1899 Hoffenheim - A German Adventure

unitedmad · 21-08-2009, 09:30 PM

-----

Welcome to Germany!

I looked above me and saw the sign, and for the first time this all felt real.

I was here. Two weeks after being approached, I had arrived in Hoffenheim, ready to take on the task of managing the local side, 1899 Hoffenheim. Dragging my luggage through the airport, I looked around, and knew that I would settle in well. The people were friendly, and the view from one of the airport windows was stunning. I immediately felt at home. I got the entrance of the airport, and was greeted by a smartly dressed man, who led me to his car. The man was Achim Sarstedt, my new assistant manager. When we got the car, I saw another man sat in the car, this was Dietmar Hopp, my new Chairman. During the short ride back to the training ground, we discussed matters such as my contract, a one year deal worth £11,000 pounds a week. A lot more than I was earning at my last job, so I was delighted.

After being talked through some brief details about the squad I was inheriting by Achim, I understood the Hoffenheim squad to be youthful and full of energy, but lacking slightly in midfield. He talked through a few ideas for potential signings and I thanked him, but I would be having a good look at the squad for myself before making any decisions on signings. This brought Mr Hopp onto the subject of transfer budget, which we agreed at £6M. He had originally offered me £4.5M, but I told him with a bit extra I felt I could achieve a top half finish, and he allowed me the chance to prove myself, which pleased me. I was glad to be working for Mr Hopp, he was an ambitious and confident man, and I felt I could rely on him to back me.

We arrived back at the training ground after about 30 minutes, and I spent the afternoon introducing myself to the players before watching a short training match between the usual starting 11 and a mix of fringe players and reserves. The stronger 11 won as expected, it was a tight 1-0 win thanks to a goal from midfielder Sejad Salihovic.

After the training session, I took a taxi back to the apartment I was renting until I could find a permanent home, and went to sleep, knowing that I would be introduced to the press in a conference in the morning.

unitedmad · 21-08-2009, 09:31 PM

Just a few points about this update.....

It's on Football Manager 2009 for PC
Updates may vary in frequency, due to a Man City game I have running as well
Comments are always appreciated!

Next update could be tonight if I can be bothered, but if not tomorrow evening!

unitedmad · 21-08-2009, 10:23 PM

----

1899 Hoffenheim Press Conference

Martin Bach: You sit here as the new manager of Hoffenheim. Is this your dream job?
Adam Beard: I am pleased to have the chance to work here.

Martin Bach: You have taken the Hoffenheim job without being able to speak German. Do you think this will have a negative effect while you learn the language?
Adam Beard: I'm not sure I agree with that to be honest.

Roland Kilian: What is your overall approach to the tactical side of the game?
Adam Beard: I will favour an attack minded approach.

Manuel Haas: What will you be bringing to the man management side of the game?
Adam Beard: I like to make sure that the players respect my presence.

Frank Haas: How involved do you intend to be in the day to day running of the club?
Adam Beard: I like to be involved as much as time allows me to be.

Martin Bach: New managers often bring about times of change and upheaval and some might fear for their jobs. Will there be changes?
Adam Beard: I am very impressed by the structure of the club and won't be making any drastic changes.

Manuel Haas: What can we expect from you in the transfer market?
Adam Beard: I like to look towards younger players for the future.

Martin Bach: Recent reports have linked you with Cruz Azul midfielder Gerardo Torrado. Is there any truth in this story?
Adam Beard: I won't be discussing individuals today, sorry.

----

First day in the job

After looking at the squad, I started to make plans for the season. I felt the press conference went well, and this gave me confidence that I could do a good job here. I went straight into the transfer market, and looked to spend the money I had been given by Mr Hopp. The main deals I hoped to push through were for Davide Santon, an exciting prospect from Inter Milan. I made a bid of £2M, hoping that I could secure his signature. The other main deal was for an outstanding young defender from Dinamo Moscow. Leandro Fernandez is a 25 year old Argentinian, who has been capped 17 times at youth level. I made a bid of £2.6M, and was praying that it would be accepted, as I felt he would become a key member of the squad. Two bids were made for youngsters Ryan McGowan and Michael Morton, of £100k and £80k respectively. The last bid made was for Werder Bremen's transfer listed defender Peter Niemeyer. They were asking £425k for him, which I felt was a bargain, so I offered the asking price without any hesitation.

Round Up
Leandro Fernandez - Dinamo Moscow - £2.6M
Ryan McGowan - Hearts - £100k
Michael Morton - Orlando Pirates - £80k
Peter Niemeyer - Werder Bremen - £425k
Davide Santon - Inter Milan - £2M

tim_massa_brawn · 22-08-2009, 12:50 AM

Great updates so far they are very good. Also, a good choice for the club I think you will do well with them. I can't wait to read more of your updates!

Box of Clocks Version 2 · 22-08-2009, 09:26 AM

A nice read so far. Looking forward to the next update.

unitedmad · 22-08-2009, 07:20 PM

----

'It's always a stressful time.'

Hearing this didn't fill me with joy, as I spoke on the phone with Achim about the upcoming pre season. I had made a few moves in the transfer market, and was awaiting replies from other clubs, so Achim and myself discussed tactics for the upcoming friendlies. We would be playing 6 games, including home games against Slavia Prague and Levski Sofia, both challenging teams. The other 4 games would all be played away from home, and in all honesty, should be won comfortably.

Pre Season Results
Click Here

All in all, I was very happy with our pre season results, plenty of goals scored and not a single goal conceded. The win against Slavia Prague was particularly pleasing, as it was my first match in charge and we were not clear favourites for the game, so to win by 3 goals was a very good effort from the lads. The only downsides were an injury to Chinedu Obasi, and the inability of the lads to put more than 2 past Meppen.

The transfer side of pre season was a lot less straight forward than the friendlies, but all in all I was just as happy with my signings. The move I had dreamt of for Davide Santon fell through, as they rejected at least 3 offers from us and in the end I was forced to pull out. I did however, manage to sign the other player I desperately wanted, defender Leandro Fernandez from Dinamo Moscow for £2.6M, I felt this to be an absoulte bargain, and I was delighted. The start of the transfer window also saw 4 other players join Hoffenheim, as I agreed deals for them towards the end of June. Michael Morton, Peter Niemeyer, Ryan McGowan, and Brian Easton all joined on the first of July. A week later, I had completed a deal for striker Kikin Fonseca, with would severely limit the amount of games that Wellington and on-loan striker Boubacar Sanogo would play. One more player joined, right at the end of pre season, and it's a signing that I am very excited about. 17 year old striker, Ruben Rochina joining from Barcelona for a fee of £220k. Only one player left during pre season, young winger Boris Vukcevic joining Ahlen on loan until the end of the season.

Transfer Overview
Click Here

Niemeyer | Morton | Fonseca | Easton | Fernandez | Rochina | McGowan

With all my money gone, and my transfers complete, I was reasonably happy with the squad for the upcoming season. We have two very good goalkeepers, with a decent back up in Ozcan. We have a large amount of defenders, which may be an issue later in the season, as I can't see everybody staying happy, but our defence has a lot of quality, backed up by the fact that we didn't concede in pre season. We also have a lot of quality in midfield, and a good blend of youth and experience, and our strike force is very good, especially for a newly promoted team such as ourselves. Obasi and Ba have both been attracting interest from a number of teams, but will only be leaving for extortionate fee.

Hoffenheim Squad
Click Here

tim_massa_brawn · 22-08-2009, 10:30 PM

Well now everything is settled good luck with the season. Also, your pre season results were very good.

Man United10 · 22-08-2009, 11:36 PM

Really good updates, keep it up

.

Box of Clocks Version 2 · 23-08-2009, 08:54 PM

Very impressive pre season, hopefully you can take that form into the League games and start brightly.

Bunjemark · 23-08-2009, 10:40 PM

Nice update,good pre-season,good luck in Germany.

21-08-2009, 09:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
unitedmad Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kernow Posts: 232	1899 Hoffenheim - A German Adventure ----- Welcome to Germany! I looked above me and saw the sign, and for the first time this all felt real. I was here. Two weeks after being approached, I had arrived in Hoffenheim, ready to take on the task of managing the local side, 1899 Hoffenheim. Dragging my luggage through the airport, I looked around, and knew that I would settle in well. The people were friendly, and the view from one of the airport windows was stunning. I immediately felt at home. I got the entrance of the airport, and was greeted by a smartly dressed man, who led me to his car. The man was Achim Sarstedt, my new assistant manager. When we got the car, I saw another man sat in the car, this was Dietmar Hopp, my new Chairman. During the short ride back to the training ground, we discussed matters such as my contract, a one year deal worth £11,000 pounds a week. A lot more than I was earning at my last job, so I was delighted. After being talked through some brief details about the squad I was inheriting by Achim, I understood the Hoffenheim squad to be youthful and full of energy, but lacking slightly in midfield. He talked through a few ideas for potential signings and I thanked him, but I would be having a good look at the squad for myself before making any decisions on signings. This brought Mr Hopp onto the subject of transfer budget, which we agreed at £6M. He had originally offered me £4.5M, but I told him with a bit extra I felt I could achieve a top half finish, and he allowed me the chance to prove myself, which pleased me. I was glad to be working for Mr Hopp, he was an ambitious and confident man, and I felt I could rely on him to back me. We arrived back at the training ground after about 30 minutes, and I spent the afternoon introducing myself to the players before watching a short training match between the usual starting 11 and a mix of fringe players and reserves. The stronger 11 won as expected, it was a tight 1-0 win thanks to a goal from midfielder Sejad Salihovic. After the training session, I took a taxi back to the apartment I was renting until I could find a permanent home, and went to sleep, knowing that I would be introduced to the press in a conference in the morning. __________________ XBOX 360 Gamertag - Miyako35 Hear the Tigers Roar Hull City - Season One Last edited by unitedmad; 22-08-2009 at 02:21 PM.

21-08-2009, 09:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
unitedmad Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kernow Posts: 232	Just a few points about this update..... It's on Football Manager 2009 for PC Updates may vary in frequency, due to a Man City game I have running as well Comments are always appreciated! Next update could be tonight if I can be bothered, but if not tomorrow evening! __________________ XBOX 360 Gamertag - Miyako35 Hear the Tigers Roar Hull City - Season One Last edited by unitedmad; 21-08-2009 at 09:34 PM.

21-08-2009, 10:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
unitedmad Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kernow Posts: 232	---- 1899 Hoffenheim Press Conference Martin Bach: You sit here as the new manager of Hoffenheim. Is this your dream job? Adam Beard: I am pleased to have the chance to work here. Martin Bach: You have taken the Hoffenheim job without being able to speak German. Do you think this will have a negative effect while you learn the language? Adam Beard: I'm not sure I agree with that to be honest. Roland Kilian: What is your overall approach to the tactical side of the game? Adam Beard: I will favour an attack minded approach. Manuel Haas: What will you be bringing to the man management side of the game? Adam Beard: I like to make sure that the players respect my presence. Frank Haas: How involved do you intend to be in the day to day running of the club? Adam Beard: I like to be involved as much as time allows me to be. Martin Bach: New managers often bring about times of change and upheaval and some might fear for their jobs. Will there be changes? Adam Beard: I am very impressed by the structure of the club and won't be making any drastic changes. Manuel Haas: What can we expect from you in the transfer market? Adam Beard: I like to look towards younger players for the future. Martin Bach: Recent reports have linked you with Cruz Azul midfielder Gerardo Torrado. Is there any truth in this story? Adam Beard: I won't be discussing individuals today, sorry. ---- First day in the job After looking at the squad, I started to make plans for the season. I felt the press conference went well, and this gave me confidence that I could do a good job here. I went straight into the transfer market, and looked to spend the money I had been given by Mr Hopp. The main deals I hoped to push through were for Davide Santon, an exciting prospect from Inter Milan. I made a bid of £2M, hoping that I could secure his signature. The other main deal was for an outstanding young defender from Dinamo Moscow. Leandro Fernandez is a 25 year old Argentinian, who has been capped 17 times at youth level. I made a bid of £2.6M, and was praying that it would be accepted, as I felt he would become a key member of the squad. Two bids were made for youngsters Ryan McGowan and Michael Morton, of £100k and £80k respectively. The last bid made was for Werder Bremen's transfer listed defender Peter Niemeyer. They were asking £425k for him, which I felt was a bargain, so I offered the asking price without any hesitation. Round Up Leandro Fernandez - Dinamo Moscow - £2.6M Ryan McGowan - Hearts - £100k Michael Morton - Orlando Pirates - £80k Peter Niemeyer - Werder Bremen - £425k Davide Santon - Inter Milan - £2M __________________ XBOX 360 Gamertag - Miyako35 Hear the Tigers Roar Hull City - Season One Last edited by unitedmad; 22-08-2009 at 02:20 PM.

22-08-2009, 12:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
tim_massa_brawn I Love England, Despite All I Say Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 1,355	Great updates so far they are very good. Also, a good choice for the club I think you will do well with them. I can't wait to read more of your updates! __________________ PSN: Domin8r___ Add me and say your from here! "Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind." - John F. Kennedy "Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die." - Herbert Hoover "If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal ----------------------------------------------------------- The views expressed in this message are totally of a personal opinion.

22-08-2009, 07:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
unitedmad Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kernow Posts: 232	Thanks for the comments lads :) ---- 'It's always a stressful time.' Hearing this didn't fill me with joy, as I spoke on the phone with Achim about the upcoming pre season. I had made a few moves in the transfer market, and was awaiting replies from other clubs, so Achim and myself discussed tactics for the upcoming friendlies. We would be playing 6 games, including home games against Slavia Prague and Levski Sofia, both challenging teams. The other 4 games would all be played away from home, and in all honesty, should be won comfortably. Pre Season Results Click Here All in all, I was very happy with our pre season results, plenty of goals scored and not a single goal conceded. The win against Slavia Prague was particularly pleasing, as it was my first match in charge and we were not clear favourites for the game, so to win by 3 goals was a very good effort from the lads. The only downsides were an injury to Chinedu Obasi, and the inability of the lads to put more than 2 past Meppen. The transfer side of pre season was a lot less straight forward than the friendlies, but all in all I was just as happy with my signings. The move I had dreamt of for Davide Santon fell through, as they rejected at least 3 offers from us and in the end I was forced to pull out. I did however, manage to sign the other player I desperately wanted, defender Leandro Fernandez from Dinamo Moscow for £2.6M, I felt this to be an absoulte bargain, and I was delighted. The start of the transfer window also saw 4 other players join Hoffenheim, as I agreed deals for them towards the end of June. Michael Morton, Peter Niemeyer, Ryan McGowan, and Brian Easton all joined on the first of July. A week later, I had completed a deal for striker Kikin Fonseca, with would severely limit the amount of games that Wellington and on-loan striker Boubacar Sanogo would play. One more player joined, right at the end of pre season, and it's a signing that I am very excited about. 17 year old striker, Ruben Rochina joining from Barcelona for a fee of £220k. Only one player left during pre season, young winger Boris Vukcevic joining Ahlen on loan until the end of the season. Transfer Overview Click Here Niemeyer \| Morton \| Fonseca \| Easton \| Fernandez \| Rochina \| McGowan With all my money gone, and my transfers complete, I was reasonably happy with the squad for the upcoming season. We have two very good goalkeepers, with a decent back up in Ozcan. We have a large amount of defenders, which may be an issue later in the season, as I can't see everybody staying happy, but our defence has a lot of quality, backed up by the fact that we didn't concede in pre season. We also have a lot of quality in midfield, and a good blend of youth and experience, and our strike force is very good, especially for a newly promoted team such as ourselves. Obasi and Ba have both been attracting interest from a number of teams, but will only be leaving for extortionate fee. Hoffenheim Squad Click Here __________________ XBOX 360 Gamertag - Miyako35 Hear the Tigers Roar Hull City - Season One

22-08-2009, 09:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
Box of Clocks Version 2 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 764	A nice read so far. Looking forward to the next update.

22-08-2009, 10:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
tim_massa_brawn I Love England, Despite All I Say Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 1,355	Well now everything is settled good luck with the season. Also, your pre season results were very good. __________________ PSN: Domin8r___ Add me and say your from here! "Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind." - John F. Kennedy "Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die." - Herbert Hoover "If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal ----------------------------------------------------------- The views expressed in this message are totally of a personal opinion.

22-08-2009, 11:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
Man United10 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ireland Posts: 3,088	Really good updates, keep it up . __________________ Glory glory manunited glory glory manunited glory glory manunited and the reds go marching on on on!

23-08-2009, 08:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
Box of Clocks Version 2 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 764	Very impressive pre season, hopefully you can take that form into the League games and start brightly.

23-08-2009, 10:40 PM	#10 (permalink)
Bunjemark Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Luton Posts: 10,549	Nice update,good pre-season,good luck in Germany. __________________ *Come on you Spurs!* FOOTBALL MANAGER 2010 - Stopsley Utd (Season 1) "The team is back for a new era on FM." LMA MANAGER 2005 - Stopsley Utd (20 Years) "20 years of success on LMA."

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