Hello everyone,
So after completing my last season which seemed to have took forever I really wanted to get another post out a lot quicker and thankfully I was less busy so I managed to do that.
My new team is one that I’m sure everyone has heard off however the English league is quite alien to me as the last time I managed their was a few years ago with a story I wrote when I really first started writing. The premier league is one I tolerate having to sit through game after game with my boyfriend as he is a massive Chelsea fan while he tells me time and again that its ‘the best league in the world’.
Funny as he never watches any other leagues or teams and judges them on a few champions league games a season, not ranting! Just I believe that the premier league is not the best league in the world just the best marketed but thats a disagreement for another day! :)
So Arsenal it is, my favourite English team (even though they like to poach all of Barcelona’s young players! ;)) I really like the way they do things in terms of buying within their means and not relying on massive billionaire owners to provide success.
I would like to add that my knowledge of England isnt brilliant and I dont really understand how work permits work, so if anyone can explain that would be fantastic.
This post will conclude all of my first season along with the world cup which I will post first!
Managerial C.V
— Black Aces (June 2011 – June 2018)
African Premier League : 2016
Super 8′s Winner : 2015, 2016
First Division : 2012
South African Knockout Cup : 2016
The African Champions League : 2017
— New York Red Bulls (January 2019 –December 2021)
U.S. Cup : 2019
MLS : 2020, 2021
North American Champions League : 2020
— FC Seoul ( January 2022 – December 2025)
K-League : 2023, 2024
Korean FA Cup : 2022
Korean League Cup : 2024
The Asian Champions League : 2025
— Arsenal (July 2026 -Present)
International Career
— U.S.A (May 2017 – July 2021)
Nothing.
— Spain (July 2024 – Present)
——————————
The World Cup — Mexico 2026
So first up our group games and we began with a terrific four zero victory over Norway, Vargas is actually an Arsenal player so am really happy to have a Spaniard at my new team!
Columbia actually led our second game for almost 80 minutes as we looked like we may lose but Martinez scored before an 93rd minuted header from Edu sealed our passage to the next round.
We rounded the group off with a comfortable win over Burkina Faso with Fernandez, Delgado and Martin on the score sheet as we met a tough opponent in Holland.
World Cup Second Round Results — Mexico 2026
So some big sides didnt even make the second round and as you probably have noticed that both Brazil and Argentina disappointed but they were joined by a whole lot more of the bigger sides as England, France and Portugal fell out of the competition alongside Holland of course.
The game was a tough as you would expect as Holland are 6th in the world and although we led they did level the scores, but Martin struck again seven minutes from time as we progressed into the quarter finals were we would face Italy.
World Cup Quarter Final Results — Mexico 2026
The dream is over!
Again my terrible record in the world cup strikes again as we fell against Italy in a pretty good game. It could have gone either way in truth but after claiming so many late goals we pushed too hard and got caught short at the back , Italy took full advantage and we had no time to recover.
Russia and Senegal continue to surprise and the holders Mexico continue to dominate but Italy are now massive favourites.
World Cup Semi-Final Results — Mexico 2026
Russia! Another penalty win how lucky are they!
Mexico also cruised through with a comfortable win over Senegal so in Mexico the hosts have a chance to retain the trophy, but can Russia win their first ever?
World Cup Final — Mexico 2026
They couldn’t!
So Mexico continue to dominate world football and now have the opportunity to become only the second ever side to win three world cups in a row. The fallout from the tournament was freighting here is a list of the mangers who lost their jobs!
So many big nations have now become available but what of Spain?
Did I join this amazingly long list of casualties?
I didnt, they even understood why we went out.
I was pretty pleased that they were determined to keep faith with me and now I want to repay that faith by winning the European Championships!
No more low esteem or a pessimistic attitude time to deliver on the national stage! And break my horrible run at international management I plan to qualify then win the tournament I will leave if I fail in that task. :)
My New Job — Arsenal
So as you expect joining the money obsessed English premier league I was handed a massive £30 million for transfers with an enormous £2 million in wages and I am so far away from the struggles in South Africa its untrue. That said I would mind earning £29k per week. ;)
So on to the club info and am sure most of these names are instantly recognisable to all you English premier league fans I know a few like Patrick Viera and of course Thierry Henry! Also Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie along with Arsene Wenger and Ian Wright the rest I have never heard of so sorry for that! :)
Jack Wilshere apart from being very good looking! Is also my captain but he is old now at 34ish and on huge wages of over £100k he is out of contract in the summer so I will let his contract run out, but everything is as you would expect at a team like Arsenal lots of money, fantastic stadium and the best in training and youth facilities.
So just the £40 million in the bank not too much! Having spent my time struggling with my finances at both the Black Aces and Seoul it some how feels weird to have almost infinite money! :)
So I’m not biased towards Spanish players………….ok I am! :P
But I did just click assistant report and clicked the player that was on top and it was Vargas, I know him well from my time at the Spanish national team and he is my first choice holding midfielder and thats the role he will do at in my Arsenal team also.
Transfers In and Out — First Window
So I did join a little late so some transfers had already gone through before I arrived, anything in red was my transfer activity.
Arsenal already had an amazing scouting set-up so it was easier to pick players I wanted for the upcoming season. However some transfers did confuse me as I manged to sign Pedrinho from Brazil with no problem but when I bought Ricardo Garcia from Mexico he needed a work permit?
I managed to loan him out to our feeder club in Bulgaria where in three years he will be eligible but both Pedrinho and Matheus were fine to play even though they are Brazilian and had no other nationality?
If anyone can explain the rules to me that would be great, I also bought Tajeddine who was half Moroccan and half Belgian so am guessing players from Europe are fine to get work permits but what about those from Africa, Asia and South America?
If you know the rules please let me know in the comments, thanks. :)
Pedrinho
Matheus
Pedrinho is the obvious star with some amazing stats already for someone so young, but we did pay a lot of money so he is a risk I guess at the moment.
Matheus was pretty cheap for the player he is I feel and am very happy with him, Garcia was also a really good signing but I must wait three years to play him!
League Results and Table Halfway Point
So amazingly we are unbeaten through the first half of the season!
Infact the games we drew we should have probably won the team has really taken to my tactics well scoring lots of goals and our defence hasnt been too bad either.
What pleased me the most was some of our comeback victories after being behind like at Newcastle, West Ham, Blackburn, Tottenham and Manchester United, so far so good I guess!
Phew! 700 Games Played!
:(
I think that every landmark game I have posted I have then gone on to lose!
Liverpool scored in the 96th minute of normal time! Then knocked my team out on penalties so my 700th game ended in defeat just like my 600th and 500th etc!! :)
Transfers In and Out — January/Second Window
So I made a few experiments to try and work out the rules on work permits and now am super confused!
I bought two dutch players one who was also half Ghanian but declared for Holland and they were bought with no problems. Then when I bought my former Seoul defender Tosin Williams who is Nigerian he was ineligible to play so had to loan him out!
Trabelsi was Tunisian and again couldnt play so was loaned out yet Sonmez from Turkey had no problems. Otieno was Kenyan I think and coudnt play due to a work permit but I couldnt loan him out for some reason yet Washington who was Brazilian was fine to play!
Am so confused with these work permit rules! I did also sell a few players including one of our better forwards to Barcelona but for £24 million I got good price, I also sold a few fringe players to raise our finances.
Washington
League Table and Results Four Games to Play
OMG!
We have let the pressure get to us and have let our massive lead slip away! Some bad defeats and some poor performances have cast doubt into our title hopes I aimed for a top four finish but having led for so long I did think we may go on to win the league so four games to play and finally a title race!
Can we hold on, read on and find out. :)
vs Reading Final League Fixtures
Wow!
My biggest win ever and just when I thought we would struggle over the line, Man City also lost to rivals Man Utd so we did have a bit of breathing room once again.
As you can see Reading havent had the best of seasons and we have put a combined total of 17 goals against them I dont want to sound cruel but we could easily have had five or six more but our goal difference is now way ahead of our rivals if it does go down to that.
vs Aston Villa Final League Fixtures
Ok, this game makes me scratch my head in bemusement at times!
We have gone form creating lots of chances and wasting so many to being the most clinical I have ever seen! Then Man City went from winning fourteen games in a row to then losing two against Man Utd then Stoke and now we are one win from the title!
What madness will occur next………………..?
vs Brighten Final Fixtures
Thankfully none!
So we managed to win the league which at the halfway point I felt we would cruise to, then we hit a barren spell of game were our lead was taken away only to hit top form with a few games remaining.
I guess we just hit a bad patch where the pressure got to my players and we took our frustration out on poor reading but that did re-ignite our title push as we claimed the league for the first time in 14 years! :)
Final Game of the Season and League Table
So a drab end of season game but a win at least so cant complain too much.
A weird season in all honesty of ups and downs I still cant believe how many goals we scored but our defence is quite leaky and it seems to just shut off at times so I may need to address for next season, but a win is a win and we got champions league football which is exactly what I was after.
Cup Competitions
The Europa league
The Final
Yay!
So I did take the Europa league seriously and I did want to win it despite playing so many games. After coming through a few qualification games we sailed through our group then beat Ajax, Inter Milan, Palermo and Fiorentina to get to the final.
It did look comfortable but it was only in the last fifteen minutes when Washington our super sub struck a tremendous hat-tick to make absolutely sure as the game was in the balance but another trophy so am pleased with that.
The FA Cup
The Final
Yay!
So after winning the likes of the South African FA cup and the South Korean FA cup it was really nice to finally win the original FA cup!
It was a close game but we struck in extra time to finally overcome Manchester City, Fabio Silva had scored first but that was cancelled out after a horrendous mistake at the back. Thankfully Maric struck to give us the advantage and as Man City pressed for an equaliser we struck again through Washington to make the game safe and avoid those horrible penalties! :)
Final Player Ratings of the Season
So my front four were amazing, I ended up playing Pedrinho wide left with Chapman wide right and Washington and Fabio Silva as my two strikers and they just scored so many goals between them and on the counter attack they are devastating to watch.
Kolonis scored 2o times from set plays and at 6’6» he is a big target to aim for!
Matheus looks a real talent in the center of midfield in creating chances and Vargas does a great job of holding but I feel down the left we are quite weak so I will be looking for a new left back in the summer.
End of Season Finances and Save Game Status
This club is badly run! We are losing so much money every month and the staff wages are incredible!
I found a scout on £17k a week with some coaches on £18k and £22k!!
I will be getting rid of them as well as some of my high earners like Wilshere, Smithies and Sterling who just dont warrant that kind of money. But this is the premier league so I will get probably £30-40 million in TV revenue plus all the extra money from the champions league to help boost the clubs finances.
End of Season Round-Up
Phew!
Big post but lots to get through so hopefully is was enjoyable to read.
I was disappointed but not surprised with our world cup progress I really need to improve at international management so am aiming high at the European championships.
League wise was weird we dominated scored for fun and looked as if we would cruise to the title, then we hit a bad patch couldnt score struggled to win and looked as if we would get caught only to re-find our form and cruise again to out first title in fourteen years.
My aim is obviously the champions league but we did win three trophies in my first season so am very pleased with that, I feel we have a great squad and going forward we are probably the best in the world in my opinion. However at the back we are leaky and at times very poor, suicidal some say!
We tend to overplay and get caught or attack with every player and get caught short in defense, I love attacking football but at times it borders on the ridicules!!
But I cant complain with our season and I quite enjoy England, I can see the draw to it with the high amounts of money available but I just dont get the work permits rule. I buy some players who are fine to play and some who are not despite being from the same regions?
I got denied a work permit all together for an Argentine player I wanted and the same story with a South Korean yet I see Argentine and South Korean players at other teams in the premier league?
So any help would be appreciated as always thanks for reading and until next time bye bye! :)
Dan King
7 марта, 2012 at 00:17
Congrats once again Ana! As an Arsenal fan I’m glad you’ve led them to great success :) I’m pretty sure the work permit rule has something to do with national team call ups, and of course you don’t have to worry about them with EU nationals. I think its they have to be chosen for 70% of games they are available for or something like that.
Ana Garcia
7 марта, 2012 at 23:48
Thanks Dan! :)
The work permits are confusing me at the moment as some players I have had bids accepted for had international caps yet were declined for a work permit.
I mean Pedrinho only had one cap yet he was signed with no problems, and Garcia my Mexican had 7 caps yet was declined? I cant believe England has the most confusing rules regarding work permits!
Arsenal seem to have struggled the past few seasons so hopefully I can continue to bring them some success! :)
FIamma
7 марта, 2012 at 05:42
Try to give new contract to anyone who need work permit…at least once a 3 months….new contract will renew work permit procedure..work permit is depend on player fame i get work permit for Kara in his first year loan because he become famous in his club and his reputation increase a lot
Ana Garcia
7 марта, 2012 at 23:51
Hi and thanks!
Fame that seems weird if its true why can fame allow players to be allowed work permits?
Surely it should be fair for everyone rather than a minority and offer a contact every three months, I will lose a fortune on signing on fees!
I can loan them out to Bulgaria to get a work permit but I cant understand why I can buy some players and get denied for others.
Tegar Triemanudigdo
7 марта, 2012 at 07:01
Great journey there! And about WP, it depends on player’s skill and reputation among the club.
Ana Garcia
7 марта, 2012 at 23:55
Thanks!
Players skill? Can you elaborate on that please, as I dont understand.
So the lower the player’s reputation the less likely he is to get a work permit? That sounds incredibly unfair if its true.
Tegar Triemanudigdo
8 марта, 2012 at 09:31
Well, if the player had a lot potential ability (use FM scout if you want to find out the players you want), most likely that he won’t have to transfer to other country to avoid work permit. Well that was based on my experience.
About the reputation, I’m afraid that’s true, although there’s a chance that the player won’t get work permit if the nation’s ranking were high (I think around 50s or so if I remembered)
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 18:26
Thanks for the response! :)
FM Scout? You mean the scouts in FM? They only give me a star rating and most times they are either 4 or 4 and a half players I’m after so I cant get any players lower than that?
I see on the second point, I guess I will just have to keep trying as I can sign someone and just loan them out for a few years to gain the work permits they need, but I still dont understand how it works!! :)
Tegar Triemanudigdo
8 марта, 2012 at 21:59
Well, that the rule for England here I’m afraid. You just have to cope with it like you managed to other nation with ease.
Tyler
7 марта, 2012 at 07:31
There’s a lot of weird rules, but anyone who doesn’t carry an EU passport has to get a work permit to play in England. One of the biggest criteria is international caps. For instance, Brad Guzan got his work permit turned down at Aston Villa a few years back because he lacked International appearances, meaning he wasn’t deemed important enough to earn a work permit. A season, and 7 International appearances later, Guzan got his work permit accepted. It’s a precaution taken by the FA so that not just any random person can occupy an English job without a good resume. I’ve heard pretty shady things about it, though.
Adam D
7 марта, 2012 at 09:31
To add a bit more detail the important things regarding work permits in the UK are:
— Being an EU national. If you’re an EU national then you don’t need a work permit, so players from Asia, Africa and the Americas need permits. Having a second nationality that is EU will mean you don’t need a work permit, for example in my games there’s a lot of French regens that are actually Morrocan or Algerian but have French second nationality, so no need for work permit. This is where the feeder clubs come in as some countries (off the top of my head Belgium, Poland and Bulgaria) have rules allowing a player to live there for a relatively short period of time to get a passport form their country and therefor bypass the need for a work permit (3 years in those countries, as opposed to 5 years in the UK). Some countries also have special rules depending on the country the player is from, for exampe IIRC in Spain you need 10 years residency to become a Spanish national, except if you’re from a Spanish speaking American country in which case it comes down to just 2 years.
If you want to avoid the issue then in the Player Search you can filter for whether or not a player is an EU national in the ‘Nationality’ tab.
— International appearences. The more caps a player has the better your chances. IIRC the old rule of thumb was that the player had to have played in 70% of the international games that he was eligable for but I think that’s fallen to the way side now and any amount of caps is ok. Youth team caps are used if it’s a young player, though full caps carry more weight.
— Standing of the national team of the player’s country. If the player is light on caps then you’re more likely to get some leeway if he’s from Brazil or Argentina than if he’s from a tiny pacific island with no footballing history.
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 00:12
Thanks Adam! :)
The first point makes sense I signed Tejeddine who was Moroccan by birth yet plays for Belgium so had no problems as he is an EU national.
I am Spanish! So I know the rules on that but does the same apply to England? For example if I buy an Australian or another former British territory does it make a difference?
The second point is confusing me as Garcia has seven caps and played (as a sub) the last few games he also has many youth caps yet was denied. So I had to loan him out to get a work permit yet Matheus and Pedrinho etc were fine?
On the third point why is that? Surely that cant be fair, has it got anything to with where international teams are ranked in the world?
I really dislike the idea of not being allowed to sign a player because he wasnt born in a ‘famous’ footballing country how can those teams improve if they are not allowed to be accepted work permits?
Also I was denied signing an Argentine player who had four caps and a handful of youth appearances does age play any part in getting work permits?
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 00:00
Thanks Tyler! :)
Ok that seems to kind of make sense but how did they buy him in the first place? Was he an international regular then lost place or not?
I dont really understand why international caps make that much of a difference I mean I signed Matheus who had no caps for Brazil yet had no problems and Garcia my Mexican has seven caps yet was denied?
CsAtlantis
7 марта, 2012 at 11:47
Hello Ana,
Mexico are so strong in the World Cup, it was a close match against Italy but you still have your job and I think you can improve in the EUROs
The granting of work permits is not exactly the easiest to understand for the EPL, but as long as the player (non-EU) is a current international (youth or full national team) for a strongly ranked country (top 75 i think)
Congratulations on winning nearly everything (except the 700th game but oh well), Washington is such a monster, I have yet to see anyone with 20 pace and acceleration in the game this year
Good luck in the Champions League next year
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 00:18
Thanks!! :)
I know! Mexico are the dominate force, guess I didnt too bad at the USA!
I was surprised I was fearing another sacking so I want to try and repay that faith, I see that makes more sense on work permits but again I have to revert to Garcia who is a current international and plays for Mexico the number one side yet was denied?
I just need to keep playing and trying to understand, cant believe England has the most confusing work permits rules!!
Washington is quite incredible but am pretty sure I have had a few players in my Arsenal team with 20 for pace and 20 acceleration am almost sure Chapman has and possibly Fabio Silva but I think thats 19/20.
TheZiggy
7 марта, 2012 at 13:40
Congratulations on a superb season with Arsenal there, winning three trophies in your first season. The Champions League next season will bring you a lot more money. I hate the landmark games as well, having lost my 100th and 200th. Getting Man United and Liverpool for those games with my Torquay team was just an evil coincidence. Attacking football is going to run a risk of conceding, but it does sound like your team has gone over the top at times.
Whether the EPL is the best league in the world is a moot point. Of the big and successful leagues, it is probably the most competitive in terms of teams that can do really well in the European competitions.
The work permit thing has always been a source of great annoyance to me as well, but some of the comments above have at least clarified a few things. It’s frustrating, but I can understand why it’s in place, because you know it would be badly abused.
The wild budgets the teams set at times confuses me. I’m surprised that some of the teams haven’t gone into financial collapse. Once you get to insane amounts of money you’re dealing with at Arsenal it’s hard to be sure what’s a stable amount of money to be spending. I guess this is why Arsene Wenger has been so tight recently, as he understands what he really can afford to spend. The Financial Fair Play is going to be interesting when it comes in, and I wonder how SI will deal with that aspect of the game.
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 00:38
Thanks Ziggy! :)
I hate landmark games too I knew it was a mistake to post them have lost everyone I think! Its weird as my team all attack at time leaving like one at the back!
My tactics haven’t changed and I have never encountered this problem before guess I need a few tactic tweaks to try and sort it out.
I must disagree with you point! Competitive true, but because its backed by huge revenue am sure sides in Spain, Germany, Italy, France etc would be as competitive with the huge amount of revenue given to premier league teams each season.
I agree the rules are frustrating as they are not well explained, but they are abused now? I mean I can send a player to Bulgaria to get a work permit in three years which surely abuse the system in place?
It doesnt make much sense to me at the moment just more of an inconvenience.
I agree! The finances are so unstable we almost are relying on our TV revenue and champions league money to compete. I fear that the financial fair play will be abused in every way possible as the stakes financially are so high in today’s football.
My father said once you dont just become a billionaire by chance you ruthlessly exploit every situation your given and with these new rules coming in it will be interesting on just how well they are enforced.
In theory its a good idea but again is it a case that richer become richer? I mean take Chelsea or Man City would they have been so successful without their billionaire owners?
The financial fair play may have just eliminated any chance of another team breaking through, the gap in Spain for example will increase ever further with Barca and Real how will another side compete without huge financial backing?
I love how this has became a mini discussion on the state of football! :)
TheZiggy
8 марта, 2012 at 01:26
I concede your point that if the other leagues attracted the same level amount of money with rich owners coming in, more teams from those countries would be competitive.
What financial fair play seems to mean is if you’re a club with a high turnover, then you can afford to keep spending a lot of money. So as you point our, the Real and Barca will just stay way ahead of the other teams in Spain.
I theory the only way another team can work their way up then, is through developing talent through the youth system. In practice though, the clubs with the best talent scouts and the best youth academies are of course all the big clubs. The more you think about this, the worse it gets. So, as a QPR fan, the long term prospects don’t look great. We may have rich owners, but our turnover isn’t great with a fairly small ground. For a club to break through who isn’t established as one of the top teams, it’s going to take a lot of hard work and luck.
In Scotland, Rangers have already announced they won’t be in Europe for at least the next two years, so their already dire position just looks worse all the time.
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 18:36
I agree, on the face of it the financial fair play sounded like a good idea but its probably more likely to kill of any real chance of ‘smaller’ teams ever going to win the title.
Sevilla, Valencia, Atletico Madrid etc will never make the turnover Barcelona and Real make so will never be able to compete unless they get very lucky with academy players but whats stopping the bigger sides taking them before they can even develop?
There needs to be more protection for academy players at clubs like not being able to sign them until 21 or something other wise the bigger sides will take them on the cheap further strengthening their positions in the league.
I’m not a fan of billionaire’s buying clubs but am not a fan of the financial fair play either, I mean their has to be a better and fairer way to deal with it.
TheZiggy
8 марта, 2012 at 20:43
Some mechanism to stop the big clubs just poaching all the best players while they’re still young would definitely help. Maybe there needs to be more help for clubs to develop youth programs, with money that can only be used for that.
QPR were saved by billionaires, but the big difference was, they didn’t just throw insane amounts of money at it. They set about making sure the club was financially sound, even if they did make some crazy decisions at times, making us the laughing stock, with the managerial revolving door. A certain other club is trying to take that mantel from us though. ;)
I do understand what you mean, with the Man City and Chelsea owners throwing massive amounts of cash about in a way that’s not sustainable. It’s that kind of thing, which has brought many a club to financial ruin, without even spending anything close to those amounts. What happened to Gretna Green when their owner fell ill and removed his funding having managed to take them straight up through the leagues to the SPL was a disgraceful example of how it can go wrong. It totally killed the club off because they were left in a situation where they had huge debts.
I know a number of clubs in the EPL want to negotiate their own TV deals. If that were allowed to happen, it would instantly cripple a lot of clubs who rely on the current deal. The big clubs could pull in much more money if they were allowed, which would be a very bad thing indeed. It definitely wouldn’t help the league, that’s for sure.
Peter_G
8 марта, 2012 at 09:46
I know you have your grapes about the Premier League machine but it does distribute its TV money fairly whereas other leagues like in Italy where teams like Juventus, AC, Inter and Spain Real and Barce get a bigger share based on the fact they are the big name and more people susbcribe to watch them play.
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 18:54
Hi Peter! :)
I agree but teams like Juventus, Inter, Barca, Real etc have been hugely successful over many many years so in a way deserve a more profitable share of the money.
A side that finishes12th in the premier league can earn more than a team that finishes fourth in la liga and players will go for money so that team that finish 12th in the premier league can buy the players that finish fourth elsewhere across Europe.
Other teams in Europe just cant compete with the finances in the premier league with wages and inflated transfer fees so in my opinion the premier league is only fairer to teams in England but across Europe its a massive handicap to overcome.
I guess as an avid premier league fan you see it your way if you know what I mean, not in a bad way or anything! I mean in terms of the bigger picture many teams across Europe struggle to keep their players because of the lure of money from England.
Now no disrespect to Man City for example but would Sergio Aguero or David Silva or Yaya Toure have joined them say five years ago?
I dont think so and I know that they have a billionaire owner but the premise is all the same they went for money as the premier league has the most which is why I dislike how it operates.
Say tomorrow that the TV deal was pulled and the money to these clubs in England stopped I can honestly say most teams wouldnt survive their expenditures would be far more than their income down to wages etc.
Spain they have to negotiate their own deals which may not seem that fair but at least they will be able to survive for the longer term without relying on that massive amount of money each season.
nielsneutron
7 марта, 2012 at 16:44
Well you are doing great even if some of your signings are getting the work permit slap in the face. I foresee the champions league trophy in the next update.
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 00:40
Thanks!! :)
Yeah, I really hate the work permit rules in England and I hope your right!
Laxeyman
7 марта, 2012 at 17:07
Great season Ana, your team is incredible going forward! 119 goals in the league is just amazing, congrats on a fabulous season :) Hopefully next year you can add the CL to your trophy collection, with the firepower in your side I think you’ll be right in contention!
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 00:43
Thanks Laxeyman! :)
I agree my front four were at times totally unplayable. We were a bit leaky at the back but I will look to address those problems in the upcoming season.
I hope so! Winning the Europa league will give me some confidence as I feel going forward we are as good as anyone so fingers crossed I guess. :)
Unc G Drummond
7 марта, 2012 at 17:08
Hi Ana
Well done this is coming from a Spurs/Barca fan lol
What tactics are you using?
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 00:46
Thanks!!
I just found out that Tottenham and Arsenal are sort of major rivals! :)
Am learning lots about English football at the moment, my tactic is my own 4-2-4 tactic that I have used since my time at the black aces.
It was the one I used last year at Cruzeiro that I imported into this game and so far its has been doing ok, I use a home one and an away one and an all out attack one too! :)
Johnny Karp
7 марта, 2012 at 17:10
Way to go Ana, you had a fantastic first season at Arsenal! Too bad about that World Cup but I’m somewhat happy to see that Mexico clinched it, I always had a soft spot for them ;)
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 00:49
Thanks Johnny! :)
My Dad will be really pleased to hear you say that! Mexico is where he is from am sure he wouldnt sleep for a month if they won back to back world cups. :)
Am enjoying Arsenal though so hopefully I can continue my success here.
David Faithfull
7 марта, 2012 at 19:22
Ana great season with arsenal you done the treble in your first season thats amazing! How did you do in the league cup did you win that too? Cant wait to see you in the champions league next season!
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 00:52
Thanks David!! :)
Oh sorry, I did post my league cup results under my 700th game picture. My 700th game was a defeat to Liverpool in the league cup I should have pointed that out my apologies.
I was pleased with our treble to! They were close games in the end even if the results in the final showed otherwise but I did feel we deserved to win! :)
David Faithfull
8 марта, 2012 at 21:09
Ohh yeah sorry my bad i did see that i just completely forgot lol. Unlucky that you couldnt to the quadruple!! and again it was a landmark game you lost :( but on the 800th surely you will get a win ;)
Ana Garcia
11 марта, 2012 at 22:32
I hope your right!! :)
saltwater
7 марта, 2012 at 19:38
Their is a funny occurence on this site that despite being fantastic club bosses, when managing an international team you guys always seem to capitulate, but well done for getting so far (not suprised Mexico won).
Complete domination in the League, but what happened in the milestone match was just pure unlucky, as with your other milestone matches. And also what happened in the Carling Cup?
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 00:57
Thanks!
Ha! Yeah but international management has always been my Achilles heel as they say, not sure why I guess I just pick the wrong players.
That said I have never had any success, only won the world cup once with Brazil and have never really been that close to winning it again. Hopefully I can win the European championship to end my terrible run!
Carling cup is the league cup right? Sorry am still learning England! If you mean the league cup that was my milestone game against Liverpool which we lost in the 4th round I should have made that clearer so I apologise.
Kevin
7 марта, 2012 at 20:06
Hi Ana
An excellent season to start off things at The emirates Stadium which based on this report and those fabulous youngsters you signed i don’t think your stay in London will be too long. i can see you winning the Champions League very quickly. Great stuff!
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 00:59
Thanks Kevin! :)
I hope your right! I really like Arsenal so I am planning on staying a few years as I want to see my youngster develop I feel most could be really top players.
Having won the Europa league I feel confident in the champions league to be able to compete at least so hopefully we can get that little bit of luck we need! :)
Darren Smith
7 марта, 2012 at 20:21
Well done Ana, that was a superb start to life in England as completing any sort of treble requires strength in depth…the club seems to have veered off its roots though in regards to inflated wages and costs…so its nice to know you will reinstate Arsenal to their previous, secure standing. Great work and good luck for next season.
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 01:06
Thanks Darren!
I was thinking as I was playing I’m having a Darren like season! Scoring for fun and defending really well then we hit a blip that you never get and I thought we would lose the league.
Thankfully we reacted well to to edge over the line but am so pleased my forward players we so clinical.
The wages are insane! My staff are on sky high wages and am planning on letting 90% of them go as I am losing so much money paying them. I never like to spend lots of money but I feel I need to in order to compete and I also need to shift some more fringe players so we should take in a bit from transfers out also.
Thanks for luck I know I will need it!! :)
junior
8 марта, 2012 at 06:58
ANA…whats ur secret winning formula??
plz dnt say love for the game or patience or time bcuz i have all that but im not half as good as u are??
lol…
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 19:12
Hi Junior!
I’m afraid I will have to disappoint you! :)
In truth its all about preparation, I am a strong believer that there isnt one tactic you can use to bring you continued success I have three that I continually switch between depending on my opposition then a couple more if I need a goal or to hold a lead for example.
When you lose try to ask why you did, not the game wanted me to lose then try to tweak your tactic to right what went wrong its all trial and improvement.
I’m forever tweaking my tactic changing things and trying things rather that relying on one formation that brought someone else good success. Even during a game I’m dropping my defense line or adding another midfielder if we are getting over run etc
Sometimes it works sometimes it wont.
I hate to say it but it is about patience and time, there is no miracle formation that will win you every game every season, read the guides here on scouting etc they have allowed me to sign some excellent players and remember at the end of the day its just a game.
If you lose a final or get sacked or fail time and time in playoff games (like me! :D) learn to accept defeat as its inevitable and dont be afraid of the sack sometimes things just dont work out.
I’m really not that great am ok I guess, I have some success here and there but I enjoy it win lose or draw. :)
Malhar Bhadbhade
8 марта, 2012 at 11:18
hey ana,
sorry i havent commented on any of your stories before, but i have been following them..the challenges you undertake are INSANE!! you are just an unbelievable football manager! congratulations on a fabulous season with arsenal, and looks like you won’t have to wait too long to win the UEFA Champions League either! also, say hello to your boyfriend, i am also a massive chelsea fan, and have been one since i was 7 :D anyway, great story! and good luck for next season! cheers :D
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 19:19
Thanks Malhar!
Thanks for your kind words. :)
I just enjoy challenges and trying different things, thats why when my friend showed me this challenge I knew I had to try it!
I came close last year so am very determined to complete it this time I never got the European CL so hopefully I will at Arsenal.
Ha! I will do! Although its seems they are having a bad time at the moment but I hope things will improve at Chelsea for your sake and his! :)
Malhar Bhadbhade
8 марта, 2012 at 21:58
yeah its devastating what chelsea are going through..but hopefully we make some decent signings in the summer and get a top manager, and maybe things will change for the better :) good luck with your next season and of course, the Champions League :D
chris haigh
8 марта, 2012 at 12:24
Making a comment about the EPL not being the best league in the world on a predominantly English site is living dangerously Ana! Especially with an English boyfriend too. But anyway what a great season. I always love this series and when an episode pops up it just makes me want to play mine :) what a great season and good luck with wrapping the European champions league up next season as I really believe Arsenal have a great manageress who can deliver it. Congrats
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 19:26
Thanks Chris! :)
I know! But sometimes it really annoys me so I have to try and vent my frustration! :)
Thank you for your kind words, having won the Europa league I feel that we can compete in the champions league this season but things are never that easy for me! Even with a massive lead in the league at the halfway point I almost threw it away!
I never managed to win the European CL last year when I tried so I really want to get it at Arsenal then I will only need one more to complete the challenge so am hoping I will be able to do that. :)
Davy Doyle
8 марта, 2012 at 14:29
Fantastic season well done!
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 19:28
Thanks Davy! :)
vaibhavc
8 марта, 2012 at 14:46
What a season Ana, double success! Great job, hopefully you can get far in the Champions League next season, maybe beating Barca while you are at it!
Ana Garcia
8 марта, 2012 at 19:29
Thanks!
I will have split loyalties I just hope I can avoid Barcelona all together! :)
MLR
8 марта, 2012 at 21:36
As a massive Reading fan I am gutted we have been relegated ;( but I would rather have us handing you the league than Man Utd! lol
Ana Garcia
11 марта, 2012 at 22:36
I’m sorry to see them relegated then! and the fact that I put 17 goals past them in two games!
Sorry. :)
billy
9 марта, 2012 at 21:35
Nice Try winning the league and cups.I would like to know wat formation,strategy,philosophy etc dat you use could u email it to me @ bill2010usa@yahoo.com
Ana Garcia
11 марта, 2012 at 22:38
Hi Billy and thanks.
I guess so but its designed with my team in mind and it wont really work with any another team in all honesty.
It just a 4-2-4 with some basic tweaks it always best to mess around with tactics and try to find one that works well for your team.
Sears
9 марта, 2012 at 22:23
That was an excellent season Ana, fantastic to see that you’ve settled in to England well despite not having a great knowledge of English football. Best of luck next season!
Ana Garcia
11 марта, 2012 at 22:41
Thanks Sears,
Well most of my knowledge of English football comes from my boyfriend shouting at the telly almost every week! :)
Rob
10 марта, 2012 at 10:22
Another great season Ana maybe you could manage Sheffield Wednesday next ;-)
What other job offers did you get? And what tactics are you currently using?
Ana Garcia
11 марта, 2012 at 22:46
Thanks Rob! :)
Oh maybe! It could help build up my English football knowledge!
I got offered quite a lot including Valencia, Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Porto, Botofogo, Cruzeiro and Santos.
I’m using a 4-2-4 and a 4-4-2 that I usually change between depending on who I’m facing I like attacking football so I favour the first for most games but against the bigger sides I tend to play five in midfield.