Hey everyone!
After a stressful few weeks of not being able to play FM12 due to ‘Steam’ problems…I’m finally able to bring you my Football Manager 2012 story. Before FM12 was released I ran a poll to let you the readers decide my FM12 fate and pick me a side to manage. A massive 188 people voted and with 64% of the votes….Anzhi Makhachkala was the team you wanted me to manage.
Now because the problems I’m lagging behind as most people are already halfway through their first season of managing their new teams…this post is going to be HUGE!!! It will take you right up until the halfway stage of the season…which in the Russian Premier League is July…
The Team – Anzhi Makhachkala (FC Anji)
Now the background into the team is missing one key part…the chairman is MEGA rich, and with that he has given me an amazing transfer budget to try and aim for the place in a European Cup competition.
Now let’s have a look at the Anzhi squad.
As you can see the squad has some fantastic talent with unquestionably the best player being Samuel Eto’o.
Anzhi also have some fantastic talent in midfield with Yury Zhirkov, Balazs Dzsudzsak and Jucilei.
Have looked at the squad…I soon realised that there wasn’t many Russian players within the squad and the ones that were weren’t amazing, but I thought how hard can adding a few more Russian players to my squad be with 23.5m? The answer…nearly impossible!!! With the ‘unrealistic transfers’ button selected, the extent of my challenge was clear to see….hardly any of the key Russian players were interested and after scouting the ones that were interested…the price tags that their clubs had slapped on that were ridiculous…just check out the screenshots…
At first I thought the lack of good Russian players available was due to my poor Assistant, so he quickly departed. But no he wasn’t lying. My task to achieve a European Cup position just got a whole lot harder. So after seeing what was available to sign here are my transfers.
Transfers
Yep, no Russian players entered the squad, now you might be thinking I’m crazing and you’d be absolutely right. the Russian Premier League has a rule that says ‘No more than 6 foreign players in the first 11’, and that means anymore who isn’t Russian or is a Russian citizen (I think) is foreign…and I’d just increased my foreign contingency.
Jan Vertonghen is an absolute beast of a defender and will definitely strengthen my defence. I managed to fend off a lot of clubs and even Manchester City to sign this 24 year player. He’s quick for a Centreback and his strength is out of this world, He can also double up as a Defensive Midfielder if need be.
Now the right midfield department is where I believed Anzhi were also weak, Mehdi Carcela can play there but he prefers the left side. Willian came into the squad and for 8.5m was a bargain compared to the Russian players that were available. I honestly believe after watching a few Russian Premier League games this season that he will destroy teams. With him oozing flair and creativity and brilliant speed…he’ll assist Eto’o consistently.
Friendlies
Like I did with my Club Brugge save…I wasn’t too sure how good the team actually was so…I decided to arrange as many friendlies against teams in my league as I could.
Now the first two friendlies sadly weren’t against Russian Premier League opponents…but were nice victories. But after them it went all confusing. Terek Grozny and Krasnodar were in my eyes easier opponents then Dinamo Moscow, so I have absolutely no idea still for decent this Anzhi team was. But it now time for the Start of the Russian Premier League season, so grab and drink and lets go…
March
We kicked off our season against Rostov and we began with a 3-1 victory, Diego Tardelli, Yury Zhirkov and an own goal from there keeper gave us the 3 points. We then travelled to current champions Zenit and found ourselves 1-0 up, but in the 96th minute Zenit equalized and shared the points, 1-1.
April
Our first opponents of April were Krasnodar, the team we’d drawn 1-1 with so I was a tad nervous. But we were out of sight in no time Yury Zhirkov grabbing a surprise hat-trick and Diego Tardelli getting the forth, Krasnodar did manage to get a late goal, 4-1 was the final score. We then hosted Volga NN a newly promoted team and I expected us to win comfortably, it didn’t happen we drew 2-2, Willian and Samuel Eto’o on his return from injury. We then entertained Spartak Moscow and in a very close game, Moscow edged it and came away with a 1-0 victory, our first loss of the season. We then travelled to Moscow to play against Dinamo looking to avenge our previous defeat, we did so Eto’o and Zhirkov scoring as we ran out 2-0 winners. After that we then hosted Locomotiv Moscow (Yep 3 Moscow team in 3 matches) in a match which we dominated from start to finish, Zhirkov, Vertonghen and Jucilei on the scoresheet, 3-0 the final score.
May
May saw us on the road a lot and it started with a trip to Tom Tomsk, we absolutely battered them, coming away with a 4-0 win, goals coming from Eto’o, Igonin, Jucilei and yet again Yury Zhirkov. Our next away match was Rubin Kazan, I was expecting a very difficult tie but that didn’t turn out to be the case, we were 4-0 up at halftime…I couldn’t believe it! Dzsudzsak, Eto’o (2) and Willian with the goals, Zhirkov again, made it 5-0 but Rubin managed to get a goal back, 5-1 the score. We hosted Amkar Perm in our final match of May and again we dished out a big win 4-1 the score, Dzsudzsak, Eto’o, Willian and Jucieli all on the scoresheet.
June
Our first match of June was away to struggling Krylja Sovetov, I expected a win, and a humilitation to the other team is was Anzhi responded with 6-0, Willian started the scoring and was quickly followed by a hat-trick from my defensive midfielder Alexey Igonin and further strikes from Jucilei and Zhirkov, the only disappointment in the match was the injury to Samuel Eto’o. Without Eto’o I was a little nervous but my nerves quickly went when replacement striker Diego Tardelli opened the scoring and super winger Zhirkov added soon after. Further goals came from Ali Gadjibekov and Igonin and the match finished 4-1.June ended with a trip to CSKA Moscow, they were currently sat top of the table and looking very good. It started out very even and looked to be heading for a 0-0 halftime scoreline, until Ali Gadjibekov scored with the last attack of the half. CSKA didn’t like that and pressed from the off in the second half. We were hanging on but CSKA scored in the 89th minute, I was gutted…be then before I knew it, a long ball forward and Diego Tardelli was through one-on-one with the CSKA keeper, rounded him and slotted the ball home…we’d scored in injury time and had won 2-1.
July
Our last two matches before the halfway stage were against Terek Grozny and Spartak Nalchik. It was the star of the previous match Diego Tardelli who got us the win against Terek with a hat-trick, 3-1 the score and it was Spartak Nalchik who beat themselves, an own goal won us the game 1-0.
I was absolutely stunned by own performances, I never in a million years expected us to win 12 out of 15 games and end up going 10 games unbeaten. We had to be at the top of the league with results like that surely…
League Table
We were but only by 4 points and CSKA Moscow had a game in hand. I really did think we would have struggled this season, especially with the lack of Russian players, but the ones I did have hadn’t picked up any serious injuries and *touch wood* wont for the rest of the season. Also a very interesting fact is that every game this season I have had to play with only 6 subs, the reason is because of another Russian Premier League Rule…’The match squad must have at least 1 Russian under-21 player’. That I don’t have and in real life apparently teams get fined for this. I could just put one of my u19 players in but…they are terrible and don’t even deserve a place on my bench…horrible aint I lol.
Anzhi Player and Premier League Stats
I thought I’d share some of the league information with you. There a couple of funny thing on the list, my goalkeeper having a pass completion of 87% and also Yury Zhirkov being 2nd top goal scorer.
Well that’s it for this post, thank you for reading I know its been massive and your comments are always welcome. If you want any screenshot and have any questions, I’ll answer the questions and post the screenshot in the next post.
Thanks again
Martin Pickard :)
Sears
31 октября, 2011 at 17:59
Have been really looking forward to this story so great to see it up and running :) When I managed in Russia, I found it difficult as well to purchase homegrown talent. However, it should be much easier next season as your well on your way to winning the title and qualifying for the CL so best of luck mate and good to see you back :)
Martin Pickard
1 ноября, 2011 at 10:31
ahhh cheers sears! I was also looking forward to getting this story up and running…I really didn’t think I would with the ‘game is unavailble’ error on steam! I couldnt believe the lack of Russian players available, but hopefully your right and next season will be alot easier. It would be an absolute dream to qualify for the champions league in my first year of management. Cheers again and its good to be back posting :)
vaibhavc
31 октября, 2011 at 18:02
Well done so far Pickard, you are doing very well so far. Only one loss makes sure that you have top spot. Hopefully you can hold that position. Are there 30 games in the season?
Martin Pickard
1 ноября, 2011 at 10:37
Cheers vaibhavc, im amazed by the start we’ve made I really didnt expect to be in this position at the halfway stage and hopefully we can keep it up. No there are 30 games and then the league splits…top go into the championship group and the bottom 8 go into a relegation group. Then each team plays a further 14 games.
Johnny Karp
31 октября, 2011 at 18:06
Awesome job so far Martin, the multi-million dollar squad is paying off but they never could have gone this far without a very talented manager ;)
Martin Pickard
1 ноября, 2011 at 10:44
Cheers Johnny, the team is very talented…dunno how much of that is down to me but I’ll take a bit of credit :P I’m just hoping of a strong finish to the season.
nielsneutron
31 октября, 2011 at 18:54
Hehe I would picked a U19 player but thats just me. Great run but CSKA is just behind you;)
Martin Pickard
1 ноября, 2011 at 10:48
Hahah i’ll post my u19s in the next story update and let you decide whether I should or not lol. CSKA are stupidly good and it’ll be a challenge to keep them behind us.
Darren Smith
31 октября, 2011 at 19:10
Very, very good signings mate…William is an incredible player and that price tag is soo low considering the standard and age of the player. Your start exceeds your signings though, a really great start that makes winning the league look very realistic.
Martin Pickard
1 ноября, 2011 at 10:53
Cheers Darren, I was a tad suprised when my scout returned and told me he would be available for that price and more suprised when it was accepted, he has turned out to be a key player and a couple of times has played in the centre of midfield. We’ve made a terrific start and hopefully we can keep going, i’m not getting too giddy just yet lol
Laxeyman
31 октября, 2011 at 20:46
Fantastic start Martin, you bought well in pre season, as both Vertonghen and Willian are very good players, and that’s certainly paying dividends at the moment. Hopefully you can keep it up and win the league, good luck!
Martin Pickard
1 ноября, 2011 at 11:31
Cheers Laxeyman, the signings are definitely help Vertonghen has been a rock and Willian has both assisted well and scored a few. It would be amazing if we were to win the league title but I aint dreaming of that just yet.
Lye
1 ноября, 2011 at 00:53
Hi Martin,
Great run of results there. When there is rule, it just make our jobs more difficult but no doubt you have done an excellent job in the league. You have a fantastic squad and are the favorites to lift the title now. Keep it going.
Martin Pickard
1 ноября, 2011 at 11:35
Cheers Lye, the performances have been brilliant. I dunno mind leagues with silly rules…it all adds to the experience. I’d love to win the league title :)
Calin
1 ноября, 2011 at 06:52
Wow, you’re really dominating the league and you have some great players at your disposal, so doing really great! But what’s happening with Eto’o? I didn’t see him in the top scorers list? Is he performing well or not?
Martin Pickard
1 ноября, 2011 at 11:46
Cheers Calin, yeah were on a brilliant run of form and hopefully we can keep it going. Eto’o has had a injury struck season with him starting the season injury and he is currently injured. He has a brilliant record tho…6 goals in 7 games…he should be back fit for the match against Zenit :)
tom
1 ноября, 2011 at 08:19
good story…makes me want to start a game as them…
the restrictions are unusual…but it just makes the game more fun and realistic…
Dominating the average ratings chart….
i also found that my goalkeeper has the highest pass ratio in the league at the end of the first season…must be playing an outrageous amount of short balls to my full backs….
Martin Pickard
1 ноября, 2011 at 11:50
Cheers Tom! I’m glad my story has had that effect on you :)
Yeah your bsolutely right about the Russian League rules…its definitely helped to make it more interesting. Yeah the stats are funny…nice to know that my keeper can pass well :)
Calum
1 ноября, 2011 at 09:55
I’ve just finished my first season with Anji, I came top by 12 points with a total of 105 points! Etoo bagged 40 goals in 31 games. I got Pavlyuchenko for 5 million in the second transfer window and he’s been bagging them in also. Swapped Jucilue for Sigurdsson which has been a revelation.
The League is 44 games…. the initial 30 and then is splits of into a championship group, where the top 8 teams play each other twice and a relegation group where the bottom 8 teams play each other.
Martin Pickard
1 ноября, 2011 at 11:54
Congrats on winning the league and by miles…hopefully I will be able to replicate your success. Cheers for telling me about Pavlyuchenko…i’m a big fan of his and signing him would definitely help with the league rules. Yeah in a way i’m a little miffed about the league split, but hopefully we can build on our current lead and increase the gap to make the championship split easier for us :)
George Dobson
1 ноября, 2011 at 19:28
well done so far good luck for the rest of the season
Martin Pickard
2 ноября, 2011 at 10:04
Cheers George hopefully it’ll be a title winning end :P
Pedro CostaSCP
1 ноября, 2011 at 23:21
I know it’s a hard transfer but you should try getting Danny from Zenit. I’m guessing money isn’t an issue and besides the fact that he is a very good player and can play both wings and center he has russian nationality which should help you both on the league and in europe next season. Vagner Love tends to be unhappy by november first season because Doumbia is a beast and he too has russian nationality. And you should also try Andreas Beck from Hoffenheim. Another player with russian nationality and good full/wing back both right and left sides. Great story by the way. Hope your injured players get back on their feet quick.
Martin Pickard
7 ноября, 2011 at 09:27
Hey Pedro CostaSCP, cheers for the heads up on Vagner Love…i’ll look out for him. Danny would be an amazing addition to my team, but currently not many of the stars are interested in joining. Cheers again fella
Kevin
1 ноября, 2011 at 23:56
Hi Martin
Your team’s name is a heck of a mouthful so good luck with that :)
Aside from that great start to your FM 2012 career and with those results I see you be Champions at the end of the season.
Martin Pickard
7 ноября, 2011 at 09:29
Hahaha! Its not too bad once you’ve heard it lol. I’m hoping the team can push and start to gap CSKA Moscow, but there an awesome side and have won matches by big margins. I’d love to be in the champions league next season, but we’ll have to see.
CsAtlantis
2 ноября, 2011 at 05:56
Great start there, if you can keep up your form you can definitely win the league
Might be hard to buy from the same league as they will be unwilling to sell to a rival, maybe try to see if you can get Arshavin, Bilyaletdinov, Pogrebnyak or Pavlyuchenko
Eto’o has had some bad luck with injuries, luckily Tardelli is a very capable deputy!
Good luck Martin
Martin Pickard
7 ноября, 2011 at 09:59
Hey CsAtlantis, yeah we’ve made a very positive start to the season and hopefully that will continue. Its very difficult to buy Russian stars at the moment but i’m hoping that a good finish and a european position will correct that. I have tried signing Paulyuchenko but he wasn’t interested in contract talks :(. Eto’o has had injury problems but just wait….
Zeb_McCubin
2 ноября, 2011 at 17:10
I also have a games as Anji, am winnig the league by 9 points with 10 games left :)
Martin Pickard
7 ноября, 2011 at 10:00
Hey Zeb_McCubin, great to here that someone else is doing an Anji save…You’ll have to keep me posted with your progress :)
Lee O'Connor
4 ноября, 2011 at 12:02
Great story Martin can i ask what formation you play?
Martin Pickard
7 ноября, 2011 at 10:01
Cheers Lee… I’ll added what formation i’m playing in the next post :)
fmcrazy
4 ноября, 2011 at 18:04
Hey martin awesome start you’ve made to the season!! i’m also managing anzhi and am pretty annoyed by the league rules for «maximum number of foreign players to 6». As you said most of my recruits are not russian!!!! the russians in the team are average, not that great i think, and as u said most of the russian players don’t wanna sign for anzhi!! well doesn’t matter next season everyone will wanna come i think lol
Martin Pickard
7 ноября, 2011 at 10:06
Hey fmcrazy, another person doing an anji save…i’m liking! The league rule doesn’t annoy me that much to be honest, it makes it more interesting coz it’s not as straight forward. Since the start of the season I have seen an improvement. Theres a couple of players that are fair decent that have some interest. Haha i’m hoping like you that with Anji playing european football that it’ll attract more Russian players.
Diarmuid
4 ноября, 2011 at 20:42
Great start :)
Just wondering where did you get the russian logos?
Martin Pickard
7 ноября, 2011 at 10:08
Diarmuid, I downloaded a megapack off FM Base…Its 2011’s megapack but its good enough for me :)
Pedro CostaSCP
10 ноября, 2011 at 11:07
Just one question, who did you get for assistant manager? I’m having a hard time hiring anyone good for a team like Anzhi.
Martin Pickard
10 ноября, 2011 at 12:35
My is called Jari Ventura and is from Brazilian club Botafogo
jaima
11 ноября, 2011 at 15:21
well played so far, big victory margins, the russian league rules are a problem and none of the big name russians want to join in the first year, keep trying in the second year and maybe bring in some big name players, good luck!