PAOK sets Greek record for the longest unbeaten streak in League 1
Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. When you manage PAOK you never lose or my adventure is an exception.
I managed to win everything that can be won: Super League 1, Greek Cup and Super League Cup. It seems like an impossible mission, but it’s not.
Simply, PAOK is the strongest team in Greece, and I would like to single out some interesting names: Aleksandar Prijovic, Pontus Wernbloom, Maurício, Rodrigo Rey …
They are very experienced players!
However, the key to success is rotation and 22 players who have found a place in the A or B team.
I thought it was the only way to achieve goals. That’s why I was forced to bring some new faces to the club.
Transfer Budget €700K
Frankly, I expected a lot more money for the transfer market (at least €2-3M) but it didn’t happen.
I had no right to make mistakes so I carefully selected the transfer targets: Kalilou Traoré (MC), Nemanja Milunovic (CD) and Milan Pavkov (ST).
These are the players who were missing for a rotation system. First things first …
Kalilou Traoré (Free Transfer)
This is a player with a rich football career (7 clubs – 5 countries) and an international experience (18 caps/3 goals) that is more than necessary for my team.
Kalilou is a tall and strong player. Although his primary position MC – Mezzala/Roaming Playmaker, I saw him on the MR – Winger.
However, he didn’t meet my expectations! Solving unpredictable situations with long shots is not a solution.
There were a lot of mistakes in the middle of the pitch, and Kalilou Traoré got a squad status – Backup.
Nemanja Milunovic (Bate → PAOK €500K)
I’ve been thinking about this transfer for a long time because I had a great choice at the CD position: Eugene Khacheridi, Varela, José Ángel Crespo, and Dimitris Chatziisaias.
On the other hand, playing two games a week increases the risk of injury so it’s not nice to see the status “INJ 2-3 months”.
Nemanja is a good Central Defender who, with the help of small tricks (player traits), achieves fantastic results – 19 Apps, 2 Gls, 3 Asts and Average Rating 7.83.
Milan Pavkov – Loan (Red Star → PAOK)
I was looking for a player who will be a replacement for Aleksandar Prijovic, and Pavkov was an excellent solution. I knew he was perfect for the role of Target Man.
Now I have to return to reality and praise the historical victory of the Red Star against Liverpool (2: 0) in the Champion League.
I believe Red Star fans will remember for a long time 07/11/2018. And guess who was the man of the match? – Milan Pavkov!
He scored 2 goals …
Primary formation 4-3-1-2
By choosing 4-3-1-2, I made a machine for scoring goals. PAOK really didn’t know for defeat until it didn’t become a participant in the Europa League. Then I watched another movie on the screen.
The teams that managed to beat me are the following: SK Rapid Wien (2-3), FC Basel (0-1) and Dynamo Kyiv (0-1). The last club has great respect on my part.
On PAOK’s side are experience, creativity, and strength, but not speed. You can not expect someone aged 32 to have Acceleration/Pace 16+. I’m not saying that this isn’t possible but it is a rarity (Ronaldo).
That’s why I carefully moved the defensive line depending on the opponent. Quick counter-attacks were the weak points of my team.
Two other “reserve” tactics were 3-4-3 and 5-2-3 WB Wide. I used them from time to time because there was no need. Would you change the formation after winning 10-0?
I’m ready for a new adventure
Unfortunately, I don’t have time to continue this save because serious projects are waiting for me.
My plan was to test FM 18, and then start the story in Football Manager 2019. I think it will be the USA or China. Who knows?
Major League Soccer (MLS) is an interesting competition but the real money is being hid in China.
The challenge is to bring a live legend (Ronaldo, Messi, Buffon) to La Galaxy or Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao.
In any case, I had a great season with PAOK in Super League 1. Everything worked according to the plan and I believed that my team could win the title in Greece.
The reason why I chose this club, not the other, are two colors – black and white. Completely the same colors that are the trademark of my favorite club Partizan.
Now I pack my bags and leave Europe, and the destination is unknown.
Thank you for your attention and time.
Author: Alen Stefanovic Game: Football Manager 2018
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