Brief Summary
This YouTube video captures a Career Mode in FIFA, where the player takes on the role of Xabi Alonso, the manager of Bayer Leverkusen. The goal is to lead the team to glory, focusing on key objectives such as defeating Real Madrid, winning multiple titles, developing young players, and achieving individual player accolades like the Ballon d'Or.
- The series starts with Xabi Alonso joining Bayer Leverkusen.
- The primary goal is to avenge Real Madrid.
- The player aims to win multiple titles, develop young talents, and achieve individual player awards.
Starting at Leverkusen
Xabi Alonso receives an invitation to manage Bayer Leverkusen, a team with a history of only four titles, half of which were won under Alonso's management. The main goal is to avenge Real Madrid, setting the stage for ten challenging objectives. These include achieving 200 victories in ten seasons, dominating the locker room, securing 28 league wins in a season, winning all possible titles in a single season, having a player win the Ballon d'Or, scoring over 90 points in a season, winning the Champions League, league, and cup in one season, and developing three players to a rating above 90.
Team Setup and Initial Transfers
The initial focus is on the Bayer Leverkusen squad, highlighting players like Maza, Grimaldo, and Tapsoba, while acknowledging the need for significant improvements to compete with Bayern Munich. The team plans to exploit inside information from Vásquez to beat Real Madrid. The manager considers developing young talents like Ben Seghir and Maza, alongside veteran players. The initial formation is adjusted to a new tactic, emphasizing youth players like Ben Seghir and Bocu. The team secures a goalkeeper, Svilar from Roma, for €59 million on a four-year contract, enhancing the squad's overall strength.
First Season Strategy and Development
The team focuses on developing young players like Ben Seghir and Maza, setting up development plans to improve their skills. The manager aims to dominate possession and train the youth in tiki-taka style football. Coaches are assigned to each position to aid player development over the next ten seasons. A key development is the loan of Boniface to Werder Bremen, aiming to bring him back at a higher rating. The goal for the first season is not to win titles but to develop players and achieve a respectable performance.
First Season Review
In the first season, Bayer Leverkusen finishes fifth in the league with 59 points, narrowly missing Champions League qualification. They are knocked out of the cup in the quarter-finals and lose in the Europa League. Despite not winning any trophies, the team achieves 21 wins, contributing to the 200-win target. Key player performances include Boniface scoring 13 goals on loan, and Schick performing well. Ben Seghir improves significantly, while Maza's performance is lacking. Grimaldo excels with eight goals and nine assists, and the goalkeeper improves.
Second Season Transfers and Tactics
Adjustments are made based on the first season's performance, with players like Andrich and Bocu being replaced. Boniface returns, leading to the decision to sell Schick for funds. Palacios's position is tweaked, and the team shifts to a two-striker formation. With a budget of €154 million, the focus is on strengthening the squad. The team secures Olise from Bayern Munich, adding skill and flair to the attack. Despite interest from Bayern Munich, Palacios is eventually sold for €110 million. The team then signs Estevão for €91.7 million, enhancing the squad's potential.
Securing Key Players and Season Expectations
The team finalizes key transfers, focusing on young talents like Maza and Ben Seghir, aiming to integrate them into the squad. The priority is to secure a strong defense, leading to the signing of Badiashile. With a bolstered squad, the team aims to challenge Real Madrid and win titles. The team successfully signs Lautaro Martinez, enhancing their attacking options.
Second Season Success
In the second season, Bayer Leverkusen qualifies for the Champions League, finishing second in the league with 73 points. They score 77 goals, showcasing a strong attack. However, they are knocked out of the cup and Europa League. The team achieves 47 wins, progressing towards the 200-win target. Lautaro Martinez scores 29 goals, while Ben Seghir and Tiellman also perform well.
Third Season Acquisitions and League Dominance
With a budget of €135 million, the focus is on strengthening the defense and midfield. The team signs Joe Gomez from Aston Villa for €71.4 million, enhancing the defensive line. They also acquire Saqr from Tottenham, further bolstering the midfield. Bayer Leverkusen secures a Champions League spot and wins the league, showcasing their dominance in Germany. They also win the cup, achieving the objective of winning both titles in one season.
Champions League and Player Performances
Bayer Leverkusen reaches the Champions League, losing to Barcelona. They win the league and cup, achieving a key objective. Lautaro Martinez scores 31 goals, and Estevão also performs well. The team adds 79 wins to their total, progressing towards the 200-win target.
Fourth Season Transfers and Continued Success
With a budget of €186 million, the focus is on upgrading the squad. The team signs Verran from Leipzig for €120 million and Bisseck, further strengthening the midfield. Bayer Leverkusen continues to dominate the league, securing another Champions League spot. They win the league but lose in the cup, continuing their strong performance.
Champions League Disappointment and Player Development
Bayer Leverkusen finishes fourth in the league and is knocked out of the Champions League. Despite the setback, the team achieves the objective of developing three players above a 90 rating. Key player performances include Lautaro Martinez and Tiellman.
Fifth Season: Aiming for Champions League and Madrid
The team is in the fifth season, focusing on winning the Champions League and avenging Real Madrid. The manager makes strategic substitutions to maintain team chemistry. The team faces Barcelona in the Champions League final, winning the match.
Champions League Victory and Squad Enhancements
With a strong financial position, the team aims to enhance the squad further. They sign a young Spanish player, Lami Las, and a goalkeeper to strengthen the bench. The team also looks to sign a versatile player who can play as both RB and LB.
Sixth Season: Continued Dominance and Setbacks
In the sixth season, Bayer Leverkusen continues to dominate the league but faces setbacks in the cup and Champions League. The team reaches the Champions League semi-finals but loses to Real Madrid. Key player performances include Lautaro and Tiellman.
Seventh Season: Avenging Real Madrid and Champions League Glory
The team aims to strengthen the midfield by signing a top-quality player. They successfully sign Caicedo, enhancing their chances in the Champions League. Bayer Leverkusen faces Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, winning the match and avenging their previous defeats. They then win the Champions League final against Manchester City.
Eighth Season: Chasing the Ballon d'Or and League Dominance
With key objectives achieved, the team focuses on winning the Ballon d'Or and dominating the league. They win the league with 28 wins, achieving another key objective. Bayer Leverkusen reaches the Champions League final again, winning the title.
