Hey it's been a while OS, I have to share my Bayer Leverkusen save now that they've wrapped up the league in real life.
I started this save all the way back in the FM 23 beta, originally wasn't planning to do it long term, but got so invested that I played it all through 23 and imported to 24. Really glad they introduced that feature this year. Not starting a new save until I win the league.
So, I took over Bayer right around the time Xabi Alonso did in real life but I have not had the success he has managed. It has been such a fun save though and I just wrapped up year 10. The bad news? I've come close to trophies but not yet managed a single one(pathetic). I've got the full Neverkusen experience in this one. I've got 4 2nd place finishes in the league and Bayern have not let up(hilariously, in every other FM save I've ever done, they seem to fall off a cliff, but now that I'm here...they're as dominant as ever).
Here's how my most recent, most successful season panned out, in the most heartbreaking fashion yet:
2 points off the top, I beat Bayern in a crucial match down the stretch. They dropped points, and I lost one stupid game in the last 3 matches that cost me the title. One stupid game against hated rivals Koln, thanks to a handball penalty and my leading striker missing a golden opportunity. I had the title and the curse struck again...
Despite that, this was my easily my favorite group of players and our playing style is in full flow. 94 goals scored and it's coming from all over the pitch. Just have to cut out those few 0-1 losses and silly draws to lower table teams. I did win manager of the year for the first time, which is nice.
I'm as determined as ever to get this title. Maybe Xabi doing it in real life will unlock the ability for me to do it in game lol. The Pokal has eluded me as well, I'm eager to get my hands on that one.
Oh and if you want to have a laugh, Graham Potter is still at Chelsea 10 years on