One and Done Challenge - The story

[ninjaskill]

View attachment 166342
Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund won the vote so this story will be with them. For those just following this I have to sell every player over 20 who plays more than 10 games except one player over 30. I have changed one rule I can keep any academy players until they are 21 to help the continental chances. Dortmund have won a Champions League in 1997 and lost the final in 2013 to a team that has hurt their domestic chances Bayern Munich

Squad Overview
View attachment 166340
It's a good squad but, it is lacking in depth though so a few injuries and we could be in trouble so that will be the target in this transfer market.

Tactic
View attachment 166339
This will likely be the formation that I will go with for most of the games. I may change it a bit for Europe and Bayern Munich

Transfers

I spent thirty million in the transfer window to improve the depth of the squad more than anything.

Ladislav Krejci
View attachment 166337He will add to the depth on the left side to ensure that we aren't done for out wide with an injury. 4.7 million euros was required to take him from Sparta Prague

Konrad Laimar
View attachment 166336
Konrad joins us from Red Bull Salzburg for 3.4 million euros. He is a versatile player who can play a number of positions for this season he will be at Karlsruhe to gain experience.

Fin Bartels
View attachment 166335
Jack of all trades master of none Fin Bartels adds depth at a number of positions signing from Bremen 5 million may be a bit over the odds but, the depth is needed.

Jonatan Soriano
View attachment 166332Jonatan Soriano signs from Red Bull Salzburg having light up the Bundesliga in Austria he can do the same here as he adds some depth to the striker position.

Vincenzo Grifo
View attachment 166331
Grifo is another player who adds depth all across the front line and he can grow a bit and cover all of the positions. He set us back 4.5 million from Freiburg and hopefully he can add cover.

Josip Illic
View attachment 166330
I was given some more money to spend so I decided to add Josip Illic to the squad for 12 million from Fiorentina he adds quality to all of the attacking positions so a great buy.

No one big left and I will not buy anyone else unless someone leaves.

Injuries
View attachment 166329We have a number of long term injuries and Sahin may well be here next year as he will not feature for much of the season will Durm will miss around half of it.
​

 

[ninjaskill]

View attachment 165851
August Update

A busy month as a number of players are already closing in on the 10 appearances that are needed for them to be sold off. A decent first month for us overall.

View attachment 165849
In the third round of Europa League qualifying we drew ASA Tirgu Mures which I expect us to get through.

ASA Tirgu Mures 1-3 Dortmund
View attachment 165848A good away win with the late goal we conceded the only negative. Mkhitaryan scored the first goal under me at the club taking a touch from a low pass he turned in the box and he curled a low effort into the bottom corner. Kagawa then got us a second goal just before half time Aubameyang's close range effort from a Joo-Hoo cross but, Kagawa bundled the rebound over the line. Kagawa then added a third goal for us after 87 minutes Illic slipped him in and from close range the shot had just enough power to roll over the line despite the effort of the goalkeeper. However, ASA grabbed a late goal a nice passing move from Costa he finished well from inside the box.

Dortmund 4(7-3)2 ASA Tirgu Mures
View attachment 165847
Despite a red card before half time we were able to get past ASA. Jazvic had us behind after 8 minutes a nice counter attacking goal he then cut inside and fired past Burki. Aubameyang levelled the game for us after 28 minutes Mkhitarayan slipped in a through ball in Aubameyang slid in to get to it before anyone else could and poked it in. He added a second goal after 45 minutes Aubameyang stooping to head in a Pizczek cross. However, progression was then made less sure as Sven Bender got sent off for a stupid second yellow card. However, Mkhitaryan grabbed a goal before half time to show that it wouldn't stop us. A lethal counter attack resulted in Mkhitaryan scoring from a very tight angle his finish just falling inside the post. Jazvic grabbed a second goal and a second away goal to make the game somewhat close Costa was tackled in the box and the ball fell to Jazvic and he made no mistake firing into an empty goal. An own goal after 80 minutes stopped any small chance of a comeback as Mkhitaryan's low cross was poked over the line.

View attachment 165842
In the last round of the Europa League Playoff we face Stromsgodset so we should get into the group stage of the Europa League although I want to do better than that.

Halle 1-4 Dortmund
View attachment 165841
Despite a poor start we did avoid a cupset to get into the second round. We had started second best but, Sven Bender jumped highest for a corner and headed it well past the keeper. We then conceded a weird own goal a pass from 35 yards out took a deflection off of Passalack and at a very slow speed the ball went between the legs of Burki who for some reason did nothing to kick the ball he could have easily cleared. Mkhitaryan was tripped in the box and Soriano converted the resulting penalty for his first Dortmund goal to put us ahead. Reus gave us a bigger lead after an hour a great low cross from Joo-Hoo just evaded two Dortmund players but, at the back post Reus was on hand to score a simple tap in. Reus then grabbed a late goal to give us a slightly more comfortable margin of victory a great pass from Grifo that was just over Reus' defenders head and played him in Reus then smashed a half volley past the keeper and in.

View attachment 165839
We get a bad draw away to Schalke in the second round so we will struggle to get into the next round but, we have a good chance.

Dortmund 1-1 Augsburg
View attachment 165838A deep defending Augsburg was able to do enough to get a point with two banks of four and a DM. Ji Dong-Won, who played for Dortmund 2 for a year, scored to put us behind a lethal counter attack Bobadilla cutting back to Ji Don-Won who had most of the goal to aim for and he didn't miss. Aubameyang got us back level 4 minutes later, Piszczek floated in a good cross and Aubameyang rose like a talented striker and fired his header past the keeper and in. A nice leveller however, we couldn't force a winner that we really should have had.

Dortmund 3-1 Stromsgodset
View attachment 165837A good first leg win for us but, we let in an away goal. After three good saves we had a corner and Hummels rose highest to head in a corner. Stromsgodset levelled the game Randby fired in when he was in on goal to put them ahead on away goals. We soon got ourselves back ahead Mkhitaryan putting us in front as we stopped an attempt by them to play out from the back Aubameyang won the ball and passed to Kagawa the ball was cut out though but, it fell to Mkhitaryan and he curled a low effort inside the goal. Soriano then turned in a Joo-Hoo cross from close range to give us an extra goal to take to Norway.

Koln 1-1 Dortmund
View attachment 165836Another red card for Bender early into the season as we draw again in the league. Aubameyang got us ahead after 36 minutes a Kagawa long ball over the top played in Aubameyang and he chipped the keeper to put us ahead. Modeste got the game level again four minutes later at the back post he was able to tap in a cross. We were doing well pressing late in the game were ended when Bender was sent off for a second booking.

Stromsgodset 1 (2-6) 3 Dortmund
View attachment 165834
A good win that gets us into the group stage. Reus got us ahead after 14 minutes a cross took a big defelction to fall to him and Reus fired in from tight angle. Kastrati made it one a piece after 44 minutes playing a one two before firing past Burki with a god finish. Illic got us back ahead on the day from wide in the box Illic curled a wonderful effort in past the keeper that left him no chance. Reus then grabbed a late goal to ensure our progression Illic fired a good effort from outside the box that the keeper parried and Reus was able to fire in the rebound.

View attachment 165831
We have a pretty nice group and I would expect us to get through in first place.

Dortmund 1-0 Hertha
View attachment 165830
A first league win for us in rather even game. We got a penalty after 3 minutes for handball and Reus stepped up to fire the penalty just past the keeper. A close game but, we got the win.

Table
View attachment 165829A very tight table Wolfsburg have a decent lead at the top while Darmstadt are surprisingly in second place after a good start while Hannover are yet to get a point.

Appearances
View attachment 165828
A number of players are on 8 games so just need two more games until I will have to sell them next summer. I should point out substitute appearances do count the same as starts so Soriano is on six games not 1
​

 

[ninjaskill]

September Update

A big month for us as we had to try and get a good second run to improve in the league.

View attachment 165743

We start the month out with an injury on international duty Illic will miss two months. Ginter will also miss 3 weels with a strained stomach muscle.

Hoffenheim 2-1 Dortmund
View attachment 165742
Well that wasn't how I planned it. Aubameyang got us ahead after 16 minutes Aubameyang volleying a cross that was saved but, he fired in the rebound. Hoffenheim levelled just after half time Schmidt ran into the box and then squared for Volland to tap in. Vargas then scored a late penalty after Amiri dived in the box to win a penalty. Robbed of a point and my first loss at Dortmund.

Legia 1-0 Dortmund
View attachment 165737Well I had expected to win this game but, a disappointing loss to Legia means we start out the group stage with a loss. A guy with a long hard to spell cut back to Prijovic and his header went under the bar and in. A loss that we really shouldn't have had.

We will also lose Reus for the next 3 games to rub salt in the wound

Dortmund 2-0 Darmstadt
View attachment 165734We bounce back with a win over a Darmstadt team that has been performing above expectations. Grifo got us an early lead after 8 minutes Pizczek hit a through ball that should have been intercepted but, wasn't giving Grifo an easy finish to put us ahead. Aubameyang scored another goal after 28 minutes to seal us the game arriving at the far post to score a simple tap in. A nice good win for us to get us hopefully back on form.

Hamburg 3-0 Dortmund
View attachment 165733A hammering away to Hamburg shows our inconsistency which we have struggled with this season. Holtby scored a simple tap in to leave us behind going into half time. Drmic then got us further behind soon after half time he got in on goal and fired his finish just inside the far post.

Dortmund 3-1 Wolfsburg
View attachment 165731A good win over the table toppers as we are playing well then poorly constantly. Aubameyang got us an early lead after 3 minutes a long ball was headed into the box by Mkhitaryan and Abameyang headed the ball past the keeper to put us ahead. Vieirinha got into the box and his powerful drive hit off the post then Burki before crossing the line to go in. We them got ahead with a lucky goal Dante tried to clear a ball in the box and it bounced off of Weigl and beat the keeper to put us ahead. He then went off injured 7 minutes later. Aubameyang grabbed a second goal after 63 minutes a long ball played him in and he cut back beat a defender and then rounded the keeper to score an easy tap in.

Table
View attachment 165727
We get into the European places and hopefully we can get into the Champions League spots next month which is what we are expected to do.

Appearances
View attachment 165725
Burki, Hummels, Piszczek, Kagawa, Gundogan, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Sokratis, Joo-Hoo and Reus will all have to be sold next summer​

 

[ninjaskill]

October Update

For reasons of I hate typing long names Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will know be known as PEA as he had a very busy month.

Dortmund 2-1 Krasnodar
View attachment 165126
We get back to form in Europe as Hummels bagged a brace to help us past Krasnodar. First he heaaded a Reus free kick in with a wonderful looping header and then three minutes later rose to power a corner past the keeper. Joazinho pulled a goal back for Krasnodar after 74 minutes Smolov's great pass giving him a simple tap in at the back post. But, we held on for the win and a good three points to get us back in the group.

Frankfurt 0-2 Dortmund
View attachment 165125A good win but, we will lose Marco Reus for 5-6 weeks due to a sprained ankle. PEA got us ahead after 50 minutes a long ball form Grifo playing him in and PEA slotted his low finish past the keeper and in. Mkhitaryan grabbed a second goal after 80 minutes to ensure we would leave with the three points, Joo-Hoo passed to him in the box and his first time effort was saved but, he calmly placed the rebound out of the keeper's reach and in.

View attachment 165124
Reus will miss 5-6 weeks but, the first two weeks will be the international break so it isn't as bad as t could have been.

View attachment 165123
Hummel was injured in the international break and will miss 4-5 weeks

View attachment 165122
Passalack was also ruled out for a month during the break as our squad takes a bi injury hit especially with a tough run of games coming up.

Dortmund 3-0 Gelsenkirchen
View attachment 165121
PEA grabbed a brace to help us past Schalke in the league but, we still have to face them in the cup this month. PEA got us ahead after 4 minutes Kagawa slipped him in and PEA's first effort was saved but, he slotted in the rebound. Grifo added to our lead after 35 minutes we stopped an attempt to play out of the back and took quick advantage Mkhitaryan picking out and unmarked Grifp and at the back post his powerful header just did enough to get past the keeper. PEA then grabbed his second to ensure we got all three points rounding off a great counter as Mkhitaryan drove into the box and his pass still left PEA with some work to do but, he ruthlessly fired the ball into the bottom corner.

Club Brugge 2-5 Dortmund
View attachment 165120PEA grabbed four goals to help us to a convincing win over Brugge and into top spot of the group. We fell behind after 13 minutes we failed to clear a corner fully and Diaby got the ball in the box and from a tight angle just floated the ball over Burki and in for a beautiful goal. PEA got us level five minutes later after a poor touch from a defender PEA grabbed the ball and one on one his first effort was saved but, he fired in the rebound. 5 minutes after that PEA got us ahead Mkhitaryan chipped a long ball over the top PEA ran onto it and this time one on one he camyly slipped the ball past the keeper. PEA then grabbed an 18 minute hat trick extending our lead after 35 minutes Mkhitaryan passed to him in the box and from almost no angle he shot and the keeper could only parry before PEA fired the rebound over his head and in. Kagawa added to our lead just after half time Aubameyang turning provider slipped him in and Kagawa was clinical rolling the ball out of the keepers reach and inside the far post. Vossen pulled a goal back for Brugge after 64 minutes Izquierdo's great run got him one on one with the keeper at a tight angle and he then chipped the ball to Vossen at the back post and he headed in a simple finish. PEA then scored another goal to round off a good game after a late run into the box he took in Mkhitaryan's pass and then fired a well placed shot past the keeper.

Leverkusen 1-1 Dortmund
View attachment 165119A decent point as we are away to undefeated table toppers Leverkusen. PEA got us ahead after 50 minutes from a short free kick Kagawa whipped in a cross and PEA rose highest to power a header in past Leno. Kiebling got Leverkusen's equaliser 10 minutes later, beating a man to get into the box he then fired a low shot in past Burki. We were probably second best so I will take a point with little complaints.

German Cup 2nd Round

Schalke 2-2p Dortmund
View attachment 165118
With only one day off after the Leverkusen game extra time was just what we wanted. After Howdes was sent off for a two footed challenge 10 minutes in I felt that we should be able to get into the next round with a bit of ease. However, Huntelaar grabbed two goals in four minute both close range tap ins to leave us shell shocked and looking like we could go out. Sub Soriano pulled a goal back after an hour heading in a Piszczek cross. PEA then got us level after 67 minutes poking in a Schmelzer cross from close range. Both sides had late chances to avoid extra time but, couldn't take them. Extra time was uneventful so it went to spot kicks. Soriano had his saved while PEA, Illic, Mkhitaryan and Castro all scored. For Schalke Huntelaar, Hoger, Goretzka all scored but, Caicara had his effort aved and Aogo put his effort wide of the target to get us through to the next round.

View attachment 165117
We will host Hertha in the next round where I would expect us to progress.

Dortmund 2-1 Bayern
View attachment 165116
We rounded off the month by giving Bayern their first loss of the season. After we had missed a few good chances Lewandoski headed in from close range to put us behind. PEA git us level after 68 minutes Illic won the ball back in our half and punted it long it flew over Boateng's head and PEA was 1 on 1 and he smashed a powerful effort past Neuer and in. PEA then grabbed an incredible winner after 79 minutes getting the ball just inside the Bayern half out wide he ran down the flank he then beat Boateng cut back to get past Alaba beat Boateng again and then from a tight angle blasted a powerful effort past Neuer and in. A great goal to end a great month from PEA.

Table
View attachment 165115
In a tight table we were are in fourth six points behind leader Leverkusen and three behind Bayern. Although we are only in our spot on goal difference.

Europa League
View attachment 165114
Top at the halfway point and I expect us to stay there especially as we have two home games left.

Appearances
View attachment 165113
Castro, Grifo and Soriano are among those added to the list of those who will have to be sold next summer as the list is picking up a lot of names after a busy month​

 

[Kobe631]

What a month for you and Aubameyang!

 

[ninjaskill]

What a month for you and Aubameyang!

Yeah he is unreal over a goal a game going to be sad to sell him but, I'm sure all the cash will help

 

[ninjaskill]

November Update

With a two week international break we only have 5 games this month however, we manage to have a massive 27 goals in those games with great attacking ability and a makeshift defence ensure that goals flowed in every game.

Dortmund 2-4 Club Brugge
View attachment 163938
Despite PEA getting two goals in the first fifteen minutes we fail to get full points and concede two late goals trying to get the winner then leveller. PEA got us ahead after 8 minutes Castro played up a long ball that Engels intercepted but, his back pass was awful and PEA got onto it and fired a low effort past the keeper. Vossen got it level after 10 minutes Burki dropped a simple cross to give him a simple tap in. PEA got us back ahead after 15 minutes a simple close range volley tap in from a Piszczek cross to get us back ahead. Just after half time Diaby erased our lead a long ball up to him and he fired in from 22 yards out. Brugge got their first lead after 81 minutes Vossen grabbing his second goal Pereia slipped him in and Vossen poked a low effort into the corner out of Burki's reach. Brugge then grabbed a late insurance goal Izquierdo firing a low effort past Burki from inside the box. A poor performance after a good start for us and we will have to win our last two games to qualify most likely and even then probably only in second.

Monchengladbach 1-3 Dortmund
View attachment 163936
We bounce back from European disappointment to beat a BMG side who are doing poorly this year. PEA again grabbed a brace but, this time we got the win. From almost on the line with the goal from a Joo-Hoo cross PEA took the ball down and his effort got between 2 defenders and the keeper to somehow get us ahead. Reus then got us a two goal lead after 12 minutes Mkhitaryan headed a deep cross back across goal and Reus then volleyed the ball in past the stranded keeper. Hahn pulled a goal back for BMG after 24 minutes Raffael hit a fierce shot from outside the box and Burki palmed the effort but, Hahn got to it first and fired in the rebound. PEA ensured that we got the win after 71 minutes with his second goal PEA got the ball 35 yards out and he ran at then past both defenders before firing a low effort in past the keeper. A good win after a bad week in Europe.

View attachment 163932
The traditional international break injury will see us lose Sokratis probably until the winter break a shame as he has been doing very well.

View attachment 163934
Passalack got another injury and the number of them is slowly adding up and they could begin to hamper his development if he keeps getting them.

Dortmund 7-0 Hannover
View attachment 163939

Well that was unexpected as we absolutely hammer 12th place Hannover and it is even more impressive as PEA wasn't on the scoresheet for the first time in a while. He did however, win us a penalty after 13 minutes and Reus fired a ppwerful effort in despite the keeper getting a hand on the ball. 2 minutes later Castro increased our lead from a half cleared corner Gundogen fired a shot from outside the box that deflected and was going wide until Castro hammered the ball and it flew over the head of the man on the line to get us two up. A minute later Illic had us three goals ahead a Joo-Hoo cross deflected off a defender and fell to Illic at the back post and he fired in. Mkhitaryan scored after 41 minutes to allow us to go into the second half with a 4 goal advantage. Reus cut the ball back to Mkhitaryan from the goal line and Mkhitaryan fired powerfully past the keeper to round off a great first half. Reus then grabbed his second goal after 56 minutes a Joo-Hoo cross hit off of someone and fell to Reus at the near post and his effort just got past the keeper to put us five goals up. Kagawa made it 6-0 in the 64th minute a headed clearance fell to Kagawa and he lasered a half volley past a motionless Zieler to make it. Reus grabbed the final goal after 84 minutes Grifo was taken down in the box and Reus stepped up and scored it to give us seven goals and him his hat trick in a great win.

Dortmund 6-1 Legia
View attachment 163920Six more goals and PEA made up for a lack of goals vs Hannover by grabbing a hat trick. Reus got us ahead after 3 minutes Piszczek hit in a deep cross and Reus headed it in at the back post. PEA then doubled our lead after 9 minutes another Piszczek cross this time to the near post and PEA headed it over the keeper and in at the far post a great header. Castro got us up by three goals after just 14 minutes Hummels took down the ball at the near post and passed to Castro who then fired in from 10 yards out to give us the three goal advantage. Legia were then reduced to ten men after 26 minutes Jedrzejczyk was sent off for a two footed challenge that was a simple red card decision. Aubameyang got us a four goal lead at half time for the second game in a row Mkhitayran passed to him and Aubameyang fired a low shot past the keeper from outside the box. Saglik pulled a goal back for Legia Duda cut the ball back to Saglik and he fired a powerful shot past the keeper from 16 yards out. PEA got his hat trick after 78 minutes Joo-Hoo smashed forward a long ball and PEA headed it over the onrushing keeper. Krejci grabbed his first goal for Dortmund his penalty only just getting past the keeper.

Mainz 2-1 Dortmund
View attachment 163919
We lost a game we deserved to lose so I have no complaints as they were the better team. Saller got us behind after 36 minutes Clemens slipped him in and placed his effort well to leave Burki with no chance. Saller doubled their lead after 69 minutes a long ball played him in and he fired a high effort that went over Burki and in off the underside of the bar. Reus pulled a late goal back for us a long Joo-Hoo pass to Reus should have been intercepted but, was missed and he took advantage taking a touch before firing past the keeper.

Table
View attachment 163918
Still fourth but, we have a bigger lead than before and are still close enough to make a move on first place.

Europa League
View attachment 163917
We will get into the knock out round with a point away to Krasnodar however, we can still go out of the competition or finish top.

Appearances
View attachment 163916
I think that only Illic is added to the list of those that have to be sold but, a number of players are moving ever closer to the limit and will have to be sold however, it is still low as I am not a massive squad rotator​

 

[ninjaskill]

December Update

A big month we have the last group game in Europe and some big league games as we look to end 2015 on a high.

View attachment 163156

The month starts with me signing a new contract with Dortmund to keep me here for the next couple of years currently, I also get €1,000 a week wage rise to keep me here

View attachment 163155
I also convinced the board to improve our youth recruitment which can hopefully lead to us having a better youth intake for the next few years.View attachment 163154
Reus wants to leave us for Real Madrid he is happy to stay as I have promised him that we will get into the Champions League although he will be sold in the summer I want to keep him happy enough for the rest of the season.

Dortmund 4-0 Bremen
View attachment 163146
We hammer Bremen in the league with PEA scoring two goals to help us get a good win. He opened the scoring after 5 minutes redirecting in a low Joo-Hoo cross to get us the lead. He then grabbed a second goal after 39 minutes Reus cut a ball back to PEA and he had a simple headed tap in to get a good second goal. Reus then got us a third goal two minutes later Illic hit in a deep cross and Reus volleyed in a close range tap in to put us in a great position at half time. Illic grabbed the final goal after 51 minutes a through ball was deflected and Illic ended up one on one and he smashed a low shot in. An easy win and three more points.

Krasnodar 0-2 Dortmund
View attachment 163145We get the win to get us into the knockout rounds of the Europa League with a 2-0 win in Russia. PEA got us ahead after 12 seconds from kickoff we played the ball back and then after two passes Mkhitaryan hit a long ball over the top that PEA ran onto before slipping a shot past the keeper and in. A great start to the game for us. Reus doubled our lead after 35 minutes Castro passed to him and in the box Reus took the ball down and from a tight angle he hit the ball into the top near corner. To improve the night we will top the group as Legia beat Brugge 5-0.

View attachment 163144
A good job for us winning the group which was what we did but, a bit less convincingly than I would have hoped we would. We did at least qualify first.

Stuttgart 3-5 Dortmund
View attachment 163142
We win a goalfest over Stuttgart to grab another win and three points. PEA grabbed a hat trick but, started slowly this time it took him heading in a Pizczek cross after an entire 36 seconds a very long wait for a goal. Illic got us two goals ahead after 14 minutes Reus hit in a perfect pass to Illic and had a simple tap in from close range. Subotic let us down after 20 minutes with an own goal heading a Harnik cross past Burki. PEA gave us our two goal lead back after 32 minutes he was able to loop a good header over the keeper from a Piszczek cross. PEA finished his hat trick just before half time and got us a three goal lead a simple close range finish from a Reus pass to get us way ahead at half time. Rupp reduced our lead by a goal just after half time Ginzeck slipped him in and his finish went over Burki's head and clipped the bottom of the bar and went in. Subotic then scored a goal for us heading a corner with power to put us three up again. Stuttgart got one last goal back Rupp was left wide open in the box from six yards out and he fired in when he was then picked out. A good win for us in a high scoring game.

View attachment 163136
We then draw Besiktas in the Europa League the events in the last day made a big impact as Brugge who lost to finish second we drawn against a much tougher opponent namely, Manchester United.

View attachment 163135
So we got a big advantage to us as they lost to Legia who we owe a thank you to.

Dortmund 1-1p Hertha
View attachment 163134We crash out of the German Cup at home to Hertha on penalties. Brooks got us ahead early with an own goal Joo-Hoo hit in a cross Illic hit a volley and it took a huge deflection off of Brooks to move it on target and past their keeper. Brooks was the one to level the scoreline after 22 minutes volleying in a cross from a tight angle from a long throw in. Haraguchi had Hertha reduced to ten men after 81 minutes but, it was even after 109 minutes when Piszczek got a second yellow card for a stupid challenge. We got to penalties and Illic, Mkhitaryan and Kagawa all had their penalties saved and despite Burki saving from Plattenhardt and Hegler we are out of the German cup far earlier than I would have liked.

View attachment 163133
Laimer picks up a terrible injury on loan so will comeback to us as we have better physio's. It could have a large impact on his development but, he can hopefully recover.

Dortmund 1-0 Ingolstadt
View attachment 163130
After lots of quick starts we have a very slow one this time but, we get a late goal from Reus to get our three points to end the year. Joo-Hoo hit in a cross a defender volleyed it off of a teammate and it fell to Reus and from close range he made no mistake firing past the keeper a good win that was almost a draw.

Table
View attachment 163129
We are third at the end of the year in a table that is quite close at the top although Bayern have a decent lead over us.

Europa League Group
View attachment 163128Our emphatic win over Brugge in Brugge was enough for us to get top spot on head to head. A very close group stage where Krasnodar were outclassed but, what matters is we get through.

Appearances
View attachment 163126
Subotic and possibly Castro are the ones who go over the ten appearances mark this month so they will be sold next summer.​

 

[ninjaskill]

​January Transfers and Awards

I should add that any players that I buy in January will have ten appearances until the next January window to be sold and after that they go to the normal summer to summer window so that it is easy to keep track of people.

The big ones that we have no player in. Bernardo Silva won European Golden Boy, Messi wins the World Golden Ball with Ozil and Ronaldo coming second and third respectively, Messi also wins world player of the year with Ozil again second but, Mata is third this time.

Asian Player of the Year
View attachment 163119Park Joo-Hoo finishes second in the Asian Player of the Year award somewhat unfairly in my opinion to Ja-Cheol.

Broadcasters African Footballer of the Year
View attachment 163118PEA wins a very deserved African Footballer of the Year award he has been incredible averaging over a goal a game.

African Footballer of the Year
View attachment 163116
Somehow Martins beat PEA to the African Footballer of the Year Award despite having a lower goal to game ratio in a worse league and continental games.

African XI of the League
View attachment 163115PEA gets into the African team of the year, despite Martins winning the player of the continent doesn't get a spot in the team of the continent.

World Team of the Year
View attachment 163113
PEA gets into the world team of the year as a striker, unlike Martins I should point out who won the African player of the Year. He has been incredible for us and deserves this. All of this has made him the interest of Bayern Munich.

Transfers In

Timo Horn
View attachment 163104
Horn comes in as the new goalkeeping number 1 as I feel that we were weak there and Horn was unhappy and had a release clause so I took him to Dortmund from Koln €9 million. He will stay until next January.

Bartlomiej Dragowski
View attachment 163096
Dragowski came in for us and will likely be the number one after Horn leaves next January teams were sniffing around so I moved in to get him for €5 million and this season he will start for the second team to get some more experience.

Luan
View attachment 163094After I got ten million extra in transfer money I decided to spend some of the old and new money on Luan who can play any of four positions for us so is useful and for €18 million I think he represents good value for that money. He came in on deadline day for us 15 minutes before the window ends.

Transfers Out

Adrian Ramos
View attachment 163088
Ramos moves after 1.5 years this season he played 1 game for 45 minutes in the German Cup first round vs Halle. I don't like his roles and PEA is doing a great job so I moved him on to Palermo for 4 million euros and he also leaves the country.

Subotic
​

View attachment 163086

Subotic was the target of a large number of bids from Tottenham but, I rejected them all as we need cover at CB so he will be sold in the summer not January.

Sokratis
View attachment 163082
After accepting that they wouldn't get Subotic Tottenham changed their target to Sokratis but, I rejected it and they signed John Brooks from Hertha instead of anyone from us

I also had to convince PEA, Gundogan, Durm and Mkhitaryan to stay here mainly with Champions League football.​

 

[ninjaskill]

January Update

Only three league games in this month so not a lot going on but, we could lose our position near the top of the league if we have a bad month.

View attachment 163078
Kagawa got an injury during offseason that will see him out of action for a number of months.

View attachment 163077
Hummels signed a new deal as he had 18 months left on it and selling with 12 months left means less value so I think it is a smart financial move. I tried doing the same with Mkhitaryan, Gundogan and Schmelzer but, all of there agents demanded a release fee which is below what I think we can sell them for and it was mandatory.

View attachment 163076
Piszczek also got a knock an during our training camp so will miss this month and the first few games of February

View attachment 163075
In a 5-1 win over River we lose Joo-Hoo for a month which is annoying as we are running lo on player who can play at the two fullback positions.

Augsburg 1-1 Dortmund
View attachment 163074
We get the exact same result as when we played them the first time. PEA got us back ahead after 56 minutes a pass to Mkhitaryan was intercepted on the slide and it fell to PEA in the box and he was his usual lethal self smashing a first time effort past the keeper. Halil Altintop got the leveller after 72 minutes a long ball went up and Sokratis had an awful touch which Altintop won the race to the ball and fired past Burki to get it level.

Dortmund 5-2 Koln
View attachment 163073Horn makes his debut in a win over his old club with a couple of good saves. Illic was the main man though firing in an impressive hat trick. Schmelzer got us ahead after 17 minutes with a rare goal Reus hit in a free kick and Schmelzer was the one who stuck his foot out to redirect the ball past the keeper. Gerhardt got the scores level after 32 minutes a quick counter from a corner caught us out and Bittencourt passed to Gerhardt and he fired first time past Horn. Two minutes later Illic got us back ahead rising high at the back post to head in a Schmelzer cross. PEA extended our lead five minutes Passlack crossed in and PEA headed past the keeper to put us ahead. Illic got us another goal up after 55 minutes poking in a low Schmelzer cross at the back post. Illic grabbed his hat trick after 70 minutes PEA flicked on a Schmelzer cross with a horrible volley and Illic volleyed in at the back post. Heintz grabbed a late goal for Koln to make the scoreline closer heading in a corner despite Horn almost keeping the effort out.

Hertha 0-2 Dortmund
View attachment 163068
We get a small amount of revenge on Hertha for dumping us out of the cup with a good win. PEA got us ahead after 15 minutes Durm hit in a good cross and PEA was able to poke the ball past the keeper and in. He grabbed a second goal after 78 minutes Grifo slipped him in and from a close-ish angle he was able to get the ball past the keeper and in to get us the big three points.

Table
View attachment 163065
We are top of the league and I hope we can stay there for the next few months it is very close with us, Bayern and Leverkusen all on 43 points and Wolfsburg 2 behind us.

I forgot to screenshot appearances but, don't think anyone crossed the threshold in only three games.​

 

[ninjaskill]

February Update

We have a Europa League tie with Besiktas and four league games including Wolfsburg.

Dortmund 1-2 Hoffenheim
View attachment 162768
For the second time we lose to Hoffenheim with a last second, undeserved goal to win 2-1. Luan got us ahead just before half time Mkhitaryan played him in and Luan fired the ball in at the small gap between the keeper and the near post. Vargas levelled the game after 67 minutes firing in a low finish from inside the box. Hoffenheim got a late winner Volland got to the goal line and cut the ball back Zuber headed the ball on target and Horn somehow kept it out but, in the scramble the ball hit off of Sokratis and crossed the line.

Worse was to come after the game though

View attachment 162764
Soriano will be out for a month with a back injury.

View attachment 162761
I forgot to screenshot the big injury we will lose PEA will be out for 2-3 months due to a broken ankle so we will be without our biggest goal threat for most of the rest of the season. A massive blow for us and we will lose our main goal threat for years.

View attachment 162760
As a result I have changed formation to a 4-3-3 without a striker, I have never played without a striker so it will be a bit of a risk.

Darmstadt 0-1 Dortmund
View attachment 162759
We sneak a narrow win over Darmstadt to get three more points to keep into the title race. Hummels got the only goal of the game after 9 minutes a corner was never fully cleared and the ball continued to bounce around until it hit off of Sokratis and fell to Hummels and he fired the ball in from 6 yards out.

Besiktas 1-1 Dortmund
View attachment 162758
We get a draw with Besiktas who used a very odd formation that I have never seen. Luan got us ahead after 14 minutes Mkhitayran passed to him and he beat two players to get into the box and hit a decent effort past the keeper and in. Gomez got the goal to level the game a ice counter from them got the ball to Gomez in the box and his finish was powerful and into the top corner. The game is level but, we have the small lead due to the away goal.

Dortmund 2-1 Hamburg
View attachment 162757
We get a close win over Hamburg to continue our league form that has been good this year. Drmic got us behind after 6 minutes he turned two defenders to get into the box and fire a low shot past Horn. After numerous chances we finally got level just before half time Piszczek hit in a nice cross and Mkhitaryan was able to volley the ball past the keeper from 8 yards out. Reus got us a second goal late in a half Piszczek hit in a deep cross and Reus had the simplest of tap ins from two yards out to get us the win.
Dortmund a 0-0 Besiktas
View attachment 162756I feel the description sums up the game well. Nothing happened so our goal in Turkey is enough to get us through to the next round of the Europa League in rather unconvincing circumstances.

View attachment 162755
The next round will be more of a challenge as we will face Napoli.

Wolfsburg 1-2 Dortmund
View attachment 162754Some very late drama sees us claim all three points in a tight game. Mkhitaryan got us ahead after 21 minutes Sahin tried to play him in but, a defender poked the ball off of the keeper it then hit back off the defender and rolled until it almost crossed the line then it was pushed to the side and Mkhitaryan had to poke the ball over the line for a simple goal. Wolfsburg levelled after 92 minutes Schurrle passed to Calgiuri and his first time finish got Wolfsburg level late on. However, the drama wasn't over from kickoff we got the ball wide to Reus he beat two men got into the box then picked out Sven Bender who had made a Lampard-esque run to smash the ball past the keeper from ten yards out and put us back ahead late on.

Youth Intake

The month saw my youth intake at Dortmund and it was a decent one.

View attachment 162753
Alban Celina
View attachment 162752
Celina is the best of the lot the young striker has great potential and can hopefully develop as he is predicted to as he could become a great player.

Oliver Abendroth
View attachment 162747
A future right back for us you would guess he has decent looking potential and after he plays for us should earn us a pretty penny on the transfer market.

Maximillian Hornschuh
View attachment 162746
A possible first time wide man Hornschuh should be first time or rotation in years to come as long as he develops well but, he has a smaller margin for error that the other two

Table

Oops forgot it but, we are in the top three and it is very tight between us with a decent gap to Wolfsburg in fouth so we should make the Champions League without qualification.

Appearances
View attachment 162745
Schmelzer, Sven Bender and Weigl are all over the 10 appearances threshold and will have to be sold in the summer.
​

 

[kandersson]

That's some pretty extreme challenge, nice one

also great job getting the best out of Aubameyang, I could use some suggestion to get my striker score more what's your secret