Olimpo dream
Settings: superstar, full manual, 20 minutes
Report on 5 most recent matches
Team spirit in matches: 56-61
Summary
- It's plain and simple: we can't score.
- Well, our team spirit has been kind of low recently. The team is still adapting to new manager, new formation and new teammates. Scoring is infamously elusive.
- That doesn't quite explain it. I mean,
five more matches without a goal. Defensively we're doing ok: it's still three draws and two losses. Although that's partially because the opposition has been wasteful as well. They know you're a superb goalie, so they always go for the corners of the goal. They would have probably scored a few more, even from rebounds, if they'd targeted the central parts of the goal bit more. But we... We are both too direct in our approach - not creating enough chances -
and too wasteful.
- You
do realize that before you took over we were playing a 4-3-3 and often went in with a highly attacking attitude? Now it's a 4-2-3-1, and we only go offensive when we're a goal down.
- I know that. But the league has changed. You've noticed what happens if we go offensive. You've seen how quickly they can hit us.
- That's true. All I can say, as the captain, is that the guys are doing their very best. The last time we had this discussion we were concerned about them shooting too high. Now they've been shooting much lower, as you instructed. But it hasn't helped. Their keepers have saved even those shots we thought would surely go in. A great example from the last match is the shot by Gaona Lugo to the bottom corner when he was 1 vs. 1 with the keeper. I thought it was almost perfect. Well, could have been a bit harder, but the placement was superb. And their keeper still took it. One handed stretch. Simply an amazing save.
- I know, I bit my tongue when that happened. This feels partially like inadequate performance and partially like the twilight zone. But if you split the defense apart, then you will certainly score. And we haven't done that. We need to split them inside the box, arrange for a sure shot.
- You know how difficult it is, with these teams? We can't even win a
single offensive header if we are challenged by a defender. Trying to pass around in the box without being intercepted... You really think it's a good idea to try it?
- No, probably not like that. But either with speed, or by challenging in one vs. ones on the wings. We do have skills on the wings, and I have actually arranged for some more speed to arrive soon. Strength in numbers in the box. Move fast.
- Speaking of new arrivals. The guys are anxious with the summer transfer window just around the corner. Will there be changes?
- Yes there will. We have too many guys who we can't play. The current situation doesn't make any sense. A new winger and a young GK are already inbound. Don't worry, he won't be challenging you for number 1 goalie position. We have weaknesses in a large number of places, especially if someone gets injured or is in down form. I am hoping to also raise a few more players from the youth academy.
- Personnel changes will lower our team spirit again.
- True, but I have to think about the team in the long run. I have made a long term commitment to this team.
- That's good to hear, I guess. There's been a lot of speculation about you leaving the team.
- I have received a number of offers, that is true. But I am here to stay. Assuming they don't kick me out.
