By Mister TRX · Juventus

PSV top of the table in a Dutch 1:2

PSV +12 VA finished top of the real and stats tables this year. They were just ahead of AZ who were predicted to be just ahead of them Third in the stats and with auto promotion were Atalanta who had the highest VA in D5 of + 13. Shaktar still have their playoff hopes alive and a VA of +12 shows they bat well above their weight although this will not scare Sassuolo their opponents who had a great +8 VA. Villareal, Bordeaux on +6 and +9 VA had great seasons and should be proud.

It all went wrong for Fiorentina on -12VA at the wrong end of the pile. Crystal Palace on -13VA are just saved from the lowest spot as Fiorentina should have come 2nd this suffer a greater penalty. Brugge on -10 VA, Twente -9VA and Fenerbache on -9 VA were notable under achievers. The A.I. did slightly better than me. This was largely due to it spotting Torino’s depth weakness as being a fatal flaw.

By Mister TRX · Juventus

Gold medal performance of Olympique Lyonnais.

Predicted 18th but finished 4th and at this moment still in the hunt for playoff glory Lyon showed what can be done so long as you have a decent attack. 2nd in the stats Besitkas are their opponents , they had a VA of +7 and well deserved their top 6 spot. River Plate will feel they were unlucky not to get into the playoffs, also predicted to go down they end up 9 places above expected. Bremen on +7 VA just failed in the playoffs and a stunning performance saw Athletic club avoid the drop on +8 VA. This left Kazan as the only relegated team from the predicted 4, even they had +3VA.

PSG conjured relegation where promotion could be found and had the worse VA on -13VA, just below Dynamo on – 10VA who should have made the playoff spots. Marseille will be disappointed with their performance in 15th spot but at least they stayed up. It is worth noting that the 15th,16th, 20th rated teams did get relegated so perhaps not as bad as it would seem.

A.I. vs Human a tie for once with no notable difference in results.

By Tom Lee · FC Schalke 04

Five seasons ago, Schalke 04 were competing in Division 1. Four consecutive relegations, numerous managerial departures and a seemingly endless decline later, the German club found itself sitting 19th in Division 5.

Enter Tom Lee.

A manager with just three months of Soccer Manager experience, taking his first steps in one of the game’s most prestigious and competitive worlds.

Ten games later, Schalke had recorded seven wins, one draw and two defeats, climbing to 13th and ending their remarkable decline.

But this press conference wasn’t simply about results.

It was about ambition, self-doubt, loyalty and one relatively inexperienced manager’s determination to prove he belongs among the best.

“This was about stopping the rot.”

Sky Sports: Tom, you’ve achieved something that numerous managers before you couldn’t. You’ve stopped Schalke’s decline. How important was avoiding the bottom three, particularly given what joining the Top 100 meant to you?

Tom Lee:

“Massive. Absolutely massive.

“People need to understand what this club has been through. Five seasons ago, Schalke were in Division 1. Since then, we’ve suffered four straight relegations and watched manager after manager lose their jobs.

“That takes its toll on a football club.

“I was actually assured another opportunity in the Top 100 if we finished in the bottom three, but I didn’t want another opportunity. I wanted this one.

“I wanted to stay at Schalke.

“So I challenged the players. I wanted to see their bottle, their mentality, how they’d respond when there was genuine pressure on them.

“And they responded brilliantly.

“Seven wins, one draw and two defeats. From 19th to 13th.

“We haven’t won anything. I’m fully aware of that. But for the first time in five seasons, this club has stopped going backwards.

“This wasn’t about winning a trophy. It was about stopping the rot and giving Schalke something they haven’t had for years — stability.”

“I’m not here just to say I manage in the Top 100.”

BBC Sport: You’ve been very vocal about your work ethic. You’ve even suggested nobody in Division 5 is more active than you. That’s quite a statement from somebody with only three months of managerial experience. Where does that confidence come from?

Tom Lee:

“Listen, I stand by that.

“I log in every single day. I’m constantly assessing my squad, thinking about tactics, researching players and looking for ways to improve.

“But don’t confuse that with me saying I’m the best manager in this division.

“I’m absolutely not saying that.

“I’m still learning. I’ve made mistakes, and I’ll make plenty more.

“I’ve questioned whether I’m out of my depth. Whether I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.

“Some of the managers I’m competing against have been doing this for years. I’ve got enormous respect for them.

“But that doesn’t mean I’m going to sit quietly and accept being second best.

“The fact I’m inexperienced is exactly what drives me to work harder.

“And one thing I absolutely refuse to do is spend three or five seasons sitting in mid-table in Division 5 just so I can tell people I’m a Top 100 manager.

“What’s the point in that?

“I didn’t work to get into this world just to make up the numbers. I came here because I want to compete.”

“I’d rather build Schalke than inherit success elsewhere.”

BILD: You’ve mentioned that opportunities at clubs like Juventus have become available. Why stay at Schalke when you could potentially compete for honours much sooner elsewhere?

Tom Lee:

“Because where’s the challenge in taking the easy route?

“Look, when I first started playing Soccer Manager in June, I noticed something.

“All the managers I looked up to seemed to be competing in the Top 100.

“I wanted to be part of that. I wanted to test myself against them, and I’m not embarrassed to admit that I wanted their respect.

“But now I’m here, I’ve become attached to Schalke.

“I know these players. I’ve spent hours researching them, negotiating transfers and trying to build something that can last.

“This team means something to me now.

“And personally, I think I’d earn far more respect taking Schalke from the bottom of Division 5 through the divisions than I would walking into Juventus and winning Division 2 at the first time of asking.

“That’s not disrespecting anyone who takes those jobs. Everyone has different ambitions.

“But mine is to build something.

“The team that, on paper, is the worst in the Top 100 is mine. And I care enough to change it.

“I genuinely believe I’m good enough to do it, too.”

“I’m a winner, not a survivor.”

The Athletic: You’ve spoken about wanting success, but you’ve also admitted you don’t necessarily expect promotion next season. Some might see that as contradictory. What does success actually mean to you?

Tom Lee:

“I don’t think it’s contradictory at all.

“There’s a difference between expecting promotion and believing you can achieve it.

“Look at our form since I arrived. Seven wins, one draw, two defeats. That’s promotion form.

“Why can’t we do that again?

“What’s stopping us?

“Of course, I’m realistic. We’ve got a young squad, and we’re relying on players developing. Some will improve, others won’t.

“But I’ve already shown I’m prepared to take chances on young players, even when their ratings suggest they aren’t quite ready.

“And we’ve been winning football matches.

“If we finish next season in a similar position but our young players have developed to the point where I genuinely believe we’re ready to challenge for Division 4 the following year, I’d consider that progress.

“What I won’t accept is standing still without a plan.

“I want to win. I want promotion. I want to take this club back up the divisions.

“I’m a winner, not a survivor. Although this season has been all about surviving, next season the chains are coming off.”

“I’ve made mistakes. I’ll make more.”

The Guardian: You’ve been refreshingly open about your inexperience. Is there anything you’ve done at Schalke that you regret?

Tom Lee:

“Where do I start? (Laughs.)

“Of course there is.

“I’ve made transfer decisions I regret. I’ve sold players who, looking back, I might have preferred to keep.

“But sometimes those decisions open doors you never expected.

“One transfer allows you to make another. One player leaving creates an opportunity for somebody else.

“And that’s what I’m learning.

“I’ve only got three months of experience. Some of the managers here have probably forgotten more about this game than I currently know.

“But I’m not afraid to admit when I’ve got something wrong.

“I think that’s important.

“You can’t improve if you’re constantly trying to convince everyone you’ve never made a mistake.

“I’m not asking people to judge me as the finished article. Judge me on whether I’m learning, improving and moving this club forward.”

“As long as they’ll have me, I’m here to stay.”

Kicker: Schalke have gone through numerous managers in recent seasons. What reassurance can you give supporters that you won’t simply move on when a better opportunity presents itself?

Tom Lee:

“Well, firstly, it can’t get any worse, can it? (Laughs.)

“Four straight relegations. We’ve hit rock bottom.

“But seriously, I understand why supporters would be sceptical. They’ve watched managers come and go, and the club has suffered because of it.

“All I can promise is 110% effort, week in, week out.

“I don’t like swapping and changing clubs. I don’t want a managerial history full of ten-game spells.

“I want a long reign. I want to see the players I’ve recruited develop. I want to look back in a few seasons and recognise the progress we’ve made.

“And as long as David and the Top 100 lads will have me, I’m here to stay.

“I’m not interested in leaving for a bigger name.

“Unless I’m sacked, I’m staying at Schalke.

“I was here when this club was at rock bottom. I’d like to be here when we finally get it back on its feet.”

“Don’t underestimate us.”

Sky Sports: Finally, Tom, you’ve completed your first season in the Top 100. What message would you like to send to the other 99 managers ahead of next season?

Tom Lee:

“Well, firstly, I’m flattered that so many of you seem to think I’ve been around for a while.

“The truth is, I’m very new to all this.

“I’ve got a lot to learn, and I’m looking forward to learning it.

“But I’ve worked incredibly hard to get here, and I intend to make the most of the opportunity.

“I don’t expect anyone to hand me respect. That’s something you’ve got to earn.

“And hopefully, over the coming seasons, the results and the work we’re doing at Schalke will speak for themselves.

“I’m here to stay. Watch this space. And don’t underestimate us.”

THE REBUILD CONTINUES

For Tom Lee, the first ten games were about proving he could survive in the Top 100.

The next chapter is about discovering how far he can go.

Schalke’s decline has finally been halted. The manager has made his intentions clear. And while promotion may not arrive immediately, there is now something at the club that has been missing for five seasons.

Belief.

By Chris Meida · CSKA Moskva

We did it - we’re staying in D1 again against the odds! It took 10 points from our last 6 and ended up finishing 15th.

GK: We have starting GK Carnesecchi (90) still in his early prime.

RB: A two way battle between stalwart Bah and Jon Martin, with Alex Jimenez available but needed elsewhere. Mambuku is seeing time now, and Ife Ibrahim is listed here though he’s likely a CM.

CB: Harry Maguire (90) remains the starter with fan favorite Chris Richards (88), from nearby Alabama. Mamadou Sarr (87) and Jan-Carlo Simic (85) are still backing up. Again, Martin’s natural position is here so he may compete for minutes. Mfuni leads the youth setup with a few high potential youth including Canut who is starting now.

LB: Alvaro Carreras (90) remains our starter despite falling in the pecking order at Madrid to Mr Pantene ProV. Robert Renan is capable of filling in here as is Jimenez. Ishe Samuels Smith remains a favorite of the manager.

DM: Jordan Henderson (89) continues to start alongside Pape Gueye (90). Lerma and Romeo Lavia (87) will be backups. ze Lucas shows potential as do a host of others including Nouibbisie, Floyd Samba (who knows his natural position) and a few other young guns.

CM: Brazilian Matheus Pereira (88) continues to be the starter. Kendry is the backup though his progress has stagnated due to excessive partying. Someone will need to come from DM or AM to cover here.

AM: Gone is Iago Aspas. In to pair with Adingra is Mastantuono. Plenty of backup options with Jimenez, Odobert, Isaque, Cavan, and Irankunda vying for time.

CF: Immobile is gone. Dzeko is older than his manager but remains the starter with Memphis. Oft-injured Karim Konate is the future along with the likes of Nguessan and Bro Hansen.

Marketing: Kendry Paez hookahs in the club shop

Likely starting lineup: Carnesecchi, Martin, Maguire, Richards, Carreras, Gueye, Lavia, Pereira, Mastantuono, Adingra, Dzeko

Youth lineup: ???, Martin, Sarr, Simic, Jimenez, Ze Lucas, Paez, Irankunda, Mastantuono, Odobert, Konate

Goal: It may be time to bring in more firepower

By Mister TRX · Sevilla FC

Porto top the league and the stats.

First the blurb. At the start of the season, I looked at the squads as they were and used this to rank all the teams based on the 4 main positions, squad depth. Average is only used as a tie breaker.

This gives us the Value added i.e. how many positions above your predicted spot you finish and the PVA, positional value added which takes into account where you finish. Positional value added gives you your position in the stats with VA used as a tie breaker and to highlight individual great performance.

Porto it is no surprise head the stats table with 4/5 rivals underperforming to some extent. Leicester was resurgent this year finishing 3rd in the league and 2nd in the stats. Bayern were also back on form with a strong +4 VA and 3rd in the stats. Strongest VA overall is Espanyol, relegation candidates they finished 12th on +8 VA. Arsenal, Sporting and CSKA also had high +3 VA showing a great season.

Juventus were the standout underperformers on -14 VA, relegated when they should have been challenging for the title. Dortmund performed well enough but 6th place leads to -4 VA. Hellas after many great seasons were left to fester this season on -6VA, Levante seem to be on a downwards trend with -5 VA.

Looking at human vs A.I. Human was the clear winner with a total difference of 68 points from 22 teams i.e. +/- 3 with the A.I. on 78 points. The A.I. slightly over egged the underperformance at the lower end of the table. I will look into adjusting that to see if it does better.

By Chris East · PSV

Season Review

There are just 180 minutes standing between PSV and a place in the history books. After 36 games, the title race has reached its decisive stage, with PSV sitting at the top of the table on 80 points, three clear of AZ Alkmaar. The club is on the verge of securing its first-ever domestic league title and, perhaps just as significantly, delivering East his first trophy in the gameworld.

It has been a season of consistency, resilience and serious attacking firepower. PSV have found the net 88 times in 36 league fixtures, comfortably the highest total in the division. While the defensive record of 51 goals conceded leaves room for improvement, it is the ability to outscore opponents that has ultimately put PSV in this position.

The challenge now is simple: finish the job.

The final hurdle

With two home fixtures remaining, PSV have everything in their own hands. First up is Spartak Moskva, currently 17th in the table, before a final-day meeting with Fenerbahçe, who sit 19th.

On paper, these are favourable fixtures against sides struggling towards the bottom of the division. However, with a historic title within touching distance, there will be no room for complacency. AZ Alkmaar remain three points behind and will be ready to capitalise on any slip-up.

The title is firmly within PSV’s grasp, but the celebrations will have to wait until the final whistle confirms the job is done.

Building a squad capable of winning

The season has also seen considerable activity in the transfer market, with 11 arrivals and 12 departures.

The standout acquisitions have been two experienced defensive additions: Bardakci, arriving from Hoffenheim, and Struijk, recruited from Espanyol. Rated 88 and 87 respectively, they represent significant investments in strengthening the foundations of the side.

The bigger picture: Making history

The club’s trophy cabinet currently tells a story of near misses, with one domestic league runners-up medal and one domestic playoff runners-up finish.

East has the opportunity to change that narrative entirely.

A first league title would not simply be another trophy added to the collection. It would be the first piece of silverware in this gameworld for both manager and club.

The Interview

With the title within touching distance, we caught up with the PSV manager to discuss the season, the pressure of the final two fixtures and what winning a first-ever trophy would mean.

Question: You’re now three points clear at the top with two games remaining. Did you expect to be in this position at the start of the season?

East: I think every manager starts a season believing they can compete, but being in this position with two games left is something special. We’ve put ourselves in a fantastic position, and the players deserve enormous credit for that. We’ve had a few difficult moments along the way, but the important thing is that we’ve kept picking up results and maintained our position at the top.

Q: You’re on the verge of your first trophy in the gameworld. What would that achievement mean to you personally?

E: It would mean an awful lot. You put so much time and effort into building a team, making decisions in the transfer market and trying to get everything right on the pitch. Ultimately, you want something tangible to show for that work. I’ve had my fair share of disappointments, so to finally get over the line and win my first trophy would be a huge personal milestone.

Q: It’s not just your first trophy, though. It would also be PSV’s first-ever trophy in the gameworld. Does that add extra pressure?

E: Absolutely, but it also makes it that much more exciting. To be the manager who brings PSV their first trophy would be something I’d be incredibly proud of. You’re not just winning something for yourself; you’re creating a bit of history for the club. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

Q: Your final two fixtures are both at home, against Spartak Moskva and Fenerbahçe. How do you approach those games knowing what’s at stake?

E: We approach them exactly as we should approach any other league fixture: with the intention of winning. It’s easy to look at the table and start thinking about the trophy, but that won’t help us on the pitch. Spartak are our next opponents, and that’s where our focus has to be. We can’t afford to look beyond them.

Q: AZ Alkmaar are still only three points behind. Is there any concern about the possibility of the title going down to the final day?

E: It’s football, and anything can happen. AZ have had an excellent season themselves, so credit to them. But we’re in control of our own destiny. We don’t need to worry about what they’re doing if we take care of our own business.

Q: PSV have scored 88 goals this season, the highest in the division. Is that attacking output what you’re most pleased with?

E: It’s certainly something to be proud of. We’ve shown that we can hurt teams and that we have goals throughout the squad. Of course, there are areas where we can improve, particularly defensively, but scoring 88 goals in 36 games is a fantastic achievement. It’s been a real team effort.

Q: Finally, what message would you give to the PSV supporters ahead of these last two matches?

E: Keep believing in us. We’ve worked incredibly hard to get here, and we’re so close to achieving something special. We’ve got two important home fixtures ahead, and we’ll give absolutely everything to get the results we need. Hopefully, we’ll have something to celebrate together very soon.

Santos the clear favourites who will join them.

Quick note, there were 2 obvious ABDs that I noticed and actioned as they may well have gone through before publication.

Santos have a top team in most of the important categories of D5 and would be at least playoff contenders in the division above.  Fiorentina have that rare thing in D5 a 90 rated attacker who will strike fear into the heart of the opposition defence.  Palace could achieve great things if they exchange that 86 rated keepers for an 87and gathered up a bit of depth but they are ranked 3^rd.

Celta the first playoff team, attack and midfield are the main strengths Torino a favoured top and tail team a potent 89/89 sandwich perhaps lacking a bit of filling.  If 217.5 is needed to survive D4 then Lazio, Olympiacos, Twente, Fenerbahce and AZ could all push for promotion with little fear of future problems.  Stuttgart continues to be pretty much the worse team in the history of T100 despite the early point which may be few and far between. Spartak also sit adrift of everyone else. Lyon and River Plate at least can see the opposition in the distance.

Quick hint you don’t need to pick up all the best grains of sand to build the best brick wall worth thinking about. All teams could have 11-12 decent players and then the rest could be whatever you make of it to stay competitive.

What does the A.I. make of all this? More or less thinks the same. Torino are predicted to finish lower due to lack of depth, AZ are predicted to be closer to the playoff spots due to the balance in the side and strong keeper.

Giant killers in the cup Lazio or Brugge

Napoli or Valencia which place in sun will be champs.

Napoli are a cut above any other team in the league, a 90 rated keeper, strongest attack, strongest mid should be game set and match even at this early stage. Valencia perhaps a keeper short of challenging their Italian rivals but they should have the defence to lock out most rivals.  Lokomotive also sit pretty in 3^rd spot a mighty midfield perhaps shields a lack of depth in parts of a team but nothing unexpected in D4.  That is obviously the point, in D4 an 86 can’t be classed as a week player and an 88 would be considered a strong one.

The playoff places should be contended by 4 of 6 teams which the A.I. and I agree on. PSG a decent attack but weaker in goal are favoured over Dynamo who are a similar team with a stronger defence gut weaker attack.  Montpellier are up for the top and tail approach so favoured in lower league with Marseille and Celtic trying the same tactic.  Independiente are a more balanced squad but do they lack a little depth especially if they get to the playoffs where that is more vital.

You need 219 to survive in division 3 so Partizan should not be discounted if their lack of depth doesn’t hamper them.  Anything less than 218 and you are looking to be served some relegation steak with a side order of sour grapes.  Bremen sits above that cut off.  Kazan looks beyond help at the moment, too weak all round, they will get relegated if nothing is done.  Athletic club really do now need a better keeper to avoid returning to D5.  Lyon are counting on a potent attack out scoring the opposition in high scoring fixtures but this hasn’t gone well so far.  River Plate could just survive. A keeper and defence that is decent for the league with a midfield screen and an ok attack.  Feyenoord even more so than River Plate with Chievo going for the balanced approach. Up for the cup, well Valencia, Dynamo and Marseille should be.

Only one really noticeable disagreement with the A.I. and that is Dynamo Kyiv, I see them mid table or maybe better with that top and tail combo. The A.I. though prefers the more balanced defensive approach of Newcastle to finish in the top half.

Too tight to call at the top of D3

In division 3 unless you inherit a D1 team a compromise has to be made.  So in the block of 9 teams down to Ajax you have every variety and combination of strength and weakness that you could encounter.

Zenit while well balanced are reliant on a strong attack and must be favoured to overpower most weaker-keeper teams. Liege have the top an tail approach of the strong keeper decent attack in 2^nd spot along with some depth. Boca are the one trick pony of super strong attacker, little or no depth. The A.I. chooses to punish this approach seeing them as relegation contenders this year.  Hoffenheim are an evenly balanced team with loads of depth very similar to Monaco who sit just below them

Sampdoria sacrifice depth for attack , unlike St Etienne who trade in depth for defence.  Last but not least Ajax with a well balanced starting team lacking depth and a strong keeper.

You would need 221.5 to survive in D2 so other than the top 2 all the rest have plenty to do.

218.4 was the relegation cut off last season and only two teams sit below that level, though if we consider the quality of the teams promoted to D2 that is not a great shock as the quality in D3 has dropped by around 0.25 pt per starter this season.  Even so only Dnipro who are the eternal survivors and Malaga look sure to drop.  Basel are predicted by both the A.I. and myself to also fall but the A.I. thinks Southampton will survive in 14^th replaced by Boca who it predicts will drop.

Double bounce for Genoa, stats say so.

As alluded to last season Genoa have a mighty team in strength and depth. The one weakness is at the back but they still are almost 1.3 pts over the 4^th place team meaning promotion at least should be guaranteed. That team are Inter, who go for a midfield approach at the expense of the back line.  Stoke sit at the head of 3 other teams over 224, which if you remember is the cut off for D1 prosperity.  Stoke really are a rounded team and should last the pace with their depth.  Cruzeiro sacrifice some depth for a more attacking line up, expect a strong start to the season and the potential to challenge the top 2 if they stay free of injury and suspension.  Milan makes up the trio very similar all round to Cruzeiro.  Time to introduce the A.I. because our robot overlords disagree with my findings and see Leverkusen as key title contenders perhaps it is their greater defensive prowess that is seen as important.  Flamengo are the last team predicted for the playoffs a very strong front line, but it is hard to ignore WBA who did so well last season and still sport a powerful squad.

Up for the cup, well beyond those mentioned West Ham and Sevilla seem to have plenty of depth combined with a decent keeper.

Last season 221 put you in serious relegation danger. This must mean that Galatasaray are in serious trouble, Augsburg may have a good enough attack to overcome their rivals. You really could perm any 2 of Anderlecht. Udinese. Madrid, West Ham, Man Utd or Sevilla. Looking more carefully it is likely that Man Utd will be the wild card, low top 18 but stronger squad. If they get behind early on in the season and get injuries, they would find it hard to progress, conversely a good start and a bit of luck could find them well clear before the relegation battle begins.

The big A.I. differences are. Atletico Madrid. The A.I. see’s them relegated due to the lack of depth, which I think it is over egging and West Ham it predicts as 7 places higher, maybe their well-rounded team will finish better than expected with the level of depth they have.