FM21: OGC Nice — Les Aiglons (Web of Wyrd)
The save has been progressing nicely and I have come to a point in which I feel that I am content with the squad which I now have at my disposal. For those of you that have been following my save closely from the beginning you will be aware that the ultimate challenge for Steinkelsson will be to implement the tactic of the Sistema.
Obviously this feat can not be achieved overnight and the journey is bound to have many ups and downs. The main tactic which I have been using for this save can be found in my blog tactical analysis, the 433 has provided OGC Nice with a solid base and after a few tweaks and enough time for the players to understand the system it has paid dividends, with my team outperforming the initial expectations as we look to make qualification to the UEFA Champions League.
This weeks blog will provide us all with an update on the season so far, yes we have only played half a season! I am slow and certainly the birth of Teddy Bjorn has certainly impacted the amount of hours I have been able to spend on FM21. I will also Drill down into another variation of my favoured tactic and also discuss my DNA, the specific attributes which I will be looking for when recruiting any additional players.
Midpoint Review
With 13 games remaining OGC Nice are sitting in second place on Ligue 1, the 10 point cushion which they have over rivals Marseille in fifth position will hopefully be enough to secure the side a return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2017 when Les Aiglons reached the qualifying round before being knocked out by Napoli.
The side have the second best goal difference in Ligue 1, and are joint second in relation to clean sheets with 10 at present. The potential issues in relation to the squad depth has been addressed with Magnus bolstering his ranks with four signings in the January window.
William Saliba joins from Arsenal after just making the one competitive fixture for the Gunners (much like real life), whilst Nicolo Rovella joins on a similar deal from Genoa after making four appearances in Serie A.
Saliba will provide a replacement for 37 year old Dante who’s contract expires in the summer, despite the Brazilian offering significant leadership to the young squad, his wage demand of £43k will not be met.
Rovella on the other hand will also fill the boots of Jeff Reine-Adelaide, the Frenchman is currently on loan from Lyon who may potentially want their man back when his deal expires.
Melvin Bard signed from Lyon for £4.4m and will compete for a place in the starting eleven with Hassane Kamara, whilst Arezo will play second string to Kasper Dolberg, allowing our Danish gem to secure some well earned rest after carrying the burden of scoring for the club.
The Web of Wyrd
The Web of wyrd depicts the connection of the fates. It is a representation of the past, the present and the future. for the Vikings, the Web of wyrd was a reminder that their deeds not only affect the present but the future as well. The interconnections in the symbol depict the unending connections that life and destiny have in the lives of mortals.
Magnus, inspired from the Web of wyrd looked to have an alternative tactic to his 433, one which on the surface looked as if Nice were set up in the same system, however significant changes in roles and responsibilities provided Nice with a new threat which could be utilised in games against superior opposition.
The use of double IWB, MEZ and IW, the Web of wyrd tactic has the potential to be an absolute beast.
The movement of the IWB’s as they push higher into the half-space should result in them offering more of an attacking contribution through passing via central lanes. Whilst the MEZ’s can drift into pockets of space whilst in possession allowing presenting the oppositions defensive units with a problem, either stick to their defensive block/structure and risk being overloaded in their defensive third or close down the MEZ and leave a possible passing lane open for the IW or PF.
The change of the DLP to a HB will provide the additional layer of defensive reinforcement if we lose the ball, minimising the risk of being done on the counter.
An, example of the effectiveness of the IWB can be seen in our game in the UEL in which Atal receives the ball in an advanced position before sliding the pass between the FB and CB for our IF Rony Lopes to slot home the all important goal which ensured Nice progress to the second knockout round of the competition.
DNA
Now that I am content with the players at my disposal and the depth which I have within the club, I will need to be more specific in relation to the players which I will look to recruit in the future.
I briefly touched on DNA historically but didn’t feel as if I gave it the attention that it deserved.
What is DNA?
A club philosophy is often a case about setting some principles and statements which look to create a club identity. It involves a set of values for the club and its players to be committed by and looks to create a foundation for combining the individual strengths for the benefit of the group.
The club DNA becomes a foundation for creating a group mentality where all parties work together to reach a higher goal than they would do as one.
OGC Nice DNA
Takin the above statement into consideration and also the values/attruibutes which featured heavily in Erno Erbstein’s team, I have selected the following three core/key mental pillars for the club.
Intelligence (Anticipation, Decisions, Flair, Teamwork & Vision)
Focus (Composure, Concentration)
Movement (Anticipation, Decisions & Teamwork)
Behind these key attributes will sit a secondary value, for attacking players (off the ball) whilst defensive (positioning).
Of course I will still be looking at other attributes to ensure the individual fits the role. There is no point signing a player who is excellent mentally if they can not pass, tackle or lack stamina. However these attributes do not form the clubs DNA they are more of an added value.
As always I hope you have enjoyed my latest post, I would be grateful if you could join me over on the FM slack where I have my own channel #steinkelsson-ogcnice.
Also if you would like for me to add my tactics to steam so that you can download them please feel free to give me a nudge.
Signing out for the week.
Magnus
