The Downward Spiral
Part 15 | Ingolstadt 04 | FM23 Hardcore Mode
The Long Road Downhill
I don’t see how this season can get any worse.
We lost to Zwickau, 2-1. We gave up an early goal, as usual. Justin Butler came back with a great goal to tie us at 1 each. It wasn’t enough, however, as we the game winning goal in with under 15 minutes left to play.
We’re in 19th place now, and show no signs of recovering. I hate to say it, but it’s only a matter of time before the board takes action.
Now, I can still find some silver lining in the dark clouds that approach. Butler has looked fantastic in the last few matches, and seems to be developing into the sort of player we thought he could become.
We’re scoring goals now, which is better than what we were doing to start off the season. However, the risks we are taking are leaving us far too open in the back — precisely the problem that saw Ingolstadt relegated last season.
The pressure is mounting, and I don’t like where this is heading.
What Went Wrong?
So what went wrong? What is to blame?
I’ve got a few ideas.
Tactics: My tactics at the start were far too conservative. We did a good job at not conceding goals and not losing. However, we weren’t playing to win, which was a problem. I may have overcompensated by introducing too much of an attacking approach in hopes of gaining back lost points, which is why we find ourselves losing so frequently.
Honestly, though, I think our current tactics are fine, and I think we’ve got the right players to fill those roles. The fans and even the board might criticize the tactics. However, what they are really upset about is the results, not the plan. If we parked the bus after scoring an early fluke goal in every match, I’m sure they would all be delighted with our “attacking approach.”
Reputation: In all honesty, my reputation and experience isn’t high enough for a club at this level. I probably should have looked for a club further down the ladder for my first experience. With no respect from the players, any change I try to make is immediately unpopular and only makes matters worse.
Morale: Even if you ignore my lack of reputation, there is a huge morale problem at this squad. The ugly specter of poor morale seems to be raised with each passing day, and I don’t see how it can improve if we don’t win. Squad cohesion will continue to be a problem as long as the players don’t want to be here. Even our most reputable and influential players are willing to leave at this point.
Injuries: This is the other big killer. 4 first team starters were out with injuries when I arrived at the club, and we’ve been plagued by recurring injuries ever since. It is extremely difficult to field a cohesive side capable of winning anything with so many injuries and unavailable players.
Budget: I’m not necessarily angry about coming on with no transfer budget at all. However, paying Visar Musliu €21,500 per week for 4 starts at center back and to spend the rest of his time hurt is absolutely ridiculous. In retrospect, my first move should have been to sell him.
More Month in Review
The board have given me a C- grade, despite our losing streak and continual problems.
The fans, on the other hand, have given me a C grade, and seem to be happy with the good form that many players are in. That’s impressive when you consider that we were favorites to win this league back at the start.
The dressing room atmosphere has improved slightly, and nobody has any support for me. We have a lack of highly influential players, though I’m not really all that concerned. I’d be much more worried if our more surly players wound up having more influence at this club.
Marcel Costly
The worst thing about losing is that you start trying to find scapegoats.
I’ve already started playing this game. My sights are now set on Marcel Costly, our 26-year-old winger who also plays right back for some strange reason.
Costly’s statistics this year are far below average. He hasn’t had a single good match for us this season, and I can’t find a place to play him. He trains poorly, responds poorly to my feedback, and seemed delighted when I threatened to put him on the transfer list.
Of course, nobody wanted to pick him up. I’m not surprised. Who wants to buy a 26-year-old grouch who can’t tackle, can’t pass, can’t shoot, and doesn’t want to improve?
Marcel likely won’t stay here long, and I don’t think he’ll be the only one to leave. If I’m able to say on board through some miracle, it will likely be because of widespread and sweeping changes in personnel. And that’s not going to be pretty.
1860 München
We’re off now to face our bitter rivals. 1860 München, who were once a prominent team in German football, are now the darlings of every underdog-loving Football Manager fan around.
1860 München aren’t exactly having a dream season of their own, and are currently in 13th place, far away from the leaders. This shouldn’t be too surprising if you’ve followed their progress in recent years, of course.
The fans are excited for the match. The pressure is on me, however. If I can’t figure out some way to get these boys to win, I’m not likely to last as manager for much longer. There must be something we can do to turn the ship around, though I’m not sure what it is.
Fortunately, Peter told me that he doesn’t expect us to win. This is one of the few times in my life that I’ve been relieved to face such low expectations. I’m not sure how long that will last, of course.
We’ll find out soon enough.