The Brest a Man Can Get

B

Bakez

Member
Joined
May 2, 2017
Messages
67
Reaction score
0
Points
0
View attachment 94198

The Brest a Man Can Get

​
So having done a few FM experiments I feel the time is right to start a proper season whilst reporting back on the journey. I will however, continue on with the experiments as I enjoy doing them and hopefully you enjoy watching/reading about them as well. I will continue to deliver the story in YouTube video format but will aim to include screenshots in my posts to give a more detailed view of certain things.

So why Stade Brestois 29?

There are a few reasons for the choice, some serious but also the name makes a great pun right?


  • For my first management position I wanted to pick a club outside of England. This is due to historically sticking to the Premiership or Championship as they are the leagues that I’m most familiar with in terms of format, players, regulations etc. However, I’ve always been interested in the French leagues and feel that aside from maybe PSG, Monaco and perhaps more recently Nice, there is an opportunity to grow a team and become a force in the league.

  • The badge for Brest features my initials and also was my age until a couple of months ago

  • I’ve always liked the look of Brest and believe with a bit of cosmetic surgery I can make Brest look even better. Let’s just hope my time of charge of Brest don’t go **** up!
 
Last edited:
The squad
​

View attachment 94196

At first glance it seemed like I was taking over a squad with some of the greatest football players that have ever played, Pele and Henry immediately attracted my attention. However on closer inspection the players are Bryan Pele and Valentin Henry.

Aside from that disappointment it appears that Brest don’t have the worst squad in the world.

View attachment 94194
Christian Battocchio is arguably the star of the team with enough other good players to field a strong starting 11. Zakarie Labidi and Brendan Chardonnet have outstanding potential, something that I hope to help them realise at the club.

The formation I aim to use is classed as a 4-2-1-3 DM Wide. I will cover the tactics in detail a bit later.

View attachment 94193
​
 
Finances


In terms of finances it appears that I’m not going to be blessed with money to spend



View attachment 94192
A transfer budget of £0 and already over the wage budget by roughly £5000 it is going to be extremely difficult to bring new faces in. The club already has already reached its maximum number of loaned players also. Although I could potentially terminate some of the loans I actually feel that the club has done well with who they have brought in and I guess I’ll worry more about that when the deals expire.

Perhaps the board will grant me some more funds?

View attachment 94191
I guess not...



​
 
Goodluck with this, seems like an interesting story
 
Tactics



View attachment 94184View attachment 94183

I have chosen to go with what is classed as a 4-2-1-3W. This is because I firstly want to make the team difficult to beat. Depending on how well we perform will determine whether one of the DLP needs to push forward more to create more of an attacking threat.

View attachment 94182
Goalkeeper

View attachment 94181View attachment 94180View attachment 94179
Right Back Right/Left Centre Backs Left Back

View attachment 94178View attachment 94177View attachment 94176
Deep Playmaker (Defend) Deep Playmaker (Support) Roaming Playmaker

View attachment 94175View attachment 94174View attachment 94173
Right Winger Left Winger False 9
 
Bakez said:
  • I’ve always liked the look of Brest and believe with a bit of cosmetic surgery I can make Brest look even better. Let’s just hope my time of charge of Brest don’t go **** up!
Click to expand...

Love a good breast pun...I'm following!
 
Title Odds
​

View attachment 94062

Having been given odds of 35/1 to lift the Ligue 2 title it is clear that we are far from favorites. With this in mind it was reassuring that the board’s expectations are not un-achievable.


Board Expectations

View attachment 94061
The board expect a top half finish in the league coupled with some progress in both of the cups. At first glance of seeing that we are expected to reach the 10th ​round of the French cup seemed quite daunting but bearing in mind we enter in the 7th​ round and the bigger clubs entering in the 9th​ round it may just be possible.
​
 
Pre Season


My perceptions of pre-season friendlies are that they are nice to win, but more importantly it is about the fitness of the players and becoming familiar with the tactics. I allowed my assistant manager to take charge of the 4 friendlies. The results can be seen below:

View attachment 94060View attachment 94059View attachment 94058View attachment 94057

So we finished pre-season with a record of W3 D0 L1. Our only home fixture was against Legia Warsaw and we were just outclassed; only managing 1 shot on target compared to their 6. With that in mind it’s far too early to press the panic button. Wins against 2 teams who I’ve never heard of and struggle to pronounce as well as an efficient 2-0 against Le Mans (I’ve actually heard of them!) show that there is plenty of promise.


Players who have performed

Neal Maupay – Had 2 good games and 2 less impressive games which could mean he’s a bit hit and miss. Ratings of 6.3, 7.7, 6.5, and 7.7 over the 4 games reinforce that he can be inconsistent but having scored in both games when he played well is definitely something positive to take.

Zakaria Diallo – Achieved consistently high ratings in the 4 games (6.8, 7.1 8.0 and 7.1). It is going to be essential that he maintains this good form throughout the season and becomes a rock at the heart of defence.


Players who need to improve

Christian Battocchio – When viewing the squad reports, Battocchio on ability is right at the top. He is going to be played in the centre of the pitch in a roaming playmaker role. With space in front of him to run into and build the attacks he is going to need to improve on his form. With not a single rating of 7.0 (6.5, 6.8, 6.8, 6.9) over the 4 games I will be keeping a close eye on him.
​
 
Just before we begin the season

As announced when starting this story I am going to be using a YouTube format. However, whilst I can understand that some people may prefer to read the story as opposed to listening I will attempt to cater for both. Below you will see a link to the YouTube video of the first few games of the season with live reactions and decisions made by myself. For those on this forum who would prefer to just read about the results and other important issues which I arise I will cover them on here.

For those of you on here who chose to access the YouTube videos through the forum and don’t want to know the results, all match reports will be hidden behind a Spoiler button.
​
 
Episode 1 - ***'s time to get started

[video=youtube;OrgNh37l-rs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrgNh37l-rs&feature=youtu.be[/video]


For non-YouTube viewers and to see full match report click Show Spoiler button

View attachment 94056

Havre made to Maupay for missed chances!

The first game of the season put us up against Havre Athletic. Did they have more shots? Yes, did they have more possession? Yes, did they score more goals? No!

It was a nervy start to the season and with original starting players Coeff and Joseph-Monrose ruled out through injury, we weren’t full strength. After just 4 minutes Labidi was forced off through injury giving way to Bryan Pele. The first half brought absolutely no highlights but when looking at the stats it was clear that we had to withstand immense pressure. I made the decision to drop the wingers back to wide midfielders in an effort to try to gain better control of the game. However, in the 68th​ minute a corner was badly dealt with allowing Thomas Ayasse to hit a shot from the edge of the box, deflect off of Diallo and give Hartock no chance in goal. All hope appeared to be lost until stoppage time when the ball somehow ended up at the feet of Bryan Pele on the wing. His cross from the left ended at the feet of Maupay who’s clinical finish left us all delighted to have snatched a point from the jaws of defeat.

Highest rating – Zakaria Diallo – 7.1

View attachment 94055
​
 
Last edited:
Episode 2 - Giving it my Brest shot


[video=youtube;IAO10ngmZdU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAO10ngmZdU&feature=youtu.be[/video]



For non-YouTube viewers and to see full match report click Show Spoiler button



Ligue 2 - BREST vs VALENCIENNES

​
View attachment 93808

BREST LEFT UNSAID

Another game, another draw. Our first home game of the season produced little to report about. 0 shots on target and just 38% possession is disappointing. Neal Maupay continues to show his inconsistent from seen in pre-season playing a 6.3

Players of the match - Hartock, Faussurier - 7.3



​



​
Coupe de la Ligue 1st Round - BREST vs SOCHAUX

View attachment 93807
BREST FALLS OUT OF CUP

Despite only losing on penalties the performance wasn't good enough. No supporters want to watch their team at home feel happy to let the other teams dominate possession, well maybe Leicester fans, but unlike Leicester we have nothing upfront to aim for. It's time to ditch these tactics and formation and go with a more positive approach.

Player of the match - Zakaria Diallo - 7.1

New Tactics

View attachment 93806
Whilst appearing quite a negative step in playing 5 in defence, I am hoping that we can dominate the middle of the pitch whilst also having more to aim for upfront.
Habib Diallo as target man with Neal Maupay as a poacher should be a good combination and i'm hoping the two will link up well. Perez will play as a centre midfielder and be expected to push forward, as will the two wingbacks.

View attachment 93805
A higher tempo will be installed and an emphasis on build up play and working the ball into the box. It's time to ditch the conservative approach and go out and try and win the games!


Ligue 2 - AMIENS vs BREST

View attachment 93804
BREST SUFFER LAST MINUTE WOBBLE

So close to a first win of the season. We found ourselves up against high flying Amiens with a much improved performance being over-shadowed by a cruel stoppage time equalizer. Sure we again had less possession but there were highlights in the game, actual highlights and the majority were us attacking. An early close range finish from Maupay gave us the dream start but sadly we couldn't quite get over the finishing line this time.

Player of the match - Zakaria Diallo - 7.1

Ligue 2 - BREST vs TROYES

View attachment 93803
BREST RACK UP FIRST WIN

A more confident looking Brest side finally delivered a win following 4 successive draws. That's right, we did it! 3 points on the board and something for the fans to cheer about. On 32 minutes a cross from Maupay was turned into the net by defender Martial. However, despite looking comfortable we conceded a sloppy equalizer when Niame headed home on 62 minutes. With Maupay playing a 6.4 I decided to give promising youngster Matthias Phaeton a run out and what a debut to remember. On 74 minutes, a swift counter attack releasing Diallo, Phaeton broke with him and a simple, unselfish pass from Diallo put him through one on one with the keeper. Phaeton showed a lot more composure than a 16 year old making his first senior debut probably should and tucked it into the corner of the net. We held on and secured our first win of the season.

Players of the match - Hartock, Castan and Phaeton - 7.2

Matthias Phaeton

View attachment 93802
A dream debut for the young lad. He can't let it get to his head and will need to keep his Phaeton the ground...






​
 
Last edited:
Good start so far! Hopefully it wont end in as tense as it was this year in the league haha
 
issteo said:
Good start so far! Hopefully it wont end in as tense as it was this year in the league haha
Click to expand...

That's what you call a proper final day! Top 6 teams could all have won the league and all of them did win their final game i believe? Brest finished 5th in real life so no pressure on me here haha
 
Episode 3 - No Holds Bra'd


[video=youtube;8PlU6eSCbqU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PlU6eSCbqU[/video]


For non-YouTube viewers and to see full match report click Show Spoiler button

Ligue 2 - CLERMONT FOOT vs BREST

View attachment 93554
BREST PUT FOOT DOWN

A second successive win in the league for Brest as they come away with a 1-0 win against second in the table Clermont Foot. Having become something of a draw specialist, today’s game away to Clermont is one that I would have gladly taken a draw before kick-off. I elected to instruct the team to play on the counter and it worked a treat. Neal Maupay stole the headlines with a close range finish.

Player of the match: Gaetan Belaud - 7.5


Ligue 2 - BREST vs AJACCIO

View attachment 93553
BREST GET COURT OUT

Following 2 successive league wins we went into the game against Ajaccio full of confidence. Habib Diallo finishing a good move late in the first half to give us something to build on in the second. However, Ajaccio were in no mood to cave in and the pressure finally told when Yoann Court equalized in the 64th​ minute. Previous man of the match Gaetan Belaud picked up 2 bookings in 3 minutes late in the game to eliminate any chance of us grabbing a late winner.

Player of the match: Habib Diallo – 8.3

Having been anonymous in the transfer window due to having no funds and already at our maximum loaned players for the season, it was interesting to see that the French league has what is known as the ‘Joker Transfer Window’. This comes into effect once the main transfer window closes and allows a French club to make a single purchase from another French club.

View attachment 93552

Speaking of having no funds, I was then greeted with a message from the chairman:


View attachment 93551
Not ideal when hoping to strengthen the squad at some point.

Club finances are described as ok although we are losing money each month.

View attachment 93550

On a more positive note the board are very pleased with my overall leadership of the team, although they were disappointed to be knocked out of the cup at the first hurdle. It’s understandable for a club that could do with all the income that they can get. I guess I will need to make a more conscious effort to progress in the one other cup that we’re in.

View attachment 93549

Injury News


View attachment 93548
Just a single injury to report on; midfielder Manuel Perez will face a lengthy spell on the side-lines having strained his knee ligaments.


Ligue 2 - NIMES OLYMPIQUE vs BREST

View attachment 93547
BREST BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

Yet another draw and yet another game in which we took the lead. Top scorer Neal Maupay converted a cross in the 61st​ minute to give us the lead. However, within 5 minutes Nimes had equalized when Slimane Sissoko powered home a finish from inside the area. A very disappointing result considering Nimes league position, however every time we avoid defeat away from home I will look for positives.

Player of the match:


Ligue 2 - BREST vs TOURS

View attachment 93546
BREST, DRAW, ONCE, MORE

Surely the bookies will soon be predicting every game involving Brest to end up as a draw. A SIXTH league draw in just 8 games means we remain unbeaten but have started to develop a habit of taking the lead then switching off instantly. Habib Diallo put us in the lead after just 4 minutes before Cheick Diarra equalized 5 minutes later. Joan Hartock made an incredible save late in the second half to ensure we came away with a point.

Player of the match: Joan Hartock – 7.2

Further bad news on the injury front is that Habib Diallo sustained a hamstring strain in the game meaning that he’ll miss the next few weeks.

View attachment 93545

Ligue 2 - BOURG-EN-BRESSE vs BREST

View attachment 93544
THE BREST IS YET TO COME

A fantastic 2-0 win for Brest today as they kicked the drawing habit to score 2 early goals and pick up 3 points on the road. I decided before the game that to make this season any kind of success the team needs to have belief and more aggression. Tactics were adjusted with one of the usual centre midfield players being pushed into a more attacking midfield role. The idea behind this was to give more support to the 2 strikers than they had previously been getting. Valentin Henry was awarded a rare start in the new attacking midfield role. He duly delivered converting a chance in the area with only a few minutes on the clock. Not long after, a ball launched forward put Maupay through on the goal and he finished confidently. We did take our foot off the gas afterwards and there was really nothing more to report.

Player of the match: Neal Maupay – 8.3


With a run of games against teams lower than us in the league it is going to give a clear indication of just how well the team is progressing. 9 games in the league unbeaten and although the taste of defeat will surely come it’s important that we start winning the games we take the lead in so that any defeat becomes a minor blip and doesn’t ruin what has started off as a promising season.
​
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

FMBase

Beta

Resources

Top