Team Cohesion
Part 12 | Ingolstadt 04 | FM23 Hardcore Mode
Mannheim
Excitement turned to disappointment again as we blew yet another lead. Sulejmani and Butler both scored after we went down 1-0 early, showing that we can indeed score goals when it counts. However, Mannheim managed to pull one back 31 minutes in, and we couldn’t break their defenses.
The 2-2 draw leaves us in a very frustrating position in the league, and leaves me searching for answers. Is the tactic really working? Do we have players who simply can’t finish? Is there a way we can get this turned around with no remaining transfer budget? Do we just need time for cohesion on our squad to improve?
For the first time this season, we did not dominate possession. Our offense was a sight to behold, however. We threatened Mannheim at every stretch, and played like a team really looking to score. I told you that Charlotte was right all along. Tell the boys to attack and they’ll play like an attacking team.
We could use some better momentum in our matches, however. We seem to pile on the momentum in chunks, and then spend the rest of the time playing catch-up. But I’m not sure if this is a tactical issue or something about our lack of squad cohesion.
Gossip
A few assorted points for your reading enjoyment:
Markus Ponath, the 21-year-old who was the starting goalkeeper when I arrived, received a red card during his most recent loan game. Ponath has been playing for Würzburger, which is really where a Regionalliga goalkeeper like him belongs. I never thought he’d wind up with a red card, though.
Articles in the media have come out questioning Jalen Hawkins now. Hawkins has started 7 games for us, and yet has only managed to score the single header goal that came in our very first match. He’s had a low average rating, and doesn’t really seem to be present. Unlike Butler, we don’t have an extended contract with him, and I’m wondering if we should move him on in December.
Straubing
We’re playing on the road against Straubing in the Bayrischer Pokal. We should win this match, though you never know with this squad.
I’m hoping that a win will get the morale up a notch. Maybe I’ll finish up this coaching course one of these days, too.