After a successful journeyman save focused on tactical dominance, I’m shifting gears in FM23. This time, the focus is on smart recruitment and youth development. Inspired by clubs like Brighton, who consistently find gems for bargain prices, nurture them, and then sell them for profit, I want to build a conveyor belt of talent at Sporting CP.
This isn’t just about collecting wonderkids, though. I’m also looking for undervalued players who may have fallen short at big clubs but still have potential. Alongside the youngsters, I’ll be bringing in experienced players to provide stability during our transition periods.
Financial Prudence and Reinvestment
Sporting CP has a history of spending money, but their transfer record was recently broken with a €20 million purchase. I’m committed to financial discipline and making realistic signings. Every purchase will be offset by player sales, with the money being reinvested in the squad through transfers and wages.
Sporting CP: A Stepping Stone to Greatness
Sporting CP is one of Portugal’s big three, but since 1999/2000, they’ve been overshadowed by Porto and Benfica. This presents a challenge: reclaiming dominance in Portugal. Sporting is also known as a stepping stone for talented players, with icons like Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo starting their careers there. This aligns perfectly with my vision: attracting players, developing them, and then seeing them move on to bigger clubs for a profit.
Building on Ruben Amorim’s Legacy
Current manager Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system is a key part of Sporting’s identity. I plan to build on his philosophy, starting with the existing squad. While I may not use the exact tactic, I’ll be working within the 3-4-3 framework.
Squad Structure: A Blueprint for Success
I’ll be dividing the squad into six groups:
Group 1: Experienced Mentors
These will be older players, likely on short-term contracts, who will guide the youngsters and contribute to the team’s strength.
Group 2: Core Stars
These are our best players, the foundation of our tactics, and the players who will generate the most profit through sales.
Group 3: Potential Stars
These players are close to becoming star players and are likely to be our next big sales in the future.
Group 4: Wonderkids
These are highly-rated youngsters who may not break into the first team immediately but will be sold to bigger clubs with a large sell-on percentage.
Group 5: The Future
These are our youth team players who will work their way up through the ranks.
Group 6: Squad Players
These players may not become stars, but they are essential for depth and provide support throughout the squad.
Developing a Winning Culture
To maximize the development of our youngsters, I’ll be using a modified version of Cleon’s approach from his FM14 Ajax save. My B, U23, and U19 teams will have a specific player structure to ensure maximum game time and development.
Embracing Sporting’s Youth Philosophy
Sporting has a long history of developing talent. Their focus is on individual development rather than system players. This aligns perfectly with my vision. I want to delve into the individual strengths and weaknesses of each player and tailor their training accordingly.
Financial Self-Sufficiency
Sporting’s success depends on developing and selling players, bringing in substantial revenue. As I aim for financial self-sufficiency, I’ll be closely monitoring the club’s finances and making sure we are using our resources wisely.
Closing the Gap on Porto and Benfica
Sporting’s financial performance pales in comparison to Porto and Benfica. We need to improve our revenue stream, particularly from European football. Qualifying for the Champions League more often will be essential to bridging the gap and becoming a truly dominant force in Portugal.
A Long-Term Vision for Success
My goal is not just to win trophies, but to create a sustainable club that produces world-class talent and achieves long-term success. This will be a long and challenging journey, but I’m confident that with smart recruitment, player development, and financial prudence, Sporting CP can reach new heights. I’m ready to embark on this exciting adventure.
