Hey guys and welcome back to another update from my Ultimate European Challenge. During the last post you saw Chelsea establish a 12 point gap at the top of the Premier League. We also managed to reach the Champions League first knockout round and the sixth round of the FA Cup. With everything to play for, today’s post will see the end of my 2018/19 season. When all is done, will Chelsea be parading one, two, or even three trophies? Lets find out.
Premier League results and table
Well, March certainly didn’t start well. A loss at home to close rivals Man Utd and a really poor performance. Switching to my secondary 4-4-2 formation completely back fired. However, the lads seemed to settle down after that and get back on track. We won 5 games in a row, before losing to Everton. Another rubbish performance at Stamford Bridge and the 2-0 loss was put down to a weak lineup. Despite such a loss, I stuck by the same weakened team for our next home game against Arsenal. A big derby and my boys didn’t disappoint as Arsenal were beaten 3-1. I then reverted back to my stars for a 2-0 victory at the Stadium of Light, before resting my entire squad for the visit of West Brom. Complacency caught up with us here as the Baggies shocked Chelsea with the 2-1 victory. With Liverpool only needing us to lose three matches, had I done enough? Or did my weakened starting XI’s ruin what seemed like a certain BPL crown.
Of course not, the title was won with ease. Finishing on 95 points meant a 14 point gap to Manchester City. Poor old Liverpool fell off the pace and even missed out on the top four! My beloved Newcastle survived yet another relegation threatened season, while both sides of Manchester still seem the most consistent sides in the league. Man Utd are seriously dangerous, I don’t understand how they can perform so badly in the league.
The FA Cup
One trophy down, just two more to go. The FA Cup was won last season, but I really fancied my chances of the treble, so decided to field my strongest players. The sixth round was away from home against Championship table toppers Stoke. An easy victory I thought to myself, wrong! Stoke must have had some sort of outer body experience. Flying into tackles, making inch perfect 50 yard passes, in fact I stopped the game at one point to check through their team again. I wanted to see the attributes because their performance just didn’t add up. After conceding early on, I seriously feared for my chances. But a stern talking to the lads at half time and a few tactical tweaks turned things around. First of all Blackwell struck from outside the area, then Papadopoulos scored from a corner. 2-1 to the mighty Chelsea and a new found respect for Stoke. ;)
With Manchester City still lurking in the shadows, I was delighted to draw Everton for the semi-final. Again, my strongest starting XI were out to cause havoc and this is what they did. Petrovic scored two great goals, while Godwin played like a true playmaker and finished the match off. 3-1 Chelsea and a trip to Wembley awaits…Man City also won their semi-final with ease, so a tough match awaits.
FA Cup final — Chelsea vs Manchester City
While I have an awful track record against the red side of Manchester, I have always succeeded against City. I just decided to stick by my usual 4-5-1 and try to counter what is an incredible team. Man City have splashed the cash so far on names such as Moussa Sissoko, Jovetic, Babacar, Davide Santon and the best regen ever in Iraola. However, all of those players combined still don’t match up to my super hero, Petrovic! Lets see who had the last laugh, below are the match highlights.
This was an extremely nervy match. Both teams came out of the traps in a sprint with some end to end football. Chelsea had the best of the early exchanges, Petrovic picked up the pieces from Weiss’ saved shot. Then Rakitic stunned the entire stadium with a thunderous equalizer. Half-time saw Chelsea’s two key players substituted, as Godwin made way for Perotti and Petrovic made way for Ludwig. The new striker wasted no time and helped Chelsea take the lead. Then Weiss hit an incredible free kick to wrap things up. 3-1 to Chelsea and a few big risks paid off. Marcelo was rested from the right wing, but his understudy in Weiss was the man of the match.
Despite using a counter strategy, my boys still dominated possession. While City showed some class, they ultimately lost because of a lack of shots hitting the target. Just two shots tested my keeper and one was the long range goal, while Chelsea managed 12 shots on target. The fans were delighted and I have secured the domestic double.
Champions League
I finished my last post with a disappointing performance away to Ajax in the Champions League first knockout stage. The 1-1 draw was far too flattering, but should set us up nicely for the second leg. The Dutch giants never stood a chance at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea won with ease 3-0. The quarter-final draw could have been worse, I was to face my old club AC Milan. An emotional return, but not one with mercy. I destroyed Milan away from home 5-1, all five goals were scored by different players. I then decided to use a defensive strategy for the home leg. With the tie already wrapped up, Milan threw too many players forward. Chelsea scored four goals on the counter and won the match 4-1 and the tie 9-2. If this wasn’t a battle cry I don’t know what is.
With Man Utd still in the competition, I managed an easy looking draw against Marseille. The French side had beaten rivals and their only domestic challenge Lyon in the quarter-final. I used a full strength starting line up for the first leg at Stamford Bridge and we dominated possession. However, Marseille are extremely dangerous from set pieces and we could only draw 1-1. A worrying result, but I went into the second leg with confidence. OM just didn’t turn up, using my counter strategy the lads kept hitting Marseille on the break. We won 3-0 thanks to an outstanding performance from Marcelo. Through to the final, but my boggy side await in the form of Manchester United. The one team I always dread playing and also the winners of last years Champions League. Guess who they beat in the Semi-final, none other than my former club At. Madrid!!! This just proves how good they are.
Champions League final — Chelsea vs Manchester United
I am usually the favourite to win most matches and therefore picking a strategy is always easy. However, I am rarely favourite when playing Man Utd. This always puts me in a difficult spot. Do I choose counter strategy which I’m more familiar with, or go with defensive strategy which is designed for such games? Well, I usually pick counter, and it doesn’t always work. I think I’m a little worried a defensive strategy will bring on too much pressure…today I decided to change my ways and pick the defensive strategy. A first for me in Cup finals, but one I feel is necessary.
I had the usual line up and now maybe you’ll see why Petrovic and Godwin were subbed at half-time in the FA Cup. This Champions League final was three days after our success against the blue half of Manchester. I also rested Marcelo in that game because he’s been amazing in Europe. With Rooney, Pastore, Alexis Sanchez, Galeano and my favourite Argentine regen Becerra, Man Utd look strong. Lets see if I paid for a change in strategy, or if my tactical switch made things tick. Below are the match highlights.
Haha!! I just love it when a tactical risk pays off. Chelsea dominated the first half and looked set for the trophy. 2-0 at half-time and not a care in the world. Then some sloppy defending helped Martinez score from a corner and make my last 20 minutes very uncomfortable. However, my side defended like troopers as we held out for the 2-1 victory. A great result and my third Champions League trophy with three different teams, in three different countries. If you didn’t watch the highlights, I suggest watching the first goal. It just sums up Petrovic!
A wonderful achievement. This final was very even in terms of match stats, but to watch I think we deserved the win. The board were ecstatic and to be honest so was I. Never mind winning the Champions League, I beat my boggy team in the biggest of stages.
The hero’s of Chelsea
After an incredible season, I was shocked to realise only four players really shone. While the rest chipped in here and there, I could only think of four players that really made the winning difference. First off we have the amazing Ivan Petrovic (click any name in blue to see profile.) 45 goals and 11 assists from 43 games, finally a striker has broken the goal per game ratio for me. Then we have Marcelo, a lot of concern for his transfer fee pre-season, but he has proven more than worth the cash. 18 goals and 32 assists makes sure of that. On the opposite wing, Nigerian Mike Godwin ran a good show. 14 goals and 11 assists weren’t his best asset, Godwin also threatened every defence and was more valuable for his presence. Talking of presence, Phil Jones has been a rock in defence all season and scored 9 goals to back it up. These four players are my main reason for success and all have been bought by myself since taking charge within the last two seasons.
Well I loved managing Chelsea, the squad I pulled together could dominate world football for many years. But I still have the French part of this challenge to complete. Therefore I have resigned as manager and will be looking to find a job across the waters in France. Lyon or Marseille would be perfect, but I can’t see them ever sacking the current managers. Therefore I will be looking at the likes of Bordeaux, Toulouse, Monaco etc.
That’s all for today’s update guys. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the ride. My Ultimate European Challenge is closing in on its end. Until next time please feel free to ask any questions below and I look forward to reading your comments.
ps I will be resuming my Newcastle story soon. In preparation I examined the clubs finances, not very good at all!! Therefore I am writing a financial guide to help you all keep your team in the green! Should be a special post so watch out for it. :)
Alex
12 апреля, 2011 at 12:09
Brilliant stuff Darren, I said you had to win at least 3 trophies and you didn’t disappoint! Well done mate, that Man Utd game looked really tough, they really should do better in the league if they nearly gave you a run for your money! I am curious to see who you next manage, hopefully you can update us soon :)
Darren Smith
12 апреля, 2011 at 18:53
Thanks Alex, Man Utd were my toughest opponents yet and have been generally through FM11. It was a real personal high to beat both Manchester clubs on the finals. I’ll update ASAP, but we have a financial guide to read first. :)
Vaibhav Chandrasekhar
12 апреля, 2011 at 12:12
Hey Darren
The treble has been done! You seem to win everything! Ivan Petrovic was amazing for you. Maybe you can get a job at Lyon or Marsielle, who knows? Why did you stop playing your Newcastle game?
Darren Smith
12 апреля, 2011 at 18:56
Hi Vaibhav,
I enjoyed one of the best squads managed on FM11 so far. They were really to thank for such a season especially Petrovic. I stopped playing the Newcastle game to a) make this challenge and b) play the challenge to get people interested in it. As soon as the challenge is complete I’ll return to my beloved home team. :)
CsAtlantis
12 апреля, 2011 at 12:15
Winning a treble was still a difficult task even with your big spending, poor Marcos did okay in the end but Marcelo and Petrovic ran the show for your team
Most of the team played well so that leaves you with France then (probably the toughest part of the challenge)
Looking forward to seeing your team and the financial guide (could use a few tips to conserve my $$$ :P )
Darren Smith
12 апреля, 2011 at 18:58
Thanks mate, Marcos was kind of masked by Petrovic and Marcelo but did still do well. The French part of my challenge could be tough, just depends on who I manage.
The financial guide will be based on my Newcastle side, in which I just realised how much money I’ve wasted. Writing and analysing the finances was a real eye opener so I hope everyone else gains something from it.
Johnny Karp
12 апреля, 2011 at 12:24
Spot on, mission accomplished! The French league shouldn’t be too complicated but winning the Champions League with a French team might be a bit more tricky. Maybe Chelsea will hire Marseille’s manager and you’ll be able to take his place :)
Darren Smith
12 апреля, 2011 at 18:59
Thanks Johnny. I am just glad I don’t need to win the Champions League in order to complete the challenge in France. That would be really tough!! I’d love to manage OM or OL, but can confirm I’ve had no such luck :(
Jon Crosby
12 апреля, 2011 at 12:28
It’s incredible to see someone do this with such ease, I will look forward to your next post based on who will employ you and how long you have to wait for the right team to open the arms for Darren » Special One» Smith.
Your financial guide will be a must read with a doubt so get that up ASAP
Thanks
Darren Smith
12 апреля, 2011 at 19:02
Thanks Jon, should be interesting to see who hires me in France. Like mentioned to Johnny, OM and OL aren’t available so no such luck there. :(
I am terrible with finances because I’m lazy and love buying players…so I thought it was time I knuckled down on one of the important features. The guide will be my findings within the Newcastle save, should be interesting. :)
Excessive
12 апреля, 2011 at 12:45
Quality mate, glorious job at an under achieving top club. Those regens are fantastic, especially Petrovic who is only 23?! Try and get a few of them to follow you to France, with them you’ll boss the league and complete this challenge with no problems at all.
Whatever club you decide to manage, you’ll do a great job. It’s your last part of the save so you can make it something special :)
Good luck in France pal!
Darren Smith
12 апреля, 2011 at 19:04
Thanks Excessive, I went way overboard transfer wise, but still happy to turn Chelsea’s fortunes around. Petrovic is worthy of going on the back of my Newcastle shirt, he’s probably the best regen I’ve bought. :)
Timmy
12 апреля, 2011 at 14:04
Wow,too fast to do treble :P
looks like Chelsea just too easy huh?
well where will you go,give us clue
cheers :)
Darren Smith
12 апреля, 2011 at 19:05
Thanks Timmy, tbh I had vast resources at my feet and this made the job ten times easier. I’ll offer one clue as to my move to France. Its not Marseille or Lyon. :)
Timmy
13 апреля, 2011 at 16:25
Badly,but maybe one of this
Toulouse,Bordeaux,Lille,PSG,Auxerre,Monaco,Rennais,Saint Ettiene,Lorient?
o yeah btw:
‘Then Rakitic stunned the entire stadium with thunderous equalizer’
so Rakitic jump from his seats and then get the ball and kick it,are you sure that not Petrovic? :P
Darren Smith
13 апреля, 2011 at 18:37
Timmy, you could have named the whole French league there lol :) You’ll have to wait and see mate. ;)
I think you got confused during the Man City game, they equalized and it was Rakitic who scored for them.
Sayam Khan
12 апреля, 2011 at 17:44
Brilliant stuff Darren! The challenge is almost complete! Looking forward to you managing in France. Can yuou post your CV in your next update?
Darren Smith
12 апреля, 2011 at 19:08
Thanks Sayam, I will post my full CV next time around. :)
Kevin
12 апреля, 2011 at 18:45
Hi Darren
Fantastic achievement and especially in beating the two Manchester temas to win major trophies. Petrovic’s goal was absolutely stunning. Nearly as good as N’Goma..just kidding :)
Darren Smith
12 апреля, 2011 at 19:10
Thanks Kevin, I know it must have hurt to see Chelsea beat Utd in a final, but it was for the greater good lol :)
Don’t you go playing down my favourite N’Goma, he was my next transfer target at Stamford Bridge after seeing him in your story. ;)
Liam101
12 апреля, 2011 at 20:40
Amazing results Darren. the treble is not an easy feat and you seemed to do it quite convincingly. Good luck with your french team
Darren Smith
13 апреля, 2011 at 11:42
Thanks Liam, the treble was a nice way to leave England, just France left now and my challenge will be complete. :)
Sears
12 апреля, 2011 at 21:31
Well done pal, marvelous treble!
Darren Smith
13 апреля, 2011 at 11:43
Thanks Sears, it was tough against Man Utd but we prevailed.
Lye
13 апреля, 2011 at 02:10
Hi Darren,
You have absolutely dominated this season. What a great season. Congratulations on the treble. French league will be interesting. They have a smaller budget and we will see which team you are managing. Good luck.
Ana Garcia
13 апреля, 2011 at 15:52
Pretty easy in the end!!
Well done on the winning the treble and hopefully you can wrap up the last part of your challenge in France!
Good luck!!
Darren Smith
13 апреля, 2011 at 18:35
Thanks Ana, hopefully I can finish the challenge soon. I’m itching to return to Newcastle :)
hils
13 апреля, 2011 at 18:18
Hi Darren,great installment there!!!!!!!! Well done on winning the treble!!!!!!!!!! Good luck!!!!!!!!!
Darren Smith
13 апреля, 2011 at 18:38
Thanks Hils!!