Career An attempt at Cardiff city

[OGtechnician]

I set off with perhaps the hardest team to manage in my opinion in the premier league. The board didn’t do me too many favours either, with a starting budget of 21 million I had little leeway negotiating the transfer market. 

I’m now a season and a half into the game and it’s been quite a transformation!

There were many key areas that needed improving progressively 

Defence

I’d  have to say the defence lacked a player with top premiership experience. My first signing of the era was Robert Huth, a title winning defender and great leader, he played an important role as a no nonsense defender partnered by Ecuele Manga. 

Midfield

In midfield, Aron Gunnarson and Harry Arter were fantastic, especially the latter who I couldn’t sign on a permanent.

Initially they partnered at the base of a 4231, both provided goals and assists and dominated the midfield areas. After a few laboured draws I switched to a 433, Gunnarson now played at the played base as an anchor which gave extra protection to the defence. I switch from a control tempo to counter attacking football also meant we leaked less goals 

 

Attack

I had no idea how to set up the attack initially due to the fact real life Cardiff literally struggle in attack.

Enter - Lacina Traore

Along with Huth I signed him on a free. He was a revelation in attack, initially played him ahead of Bobby Reid and he provided a huge chunk of goals and assists as a target man. A switch to the 433 also improved his fortunes. In the end he was second top goal scorer in the league only behind Salah.

Power of pace - Josh Murphy

Murphy was a revelation in attack, he played as a left inside forward and my was he good. After a quiet start he ended the season with the same tally of combined goals as Traore on 31 goals.

Notable mentions 

Callum Paterson - ended the season in the team of the year after a late surge of solid performances at right back. Murphy was also another representative in the team of the year 

 

End of season 

We ended the season in 7th place which which I thought was fantastic, our long run in the FA cup ended with a loss to United who went on to win it. I also received manager of the year from my peers so it’s been a great start :)

We’re currently fourth in the league after some good transfer business, I’ll post more on this later and tactics but I’d highly recommend Cardiff as a save if you fancy a challenge!!

[OGtechnician]

Start of Season 2 fixtures 

 

 

[BatiGoal]

7th..MOTY.. great first season. And only 3 losses thus far in your second one. Looking solid. 

[fmhaberdeenfan]

Cracking start, keep it up!

[Rhys Rockley]

What tatics are you using mate?

[OGtechnician]

Ok don’t know where to start was quite an extraordinary season. Should have got a screenshot of the last game. Goals in the 81st & 83rd minute secured a comeback win against Leeds to seal the title by a point. I actually had an 8 point lead on United before my loanee striker was hit by injury. Traore was no where near his previous standard but we secured the league.

Key Signings

With a war chest of 61 million, I had to do some smart business. Some early negotiations broke down, I tried resigning Harry Arter but he rejected us. 

Max Arnold - thrived in midfield as a playmaker, brought real balance and energy. For less than 13m

Lorato Martinez - insane complete forward scored 25 in his first 23. Only had to contribute 40% to his wages too. He actually made the worlds best eleven too.

Guendouzi - fantastic player, shone and midfield and was instrumental im some big goals!! Recommend signing him on loan or transfer for any level club

Jordan Ibe & Cavaleiro - phenomenal on the counter, get in behind opposition consistently. Rotated with Josh Murphy the provided goals and assists in buckets, always had one of the three coming off the bench.

Will Boly and Joe Worrall - absolute steals in the transfer market. Beefed up the defence playing them as Liberos. Boly chipped in some goals joining attacks from deep, Worrall is a solid young player looking forward to his second season!

Plattenhardt - vastly experienced solid left back, only 6m 👍

Emiliano Martinez - surprisingly good, got on a free from arsenal 

Hyndman - this guy was a steal. Great passing ability racked up assists. Makes a fine playmaker or CM

 

[Rhys Rockley]

Again What tatics are you using mate? Lol

[OGtechnician]

Adjusted some player roles in midfield in game. Mainly used Apm-CM or 2 APMs, the DM position was always an anchor. Also switched to counter when opponents built up momentum especially late on 

[OGtechnician]

Also Paterson at it again