dani3w

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Before I get started, hello, some of you may know me, if you've been around these forums for years you will, if your fairly new, within the last two years then you've probably not heard of me. I use to write stories here a few years ago, along with a few writing legends back in the day. I'm now staff over on another site however with this careers section still so active, I've decided to bring my new story idea here.

The reason for starting the story now, well I've not really got into this years FM, the last three or four I racked up the hours, including playing through near 100 years on my last career. This can be viewed here. However I'm off work with a snapped ACL and MCL in my knee so I have so much time on my hands I figured it was time to knuckle down and get into a proper FM save. Over the recent years I've been more of a LLM player and story writer. This time I'm going with my beloved Liverpool.

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I still remember the night, 2005, AC Milan vs Liverpool at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Turkey. Course I wasn't there, I was just thirteen at the time, however I remember watching the game in my room. I hadn't 'really supported' a team until then, my heart got stuck on Liverpool and it felt horrible when we went one nil, two nil, three nil down in the first half. I felt drained, the game seemed long gone, our chance of silverware blown out the window.

What followed is what I'd still call the greatest Cup Final comeback of all time, the best Champions League Final I've still ever watched to date. Nine minutes into the second half, Steven Gerrard' bullet header into the top corner! GAME ON! The way he jeered the crowd up and it worked, Smicer scoring to make it three two, before a soft, controversial penalty went our way, a chance to level the game just fifteen minutes into the second half, who saw that coming!? Alonso stepped up, and it was saved, but before I even had chance to put my head in my hands, he had followed it up and fired it into the roof of the net, we were bet in this and level!

Despite Milan having the better chances after this, it went on to Extra Time and Penalties where we all know what happened, Jerzy Dudek became Liverpool's penalty saving hero. It was 3-2 to Liverpool on penalties when Shevchenko, who had scored the winning penalty in the 2003 final, stepped up. He had to score or Liverpool would win. He hit his penalty straight down the middle of the goal. Dudek went down to his right, but blocked the shot with his left hand.

LIVERPOOL HAD WON THE 2005 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE! I felt ecstatic, emotional, delighted!

However, since the 2005 Champions League glory days, Liverpool have really struggled for silverware. They've won the League Cup once, FA Cup once, European Super Cup and the Community Shield since the 2005 Final. Despite running close to the Premier League title in the 2013/14 season, finishing runners up to Manchester City, success has been hard to come by.

I'm now hoping to turn Liverpool into the successful club they were back in the 60's, 70's and 80's, dethroning the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and fierce rivals Manchester United. Giving the 'virtual' fans something to talk about rather than our history. Its time to change the Liverpool of now and turn them back to the Liverpool of yesteryear.
 
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Exited!

Always enjoyed your careers Dan no matter what site you post on and I'm sure this will be another entertaining one that'll be full of heartbreak, 'turmoil' and joy. Good luck and I wouldn't be surprised if Christian Benteke scores like 30 goals for you in the league, or you sell him for peanuts.
 
I knew I'd be able to count on you Shedender. Hopefully it'll be a successful few years at least at the helm of Liverpool
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The first task on my hands, even before I became the manager was deciding who the new manager should be. I'm a huge fan of Jurgen Klopp however I don't want to duplicate him into the game therefore that ruled out that suggestion. I also won't be bringing the likes of Brendan Rodgers back to the helm. I've had to think of this over the last few hours and have finally decided who the man to run the club will be. So, lets meet the new Liverpool manager.

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Here he is, the former Liverpool player who was involved in the 2005 Champions League win Sami Hyypia. It was a tough choice getting this right, however he was involved during the glory days, which i feel is vital for Liverpool and the way this career will develop over the next few years with any luck, as long as I can remain at the helm of the club. As in real life, Sami is an ex international footballer with his UEFA B licence, again as it is in real life. I will work him towards the top qualification within the next twelve months as long as the board accept it.

Going with Sami has given me an easy starting block admittedly with the fact his reputation and coaching badges puts him in better stead than if I had created a manager with no badges and no experience. However I still feel it'll take a good few years to turn over the miserable form of recent years and a good few years after that to finally become the dominant force in England and European football.

The ultimate aim - Premier League and Champions League double success.

For anyone wondering the database I've loaded, I've hidden it below in the spoiler as I don't want the thread over shadowed overly. For those who don't want to open it I have the following countries loaded in fully and playable: England, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Whilst I have these countries loaded as view only: Argentina, Brazil, Holland, Mexico, Russia, Scotland, Sweden, Turkey, USA, Ukraine and Uruguay. Just to monitor what is going on and what is happening elsewhere.

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With the manager decided it was time to move on to finding a little more information out about the team. Well, not for me, nor for Sami, but for anyone who is reading this, if anyone is(?) Anyway, lets have a little look into what the team as a whole look like as we head into the summer of 2015, before Sami takes charge and has the transfer window to strengthen.

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So Liverpool are set for a predicted finish of fifth place in the Premier League this year around and that is something that will be hard to achieve in all honesty I feel. The squad aren't the strongest so it'll take some time to build them up. A professional club with a worldwide reputation. The club are estimated at £800million however they do have a loan debt of £277million, something else I will look at clearing over my time here. We obviously play at Anfield, a 46,122 all seater stadium along with superb training and great youth facilities. I'll look to upgrade all three in the long term. We'll play in the Europa League this season.

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The club, founded in 1892 have a strong background and as stated earlier, enjoyed plenty of success in the 1980's. Now known as one of the most successful clubs in England its time to start looking at the present and the future of the club, rather than looking to the history all the time. Five Champions League titles, eighteen First Division titles, three European Super Cups, three Euro Cups is just a few of the trophies Liverpool have gathered over the years, along with a haul of FA Cups, League Cups, Community shields.

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Sami has just met with the chairman, Thomas Werner and then went on to meet assistant manager Zejko Buvac. Staffing may change over the next few months and will definitely change over the next couple of years. I'll look to bring in former club players as well as the very highest staff members to help players hit their potential abilities over their time at the club. The board wish to see possession football on the pitch whilst we sign young players for the first team and develop players using the current youth system.
 
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So glad to see your story! When I joined FM-base yours were one of the first stories that I started reading!
 
Wow really Savan21? That surprises me it was ages ago. Thanks for following again though!
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Time for a quick squad review. As I arrive we've a fairly large squad which I don't mind too much, however I will look at off loading any players who I feel are surplus to requirements and don't make the grade here at Liverpool. I will also be heavily looking towards the youth setup to try and encourage the younger talent through the squad rather than depending on signings for talent.

Goalkeepers
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Where else to start than the goalkeepers, one of the problems in the current Liverpool team. Mignolet is an okay shot stopper, but to crack the top four we need a world class keeper. This could see Mignolet sold this summer as long as I can get a new number one in. Not much back up quality either. Bar fifteen year old Kamil Grabara who could become the 'Cup keeper' over the next couple of seasons or I'll loan him out. The rest are not good enough to cut the grade yet.

Right Backs
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The right back situation at the club is very good and I don't think this is a position of much concern here. Nathaniel Clyne will of course be the first choice right back whilst Flanagan has a bright future on the game despite some clumsy performances as of late. Joe Gomez and a few of the other younger lads has bright potential

Left Backs
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The left back position is owned by Moreno at the moment, again a good bit of depth, a few players showing themselves in more than one position obviously. The younger products here aren't quite as good as I was hoping however we can get a young potential left back in. Enrique is wanted and likely to be shipped.

Centre Backs
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Another position that has caused a little uproar this season is the centre back position for Liverpool. I rate Skrtle and Can, however they are the only two I really rate. Again Joe Gomez has a bright future at a young age. Ilori has potential however Sakho needs some improving and Kolo Toure is past it. Lovren could also be shown the door in the next twelve months.

Midfielders
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Defensive midfielders, central midfielders come of plenty and the talent is there however I wouldn't say we had that 'world class' midfielder. We have the likes of Leiva, Milner, Henderson and Joe Allen who are already first team players. Alan looks a bright one for the future as does loaned out Grujic. For some reason Ojo isn't showing on this screen, he's another bright potential for the future.

Right Attacking Midfielders
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On the right we have enough rotation and a bright future through Lalana and Ibe with the likes of Milner and loaned out Markovic. Bright future indeed, I will also look to ship one out on loan as well I would expect over the next season or two.

Left Attacking Midfielders
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The left side of attacking midfield sees Coutinho as our standout player however he is more than likely to see more action in the centre of the park. Our younger prospects don't look that talented either so it could be another position to improve over time. Teixeira may make it.

Central Attacking Midfielders
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The likes of Firmino dominate this position however Alberto, whos out on loan also has plenty of ability. Dhanda could also prove to be one for the future. Again as I said Coutinho should appear in this position and compete with Firminho.

Strikers
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Finally the strikers and there is fierce competition for a top goalscorer. I'd play Sturridge every game but his injury proness will prove to be a big issue. Benteke will be a good striker if we can get him scoring as will Balotelli however he is of course out on loan. Ings, Sinclair and Awoniyi all have bright futures and could find themselves in the rotation spots.

Apologies for such a long post, some players missing and some appearing in more than one position. Updates will be shorter now I've got the squad posted out.
 
Sakho is a beast, I'd get rid of Skrtel. Can isn't really a CB, more of a DM
 
Good to see you have been firing out the updates lads and I have been following them but haven't got around to commenting until now. Didn't realise Liverpool had quite a bit squad, but some poor players as well which I'm sure you'll be addressed.

Interesting to see you've picked Hyypia as the new boss, thought he would've been on the Football Manager database seeing as he's managing Swiss side FC Zurich in real life.
 
Good luck mate! Looking forward to see what you'll be doing with this Liverpool squad!
 
Going to follow this one espacially when you decided be Sami Hyypiä who is one reason why Liverpool are my fav team in BPL!! Yeah I'm finnish so that maybe explain that Hyypiä think! Sadly Hyypiä's IRL manager career hasn't been good...
 
Thanks Shedender, I looked on the game, knowing he was their manager but when I loaded it he wasn't in the game which was strange so that swayed my mind.

Thanks Koobe631, it won't be too many changes coming too soon that is for sure.

Me too Baldie02

Well it looks like I picked the right man for the job then Nnicod55 doesn't it! Good to have you on board!
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So with all the introductions done etc I've gone through the first month of work here at Anfield and pre season has just been concluded. We haven't changed the back room yet, that's still on my list to do however I do have transfer news for you, along with pre season results on the pitch. However I didn't stick to my original plan of finding a new keeper and centre back, instead I brought in two strikers!
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So first the outgoings of the summer and there wasn't too many changes. Only two players left full time and that was Jose Enrique who has joined league rivals Swansea for three point six million pounds. I felt he was surplus to requirements here. Kolo Toure has also left for five hundred thousand pounds, joining Bournemouth. They'll probably both score against us this season. Along with those there are ten other players who have left Anfield this summer, all on loan deals, the eagle eyed readers will have noticed one new name whos gone straight out on loan.


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Here are my two summer signings to date, both strikers, both young so are ones for the future, I wanted to snap them up early before their prices got out of hand. Richairo Zivkovic joins for five million pounds from Ajax and has been immediately loaned back to them for the season. I tried to do the same with Brazilian born Barbosa however he didn't want to stay at Santos, so he will be considered a first team player this year, costing us ten million pounds.


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Here are the pairs stats at the start of their careers at Anfield, as you can see, both have the same potential ability and on paper Barbosa is the better of the two right now. Both are eighteen years old and this could be my future partnership right here as long as I can keep them both happy.


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The summer on the pitch proved to be quite good with us winning the majority of the games, in fact we recorded eight wins from ten games, drawing one and losing once. The one we lost was against Zenit where we fell out the Friendly cup. A couple bigger wins against lesser opponents.


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And the pre season title odds just adds to the expectations of this season, we're ranked outsiders for the league title at 20-1 and thats exactly what I expected. We'll be competing to get into the top four I believe this year.
 
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The first league game of the season would see us travel to the Boleyn Ground to face a strong West Ham side who in real life this season are performing very well. I had to take this into account and decided my away formations had to be a little more defensive minded.
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With that in mind, this is how the two teams lined up. West Ham settled for a 4-4-1-1 with Payet sitting in behind Sakho. A strong looking side which also saw Victor Moses return against his former Liverpool club. I felt I had matched them well with my starting line up however as I went for a 4-1-3-2 DM set up. This saw Mignolet start between the sticks, Clyne and Moreno full backs with Sakho and Can starting centre backs. Lucas was just infront those back four with Coutinho, Firmino and Milner across the middle leaving Benteke up top with debutant Barbosa.
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So starting more defensive minded has worked on the road here. We lead after just forty six seconds when Coutinho whipped in an early corner which Milner found some free space and a free header past Adrian. West Ham then became the dominant force, having twenty two shots but only hitting the target on four occasions. We left it late to wrap the game up. First off Barbosa grabbed a debut goal as Coutinho turned provider again, crossing to Barbosa who struck home low. And it was a hatrick of assist for Coutinho as his free kick in the last knockings of the game found Sakho who headed home our third. A good win and clean sheet to kick the season off.
 
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A second away game on the bounce awaited us in the second game of the season, this time we were set to travel to the Hawthorns to take on West Brom, a side we should be comfortably beating, however away from home it was always going to be difficult.

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The host went for the park the bus option with a 4-1-4-1 option and I instantly knew this was going to make it tough to break them down. I copied my formation from the last game, however this time brought in Skrtle and Ibe as I was hoping to see an impact from them.

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Disappointing to lose this, we never really created much of a threat to West Brom, mind you neither did they. They scored with their only shot on target as Rondon ran on to a lose ball to slot home past Mignolet. We create thirteen shots but only hitting the target with four was always going to be a struggle to win.
 
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My first home game in charge of Liverpool sees us welcome Tottenham, this is a big game for us, one we need to win as this is a side who will challenge us for that Champions League spot come the end of the league season.

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This time we face up a little more attacking, at home this will always be my preference to take the game to the opposition. Not too many changes, I've dropped Benteke as Firmino moves up front with fellow Brazilian Barbosa and Coutinho just in behind, hoping those three will link up. Allen joins Milner in the centre of the park

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We beat Spurs two nil at home in a pretty commanding display, a second clean sheet from three games as we've started the season okay. Coutinho almost had the first goal, however a deflection off Spurs centre back Dier saw it go down as an own goal just three minutes in. Firmino added our second just before the half hour mark and that was that. We held on to a big three points.
 
Thanks AverageJoe, good to have you on board!
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In between a short international lay off we've had a couple of cup draws take place with the League Cup Third Round being drawn along with the Europa League group stage. Both competitions we'll target this year however I know both will be hard if the draws don't go our way.

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We will travel away to Hull City of the Championship in the Third Round of the Capital One Cup. Its not an ideal draw, I wanted a low seeded team, however we have to beat everyone we face if we wish to win the competition. I will use a rotated side slightly for this game.

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The Europa League group stage draw saw us top Group F as the first team out, it was deemed an easy group by the media however I know it won't be a walkover. Napoli will definitely fight us for the top spot and we will need to be cautious away in Portugal and Norway as they will cause us problems as well.​
 
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Back to competitive action to end the month of August we faced a trip to Newcastle' St James Park. Newcastle have struggled to get going this season and following our win against Spurs recently, we were motivated to get on a winning run.


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Newcastle lined up with a basic four four two formation. I wasn't too worried about their line up however we know what Perez can do and more importantly Shelvey, a former centre midfielder of ours. We went back to our Away formation as its known with Barbosa and Firmino staying up top together. Lallana actually played wide right and Coutinho played the cm role.


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We picked up a good win here. Ibe had his first goal of the season, beating a couple men before cutting inside and finishing finely into the far right corner. This was the only goal of the first half as we went into half time one up. Second half Barbosa claimed a fine double, taking him to three goals in four games for the start of the season. Janmaat scored a flukey cross come shot seven minutes from time and despite the stats saying Newcastle dominated the game, we fully deserved this win here.
 
I don't think even I'm bad enough to lose against Newcastle Shedender!

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Moving into September and it was set to be a tough start to the month as we faced a meeting with Chelsea, my first of the 'big clashes' against the other top four teams in the division. We had both made a similar start to the league season.

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I've gone with something a little different here against Chelsea which should give us both numbers in defence and attack. We will line up with three centre backs in Sakho, Skrtle and Can whilst Leiva sits just infront of them. Moreno and Clyne sit as wing backs who will get forward. Allen and Milner start in centre midfield with Barbosa and Firmino upfront. Coutinho starts on the bench.

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Had you said at the start of the league season I'd come away from this with a point I'd take that however in the end I felt like we deserved all three points. A dull first half which we dominated ended nil nil. Second half we took the lead with seventeen minutes remaining, that man Barbosa again. Azpilicueta was also dismissed however three minutes later Pedro leveled for Chelsea as they stole a point.
 
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