Hello folks and welcome to the much anticipated new episode of my Football Manager 2012 story! After a fruitful summer in which we spent around 8 million pounds on new players and following a solid start to the domestic season the stage was set for another try to get European glory in the Champions League group stage. The task was not easy as we were going to face Inter, PSG and Sevilla, but I was hoping to do better than last season when we got beaten in six games out of six.
The first match was away at Sevilla, let’s see how that went…
Sevilla vs Viitorul (Champions League Group F)
Starting Line Up: Octavian Ormenisan — Lubomir Cerny, Edward Motha, Juan Belencoso, Danut Gongolea — Mihai Onicas, Silviu Pana, Nenad Grumic — Rodolfo Oliver, Rastislav Benko, Raul Rusescu
I have to say that Sevilla‘s line up was quite impressive, especially the midfield line: Jesus Navas, Demy de Zeeuw, Clint Dempsey and Christian Eriksen. Despite that we surprisingly dominated the opening 15 minutes. Our domination didn’t pose major threats though and then Sevilla took control of the game. They didn’t create any major chances either and it was us who came close on 33 minutes when a good cross from Danut Gongolea was headed home by Rodolfo Oliver but the goal was disallowed due to a very close offside call. I was hoping to see the end of a goalless first half but that wasn’t the case as Sevilla‘s talented players manufactured a splendid move three minutes before the break and broke the deadlock through Navas‘ superb finish.
I wasn’t hoping for much at that point but there was one lad who was keen on proving me wrong: young striker Rastislav Benko dribbled past a defender and then coolly fired home from inside the penalty area! It was all square on 57 minutes and we managed to hold firm for around 15 minutes before suffering a major setback: right back Cerny had to leave the pitch on a stretcher and since I had already made all three substitutions we had to play with reduced numbers. The pressure mounted in our penalty area as a result and Sevilla didn’t need much time to bag two goals and settle the game. We did pull one back through Raul Rusescu three minutes from time but our courageous display didn’t give us more than the zero points we got used to last season.
Match highlights: click here to watch
You might remember that last season we had huge problems domestically after the Champions League games and sadly that was the case again. The CL syndrome struck as we had a very poor display in the following domestic matches, we barely went past a Second Division team in the Romanian Cup and then lost the first league match of the season against Astra.
After that poor run you can imagine that confidence was rather low before the game against group favourites Inter, a team that had easily defeated PSG 3-1 in the opening group match.
Viitorul vs Inter (Champions League Group F)
Starting Line Up: Octavian Ormenisan — Ionut Peteleu, Edward Motha, Michael Vesely, Danut Gongolea — Mihai Onicas, Silviu Pana, Nenad Grumic — Rodolfo Oliver, Rastislav Benko, Liviu Ganea
And since Inter had Carlos Tevez and Luc Castaignos upfront for this game you might understand why I wasn’t feeling too optimistic. In fact it was Tevez who struck after 25 minutes as a natural consequence of a pretty solid spell of domination from Inter. My lads made me proud though, they reacted well and tried to push Inter into the ropes but we didn’t have enough strength do change the score board.
We could have pulled level on 55 minutes when substitute Manoel was given a huge chance following a big mistake in the Inter defence but my striker totally blew it. The Inter bagged two goals on corner kicks and that was that… The other group match ended in a draw, PSG 1 Sevilla 1.
Match highlights: click here to watch
Fortunately we pulled off a good display in the following league match and dispatched Mioveni 3-0 but that win came at a huge price: Edward Motha out for 3 weeks, Rodolfo Oliver out for 3 weeks, Milton Mella out for three months! Without those three and with a rather complacent attitude we produced another disappointing display and lost 2-1 at CFR Cluj.
We were travelling to Paris with injury and performance worries on our minds and after seeing PSG’s line up the mood didn’t improve, on the contrary: Mario Balotelli upfront with Javier Pastore behind him as an advanced playmaker!
PSG vs Viitorul (Champions League Group F)
Starting Line Up: Octavian Ormenisan — Alvaro Casanova, Michael Vesely, Juan Belencoso, Danut Gongolea — Martin Lukac, Mihai Onicas, Nenad Grumic — Rastislav Benko, Liviu Ganea, Raul Rusescu
The French side didn’t show much coherence in the opening minutes though so the game was fairly quiet until the 18th minute when injured Ganea was replaced by Manoel. Then we started playing pretty well and nearly broke the deadlock on 37 minutes when Nenad Grumic‘s shot from the edge of the penalty area cannoned off the crossbar. The first half ended goalless and with no shots on target from PSG, you can imagine that I was quite pleased!
And I became even happier four minutes after the interval when Manoel found Lukac just inside the area at the end of a fine move and the Slovakian midfielder blasted it home at the near post for his first ever goal for the club! Then we kept possession very well for a while but just one moment was enough for PSG to pull level, substitute Asamoah Gyan was the man in charge on 69 minutes. Then PSG started pushing with more impetus but to my delight we managed to hold out and grab our first ever point in the Champions League group stage! Hurray!
Match highlights:click here to watch
Inter defeated Sevilla 1-0 in the other game of the evening and even though we were at the bottom of the table after three games I was quite pleased to see that we had a good chance of finishing third.
That point probably gave my lads a bit more confidence and our domestic form improved as a result, we could have grabbed three wins out of three but we got punished by a late equaliser in the game against FC Vaslui.
So, do you think that we grabbed that third place in the Champions League group? Well, if you have an answer you will find out if it’s right or wrong in the next page, just click on the little number «2» just above the comments section.
Go to the next page to read the rest of the story.
siavosh
12 января, 2012 at 16:02
hello,
Good job man!atleast you gain a single point from that tough group.I’m waiting for a league title and also romanian cup title.so DO YOUR BEST.
Wish u luck
Johnny Karp
12 января, 2012 at 16:33
Thanks buddy, I will surely do my best for another domestic double.
Mikulas Nemeth
12 января, 2012 at 16:05
Frustrating CL run again. Otherwise well done!
What tactic do you use in CL games?
Johnny Karp
12 января, 2012 at 16:34
Thanks mate. I used the counter version of the Barcelona tactic in the CL games but I might make a few tweaks next season, especially when it comes to defending set pieces.
Mikulas Nemeth
12 января, 2012 at 19:18
For me a standard tactic with rigid philosophy pays of. Getting good results in CL with small team. Especially in 5th season beating Bayern 6-1 at homte. Can’t get through 1st knock out round though. Good luck with league.
https://footballmanagerstory.com/forum/index.php?topic=959.30
Johnny Karp
12 января, 2012 at 19:51
Thanks for the info. I don’t like rigid philosophy tactics but I might consider that if things don’t improve.
Mikulas Nemeth
13 января, 2012 at 16:44
it’s not like I’m giving an advice. :-) I’m also using fluid but against really strong opponents the players didn’t do their primary jobs and there were holes in defence and midfield.
Johnny Karp
13 января, 2012 at 17:00
I know what you mean mate and I’m thankful for any piece of advice I can get ;) I am considering a tactical change but I might be tempted to have another go in the CL group with the current tactics next season and see what happens.
Laxeyman
12 января, 2012 at 16:12
Good league form Johnny, it’s all looking good on that front, and I reckon you’ll retain your league crown :) You did slightly better in the CL, which must be some consolation, at least you improve on last year! Hopefully next year will be your year…
Good luck in the league!
Johnny Karp
12 января, 2012 at 16:35
Thanks Laxeyman, I hope we’ll be getting our first CL group win next season. But we’ll have to win the title again before that.
Alex
12 января, 2012 at 17:11
Not quite an APOEL but an impressive start to the season nonetheless. It looks like you should qualify for the Champions League again and with that young exciting squad your club could soon be a European powerhouse (I’m sure Hagi must be very happy, have you considered throwing him on in the last 10 minutes?). What’s the furthest a Romanian club has ever been in the CL?
Johnny Karp
12 января, 2012 at 17:27
Yeah, not nearly an APOEL :) I’ve seen Hagi in a charity match and I guess he could still play in a Romanian team, probably as a trequartista. About the CL, a Romanian club has won it in 1986 (Steaua Bucuresti) but there wasn’t a group stage at the time. Since the new format was approved no Romanian team has ever made it past the group stage.
vaibhavc
12 января, 2012 at 17:25
At least this year you got a point. It is still an impressive start to the season in the league. Next year, maybe you can nick that third spot. You team played impressively against PSG at home, and Sevilla away.
Johnny Karp
12 января, 2012 at 19:08
Thanks Vaibhav, we did play well in those two games but unfortunately we lacked the much needed efficiency in front of goal.
John Martin
12 января, 2012 at 17:39
Progress is being made mate well done. Just a question i downlod darrans save and hes set it so his assistant takes press conferences how can i change that so i can take press conferencs?
Callum
12 января, 2012 at 17:55
Got to team policy on the main club page, you should see it there
John Martin
12 января, 2012 at 20:19
thanks very much
Johnny Karp
12 января, 2012 at 19:09
I agree John, small progress is still progress :) About the question, you have to go to the team policy screen and there you can change that setting.
Darren Smith
12 января, 2012 at 18:52
Well that was a tough start to the season but you are still in prime position for everything domestically. A shame about Europe but that was a tough group and the team needs more time to develop I think.
Outstanding form with the Romania U19’s though, you could really pull out some shockers by the looks of things.
Johnny Karp
12 января, 2012 at 19:11
Thanks Darren, I guess I can be satisfied at this point but not (yet) delighted :) About the under 19s, it’s quite tough to get results with such a team because you lose players on a regular basis because they go past the allowed age. But it’s an interesting challenge and I’m mostly using it to discover new young Romanian players.
TheZiggy
12 января, 2012 at 19:25
It’s good to see that the league form didn’t suffer as much after the Champions League matches last season, although a few dodgy performances. The position is better than last season, so hopefully the safety belts won’t be necessary for the run-in like the last couple of seasons.
I knew the Champions League group was a very tough, and managing to grab a single point was good, especially as that came on the trip to PSG. Still work to do, but it’s at least a bit of encouragement.
Nice form with the nations Under 19 squad. Hopefully you can make it through the second group as well. Good luck.
Johnny Karp
12 января, 2012 at 19:52
Thanks Ziggy, I agree that we seem in a better position than last season so I can hope that we’ll avoid another nervy finale.
Kevin
12 января, 2012 at 21:19
Hi Johhny
Well I’m happy to see Vittorul sitting at the top of the Romanian league despite having some injury concerns along the way. Tough luck in the Champions League yet again though I’m sure you will figure out how to progress at some point. Good luck!
Johnny Karp
13 января, 2012 at 08:03
Thanks Kevin. I really want to get results in the CL by playing good football but my patience may run out sooner or later and I might just park the old bus ;)
Alexandru
13 января, 2012 at 00:39
Hey Johnny
Good season so far. Maybe I over appreciated your chances in the Champions League Group you had, but I’m sure you will get that 3rd place next season. I also wanted to ask you if you watch the full match, because you make detailed stories of the important matches.
I didn’t found the time to continue my career so I don’t have any important news for now.
Good luck winning the title and the cup. I belive you will stand a chance in Champions League next season ;)
Johnny Karp
13 января, 2012 at 08:04
Thanks Alex. I watch the extended highlights and write down the details about the important events in the important matches.
CsAtlantis
13 января, 2012 at 01:40
Hello Johnny,
One point away against a strong (and dirt rich) PSG team is definitely a plus, and despite the early stutters from facing Sevilla you are going strong in the league, a slightly more manageable draw (preferably an easier 3rd seed opponent) should give you a better chance next season, your bank balance is still really healthy :D
Your young Romanians are doing just fine, good luck in qualifying for the euro U19 championships
Johnny Karp
13 января, 2012 at 08:05
Thanks mate. I think that if we keep reaching the group stage we might become a 3rd seed in two or three years, depending also on how the other Romanian teams perform in Europe.
Malhar Bhadbhade
13 января, 2012 at 04:08
hey johnny,
congratulations on your first point in the champions league! hope you get many more…and there’s always the bright side of the fact that you didnt finish third — you can now focus solely on the league and the domestic cup and aim at another double! that striker Manoel is very very good…especially for a Romanian side! finishing 15, composure 15, pace 15!! hopefully he starts firing on all cylinders for you…anyway, as always, i admire your patience and perseverance as regards to the cl! keep up the good work! looking forward to your next post.
cheers!
Johnny Karp
13 января, 2012 at 08:06
Thanks Malhar, Manoel is very talented indeed but never really got going because of injuries. This season might be his last chance, if he doesn’t step up I might sell him next summer.
Malhar Bhadbhade
13 января, 2012 at 12:45
Nooooo!!! hahaha poor Manoel. but yeah, if you do find better options, then thats great. thats the one thing that frustrates me too. a regen striker that i have,called sven gunther, has some really magnificent attributes and a 4-star potential, but he just does not perform…avg rating at 6.85…do u always sell in such cases?| how many seasons do you give them a try?
Johnny Karp
13 января, 2012 at 14:27
I don’t have a fixed number of seasons in mind, I always judge the situations case by case. In Manoel’s case he has the excuse of those injuries, this season he managed to stay reasonably fit so I hope he’ll do better in the second half of the season. If not, I’ll cash in and move on ;)
Malhar Bhadbhade
14 января, 2012 at 06:08
haha okay! sounds like a pretty good plan :)
Calin
13 января, 2012 at 06:52
Hello Johnny,
You were a bit unlucky there in the Champions League, I was actually expecting you to get the points from PSG and finish third, but apparently CL is not as easy as I thought it would be. Still, you got a point this year and it’s an improvement compared to last season and now you’ll have even more money to spend which only increases your chances!
You’re doing well with the national team too which makes me really happy, since it means that Romania has a bright future in your save.
Good luck with signing that central defender!
Johnny Karp
13 января, 2012 at 08:08
Thanks Calin, I was hoping for more after that draw in Paris but it just didn’t happen this time. About the Under 19 team, there are a few good players but not as many as I would want so I guess it will be difficult to reach the final tournament of the European Championship.
Woody
13 января, 2012 at 07:56
Good effort in the champions league
Good to see that your top of the Romanian league
I think your going to runaway with the title now you dont have the champions league to distract you
Anyway good luck
Johnny Karp
13 января, 2012 at 08:08
Thanks Woody, I hope to get the title in a more convincing manner this season.
Bhargav
13 января, 2012 at 11:00
Hey Johnny. You were handed a really tough group. If you weren’t put into the group of death and drawn against some Scottish or Dutch teams, I’m sure the results would have been a little more favorable. At least it looks like you will be making an appearance in the Champions League again next season. Good luck with the Romanian Cup! And even more luck with developing Romanian youngsters! The Romanian U19 could become a feeder team for Viitorul ;)
Johnny Karp
13 января, 2012 at 14:25
Thanks mate, my goal is to get the buy the best under 19s for Viitorul ;) I have already bought some but there are a few more I’d like to get.
Martin - F.M.J.S
13 января, 2012 at 20:01
Well Johnny it was a tough group but You may not have won a game but you did get a point and that was better than last year, so thats progress :). Plus your still top of the League so keep it up for the rest of the season. Good Luck mate. :)
Johnny Karp
13 января, 2012 at 20:04
Thanks mate, I agree that we’ve made some progress and hopefully we’ll do even more next time around. If we win the title that is :)
Ana Garcia
13 января, 2012 at 23:04
I said you would pick up points against PSG! :)
I really feel for you, as that group may have been even harder than last times, and having worked so hard to get there its such a shame.
But you will improve year on year, progress takes time and you are making a surge in the right direction. Your domestic form is still very good and you are right on course to win the title again.
And with the added bonus of the champions league money you will get stronger every year, good luck. :)
Johnny Karp
14 января, 2012 at 10:23
Yeah, you said it! :) I agree that we seem to be making progress but we have to make sure of the league title in order to have another go at the Champions League next season.
TE5711
14 января, 2012 at 07:38
Great Johnny!
Shame about that CL run, but I think that one point is a big step going forward, and your team should do better next year in the CL.
When are you going to start managing outside of Romania? I mean, I know it’s your home country and you love it (I feel the same about Holland!), but there is only so much you can accomplish with a Romanian side, don’t you think?
Anyway, great post!
Johnny Karp
14 января, 2012 at 10:25
Thanks mate. My goal is to win the Champions League with this team, I don’t know if it’s possible but I’m determined to try. So I guess I’ll be here for quite a few more seasons :) I have won all that could be won with English teams in the past versions of the game so that’s not something that would interest me at this point.
TE5711
14 января, 2012 at 12:03
How about Spain? Or Italy? Germany? France? :)
Johnny Karp
14 января, 2012 at 12:09
I am going to try those at some point, sure.
Sears
14 января, 2012 at 12:53
Hey Johnny,
Shame about the Champions League,though your guys did try their best. The league is looking much better, it’s tight but I’ve no doubt you’ll triumph. Best of luck mate!
Johnny Karp
14 января, 2012 at 13:31
Thanks Sears, I hope we’ll win the title with a few games to spare this time.
Stu
17 января, 2012 at 23:44
Johnny, this story continues to impress me. Before reading this I had never heard of Viitorul, but now I almost feel like trying the Romanian leagues at some point. As always a wonderful read, and I hope the success keeps coming :)
Johnny Karp
19 января, 2012 at 21:09
Thanks Stu, I hope we’ll manage to do a bit more in the coming seasons, especially in Europe.