The Greek Football Thread

lavezzi7 · 30-10-2009, 01:32 PM

It is the first time a thread like that is created if I am not mistaken.Let's keep it active while enjoying your game in the Greek Championship.Anyone who wants to play in Greek Superleague must have in mind that there are two big teams: Olympiakos and Panathinaikos(they have the biggest budget,around 5-10 millions).The 3rd team is AEK and all the rest are PAOK,Aris,Larisa,Xanthi etc.As for me, I may enable the third division via editor and I will manage a lower-division team with a target to promote in the Greek Superleague and of course, win throphies.

Ask me if you want any help and...

...Enjoy the game!!!

Adramelch · 30-10-2009, 01:35 PM

Probably gonna play a save with AEK to lead them to glory as I did on FM09 (4 consecutive league titles plus appearances in UEFA and Champions Cup semi-finals). Third division is an excellent addition as there are a lot of Fallen Giants to manage.

Freddy Guarin · 31-10-2009, 02:56 AM

After having success with a second division side in Iceland on FM09 (or about as much success as you possibly can with an Icelandic team) I've started as Panaitolikos (but I have since found out that FM has spelled their name wrong- it is actually Panetolikos. Also, they are nicknamed the Canaries, which pleases me) in the Greek second tier.

So, yeah, I have played three league games, and have seven points, which leaves me one place and one point the leaders, with a game in hand. I also have Panathinaikos at home in the cup coming up, so I'm pleased with how this going so far. Feels like I'm cheating though, because this Bosnian lad, Emir Hadzic, is pretty much English Premier League standard.

Adramelch · 31-10-2009, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddy Guarin

After having success with a second division side in Iceland on FM09 (or about as much success as you possibly can with an Icelandic team) I've started as Panaitolikos (but I have since found out that FM has spelled their name wrong- it is actually Panetolikos. Also, they are nicknamed the Canaries, which pleases me) in the Greek second tier.

So, yeah, I have played three league games, and have seven points, which leaves me one place and one point the leaders, with a game in hand. I also have Panathinaikos at home in the cup coming up, so I'm pleased with how this going so far. Feels like I'm cheating though, because this Bosnian lad, Emir Hadzic, is pretty much English Premier League standard.

It's definitely not as big challenge as your Icelandic one, since the top three teams (Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, AEK) have constant presence in European competitions but it will be fun for sure. You will find out that quite a handful of very good players play in Greek lower teams with the greatest example being Alvaro Recoba in Panionios. Yes it is spelled Panetolikos as in Greek "ai" is pronounced "e" unless it has two "dots" over the "i". Panathinaikos has two dots over his "i" (in Greek), thus he is pronounced the other way. Good luck mate.

Freddy Guarin · 31-10-2009, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adramelch

It's definitely not as big challenge as your Icelandic one, since the top three teams (Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, AEK) have constant presence in European competitions but it will be fun for sure. You will find out that quite a handful of very good players play in Greek lower teams with the greatest example being Alvaro Recoba in Panionios. Yes it is spelled Panetolikos as in Greek "ai" is pronounced "e" unless it has two "dots" over the "i". Panathinaikos has two dots over his "i" (in Greek), thus he is pronounced the other way. Good luck mate.

I am aware that it is not as big a challenge as Iceland, and that is why I chose it. With an Icelandic side, you are never going to be able to make an impact in Europe, but in Greece, I think it is possible if I stick with the game and progress at a decent rate.

Adramelch · 31-10-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddy Guarin

I am aware that it is not as big a challenge as Iceland, and that is why I chose it. With an Icelandic side, you are never going to be able to make an impact in Europe, but in Greece, I think it is possible if I stick with the game and progress at a decent rate.

Well in last year's version I played 6 seasons with AEK and managed to reach UEFA cup semi finals and Champions Cup semi finals, so my estimation is that at about 8-9 years you could be a respectable force in Europe with Panaitolikos.

Freddy Guarin · 31-10-2009, 03:46 PM

Not happy. My unbeaten record is now over, thanks to having four players away on international duty. Why was the game not postponed?

Adramelch · 31-10-2009, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddy Guarin

Not happy. My unbeaten record is now over, thanks to having four players away on international duty. Why was the game not postponed?

Second division games are not postponed due to international duties, since not many players from that division participate in their international teams. You were just unlucky (or lucky actually) to have players of that calibre.

lavezzi7 · 31-10-2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddy Guarin

Not happy. My unbeaten record is now over, thanks to having four players away on international duty. Why was the game not postponed?

Because you are in Greece...

Write down your signings if you want.

Freddy Guarin · 04-11-2009, 04:55 PM

Still doesn't make it fair

Anyway, I have not made many signings. I have signed Giorgos Katsikas on loan from Iraklis, my new feeder club, and Lukasz Piatek from Polonia Warsaw for £110k.

I have sold Ilias Manikas to Olympiakos Volou for £45k, and Makis Belevonis to Veroia for £20k.

Freddy Guarin · 06-11-2009, 10:53 PM

After 22 games I am nine points clear of third place. Helped by a run of nine wins and two draws in my last 11 games, including wins in all six since Christmas.

I'm going up

Freddy Guarin · 08-11-2009, 09:48 PM

So, I was top, and still looking comfortable with six games to go, when my best central midfielder injures himself, and I only pick up one point in the next four games.

I dropped to second, which isn't the end of the world, when he returns. But this game, the penultimate game, is against Olympiakos Volou, who had just leapfrogged me to go top. So there I am, 2-0 down to them at home, and my hands hurting from smacking my desk. I had blown it, seemingly.

But wait! Three goals in the first quarter of an hour of the second half saw me go 3-2 up. I held on, and I was back in business. Top of league with one game left, on 61 points. Olympiakos Volou and Pierikos had 59, with Panserraikos on 58.

So, I go into the last game knowing that a win at Ethnikos Asteras would see me win the league, and a draw would probably be good enough for promotion, if not the title.

The top four positions were changing throughout the game. By half time, when I was 2-0 down, I was down to third. Shit. I pulled one back, before Ethnikos scored again and I replied, and it ended 3-2

But all was not lost. Panserraikos were beating Pierikos, and were going above me on goal difference (the head-to-head was level as both games were draws), and that was pretty much settled, because although they started the day behind me on goal difference, they were winning comfortably.

However, Olympiakos Volou then conceded, with thrilled me. They were 1-1 going into stoppage time, when my match ended, and I thought I had safely secured a place in the Super League next season.

But no. The bastards went and scored in the 94th fucking minute and won, meaning I dropped to third, and have to go through this silly Playoff thing. Basically, a Champions League style group of four teams, who play each other home and away. At least the team who finishes third gets to start on two points and fourth place has one, but still, my players bottled it in a big way.

I'm gutted

Freddy Guarin · 28-11-2009, 01:35 AM

An update on this shit.

The second season has gone much better. A decent start turned into a great one, thanks to 13 wins in 14 games either side of the Christmas break, and I raced into a 16-point lead. That has now been reduced to nine, but fuck it, there are only eight games left so I should be safe. But I said that last season...

The bad thing is though, that for the third time now, my chairman has accepted a bid over my head. And this time, I would've not been prepared to sell my star player and captain, as he has scored 22 in 23 this season, and is unstoppable. But anyway, in what is probably his final game for me, he just went and scored a 93rd minute equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw in front of his home fans. Nice way to go, at least

Dantastic · 28-11-2009, 01:59 AM

Good luck Freddy. Hopefully losing your skipper won't harm you enough to lose that lead. Found anyone that could replace him?

Adramelch · 28-11-2009, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddy Guarin

An update on this shit.

The second season has gone much better. A decent start turned into a great one, thanks to 13 wins in 14 games either side of the Christmas break, and I raced into a 16-point lead. That has now been reduced to nine, but fuck it, there are only eight games left so I should be safe. But I said that last season...

The bad thing is though, that for the third time now, my chairman has accepted a bid over my head. And this time, I would've not been prepared to sell my star player and captain, as he has scored 22 in 23 this season, and is unstoppable. But anyway, in what is probably his final game for me, he just went and scored a 93rd minute equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw in front of his home fans. Nice way to go, at least

Is Mifsud still out of contract in your save?I signed him at Veroia in my Journeyman save and he tore 2nd Division apart.

Freddy Guarin · 28-11-2009, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dantastic

Good luck Freddy. Hopefully losing your skipper won't harm you enough to lose that lead. Found anyone that could replace him?

Well, even worse, I am in March, and the team that purchased him was Rosenborg, which means I cannot replace until the summer. Which isn't great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adramelch

Is Mifsud still out of contract in your save?I signed him at Veroia in my Journeyman save and he tore 2nd Division apart.

I am well into my second season now so I doubt it, and anyway, I should be looking for Super League players now.

I have a couple of South Americans in my sights, but I may need to get promoted first in order to give them acceptable wages.

Freddy Guarin · 03-12-2009, 03:42 PM

Promoted with five games to spare; champions with three games left. Easy.

Adramelch · 21-12-2009, 03:23 PM

Since the "Dynastic Game Thread" got closed, I'll update how things are going in my AEK save in here. I'll probably be on my own but you never know. I may end up replying to myself but it would be fun

.

We're in our fifth season, having won the league for 3 consecutive seasons so far. In the first season, we finished 2nd but we lost the 2nd CL spot in the European Places Playoffs. We easily won the league in seasons 2 and 4, while we won it in the last game in season 3. In Europe we're doing pretty well, reaching UEFA Cup Second round in season 2, CL First Knockout round in season 3, CL Quarter Finals in season 4 and we're currently on CL First Knockout round in this season. Here's our squad at the moment:

30-10-2009, 01:32 PM	#1
lavezzi7 Hot Prospect TD Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 464 Managing: Olympiakos Season: 1st Division: Superleague Star Player: Me	The Greek Football Thread It is the first time a thread like that is created if I am not mistaken.Let's keep it active while enjoying your game in the Greek Championship.Anyone who wants to play in Greek Superleague must have in mind that there are two big teams: Olympiakos and Panathinaikos(they have the biggest budget,around 5-10 millions).The 3rd team is AEK and all the rest are PAOK,Aris,Larisa,Xanthi etc.As for me, I may enable the third division via editor and I will manage a lower-division team with a target to promote in the Greek Superleague and of course, win throphies. Ask me if you want any help and... ...Enjoy the game!!!

30-10-2009, 01:35 PM	#2
Adramelch First Team Player TD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 4,616 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	Probably gonna play a save with AEK to lead them to glory as I did on FM09 (4 consecutive league titles plus appearances in UEFA and Champions Cup semi-finals). Third division is an excellent addition as there are a lot of Fallen Giants to manage.

31-10-2009, 02:56 AM	#3
Freddy Guarin Hot Prospect Join Date: May 2007 Location: Norfolk, England Country: Posts: 334 Managing: Panetolikos Season: 2009/10 Division: Greek B League Star Player: Emir Hadžić	After having success with a second division side in Iceland on FM09 (or about as much success as you possibly can with an Icelandic team) I've started as Panaitolikos (but I have since found out that FM has spelled their name wrong- it is actually Panetolikos. Also, they are nicknamed the Canaries, which pleases me) in the Greek second tier. So, yeah, I have played three league games, and have seven points, which leaves me one place and one point the leaders, with a game in hand. I also have Panathinaikos at home in the cup coming up, so I'm pleased with how this going so far. Feels like I'm cheating though, because this Bosnian lad, Emir Hadzic, is pretty much English Premier League standard.

31-10-2009, 03:46 PM	#7
Freddy Guarin Hot Prospect Join Date: May 2007 Location: Norfolk, England Country: Posts: 334 Managing: Panetolikos Season: 2009/10 Division: Greek B League Star Player: Emir Hadžić	Not happy. My unbeaten record is now over, thanks to having four players away on international duty. Why was the game not postponed?

04-11-2009, 04:55 PM	#10
Freddy Guarin Hot Prospect Join Date: May 2007 Location: Norfolk, England Country: Posts: 334 Managing: Panetolikos Season: 2009/10 Division: Greek B League Star Player: Emir Hadžić	Still doesn't make it fair Anyway, I have not made many signings. I have signed Giorgos Katsikas on loan from Iraklis, my new feeder club, and Lukasz Piatek from Polonia Warsaw for £110k. I have sold Ilias Manikas to Olympiakos Volou for £45k, and Makis Belevonis to Veroia for £20k.

06-11-2009, 10:53 PM	#11
Freddy Guarin Hot Prospect Join Date: May 2007 Location: Norfolk, England Country: Posts: 334 Managing: Panetolikos Season: 2009/10 Division: Greek B League Star Player: Emir Hadžić	After 22 games I am nine points clear of third place. Helped by a run of nine wins and two draws in my last 11 games, including wins in all six since Christmas. I'm going up

08-11-2009, 09:48 PM	#12
Freddy Guarin Hot Prospect Join Date: May 2007 Location: Norfolk, England Country: Posts: 334 Managing: Panetolikos Season: 2009/10 Division: Greek B League Star Player: Emir Hadžić	So, I was top, and still looking comfortable with six games to go, when my best central midfielder injures himself, and I only pick up one point in the next four games. I dropped to second, which isn't the end of the world, when he returns. But this game, the penultimate game, is against Olympiakos Volou, who had just leapfrogged me to go top. So there I am, 2-0 down to them at home, and my hands hurting from smacking my desk. I had blown it, seemingly. But wait! Three goals in the first quarter of an hour of the second half saw me go 3-2 up. I held on, and I was back in business. Top of league with one game left, on 61 points. Olympiakos Volou and Pierikos had 59, with Panserraikos on 58. So, I go into the last game knowing that a win at Ethnikos Asteras would see me win the league, and a draw would probably be good enough for promotion, if not the title. The top four positions were changing throughout the game. By half time, when I was 2-0 down, I was down to third. Shit. I pulled one back, before Ethnikos scored again and I replied, and it ended 3-2 But all was not lost. Panserraikos were beating Pierikos, and were going above me on goal difference (the head-to-head was level as both games were draws), and that was pretty much settled, because although they started the day behind me on goal difference, they were winning comfortably. However, Olympiakos Volou then conceded, with thrilled me. They were 1-1 going into stoppage time, when my match ended, and I thought I had safely secured a place in the Super League next season. But no. The bastards went and scored in the 94th fucking minute and won, meaning I dropped to third, and have to go through this silly Playoff thing. Basically, a Champions League style group of four teams, who play each other home and away. At least the team who finishes third gets to start on two points and fourth place has one, but still, my players bottled it in a big way. I'm gutted

28-11-2009, 01:35 AM	#13
Freddy Guarin Hot Prospect Join Date: May 2007 Location: Norfolk, England Country: Posts: 334 Managing: Panetolikos Season: 2009/10 Division: Greek B League Star Player: Emir Hadžić	An update on this shit. The second season has gone much better. A decent start turned into a great one, thanks to 13 wins in 14 games either side of the Christmas break, and I raced into a 16-point lead. That has now been reduced to nine, but fuck it, there are only eight games left so I should be safe. But I said that last season... The bad thing is though, that for the third time now, my chairman has accepted a bid over my head. And this time, I would've not been prepared to sell my star player and captain, as he has scored 22 in 23 this season, and is unstoppable. But anyway, in what is probably his final game for me, he just went and scored a 93rd minute equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw in front of his home fans. Nice way to go, at least

28-11-2009, 01:59 AM	#14
Dantastic Key Player TD Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Portsmouth/Lavant Country: Posts: 8,434 Managing: Newcastle Season: 2011/12 Division: Premier League Star Player: Mouche/Smithies	Good luck Freddy. Hopefully losing your skipper won't harm you enough to lose that lead. Found anyone that could replace him? __________________ "People who want happy endings have to write their own" - Paine, FF X-2 Currently playing: Newcastle (2011/12) *FM10 Trophies - 55*

03-12-2009, 03:42 PM	#17
Freddy Guarin Hot Prospect Join Date: May 2007 Location: Norfolk, England Country: Posts: 334 Managing: Panetolikos Season: 2009/10 Division: Greek B League Star Player: Emir Hadžić	Promoted with five games to spare; champions with three games left. Easy.

21-12-2009, 03:23 PM	#18
Adramelch First Team Player TD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 4,616 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	Since the "Dynastic Game Thread" got closed, I'll update how things are going in my AEK save in here. I'll probably be on my own but you never know. I may end up replying to myself but it would be fun . We're in our fifth season, having won the league for 3 consecutive seasons so far. In the first season, we finished 2nd but we lost the 2nd CL spot in the European Places Playoffs. We easily won the league in seasons 2 and 4, while we won it in the last game in season 3. In Europe we're doing pretty well, reaching UEFA Cup Second round in season 2, CL First Knockout round in season 3, CL Quarter Finals in season 4 and we're currently on CL First Knockout round in this season. Here's our squad at the moment: Spoiler: For those who want detailed information, here are my updates: Spoiler: Background and First Season http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...1&postcount=19 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...5&postcount=31 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...0&postcount=58 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=130 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=134 Second Season http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=134 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=191 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=200 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=209 Third Season http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=222 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=231 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=236 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=248 Fourth Season http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=256 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=263 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=265 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=356 Fifth Season (so far) http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=365 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=398 http://www.thedugout.net/community/s...&postcount=429

21-12-2009, 03:49 PM	#19
Nick Back from the Abyss Moderator Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bishop's Stortford Country: Posts: 15,109 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 2	I keep meaning to have a save it Greece, Adra. It'd probably be with Panathinaikos when the time comes. I've kept up to date with your game though, so I'll follow it in here in the mean time. __________________ Spoiler: Venezuelan League Add-On - here Unearthing The Talent - Goalkeepers In Brazil Unearthing The Talent - Fullbacks/Wingbacks In Brazil Unearthing The Talent - Centrebacks In Brazil Unearthing The Talent - Defensive Midfielders In Brazil Unearthing The Talent - Attacking Midfielders In Brazil Unearthing The Talent - Strikers In Brazil World Super League Database - click here Want to try some new training schedules? Click here, if so.

21-12-2009, 04:05 PM	#20
Adramelch First Team Player TD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 4,616 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	Ok, feel free to comment once in a while to encourage me even though with AEK being the team I support in real life (I was actually born 2-3 miles from their current stadium, and I'm living a mile near their previous stadium). Panathinaikos are a good shout and they are the best team to try and break through Europe. Lots of money and stuff.

21-12-2009, 10:37 PM	#23
Adramelch First Team Player TD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 4,616 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	So, the season is over and here's how the last 10 league games went: Spoiler: We easily dominated, and the game against Olympiakos was one that we deserved the win (their goal should be disallowed according to the pundits). So after such a succesful run, my fears for a tight race in the league were proved to be unfounded: Spoiler: Panathinaikos were abysmal towards the end of the season, where they gathered 3 points from 4 matches, and they even lost the second Champions League spot in the playoffs to PAOK. For a second consecutive season, we set a record of points accumulated and for a fifth season in a row Olympiakos misses out on European Qualification. You can't imagine how happy I am for that as Olympiakos have won several championships due to bad refereeing, having won 12 titles in the last 13 seasons (even if I mentioned bad refereeing, that doesn't mean that they weren't the better team throughout that time). I was expected to win the league (like the past 3 years) but finally we managed to do the double: Spoiler: winning Kavala in the final. It was easier than the score indicates, but they had 10 men behind the ball for the whole game (even when we got the lead). Here's the whole thing: Spoiler: Thrasyvoulos knocking out Panathinaikos was the highlight of the competition. To explain how the rounds go: Spoiler: First Round: Third division teams vs Third division teams Second Round: Third division teams vs Second division teams Third Round: Something is wrong with the numbers in the divisions so here are two matches between some of the winners of second round (lottery speaks here). Fourth Round: Second division teams vs First division teams and so on (assuming that the higher teams beat the lower ones). All rounds except the semi finals are determined by one knockout game. In Champions League, lady luck once again abandoned us. Firstly we were drawn (seeded 3rd) in a group along with Man Utd, Inter and Stuttgart, and we manage to occupy second place with 9 points (two wins against Stuttgart and a win in Milan). After that we were drawn against one of the strongest teams, Real Madrid. Here are the two legs: Spoiler: Spoiler: They were better in both legs, but they went through thanks to a goal that shouldn't have stood as Higuain was clearly offside. All in all, I'm pretty pleased with our campaing as we faced teams that should have beaten us easily and showed that we are no pushovers. The guys that did all that: Spoiler: Not much to say about Gignac as he was even better than last season. The one that impressed me up front was Lukaku who stepped up when the French got injured for 2 months and led our line. Buonanotte was even better than I expected when I signed him, but he got injured and didn't play for the last two months, but magnificent Verratti was there to replace him. In the back Jorgensen and Carles were very solid, keeping it tight (26 goals conceded in 44 matches), while contributing some goals as well. Sifakis and Fabianski were of equal value (performance-wise), so I won't pick one of them. Last but not least, Tachtsidis was very good and I'm glad that I will have another Greek that will (hopefully) be in our first-XI for years to come. He was named Greek Talent of the Year. I've already agreed with three players that will be joining us in the summer. Aaron Ramsey from Arsenal and Said Mehamba from Lyon will come on a free to cover our midfield. Matias Defederico, handed in a transfer request and I snapped him from Iraklis for just 3.3m. Even though I didn't really need another striker, his goalscoring records in Greece made him a no-brainer.

22-12-2009, 04:11 AM	#24
Adramelch First Team Player TD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 4,616 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	Season 2014/15 Preview So the summer is over and I've done my best to pick up from where we left off last season and be even better this time. Let's get it started with the players that left the club: Transfers Out Spoiler: Ulloa left the club because he wasn't good enough for the non-EU spot he occupied. We made 3m profit in just one year, since we got him from Boca for 6m. Romero was unsettled and with Defederico coming, we had the chance to give him a season away from Greece. Vaccaro was attracting interest from the biggest European clubs so we let him go for the highest fee we've received for a player. Unfortunately, Marquinhos was never going to fit in our new tactic, so we let him leave the club. Hleb was a player that we were trying to sell since last summer but we got no offers, so his contract expired and he was let to leave. The rest were youngsters who either didn't develop at all and were sold, or prospects that were loaned out to get some experience. Transfers In Spoiler: I've already talked (in my previous update) on Ramsey, Mehamha and Defederico joining us. Cappelletti came to replace Ulloa, whereas Rivera, Anic and Juarez coming for the future. Here's te squad: Spoiler: We've played only 3 friendlies this summer. We easily dispatched Olympiakos beating them 3-1 at home, whereas we somehow managed to lose away to Aris by the same score in a match we dominated. The last one was against our U21's and we won 4-1 (don't forget that with all those prospects our U21's are a decent team). In Europe, once again we were seeded 3rd in the Group Stage draw, but this time we were quite luckier than last season: Spoiler: We actually got in a group with the weakest teams possible. (Roma and Kobenhavn were definitely the weakest teams of their "groups" and Litex were one of the weakest along with Grasshoppers and Sturm Graz). Once again anything from 1st to 3rd will be considered a success with our chances for occupying 1st place being a lot better than past seasons. But the best thing about Europe is another thing: Spoiler: Kobenhavn and Rangers were both seeded 2nd for the draw. This season seems to be the "turning point" for us. If we have a similar campaing to the ones that we had over the past few years, we might end up seeded 2nd next season. In other news, I've been appointed manager of Serbia, but you'll find my updates in the "International Football Thread".

27-12-2009, 04:32 PM	#25
Adramelch First Team Player TD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 4,616 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	So here we are. One third of the league is gone and it's time for my traditional update. Let's start with the league games: Spoiler: We really should have won the two games we drew, but it's ok. The table looks like this: Spoiler: We've already built a 5-point lead from 2nd, but since Giannina aren't a title challenging team, the actual difference from the 2nd strong team is 8 points from 3rd placed Olympiakos. Though that might change soon, as we have to face Olympiakos, Larisa, Iraklis and PAOK in our next four league matches. In Europe things are even better. We were drawn in the easiest possible group along with Roma, Kobenhavn and Litex. Here are our results: Spoiler: We kicked off with a great performance away at Italy, and we didn't even deserve the two goals. We easily dispatched Litex and Kobenhavn at home, while the Danish kept us away from their goal in their ground. That leaves the table looking like this: Spoiler: The next match against Roma at home is one of the most important matches in Europe under my reign. Two results (win or draw) will see us progress as first which will give us higher chances of going further into the competition. Last but not least, here's our squad: Spoiler: As you see, there is constant rotation in all positions and it's paid off as all players have contributed in our success and they are not getting burnt off. More to come once we hit the 20-league game point.

27-12-2009, 04:45 PM	#26
Dantastic Key Player TD Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Portsmouth/Lavant Country: Posts: 8,434 Managing: Newcastle Season: 2011/12 Division: Premier League Star Player: Mouche/Smithies	Good going Adra. Decent side you've built there, how does your squad compare to others in the league? __________________ "People who want happy endings have to write their own" - Paine, FF X-2 Currently playing: Newcastle (2011/12) *FM10 Trophies - 55*

28-12-2009, 04:17 PM	#28
Adramelch First Team Player TD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 4,616 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	We've reached the 20-league game point and here's my update. Let's start with the results: Spoiler: The screenshot is pretty much straight forward. We easily dispatched most of the teams, only failing to win one match even though we played quite good. That means the table looks like this: Spoiler: We're still unbeaten and we don't look like we'll be beaten till the end of the season. The only tricky match is the one away at PAOK but we sure have enough quality to win. Apart from that, we easily beat Second Division outfit Veroia, by 2-0 playing our fringes. In Europe, we had two games remaining with the one against Roma at home, being the one that would decide which of those two teams would occupy 1st place in the group. Here's how it went: Spoiler: Roma started strong, getting the lead, but we proved to be way better than them as we created 5 clear cut chances and scored in 3 of them. The first place that we wanted so much was ours and that meant that we would face a second-placed team in the first knockout round. And that team is Chelsea who finished below Atalanta, losing their last game against the Italians at home. Apart from that draw, the game is messing with me as far as players are concerned. Albano, Buonanotte and Fabiano were unsettled and were finally sold for a combined total of 27 million euros. Bialek and Carmelo were promoted from the U21's to replace the two Brazilians, and I planned to promote Anic as well, but instead I signed a new AMC that I noticed in the Serbian national pool. So Vujovic was the second player who joined us (for 12m) in January, as we signed Azpilicueta from Osasuna for 19m euros as well. So that makes our squad looking like this: Spoiler: No need for words here, just that there is constant rotation as you can see. Last but not least, I said that the game is messing with me and this more than proves it. PS: Just realised that we are still unbeaten so far this season having played 28 games in all competitions with 24 wins and 4 draws.

29-12-2009, 12:51 AM	#29
Adramelch First Team Player TD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 4,616 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	The season is done and over so I thought it was time to come and reply to myself. Let's start with the remaining league games: Spoiler: I said that it wasn't looking like we'd lose any domestic game, but some congested fixtures, meant we had to rotate heavily and we managed to lose 8 points in the last 10 matches, albeit we should have won all those 3 games. That didn't mean we didn't walk past the league once again: Spoiler: In fact we won the league with 5 games to spare. Larisa had a 16 game unbeaten run which brought them up there with the last being a win over PAOK. In the cup we easily dispatched Second division teams Panachaiki and Veroia (5-0 and 2-0 respectively) before eliminating Larisa at their ground, beating them by 2-1 in a very even game. We then had to face Aris in a two-legged Semi final. Both games were identical with us going 2-0 up, Aris clawing one back, and us scoring a 3rd to ensure victory. In the big final we had to face Olympiakos. For those who haven't "followed" my save, Olympiakos aren't as strong at the moment. And this was more than obvious in the game. In Europe, I told you that we were unlucky as we were drawn against Chelsea despite topping our group. I'll give you the fixtures and do the talking after that: Spoiler: The games against both Chelsea and Sporting CP were pretty similar. We struggled in the first leg and both sides should have scored more, but in the second leg we were immense and should have scored at least 4 in each game. That brought as to the Semi Finals were we met our bogey team. Real. This time they were by far the better team and fully deserved to go through. They finally lost on penalties in the Final against Barcelona. Our European success all those years, really paid off as Greece now deserves 4 Europa League slots, which means that the European Places Playoffs now consist of five teams. For the record, PAOK won the second Champions League spot and Larisa, Olympiakos, Panathinaikos and Giannina will be playing in Europa League next season. Last but not least, here's our squad: Spoiler: As you see, there is noone who should be considered a fringe player. Fabianski had less appearances than Sifakis due to an injury and Carmelo, Bialek and Vujovic played less as they were brought into the team during January, with the latter getting a leave of absence as he had problems settling in. Gignac won the Foreign of the Year award with Ramsey coming third. Sifakis was second Best Goalkeeper and Lukaku third Top Goalscorer in the league. As for next season, one of the strikers might be on his way out with the most likely being Defederico and Dentinho (in order of appearance) so they free out a spot for Eder Rivera who's gonna be promoted to the first team. Other than, Banega will join us on Bosman, with Poli being the first candidate for replacement. Finally, Sifakis and Fabianski are two solid goalkeepers, but if I'm given a decent budget I might be tempted to sign a big name who will make the difference. EDIT: After our magnificent performance in the CL we are now 19th in the rankings from 41th last year. Last edited by Adramelch; 29-12-2009 at 01:29 AM.

29-12-2009, 01:24 PM	#30
Adramelch First Team Player TD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 4,616 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	Season 2015/16 Preview So the summer is over and I'll start with our transfer dealings. Transfers Out Spoiler: Dentinho and Jorgensen wanted out so it's good to see some cash coming in. I decided to offload Defederico as well as I decided he wasn't enough for the non-EU slot he occupied. Romero wanted out as well but I couldn't sell him for a decent price so loaning him out receiving a fee of 2.1m is considered a good move. Last but not least, Fabianski was loaned out with a future fee of 3.5m, not because he wasn't good, but because someone better joined us. Transfers In Spoiler: Banega on a free is definitely a great move as he is a magnificent player. Carre came on to replace Jorgensen and despite his low marking and tackling stats, he's still young and I'm confident that he will be solid in the back. Gonzalez Martinez is another striker with huge potential who was one the transfer-list in Bilbao, so I snapped him up. Last but not least, our biggest signing over the past few years and a player who, I believe, will lead us to even higher glories, Ospina came to claim the place between the sticks. They might be not new faces in our team, but it's worth noting that Neizinho and Eder Rivera were promoted to the first team to replace Dentinho and Defederico, with the former making an awesome debut, creating one goal and scoring the goal of the month (he cut an opposition pass in our own half and dribbled past two defenders to find himself just outside their area and unleash an amazing 20-yarder). So our squad now looks like this: Spoiler: It's as simple as it can get. Two players for each position with our U21's providing extra cover if needed. If anyone wants screenshot of a specific player, just tell me and I will provide it. Last but not least, I've already said that we are 19th in the European Rankings, which meant we were seeded 2nd for the Champions League Group Stage draw and here it is: Spoiler: Once again we've been more than lucky drawing in the second easiest group (the easiest is the one with Roma in my opinion) which means that we have realistic chances of occupying first place and reaching at least the Quarter-Finals.

29-12-2009, 11:40 PM	#31
Dantastic Key Player TD Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Portsmouth/Lavant Country: Posts: 8,434 Managing: Newcastle Season: 2011/12 Division: Premier League Star Player: Mouche/Smithies	Some good signings there Adra, you're set up for a decent run in Europe this season by the looks of it. __________________ "People who want happy endings have to write their own" - Paine, FF X-2 Currently playing: Newcastle (2011/12) *FM10 Trophies - 55*

01-01-2010, 07:59 PM	#32
lavezzi7 Hot Prospect TD Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 464 Managing: Olympiakos Season: 1st Division: Superleague Star Player: Me	Adramelch,you are going very good!!!Good luck to your next fixtures...

03-01-2010, 01:47 AM	#33
Adramelch First Team Player TD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 4,616 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	Mid-season Update So I've decided to change the format of my updates and I will split the season in two halfs from now on. Domestic Let's start with the results: Spoiler: Some very frustrating draws in games we utterly dominated and didn't win. Especially the ones against Asteras and Atromitos were very irritating. In the first one, they won a corner out of nowhere in 92th minute and one of their player kicked it only to hit in the back of my keeper and go into the net (never happens in reality, does it?) and in the second one they won a corner out of nowhere as well in 90th minute and earned a penalty just after that (that surely wasn't one). The astounding away win over Olympiakos is the highlight so far, but it was spoiled by our draws as you can see in the league table: Spoiler: Olympiakos have been impressive so far gathering 39 points but I doubt this will go till the end as they've struggled a lot over the recent years. Panathinaikos on the other end are heavily underachieving. We've gone to the fifth round where we'll face Aris at home, after our U21's dispatched Panachaiki (for the third consecutive season) by 2-1 at their ground. Europe I've already said that we were drawn in a fairly easy group, however it could be very tricky. Here are our results: Spoiler: A decent performance, however we couldn't remain unbeaten. The group table was: Spoiler: So despite our loss at Hamburg we reached our target as we finished 1st in the group. That was supposed to give as an easy draw in the first knockout round, however: Spoiler: Once again (after last season) we got the worst possible draw in the face of Bayern. We are constantly lucky on the groups, but when it comes to the knockout rounds lady luck abandons us. It's easier than last year though. Squad Constant rotation is always here Spoiler: It's funny how some players like Tachtsidis, Van der Vegt, Carmelo and more surprisingly Rivera are low rated by my assistant (his judging CA/PA abilities are 20/20) and still perform so good. Plans Gignac is aging and even though he's still performing good, he won't see his contract being renewed. We've already lined up a replacement with highly-rated striker Mattia Destro joining us for 12m (from Celtic)in the end of the season. Banega was finding it hard to adjust to the greek way of living so he'll be joining Atalanta for 4.8m in January and will be replaced by Zoran Manojlovic, who will join us from Dinamo for 12.25m.

06-01-2010, 12:56 AM	#34
Adramelch First Team Player TD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 4,616 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	AEK 2016/2017 Review League Winning the league isn't new to our team. However we managed to win it undefeated. Here are the second round games: Spoiler: We had to field a very weakened side against Olympiakos, thus we only drew. Olympiakos after gathering 38 points in the first round, they managed to gather an impressive 18 points in the second round, so as I predicted, they never posed a threat to our title. Spoiler: They finally went on the playoffs with their abysmal form and managed to lose the second CL spot to PAOK. So that makes it six titles in a row. Cup After our U21's dispatched Panachaiki in the Fourth round, we were drawn against Aris who put in a fair performance and held us to 0-0 despite our domination. Luckily we won the tie on penalties. Then we had to face Atromitos away, and they would never pose a threat to us. We easily got past them with our second team by 2-0. So we were in the semi-finals and another easy draw for us. We had to face Iraklis over two legs and after we easily won 4-0 at home, we fielded a weakened side on the return leg, so we were held to a 0-0. In the final we had to face Olympiakos and that's how the game went: Spoiler: Once again we had to field our back-up players that's why it went all the way up to penalties. Here is the whole thing: Spoiler: Champions League Here is the big thing. I've already told you that we got past through our group containing of Sporting, Kobenhavn and HSV. In the first knockout round, despite winning our group we had a tough draw in the face of FC Bayern. The first leg was at Munich and we managed not to lose, even deserving the win (their goal shouldn't have stood). On the return leg, we decided not to try keeping a 0-0 but winning the game. And that's what we did. Next up was AC Milan and, despite them not being the strongest team around, I thought our european campaign was close to an end. Once again, we managed to remain unbeaten in the first leg in Milan, but this time we tried to keep it tight in the back in the return leg. A blatant foul by David Luiz made things easier and if we were a bit luckier, we could have won the game. So for a second consecutive season we were through to the Semi finals. There we had a very kind draw in the face of Girondins de Bordeaux. Once again the first leg was away from home and they manage to scrape the win in injury time thanks to a long-shot. So it was the first time where we ought to attack from the start in the return leg and so we did. They never managed to cope with our strength and with Vujovic on song, we were through to the Final for the first time in our history. There we had to finish our bogey team, Real Madrid. With them having eliminated us in 3 of the last 4 seasons, I thought we would get thrashed. Spoiler: Our progress up till here was mostly based on our well-built squad. In the final, I get the credit. My fear made me start the game with a counter mentality. However the deep defensive line meant they would exploit the space in front of our centre backs. Therefore, I decided to push up and play the offside trap. And god did it work out. As you can see we were a lot better than them and we surprisingly won the whole thing. When Cappelletti was sent out giving away a foul just outside our area, I was afraid that Ronaldo would punish us. To my delight, they decided to give it to Higuain who never threatened our goal. Squad Spoiler: Once again there was constant rotation. Gignac proved why I decided not to offer him a new contract with his low scoring. He's the only one that disappointed me with his performances (despite his average rating being high). Everyone else was a star with special mentions to Vujovic, Neizinho, Lukaku, Poli and all our defenders. So the thing is that with the Champions League win coming so fast (I've never won a Champions League with AEK despite trying in all 10 past versions I've played) I think there's not enough to do here. I will keep the save however as I might feel the need to play with a European Force () in the future.

08-01-2010, 07:03 PM	#35
rivaldo Promising Youngster TD Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Country: Posts: 288 Managing: Romania Season: 2040	Adramelch, congratulations for the UCL win, especially as you beat Real in the final! Why not playing at least 1 more season, you have Euro Super Cup and World Club Cup surely awaiting you!

08-01-2010, 09:31 PM	#36
Adramelch First Team Player TD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 4,616 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	I will continue this save later on as a UCL win doesn't make us a European Force (see Porto/Dortmund/Marseille etc). I just wanted to take a break from it, cause if I continued boredom would be a real posibility.

23-01-2010, 12:57 PM	#37
martijnr Hot Prospect TD Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Leeuwarden, The Netherlands Country: Posts: 417	Are there any Greek players that become (super)stars? I started a game with Panathinaikos so I already have Ninis and the big guys such as Karagounis, Katsouranis and Seitaridis. Any Greeks that would be worth signing? (Adra, Lavezzi?) Don't know how long I'll play though as I haven't really got into any game lately.

23-01-2010, 08:06 PM	#39
lavezzi7 Hot Prospect TD Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Athens Country: Posts: 464 Managing: Olympiakos Season: 1st Division: Superleague Star Player: Me	Welcome to Greek league,mate! Firstly,buy Marco Verratti.Absolute beast in this game. Other players that Panathinaikos need is a strong DC,like Otamendi. Also,Anthony Annan will be a new addition,although Simao is a similar player. Try out Jadson(to substitute Karagounis) and you will need some players for your right side,as your teams lacks a lot in this section.I would propose Russotto and Gonul(a bit costy options but take a look if you have money in the future. As for Greeks or bases in Greece players,there is nothing really special.Estoyanoff,Vierinha,Torosidis,Scocco and Avraam Papadopoulos would be good choices but only for rotation if you dream your team at really high standars... Hope not continue the tradition of the Panathinaikos' previous coach,Henk Ten Cate

13-02-2010, 07:08 PM	#40
millsybeast Wants First Team Football TD Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Country: Posts: 1,402	I just got back into Fm again and have started a Game as Panathinaikos Transfers: Spoiler: Team: Spoiler: Table(after 7 games): Spoiler: We are supposed to come 2nd according to the Media and I think that we should do at the very least. Pana, Olympiaktos and AEK look to be the best 3 Teams, and the difference between them 3 and the other teams means we could have no other challengers. Key Players: Leto - The Ex-Liverpool LM will be our first teamer LM and already has 4 assists and a goal Cisse - He is surely the best player in the Team, and as long as he stays fit and scores I am sure he will do well in Greece Boyd - He was my first buy, and I am glad to bring him here and Im sure he will be a Top Striker here in Greece Didiluca - He was my only other buy to reinforce the Weakest part of the Team - Defence Silva - Gilberto Silva will be my Defensive player in the Centre of Midfield. I hope he will get stuck into tackles and also attack a bit too. Seitardis - The best Defender in the Team, I do not need to reinforce the RB spot. The only problem is that he is the only defender worthy of playing here and next season/January I will be hopeing to boost the Defence. As long as those players stay fit and perform then I am sure we will get Top 3 (at the least). Good Points: We are scoring alot - We have quite a few 2/3 goal wins which shows our capability to score. The Team is working well - I expected the Team to maybe suffer abit because of all the people leaving, which is one of the main reasons why I didn't buy loads of players. Bad Points: Conceding too much - We concede (on average) 1/2 goals a game, which isnt good for a team of our calibre. Defence - Poor Defence means lots of Cards, which is bad. Small squad - Although I am happy with our squad, unless we get a few players from the Reserve squad, we never have 7 substitues. This is something I look to change come January, where at least One more player will be bought Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed this Cheers Millsybeast Last edited by millsybeast; 14-02-2010 at 03:15 PM.

13-02-2010, 08:10 PM	#41
millsybeast Wants First Team Football TD Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Country: Posts: 1,402	Here is the Table Mid-way through december, at the Half way stage Spoiler: We are 2nd, but the Suprise is the title challenge by PAOK which rivals us.