The Story
The first European Cup in 1955/56 featured sixteen teams from sixteen countries who were selected by French newspaper L'Equipe. The French representatives were Stade Reims. After winning three Ligue 1 titles in the previous seven seasons, Reims were the big dogs in France. In the straight knockout that was the first European Cup, Reims eased into the final, never really being threatened. And then came the ultimate test. Real Madrid. Reims led 2-0 after ten minutes. Real pulled it back within the half hour. The French side took the lead after 60 minutes but two late goals from the Spanish giants saw them win the trophy.
After that season, Reims would sign the legendary French striker Just Fontaine. The next two seasons would see Nice and St-Etienne represent France but in 1958/59, Reims were back in what was quickly becoming the continent's biggest tournament. With numerous members of the 1958 French World Cup squad at their disposal, they were tipped to make a deep run in the Champions League. After all, Fontaine had just scored 13 goals in 6 games at the World Cup. He would score another 10 in the Champions League as Reims made another final. But again, they fell short. And again, it was Alfredo di Stefano and Real Madrid.
Since that final, the Reims team stayed successful for another five or so years. But once the Golden Generation of the 1958 World Cup squad started ageing, the fortunes of the once-famous club turned. Relegation followed in 1963/64, just a year after finishing runners-up in the league. In 1979, the side were relegated and in 1991 they were forced to liquidate and be reborn.
It's been a long way back to Ligue 1, but Reims made it. And now, I'm aiming to replicate the success of the 1950s side and take them back to the top of French football. And hopefully I can go one step further than that superb team and win the Champions League. This is the Reimarkable Comeback.
This Season
We're predicted a 10th-place finish and the squad feels very much like a mid-table side. There's no real established stars with only a couple of guys with any real potential. Tactically I'm going for a slightly altered version of 1-2-2-3-3 Tweebier plug and play great results. Playing with one DM and two CMs instead of three CMs. I've told the board I'd like a top-half finish but secretly I've dreams of reaching one of the valuable Europa League places.
Transfers
View attachment 192056
I've gone for mostly young South American guys. I believe that these guys can make an impact right now on this team and also be serious players down the line when we're hopefully in Europe. Thiago Maia is an excellent protector of the back line, Gino Peruzzi fits perfectly at RWB, Lucas Romero is a stud as a roaming playmaker and Alisson is a top keeper for a decent price. Also brought in Brazilian hitman Adriano on a one-year deal! I've mostly gone for little bit of money up front + money over 48 months to spread the cost. I've brought in two loans in Paddy McNair (definitely a homer pick as I'm from Northern Ireland) and Alassane Plea who replaced David N'Gog.
In the out pile, I've let go of Aissa Mandi, my best defender. I felt that I needed the money more than I needed the player. As previously mentioned, former Liverpool striker N'Gog has been told to Pack Up N'Gog.
The Squad
So, after a busy window, how is the Reims side looking. Well here you go.
View attachment 192055
This is close to my best starting 11. It's pretty weak in some places but others make up for it!
What next?
I'll be posting a recap of the first half of the season tomorrow. Thanks for looking at my first ever post on fm-base. I hope you enjoy reading this series as much as I enjoy writing it.
Simon.
The first European Cup in 1955/56 featured sixteen teams from sixteen countries who were selected by French newspaper L'Equipe. The French representatives were Stade Reims. After winning three Ligue 1 titles in the previous seven seasons, Reims were the big dogs in France. In the straight knockout that was the first European Cup, Reims eased into the final, never really being threatened. And then came the ultimate test. Real Madrid. Reims led 2-0 after ten minutes. Real pulled it back within the half hour. The French side took the lead after 60 minutes but two late goals from the Spanish giants saw them win the trophy.
After that season, Reims would sign the legendary French striker Just Fontaine. The next two seasons would see Nice and St-Etienne represent France but in 1958/59, Reims were back in what was quickly becoming the continent's biggest tournament. With numerous members of the 1958 French World Cup squad at their disposal, they were tipped to make a deep run in the Champions League. After all, Fontaine had just scored 13 goals in 6 games at the World Cup. He would score another 10 in the Champions League as Reims made another final. But again, they fell short. And again, it was Alfredo di Stefano and Real Madrid.
Since that final, the Reims team stayed successful for another five or so years. But once the Golden Generation of the 1958 World Cup squad started ageing, the fortunes of the once-famous club turned. Relegation followed in 1963/64, just a year after finishing runners-up in the league. In 1979, the side were relegated and in 1991 they were forced to liquidate and be reborn.
It's been a long way back to Ligue 1, but Reims made it. And now, I'm aiming to replicate the success of the 1950s side and take them back to the top of French football. And hopefully I can go one step further than that superb team and win the Champions League. This is the Reimarkable Comeback.
This Season
We're predicted a 10th-place finish and the squad feels very much like a mid-table side. There's no real established stars with only a couple of guys with any real potential. Tactically I'm going for a slightly altered version of 1-2-2-3-3 Tweebier plug and play great results. Playing with one DM and two CMs instead of three CMs. I've told the board I'd like a top-half finish but secretly I've dreams of reaching one of the valuable Europa League places.
Transfers
View attachment 192056
I've gone for mostly young South American guys. I believe that these guys can make an impact right now on this team and also be serious players down the line when we're hopefully in Europe. Thiago Maia is an excellent protector of the back line, Gino Peruzzi fits perfectly at RWB, Lucas Romero is a stud as a roaming playmaker and Alisson is a top keeper for a decent price. Also brought in Brazilian hitman Adriano on a one-year deal! I've mostly gone for little bit of money up front + money over 48 months to spread the cost. I've brought in two loans in Paddy McNair (definitely a homer pick as I'm from Northern Ireland) and Alassane Plea who replaced David N'Gog.
In the out pile, I've let go of Aissa Mandi, my best defender. I felt that I needed the money more than I needed the player. As previously mentioned, former Liverpool striker N'Gog has been told to Pack Up N'Gog.
The Squad
So, after a busy window, how is the Reims side looking. Well here you go.
View attachment 192055
This is close to my best starting 11. It's pretty weak in some places but others make up for it!
What next?
I'll be posting a recap of the first half of the season tomorrow. Thanks for looking at my first ever post on fm-base. I hope you enjoy reading this series as much as I enjoy writing it.
Simon.