Hello all...
This is my first stab at a story. I've selected my adopted European team - Borussia Dortmund to start. But I won't be myself! I've decided to put Dortmund goalkeeping legend Stefan Klos at the helm!
I am looking to dominate Europe with this team in around 4 or 5 seasons, they have an amazing foundation to build on. All they need is a couple of decent back up players (there is quite a large gulf between first teamer's and the bench IMO but there are some top young talents such as Leitner, Hofmann and Durm) and they should be able to compete for the Champions League on a regular basis.
What I'm really looking for in the first season is to at least compete for the Bundesliga and reach the quarters of the Champions League and really, if I can, tie down Lewandowski to a long term contract. IF NOT - then I've decided to let his contract run down for the year and not cash in on him. I believe he can take us to the heights this season and set a good base for a replacement striker to come in. Of course it'll be difficult to replace a player of his calibre, but I believe I can do so.
From then, I'm hoping to be winning the league in the 2nd or 3rd season again, wrestling it from the domination of Bayern and going for the Champions League. I am basing my team on young, technical, attack-minded players and at a preference to have them German whenever I look to bring someone new in. But experience is also vital, especially for Europe, so will be looking to retain players like the two 'Mr. Dortmund's' Roman Weidenfeller and Sebastien Kehl.
Here goes, starting off with the introductory post (I'm at work at the moment with some immense downtime, so I'll post the first proper update tonight!!)...
In a move that has sent shockwaves down European football, Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the imminent departure of Jurgen Klopp. Klopp cited "personal family reasons" as why he would be stepping down, and has cancelled himself out of the managerial world for at least a season. Speaking to Sport-Bild, Klopp issued this statement;
"My head currently isn't in it to manage a Third Division team, let alone a world class team like Dortmund. I must step down. I have recently been through a lot of family problems recently and I just need some time out. I wish all the best to the club for the future and know that they will only accept a renowned international manager to replace me."
The rumours have already started as to who will replace Klopp, with the likes of Diego Simone, Andre Villas-Boas and Joachim Low heading the betting world's favorites boards.
There's the intro done! First real post will come tonight, with the appointment of Klos, the pre-season programme, ins & outs (or is there any?), German Super Cup against Bayern Munich and the future of the big players...
Please note there will be pictures and text colour in future posts! I'm just at work at the moment hence why this first post is pretty basic.
This is my first stab at a story. I've selected my adopted European team - Borussia Dortmund to start. But I won't be myself! I've decided to put Dortmund goalkeeping legend Stefan Klos at the helm!
I am looking to dominate Europe with this team in around 4 or 5 seasons, they have an amazing foundation to build on. All they need is a couple of decent back up players (there is quite a large gulf between first teamer's and the bench IMO but there are some top young talents such as Leitner, Hofmann and Durm) and they should be able to compete for the Champions League on a regular basis.
What I'm really looking for in the first season is to at least compete for the Bundesliga and reach the quarters of the Champions League and really, if I can, tie down Lewandowski to a long term contract. IF NOT - then I've decided to let his contract run down for the year and not cash in on him. I believe he can take us to the heights this season and set a good base for a replacement striker to come in. Of course it'll be difficult to replace a player of his calibre, but I believe I can do so.
From then, I'm hoping to be winning the league in the 2nd or 3rd season again, wrestling it from the domination of Bayern and going for the Champions League. I am basing my team on young, technical, attack-minded players and at a preference to have them German whenever I look to bring someone new in. But experience is also vital, especially for Europe, so will be looking to retain players like the two 'Mr. Dortmund's' Roman Weidenfeller and Sebastien Kehl.
Here goes, starting off with the introductory post (I'm at work at the moment with some immense downtime, so I'll post the first proper update tonight!!)...
DORTMUND CONFIRM KLOPP DEPARTURE
In a move that has sent shockwaves down European football, Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the imminent departure of Jurgen Klopp. Klopp cited "personal family reasons" as why he would be stepping down, and has cancelled himself out of the managerial world for at least a season. Speaking to Sport-Bild, Klopp issued this statement;
"My head currently isn't in it to manage a Third Division team, let alone a world class team like Dortmund. I must step down. I have recently been through a lot of family problems recently and I just need some time out. I wish all the best to the club for the future and know that they will only accept a renowned international manager to replace me."
The rumours have already started as to who will replace Klopp, with the likes of Diego Simone, Andre Villas-Boas and Joachim Low heading the betting world's favorites boards.
There's the intro done! First real post will come tonight, with the appointment of Klos, the pre-season programme, ins & outs (or is there any?), German Super Cup against Bayern Munich and the future of the big players...
Please note there will be pictures and text colour in future posts! I'm just at work at the moment hence why this first post is pretty basic.