New Challenges

Welcome,

Our preseason was quite successful on and off the field with a lucrative 3 game tour of Brazil. Also International management came calling.

Frendlies

These games allowed to assess all my players and to familiarise the team to South American style of football for the FIFA Club World in December. This team has got a lot goals in it and it is down to me get the tactics right to allow the team to score the goals that they have in them.

15.8.15 Opening game of the 206/16 Premier League Season.

I have decided to have Ruben Figueroa and Shane Duffy has my first choice centre back pairing. This is Alexandr Susin’s last game for the club and more will be explained in the next post.

22.8.15 West Ham are hard team to play against and last time they won 1-0.

We were lucky to get 3points after their late goal. This game showed that my midfield is still a goal scoring machine.

27.8.15 Champions League Group Stage

I have been given the easiest group this year and Group E is too close to call. This year the Champions League looks like it good be a good one. My aim is get to the Semi Finals again and hopefully avoid teams like Man Utd, Barcelona, Inter, FC Bayern, Real Madrid.

28.8.15 UEFA Super Cup

I could not believe how woeful AC Milan were and it turn into a walkover. Milan fielded a very strong line up with a very strong bench but they were not in the game which was disappointing has it could have been a good game to watch.

29.8.15 Carling Cup 3rd Round Draw

Fixtures

Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal in 3 weeks could see us playing catch up however September looks like it could be a good month for our finances with 3 home games in a row.

New Players

Colin Steer, Right Back, signed from APOEL for £2m and 4.5 Star Potential

He can play for Cyprus or England and could be the best right back in or for a generation. He could challenge Seamus Coleman in a season or two.

Diego Edo, Central Defender, signed for £1.9m from San Lorenzo and 4.5 Star Potential

He could be part of a South American back four in a season or two. He has had about 2 seasons of first team football at San Lorenzo and looks like he is nearly ready to be part of my starting line up.

Karla Karacic, Central Midfielder/Central Attacking Midfielder/Striker, signed for £525k from Osijek

For a 17yr old he has fantastic stats and has the potential to be a world class player. He is about a season or two to be part of my senior squad. Karacic, Skelton and Pagonis are the future midfield and provide rather excellent cover for Fellaini, Verratti and Rodwell.

Leigh O’Sullivan, Left Midfield, signed from Tranmere Rovers for £1m and 2.5 Star Potential

He is a gamble but a low risk one given our current financial situation (see the 20014/15 review).

Rasmus Nielsen, Right Wing, free transfer and 4.5 Star Potential

He is a bargain and a hidden gem has no one else was interested him which was surprising given his stats. He has lots of time to improve and become one the best wingers.

New Staff

During the summer we lost Michael Watt to Burnley, Matt Hill to Sunderland has their manager and Sylvain Wiltord to Aston Villa has their assistant manager. I sacked Andrew Cole, Steve Black and Neil Banfield.

Craig McPherson

Daniele Portanova

Eduardo Tuzzio

Mario Reguerio

Rufete

Vito Scala

Here is the “game changer”

I have decided to get back into International management after my stint with Team GB at London 2012 Olympic Games where we won the Bronze Medal. Mexico are 11th in the FIFA World Rankings and have a good side but are lacking in the youth levels. The plan is to be manager until the 2018 World Cup and along the way there will be Copa America and Gold Cup. This will add a fun and interesting element has I continue being Everton manager alongside being the Mexico manager.

My first game as Mexico manager

I went for a squad based on reputation has there were no or little amount of games played but the next squad selection is going to be based on games played and performances for club and country. If a striker is not scoring goals on a regular basis for his club he wont be selected even if his last game for Mexico saw him score a hat-trick.

The next 3 fixtures

South Africa and Paraguay will provide a good test to see where my squad is at. We wont start our World Cup Qualifying Campaign until Phase 4.

The next post will review this summer’s transfers and there are some surprises. Also will be adding this season’s squad to the Squad Page. Since I am now the manager of Mexico I will posting seperately about Everton and Mexico.

Thanks for reading.

Until next time……………….