The next game was decisive as we were facing PSG in front of our home crowd, a win would have been almost a guarantee of that much desired third place. And since we had snatched a point in Paris I was quite optimistic to be honest.
Viitorul vs PSG (Champions League Group F)
Starting Line Up: Octavian Ormenisan — Lubomir Cerny, Edward Motha, Juan Belencoso, Danut Gongolea — Paul Anton, Mihai Onicas, Nenad Grumic — Rodolfo Oliver, Rastislav Benko, Raul Rusescu
This time PSG had Pastore and Kevin Gameiro upfront while I was happy to welcome back into the line up a few players that had returned to full fitness like Anton, Motha and Oliver. The game started well, we were the team in charge, and we came close after seven minutes when Paul Anton was denied by a superb save from Salvatore Sirigu. Unfortunately PSG launched an immediate and swift counter attack and they converted it into a goal… My boys were not giving up though and we created another chance on 16 minutes but Rastislav Benko ended a good move with a dismal shot. Then PSG managed to keep things a bit under control but we still could have nailed the equaliser during stoppage time when Benko was denied by another huge save from Sirigu.
The second half was a bit different, it seemed that we were lacking the strength that we had shown in the first half and it was PSG who came close on two occasions, on 50 and 73 minutes. One of their midfielders got sent off a few seconds after the 90th minute but it was too late to make a difference, we had a good first half but that wasn’t enough against a very clever team with a fantastic goalie between the sticks.
Match highlights:click here to watch
Fortunately the domestic form didn’t suffer as a result, we grabbed two consecutive wins in the following matches, both after enthusiastic performances on the pitch.
At that point Inter were leading the group on nine points, Sevilla were second with 7, PSG third with 5 points and we were last with that glorious one point. Our chances of finishing third were purely theoretical but I was determined to fight for our hopes, we had to beat Sevilla at home and then see what happens.
Viitorul vs Sevilla (Champions League Group F)
Starting Line Up: Octavian Ormenisan — Lubomir Cerny, Michael Vesely, Juan Belencoso, Danut Gongolea — Dejan Danicic, Mihai Onicas, Nenad Grumic — Rodolfo Oliver, Rastislav Benko, Raul Rusescu
There isn’t much to say about the first half, there were no fireworks. The game was even and quiet, no big chances on either end.
The start of the second half was way more pleasing for us as we took the lead on 52 minutes when defender Martin Caceres put one past his own keeper as a result of our pressing. But our joy was short-lived, we defending with clumsiness on a free kick cross after just five minutes and Sevilla pulled level. Then we let in an even stupider goal, my defence was surprised by a long goal kick… And that was that, we lost it 3-1 and our dream of finishing 3rd was over and done.
Match highlights:click here to watch
The remaining Champions League, away at Inter, was a total demolition as the Italian giants put four goals past us out of four frickin shots on target… But we had reasons to be happy on the domestic front, we pulled through to the Romanian Cup semi finals and also snatched a few more points in the league. We ended the first half of a season with a draw, 1-1 at Gaz Metan, but that was a good result considering that we had a player sent off after just five minutes.
We are top of the table before the winter break and I guess we’ll have to battle it out against our usual rivals, Rapid Bucharest, who sit just three points behind us.
I am pleased to report that two very young players, Rastislav Benko and Danut Gongolea are leading the average ratings table in our squad but I think that players like Manoel or Daniel Mazzoni can step up in the second half of the season because I will do my best to give them more playing time. In fact, I am thinking about selling the older strikers like Ganea or Rusescu to make room for the youngsters.
The finances are looking great, I might hope for some more transfer money but I might sort out some transfers even without the board’s help. The thing is I really want to sign just one player, a very good young Romanian centre back, and I reckon I’d need around 3 million pounds for that. The plan is to sell some players to get that money, those two and maybe another older player ;)
Speaking about young Romanians, here are the results of my reign as the national Under 19 head coach: 9 matches unbeaten! We even pulled off a few upsets like the draw in England or the two wins in Portugal but the most pleasing fact is that we pushed through to the second qualifying round of the 2016 European Championship.
We’ll have to win a tough group to get to the final tournament, we’ll face Sweden, Denmark and Georgia but I guess we have a fair chance.
That’s all for now folks, we didn’t take the Champions League by storm as some of you might have expected but I’m pleased that we have made a small step forward compared to last season. Now it’s time to focus on the league and maybe pull off another double but that’s stuff for another post and for another few hours of playing the best game in the world ;) Thanks a lot for reading, I’m looking forward to reading your comments.
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.