Taking on the World | FM20 Story | #1

January 27, 2020 Luke Hume Comments 1 Comment

Welcome to a brand new Football Manager 2020 story called ‘Taking on the World’. This FM20 story is a classic journeyman save as we attempt to travel around the world and ticking off as many countries as we can.

The aim of this FM20 story is not to stay at the same club for more than one full season. I am not allowed to accept a job offer from another club in the same country if I am already managing a club in that country. There are no limits on how many times I can manage in one country – but I cannot return until at least two seasons later.

I aim to cover as much of the world before the release of FM21. From America to China to India, we’re trying to cover the globe!

I have selected ten countries to manage in, including China, America, Germany and Africa. I have started unemployed with the reputation of a former professional player and Continental A licence.

Table of Contents

Searching for my First Job

Just a few days after beginning my search for my first job as a manager, I received two offers from Barnsley and Hearts respectively, however despite being flattered in their interest in me I decided not to attend the interview as I would like my first job to be further-a-field than Scotland or England.

A few days later, Chicago Fire, currently sitting 11th in the MLS East, approached me about becoming the new Fire manager. I decided Chicago wouldn’t be the worst place to start my managerial career…

Signing and Flying!

After flying to Chicago for final talks, I decided to sign a short term contract until December 2019 as the coach of Chicago Fire. I am earning $601k p/a until the end of the MLS season. Following the conclusion, I shall decide whether to renew my contract or find a new job.

About Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire are a professional club who play in the MLS, the highest level of US soccer and were the first expansion team to play in the MLS starting play in the 1998 season. The club have two major trophies to their name, the MLS Cup and Supporters Shield won in 1998 and 2003 respectively.

Their current captain is Dax McCarty and their vice captain is Nemanja Nikolic.

Recent Form

Chicago have not won a MLS game since June 2019 and have only two wins in total since June. With just eight games remaining of the seasons, the chances of getting into the MLS Play Offs are slim but still mathematically possible. Chicago also lost in the Fifth Round of the US Cup and the Quarter Finals of the Leagues Cup.

Where They Stand

Chicago currently sit eleventh in the MLS Eastern Conference with a record of 4-10-12, and a goal difference of minus fourteen. Their point tally from twenty-six games played is 22 points. They are seven points adrift of the final play off place. Their media prediction for this season was fifth, so they are well below what the bookies expected for them.

Games to Play

I have eight regular season games to play starting with a match away to D.C. United before finishing the season in LA against the Galaxy. The aim is to take as many points as possible as we try and push for that final play off space. The odds are low – but in the MLS… anything is possible!

Next Time…

In the next installment of Taking on the World, we will play the the eight games of our tenure as the new Chicago boss, whilst trying to wheel and deal in classic Harry Redknapp style! Can we push Chicago up the table and ultimately into the Play-Offs position? Only time will tell!

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