This is a guide for Bayer Leverkusen on the V11.3 patch.
View attachment 147416
Club Details
Name: TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Nation: Germany
League: Bundesliga
Previous Years League Position: 4th
Founded: 1 July 1904
View attachment 147417
Stadium: BayArena
Stadium Capacity: 30210
Honours
Domestic: Bundesliga - Runners up 4 times ( 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2001)
Third Position 3 times ( 1994-94, 1997-98, 2003-2004)
German Cup - Winners 1 time ( 1992-93)
Runners up 2 times ( 2001–02, 2008–09)
European: European Cup - Runners up, 1 time (2001-02)
Uefa Cup - Winners (1987-88)
History
TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen were founded on 1 July 1904 after employees at the Friedrich Bayer and Co. plant in Leverkusen wrote to the company in support of a sports club. It was on this day that TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen sports club was founded, the football team being just one of several sporting clubs.
On the 31st May 1907 a separate football club was founded within the sports club, causing hostility between different parts of the club.
This hostility ended up causing the split of the 2 clubs on 8 June 1928, SV Bayer 04 Leverkusen and TuS Bayer 04 Leverkusen, SV being the more recognisible. In 1968 SV Bayer 04 Leverkusen won the 2nd division (now known as the 2Bundesliga) but were unable to win a playoff to win promotion.
In 1979 SV Bayer 04 Leverkusen eventually won promotion to the Bundesliga and by the mid 80's had established themselves as a top flight side. In 1984 both SV Bayer 04 Leverkusen and TuS Bayer 04 Leverkusen ended their dispute and reformed the original TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen football club. 4 years after this, Bayer won their first major honour, the 1988 UEFA Cup beating Spanish side Espanyol to win the trophy. It took to 1993 to win another trophy, this time the German Cup, beating Hertha Berlin.
Since this win there have been no other trophies arrive in the trophy cabinet although Bayer have finished runners up in the Bundesliga 4 times and also lost the European Cup final memorably in a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid at Hampden Park Glasgow.
The Squad:
GK: This is one area of the squad that has great quality in the starting position but back up could be a bit of an issue. Bringing in a back up keeper for Adler could be needed but isn't really necessary
Rene Adler:- One of the best keepers in the game without a doubt. Still only 25 and is yet to reach his peak, Adler should be one of the first names on the team sheet. Could be a pick as captain or vice captain. Keep him at all costs.
Fabian Giefer:- The only other keeper in the squad to be of a decent quality, although nowhere near as good as Adler. Only 20, he has the potential to be a great back up for Adler and standing at 196cm tall, has a better command of his area than his more experienced rival.
Benedikt Fernandez, Tomasz Bobel and Dominik Poremba:- None of this trio are really good enough for a place in the squad and you should be looking to move them on.
GK In's
Costel Pantilmon FC Timisaora
Dida Free Agent
Rune Almenning Jarstein Viking
Vincent Enyeama Hapoel Tel Aviv
Tony Sylva Free Agent
GK Out's
Benedikt Fernandez
Tomasz Bobel
Dominik Poremba
Defence: This is a fairly solid area of the team although it could do with some strengthening.
RB: The strongest area of the team with Daniel Schwaab and Gonzalo Castro fighting it out for a place in the first team, whilst Danny da Costa appears to be an excellent prospect. Who starts in front of who depends on what type of style you wish to adopt.
Daniel Schwaab:- Only 21, his stamina and pace is his main asset. If you want a more defensive full back then you should start with Schwaab as he has better defensive attributes than Castro. Can also be retrained as a left back if needs must.
Gonzalo Castro:- 23 year old full back, who despite not being as quick as his rival Daniel Schwaab, he is a much better attacking outlet for the team. This means that defensively he is not as strong which means that if you wish to set up defensively then he isn't as suited to the job as Schwaab. He can play in Centre Midfield as well and can be retrained to be a left back.
Danny da Costa:- Only 17 at the start of the game, he is your best youth prospect at the club with potential to be better than both Schwaab and Castro.
CB: An area of the team which is fairly solid, although you may want to replace Hyppia
Sami Hyppia:- 36 years of age but still of a good quality. One of many leaders on the field and an experienced head at the back. Has good mental attributes and is great in the air but a lack of pace means he can be exposed against strikers of even an average pace which means the defensive line has to be deeper. Should really be looking for this season out of him before phasing him out the side.
Stefan Reinartz:- A young centre back who has already played for the full national side, he is also the 3rd best centre back at the club alongside Hyppia. A defender that has no real weaknesses, his best attributes are his pace, strength, heading, tackling and marking. A mainstay in the side for years to come, he can also play midfield.
Manuel Friedrich:- The 2nd choice centre back at the club, he is quick enough to play alongside Hyppia. Good in the air and at marking opponents and 9 times capped by Germany. Also has good influence over the squad which makes him good for marking opponents.
Domagoj Vida:- A 21 year old centre half from Croatia, Vida has already been capped twice by the national side. A defender with a great engine, strength, pace and influence even at a young age. Rather weak in the air though that should be improved with some training, Vida and Reinartz should form a strong centre back pairing for years to come.
Left Back:- This is arguably the weakest area of the team with only one player naturally able to play here in the entire squad.
Michal Kadlec:- A 25 year old Czech international, Kadlec is equally good at defending and attacking which makes him a good solid full back. No real poor attributes apart from influence, his best attribute is his pace. He can be played as either as an attacking or defensive full back with no problem.
Defence IN's
Sebastian Coates Nacional
Robert Huth Stoke
Mario Fernandes Gremio
Douglas FC Twente
Peter Masilela Maccabi Haifa
Oscar Wendt FC Kobenhavn
Defence Outs
None
MIDFIELD
The strongest area of the team without a doubt boasting the quality of Michael Ballack, Arturo Vidal and Renato Augusto. Leverkusen also have the wonderkid Andre Schurrle joining at the end of the season from Mainz.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
Michael Ballack:- Recently rejoined the club from Chelsea after 8 seasons away. Although he is now 33 Ballack remains a player and will be one of your main men for at least 2 more season. He should also take penalties due to his rating of 20 for penalty taking. He could be utilised as a playmaker or a midfield support.
Simon Rolfes:- A player that has been capped 21 times by Germany scoring 1 goal. He has been at the club since 2005 and has developed into a key player. A great passer of the ball and good at anticipating danger. This makes him a great defensive midfielder and can be utilised as a ball winner but is more suited to deep lying playmaker.
Arturo Vidal:- A player that has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the game. Great in the tackle and at passing the ball, his aggression is one thing that he has to control, in order to prevent a high number of yellow cards. Also good at anticipating danger he can be utilised in the same roles as Rolfes or further forward as a central midfielder. He should be kept at all costs.
Lars Bender:- A young German midfielder, Bender provides good cover for the midfield whilst not really being good enough at the moment to challenge for a regular place in the side. Should be kept as he can replace Ballack in the future.
Renato Augusto:- Another quality midfielder, his best position is as an attacking midfielder although he is accomplished as a centre midfielder or as a winger. He possesses great dribbling skills, technique, acceleration and creativity. He has potential to be one of the best in his position and he becomes a target for bigger clubs pretty quickly. Another player which you should look to build your team around.
Hanno Balitsch:- Once capped by Germany, Balitsch should be regarded as a back up to the first team defensive midfielder position. He possesses good mental attributes and tackling.
Wingers: This is a position in the team that could do with some strengthening as there is only 3 players that are naturals in this position that are of a good enough quality.
Tranquillo Barnetta:- A Swiss left winger that is comfortable with each foot. He has 55 caps for the Swiss national side and at 25 the number will keep growing. His dribbling skills, long shots and determination are his best attributes. He should be a key man for the first team and attracts attention from other clubs at the beginning.
Nicolai Jørgensen:- A 19 year old Danish left winger, Jørgensen has great acceleration and dribbling ability and at 190cm he is good in the air for a winger due to a good jumping stat. Should start the season as a back up for Barnetta before beginning to push for a place in the first team at the end of the season.
Sidney Sam:- The only natural right winger in the squad, Sam has great pace and acceleration whilst having good dribbling skills. His best role will be as a winger.
Maciej Zięba:- A left winger, he is not good enough for the team and you should look to sell or release him.
In's
Giannis Fetfatzidis Olympiakos
Mehdi Carcela Standard
Mbark Boussoufa Anderlecht
Anas Sharbini Hadjuk
Alexandre N’Gadi Free Transfer
Outs
Maciej Zięba
FORWARDS
This is a position that although it has 2 quality players there is no back up.
Stefan Kießling:- The best striker at the club and combines pace, stamina, work rate, heading and bravery, attributes that make him one of the best all round strikers in the league. Can use these attributes to play as a lone striker.
Eren Derdiyok:- A Swiss international who isn't too far off the level of Stefan Kießling, he has similar attributes to his striking rival but lacking his composure and finishing ability. He also can play as the lone striker.
Jo Man City
Vaclav Kadlec Sparta Prague
Tomas Necid CSKA Moscow
Rogelio Funes Mori River
TACTICS
Leverkusen suit either a 4-3-3/4-5-1 or a 4-2-3-1 system.
4-3-3/4-5-1
View attachment 147390
In this formation the defence is kept as the computer says. Rolfes plays as a Defensive Midfielder as a deep lying playmaker. Vidal is the ball winning midfielder defend, and Ballack is midfield, support. The wingers are both in the Winger-Attack setting, although if playing Augusto as a winger, he can play on the left as an Inside Forward. The striker is a complete forward.
4-2-3-1
View attachment 147391
In this formation the back for and Rolfes and Vidal are playing the same roles as the other tactic. Ballack's new role would be Attacking Midfielder - Attack to utilise his attacking attributes. Renato Augusto's new position would be Trequartista - Attack whilst Barnetta would still play as a winger. The strikers role would stay the same.
STAFF AND TRAINING
Generally the staff at Leverkusen are well suited to their roles at the club. If you want to add your own coaches I'd recommend using Hellroker's shortlist as its the most concise and full of quality staff. The thread can be found here: http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/f103/4-or-greater-coach-list-t55678.html
Training I would recommend using one of the following:
Dunc's Training download which can be found here: http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=3563
or
KevyMatts training schedule which link can be found here:http://www.gamefront.com/files/20044294/KevyMatts+V1.rar
SEASONAL EXPECTATIONS
I would set the seasonal expectations as Continental Finish Through League Position as the title challenge option only adds 500k to the transfer budget and 25k to the weekly wage budget.
Hopefully this is of use to someone and any feedback will be appreciated. Also to anyone whose training schedules/ staff list I have used, I hope you don't mind me linking them to this guide.
View attachment 147416
Club Details
Name: TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Nation: Germany
League: Bundesliga
Previous Years League Position: 4th
Founded: 1 July 1904
View attachment 147417
Stadium: BayArena
Stadium Capacity: 30210
Honours
Domestic: Bundesliga - Runners up 4 times ( 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2001)
Third Position 3 times ( 1994-94, 1997-98, 2003-2004)
German Cup - Winners 1 time ( 1992-93)
Runners up 2 times ( 2001–02, 2008–09)
European: European Cup - Runners up, 1 time (2001-02)
Uefa Cup - Winners (1987-88)
History
TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen were founded on 1 July 1904 after employees at the Friedrich Bayer and Co. plant in Leverkusen wrote to the company in support of a sports club. It was on this day that TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen sports club was founded, the football team being just one of several sporting clubs.
On the 31st May 1907 a separate football club was founded within the sports club, causing hostility between different parts of the club.
This hostility ended up causing the split of the 2 clubs on 8 June 1928, SV Bayer 04 Leverkusen and TuS Bayer 04 Leverkusen, SV being the more recognisible. In 1968 SV Bayer 04 Leverkusen won the 2nd division (now known as the 2Bundesliga) but were unable to win a playoff to win promotion.
In 1979 SV Bayer 04 Leverkusen eventually won promotion to the Bundesliga and by the mid 80's had established themselves as a top flight side. In 1984 both SV Bayer 04 Leverkusen and TuS Bayer 04 Leverkusen ended their dispute and reformed the original TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen football club. 4 years after this, Bayer won their first major honour, the 1988 UEFA Cup beating Spanish side Espanyol to win the trophy. It took to 1993 to win another trophy, this time the German Cup, beating Hertha Berlin.
Since this win there have been no other trophies arrive in the trophy cabinet although Bayer have finished runners up in the Bundesliga 4 times and also lost the European Cup final memorably in a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid at Hampden Park Glasgow.
The Squad:
GK: This is one area of the squad that has great quality in the starting position but back up could be a bit of an issue. Bringing in a back up keeper for Adler could be needed but isn't really necessary
Rene Adler:- One of the best keepers in the game without a doubt. Still only 25 and is yet to reach his peak, Adler should be one of the first names on the team sheet. Could be a pick as captain or vice captain. Keep him at all costs.
Fabian Giefer:- The only other keeper in the squad to be of a decent quality, although nowhere near as good as Adler. Only 20, he has the potential to be a great back up for Adler and standing at 196cm tall, has a better command of his area than his more experienced rival.
Benedikt Fernandez, Tomasz Bobel and Dominik Poremba:- None of this trio are really good enough for a place in the squad and you should be looking to move them on.
GK In's
Costel Pantilmon FC Timisaora
Dida Free Agent
Rune Almenning Jarstein Viking
Vincent Enyeama Hapoel Tel Aviv
Tony Sylva Free Agent
GK Out's
Benedikt Fernandez
Tomasz Bobel
Dominik Poremba
Defence: This is a fairly solid area of the team although it could do with some strengthening.
RB: The strongest area of the team with Daniel Schwaab and Gonzalo Castro fighting it out for a place in the first team, whilst Danny da Costa appears to be an excellent prospect. Who starts in front of who depends on what type of style you wish to adopt.
Daniel Schwaab:- Only 21, his stamina and pace is his main asset. If you want a more defensive full back then you should start with Schwaab as he has better defensive attributes than Castro. Can also be retrained as a left back if needs must.
Gonzalo Castro:- 23 year old full back, who despite not being as quick as his rival Daniel Schwaab, he is a much better attacking outlet for the team. This means that defensively he is not as strong which means that if you wish to set up defensively then he isn't as suited to the job as Schwaab. He can play in Centre Midfield as well and can be retrained to be a left back.
Danny da Costa:- Only 17 at the start of the game, he is your best youth prospect at the club with potential to be better than both Schwaab and Castro.
CB: An area of the team which is fairly solid, although you may want to replace Hyppia
Sami Hyppia:- 36 years of age but still of a good quality. One of many leaders on the field and an experienced head at the back. Has good mental attributes and is great in the air but a lack of pace means he can be exposed against strikers of even an average pace which means the defensive line has to be deeper. Should really be looking for this season out of him before phasing him out the side.
Stefan Reinartz:- A young centre back who has already played for the full national side, he is also the 3rd best centre back at the club alongside Hyppia. A defender that has no real weaknesses, his best attributes are his pace, strength, heading, tackling and marking. A mainstay in the side for years to come, he can also play midfield.
Manuel Friedrich:- The 2nd choice centre back at the club, he is quick enough to play alongside Hyppia. Good in the air and at marking opponents and 9 times capped by Germany. Also has good influence over the squad which makes him good for marking opponents.
Domagoj Vida:- A 21 year old centre half from Croatia, Vida has already been capped twice by the national side. A defender with a great engine, strength, pace and influence even at a young age. Rather weak in the air though that should be improved with some training, Vida and Reinartz should form a strong centre back pairing for years to come.
Left Back:- This is arguably the weakest area of the team with only one player naturally able to play here in the entire squad.
Michal Kadlec:- A 25 year old Czech international, Kadlec is equally good at defending and attacking which makes him a good solid full back. No real poor attributes apart from influence, his best attribute is his pace. He can be played as either as an attacking or defensive full back with no problem.
Defence IN's
Sebastian Coates Nacional
Robert Huth Stoke
Mario Fernandes Gremio
Douglas FC Twente
Peter Masilela Maccabi Haifa
Oscar Wendt FC Kobenhavn
Defence Outs
None
MIDFIELD
The strongest area of the team without a doubt boasting the quality of Michael Ballack, Arturo Vidal and Renato Augusto. Leverkusen also have the wonderkid Andre Schurrle joining at the end of the season from Mainz.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
Michael Ballack:- Recently rejoined the club from Chelsea after 8 seasons away. Although he is now 33 Ballack remains a player and will be one of your main men for at least 2 more season. He should also take penalties due to his rating of 20 for penalty taking. He could be utilised as a playmaker or a midfield support.
Simon Rolfes:- A player that has been capped 21 times by Germany scoring 1 goal. He has been at the club since 2005 and has developed into a key player. A great passer of the ball and good at anticipating danger. This makes him a great defensive midfielder and can be utilised as a ball winner but is more suited to deep lying playmaker.
Arturo Vidal:- A player that has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the game. Great in the tackle and at passing the ball, his aggression is one thing that he has to control, in order to prevent a high number of yellow cards. Also good at anticipating danger he can be utilised in the same roles as Rolfes or further forward as a central midfielder. He should be kept at all costs.
Lars Bender:- A young German midfielder, Bender provides good cover for the midfield whilst not really being good enough at the moment to challenge for a regular place in the side. Should be kept as he can replace Ballack in the future.
Renato Augusto:- Another quality midfielder, his best position is as an attacking midfielder although he is accomplished as a centre midfielder or as a winger. He possesses great dribbling skills, technique, acceleration and creativity. He has potential to be one of the best in his position and he becomes a target for bigger clubs pretty quickly. Another player which you should look to build your team around.
Hanno Balitsch:- Once capped by Germany, Balitsch should be regarded as a back up to the first team defensive midfielder position. He possesses good mental attributes and tackling.
Wingers: This is a position in the team that could do with some strengthening as there is only 3 players that are naturals in this position that are of a good enough quality.
Tranquillo Barnetta:- A Swiss left winger that is comfortable with each foot. He has 55 caps for the Swiss national side and at 25 the number will keep growing. His dribbling skills, long shots and determination are his best attributes. He should be a key man for the first team and attracts attention from other clubs at the beginning.
Nicolai Jørgensen:- A 19 year old Danish left winger, Jørgensen has great acceleration and dribbling ability and at 190cm he is good in the air for a winger due to a good jumping stat. Should start the season as a back up for Barnetta before beginning to push for a place in the first team at the end of the season.
Sidney Sam:- The only natural right winger in the squad, Sam has great pace and acceleration whilst having good dribbling skills. His best role will be as a winger.
Maciej Zięba:- A left winger, he is not good enough for the team and you should look to sell or release him.
In's
Giannis Fetfatzidis Olympiakos
Mehdi Carcela Standard
Mbark Boussoufa Anderlecht
Anas Sharbini Hadjuk
Alexandre N’Gadi Free Transfer
Outs
Maciej Zięba
FORWARDS
This is a position that although it has 2 quality players there is no back up.
Stefan Kießling:- The best striker at the club and combines pace, stamina, work rate, heading and bravery, attributes that make him one of the best all round strikers in the league. Can use these attributes to play as a lone striker.
Eren Derdiyok:- A Swiss international who isn't too far off the level of Stefan Kießling, he has similar attributes to his striking rival but lacking his composure and finishing ability. He also can play as the lone striker.
Jo Man City
Vaclav Kadlec Sparta Prague
Tomas Necid CSKA Moscow
Rogelio Funes Mori River
TACTICS
Leverkusen suit either a 4-3-3/4-5-1 or a 4-2-3-1 system.
4-3-3/4-5-1
View attachment 147390
In this formation the defence is kept as the computer says. Rolfes plays as a Defensive Midfielder as a deep lying playmaker. Vidal is the ball winning midfielder defend, and Ballack is midfield, support. The wingers are both in the Winger-Attack setting, although if playing Augusto as a winger, he can play on the left as an Inside Forward. The striker is a complete forward.
4-2-3-1
View attachment 147391
In this formation the back for and Rolfes and Vidal are playing the same roles as the other tactic. Ballack's new role would be Attacking Midfielder - Attack to utilise his attacking attributes. Renato Augusto's new position would be Trequartista - Attack whilst Barnetta would still play as a winger. The strikers role would stay the same.
STAFF AND TRAINING
Generally the staff at Leverkusen are well suited to their roles at the club. If you want to add your own coaches I'd recommend using Hellroker's shortlist as its the most concise and full of quality staff. The thread can be found here: http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/f103/4-or-greater-coach-list-t55678.html
Training I would recommend using one of the following:
Dunc's Training download which can be found here: http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=3563
or
KevyMatts training schedule which link can be found here:http://www.gamefront.com/files/20044294/KevyMatts+V1.rar
SEASONAL EXPECTATIONS
I would set the seasonal expectations as Continental Finish Through League Position as the title challenge option only adds 500k to the transfer budget and 25k to the weekly wage budget.
Hopefully this is of use to someone and any feedback will be appreciated. Also to anyone whose training schedules/ staff list I have used, I hope you don't mind me linking them to this guide.
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