FM 2011 - Liverpool

[SpaceBound7]

Opening Note -
Well I've been playing this game for a while and I'm actually addicted to this game at the moment. I've seen some some other works here before that have both tried FM also. I'm hoping to make the full season though with everything and all news and results will focus on Liverpool as we head into the 2010-2011 season. Some other results and the league table as well as the European results will be posted occasionally. Hope you guys enjoy though, I'll try to make this as fun as possible.

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2011 (Starting with 2010-2011 Season)
Club: Liverpool (Squad before the January Transfer Window)
Stadium: Anfield
Current Manager: Kenny Dalglish

Situation(Made Up):
After a horrible campaign with Rafael Benitez, seeing Liverpool finish 7th and missing out on a Champion's League spot, changes had to be made. Following the departure of the Spaniard, possible candidates to take the helm were current Fulham manager, Roy Hodgson and former Liverpool player and manager, Kenny Dalglish. With the board confirming the temporary signing of Dalglish to lead his side back to glory, changes had to be made. A striker was needed to support the burden of Fernando Torres and the cries of a left winger were getting louder as the years pass by.

King Kenny, however promises that he won't be in the summer to spend a lot but he will instead get the best out of his current squad. Kenny used to be the manager for the youth team and he has clearly stated that the youth players will be crucial for this season. How will Liverpool do this season under King Kenny? Find out.

Squad (No transfers yet, just a quick overview of the default squad):

GK - Pepe Reina
GK - Brad Jones
GK - Charles Itandje

DR - Glen Johnson
DR - Martin Kelly
DR - Stephen Darby
DC - Martin Skrtel
DC - Jaime Carragher
DC - Daniel Agger
DC - Daniel Ayala
DC - Sotiris Kyrgiakos
DC - Danny Wilson
DL - Paul Konchesky
DL - Fabio Aurelio
DL - Emiliano Insua

RLM(Right or Left Midfield) - Maxi Rodriguez
RLM - Joe Cole
RLM - Dirk Kuyt
RLM - Ryan Babel
RLM - Milan Jovanovic
CM - Steven Gerrard (c)
CM - Lucas
CM - Raul Meireles
CM - Jay Spearing
CM - Christian Poulsen
CM - Jonjo Shelvey
CM - Alberto Aquilani

ST - David N'Gog
ST - Fernando Torres
ST - Andras Simon
ST - Nathan Eccleston
ST - Daniel Pacheco

[SpaceBound7]

News Reports:

July 10, 2010
Start of Season Expectations:
The Liverpool Directors expect success in Europe (Europa League) and an excellent league position at the end of the season.

If you think you can achieve greater things in the league then the board is willing to back you by increasing both the wage and transfer budgets to accommodate your aspirations.

Continental Qualification:
The board would be prepared to give you a transfer budget of 14M and a wage budget of 1,470,000 per week for your current level of ambition.


July 16, 2010
Liverpool set to buy Carroll:
The 12,000,000 deal taking Newcastle's Andy Carroll to Liverpool has been confirmed. Newcastle's Andy Carroll has agreed terms with Liverpool. He revealed that playing in a European competition was a big factor in his decision.


July 25, 2010
Agger Injury Shocker:
Daniel Agger will be out of action for about 8 months after he suffered a slipped disk in training on Saturday.

Liverpool set to buy Hammil:
The transfer deal worth 2,000,000 plus a player (Eccleston) taking Barnsley's Adam Hammill to Liverpool is confirmed.


First Two Fixtures of the Season:
Jul 29, 2010 - EURO Cup Qual.3 Leg 1 vs Fehervar (H)
Aug 05, 2010 - EURO Cup Qual.3 Leg 2 vs Fehervar (A)

[Ed]

I nearly did a FM11 based BTB, but I never got around to it. Glad someone is giving this a go, I shall be reading. Interesting to see you going semi-realistic in your transfer targets what with going in or Carroll.

[Hodor]

Could never stick with these, all the luck to ya sir. I'll be reading

[SpaceBound7]

Of course I won't be posting regularly, so don't expect that. I'll try to post results and news in every opportunity that I get, though. So don't worry, I might do 2 seasons with this before I decide to close down.

Just a heads up

[SpaceBound7]

Jul 29, 2010 - EURO Cup Qual.3 Leg 1 vs Fehervar (H)

4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Torres

Liverpool leave it late:
Final Score: 2 - 0.
Aggregate Score: 2 - 0
Fernando Torres 83'
David N'gog (Sub) 90'

Substitutions:
Shelvey for Meireles 56'
Cole for Rodriguez 56'
N'gog for Torres 89'

King Kenny - "It was tough for Liverpool and we did create our chances as the statistics have shown that we had 14 shots on target and 19 shots overall. We're glad Fernando's off the mark and David as well, and we'll hope to improve in the future. However, this was a good start to the season, a clean sheet and 2 goals at home. The target now is to win our next match and advance to the next round"

*****

Aug 05, 2010 - EURO Cup Qual.3 Leg 2 vs Fehervar (A)
4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Kelly Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Spearing Shelvey
Kuyt Hammil
Carroll

Liverpool cruise to the next round:
Final Score: 2 - 0.
Aggregate Score: 4 - 0
Andy Carroll 6'
Dirk Kuyt 45'

Substitutions:
Cole for Hammil 76'
Pacheco for Kuyt 76'
N'gog for Carroll 76'

King Kenny - "We came here in an away game and we won comfortably, I am happy that Carroll got off the mark and we're gonna see more from this boy. I've rested some players for the new season and we're hoping to get involved in the title charge. Good work again today"

Next Fixtures:
Aug 15, 2010 - Barclays Premier League Division vs West Ham (A)
Aug 23, 2010 - Barclays Premier League Division vs Bolton (H)

[SpaceBound7]

Euro Cup Playoff Draw: Liverpool will play Young Boys in the Euro Cup Playoff. The first leg will be played on August 19, 2010 with the Young Boys having home advantage.

Aug 15, 2010 - Barclays Premier League Division vs West Ham (A)

4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Torres

Liverpool dominate but the scoreline doesn't suggest that:
Final Score: 1 - 0.
Raul Meireles 65'

Substitutions:
Jay Spearing for Gerrard 66'
Cole for Rodriguez 66'
Carroll for Torres 66'

King Kenny - "We played well and we dominated most of the game. We didn't take most of our 5 shots on target. Fortunately, Raul got the goal for us and that really gives us the belief that we can go far this season. There's still some room for improvement such as match fitness. Gerrard and Fernando lacked that today, but it was just a pre-caution for our upcoming match. We'll look to keep the winning mentality and just hope for the best."

*****

N'gog out for about a month: David N'gog will miss action for a month after he suffered a damaged shoulder during training on Monday.

Aug 19, 2010 - Euro Cup Playoff Leg 1 vs Young Boys (A)
4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Kelly Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Spearing Shelvey
Maxi Cole
Carroll

Liverpool win comfortably away from home:
Final Score: 3 - 0.
Aggregate Score: 3 - 0
Maxi Rodriguez (pen) 28'
Andy Carroll 38'
Jay Spearing 81'

Substitutions:
Hammil for Maxi 80'
Babel for Cole 80'
Pacheco for Carroll 80'

King Kenny - "Well I'm happy about today's result. We got some youth players playing out there away from home and they did pretty well. We also got to rest some key players for the Premier League game and we came away with three vital away goals. This tie isn't over yet and we will look to finish the job back home. As for now, a job well done for my team and we hope to continue this progress"

King Kenny on Jay Spearing: "He's done well and I've played him in the past couple of games, he's answered well. He's still young and he's still going to improve so I'm glad that he got his first Liverpool goal tonight. There's more to come from him, certainly."

Next Fixtures:
Aug 23, 2010 - Barclays Premier League Division vs Bolton (H)
Aug 26, 2010 - Euro Cup Playoff Leg 2 vs Young Boys (H)

Current League Table: (Top 10 only)
1st - Wigan 3pts
2nd - Arsenal 3 pts
3rd - Chelsea 3 pts
4th - Man City 3 pts
5th - Everton 3pts
6th - Liverpool 3 pts
7th - Tottenham 3 pts
8th - Aston Villa 1 pt
9th - Birmingham 1 pt
10th - Fulham 1 pt
*Only goal difference seperates the top from 7th place*

Stay tuned if Liverpool can keep this form up.

[SpaceBound7]

Aug 23, 2010 - Barclays Premier League Division vs Bolton (H)

4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Torres

Liverpool frustrated as first home game ends in draw
Final Score: 2 - 2.
Steven Gerrard 6' (pen)
Kevin Davis 9' (Bolton)
Kevin Davis 51' (Bolton)
Dirk Kuyt 63'

Substitutions:
Cole for Rodriguez 66'
Hammil for Kuyt 76'

King Kenny - "I'm disappointed because we dominated the whole game and the two chances that Bolton got, they put it away. Credit to them for stopping us but we were just short of ideas today. We'll see this as 2 points lost but we'll fight back, as it is only the start of the season."

*****

Aug 26, 2010 - Euro Cup Playoff Leg 2 vs Young Boys (H)
4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Kelly Kyrgiakos Ayala Konchesky
Poulsen
Spearing Shelvey
Hammil Cole
Carroll

Liverpool go through to the next round following an eventful night
Final Score: 2 - 0.
Aggregate Score: 5 - 0
Joe Cole (missed penalty) 15'
RED CARD: Marc Lange (Young Boys) 15'
Joe Cole (pen) 45'
Andy Carrol 68'
RED CARD: Daniel Ayala (Liverpool) 84'

Substitutions:
Babel for Cole 66'
Pacheco for Hammil 70'

King Kenny - "We played a good game here today and to go through the next round with a 5-0 aggregate scoreline suggests that we're building up momentum heading into the group stages. The youngsters did well today and we rested a couple of players so overall, a good day in the office."

*****
Aug 29, 2010 - Barclays Premier League Division vs Sunderland (A)
4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Carroll

Liverpool grind out away win at the Stadium of Light. Maxi and Skrtel hero.
Final Score: 1 - 0.
Maxi Rodriguez 15'

Substitutions:
Hammil for Rodriguez 77'
Pacheco for Carroll 76'

King Kenny - "Well we got the win that we needed to bounce back. We showed that even if we're not on top form, we can still get the result. We were on the backfoot most of the time but Martin and Carra were immense for us today, credit to them. Fernando got another weeks rest and he'll be playing next week for sure."

*****

Sept 11, 2010 - Barclays Premier League Division vs Wigan (H)
4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Torres

Liverpool win comfortably as Torres scores a brace
Final Score: 3 - 0.
Raul Meireles 14'
Fernando Torres 21', 33'

Substitutions:
Cole for Rodriguez 76'
Babel for Kuyt 76'
Pacheco for Torres 77'

King Kenny - "We played well today and the lads did good. Fernando's off the mark for the Premier League season and those were two amazing goals. Typical of him, he'll be vital in the run in as we prepare to challenge for the title. Glad to see Raul settling well, already with 2 goals under his name. We hope to continue this good form when we face Tottenham next."

*****

Sept 16, 2010 - EURO Cup Grp H vs Tavria (H)
4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Shelvey Spearing
Hammil Rodriguez
Carroll

Liverpool frustrated at home as first group game ends in draw
Final Score: 0 - 0.

Substitutions:
Cole for Rodriguez 66'
N'gog for Carroll 77'

King Kenny - "Well we didn't play our best side out there but a nil-nil score is disappointing at home and I hope we can recover from this immediately. There are 5 games left to play and we're still in the mix, we'll hope to improve in the next games. At least the youth players got some playing time and Lucas was immense for us at the middle."

*****

Sept 19, 2010 - Barclays Premier League Division vs Tottenham (A)
4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Torres

Liverpool frustrated as Tottenham nick the win at the death
Final Score: 2 - 3.
Fernando Torres 3'
Peter Crouch 10' (Tottenham)
Raul Meireles 49'
Johnathan Woodgate 80' (Tottenham)
Rafael van der Vaart 90' (Tottenham)

Substitutions:
Shelvey for Gerrard 77'
Carroll for Meireles 78'
Cole for Rodriguez 80'

King Kenny - "I'm disappointed that we didn't even go out here with a point. We had the lead and Tottenham score two lucky goals. Credit to them for fighting back but we were too soft today. We still have some things to fix up and we'll learn from this."

*****

Next Round of Fixtures:
Sept 22, 2010 - League Cup 3rd Round vs Man City (H)
Sept 25, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Aston Villa (H)
Sept 30, 2010 - Euro Cup Grp H vs PSV (A)
Oct 3, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Man City (A)
Oct 16, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Newcastle (H)
Current League Table: (Top 10 only)
1st - Arsenal 13pts
2nd - Tottenham 13 pts
3rd - Liverpool 10 pts
4th - Chelsea 9 pts
5th - Man City 9 pts
6th - Man United 8 pts
7th - Everton 8 pts
8th - West Ham 7 pts
9th - Blackburn 7 pts
10th - Wigan 7 pts

*All teams have played 5 matches. Only goal difference seperates the top two*

Stay tuned if Liverpool can finally find the consistency needed to maintain a title challenge.

[Ed]

Decent start, 3rd position and 3 points off the top isn't bad at all. That Spurs game sounded great.

[SpaceBound7]

Decent start, 3rd position and 3 points off the top isn't bad at all. That Spurs game sounded great.

Yeah, thought I had the win already, kinda frustrating that they suddenly picked up the win. I guess my downfall in that match was changing to a 4-4-2 formation when I had a 2-1 lead.

[SpaceBound7]

Sept 22, 2010 - League Cup 3rd Round vs Man City (H)

4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Kelly Carragher Skrtel Konchesky
Lucas
Shelvey Spearing
Hammil Cole
Carroll

Liverpool leave it really late as the youngsters beat Man City
Final Score: 1 - 0.
Joe Cole (pen) 103'

King Kenny - "We did great today and we came out with the win against a very strong side. Credit to the youth players as they've really given their all in this match and they've been rewarded. A big win but we'll take each game before we think about the future. As for now, I am satisfied with today's performance. "

*****

Sept 25, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Aston Villa (H)
4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Carroll

Torres the difference as Liverpool beat Villa at home
Final Score: 1 - 0.
Fernando Torres 36'

King Kenny - "We played a good game and it's nice to know that we're still unbeaten at home this season. Fernando's a special player and he was the difference today. The boy's suddenly finding his feet and as the season grows old, he will score more goals. Credit to the team for pulling out a win today and we will look forward to the Europa Game."

*****
Sept 30, 2010 - Euro Cup Grp H vs PSV (A)
4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Spearing
Kuyt Cole
Carroll

Liverpool draw once again as they fall to 3rd place in the Europa table
Final Score: 1 - 1.
Joe Cole 10'
Danny Koevermans 12' (PSV)

King Kenny - "We've been on form as of late except in this tournament. Two draws isn't bad considering we have the league to focus on, but we will obviously want to qualify for the next round, so we need the next four wins."

***** Oct 3, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Man City (A)
4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Torres

Kuyt wins the game for Liverpool at a hard game away against City
Final Score: 2 - 1.
Fernando Torres 27'
Aleksander Kolarov 77' (Man City)
Dirk Kuyt 88'

King Kenny - "What a game we've just witnessed a while ago. The team was surely up for it and it's nice to see everyone having a good game. We never thought that we were gonna walk out here with a draw, we always believed that we can get the win here. That's what drove the lads and credit to Dirk for his winner tonight. He's been in much criticism in the past weeks and that goal has just silenced the critics. Overall, a good day."

*****

Oct 16, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Newcastle (H)
4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Torres

Kuyt is the hero once more as Liverpool grind out a win despite an early red card
Final Score: 2 - 0.
RED CARD: Martin Skrtel 32'
Raul Meireles 36'
Dirk Kuyt 90'

King Kenny - "I didn't see the foul that led to the red card but I'll definitely check it out later. The game today shows that the lads have character to win and their response after the sending off was brilliant. Dirk got us running again with an assist and a goal, he's starting to hit form and there's more to come from him."

*****

Oct 21, 2010 - EURO Cup Grp H vs Montpellier (H)
4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Kelly Kyrgiakos Ayala Konchesky
Poulsen
Spearing Shelvey
Hammil Cole
Carroll

Liverpool frustrated again as they see 3rd successive Europa League draw
Final Score: 0 - 0.

King Kenny - "Well that's football for you. We attacked them all night and they came just to defend. I'm disappointed that we didn't take all 3 points and now we're in a struggle to make it pass through the next round. The priority now is to win the remaining 3 games in the group stages and we will not take this lightly."

*****

Next Round of Fixtures:
Oct 24, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Man United (A)
Oct 27, 2010 - League Cup 4th Rnd vs Tottenham (A)
Oct 31, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Arsenal (H)
Nov 4, 2010 - EURO Cup Grp H vs Tavria (A)
Nov 7, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Blackburn (A)
Nov 10, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Stoke (H)

Current League Table: (Top 10 only)
1st - Tottenham 20pts
2nd - Liverpool 19 pts
3rd - Arsenal 17pts
4th - Chelsea 15 pts
5th - Blackburn 13pts
6th - Man City 13 pts
7th - Man United 13 pts
8th - Everton 13 pts
9th - Fulham 11 pts
10th - Birmingham 10 pts

*All teams have played 8 matches*

Stay tuned as Liverpool have a very tight next few games and see if they can continue the title charge!

[SpaceBound7]

Oct 24, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Man United (A)

4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Kyrgiakos Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Torres

Liverpool suffer first defeat of the season at the hands of exceptional United
Final Score: 2 - 0.
Dimitar Berbatov (Man United) 25'
Wayne Rooney (Man United) 90'

King Kenny - "We were unlucky today as the chances did come but we didn't put them away, which is why we're disappointed. It was always gonna be a hard game but we'll bounce back from this and we'll come back stronger than ever. "

*****

Oct 27, 2010 - League Cup 4th Rnd vs Tottenham (A)

4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Kelly Carragher Skrtel Konchecky
Lucas
Shelvey Spearing
Hammil Cole
Carroll

Liverpool youth team beat Tottenham at the Lane to progress to the next round
Final Score: 2 - 1.
Jonjo Shelvey 76'
Andy Carroll 80'
Verdan Corluka 83' (Tottenham)

King Kenny - "Credit to the young lads, they did well today. Shelvey in particular stopped all the run in mid field and he did well. Andy Carroll was his usual self and he got some important goals for us this season. We're now brimming with confidence and we were able to rest some players, a good day in the office."

*****
Oct 31, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Arsenal (H)

4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Torres

Liverpool bounce back from United loss with an impressive win against Arsenal at home
Final Score: 1 - 0.
Steven Gerrard (pen) 50'

King Kenny - "A good win today and we did bounce back from that United loss superbly. Gerrard was brilliant, and a typical performance, something you'd expect from the skipper. He did well and he drove the team, in return we picked up the win. Now, it's time to focus on the Europa League games, cause' we got to start winning some."

*****

Nov 4, 2010 - EURO Cup Grp H vs Tavria (A)

4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Cole
Carroll

Liverpool score a comprehensive win away to give hope for the next round
Final Score: 4 - 0.
Andy Carroll 40'
Andy Carroll 49'
Jonjo Shelvey 89'
Maxi Rodriguez 90'
INJURY: Glen Johnson

King Kenny - "We did well awhile ago and we really needed to win that game. To win 4-0 away in Europe is impressive and we'll now try to win our next game and secure passage into the next round."

*****

Nov 7, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Blackburn (A)

4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Kelly Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Torres

Two injury time goals settle the scores but frustration for Liverpool as they draw once more
Final Score: 2 - 2.
Fernando Torres 31'
Brett Emerton 54' (Blackburn)
Phil Jones 90' (Blackburn)
Joe Cole 90' (last kick of the game)
INJURY: Martin Kelly 90'

King Kenny - "We're disappointed that we didn't take the 3 points when we were in the lead but we're fortunate to come out here with a point, thank god for Cole who scored the last goal. Still, these are the games we need to win if we want to challenge for the title although I don't think this will have any effect on the title charge for now. It just shows you that we have the character and we will play until the last kick of the game."

*****

Nov 10, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Stoke (H)

4-1-2-2-1
Reina
Darby Kyrgiakos Ayala Aurelio
Poulsen
Meireles Gerrard
Kuyt Rodriguez
Torres

Kuyt the hero as Liverpool grind out a 1-0 win at home
Final Score: 1 - 0.
Dirk Kuyt 67'

King Kenny - "We had a lot of injuries and suspensions on both the defense and mid field which affected the way we played today. But that's why we have 25 squad players ready here and Poulen performed magnificently. Darby played well on his Anfield debut and Dirk will always be Dirk, always getting the vital goal. We did well and our title charge continues."

*****

Next Round of Fixtures:
Nov 13, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Fulham (A)
Nov 20, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Blackpool (H)
Nov 27, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs Birmingham (A)
Dec 2, 2010 - EURO Cup Grp H vs PSV (H)
Dec 5, 2010 - Barclays Premier League vs West Brom (H)
Dec 8, 2010 - League Cup Quarter Finals vs Burnley (H)

Current League Table: (Top 10 only)
1st - Tottenham 27pts
2nd - Liverpool 26 pts
3rd - Man United 25pts
4th - Chelsea 24 pts
5th - Man City 23 pts
6th - Everton 21 pts
7th - Fulham 20 pts
8th - Arsenal 18 pts
9th - Sunderland 16 pts
10th - Blackburn 15 pts

**All teams have played 12 games each**

Stay tuned to see if Liverpool can continue their title charge and progress to both the Semi Finals of the League Cup and the Knockout Stages of the Europa League