Giving Les Lionceaux Its Roar - An FC Sochaux-Montbe Story

Good news :) I hate when big clubs offer the fee that way when they could obviously offer more up front. They're were trying to screw you over ;)
 
Scullybug said:
Good news :) I hate when big clubs offer the fee that way when they could obviously offer more up front. They're were trying to screw you over ;)
Click to expand...

I know they were!

Tbh, even 20 wasn't tempting, was only gonna settle for 30, kept telling them that, they kept coming back, and they gave in ;)

I have February update ready, and I'll be writing the March one tonight, so I'll post February after the game, and another interesting update...

Please follow guys!
 
FC_Sochaux-Montbéliard_logo.png


The February Review

“This will be a big month. Some difficult league games, a French Cup game against Lyon, and the Europa League games against Udinese.”

----------


Ligue 1 – Matchday 22
FC Sochaux-Montbe 0 – 1 LOSC Lille


View attachment 215859


“Gutwrenching really, as Lille didn’t deserve the win.

Anin was superb, the new formation worked in a sense, but we couldn’t find the killer touch. I think I need to inject some confidence into Sloan, as he looks a little slack.

The game gave me hope, but we should have at least got a point.”


French Cup – 11th​ Round
FC Sochaux-Montbe 2 – 4 Olympique Lyonnais


View attachment 215861


“There is something lurking under the surface here, as we really had something at one point.

Defensively, we were shot. We set our line too high, against what I like, and we got decimated.

However, at 2-2 we had a legitimate goal disallowed, and yet again the referee’s let me down.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 23
Stade Rennais FC 1 – 2 FC Sochaux-Montbe


View attachment 215863


“A victory! At last we can celebrate a victory!

We deserved it, we played well and tried our hardest, and we got a victory! Yes, they had a man sent off and they are in a poor position, but we really needed these three points.

And hoorah, hooray, Noguiera and Martin will be back this week!”


Europa League – 1st​ Knockout Round – 1st​ Leg
Udinese 0 – 1 FC Sochaux-Montbe


View attachment 215864


“Wow. Really, really, wow.

I knew the Rennais result would boost our confidence, but crikey this was a surprise.

We really deserved this win, and we gave a really impressive, disciplined display in the first half, and managed to shut up shop in the second half.

We seem to really come into our own in Europe, we still have only conceded once, if only we can carry this form into the league.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 24
FC Sochaux-Montbe 1 – 0 AJ Auxerre


View attachment 215865


“1-0 is the kindest score-line Auxerre will see all season if they play like that again.

Off the bat, Boudebouz smashed the bar from 35 yards out, and that set the tone for the rest of the match. We played very well at the back, we strode forward with great prowess and danger at every opportunity.

The best moment was welcoming Martin back into the squad. He’s a vital cog, and I’m glad I managed to resist selling him in January.


Europa League – 1st​ Knockout Round – 2nd​ Leg
FC Sochaux-Montbe 1 (2) – (1) 1 Udinese


View attachment 215866


“And we are through!

We started off superbly with an early goal, but we missed several chances before Torje equalised on the night.
Throughout the second half, there were hearts in mouths, we missed lots of more chances, where the thoughts of ‘will we regret missing these chances?’, but we did get the win we deserved.

And into the next round we go! It’s becoming a right adventure now, bring on Sporting Lisbon!"


Ligue 1 – Matchday 25
Toulouse FC 0 – 0 FC Sochaux-Montbe


View attachment 215867


“Well, what a boring finish to an enthralling month. No one really deserved to win this one, they pressed well, so did we, we hit the bar, Cros pulled off some good saves.

To be honest, this game personifies this month. It’s content with itself, it had up’s and down’s, but it’s something you are okay with.”

----------


Review of February


View attachment 215868


“We have improved this month. After a difficult result against Lille, we have begun the chase to get into the top 6, if we can, and get into Europe again for next season.

Both the cups have gone, we are still in Europe though, and that’s giving us some good funds. I’ll try my hardest to push us up there, but if not, hopefully we can gain the funds this season to push on next."


Player of the Month

Ryad Boudebouz


View attachment 215869


“We missed him in January, and he really showed his class this month. He grabbed a couple of key goals, and set up a few, but crutially added some quality in the squad.

He’s just signed a new contract until 2015, and I’m glad to tie the lad down for years to come.”

----------

​
 

FC_Sochaux-Montbéliard_logo.png


The March Review

"We go into March looking to march on ourselves, both in the league and in Europe. We have the squad to do both, but will March be a great start to a great end?"


Ligue 1 – Matchday 26
FC Sochaux-Montbe 0 – 2 Valenciennes FC


View attachment 215964


“I could absolutely not contain myself after this game.

I trusted my side, we were in good form, and they didn’t deliver. Yes, it may have been an overreaction, but we need to be hitting top gear now, and we aren’t.

We need to pick up, and fast.”


Youth Intake

"Today, we introduced our doors to the new recruits that will be in our academy this year, here's a look at the three stand-outs."

Simon Chabert


View attachment 215965 View attachment 215967



“This lad is what my Youth Coach tells me as ‘the best of his generation’, and you can see why.

He already has good heading, good marking, passing, jumping, tackling, and isn’t a slouch either.

Could turn into a real superstar this lad, will be keeping a very close eye on him.”


Francois Fourcade


View attachment 215970 View attachment 215971


“This lad is 14 years old, and you can see he could become a top, top striker.

He's agreed to stay until 2015, and by then he could be one of the most sort-after French footballers.”


Maurice Walter


View attachment 215972 View attachment 215973


"I like the look of this kid. He may not be as bright as the other two, but he has just as much potential for success as any."


Europa League – 2nd​ Knockout Round – 1st​ Leg
Sporting Lisbon 2 – 2 FC Sochaux-Montbe


View attachment 215974


“We performed admirably today. We went a goal ahead, then sloppy defending from Sauget allowed them to equalise.

Our poor defence from corners continued, as they went in-front for about a minute until Bakambu equalised.
I was pleased that we came back, and we are certainly in this tie with two away goals. Score at home, and we have a superb chance to go through.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 27
Evian TG FC 0 – 2 FC Sochaux-Montbe


View attachment 215975


“We did deserve the win, but it was a little bit sloppy.

We opened them up at will, but we couldn’t quite apply the final touch to put chances away.

They had chances to pull something back, but the defence played well, and Ryad Boudebouz was a brilliant attacking outlet.”


Europa League – 2nd​ Knockout Round – 2nd​ Leg
FC Sochaux-Montbe 4 (6) – (2) 0 Sporting Lisbon


View attachment 215976


“UNBELIEVABLE!

I could not describe how perfect this performance was. First half, we were in control. Mikari and Martin both hit the post, we had 3 good chances, and Peybernes had a perfectly good goal disallowed.

It’s one of those halves where you feel it will bite you in the ***.

I told the lads how well they had played, and they went and banged in 4 in the second half!
Sochaux are now in to the Quarter-Finals of the Europa League!”


EUROPA LEAGUE DRAW


europa_league_draw_1471239c.jpg



“Myself and Lacombe attended the draw again, and we just couldn’t believe our luck to still be in this tournament.

‘Nathan, I can’t thank you enough. This tournament has been a dream for me, the supporters, and the money that is coming from this will only help the club in the long run.’

Lacombe was right, and the lads have really enjoyed this cup, and since we are here, let’s keep going.
Out came the fireworks, here is the draw.”

“Out last is the French side will be FC SOCHAUX-MONTBE! And, if the draw is right or we will start again will face, MAINZ!”

“I personally don’t think we could have had a better draw. But anyone who has got to this stage will be difficult, and we will treat Mainz with the same respect we would give to any side, and they did knock out Valencia.

“And the winner of the MAINZ/SOCHAUX game will face either BAYER LEVERKUSEN or AJAX!”

“Well, anything would be a difficult draw. We have to get past Mainz first, and we will try our upmost to do so.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 28
FC Sochaux-Montbe 2 – 0 OGC Nice


View attachment 215977


“A good win today, in a game where we probably didn’t play our best football.

Nice’s Achilles heel was their keeping of possession in our half, but having such a narrow set-up.

Both our goals were counter attacks, scored by both our wingers, set up by the other winger. We exploited that, as I’m sure many teams have, and we came away with a good three points here.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 29
Olympique Lyonnais 1 – 0 FC Sochaux-Montbe


View attachment 215978


“There was one reason that we didn’t get three, nevermind one, point from this game, and that’s Hugo Lloris.

There’s a reason why he’s the French national keeper, and we saw it first-hand here. We pounded their goal, especially in the second half, but couldn’t get past him.

You can’t blame the lads in games like this, where on another day, this would have been 4 or 5.”


Europa League – Quarter Finals – 1st​ Leg
Mainz 0 – 1 FC Sochaux-Montbe


View attachment 215979


“The lads performed well again today, but yet again the referee’s did not.

We scored a good goal through Prcic, his first for the club, then they lost Polanski through a silly challenge.

You think ‘there’s a chance here to take the tie away from Mainz’, and we get another just before half time, practically killing any comeback.

But no, it was offside. Nowhere near offside. It’s almost as if the officials don’t want us to score too many goals just in-case it kills it as a contest.

Referee’s will kill us all one day.”


Review of March



View attachment 215981


“A decent month. We progressed again in the Europa League and have a great chance of going through again.
We were mixed in the league, and at least we are still in the hunt to go back to Europe again.”

Player of the Month

Sebastien Corchia


View attachment 215982


“He showed this month a level of consistency I expect from him as he matures. Hopefully it will continue, as we will settle into a more consistent back-line.”

----------

​
 
I have the April Review practically ready, anyone interested?

Please comment, if only to boost my ego!
 

FC_Sochaux-Montbéliard_logo.png


The April Review

“The penultimate month, the one where we will either rise to a challenge, or sink without a trace. Can we progress in Europe? Will we challenge in the league? Will I stop asking hypothetical questions? No. Oh wait, yes. Let’s see how we got on.”

---------


Ligue 1- Matchday 30
FC Sochaux-Montbe 0 – 2 Stade Brestois 29


View attachment 216026


“Ridiculous. Absolutely astonishing how poorly we played here.

Some of these players are getting a European hangover, well they best not get used to it, as at this rate we won’t be in Europe next season.”


Europa League – Quarter Finals – 2nd​ Leg
FC Sochaux-Montbe 3 (4) – (1) 1 Mainz


View attachment 216027


“We are into the freekin’ semi’s!

A shaky performance to begin with, going a goal down after hitting the post several times, but we did not give in.

Leading 2-1 at half-time, I just said to the lads ‘score again, and we are in’. They did just that.

Very proud of the lads today, but we need to translate some of this form into the league if we want to be here again.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 31
Montpellier Herault SC 1 – 0 FC Sochaux-Montbe


View attachment 216028


“We got absolutely battered here.

Nothing went our way, consistently on the defensive, but I suppose that shows you how good Montpellier are.
It’s unlikely we will get near European qualification now, the Europa League has taken it out of the squad, and we haven’t got the cash to get the cover in.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 32
FC Sochaux-Montbe 5 – 2 Dijon FCO


View attachment 216030


“It was a much more professional performance in this game today.

We easily strode into a 5-0 lead, with Privat grabbing a hat-trick on his return from injury, but a lack of concentration late on let in 2 goals.

We improved, but we need to keep up our attitude in a game to see it out.”


Europa League – Semi Final – 1st​ Leg
FC Sochaux-Montbe 1 – 0 Ajax


View attachment 216029


“A great result that sets us up for going to Amsterdam in the driving seat.

The only disappointment was that for all our good pressure, especially late on, that we couldn’t get a second goal and put Ajax really on the back foot.

But the lads know what’s at stake, there is a real possibility of the Europa League Final here.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 33
Paris Saint-Germain 1 – 0 FC Sochaux-Montbe


View attachment 216031


“We performed admirably against a good PSG side here.

We were dominated very early on, and just went behind at half time, but in the second half we came back into it and could have even nicked a point towards the end.

Positives at least, things we can take into our final games.”


Europa League – Semi Final – 2nd​ Leg
Ajax 3 (3) – (5) 4 FC Sochaux-Montbe


View attachment 216032


“WE ARE INTO THE EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL!

This was a game full of twists and turns. We got away from them, then they were closing back in, we were safe, then we were in danger. It was enthralling, and Ajax also played their part in a beautiful spectacle.

I can’t believe how well the team has performed in this competition, from start to now, and we will now go to the Arena Nationala in Romania to face Napoli. BRING IT ON.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 34
FC Sochaux-Montbe 1 – 0 Girondins Bordeaux


View attachment 216033


“A very good win which we fully deserved.

Bordeaux were never at the races, and on another day this could have been 3 or 4 quite easily. Peybernes could have grabbed himself 2, and Privat really should have scored.

If only we could perform like this more often in the league.”

----------


Review of April


View attachment 216034


“A great month when everything is taken into account. We are into the Europa League Final, which is a brilliant achievement, and we are still in with a chance of finishing 6th​ in the league. Next month will be the be-all that ends all.


Player of the Month

Sanjin Prcic


View attachment 216035


“The youngster really matured this month, putting in some classy performances in a time where we needed it the most.

Delighted he has stepped up to the plate this season, and is still only 18, unbelievable.”

---------

​
 
There we go!

A big year concludes tomorrow with three updates, two league ones sandwiching the Europa League Final!

Please, feel free to comment and recommend stuff you want to see, possibly for a big update during the Europa League Final.
 

FC_Sochaux-Montbéliard_logo.png


The May Review - Part 1
(The review will be in 3 parts, the first half, the Europa League Final, and the final part of the league season)

"Here we go, the final chapter of the 2011/2012 season. We still have a chance of finishing sixth in the league, and we have a shot at a trophy in the Europa League final. What can myself and this team achive?

Will there be tears of disappointment or joy? Will we be celebrating or accepting at the end of this season? Only one way to find out."

----------


Ligue 1 – Matchday 35
AC Ajaccio 1 – 2 FC Sochaux-Montbe


View attachment 216134


“A superb win, I think we were really impressive after only playing 2 days before this.

It could have been more spectacular if they didn’t have Ochoa in net, who is deservedly in the running for Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year.

Hopefully we can keep this form in the league, running into the Europa League Final, and finish as high as possible. It’s definitely opened a slight door, let’s hope we can walk through it.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 36
FC Sochaux-Montbe 3 – 0 AS Nancy Lorraine


View attachment 216136



“A very good win by a second-string side here in preparation for the Europa League final.

Prcic was brilliant, as was Serdar Gurler and Johan Martial. I would love Martial on a permanent deal if we can inject a bit of cash in the summer, he’s been terrific.

We sit a point behind 6th​ now, two games left. We finish sixth and we return to the Europa League.”

----------

​
 
You have some great youth players. I always enjoyed my Ligue 1 save because of the youth system. The only problem I have is playing a save long enough to manage a 15 year old into his mid 20s haha.
 
Just caught up on all the action. Great story and good luck in the final, should be a cracker against Napoli!
 
Fantastic story man! Been a while since i checked up! Goodluck!

I should be backup and running soon :)
 
Lads, the update will be on tonight!

It'll be the Europa League final and the final few games of the season!
 
Right, slight problem, the save has gone back a little because of a fault, so I have to play the last 2 games of the season again.

So I might be a little later, I'll post the Europa League Final now as it doesn't affect that result, but the last update will take a little longer.
 
FC_Sochaux-Montbéliard_logo.png


The May Review – The Europa League Final


“Straight after the game on Sunday, I sent the lads home for a day of rest. We would be catching our flight to Romania late Monday afternoon, so I wanted them well rested for the trip.

‘Listen lads, well done on the result today, but go home now, see your families and friends, and enjoy the rest of tomorrow. I want to see you all nice and relaxed when we board that plane to Romania.’

They looked happy at the fact they could spend some time with their families, as would I, because I would hope that we could return to them as champions.”

-----------


dctours.jpg


“Monday, 5pm, and it was time to set off for Romania. I kissed the wife and kids goodbye, as they would be catching a flight closer to the game, and headed to the training ground to meet the lads.

As I arrived, everyone was chatting and getting along nicely, they all look well rested from a day off.


‘Alright lads, how are you all?’

‘I think we are good, boss.” Martin replied, ‘The lads are all glad for the rest, but now we are ready to prepare for the game on Wednesday.’

‘Glad to hear it, now let’s get on the bus.’

“The bus ride was good, the lads either having a good chat, playing cards or, in Sanjin Prcic’s case, playing their 3DS’s.

----------


_45854029_air_france.jpg



We boarded the plane, and everyone was in good spirits. Privat was getting some jibes for his pathetic dress sense.


‘Mate, you aren’t some 80’s pimp, put the fedora with a feather in away!’


Or Maiga listening to his gangster rap.


‘Seriously Mobido, I’m a bit worried for you mate. That stuff is a bit, violent.”


It was good to see the lads in high spirts, and soon we would be touching down in Romania.”

----------


bucharest.jpg


“We arrived in Bucharest with plenty of time to spare, so I suggested we have a good night in the hotel, and get well rested up for the game on Wednesday.


‘Just make sure you are legal to drink in this country, boss.’ Brechet said mockingly.

‘Hey, just because I’m youthful and my looks haven’t deserted me.’


Yeah, I can dish it out too.

We had a great meal at the hotel, and had a nice relax just the lot of us, and it was a very good night. I decided to see how the players were feeling before such a big game.


‘I’m a bit nervous boss, it’s a big stage and I just want to impress.’ Ryad seemed a little worried, but I knew he can come big on this sort of stage.

‘I know I’m playing well boss, and if I’m picked, I know I won’t let you down.’ Prcic was right, he was in superb form, and would be a potential starter.

‘I think what we all want to say is, we have come this far, it’s been a terrific journey unlike any other, but we haven’t come all this way to lose. We want silverware, and that’s what we will deliver.’

Martin always knew just what to say, and he was right, no-one remembers the runners-up. We all had a good rest, they got the day off on Tuesday, ready for the game.”

----------


arena-nationala-bucharest-football.jpg


“We arrived at the stadium raring to go. The lads were really looking up for the game on the way there, and I could tell that the cup spirit had caught in the air.

I sent them out for their warm-ups, as I spoke to Lacombe outside.


‘I can’t believe we are here Nathan, you have taken this club to a new level.’

‘I hope this is only the start, Alexandre.’

I got the lads in the changing rooms, as they were ready to get the game started.


‘Lads, tonight is the start of something special. You have continued to impress everyone by how you have played this season and in this competition, and to even get this far is a immense achievement.’

‘But no-one comes to bring home the silver medal. I want to see the heart, skill and desire you have shown me this year, and give Napoli the fright of their lives.’

‘One obstacle stands in your way, boys. Let’s go hit it for six.’

Hopefully that, put a fire in their bellies.”

----------

“The first half was a struggle, Napoli are a great side and showed just why. They attacked in numbers, with a variety of different options. From Lavezzi, to Dossevi, to Maggio, to Cavani, they had plenty of talent on show, despite missing Inler and Hamsik through injury.

We had a couple of half chances, but we couldn’t quite sneak one away to put some pressure on them.

Then, on 38 minutes, disaster. Roussillon brought down Lavezzi in the box, penalty. The carnivore himself Edison Cavani stood up to take the penalty, and off the post and in.


1-0 to Napoli.


I shouted at the lads to keep their heads up, and that they did, holding the Italians to that lead until half time, where I had a chance to get a word in.



fortress-arsenal-changing-rooms.jpg



‘Lads, we are doing okay, we are creating chances, which is a positive, but we need to halt their progress down the wings.

You need to come flying at them this second half, startle them and put them on the back foot.

Because lads, these are here for the taking. They strode through that first half without a scratch. Time to smash them in the teeth.’

I pulled Roussillon to one side, just to keep his head in check.


‘Jerome, don’t let your head drop. People make mistakes, but it is how they react to them that defines them. Get out there, and show them why you are rated so highly.’
He smiled at me as he jogged back on, this second half will be ours.

----------


“We started in good spirits, keeping the ball and waiting for openings to come, but they were simply becoming too hard to break down.

They were set out like a classic Italian side, ready to steal a 1-0 and run away.

We needed that spark, that one piece of magic to turn the tie around.

Ryad Boudebouz picked the ball up on the right, danced through two players, took on a third and was behind the defence, HE WAS THROUGH!

De Sanctis came out to meet him, but Ryad slid the ball underneath him. GOAL!


1-1!


“We had pulled it back! I shouted to the lads to get the ball and go dominate the game.

And we did, they looked out of sorts, on the ropes, they hadn’t quite prepared for this!

We had another good spell of possession, when Maiga nodded the ball down to Noguiera, who delicately slid the ball into Boudebouz!


Time stood still, he was 1-on-1.


GOOAAAALLLL!!!!!!!!


Ryad had put is infront, 2-1!


We were in dreamland, but deservedly so! I told the lads to calm down, concentrate and see the game out.

That was until, the 89th​ minute, an errand back pass from non-other than Ryad Boudebouz, lands at Cavani’s feet, 1-on-1


Heart, in mouth.


Cros saves it! We get out of jail free!


3 minutes later, the final whistle blew.



View attachment 216486




1665021_w2.jpg




WE HAD DONE IT!


uefa-cup.jpg



CHAMPIONS OF THE EUROPA LEAGUE!

I was delirious, it was an unbelievable achievement by the lads.

We will be partying for days on end, and deservedly so. We did this for the fans, and we earned our right to be called champions.

CHAMPIONES, CHAMPIONES, OLE OLE OLE!


Coupe_de_France_2007_15.jpg



----------

​
 
I'm so glad that people enjoyed the Europa League Final!

By the way lads, the final update will be up tonight.

I'll be honest now, I actually did better this time than I did before the save shot itself.

However, it doesn't affect my qualification to the Europa League as I got it through winning it anyway.
 
TheBeardOfZeus said:
I'm so glad that people enjoyed the Europa League Final!

By the way lads, the final update will be up tonight.

I'll be honest now, I actually did better this time than I did before the save shot itself.

However, it doesn't affect my qualification to the Europa League as I got it through winning it anyway.
Click to expand...

Be prepared to relinquish the trophy to my mighty Swans!!!! :P lol
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

FMBase

Beta

Resources

Back
Top