Hi everyone!!
First of a big apology for not being around the past few days I had an ear infection so wasnt feeling to good. :(
But its all cleared up so time for a new post!
Took a lot longer to play due to my illness but this was just a luxury season anyways!
Most of the time I play I never really dominate like Johnny or Darren as I tend to struggle from playoff defeat to a cup final loss to an inconsistent league form. However here at New York I would say I have assembled my best ever team on FM so I really wanted to enjoy it.
So here it is my third (and final) season at the New York Red Bulls.
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 – Present)
U.S. Cup : 2019
MLS : 2020
North American Champions League : 2020
International Career
— U.S.A (May 2017 – Present)
So from last year we won the MLS and the NACL.
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Club Information and Finances
So as you can see I joined the favoured personnel list! Along with Diakite and Zach Miller players I bought, our value went up to £73 million as we continue to find success.
So despite our boards big spending as you will see below we are still in a very strong financial position.
Stadium News and Transfers In and Out
So the season ended with an expansion to our stadium and a really expensive one as the board spent almost £8 million to increase our capacity to over 30,000.
So not much activity in apart from our draft players we only signed three new faces with Roberts being the most expensive.
We did make almost £5 million in transfers out Antunes our miss-firing Brazilian centre forward was sold to FC Kobenhavn whilst Craig Sanchez our back-up midfielder was sold to Brondby.
Mike Kreamalmeyer
Joe Roberts
So I bought Mike for almost nothing and as you can see he is very talented for 21, Roberts was more expensive but I felt I needed another center back to help cover the ones we have.
He is also young and talented and Soony Saad is quite a good forward we picked up for free.
The MLS Halfway Point Results and Table
So we are unbeaten through 17 games and are playing very well. We are scoring goals at will and are very strong at the back, we have four games to play over DC United so we should be able to overtake them to top spot.
Final MLS Results and Table of the Season
So despite a record breaking season it seems my board are still not that pleased!
We finished top scoring a record 108 goals and only losing one game. We also conceded only 18 times so am not sure if I could have done more to please them! :)
MLS Playoff’s Run to the Final
So we sailed into the playoff final beating Chicago with ease before beating Houston in the Eastern final.
Our final will be against Vancouver who finished fifth in the combined table.
MLS Playoff Final vs Vancouver
So we did regain our MLS title, but we left it late but with 10 men for almost the second half we did manage to seal the win.
Grossman was sent off which was surprising as he isnt that type of player, he hardly picked up any yellow cards but we did fall behind before Jaramillo pulled the scored levels. Then just before half time Diakite struck and I was feeling pretty confident.
Then the red card came and shortly after they took advantage and I was getting worried! But then the referee made in ten a side and we got back into the game Miller striking twice in 90 minutes to finally give us the win!
Final Player Ratings of the Season
So pretty much every player impressed me this season, Burt was the top performer getting plenty of assists. Gale was brilliant at the back as always and Diakite finally had the season I expected when I bought him scoring 36 times and at times was unplayable.
West was another star at the back and Soony Saad had a great season for a freebie scoring 21 times and forging a brilliant partnership with Diakite. All in all I was very pleased I did lose my first choice goalkeeper Braham and our Jimmy Watson on free transfers after I couldn’t offer them new deals.
Star Man of the Season — Gale Agbossoumonde
So I picked Gale not only for this season but for the time I had him, he mas magnificent and he stats back that up. He is now an American regular thanks to me. :)
The USA — The Gold Cup
Sacked!!
Cant believe it as I was really looking forward to the world cup and now I’m gone!
This is only my third ever sacking on this game alongside Roma, and Nigeria so am pretty dissapointed.
We really did play well against Mexico and could have won the game but it wont matter now as they sacked me. :(
The NACL
So group stages first and we are right on course to defend our NACL as we sailed through the group stages.
Last year I remember Chivas being almost impossible to beat but they struggled in this group and went out in third place. Am very pleased to have only conceded one goal too. :)
The NACL Knockout Stages
So we failed to retain our NACL title after losing to Cruz Azul in the semi-finals.
Losing a three zero lead at home was always a bad sign and away we were not much better at the back losing five goals and eventually going out 8-6 in total!!
The Club World Championship
So this was played last season but I totally forget to get a picture of it!
We finished third which I thought wasnt too bad and we even gave Man City a mighty scare as they needed two late goals to eventually beat us.
We beat Asian champions Al-Sadd in the third placed playoff to finish off a pretty decent run for me!
End of Season Finances and Save Game Status
So we lost a few million from the start but thats because our stadium expansion never got completed so they had to spend some more money to get it finished!
I have never seen that before but now I wont get to manage in our expanded stadium with work due to be completed late next season.
The End Time to Move On!!
So I resigned as I felt it was time to move on, I did really enjoy the USA after been scared to manage there and I decided to be brave and I’m glad I did as I have found a very good league. Its just a pity that in game they dont explain how it works clearly enough. Thankfully I have the great readers on FMS to help me out! :)
I must admit when I saw who was up for my job I thought it said Henning Bird! Rather than Berg but a mass exodus followed me out of New York including Deco (yes that one!) my assistant Michu and a few of my most loyal coaches was a nice sight to see. :)
End of Season Round-Up
So we managed to retain the MLS but really fell apart in the NACL but I guess that does not matter that much seeing as I won it the season before.
The MLS is a good league and I like it, once you get your head around all the different aspects its a fun place to manage not quite as good as South Africa but enjoyable enough.
We had another hard fought playoff, but it just wouldnt be my story if we won them with ease! Plus I was sacked for only the third time on this game!
I was dissapointed as I was looking forward to having another go in the world cup, but alas it wasnt to be as Mexico were just too good and I never managed to beat them in my time at the USA.
Next is onwards and upwards! Only three champions league’s to get with Asia, South America and Europe so where will I go next??
I did get an offer from the Orlando Pirates which made me smile seeing as they laughed at me a few years ago and my beloved Black Aces did manage to clinch another league title this season, the first since I left.
So again thanks very much for staying with me on such a long journey and with five to win we are not even half-way yet! As always your comments and thoughts are appreciated and now I’m feeling a little better I will try to get through my next season a little quicker.
Thanks for reading and until next time goodbye. :)
George Dobson
13 января, 2012 at 23:41
Another great season Ana very unluckly too get sacked with USA good luck with your new team
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:18
Thanks George!
Yeah getting sacked was annoying but that’s life I guess! :)
TheZiggy
14 января, 2012 at 00:04
Excellent form in the league, and managed to win the play-off too, even if you did manage to make it tough as tradition dictates. I’m not sure what more the board wanted, unless they were expecting you to win all the matches. Seriously though, I think it’s a bug. I saw something really bizarre, having not lost in for something like 15 matches, I then had a Cup game, where my coaches were all talking about us being on a bad run. lol.
Some rather tough luck in the other competitions though. Would have been nice to have got the NACL a second time, but no big deal. Getting sacked from by the USA was not nice at all. I’ve only ever managed one international team, Ghana, and I resigned before they could sack me, which I’m sure wasn’t far off.
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:22
Thanks Ziggy!!
It was curios when I saw it also main reason why I posted it. I mean I couldnt have done much more really!
I guess little problems like that happen as least they didnt sack me!
I always struggle at international management, am not sure what I do wrong but I never seem to be able to be as successful as club management. Getting sacked is just part of the game I will just have to learn to deal with it! :)
Tyler
14 января, 2012 at 01:25
Can’t believe they expanded the stadium. I’ve been to Red Bull Arena for a National friendly match. I couldn’t find any room for more seats in that beautiful venue. Anyway… great job!!! Looking forward to your next challenge!!!
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:24
Thanks Tyler!
I would love to visit the USA one day! There was a problem with the expansion for some reason it didnt complete and they had to spend more money in order to finish it!
Thanks! Next post should be up when I get back to my old self after my illness. :)
vaibhavc
14 января, 2012 at 05:19
Excellent form Ana, were the board still unhappy after you won the MLS? Unlucky for USA, but I guess it happens. Next, I think you should go for South America.
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:28
Thanks!
Hmm I never checked to see if they were happy after the MLS win.
I agree, I guess they had to make a choice I would have liked to have been in the next world cup but I guess I just wasnt good enough!
You may be right! ;)
nielsneutron
14 января, 2012 at 08:08
I totally understand your board. I mean you lost 15 points during the season.
Too bad about being sacked before the World Cup. You might have been able to surprise. After this adventure should you not try Asia? I look forward to the Asian updates.
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:30
Thanks!!
Yeah! Guess its just a little glitch in the game I pretty much had a perfect season on the domestic front.
We had such a hard group at the last world cup I felt we could do a little better this time around, but not to be!
Oh, you may be right as well! ;)
Darren Smith
14 января, 2012 at 08:26
Well done Ana, you dominated the league leaving the board to look daft for their criticism and just got a little unlucky in the CL and Gold Cup, of all the teams to draw in the early stages those two were the worst (in my opinion.) Anyway, you made a huge difference in America and I can’t wait to see where you end up next.
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:34
Thanks Darren!
I agree, we didnt play too well in the NACL our usually solid defence just fell to pieces but we played really well against Mexico and really did deserve to win, they got a lucky goal but maybe my luck just ran out.
I’ll get my next update as soon as I can, am still not feeling a 100% at the moment. :(
Kevin
14 января, 2012 at 08:51
Hola Ana
Despite not being quite as succesful as last season you still have done amazingly well in the USA. I was counting up the goals in the second half of the season and it was like 35 in the first 8 games. I think the NY board need their heads tested and now have lost probably their best ever manager. Great job and good luck wherever you stop next!
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:37
Hi Kevin!
We had a great squad! Like I said in my post probably the best team I have ever assembled so it was really nice to regain the MLS.
I think its just a glitch I mean they cant be that disappointed at our performance!
P.S. I will send you my tactic when I can, am still not feeling quite right at the moment.
Woody
14 января, 2012 at 10:15
a bit unlucky to be sacked before the world cup
a great performance in the league and only one loss i don’t understand your board either
unlucky in the champions league and i think you’ll go to south america or europe next
anyway good luck
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:40
Thanks Woody. :)
Yeah was a shame I was quite looking forward to managing in the world cup again, just not to be!
NACL we were really poor, our defence just fell to bits, and you may be right on my next destination. :)
Johnny Karp
14 января, 2012 at 10:21
You really dominated the domestic scene this season Ana but those Mexicans seemed to have something against you :) Nevertheless, a fantastic season to wrap up your North American adventure, looking forward to your next destination!
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:41
Thanks Johnny!
Yeah! probably because I hated Mexico so much last year this is there payback! :)
Will post as soon as I am back to my usual self, still feeling a bit sick. :(
Laxeyman
14 января, 2012 at 11:15
Another great season Ana, you built an incredible team with the Red Bulls, complete domination of the MLS, and I find it incredulous that the board didn’t think you’d done well enough! Looking forward to seeing where you end up next :)
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:43
Thanks Laxeyman!
I agree! I couldnt have done much more to impress them! :)
Sears
14 января, 2012 at 11:20
Bad form on the USA sacking you,that was harsh …. You easily dominated the league, and were deserving of another title win. All in all a great few seasons in America and I think it’s the right time to move to a new home …. :)
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:44
Thanks Sears!
I felt it was harsh too I was looking forward to the world cup as well!
I agree! A new change and a new challenge! :)
Bhargav
14 января, 2012 at 11:33
Fantastic domination of the MLS. I wish the Red Bulls actually played like that in real life :P
I am sorry about your infection and I hope you are feeling much better. I can’t wait to see where you end up next. I have a feeling it will be in Asia but who know except for you ;)
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:48
Thanks Bhargav!
I was very happy with the time spent in the MLS, I quite like it there! :)
Am not really feeling that much better, seems I have taken a turn for the worse just finding it hard to sleep at the moment.
Oh, you may be right! ;)
Steven
14 января, 2012 at 15:03
Love your story, can’t wait to see where you go next!
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:49
Thanks Steven!! :)
john herries
14 января, 2012 at 21:02
another great season from amazing ana. Looking forward to seeing where u go next. Hope your ok. Take care
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:51
Thanks John! :)
DK1247
14 января, 2012 at 22:07
Yeah, we Americans don’t take losing to Mexico very well, after all our latest real life head coach got sacked after losing to Mexico in the GC final. I’m glad you ended up liking the MLS Ana, it definitely is a different kind of league. Congrats on all you accomplished in New York. I look forward to the next chapter in your story.
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:54
Thanks!
I see! I guess my sacking wasnt that surprising then! :)
I did enjoy it and thanks so much for explaining it to me, it did help a lot and I really did start to like managing there.
CsAtlantis
15 января, 2012 at 07:12
Hello Ana, how about another stint with South China? Haha, but I think you are a bit too good to manage them, you should be able to get a good job in Europe or South America too, so it’s your choice basically
Can’t believe you got sacked, getting knocked out by Mexico is always a possibility, they have some really good players!
Good luck with your new team! Did you get anyone good from the MLS draft? (though I think the champions pick last each round so most of the good ones probably get snapped up early on)
Ana Garcia
16 января, 2012 at 21:58
Thanks!!
Ha! I liked South China it was so easy! :)
Dont forget Asia! But I have been offered the Arsenal job which I did decline as I dont really like managing the really top teams but that must mean my reputation is pretty good.
They have some fantastic players! Infact they are currently third in the world rankings! :)
I didnt really, it was Liam Fox (bottom of my team ratings) I picked dead last so all the really promising players had already gone. I could have sold (traded) a player and got a first and a third pick in next year’s draft but was no point as I was planning on leaving.
John
20 января, 2012 at 00:16
Could you send a link to your Logos pack please? Or just let me know when where you found it, thanks.
Ana Garcia
27 января, 2012 at 20:35
Hi John,
Sure thing! Sorry its been a few days had some problems to deal with.
The logo’s I used were from here :
https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/2011/10/download-mega-logos-pack-for-football-manager-2012/
Seems like almost every team has been done. :)
Rod
25 января, 2012 at 03:50
Hola Ana! Un gusto volver a leerte, a bit late cause i was enjoying my holidays, but i don’t know what to say appart from congratulating you and your lads for those magnificient 3 years in USA. I’m a bit angry with the board for what they say about your performance in the MLS, yo hubiese renunciado si me decían eso. Bad luck with the national squad, but it’s something that happens, the rivalry between Mexico and USA was the detonant. I’m looking forward to seeing you managing another team (Boca Juniors would be awesome), and hope the next board appreciate your work! Cheers!
Ana Garcia
27 января, 2012 at 20:40
Hola! Espero que estes bien!
Thanks it was a great season and am in the middle of posting my brand new update. Had a few health problems but am fine now! :)
USA was annoying as it was a world cup year but that’s life I guess!