven Bilic vs Arsene Wenger

Kaboom!  I watched this game before I sleep and I rarely see any threat from Bilic side.  Rich of quality upfront but creating nothing at all in the game.  Arsenal were brilliant in this game. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

*** Let's learn together mates....

CURRENT EPL TOP 6 TEAM'S TACTIC: Why are they at the top?

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:

1) CHELSEA : ANTONIO CONTE

Chelsea currently is at good shape.  Fluid in the system that Conte implement into the team.  It works well and even the likes of Moses, his career start kicking off.  What a good performance from Chelsea yesterday against Man City.  A fast counter-attacking football led by Hazard and Costa.  If all players discipline at implementing the tactic correctly, it can be unplayable. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

2) ARSENAL : ARSENE WENGER

I think Arsenal is better with Giroud around the squad but Wenger played a different kind of football compared to last season.  They playing into the feet more compared to last season.  The squad quality that Wenger has is unbelievable.  The likes of Sanchez, Ozil at the front is fearsome.  Ozil play making role suits him well by playing more on the feet. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

3) LIVERPOOL : JURGEN KLOPP

Gegenpressing is terms of Klopp's fighting football.  You need a warrior to play Klopp's kind of football, with or without the ball.  The reason Firmino is ahead of Sturridge is because Firmino work rate off the ball is better than Sturridge.  No doubt that in terms of quality as a forward, Sturridge is better at it.  Klopp finally manage to compile a squad that suits his kind of football.  Currently, Liverpool are doing great.  Their attacking line led by Coutinho, Mane and Firmino is brilliant, non-stop movement.  

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

4) MANCHESTER CITY : PEP GUARDIOLA

Pep is tuning on his tactic and try to get it right with the player he is having in Man City.  Possession oriented football and pressing at higher line.  Midfield in the middle of the park and wide player is key for Pep's tactic.  Passing ability from the back is important for Pep's team therefore the likes of Hart, Mangala is losing their place in the squad.  The football I admire the most is Pep's kind of football.  He changed the world football with his football understanding and newly invented football philosophy.

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

5) TOTTENHAM :  MAURICIO POCHETTINO 

One of the best young manager around.  Fitness is key for Pochettino's team.  They get's better as the game goes on, his Tottenham's squad is young and energetic.  Pochettino responsible for bring out the best in Harry Kane.  Tottenham's tactic is simple, they played their part in their role and beat their opponent in fitness battle. 

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

6) MANCHESTER UNITED : JOSE MOURINHO

The same old tactic since his time at Real Madrid, Chelsea and now at Man Utd.  Most team's can read Mourinho's team.  Mourinho is very good in coordinating defensive line.  His team defensive arrangement can frustrate opponent and kill their opponent during counter attack.  Defensive is key for Mourinho's team.  

(Source: Football Manager 2017 game print screen)

*** The review is solely based my personal opinion.

TOP 5 TRANSFER BUDGET TEAM IN OTHER CONTINENTS' LEAGUE:

As per earlier transfer budget list for EUROPE Club (as per below link), we are listing down for other continent as well to assist FM mates that intended to manage other continent's league.  


http://fmthejourneytoglory.blogspot.my/2016/11/highest-transfer-budget-team.html

TOP 5 TRANSFER BUDGET CLUBS IN ASIA:

1.  GUANGZHOU (CHINA) - 23,036,510
2.  JIANGSU (CHINA) - 17,277,382
3.  HUAXIA XINGFU (CHINA) - 13,821,906
4.  SHANDONG (CHINA) - 9,214,604
5.  SEONGNAM (KOREA) - 9,000,000

TOP 5 TRANSFER BUDGET CLUBS IN SOUTH AMERICA:

1.  FLA (BRAZIL) - 4,756,265
2.  UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE (CHILE) - 3,457,947
3.  SEP (BRAZIL) - 2,378,132
4.  CEC (BRAZIL) - 2,140,319
5. UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA (CHILE) - 2,074,768

TOP 5 TRANSFER BUDGET CLUBS IN N. AMERICA:

1.  MONTERREY (MEXICO) - 6,147,462
2.  TIGRES (MEXICO) - 5,763,246
3.  AMERICA (MEXICO) - 5,763,246
4.  NYCFC (USA) - 4,610,596
5.  CHIVAS, CRUZ AZUL, XOLOS TIJUANA (MEXICO) - 4,610,596

TOP 5 TRANSFER BUDGET CLUBS IN AFRICA:

1.  SUNDOWNS (AFRICA) - 1,694,953
2.  WITS (AFRICA) - 847,476
3.  ORLANDO PIRATES (AFRICA) - 847,476
4.  SUPERSPORT UTD (AFRICA) - 564,984
5.  KAIZER CHIEFS (AFRICA) - 564,984

P/S: Currency in pound sterling.

*** I hope it could assist... 

HIGHEST TRANSFER BUDGET TEAM AT THE START OF 2016/17 SEASON:

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:

1. TOTTENHAM - 50,000,000
2. MAN CITY - 49,000,000
3. EVERTON - 45,000,000
4. LIVERPOOL - 40,000,000
5. ARSENAL - 39,400,000

SPANISH LA LIGA:

1. REAL MADRID - 17,227,566
2. VALENCIA - 12,920,675
3. BARCELONA - 10,336,189
4. A. BILBAO - 8,613,783
5. A. MADRID - 4,306,891

GERMAN BUNDESLIGA:

1. BAYERN - 34,455,132
2. WOLFSBURG - 25,841,350
3. DORTMUND - 16,366,189
4. RBL - 12,920,675
5. BMG - 10,336,540

ITALY SERIE A:

1. JUVENTUS - 20,673,080
2. INTER - 17,277,560
3. NAPOLI - 13,782,054
4. FIORENTINA - 9,475,162
5. ROMA - 8,613,783

FRANCE LIGUE 1:

1. PSG - 55,989,592
2. OM - 30,148,242
3. AS MONACO - 21,534,458
4. FC LORIENT - 4,306,891
5. STADE RENNAIS FC - 306,891

TOP 5 HIGHEST TRANSFER BUDGET TEAM ACROSS EUROPE:

1. PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
2. TOTTENHAM
3. MANCHESTER CITY
4. EVERTON
5. LIVERPOOL

THE JOURNEY TO GLORY WITH LIVERPOOL:

Folks, 
The long awaited FM2017 has finally arrived.  I've been into 'Football Manager' since the tender age of 17 and now I am 31, I am still passionate about it as ever.  The reason why a working adult like me is still into game's like 'Football Manager' is because this game relate to us in every single aspect of our work and daily life.  I am a successful in my job as a Bank Manager for both local and foreign banks thanks to 'Football Manager' as the game has guided me on the importance of communication, training, man-management, delegation etc.  I am writing this blog today after so long with the intention to share the experience on managing a football team in FM and relate it to our daily working life.  I will also update on Wonderkids, Top Players in FM17 and latest news, result and transfer info from LFC in my blog.  Stay tune folks...

MY JOURNEY WITH THE REDS. 

FIRST TEAM MEETING:

Like in all the organisation, the first team meeting is always the toughest as the leader trying to implement new ideas, philosophies, direction, targets etc.  As expected, not all the players agree that we could win the EPL at my first season.  As a manager, my job is to convince my team that we are capable of achieving the target set.

The transfer budget set by the board is 40m pound sterling.  I agreed with the transfer/wage budget as I am very happy with our current squad.

THE TACTICS AND TEAM INSTRUCTIONS:

The tactic and team instructions that I wanted my team to implement.  The team legacy carrying from Jurgen Klopp, I still want the team to pursue geng-geng pressing with tighter marking in the defence.  Playing out of defence is key in my build up play therefore I really need my Defender be really good in passing.  Retaining possesion is important as well as I intent to play Adam Lallana as my dictator in MC in my 4-1-2-3 formation.

SIGNINGS:

My first 2 new signings are the FBs.  

1) My current LB Alberto Moreno is not good enough for my liking therefore the signing of Jose Gaya to challenge Alberto for the first team spot.  29m might be huge amount for a young untested LB but I am convince Jose will be one of LFC greatest player in years to come.  

2) I am signing Danilo because he is available for a good price.  Real Madrid transfer listed Danilo after signing him for a big fee last season from FCP.  He is a monster of a player as a RB.  Since Clyne is not so convince that we will challenge for the title this season, I am signing a new RB to challenge him for first team spot.  Like how all the gaffers do, we stamp our authority when our staff don't agree with our direction.

THE SEASON HAS STARTED:  

Looking Forward for Man City Test:

My first H2H against my idol 'Pep Guardiola'.  To be very honest, I am not expecting any good result for today as Pep's squad is sheer class.

Being negative before facing any task given is one of my weakness.  Strong managers always look ahead of big task and face it with strength.  Like Novak Djokovic favourite quote 'The greater the challenge, the more GLORY in overcoming it'. 

Good luck.

TRAINING:

Training is very important.  In sales field, we always drag our staffs into meeting room and train them how to sell because we believe that the more we train, the better we get in our selling skills.  

Same goes here.  I am getting my squad to train the position role that I'm trying to apply in my team.  I believe that the more the players train in their role, the more familiar they will get.

My final signing before the transfer window close.  I am looking at one hot young prospect AML for the future and play as back-up to Coutinho.  After working closely with my scout, we decided to go for the Dortmund's young american 'Christian Pulisic'.  Is a bargain for us to get him at 15m Pound Sterling.  At 17, his stat is just Brilliant. 

                         

 

MANAGE TO BE CROWN AS EPL CHAMPION IN MY FIRST SEASON IN LFC!

MANAGE TO DO THE DOUBLE WITH FA CUP WIN OVER CRYSTAL PALACE!

***All pictures shown were print screen from Football Manager 2017 game.