TicTactition
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Love a good Bilbao story, good luck bud.
The Basque Way
- Thread starter Pr1cey17
- Start date
- Replies 45
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Thanks mate, Got the board improving both Youth and training facilities in the hope that this will help develop better players!!
'The Search'
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With the imminent departure of Fernando Llorente looming over Sergio Creatas, the search for the hitman's successor begins. The task is made all the more difficult by the Spaniards scintillating for this term with 9 goals already to his name, scoring in every single game he has played in. Creatas seemed optimistic that a solution would be found;
'Fernando has been a brilliant, loyal servant to the club and we wish him the best in his new endeavour. However this does leave us in a bit of a quandary as to who will lead the line once he has left. The obvious solution would come from within, Aduriz and Fernandez provide two possible solutions. There are certain possibilities from outside of our circle, but these will depend entirely on the success of this first season. We need to be able to offer a replacement European football at a minimum'.
From within the squad it looks as though a lot of the weight will be placed on ageing front man Aduriz, the 31 year old has scored in both appearances so far this season but at his age can only be seen as a short term solution. The emergence of Guillermo Fernandez could prove vital, Bilbao are said to have high hopes for the youngster who is currently out with a hernia problem. The comments from Creatas clearly indicate that there are targets from other clubs, Real Sociedad and Basque native Imanol Agirretxe is seen by many as the perfect replacement, however the rivalry between the clubs could prove a stumbling block.
In all the task of replacing such a talented and influencial player within the team will ultimately be what makes or breaks the club, the task made harder by their Basque policy... who do you see as a replacement for Llorente? Please let us know...
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With the imminent departure of Fernando Llorente looming over Sergio Creatas, the search for the hitman's successor begins. The task is made all the more difficult by the Spaniards scintillating for this term with 9 goals already to his name, scoring in every single game he has played in. Creatas seemed optimistic that a solution would be found;
'Fernando has been a brilliant, loyal servant to the club and we wish him the best in his new endeavour. However this does leave us in a bit of a quandary as to who will lead the line once he has left. The obvious solution would come from within, Aduriz and Fernandez provide two possible solutions. There are certain possibilities from outside of our circle, but these will depend entirely on the success of this first season. We need to be able to offer a replacement European football at a minimum'.
From within the squad it looks as though a lot of the weight will be placed on ageing front man Aduriz, the 31 year old has scored in both appearances so far this season but at his age can only be seen as a short term solution. The emergence of Guillermo Fernandez could prove vital, Bilbao are said to have high hopes for the youngster who is currently out with a hernia problem. The comments from Creatas clearly indicate that there are targets from other clubs, Real Sociedad and Basque native Imanol Agirretxe is seen by many as the perfect replacement, however the rivalry between the clubs could prove a stumbling block.
In all the task of replacing such a talented and influencial player within the team will ultimately be what makes or breaks the club, the task made harder by their Basque policy... who do you see as a replacement for Llorente? Please let us know...
'Steps To Be Taken'
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Sergio Creatas has taken further steps today to secure the Basque future of Athletic Bilbao by discussing the development of a state of the art brand new Youth and training facility for the club. The plans will cost a combined £20 million and will be ready by the end of the year. Creatas' team released a brief statement earlier today;
'The club, and Sergio are pleased to announce that an agreement has been made the meets the interests of the club and the manager. Sergio feels that the only way to ensure that the club remains both Basque and competitive, is to put money into youth and ensure they have the correct training'.
The club will now be hoping that this major investment results in a string of young stars coming through the ranks, its clear to see that Creatas has the future of the club in mind with his demands.
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Sergio Creatas has taken further steps today to secure the Basque future of Athletic Bilbao by discussing the development of a state of the art brand new Youth and training facility for the club. The plans will cost a combined £20 million and will be ready by the end of the year. Creatas' team released a brief statement earlier today;
'The club, and Sergio are pleased to announce that an agreement has been made the meets the interests of the club and the manager. Sergio feels that the only way to ensure that the club remains both Basque and competitive, is to put money into youth and ensure they have the correct training'.
The club will now be hoping that this major investment results in a string of young stars coming through the ranks, its clear to see that Creatas has the future of the club in mind with his demands.
'The Old Enemy'
Since the emergence of Spanish football as a super power, one rivalry has shone above all others. The Basque rivalry between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad goes beyond a simple on pitch battle and into the very streets of Spain within the Basque nation. While Sociedad don't don't confine themselves to the strict Basque only player policy of Bilbao their supporters are equally as passionate about their football making this intense rivalry one of the hottest in world football.
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Real Sociedad Vs Athletic Madrid
29th September 2012
San Sebastian , 32,00 attendance
The game saw an in form Bilbao team dominate the first half without making a break through, the away side went in to the game knowing anything other than a loss would see them top the league table, if only for a day. When Carlos Vela made it 1-0 after 50 minutes however this looked unlikely, Sociedad silenced in form striker Llorente and the game looked to be going the way of the hosts before a 92nd minute equaliser from Borja Ekiza saw the points shared and Bilbao leap to the summit of the Liga BBVA.
Since the emergence of Spanish football as a super power, one rivalry has shone above all others. The Basque rivalry between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad goes beyond a simple on pitch battle and into the very streets of Spain within the Basque nation. While Sociedad don't don't confine themselves to the strict Basque only player policy of Bilbao their supporters are equally as passionate about their football making this intense rivalry one of the hottest in world football.
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Real Sociedad Vs Athletic Madrid
29th September 2012
San Sebastian , 32,00 attendance
The game saw an in form Bilbao team dominate the first half without making a break through, the away side went in to the game knowing anything other than a loss would see them top the league table, if only for a day. When Carlos Vela made it 1-0 after 50 minutes however this looked unlikely, Sociedad silenced in form striker Llorente and the game looked to be going the way of the hosts before a 92nd minute equaliser from Borja Ekiza saw the points shared and Bilbao leap to the summit of the Liga BBVA.
September 2012
In a month that saw Creatas' team only play a hand full of games, they continued their unbeaten start under his management. In their 4 Liga BBVA games they racked up 3 impressive wins against Valladolid, Espanyol and an impressive victory at home to Malaga. The month also saw draws in the league against bitter rivals Sociedad and in Europa against Academica. Llorente lit up the scoring charts once again with 4 goals in as many games, but it was new boy Benat who really impressed with a string of impressive midfield displays that helped his side stay unbeaten through the month.
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The month started strongly with an impressive display against Valladolid with Llorente scoring a brace during a 3-1 victory at the San Mane. With players then away for two weeks on international duty Creatas turned his attention to off field matters, negotiating the development of training and youth facilities at the club. Upon their return from international duty they picked up where they left off with a late Llorente winner to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Espanyol before suffering their first dropped points of the season away to Academica in the Europa League. The game saw Llorente rested and other option explored, the choice didn't pay off however as the result ended 1-1. In their return to the league they put Malaga to the sword winning 4-2 at the San Mane before taking a point away to bitter rival Real Sociedad in a 1-1 draw that saw the side top the league over night.
Star Man - Benat - The little Spaniard ran the midfield for Bilbao this month, quickly establishing himself as a vital part of the Athletic engine room. Providing chances for Llorente and giving support to his defensive line, Creatas will be hoping his man plays as well during a busy October.
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In a month that saw Creatas' team only play a hand full of games, they continued their unbeaten start under his management. In their 4 Liga BBVA games they racked up 3 impressive wins against Valladolid, Espanyol and an impressive victory at home to Malaga. The month also saw draws in the league against bitter rivals Sociedad and in Europa against Academica. Llorente lit up the scoring charts once again with 4 goals in as many games, but it was new boy Benat who really impressed with a string of impressive midfield displays that helped his side stay unbeaten through the month.
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The month started strongly with an impressive display against Valladolid with Llorente scoring a brace during a 3-1 victory at the San Mane. With players then away for two weeks on international duty Creatas turned his attention to off field matters, negotiating the development of training and youth facilities at the club. Upon their return from international duty they picked up where they left off with a late Llorente winner to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Espanyol before suffering their first dropped points of the season away to Academica in the Europa League. The game saw Llorente rested and other option explored, the choice didn't pay off however as the result ended 1-1. In their return to the league they put Malaga to the sword winning 4-2 at the San Mane before taking a point away to bitter rival Real Sociedad in a 1-1 draw that saw the side top the league over night.
Star Man - Benat - The little Spaniard ran the midfield for Bilbao this month, quickly establishing himself as a vital part of the Athletic engine room. Providing chances for Llorente and giving support to his defensive line, Creatas will be hoping his man plays as well during a busy October.
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Yeah, he is out at the moment but soon as he is back i am going to use him up front on his own as a poacher in Europe as a practise for the big man leaving!! Got him training as a poacher in preparation.
'The Emergence Of A Great'
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At the beginning of the season the absence of Fernando Amorebieta was seen as a massive blow for a Bilbao side in a crisis. 14 games and 12 wins later the emergence of Aymeric Laporte has seen Athletic Bilbao shoot to the top of the league and left the Venezuelan resigned to the bench. Aymeric has started 12 games so far this season and popped up with 3 goals in the process, but where has this 18 year old central defender shot to stardom from?
Fernando was first picked up by the Basque club when playing for French lower division outfit Aviron Bayonnais, a club famous for producing French legend Didier Deschamps in the 80's. Laporte joined for a nominal fee in 2007 as a 13 year old and remained in the youth ranks until 2011 when he played a staring role in the Bilbao C team. Creatas outlined Laporte as one of his brightest pupils not long after joining at it appears his opinion hasn't changed;
'I have no worries in saying Aymeric is going to be one of the best central defenders in the world, his recent form has been nothing short of brilliant. A lot of the praise has gone to our attack for providing the goals but if i had to single one player out this season it would be the Frenchman, pure class!!'
The next task for Laporte will be catching the eye of French head coach Didier Deschamps, but with the performances he has been displaying... it's only a matter of time.
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At the beginning of the season the absence of Fernando Amorebieta was seen as a massive blow for a Bilbao side in a crisis. 14 games and 12 wins later the emergence of Aymeric Laporte has seen Athletic Bilbao shoot to the top of the league and left the Venezuelan resigned to the bench. Aymeric has started 12 games so far this season and popped up with 3 goals in the process, but where has this 18 year old central defender shot to stardom from?
Fernando was first picked up by the Basque club when playing for French lower division outfit Aviron Bayonnais, a club famous for producing French legend Didier Deschamps in the 80's. Laporte joined for a nominal fee in 2007 as a 13 year old and remained in the youth ranks until 2011 when he played a staring role in the Bilbao C team. Creatas outlined Laporte as one of his brightest pupils not long after joining at it appears his opinion hasn't changed;
'I have no worries in saying Aymeric is going to be one of the best central defenders in the world, his recent form has been nothing short of brilliant. A lot of the praise has gone to our attack for providing the goals but if i had to single one player out this season it would be the Frenchman, pure class!!'
The next task for Laporte will be catching the eye of French head coach Didier Deschamps, but with the performances he has been displaying... it's only a matter of time.
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October 2012
After going unbeaten during his first two months in charge at San Mane, many people would have forgiven Sergio Creatas for forgetting that it was Bilbao he had took charge of and not Barcelona. Their style of football reminiscent of the style patented by a Guardiola, not to mention the unbeaten record they possessed. Well this run continued into and through October as Bilbao racked up 6 straight wins during the month scoring 15 times and conceding just 3. The three wins in the league coming against Athletico Madrid, Valencia and Getafe as well as wins in Europe against Kiryat-Shmona and Heerenveen and a Spanish cup triumph over Athletic Balaeres. Fernando Llorente scored 5 times during the month whilst veteran Venezuelan defender Amorebieta gave Creatas a tough selection choice at the back.
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Bilbao started the month with a straight forward 3-1 win over Israel side Kiryat-Shmona before a tough home game against Athletico Madrid, Bilbao dominated the team from the capital and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. A lone Fernando Llorente strike helped them overcome another tough opposition in the form of Valencia before they recorded a narrow 2-1 win against Heerenveen in Europe take control of their group. Next up came a dominant 3-0 win over bottom of the table Getafe in a game that saw outgoing striker Llorente hit a hat-trick to once again show what the club will lose in June. Creatas' side ended the month with an easy 3-0 win in the Spanish cup where they fielded a weak team yet still had plenty to overcome Athletic Balaeres.
Star Man - Fernando Llorente - Llorente's 5 goals during the month of October really showed exactly what Bilbao and Creatas will have to replace at the end of the season. The club legend bagged an impressive hat-trick against Getafe that takes him to 16 goals in 13 appearances this term.
After going unbeaten during his first two months in charge at San Mane, many people would have forgiven Sergio Creatas for forgetting that it was Bilbao he had took charge of and not Barcelona. Their style of football reminiscent of the style patented by a Guardiola, not to mention the unbeaten record they possessed. Well this run continued into and through October as Bilbao racked up 6 straight wins during the month scoring 15 times and conceding just 3. The three wins in the league coming against Athletico Madrid, Valencia and Getafe as well as wins in Europe against Kiryat-Shmona and Heerenveen and a Spanish cup triumph over Athletic Balaeres. Fernando Llorente scored 5 times during the month whilst veteran Venezuelan defender Amorebieta gave Creatas a tough selection choice at the back.
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Bilbao started the month with a straight forward 3-1 win over Israel side Kiryat-Shmona before a tough home game against Athletico Madrid, Bilbao dominated the team from the capital and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. A lone Fernando Llorente strike helped them overcome another tough opposition in the form of Valencia before they recorded a narrow 2-1 win against Heerenveen in Europe take control of their group. Next up came a dominant 3-0 win over bottom of the table Getafe in a game that saw outgoing striker Llorente hit a hat-trick to once again show what the club will lose in June. Creatas' side ended the month with an easy 3-0 win in the Spanish cup where they fielded a weak team yet still had plenty to overcome Athletic Balaeres.
Star Man - Fernando Llorente - Llorente's 5 goals during the month of October really showed exactly what Bilbao and Creatas will have to replace at the end of the season. The club legend bagged an impressive hat-trick against Getafe that takes him to 16 goals in 13 appearances this term.
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'What A Problem To Have'
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In the wake of another Liga BBVA hat-trick this weekend against Granada, making it back to back in the league, many around the San Mane are calling Creatas' task of replacing Fernando Llorente an impossible one. The trio of goals took the striker to an impressive 19 goals in just 14 games so far this season and left even Creatas questioning whether a replacement exists;
'To replace a man like Llorente, who scores 90 percent of your goals is always going to be a tough ask, I don't believe that anything is impossible but I would say this is as close as you can get!!'
Llorente' hat-trick added to Susaeta' goal in a game that ended 4-2 to the visitors and see's Sergio Creatas' side remain unbeaten at the top of the league. Is there anybody that could possibly come anywhere near replacing this man?
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In the wake of another Liga BBVA hat-trick this weekend against Granada, making it back to back in the league, many around the San Mane are calling Creatas' task of replacing Fernando Llorente an impossible one. The trio of goals took the striker to an impressive 19 goals in just 14 games so far this season and left even Creatas questioning whether a replacement exists;
'To replace a man like Llorente, who scores 90 percent of your goals is always going to be a tough ask, I don't believe that anything is impossible but I would say this is as close as you can get!!'
Llorente' hat-trick added to Susaeta' goal in a game that ended 4-2 to the visitors and see's Sergio Creatas' side remain unbeaten at the top of the league. Is there anybody that could possibly come anywhere near replacing this man?
'Graceful In Defeat'
In a week that had already seen Bilbao' unbeaten record taken away in the Europa league they came up against the Galactico's of Real Madrid in a top of the table clash. The intense atmosphere around the Bernebau was heightened by the importance of the match with the winner sitting a top of the league. Bilbao showed throughout the match that they are not for straying from their possession ethos taking 53% of the ball during the game, a feet that only Barcelona have managed against Real Madrid this season.
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Real Madrid Vs Athletic Bilbao
17th November 2012
Santiago Bernebau, 80,354 Attendance
Athletic Bilbao put up a strong resistance in losing their unbeaten league record at the home of the reigning champions Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho showed great respect to Sergio Creatas' side by fielding a more defensive team than usual in order to counter the threat of league top scorer Llorente, but it was their own strikers who made a difference early on scoring twice without reply in the first ten minutes. 2-0 was the score for the majority of the game before Ander Herrera smashed home from all of 30 yards after 89 minutes to make it 2-1, despite their efforts during injury time Bilbao couldn't find an equaliser and Madrid took the lead in the league. It was clear after half time that Creatas had told his men to be fearless and attack, but the Madrid defence held strong until late on. The Bilbao squad can take a lot of positives and respect from a noble defeat.
In a week that had already seen Bilbao' unbeaten record taken away in the Europa league they came up against the Galactico's of Real Madrid in a top of the table clash. The intense atmosphere around the Bernebau was heightened by the importance of the match with the winner sitting a top of the league. Bilbao showed throughout the match that they are not for straying from their possession ethos taking 53% of the ball during the game, a feet that only Barcelona have managed against Real Madrid this season.
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Real Madrid Vs Athletic Bilbao
17th November 2012
Santiago Bernebau, 80,354 Attendance
Athletic Bilbao put up a strong resistance in losing their unbeaten league record at the home of the reigning champions Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho showed great respect to Sergio Creatas' side by fielding a more defensive team than usual in order to counter the threat of league top scorer Llorente, but it was their own strikers who made a difference early on scoring twice without reply in the first ten minutes. 2-0 was the score for the majority of the game before Ander Herrera smashed home from all of 30 yards after 89 minutes to make it 2-1, despite their efforts during injury time Bilbao couldn't find an equaliser and Madrid took the lead in the league. It was clear after half time that Creatas had told his men to be fearless and attack, but the Madrid defence held strong until late on. The Bilbao squad can take a lot of positives and respect from a noble defeat.
November 2012
It was a month that saw Sergio Creatas taste defeat for the first time as a manger of a professional football team, a month that saw them progress in both the Europa league and Spanish cup, and a month that outlined just how much they will miss Fernando Llorente when he leaves in the summer. Bilbao played a total of 6 games during the month of November, winning 4 and losing twice. The team scored 13 times in the month, 6 of which came from their leading scorer Llorente and conceded 7 times. The month saw league games against Granada, Real Madrid and Deportivo, Europa games at Heerenveen and home to Academica and the second leg of the Spanish cup tie against Athletic Baleares.
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The month began with a hat-trick for Llorente in a 4-2 away win over Granada before back to back losses against Heerenveen and Real Madrid by 1-0 and 2-1 respectively. After this minor blip Bilbao returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 win over Academica in the Europa league, Toquero' goal ensuring that Bilbao pass safely through their group as expected. Llorente then hit another hat-trick in the 5-2 demolition of Deportivo at San Mane before the month ended with a straight forward 2-1 win in the Spanish cup to leave the score at 5-0 on aggregate. The game was most significant as Iker Muniain played the role of a lone striker and scored from a position that could become more familiar to him next season.
Star Man - Aymeric Laporte - Despite picking up an injury at the back end of the month, and being in the same team as an in form Fernando Llorente this young man's performances over the month impressed the French first team manager so much that he was handed his first cap. The 18 year old will be hoping its the first of many.
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It was a month that saw Sergio Creatas taste defeat for the first time as a manger of a professional football team, a month that saw them progress in both the Europa league and Spanish cup, and a month that outlined just how much they will miss Fernando Llorente when he leaves in the summer. Bilbao played a total of 6 games during the month of November, winning 4 and losing twice. The team scored 13 times in the month, 6 of which came from their leading scorer Llorente and conceded 7 times. The month saw league games against Granada, Real Madrid and Deportivo, Europa games at Heerenveen and home to Academica and the second leg of the Spanish cup tie against Athletic Baleares.
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The month began with a hat-trick for Llorente in a 4-2 away win over Granada before back to back losses against Heerenveen and Real Madrid by 1-0 and 2-1 respectively. After this minor blip Bilbao returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 win over Academica in the Europa league, Toquero' goal ensuring that Bilbao pass safely through their group as expected. Llorente then hit another hat-trick in the 5-2 demolition of Deportivo at San Mane before the month ended with a straight forward 2-1 win in the Spanish cup to leave the score at 5-0 on aggregate. The game was most significant as Iker Muniain played the role of a lone striker and scored from a position that could become more familiar to him next season.
Star Man - Aymeric Laporte - Despite picking up an injury at the back end of the month, and being in the same team as an in form Fernando Llorente this young man's performances over the month impressed the French first team manager so much that he was handed his first cap. The 18 year old will be hoping its the first of many.
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'The Nominee'
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In what is turning into a perfect season for Fernando Llorente he was today named among the short-list for World Player of the Year. Although not considered one of the outright favourites for the award, Llorente is one of the outside bets, if his form continues then he could push himself into the reckoning amongst previous winners Messi and Ronaldo.
Sergio Creatas - 'For any player of yours to get onto the short-list for the Ballon D'or is a major achievement for the player and the club, Fernando has worked hard to be recognised amongst such an illustrious group of names and the nomination is the least he deserves'.
Fernando Llorente - 'It's an honour to be on the list this season but I don't pay too much attention to it to be honest. My main aim this season is to give the fans who have been so good to me over the years something to remember me by, any personal awards along the way are merely a bonus'.
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In what is turning into a perfect season for Fernando Llorente he was today named among the short-list for World Player of the Year. Although not considered one of the outright favourites for the award, Llorente is one of the outside bets, if his form continues then he could push himself into the reckoning amongst previous winners Messi and Ronaldo.
Sergio Creatas - 'For any player of yours to get onto the short-list for the Ballon D'or is a major achievement for the player and the club, Fernando has worked hard to be recognised amongst such an illustrious group of names and the nomination is the least he deserves'.
Fernando Llorente - 'It's an honour to be on the list this season but I don't pay too much attention to it to be honest. My main aim this season is to give the fans who have been so good to me over the years something to remember me by, any personal awards along the way are merely a bonus'.
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HasonJenderson
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Great start mate!
I've found Athletic much harder to manage on this version, with Llorente leaving on a free and no Javi Martinez (until you have the money to bring him back!), and with FM13 being much harder in general - good luck with it though, I'll be following!
I've found Athletic much harder to manage on this version, with Llorente leaving on a free and no Javi Martinez (until you have the money to bring him back!), and with FM13 being much harder in general - good luck with it though, I'll be following!
Safc-mad-scotty
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You've made a great start and I like the layout of the story. Next season should be even more interesting with Llorente leaving and (hopefully) Champions League football to contend with!