Starting Playing Soccer Manager Was One Of The Best things I Have Ever Done

Starting playing Soccer Manager was one of the best things I have ever done. I love football, know a lot about a number of players and if it’s possible, I watch it every day.

When you become a manager, there are for me, 2 important things to consider: Which club do you want to manage and do you want quick success and trophies.

Choosing my first club.

I’m have been playing for 3 and a half years now with Anderlecht, which is the club of my heart. But why did I choose to start managing them? They were playing in division 4 and did not have any big name players. The reason was simple. I wanted the challenge of starting at the bottom and leading them to the first division. I had some funds available for buying players, which was important, particularly when you take a club at the bottom. You need to be in a position to buy better players, so that you can begin your journey to the top.

Trophies

When you start the game, the ultimate aim is off course to win a lot of trophies. So, If you take for example Barcelona (If you can find one) you are sure that you can win a trophy in the first 3 seasons, if all the good players have not been sold. But I wanted the challenge of creating my own starting 11, with a key focus on looking for young prospects who could hopefully develop into top players after a few years. That of course means that it will take time, but it is very satisfying and makes you smile when you see these players ratings increase. Trophies are important, but they are not the only objective in my life as a manager. Of course, after playing 3 seasons, I won division 2, 3 and 4.  I have to say that it did give me a boost when I led my team to the top tier and I became a manager in division 1.

How do I play?

I’m not a manager who changes my team’s tactics every week. I don’t remember why I changed the first time, I think it was after struggling in division 1. 7 seasons of the same thing. You will probably think that it’s not a good thing to stick with the same tactics, but if you are winning, you stay in Division 1 and if you win a cup, and your mind isn’t for changing. Now I’m playing with different tactics. Also with other teams I’m changing more. If I play against a strong team I go more defensive, and you know what? 10/12 was the result. Before that is was 0/12. I’m still learning.

It’s also important to buy young players. Don’t wait for them to become famous. Other teams will buy them and you will have to pay a lot more for them. You can buy 10 youngsters, but only 1 off them may be in your team later. It’s always important to be on the lookout for new young talents.

Last season with Anderlecht was the best I have ever experienced! Not only did I win division 2, but I also won the cup for the second time and experienced my first success in the SMFA competition! It a similar situation to what Leicester have achieved this season. It’s like a miracle that I have managed to win the hardest competition. In the semi-final I defeated Manchester United (2nd in division 1) and then there was the final against Atletico, who were the winners of division 1. I was already happy to be in the final with my little club. It was like winning the Champions league in real life. A great feeling. And that gives me the drive to look at my club on a daily basis, searching for new talents and hoping that in a few seasons i can win another trophy.

About the author – Maarten Bruneel

Maarten lives in Belgium and has been playing Soccer Manager Worlds for three and a half years. He has a love for football in general and supports Anderlecht

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