(F13) TFSerie Press Pass

A FIFA slump is the worse PS3 game slump ever.

You guys are so gay And I can say that because I work with theater kids all the time!

Nice work Broncos218 and WingedHelmet. Really happy that he and Kella have fit in seamlessly into TFS. Our league is better for them being here. Fantastic swap of the two of them for he whom we will not speak of. However much A_Touch_of_Class misses him and his friendly message board banter.

We don't end sentences with prepositions: Fantastic swap of the two of them for he of whom we will not speak.

And before you even get the chance, yes....

Don't make me bring him back under a different handle Frenchie1916. I know you miss him

I was trying to speak like the FBI officer in the Beavis & Butthead movie

Who is this that I miss?

Yet another Serie C rookie this week, as bbrech0610 answers questions in the latest manager interview...

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bbrech0610​

Serie C​

In Serie C you started out a bit slow, but have since begun to pick up the pace with a recent win streak. What changed?
To be honest, I'm really not sure. Obviously I am scoring more goals right now, so that has been a big help. My defense has always been solid but I struggled to score. I'd like to blame the semi-assisted controls, but I really think I've just settled into my formation, my lineup, and am finding different ways to attack than I had earlier in the season.

You've had some cup success thus far this season by advancing through in the Group of Death and reaching the semis of the Premier Open Cup. What about your game gives you a shot to handle TFS' top competition?
It is definitely my defense. When I am able to play low-scoring, possession games, usually the difference is one or two plays that leads to a goal. For whatever reason, I haven't been able to make those plays in Serie C play but have made them in Cup contests. My win over A_Touch_Of_Class one in which I was constantly on my heels, but managed to grab a fortunate goal and just keep him off the board. I probably didn't deserve to win, but when you defend well and play low-scoring games, sometimes you pull a few of those out.

With West Ham and CxMacx10 next on tap in the Premier Open Cup, how do you see that match playing out?
I've never played CxMacx10 so I don't really know what to expect. Obviously I have seen his results and know his skill from running club matches, but I plan on just playing my game and see what happens.

With some success now, do you see yourself being promoted to Serie B, or even Serie A, soon?
Eventually I think I can be promoted, but it will be very tough to get promoted this season. I just picked up a huge win over Kella to narrow the gap between he and I for the third and final promotion spot, but WingedHelmet and gyroman912 are so far ahead that they will almost assuredly finish in the top two positions.

This upcoming matchweek, you face off against two tough teams in gyroman912 's Getafe CF and Selvy9 's Borussia Monchengladbach. With promotion still in sight, how many points do you feel like you absolutely need to take this week?
We will see. I actually credit gyroman912 for helping me develop my formation, style and technique with my Atalanta squad. Our first match was the first TFS match I ever played and he dominated me despite the 1-0 score line. This will be a big test to see how much I have improved. Selvy9 and I just played a week ago and the match was very evenly contested. I expect much of the same and one great play, or mistake, will probably be the difference.

First season in TFS, and now you've had some time to adjust to the semi-assisted gameplay settings. How has it affected the way you play FIFA?
People may think I am crazy, but the semi-assisted controls haven't affected me as much as I think the pace of play has. Whenever I load up a Seasons or Clubs match, I seem to play much, much faster because of the Normal speed controls. The semi-assisted controls still frustrate me from time to time because I can never completed a lobbed through pass. I've learned to use the square button and lead my players with normal passes more, and find myself playing that way more regularly in non-league matches.

What part of your game do you feel like still needs to be worked on a bit?
Certainly my offensive skill. I feel I do a decent job of seeing the pitch but I haven't mastered any of the skill moves the game offers. It has been a struggle at times because I don't have the user skill to beat many defenders one-on-one, and my team doesn't have the long-distance shooters able to score from depth. I'm starting to figure out ways to earn good opportunities without these skills, but it is difficult.

As an FSU and Denver Broncos fan myself, I sure like your avatar/sig combo you got right now. Who are some of your favorite teams throughout sports?
Sorry to burst your bubble, but I am not actually a Broncos fan... only the Broncos owner in TSO Hard Knocks. However, I am a graduate of Florida State University and proud supporter of the school and all athletic programs. I grew up in south Florida, so my favorite professional teams are all south Florida based (the only one worth anyone's time right now is the Heat). I'm a late bloomer when it comes to soccer and really didn't have a local team growing up (Miami Fusion anyone?) so I go team-less. Makes games much less stressful that way! My girlfriend and I are thinking about adopting a European team and hopefully we will settle in a town with MLS, but for now I am a free agent and taking applications. I am a big USMNT supporter and also enjoy watching Kansas State athletics, as both of my parents are alums.


Thanks bbrech0610 and GL as you finish out your debut season here at TSO. Go Noles!

Orlando City...get on the train early, they'll be in MLS soon enough

My last year living in Orlando was the first year of their existence, had a blast going to games and still like following them. They really have gone all in on going to the MLS (http://orlandobelievesinmls.com/), I just don't know how realistic it is. Time will tell I guess.

They just bought some land in the city for their stadium. If it wasn't for the league's obsession with NYC2 (Cosmos), they'd be #20. Regardless, they're a well-run organization. I see the MLS at 22 teams eventually, and with no southeast presence, safe bet 1 of the last 3 will be there.

We'll see. The Dolphins' owner is making a strong soccer push too. Not that there can't be two Florida teams again, just don't know how viable Orlando actually is. I know it's only USLPro, but they're only getting 7-8k to games. Not sure the name "MLS" does enough to double that figure 15-20 times a year in the dead of summer. Florida in general is just a bad sports market, and this coming from someone born and raised there, lol.

While I grew up 200 miles from Orlando, so not exactly close, I would think that MLS' best chance to succeed in the state of Florida would be in either Orlando or West Palm Beach. Both are heavily populated and not overexposed to professional sports (like Miami or Tampa). Both also have lots of land to offer to build a stadium and already have a lot of interest in the game at the youth levels.

West Palm is actually where I was born, lol. It's not a pro market though. It's not close. Maybe Ft. Lauderdale if you want to stay away from Miami\Tampa. Unfortunately, Miami\Tampa are where the people are though. I'm just basing my thoughts on what I know of Orlando and Florida in general. There isn't a lot of loyalty. It's a lot of people who aren't from there who have their favorite "home" teams already set. Just look at the Marlins and Rays. If Orlando can manage a 15k SSS and the MLS sees that as viable? Maybe it'll work, who knows. We'll have to wait and see what happens after NY2.

Sorry bbrech0610 didn't mean to hijack your interview thread! This was supposed to be about you! So is Jameis Winston really worth all the hype?

No worries! I love some good sports business talk!

I don't know if it's all posturing but, Cosmos seem to like the NASL setup. Makes it easier to bring in superstars when you can exist outside the single entity setup.

Good interview bbrech0610 ! Good luck the rest of the way.

edit: Oh, and the Portland Timbers will gladly accept you as a non-resident fan.

An from what Garber said recently it doesn't sound like Cosmos will be the NYC2 team...

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looks like half of the VP's in the pro clubs mode right there

No interview last week as I was out of town for a while, but we're back this week with the first Serie A manager interview of the season...

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rschwep​

Serie A​

Currently you sit 5th in the Serie A table with a 5-6-5 record. How would you rate your league performance thus far this season?
Inconsistent. That's the mantra of my Serie A career, unfortunately. I think the other managers in the league who have played me multiple times would agree--you never know which version of rschwep you're going to get. Not only does that apply to wins/losses, but also an offensive game vs. a defensive game. I think I'm capable of beating anyone by multiple goals, and I am equally as capable of losing to anyone by multiple goals. This season is no different. I have also been plagued by too many draws in matches where I could have wins. Serie A is so tight, and every point matters.

This is your 3rd season with Hannover 96, yet it would have to be said that your best days were with the Lukas Podolski-led FC Koln side in FIFA 12. Do you feel like you've plateaued a bit now with Hannover and have a difficult time taking the next step with them?
That's 100% true. Part of that inconsistency is being unable to take the next step. I played well with Köln and Podolski, and it perhaps conditioned me as an incomplete FIFA player. Podolski could hit it from anywhere; he had the potential to be a one-man team with every match. I had a bit of the same when I switched to Gladbach and Marco Reus. Part of the reason I went to Hannover was because I wanted to see how I could do with a more complete "team" style of play. I thought it would make me a better FIFA player. Unfortunately, I'm still stuck on mid-table Serie A finishes.

One area where you have drastically improved this season is on defense. You went from having the worst goals against average in Serie A during Season 7 and the second-worst GAA in Season 8, to now having tied for the best GAA this season at 1.25. What's changed for you defensively?
I am known for tinkering with my formations more than I should. I realized before this season that despite having many highly-rated attackers, I wasn't going to win games by getting in track meets. The skill level is too high on this site to consistently win 3-2 games, not to mention my finishing isn't good enough. I decided to commit to defense. It started with a return to the 5-4-1 diamond I had used successfully in the past, but with the left D-pad setting on "defensive" rather than "attacking." I wanted to try to win games 1-0. I really improved my stick skills defensively and have since gone to a 4-2-3-1 wide, but I still think defense first and I'd much rather try to win 1-0 than 3-2.

Looking through Hannover's squad, they have a plethora of forwards all rated within 2 overall points of each other. With Ya Konan, Schlaudraff, Abdellaoue, and Diouf all at your disposal, how do you handle who gets minutes on the pitch?
That's been one of the biggest challenges for me as a manager. I wish they'd transfer one of them out and bring in a 79 OVR defender! When I first took over the team, I tried wild formations in efforts to get all four on the pitch. That contributed to my horrific defensive record--I was trying to do too much. I've since gone to starting two and bringing two off the bench for each match. I have leaned recently towards bringing Diouf and Ya Konan on as subs, because I can take advantage of their speed late in matches.

On a further note, after having a few seasons to really get to know the abilities and tendencies of Hannover's players, do you have any favorite or least favorite player on the club?
Mame Biram Diouf is incredible. Someone with more finishing ability than I could do a lot with this guy. He has over 90 speed and over 90 heading ability. Utilizing him on the counter is devastating whether he has the ball or whether he's making a central run as a target man. Abdellaoue is an incredible finisher but I haven't had the as much consistent success getting him chances as I would like.

Obviously a group stage exit in the Coppa wasn't what you expected, but you're making the best of it by advancing through the Coppa Confederazione. Now in the semifinals with some pretty good clubs still alive, how do you see these last couple of rounds playing out?
You can never tell with me! I like to think I have the ability to win it, but it won't be easy. My next match will be vs. Lyon or Corinthians--I have played IJGator before, whereas I don't believe I've played dooz. IJGator and I have played a bunch, so there's an element of familiarity there that adds an extra complexion to that match. In a potential final, either A_Touch_Of_Class or WingedHelmet await. Again, I'm not sure if I've played WingedHelmet -- but A_Touch_Of_Class and I have had some thrilling classics. It seems like every time we play, it's a game littered with excitement and chances. I'm not sure I always want to play that way, but it's definitely entertaining. It should be a fun finish!

Joining TFS in Serie C's inaugural seasons way back in Season 3, you were the first manager to ever earn back-to-back promotions up to Serie A. With some recent newcomers impressing the past few seasons as well, what advice do you have for these managers looking to quickly climb up to the top league?
I think I have an unfair advantage to lay claim to that fact, as I had the advantage of meeting CxMacx10 at Ohio State and playing him many, many times before told me about the league. We both love FIFA and we were neighbors in an apartment complex called the Holiday House for one year--hence our nickname for our "rivalry," the Holiday House Derby. Playing him nonstop is certainly how I got better at this game. I liken it to swinging with a batting donut and getting used to the weight. When you take the donut off, the actual bat feels so much lighter. I was well prepared for the competition when I entered TFS. To translate that into advice, I would say seek out and play as many Serie A veterans as you can in friendlies. You'll learn something from playing the best. I still can't beat CxMacx10, but if not for him, I don't think I could beat any of the top players in this league.

Champions League Final- Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund. Any predictions for the match?
I'm not the most unbiased person to ask, seeing as how this is a picture of my TV area in my apartment:

In all seriousness, we are the better team, but Dortmund still scares me. I don't think they'll be intimidated of our recent success. Despite the form of this season, I can't erase the memories of last year's Pokal final, or the psuedo 2011-12 deciding Bundesliga match where Subotic taunted Robben after missing that PK. We did knock them out of the Pokal this year, and we did win the Super Cup from early in the season. I like to think we've taken the next mental step this year, but if any team in the world could beat us right now, I think it's BVB. I'll go ahead and say we win 2-1, but I feel a lot worse about this year's final than last year's vs. Chelsea, and look how that one turned out.


Thanks rschwep for taking the time for this week's manager interview. Not sure what's more impressive, the Bayern collection you've got or the minor league hats above them. GL down the final stretch of the season, although I'm sure you'd trade in some TFS success for a Champs Lg title for Bayern!

Haha I'm a big hat collector, the other side of the room has about 25 game caps from 16 MLB teams. I try to snag one at every new park I visit. Makes for a cool display too.

Thanks for asking me to do this! I enjoyed it

Nice work fellas! Broncos218 these really have been great. Thank you!

Go Devils took the words right out of my mouth Broncos218. Great concept and addition to the league bro, I'm always looking forward to see who's next!

As the season winds down, we talk with dooz, a manager with a shot at promotion...

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dooz​

Serie B​

Assuming no one else from Serie A drops out, you and LasVegasFC appear set for a Serie B promotion playoff. Needing a win against either LasVegasFC or the 10th-placed Serie A team (BESHIKTAS or MiaFLSurf), how are you liking your odds for promotion?
To be honest, I'm not loving my odds for promotion. I've lost twice to LasVegasFC, though the 2nd match was much closer. I think I've got a read on how to play him, but he's a very strong player. Even with a sound strategy, he's good enough to beat me anyway. BESHIKTAS and I have had some very fun games. We've played 3 friendlies and played once in the off-season non-Serie min-tourney. 2 of the friendlies (maybe all 3; can't remember), went into extra time. I won one in extra time, he beat me in penalties and he beat me in the 3rd match. While I'm certainly the underdog, I feel like I can play with BESHIKTAS.

Do you believe the result of the promotion playoffs be the difference in considering your season a success or failure, or would it just be icing on the cake at this point?
It will definitely be the determining factor for my season. I had a good season. It won't be complete failure if I miss promotion but my goal was always to earn promotion, despite being an after-thought by preseason punditry and a relegation favorite for some.

With up-and-comers, it's always tough to tell just how well they'll do once they reach Serie A. And looking at the past two Coppa's, you've lost all 3 games against Serie A opponents. If you make it to the top flight, how do you see your season playing out?
I have lost all 3 games to Serie A opponents in Coppa matches but, if you read between the lines, there is hope. My match against HokieNYC was one of my very first matches ever in TFS. I lost to MiaFLSurf in the 90' in what was a very even match and beat in him a friendly. Zikry and I have had some great matches. Though he beat me 3-1, I had more shots on target and the slight edge in possession. Obviously, there's much more to winning a game than those two statistics, but I think it shows I wasn't run off the pitch. He beat me 1-0 in the semis of the Open Cup but, again, the game was quite even and I hit the post in the 1st half (twice?). Ultimately, I would definitely be a relegation favorite by the preseason bookmakers and wouldn't have a problem with that. Within the dressing room, though, there's enough positive moments in my TFS career to point to a possible mid-table finish.

Back in Season 8 down at Serie C, you finished in 6th place. Yet at Serie B this season, you'll finish 2nd or 3rd. Considering half of Serie B this season was in Serie C at the same time as you, what led to you jump nearly all of them in the table?
True, I did finish 6th, but 3 points separated 3rd from 6th. At some point in the season, I went on an absolute cold streak, losing 5 consecutive matches. There were a lot of factors that led to such a poor run of form. Ultimately, more experience with the semi-assisted controls and against higher-level competition (friendlies, off-season tourney), as well as nabbing Corinthians in the draft have all been critical factors in my improvement this season. Pato is a beast!

Even after some strong improvement this season, what areas do you still need to work on a bit more?
Finishing, finishing, finishing. Also, I need to be more careful committing players forward, particularly if I stick with Corinthians. I'm good in the build-up but sometimes make really careless errors and poor decisions that give my opponent easy counter-attacks against a defense that isn't pacey enough to keep up with the quick counter. Corinthians defaults to a high-pressure, high-line, so I'm constantly battling my own tactics.

Looks like you're still torn between sticking with Corinthians or trying some other club. Regardless of your decision, what are some key traits you look in selecting a club?
Since I'm relatively weak at finishing, I look for a great striker, preferably once that can finish with both his feet and head. Beyond that, good box-to-box mids that can both pass and create as well as provide cover for the defense when I get caught on the counter. Big, physical defenders are nice, too. Team speed is nice, but not a prerequisite.

You told me the other day you were a Golden State Warriors fan... big game tonight, do you see them forcing a Game 7, and then potentially advancing?
Most people will probably not see this until after the game, but I do like their chances of forcing a game 7. San Antonio certainly has done a better job of covering Klay Thompson and Curry with each subsequent game but in order to take them out of the game, they have to leave Harrison Barnes and Jarrett Jack with defensive mismatches. Curry and Thompson can't play as bad as they did in Game 5, either, so I think the Roaracle crowd can push the boys onto a game 7, where anything can happen. At this point, every additional minute is great experience for the young nucleus of the team (Curry, Klay and rookies Barnes, Festus Ezeli and Draymond Green), so I really hope they can force game 7. Either way, it's been a great run and Mark Jackson is highly underrated.



Thanks dooz and good luck on your quest to Serie A and to hoping the underdog Warriors can knock out the Spurs!

As always... love this. Nice work Broncos218 and dooz

It was a good series dooz but in the end



GO SPURS GO

*I don't like our chances against Memphis though*