(F13) TFSerie Press Pass

And we're back with a brand new season of manager interviews! This time under the re-branded "TFS Press Pass," we'll continue to interview managers each week. To start things out for Season 10, we have TFS vet and Serie B commissioner, Zikry...

​

Zikry​

Serie A​

That didn't take long... just a few days into the season and by Sunday night, you're already sitting in 2nd place again! Is there anything so far that makes you feel like this season might just be the one where you take the title?
First off thanks for giving me a chance to be a part of this, I've been patiently waiting to be a part of this prestigious group To answer your question, this is actually the first season in as long as I can remember that I really don't fancy my title chances at all. The competition this season is as tough as it has ever been, and seeing my epic failures in the past with far superior talent at my fingertips, then I would honestly be ecstatic with a 2nd place finish this season.

If you were to take yourself out of the picture, who's your early season favorite to claim the Serie A crown this season?
If he ever gets a game played, then I think this is shiftee 's title to lose. Just looking at the table last season he barely missed out on 1st place, and with the two users sandwiching him ( CxMacx10 and myself) deciding to pick different teams, I honestly think this will be a rather routine season championship for shiftee. Also, what better way for him to celebrate 10 seasons here than with his 5th Serie A title? If I were to pick another team it would be Broncos218 's Anzhi. Broncos218 's Serie A career has been a rather strange one, with him being completely out of the race or winning the championship (2 so far in 9 seasons). I think with a season under his belt in Russia he has finally found a way to make Traore one of the most feared strikers in the league, and with your eyes on him you are leaving one of the highest rated players in the league, Samuel Eto'o, to do as he pleases. If Broncos218 can fix his defensive lapses he has in some of his games against the 'top' competition, then he can be a force to be reckoned with for the title this season.

Regardless of how things in Serie A pan out, you are surely a threat in the Coppa season after season. With your first 2 group games already played, is your trip to the knockout stage already locked up?
Nothing is ever taken for granted, but after winning our first game our goal was to, at the very least, get a point from St. Etienne in our second game which we managed to do. With 4 points we guarantee ourselves a berth in the knockout round with a win over Fluminense, even a draw will do if Monchengladbach fail to beat Saint Etienne. We like our chances right now, but everything can change if we fail to beat Fluminense.

As the "Coppa King," your cup success includes 2 titles each in the Coppa Tradizione, TSO-Premier Open Cup, and the Supercoppa (and a total of now 10 cup final appearances!). Does any one match really stick out in your mind as your most memorable?
The most memorable game happens to be the one game that went unfinished between myself and HokieNYC. It really was a clash of the titans with my defensive approach coming up against HokieNYC 's offensive powerhouse Newcastle. After taking a 2-0 lead I thought I was home and dry, but 2 quick goals took us to extra time. For some reason we disconnected and I can't remember the specifics, but we were never able to replay that classic game. To this day that game sticks out in my head as one of the most tense games I have had here! Now if only I could understand why my cup success hasn't translated in the league then I could finally answer a question that has been on my mind for 10 seasons!

Going to team selection for a second, Udinese was just the second team you've ever managed for more than one season. So what is it- do you feel like you just get burned out with a team after a season, are you constantly trying to upgrade and try something new, or is it something else?
The two teams that I had managed for more than one season were Aston Villa and Udinese; with Villa being my longest tenure so far at 3 consecutive seasons. With Villa it was burnout that made me switch the team, I just wanted a new adventure somewhere else and the fact that I had gone to Amsterdam to watch an Ajax Champions League qualifier around that time made me really want to take over that team. Funny enough Ajax was probably one of the "worst" teams I had, but were my most successful team by far in terms of points in a Serie A season. Giving up Udinese was tough, however this change was based on the fact that I wanted to move away from the "counter attack" stereotype that I had in the league. Udinese's midfield options doesn't really allow you to build up play, so quick passes to Di Natale and Muriel and banking on their speed is your best bet with that team. They basically were a refined version of Aston Villa, and with that style of team being in my possession for 5 of the 9 seasons, I wanted a complete change of scenery. My biggest mistake in the offseason was probably talking to BESHIKTAS, as I basically spelled out the fact that I wanted Spartak Moscow and listed all the problems I had with Udinese when I was asked. As fate would have it, he would end up picking before me and would take the #1 team on my board. I had actually put all my eggs in the Spartak basket, and only played 1 friendly with Lyon, a 2-0 loss I believe, but being stuck in transit in Paris when I was heading back home I decided that I would just roll with a French team. The fact that Grenier and Gourcuff were on this team also reminded me of my time with Lazio and having Hernanes at my disposal; a midfielder who is able to make all the passes needed. That really sold me on Lyon.

It's still early in your time with Lyon, but have any players stuck out in your mind regarding who are the key players and who provide little value?
As you already know, Lisandro Lopez is my favorite player on the team by far. He just seems to be able to do it all. On the flipside, I am not a fan of Vercoutre so far and his inconsistent play in goal. Also, I have not found the best way to use Gomis yet, who was on fire for IJGator last season. Other than those players, everyone else has performed to my expectations, with LB Dabo being a pleasant surprise as he has taken over that position full time over Umtiti, who is actually rated higher than him overall.

As Serie B's commissioner, what can you tell us about this upcoming season that many of us may not know?
This season features two managers ( vipermansa and HokieNYC ) who rank 1st and 3rd in most goals scored ever in Serie B play. vipermansa currently has the record when he guided a Montpellier side to 51 goals in season 5, while HokieNYC 's aforementioned Newcastle side from season 2 scored 48 goals. BESHIKTAS' QPR side from season 7 hold 2nd place with 49 goals scored.

Lastly, give us a little insight on your favorite teams throughout sports and how you see them performing in the near future.
Juventus, by far, is my favorite team. To call me obsessed with Juventus and everything having to do with them would not be far off. When they were relegated to Serie B that was probably the saddest days of my life, with trying to find their Serie B games streamed online and watching all of their games in Italian, which is actually how I taught myself to understand the language. In the present, after winning the league the past 2 seasons, I think it is time for the team to make a splash in the Champions League. They ended up losing to the eventual champions Bayern in the QF this season which is nothing to be ashamed of, but their need for a poacher up front is huge. Llorente has already been signed on a free transfer, while they are being linked with names such as Tevez, Jovetic and Higuain. Only time will tell if any of those 3 will end up joining the team. Other than Juventus, I am a *GULP* Rams fan. I actually had the "pleasure" of watching them in London against the Patriots last season, and boy having to sit through all 4 quarters of that mauling made me really feel how much I loved the team, win or lose. It has been a rough 10 or so years ever since the Superbowl and Superbowl loss to the Patriots, but the team seems to be headed in the right direction and finally has people at the head of the organization that seem to know what they are doing. Having the Seahawks and 49ers in the same division really sucks, but HOPEFULLY the team can finally have it's first winning season since 2003. Having to replace the team leader in Steven Jackson will be real tough, however hopefully Bradford can take that next step and become the leader he must be to justify taking him at #1 in the 2010 draft.


Thanks Zikry for taking the time to respond and I'll be looking for Lisandro Lopez to keep up his goal-scoring ways this season!

Next up on TFS Press Pass we have TFS vet Geneseo98, currently at the helm of Bologna in Serie C...

​

Geneseo98​

Serie C​

First thing first- slow start from your Bologna side this season, how do you see things playing out for you in Serie C with the Italian club?
It's been a frustrating opening to the season, losing so many 1-goal games. I wanted a team that could score goals easier, but I'm thinking I may need to rethink my overall strategy - pick defensive teams and just play for 1-0 wins... but my overall #1 weakness is finishing, so I may be up Poop's Creek with a turd for a paddle for the rest of this season.

Drawn into Group H with two Serie A sides, you now find yourself in 3rd with one game left to play. Who do see see advancing out of the group?
I think vipermansa is the most devastating offensive player I've played against here in TFS. I think he's a lock to win the group and threaten to win it all. I have a lot of respect for the two vets owning the French teams so I think whoever wins that head-to-head matchup with Marseille and Lille will advance as well.

You're a TFS vet with this being your 8th season, yet you've found yourself in Serie C for 7 of those seasons and have had plenty of ups and downs. Is there anything in your game that you feel is preventing from taking things to the next level?
I think it's just finishing scoring opportunities. I try to play an attacking style, mostly because it's more fun and makes for more entertaining games/recaps... and if I'm going to do that, I need to score 2-3 goals per game and not 1-2... If you look at my box scores for this season, I'm outshooting my opponents often as I'm trying to move from my preferred 3-4-2-1 wide offense to a 4-3-3 attack, using more balls in the middle... just need to shoot more accurately!

With plenty of new managers each season, would you say Serie C largely differs season-to-season, or can you expect the same type of play in most matches?
I think we've seen "rookies" come in each of the last 3-4 seasons with Serie A-level skills and experience on the game. This late in the game cycle, 9 months in, people have figured out how to play their game. So Serie C always seems to have some semi-powerhouses in it. Makes it tougher for guys like me and the since departed OhDaesu19 who aren't AWESOME at some part of the game.

Seeing all the young guns work their way up the ranks, has there been a manager or two that you've been secretly rooting for to make it up to the bright lights of Serie A?
I mentioned my admiration of vipermansa. His teams are such an explosive force, it's overwhelming. I expect him to be up there with the big boys very soon. I think I've had some very close matches over the "years" with Frenchie1916, so if he can make his way up to A, that would give me the confidence that I can put it together someday and work my way up.

Season 7, you reached the Coppa Confederazione Final with Genoa, only to fall short against my very own Bordeaux side (a club you beat in the group stage). Would you rank that Final as your most memorable TFS match to date, or was there another game out there that ranks as your top match?
Thanks for the props on that S7 Confederazione Final mention. Definitely the highlight of my TFS stint. I was really happy with the way I fought in that final vs a much-better roster and player in yourself. I think the 5-3 win in the group stage was my most rewarding victory though. I didn't expect to do anything in that tough group and the fact I suddenly was able to score 5 goals vs a better team really was a hoot.

You've managed Galatasaray, Everton, and Genoa all for multiple seasons. Between those three, which did you enjoy managing the most?
I really enjoyed my Everton seasons because I think their personnel matches my natural style of play the best. Fast guys flying up the wings like Leighton Baines, Miralles and Pineaar... flying in crosses for Fellaini and Jelavic. Always good to have a top-notch American like Tim Howard too. But for some reason I never really clicked with that team. Galatasaray is the team I knew the least about when I drafted them and looking back, I probably did the best with them. I was pleased to see them do so well in the real-life Champions League this past spring because I could say "I knew them when."

Two big finals going on in the sports world- Spurs up 3-2 on the Heat in basketball and the Bruins and Blackhawks tied up at 1 in hockey. Do you have an interest in either matchup, and if so, some predictions on how things will play out?
I work for ESPN, so for business and a big basketball fan, I'd love to see it just go 7 games. I'm more of a college hoops fan anyways, so I don't have a favorite NBA team or a rooting interest. I got no beef with LeBron so if he wins it all, that's cool. But you got to tip your cap to the Spurs way of doing business and role players who step up. We can't lose as fans either way. As for hockey, I really don't get into it. I never played it growing up (it was basketball season) and in college all the moron hockey players got the hottest girls despite them being idiots and having the worst-smelling locker room I've ever walked past. While I salute the athletes who play physically night-in and night-out, I just want the series to be over so my wife will stop watching it and I don't have to keep tabs on it for work anymore.


Thanks Geneseo98 for taking the time to answer the latest manager interview, and good luck in future TFS matches (just not against me again )!

You bring up an interesting point Geneseo98. From my experience in Serie A, it always seems like the guys who make it their mission to be solid defensively seem to have success (whether it is staying in the Serie, or winning it all). The offensive powerhouses, for the most part, have seemingly struggled when it comes to Serie A play. Ofcourse, there are guys like shiftee and CxMacx10 who seem to be great both offensively and defensively so that is an entirely different matter all together!

After some investigative research, only twice has the Serie A champion allowed more than 1 goal per game- S7 when CxMacx10 allowed 32 in 20 games (still lowest in the league tho, as this was during the assisted controls season), and last season when CxMacx10 allowed 27 in 20 games.

A day late as Press Pass HQ didn't get around to making some questions until Monday night, but here is this week's edition! This time, we have an interview with TFS' latest booming newcomer, guayo10...

​

guayo10​

Serie C​

Your first organized FIFA experience here at TSO came in the off-season's International mini-tourney. In that tournament, you led Guatemala, not exactly the most talented team, to a second place group finish (out of 6 teams). You failed to advance in the knockout stage, but did that experience boost your confidence heading into Season 10?
Most definitely, it was the first time I had played by these rules. It was a tough group as well as it had Zikry, dooz, bbrech0610, pitt4life21, IJGator, 3 Serie A teams and one from Serie B and C. Didn't do as well in the group, but the experience I gained was pretty valuable. Getting to the knockout stages sure was a good first step here in TSO.

Some of the more senior managers proclaimed you as Serie C's pre-season title favorite, and you're making them proud right now as you have a 1-point lead (plus 1 game-in-hand) atop the table. Is winning that title your goal for now?
It was quite nice of them to pick me as the pre-season favourite. Since Match Day 1 my goal has been to have fun and fight for promotion. Now more than halfway done with fixtures I can say that the goal remains the same. Maybe it has deviated a little. Winning Serie C would be pretty sweet, however gaining promotion and winning the Coppa would be even sweeter.

You have played 6 of the 7 opposing users in Serie C thus far. Is there any return-leg game that you're really looking forward to playing as the second half of the season is almost upon us?
I can honestly say that I'm looking forward to each return leg. Every game I have played has been close, one exception being my triumph at the EA Clasico against vestrada_08. If I had to choose a couple I would say my visit to Southampton YNWA96 and the game against Ajax vestrada_08. YNWA96 has been the only one thus far that has made me drop points. So shooting for the win in that one. vestrada_08 and I have been playing against each other since we were kids. It's a "Clasico" however it's pretty one sided, maybe in the return leg he comes out with a surprise win.

As far as the Coppa goes, you were just 1 of 3 managers to finish with the max amount of group points, as you defeated CxMacx10, dooz and COLDPredator. Did you at all expect to be in the spot where you are now?
Nay, I knew it would be tough to finish in the top 2. dooz and I played in the International tourney and CxMacx10 and I had played a couple friendlies. I remember the 1st one he completely dominated me winning 4-0. Both those games were tough to win, both 1-0 wins. In Match Day 2 COLDPredator and I got the upset wins over the Serie A teams, that pretty much made this group that much harder to win. I could've finished 1st, 2nd, 3rd or last. It was a really close group. Hopefully this run continues throughout the knockout stages.

In the Round of 16 of the Coppa Tradizione, you're matchup is already set against Norwich City and Kella. Norwich currently leads Serie B with 14 points, making this an interesting matchup. Do you have any experience playing Kella, or are you two mostly unfamiliar with each other's play as of now?
I have yet to play Kella I did notice that he beat shiftee who many have told me is one of the better managers around these parts. So I'm expecting a really tough game. I do hope it doesn't go to PK's, as I'm absolutely horrible at those.

One thing being forgotten a bit in all of your success is the fact that you're using Barcelona B, a 3* club that may be tough... in 5 years. I know you're a Barca fan, so was this just a natural pick for you as you're familiar with the squad, or did you simply want the challenge of using a lower-level team?
Barça B weren't my first choice to be honest. I was between Santos (huge Neymar fan), Athletic Bilbao, and Monaco. I almost chose Santos because of Neymar, however his impending departure scared me off a little. I'm familiar with all the Barça youth teams, huge fan of all these kids.

Deulofeu, even if I can't pronounce his name, schooled the U-20 USA team a few days ago in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. And after that game, I can see how he's the highest-rated player on Barca B. Has he been your favorite player thus far (he does led Serie C with 9 goals), or has someone else impressed even more?
Deulo is the next big star from La Masia. He will probably be going off on a loan for next year, however I'm excited to see a front line of Neymar, Messi and Deulo for years to come. In the game he is unstoppable, great off the dribble and that shot. He's one of my favourites. I have a couple such as Rafinha (Thiago's brother), Sergi Roberto, Grimaldo (going to be one helluva LB), Carles Planas and of course Deulo.

Continuing on with Barca a bit more- we can see you in your avatar picture standing at Camp Nou. How many times have you been to see Barcelona play and what can you tell us about any memorable trips or games there?
I have seen Barcelona play 3 times in person. The first one was out in San Francisco for their preseason tour. They went up against Chivas from Mexico. It was insane watching them play live for the first time. Even though it was a preseason game, they played with so much speed. The 2nd time I saw them play was in the Vicente Calderon as they played Atletico Madrid. It was back in 2010 so Forlan and Kun were still with Atleti. The atmosphere was amazing. From the Metro ride to the walk to the stadium. I was wearing my Barça salmon shirt, and I was surrounded by all rojiblanco jerseys. Barça went on to win the game 2-1. And the third time was a birthday gift in November 2010. I went to Barcelona to the Camp Nou to watch them play Villareal. We went on to win 3-1, Villareal has always been one of my favourites from Spain because they play attacking football. It was a really really good game. Messi scored 2 times. Hearing the stadium chant his name will be something I never forget.


Thanks guayo10 for the quick turnaround and GL on the second half of the season. Glad to also see another TFS rivalry in place as well between you and @estrada_08 that dates back a ways.

Good read. Note to self: bunker and play for penalties

I believe that's my strategy for all games. Was really fun on Utopia when you guys actually let me do it with Italy

while gazing at the standings... and this isn't meant to piss anyone off.. I am scared at who might be joining / re-joining Serie B.

Dooz, ATOC, Beshiktas to B possibly?
Guayo, v_estrada, YNWA to B perhaps?

AYE!

PS- None of this matters to me if I can't pull my head out of my ass and get out of the drop zone myself.

Not sure if Beshiktas will be rejoining but he dropped out of the season. I'm definitely going down. I'm not really getting blown out but I can't break the opposing defense consistently enough.

He will probably be back for next season, especially if FIFA brings back his beloved Beshiktas to the game

This week we have an interview with a vet who's been here at TFSerie since the start, IJGator...

​

IJGator​

Serie A​

After 7 games, you had to be expecting more than just 4 points so far. What do you think is wrong with your game right now and what are your plans to overcome your slump?
Well, that is a good question, and I wish I knew the answer the that one. The obvious answer is my offense. The Defense has been solid all season even with an inferior team like Tigres. I am not a precision player by any means, but that is what it takes to score goals in Serie A. I often get impatient on the offensive end and either turn the ball over or try some ridiculously long shot I have no business taking. To overcome this slump, I just need to start trying new stuff and becoming unpredictable.

You certainly made a surprise pick when you selected Tigres de la UANL in the team draft, the first time anyone in TFS has played with a Mexican team. What led you to select 3.5* Tigres over some of the more talented available squads?
This question is easy. My Goalie looks like Kenny Powers. No, I'm serious. Check him out. He has a curly black haired mullet. Just like "La Flama Blanco". How can you honestly pass on that?? (editor note: here's a couple pics of Tigres GK Enrique Palos growing out some Kenny Powers hair) I played a few friendlies with this team and really liked them. They had an "American" at midfield and I just seem to gel with them. I do not regret this decision one bit.

You have spent 6 of your 9 TFS seasons in Serie A, and finished with a Serie A career-best 6th place finish last season managing Lyon. Are you beginning to second-guess yourself at all for dropping Lyon?
No way. Always got to mix it up. Lyon was a great team with tons of skill. Gomis was an absolute beast too! I just like to play with new and different teams. If I suffer in the rankings as result, than so be it.

You've been here at TFS since Day 1, yet I can see sticking with one team for a while sure isn't your thing. Now in your 10th season, you are managing your 9th different team. Was there any season or team in the past that was most memorable to you?
Yes, my first season with Ajax. This is the only repeat team I've played with. I picked them because of Christian Erikson and then magic happened. Erikson was a non-factor most of the season, but this unknown striker "El Hamdaoui" was straight up magic. He was awesome. He scored on headers, rebounds, beating defense off the dribble and even long shots. His play fit my style of play to a T. He is by far my favorite Fifa player in this game. I've never seen him in real life action, but he is a God as far as I'm concerned in FIFA.

In the Coppa, you finished 4th in your group. Now in the Coppa Confederazione knockout stage, you first have pitt4life21 and Fluminense on deck in the Round of 16. How far do you see your Tigres side advancing in this tournament?
Man, I have no clue what to expect. Fluminense is loaded with offensive talent. Unfamiliar opponent. So, I really have zero expectations. Guess we will just have to play pitt4life21 and see what happens

Now at the halfway point of Season 10, things are beginning to take shape throughout TFS. Can you give us any predictions on how you think things will finish out, whether it's your own team, someone else in Serie A, or really anything else in general?
Well, I hope CxMacx10 uses this as motivation, but I don't see the Sounders continuing there awesome start. I do think Zikry starts to learn how to maximize Lyon, he will sit atop Serie A for season 10. I'm kind of bummed that BESHIKTAS decided to step away for season 10. He is the opponent that I've played the most friendlies with and is always a great match. As for myself, I'm just looking to maintain in Serie A. Tons of games still left to be played. I've just have to figure out how to score a goal or 2

I know you've played in some other leagues here at TSO. Is there any league or game in general you'd recommend to the rest of us here at TFS?
I love TSO, and it's tough all at the same time. This site is fantastic fun for organizing leagues and playing the sports games I like to play. The tough part, the time. It's hard to have more than a full time job, a family, and play these organized games routinely. Right now, I'm only playing FIFA. However, I've renewed my position as the coach for my alma matter "Florida Gators" in the Pride. If there is one thing I love more than FIFA, it's anything to do with the Gators. I've seen every game the Gators have played in the past 20 or so years. In Fifa, I've never heard of 90% of the players in FIFA. If there is room, I would suggest "The Pride" for any college football fans. The owners are similar here. Win or lose, always a great game. In fact, if anyone here at TFS wants to play some NCAA 14. Hit me up.


Thanks IJGator for taking the time to be a part of this interview. I tried to make sure to refrain from asking you any Florida Gators type questions, but you still managed to fit that in somehow (I probably should've poked some fun at Aaron Hernandez)! GL second half of the season and Go 'Noles!

Great stuff, always good to hear from the vets. Ill say one thing...yellow is really hard to read on Forum Runner

good to know... i'll change things up next week

Good read. As a new guy here at TSO, I've been wondering what would be a good NCAA dynasty league to join. I'm interested to see if any of the other TFS guys play NCAA as I consider "expanding" into one dynasty for the new game. Of course this would play second fiddle to TFS, however.

One more note. I'm always up for friendlies. For the new folks, please don't be intimidated by a Serie A opponent. This league is set up for straight fun. You can always expect a fung and friendly game when you play me. PSN: IJGator

the pride has a pretty good TFS contingent. I'm not sure who all is still in it currently, but I used to be a part of it with guys like RedAL, BigSmooth, Ucan, Friz, gator, & probably others also

UF alum here! Go Gators (except in the Pride, which I just joined )

What years were you there?

'03-'06

I finished in 03. I did everything I could to stay an extra football season but it just wasn't in the cards. I did go out to Vegas for the national championship game against Ohio state.

lol, yea don't tell my mom or anything but I definitely could've finished in the spring of 06 but ended up graduating in December to get that last football season. Turned out to be a pretty good choice

Don't have to worry about me my friend being in Serie B.

This week, we have our second interview with a Corinthians manager. Last time it was dooz, and this time it is a manager looking to get back to the top flight- vipermansa...

​

vipermansa​

Serie B​

In Serie B, we have a complete logjam at the top. You currently sit in 5th place with 23 points, yet those top 5 spots are separated by just 4 points. Do you see yourself earning promotion, and who would you say is the front-runner currently for the Serie B title?
If I do earn promotion I will need to win all my remaining games, which includes a tough one against Villa and hope for some upsets by my fellow members. Without the maximum points I won't have a chance nor will I deserve promotion. I think Udinese and West Ham are favorites. They both defend really well and kill you in the counter.

After spending the last 4 seasons in Serie A, has this season in Serie B allowed you to get back to what made you dominant when you first joined TFS?
Well I do still focus on the attack a lot since to me it's the most fun aspect of Fifa but its obvious that more and more owners know how to defend well and you have to adapt and try to keep the ball more to create chances. I think overall I have improved defensively but it's still tough for me to not stay grounded and what for my opportunities to tackle.

One thing you've been great at this season is scoring goals. While not quite at your previous Serie B-record pace of 51 goals back in Season 5, you are still third among all TFS managers in goals per game. Why is goal-scoring so natural to you?
I've played soccer my whole life and have coached kids for almost ten years now so I think I read soccer very well and in many ways Fifa is true to life. I've played either forward or attacking mid my whole life and whenever I had the ball I pushed it forward and try to create chances or set someone up. That's kind of how is play fifa, if there's space to attack I attack. It also helps with Pato, Emerson and Guererro up front.

Perhaps what doomed you most over your last 2 Serie A seasons was poor defensive play. In Seasons 8 & 9, you finished last and second to last in goals allowed. Have you tried to fix this area as you work your way back to the top flight?
Like I said before I have worked on it a little more and have improved but to me the defensive side will come more and more with playing. Sometimes I feel defending crosses is just a matter of luck and I usually get scored on there. I'll improve.

After 5 seasons with Montpellier, you had plenty of successes, yet it appeared that your time there began to run dry after a lackluster Season 8. Now with Corinthians, do you feel as if you've found a new team that you can lead for many more seasons to come?
I loved Montpellier. They were like the little engine that could.... They friggin won the Ligue 1 for Christs sake! They also had a really good attack, but when Giroud was picked up by Arsenal the team lost a lot. Leading scorer, point man, etc... It wasn't the same after that. I do like Corinthians because they have some studs but losing Paulinho will hurt. Hopefully they will sign someone to take his place...seems like a lot of teams are losing players so we'll see what happens between now and the new fifa, you never know.

Switching over to Coppa play now, you finished first in Group H, but bowed out in the Round of 16 with a big loss against juanchoCT14 and Sunderland. Were you a bit frustrated that your Coppa run ended so abruptly?
Yep. He totally dominated me in that game. It was surprising, never got going. Coppa games are so fun to be in, sucks to lose that way but it was a good run.

You may be out of the Coppa Tradizione, but you've already locked up a spot in the Final of the TSO-Premier Open Cup and now await the winner of the Lille-Sounders matchup between RedAL925 and CxMacx10. While the Premier Cup may not be the most prestigious competition at TFS, you've certainly knocked out some distinguished managers to reach the Final. Would winning the Premier Open Cup automatically deem your season a success?
It would be my first Coppa silverware so it would be something to hang my hat on, especially if I don't climb back into Serie A. Seattle would be a whole new experience since Lille and I have played many times before.

Lastly, tell us a bit about some of your favorite teams across the sports world and what drew you to become a fan of those teams.
I have loved Chelsea since the days of Gianluca Vialli and the other influx of Italians way before Abramovich. Also a Schalke fan, just liked the fact that they are a small industrial town with such a huge fan base. Exciting to watch. Overall I love soccer and enjoy watching a ton of it.


Thanks vipermansa for taking part in the latest installment of the manager interview. Good luck in your quest for promotion and a cup title!
And RedAL925 hopefully the blue makes this easy to read on mobile

This week we have an interview with a new member here at TFS battling for promotion in Serie C, YNWA96...

​

YNWA96​

Serie C​

Your first season in TFS and you've done pretty well thus far. Overall, how has your performance matched up with your pre-season expectations?
I would give myself a 5/10 thus far. As you pointed out below, I've been dreadful in cup play so that factors into the low rating. Even in Serie C I haven't really achieved anything. Yes, I sit in 3rd place but I think I will have to take all 6 remaining points just to get into the promotion playoff against Monaco who destroyed us in our last match.

In the off-season International mini-tourney, you were thrown to the wolves when you were drawn into a group with many decorated TFS vets and came out of the group with a bunch of Ls. Did that put on a damper on your expectations at all?
I don't think the International mini-tourney dampened my expectations but I do think it was a good reality check. Coming into the league I thought I was pretty good at this game. Sadly, I had been playing the game on fast and assisted controls. Huge change. Yet, I find the game to be much more enjoyable with semi-assisted controls and slow speed. Quick background on my previous playing format of FIFA 13: I graduated from college this past December and lived with 5 other FIFA playing maniacs. We played a lot of 2 v. 2 and decided it was a lot more fun (and simple) to play on fast and assisted controls because it played arcade style (and we were drunk 75% of the time anyway---we had some great FIFA drinking games). I already miss college.

In Serie C, you're sitting in a good spot at 3rd place. Is that where you think you'll end up, or do you think you might just move up or down a spot before season's end?
As I mentioned above I think I will have to win both of my remaining games to stay in 3rd place. Obviously Barcelona B has achieved promotion with the Serie C Title. I think Monaco has clinched 2nd place unless they really fall apart down the stretch. So, I think the only position that could possibly change at the top of the table is 3rd. Ajax is favored in all of the remaining matches. If I slip up once and even tie a match I fear I will be left out of the playoff.

With only 2 games left on your league schedule, can you give us an idea on who you might nominate as your club's MVP once the MVP nominations thread is posted?
Well, out of all the clubs in Serie C I think we are the most balanced. We feature 4 players with 4 goals or more. Our keeper, Artur Boruc is tied for the league-lead with 6 clean sheets. Emmanuel Mayuka has been irreplaceable on the wing with his 8 assists (behind obvious Serie C player of the year Deulofeu who has 9). However, I do think Saints MVP is Gaston Ramirez. He has been consistent for us all season. He leads us in goals scored and MOTM nominations. He is our free kick specialist, and takes our corners. He's played all over the midfield and, in the latter part of the season, formed a solid strike partnership with Rickie Lambert (who has struggled with his form as of late). He also is responsible for the most important goal of the season thus far when he scored on a header to equalize against Barcelona B last match.

It looks like you're quickly becoming the anti-Rafa Benitez, as you've succeeded for the most part in league play but then failed to do anything in the cup matches. You had a tough group in qualifying and a tough matchup for the knockout stage, but surely you had to be expecting some kind of positive result somewhere, right?
Of course I expected a positive result. I've yet to even earn a draw in a cup match (including the International Tourney). Next season I plan to improve (maybe even earn a point, haha) and focus more on the Coppa. This season, I will admit my goal is to earn Serie B promotion and use the Coppa matches to try different things and I think I got out of my comfort zone in some of those games. I do think we played well in the knockout stage against Swansea City but just came up a little short. I really enjoyed that match. But, yes, next season I will focus more seriously on the Coppa.

As far as team selection goes, what led you to select Southampton FC, and do you think you'll manage the team next season as well?
I really just wanted to use an EPL club and I really like Rickie Lambert. I think it's awesome that he has never missed from the penalty spot (31 for 31). In retrospect I wish I would have picked a team with a little more pace, but I've enjoyed managing Southampton. I haven't decided whether I will use Saints next season. I think a lot will go into whether I earn promotion and how FIFA 14 plays (with extra emphasis on how much speed influences the game).

Going back in time a bit, what drew you to join TFS and how did you find about about TSO in the first place?
I stumbled upon TFS through Operation Sports. I was actually on OS to download some updated NCAA Football rosters and ended up downloading some Liverpool chants (if I remember correctly) and then ended up on here.

Knowing that you're a fan of Liverpool, how soon would say realistically until the Reds are back in the Champions League?
...Sadly, I do not think it will be this year, or even the next. Gerrard is getting older and he can't seem to stay healthy for a full season. Suarez is on his way out. The defense needs to improve--- Kolo Toure is not the answer, but that one is obvious. Danny Sturridge needs to have a huge season for us and I hope he does not revert back to his inconsistent play at Chelsea. Although I think we do have a few good young players that are showing some promise. Rodgers signed a good one in Luis Alberto from Sevilla. I think Iago Aspas, if he can keep his temper under control, can be a good player for us. Obviously, we have Raheem Sterling who could be special. A realist would probably say that Liverpool's best chance is the Europa League this season. We'll be back, one day...

Lastly, please tell me you think Liverpool's new third and away kits are atrocious. I think I already threw up in my mouth a little...
Eh, they're ok but I am biased. I definitely think the the majority would agree with you.

And... Quick shout out to all Serie C managers for a great season; we are well on our way to 100% match completion! And finally just a few more weeks until college football season!

Thanks for having me Broncos218 and props on running some GREAT tournaments! My inaugural season here has been a blast, it's a testament to all the hard work the managers and especially the commissioners do that make this league one-of-a-kind.

Roll Tide and YNWA!



Thanks YNWA96 for participating in the latest manager interview and hopefully you can end Season 10 on a high note!

YNWA