Peru & Uruguay: Football Manager 2023 Club Case Studies 🌎 feat. @rocksendfm #FM23

November 8, 2022

Hi there,

For the last few years Fernando (@rocksendfm) has joined the blog before each new Football Manager game to introduce interesting South American clubs to manage in FM. This year, Fernando had the idea to conduct more in-depth case study pieces for one club from each nation. Due to word count, we’ll therefore be combining two nation’s case studies per blog.

This blog features case studies for Peru & Uruguay. For a brief synopsis of the league systems visit the previous league guide here.

Massive thanks again to Fernando. Go check out his own website: www.rocksendfm.com, you won’t be disappointed!

We hope you enjoy,

Tony / FM Grasshopper

Perú

Club: Football Club Melgar

Key Details:

Nickname(s): El Dominó

Founded: 1915

Ground + Capacity: Monumental Virgen de Chapi / 50,000

Owner: Private

League: Liga 1 Movistar (Peruvian First Division)

2021 finish: 5th

Background:

The city of Arequipa, sometimes called the Lion of the South, is one of huge importance for Perú. Located some 700 kms south of Lima, since Peruvian independence was proclaimed in 1821, Arequipa has acted as a counterbalance of sorts, a stabilising factor against the centralised power of the capital. It was there that Peruvian patriot Mariano Melgar was born in 1790, going on to become a poet and a revolutionaire, fighting in the Peruvian independence, before dying at the hands of the Spanish military; and it was his name that a group of Arequipa kids took when they founded Juventud Melgar in 1915, which would soon change their name to the current one.

They would start playing in the Arequipa League in 1918 and lift their first local title in 1921. In 1924 they took part in the Torneo Intercity, against sides from Lima, emerging as the winners. In 1928 they would win their last Arequipa League title in 34 years, as the team struggled during the 30s, 40s and 50s, battling two relegations and no silverware.

Victories in the 1962, 1964 and 1965 Arequipa League titles proved enough to earn them an invite to the Campeonato Descentralizado de Fútbol, the Peruvian National League, which was set up only in 1951 after years of dominance from the local leagues, mainly that of Lima. It wouldn’t be very successful, getting relegated, but just five years later they would win the 1971 Copa Perú (the first Arequipa side to manage it), and thus return to the First Division, a spot they would never lose again. In 1981, they became the first team from the Peruvian highlands to be champions of the First Division of Peru, and it was also their first qualification for the Copa Libertadores de América.

Struggling times would again come after a 2nd place finish in 1983. In 2009, the decision to leave the Estadio Mariano Melgar, with capacity for 15,000 people in favour of the 45,000 capacity Monumental Virgen de Chapi was taken, and the extra income did the trick. However, it wouldn’t be until 2012 that they would again return to their best, making a return to international competition in 2012, and then winning the title for the second time in 2015, their centenary year. Since then, they’ve remained a competitive side in the Peruvian league.

Why them in FM23?

I’ve always felt like Peruvian football is full of unexploited potential. Watching a run-of-the-mill game will make your eyes hurt, but for a country that didn’t have a national league until the 1950s, football goes way back to 1892 there, and they’ve managed to produce two (maybe three) golden generations.

Every once in a while, a team comes to fuel my theory that Peruvian foot is just a good bit of investment and some lucky results away from getting the respect it deserves, and that team right now is FBC Melgar. The Dominó made it all the way to the Copa Sudamericana semifinals in 2022, and looked fearless in doing so taking out far more fancied sides like Racing Club, Deportivo Cali and Internacional de Porto Alegre.

Right now, they have a young and talented squad and play some of the best football in the nation, sitting 5th in the Torneo Clausura and with their ticket to the Peruvian First Division Play Offs already booked as Torneo Apertura winners. With eight of the last ten league titles going to the dominant and Lima-based big three of Universitario Deportes, Alianza Lima and Sporting Cristal, isn’t it time that the Lion of the South acts as a counterbalance once again?

Key Personnel:

Being the worst South American league available on FM in terms of quality, means that managing in Peru often requires some extra creativity when it comes to talent acquisition. Regardless, Melgar have some very good players.

None as good, perhaps, as Bernardo Cuesta. The 34 year old Argentinian striker has made a stint as a bit of a South American journeyman, with stints in Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and, of course, Perú. He’s a solid all-round striker with a deadly Finishing move, so he should be scoring plenty for you. Just don’t sleep on signing his replacement.

Next up, take a look at Kevin Quevedo. At one point touted as the next big Peruvian talent, he struggled to make it past his huge upside. What remains, however, is a very useful football. Lighting Pace, lots of Flair and a deadly Crossing foot an excellent winger make and he’s got you covered. The fact that he’s also a very skilled Corners taker is a plus.

Coming up, Kenji Cabrera. If Kevin Quevedo was the next big thing, Kenji Cabrera is his successor. Just 20 years old, he’s got Pace, Technique, Dribbling and Crossing skill. His mentals are a bit disappointing, but with time on his side he can be turned into a top producer.

Want to manage in Perú but you don’t fancy Football Club Melgar?

… great youth academy: Academia Cantolao

One of the very few instances when a great academy isn’t part of a big club, Cantolao have the necessary facilities to produce the next Jefferson Farfán or Claudio Pizarro. I’ve written about them in the previous club recommendation, so that’s recommended reading if you're interested. Other than that, Universidad de San Martín are also a good shout, but nowhere near the facilities.

… plucky underdog side: ADT

If you ever feel like learning about a bonkers league system, take a look at the Copa Perú, the third division of Peruvian football which grants promotion to, you guessed it, the First Division of Peruvian football. For now, at least, with 2022 being the last edition where this wonderful quirk will be ended. ADT, therefore, is one of the last privileged sides to have waved the finger at the second tier and taken the quick way. We’ll miss you, Copa Perú.

… fallen giant: Universitario de Deportes

With no lower Peruvian tiers in the FM23 vanilla DB, I have to settle for Universitario Deportes. At one point the biggest and most important club in Perú, they are now hanging by a thread to the most league titles record, with 26 wins to Alianza Lima’s 24 and, most importantly, Sporting Cristal’s 20 titles and counting. Their new found habit of winning it once each decade surely isn’t helping, with their last title in 2013.

… big side to win the Copa Libertadores: Sporting Cristal

At one point a third fiddle to Clásico de Lima rivals Universitario and Alianza Lima, now Sporting Cristal are the best side in Perú. Title wins in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020 mean they are closing in fast to Universitario’s record, and their Copa Libertadores final appearance in 1997 ruined made them the second ever Peruvian side to feature. Don’t get me wrong, they are a LONG way away from competing, with 2004 being the last time they made it out of the Group Stage, but they are a lot closer than anyone else in Perú.

Uruguay

Club: Club Nacional de Football

Key Details:

Nickname(s): Tricolores

Founded: 1899

Ground + Capacity: Gran Parque Central / 31,395

Owner: Club

League: Campeonato Uruguayo (Uruguayan First Division)

2021 finish: 3rd

Background:

At the start of the 20th century, football in the Río de la Plata Basin was still pretty much a British-influence thing. Clubs had started popping up since the late 1880s, but they were all part of British owned ventures, such as the Central Uruguay Railway Cricket Club (CURCC, later Peñarol) which was a club for the company workers, or Alumni Athletic Club in Argentina, where the former students of the Buenos Aires English High School played. However, that would soon change, and one of the first signs of that change was the birth of the Club Nacional de Football, better known as Nacional.

On May 14, 1899, a group of teenagers, members of the Uruguay Athletic Club and the Montevideo Football Club decided to merge their sides. Their idea was to create the first ever “criollo” football club, the first ever to embody not British tradition, but Uruguayan sentiment. This choice was implicit in the name they chose, but also in the colours: white, red and blue were the colours of the flag flown by José Gervasio Artigas, the founding father and biggest national hero of Uruguay.

Nacional would find success quickly. In 1901 they were admitted into the The Uruguay Association Football League, and as soon as 1902 they became undefeated champions, under the guidance of the brothers Amílcar, Bolívar y Carlos Céspedes. Quickly, a fierce rivalry with the CURCC was born, with both sides often fighting for the Uruguayan title.

On September 13, 1903, the National Teams of Uruguay and Argentina were set to face each other. The Uruguayan Federation named a match made mostly of Nacional players, and that annoyed CURCC, who refused to lend their players. When Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club also refused the players who were called as replacements, Nacional assumed the complete representation of the Uruguayan team. The match brought the historic 2:3 victory of the Uruguayans, their first ever. A similar thing would happen in 1924, when an almost entirely Nacional team was sent to the Olympic Games to represent Uruguay in football and won Gold.

It was around this time that Nacional gave South American football one of its most characteristic traits, the hinchas. Prudencio Miguel Reyes was the club’s kit man, and was also in charge of inflating (in Rio de la Plata Spanish, “hinchar”) the balls used. When the games started, Reyes would stay in the sidelines, jumping and singing to cheer on the team, and he became known as the “hincha” of Nacional, which would become the word used across the continent to describe the fans.

In 1939, another landmark: the Quinquenio de Nacional. The Tricolores went and won the title five years in a row, and won 32 matches straight between October 1940 and July 1942. While they would never repeat that level of dominance, they would continue to be constant challengers and regular winners of the Campeonato Uruguayo, where Nacional and CURCC/Peñarol have won all but 19 of the 119 titles contested.

Internationally, during the 1960s they would have to watch rivals Peñarol rule the Copa Libertadores, but success finally arrived in 1971, with their first of three titles, and they would also pick up the Intercontinental Cup that same year, beating Panathinaikos after European Cup winners Ajax refused the trip. They would repeat the double in 1980 and 1988.

Apart from that dominance in the Uruguayan championship, Nacional also highlighted as one of the best youth developers in the country, with the likes of Diego Lugano, Sebastián Coates, Juan Ángel Albín, Gonzalo “Chory “ Castro, Sebastián Viera, Nicolás Lodeiro and Luis Suárez coming through in the last few years

Why them in FM23?

Sometimes, people criticise Football Manager for being a bit unrealistic due to crazy signings happening or improvable wins taking place. Most of the time, it's an unreasonable complaint. For starters, if the guys at SI ever produce a software capable of perfectly replicating real life, they’d be selling it to professional clubs or stats companies, not football obsessed geeks. For everything else, there are also times when real life is too unrealistic even for FM. The reason you should manage Club Nacional de Football in FM23 has a full name: Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz, aka, Luis Suárez.

I’ve managed Nacional in every Football Manager since 2019. Each and every time, I’ve tried to sign Luis Suárez, and each and every time I’ve failed. I know guys from Uruguay who have played Nacional more than once per cycle across many editions of the game. Each and every time, they’ve tried to sign Luis Suárez, and each and every time they’ve failed. In FM, it’s impossible; yet, in real life, Nacional have managed to do it.

It’s very hard to take proper dimension to the importance and the meaning of Suárez’s signing for Nacional and Uruguayan football, although Maradona’s arrival to Napoli rings a bell. When Suárez admitted on TV he was open to the move after his River Plate transfer failed, the #SuarezANacional hashtag became a world-wide trending topic. When the contract was agreed, thousands of people went to receive El Pistolero at the airport, and the van taking him to the stadium had to advance at walking pace because people surrounded it, trying to catch a glimpse of the player. Nacional sold more Luis Suárez shirts the day he was presented at the Gran Parque Central than they had sold shirts (any shirts) up to that point. It was quite simply unbelievable.

In real life, sadly, the dream was short. Luis Suárez helped Nacional to another title, but could not inspire a run in the Copa Sudamericana, and it is already known that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season, potentially moving to the MLS. So, why should you manage Nacional in FM23? Because you won’t get another chance of having Luis Suárez at his favourite club. Who knows, perhaps you can even convince him to extend his stay… FM is known to be unrealistic at times.

Key Personnel:

Well, who do you think it’s going to be? Luis Suárez is going to be the focus of your early game if you manage Nacional. El Pistolero is showing signs of his 35 years of age: his physicals are down, his legs don’t have the same spring and he will have to leave the game around the 70th minute mark, but, for everything else, he’s head and shoulders above the rest of the league.

Clinical Finishing, deadly Passing, great First Touch and Technique and mentals unlike anyone else, getting the best out of Suárez will largely dictate how far you’ll get in the first season. His contract expires at the end of the year, so negotiations will be key, but should everything else fail… you’ll have fun watching him outclass every centreback in the league.

Next up, Sergio Rochet. One of the safest pairs of hands in South America, Rochet is marked for a move away from Nacional very soon. Having inherited the spot between the sticks for La Celeste from Fernando Muslera, he’s established himself as the best goalkeeper in the country and with good reason. Solid overall, his fantastic Reflexes and stupendous reach make him a top shot stopper, and one you’d do well to keep around.

Last but not least, it’s Leo Coelho. The Brazilian is on loan from Mexican side Atlético San Luis, so he’s another you could be enjoying for a short time, but for the first season at least, he’s going to be the base of your defence. Impressive in the air, but with a good reading of the game and good with the ball at his feet, he’s the complete pack.

Honourable mention to Augusto Scarone and Renzo Sánchez in your under 19s, who could quickly give the fans reason to forget about Suárez departure.

Want to manage in Uruguay but you don’t fancy Club Nacional de Football?

It could be argued that Nacional is a short term save in FM23. Even if you keep Luis Suárez past his original contract, he’s set to retire sooner rather than later, and when that happens it’s just another big club save, perhaps even more dominant than managing a big side in Europe. So if you’re tempted by Uruguay but want something more long term, here’s who to consider if you’re looking for a…

… great youth academy: Danubio Fútbol Club

For a more “typical” pick, go Defensor Sporting Club, but don’t overlook Danubio. Álvaro Recoba, Ernesto Chevantón, Diego Forlán, Walter Gargano, José María Gimenez and Edinson Cavani are some of the players that came through their academy, so the heritage is there, and now that they’re back in the First Division you can try to carry their “University of Football” spirit going.

… plucky underdog side: Plaza Colonia

The Cinderella story of the 2021 Campeonato Uruguayo, they won the 2021 Torneo Apertura to set up a title decider semifinal against eventual winners Peñarol, who they took all the way to a penalty shoot out. Still, that was enough to get a ticket to the Copa Libertadores qualifying rounds, which you can enjoy on FM23.

… fallen giant: Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club

In all honesty, only two giants exist in Uruguayan football: Nacional and Peñarol. That being said, Montevideo Wanderers are three time champions who haven’t lifted any silverware in almost 100 years. Alternatively, Albion Football Club could be argued to be the oldest club still active in Uruguay.

… up and coming side: Montevideo City Torque

One I mentioned in the guide last year, few clubs have so many things going for them to overcome the duopoly of Nacional and Peñarol as MCT. Backed by the City group, they’ve been poaching talent from everywhere in the country. They’re yet to turn that into silverware, but that’s the challenge, isn’t it? Alternatively, this year’s runners up Liverpool FC are arguably the best run club in Uruguay.

Chile & Colombia: Football Manager 2023 Club Case Studies 🌎 feat. @rocksendfm #FM23

November 8, 2022

Hi there,

This blog features case studies for Chile & Colombia. For a brief synopsis of the league systems visit the previous league guide here.

Massive thanks again to Fernando. Go check out his own website: www.rocksendfm.com, you won’t be disappointed!

We hope you enjoy,

Tony / FM Grasshopper

Chile

Club: CDP Curicó Unido

Key Details:

Nickname(s): Los Torteros

Founded: 1973

Ground + Capacity: Bicentenario La Granja / 8,000

Owner: Council

League: Campeonato AFP PlanVital (Chilean First Division)

2021 finish: 14th

Background:

Like so many provincial sides, the story of Curicó Unido, who literally have “Provincial” in their name, has plenty of foundings and refoundings, mergers and separations, promotions and relegations. Located almost 200 kms south of Santiago de Chile, Curicó is one of the biggest in the Maule Region, known for the export of fruits and vine.

There, footballing history goes all the way back to the 1910s, where a group of Spanish immigrants founded the Deportivo Alianza, with modest success in the 1950s. However, by the early 1970s things weren’t so good. Alianza had gone down into the local leagues, and attempts to form a club under a merger with a Santiago team had ended poorly. Therefore, in 1973, Club de Deportes Curicó Unido was formed as a purely Curicó team.

Success was found rather quickly, and by 1984 they were even promoted to the First Division… for a while until a change in direction in the Chilean Federation meant rules were changed and Curicó lost the right to their hard-earned promotion.

A small debacle would soon come, and they were even relegated back to the Third Division, missing out on salvation with a 4-1 win, where a single extra goal would’ve been enough to save them. Where sporting struggles appear, economic struggles quickly follow and by the late 90s it was the fans keeping the club afloat. Leading them was die-hard supporter Doña Edith Véliz who was selling raffles to pay club expenses and providing a roof for some players when she wasn’t busy being effectively the kit woman, fixing and mending any ruined shirts or shorts.

Salvation would come on April 26, 2001, when a merger with Provincial Curicó, a fourth tier side, was arranged. Overnight, this changed the situation. While the merger didn’t exactly go through (Provincial wasn’t technically a club and therefore could not merge), the institution changed its name to Club de Deportes Provincial Curicó Unido, debts were slowly paid and support started to gather. Provincial was a project dedicated to the development of players in the area, and they focused all their effort and economic resources on the new club.

Results quickly improved, and by 2004 the club had narrowly missed out on promotion to the Second Division four times. They finally managed in 2005, beating Deportes Iberia at home in the last matchday to win promotion. Three years later, promotion to the First Division was materialized, and even though it would only last a single year, the basis for a successful sporting project was put in place. In 2017, Curicó Unido returned to the top flight, and they have stayed there ever since.

Why them in FM23?

So far, so good. They’re a typical provincial side, with a typical provincial side story. But take a look at the Campeonato AFP PlanVital table this season. Yes, that’s them, in third. Curicó Unido have been the sensation team in Chile this season, defying all expectations to land a Copa Libertadores spot for next season, above the likes of Universidad Católica and Universidad de Chile.

So what, you may ask… shouldn’t that make them a great pick for FM24? Indeed, picking Curicó Unido in FM23 means you’re getting nothing more than a mid-table side with no continental competition, and if that’s what you’re after, I can suggest taking on (bitter rivals) Ñublense, who have a similar, if slightly more successful, story and will be on the Copa Sudamericana on FM23.

But wouldn’t you rather be part of the story than pick up after the fact? The potential is certainly there, some of their guys could do a job for any of the Chilean Big Three, while Curicó also have far better facilities than Ñublense, and they’re actually predicted to finish above their historic rivals. Taking on Curicó Unido is about taking on a chance to be a part of a club’s most successful season in their history. Are you up to the challenge?

Key Personnel:

Ok, so let’s say you’re a brave, brave manager and you decide to take on the challenge, who are your best guys?

Coming in first, I have to mention Rodrigo Holgado. The Argentine, who came through the youth ranks of San Lorenzo, has been in Chile for a while now. However, he’s at Curicó on loan from Gimnasia Esgrima La Plata, meaning he’ll be going back to Argentina at the end of the season unless you plan otherwise. He’s also your biggest earner, meaning if he does depart at the end of the season, you will get some cash to maneuver when signing a replacement.

However, while he’s there, you should make the best of him. A solid all-round striker, Holgado has all the right instincts and skills. Great Off the Ball, Decisions, Passing and Strength suggest he might be better used in a tandem as the dropping man, but he’s got useful Pace and his Finishing is good, so he may be able to lead the line.

Up next, it’s Juan Pablo Gómez. The 30 year old right back will be key to how you attack and how well your season goes. Owner of a lovely skill set, Gómez is fast, a two-way player who can tackle and create danger and a deadly crosser of the ball.

He’s capable of playing through almost the entirety of the right flank, but most importantly he’s nearly ambidextrous, meaning he can also do the job on the left in an emergency.

Last but not least, I wanted to discuss Yerko Leiva. Another loanee, but a Chilean player, the 23 year old creative midfielder should become your main source of joy should you take Curicó. Worthy of the “diminutive genius” tag with his 1,66m height, he’s a deadly corner taker, as well as a creative outlet. Unlike the usual creative but highly intermittent southamerican talents, Leiva has (mostly) the right mentals to showcase his talents often and can slot in a few positions depending on how you decide to set up.

A graduate of the Universidad de Chile academies, he’s on loan from Mexican side Necaxa, but unlike Holgado, he shouldn’t prove all that difficult to capture for another season, even when you’re only paying half his wages.

Want to manage in Chile but you don’t fancy CDP Curicó Unido?

If you’re determined to manage in the Andean country but you don’t mind disappointing Doña Edith Véliz, you have some options. If you're looking for a…

… great youth academy: O’Higgins

In Chile, like with most leagues, it’s hard to find a big academy outside a big club, but O’Higgins certainly cuts the bill with some of the best overall facilities in the country.

… fallen giant: Union Española (or Cobreloa in the Second Division)

Unión Española isn’t really a fallen giant, more of a runner up to the Big Three, but if you’re unwilling to take a lower divisions side, they’re your guys. Cobreloa, eight-time title winners and two-time Copa Libertadores runners-up are the real fallen giants of Chilean football.

… up and coming side: Union La Calera

Most Chileans aren’t really happy with ULC and their up and coming ways as they mostly relate to superagents in the area building up a side like a shop window for their players. Regardless, they’re the latest team to achieve runner up status for the first time and they’ve been Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana regulars.

… big side to win the Copa Libertadores: Universidad Católica

Thanks to those losses by Cobreloa, Chilean football only has one Copa Libertadores winner in Colo-Colo, arguably the biggest side in Chile. However, with the investment that’s gone into their stadium and their local dominance of late, if you’re going to challenge, you may as well try with Universidad Católica.

Colombia

Club: Deportivo Cali

Key Details:

Nickname(s): Los Azucareros

Founded: 1912

Ground + Capacity: Estadio Deportivo Cali / 52,000

Owner: Club

League: Liga BetPlay DIMAYOR (Colombian First Division)

2021 finish: 1st (Closing Stage)

Background:

The story of Deportivo Cali starts, like that of so many clubs in South America, with a trip to England; that of the brothers Nazario, Juan Pablo y Fidel Lalinde Caldas, to be more exact, who around 1905 travelled across the pond to complete their studies. There, like just about everyone in British Public Schools in the early 20th century, they fell to the football-craze, which they duly brought back to their native Santiago de Cali upon their return. In 1912, together with some friends, they formed the Cali Football Club.

Unity, however, would be short lived. In 1914 a dispute over who got to play goalkeeper (the guy asking to play in goal was 1,57m) meant that the team was split into two sides, Cali Football Club A and B. The A team (no pun intended) took the red and white of Arsenal as their colours, while the B side (again, no pun intended) took the green and white of Northern Ireland1. A game was played between them, ending in a 3-1 win to the A side, which established them as the main team. Between 1927 and 1931, they won the Liga Vallecaucana, the regional tournament for Cali teams, five straight with further wins throughout the 1930s, while the B team was also successful in the second division. However, by 1940 they would stop competing.

It would have to wait until 1945 for Cali football to make a return, with a merger with recently formed clubs Los Pingüinos and Aire y Sol (literally, “The Penguins” and “Air and Sun”, I swear I’m not making this up). Due to inner fighting, the decision was made to unify the two teams, which would finally take the name Deportivo Cali2.

Three years later, the Colombian First Division entered it’s professional era, and just one year later the El Dorado era started, where the Colombian League left the Colombian Football Federation (not unlike how the Premier League left the EFL) and became a pirate league outside of FIFA, poaching players from their clubs, most famously Alfredo di Stefano.

However, it would not be a very successful era for Deportivo Cali. Initially they enjoyed recognition and were praised for their game, leading to the 1949 2nd place in the league. Regardless, the team struggled economically throughout the decade and in 1956 the director of Boca Juniors de Cali sent a letter to the league asking that only two teams (the other being América de Cali) be chosen as representatives of the city. The league members debated, and Deportivo Cali was voted out of the league.

Only in 1959 a group led by businessman Alex Gorayeb would pay the club’s debts and (in an ironic twist) bought Boca Juniors de Cali’s league place. The following decade Deportivo Cali had their first golden age, winning three championship titles in 1965, 1967 and 1969. They also competed internationally for the first time, getting into the Copa Libertadores in 1968, and then again in 1969, going as far as the quarter finals.

The good times would carry into the 1970s, with titles in 1970 and 1974, but their biggest landmark would come in 1978 when they got all the way to the Copa Libertadores final under the management of Carlos Salvador Bilardo and becoming the first Colombian side in reaching that stage, albeit losing to Boca Juniors 4-0 on aggregate.

Titles would evade them for a long while. They would take six 2nd spots between 1976 and 1986, and it would take 22 years for Deportivo Cali to become Colombian champions once again in 1996, but by then they were already a force to be reckoned in an already growing Colombian league, which they won again in 2005, 2015 and 2021.

Notes:

1 Why exactly did they go for the Northern Irish colours I haven’t been able to find. Using red and white for Arsenal makes sense as the Lalinde Caldas brothers had seen the Gunners play in their time in Britain, but I’ve not been able to find any link with Northern Ireland. My very uneducated guess as to why they did it is that blue, red, white and green are the colours of the city of Santiago de Cali, so given that red and white were already taken, they went for green. That then poses the question of why blue was snubbed, but no amount of googling and digging into ISBNs has helped.
2 Quite why it is that when the teams were unified they took the green and white of the B team and not the red and white of the A team remains a mystery to me as well. However, a slightly more educated guess suggests that, by 1945, a club that wore those colours already existed in the city: América de Cali. Therefore it would’ve made sense to want to pick up a different kit.

Why them in FM23?

There’s a lot to be liked about Deportivo Cali in truth. They are the only club in Colombia who own their stadium, which also happens to be the one with the largest capacity in the country. They are also the only Colombian club that works as an association (like say Real Madrid and FC Barcelona), with the club being owned exclusively by its members and not some tycoon or businessman. They’re also the big club with the least links (or at least overt links) to drug dealing, with no links to cartel bosses unlike América de Cali or Atlético Nacional.

However, I chose them as my Case Study for Colombia because they could very soon become a sleeping giant. As of today, Deportivo Cali’s debts go as high as 90 billion Colombian pesos, or 18 million euros (£16 million). Sure, that’s about as much as a run of the mill Premier League side spends on a third striker, but in Colombian football it’s a ton of money. For context, Colombia’s single most expensive player sale was that of Miguel Borja to Palmeiras in 2016 at around 10 million euros.

While this doesn't make them instantly into a proper sleeping giant (look into the history of Boca Juniors de Cali for that) they could get wayward without a fine guiding hand… your hand. In FM23, Deportivo Cali start with a debt of around 15 million euros for you to chip away at, and projections look at 19 million by the end of the season. There’s some considerable amount to chip away at.

Key Personnel:

There’s only really one man to start this with: Teófilo Antonio Gutiérrez Roncancio, better known as Teo Gutiérrez. From trick shots and defence splitting passes to controversies with just about every club he’s played with and guns in the dressing room, there’s always fun with Teo around.

The man is getting into years at 36, and while he was never blisteringly quick, he’s less so now. Class, however, is permanent that exquisite Technique, the killer Passing, the eagle-eyed Vision and the showman’s Flair. He’ll need a few more days between matches and you’ll have to deploy him further back than during his heyday with River Plate and Junior, but he’ll do the job, don’t you worry about it.

The one doing all the running should be Kevin Velasco. At 24 he perhaps doesn’t have the upside of days gone, but he’s still young enough to put those lighting quick Pace and deadly Dribbling to use. With wicked Crossing from his left foot and an engine to run the entire flank, he might be a bit of a one trick pony but if it isn’t broken don’t fix it.

Last but not least, Guillermo Burdisso. One of only two non-Colombians in the side, the towering Argentine centreback is a set play exploit waiting to happen. Standing at 1,87m, with great Jumping Reach, Strength and Heading ability, you’ll do well to experiment with setplays so Teo or Velasco can find him in the box.

As is to be expected of a 33 year old tower building on foot, his Pace is weak and he will be exposed with balls in behind, but his game reading is decent, with good Anticipation and Decisions, so perhaps he’ll adapt. The only problem so far as I can see is that somebody convinced him he’s good on the ball, so you may have to work on his PTs.

Want to manage in Colombia but you don’t fancy Deportivo Cali?

What other challenges lie in Colombia? Well, as one of South America’s most competitive leagues, it turns out there’s plenty. So if you don’t quite feel like selling your best guys every season, try this if you’re looking for a…

… great youth academy: Envigado

A bit of an obvious choice as Envigado is by far one of the best “non-big side top academy” saves. If you’ve already played them or if they feel a tad predictable for you, Cortuluá has great facilities.

… plucky underdog side: Aguilas Doradas

The revelation team of the last Colombian league, they got a place in the Clausura Playoffs this season and have been reaching international competitions spots here and there for the last few years. Not bad for a team founded in 2008.

… up and coming side: Deportes Tolima

The up and coming side of Colombian football, if anyone is going to challenge for a spot among the big boys any time soon, it’s going to be them. They’re challenging for titles regularly and often take spots for international competitions, so maybe with a small push…

… big side to win the Copa Libertadores: Atlético Nacional

The first ones to ever do it are probably the only ones with a chance of doing it again in the near future. For a while it didn’t look like a Colombian side was ever going to win the Copa Libertadores with the failures of Deportivo Cali and then América de Cali (three finals back to back). But then 1989 rolled around and Atlético Nacional won it on their first try, and then won it again in 2016. It looks like a long shot right now, but if anyone’s gonna do it, it might as well be the original.

Argentina & Brazil: Football Manager 2023 Club Case Studies 🌎 feat. @rocksendfm #FM23

November 7, 2022

Hi there,

This blog features case studies for Argentina & Brazil. For a brief synopsis of the league systems visit the previous league guide here.

Massive thanks again to Fernando. Go check out his own website: www.rocksendfm.com, you won’t be disappointed!

We hope you enjoy,

Tony / FM Grasshopper

Argentina

Club: Club Atlético River Plate

Key Details:

Nickname(s): Los Millonarios

Founded: 1901

Ground + Capacity: Estadio Antonio Vespucio Liberti, “El Monumental” / 70,074

Owner: Club

League: Liga Profesional de Fútbol (Argentine First Division)

2021 finish: 1st

Background:

May 25, 1810, is the birthday of Argentina, and, therefore, a national holiday. It is then no surprise that May 25, 1901, was chosen by a group of teeangers living in the neighbourhood of La Boca to have a meeting. They are the sons of lower class Genovese immigrants, they work during weeks, so they can only meet during sundays and holidays. The reason for the meeting was discussing the possibility of creating a football club, which they would name Club La Rosales. Three years later they would hold another meeting, this time with the members of Club Santa Rosa, to arrange the merger of the two clubs. Out of that meeting was born the Club Atlético River Plate, who would wear the white and red colours of the city of Genoa.

Their first grounds were found in La Boca, in the areas near the Port of Buenos Aires, which would quickly bring about a rivalry with another side in the neighbourhood which was funded by Genovese (or Xeneize) descendants, Boca Juniors. Still, River Plate would quickly find success, achieving promotion to the Argentine First Division in 1908, and started getting recognition and a bigger following. Their first title came in 1914, and their first official clash with Boca Juniors, would come in 1913 (River won, 2-1). By 1920, they won their first national league title.

However, by 1923 the club faced an enormous problem. Not being able to renew the rent of the property where their stadium was, they were forced to move, renting instead a plot of land in the neighbourhood of Recoleta. This switch, from one of Buenos Aires poorest neighbourhoods to one of its most affluent, fundamentally changed the nature of their rivalry with Boca Juniors from local derby to near class warfare, as it changed the identities of who the two sets of fans were and was an important factor in creating Argentine football’s biggest rivalry.

In 1932 they would complete the signing of Bernabé Ferreyra for 35,000 Argentina pesos (£23,000 of the time), which would be a world football transfer record (the first and only time an Argentine team got it) and earn them the nickname of “Los Millonarios”. With Ferreyra, River would win the titles of 1932, 1936 and 1937. In that decade they would also build Argentina’s largest ground, the Estadio Antonio Vespucio Liberti, named after the River Plate president who secured the funds and the land but better known as the Monumental, which opened in 1938 with capacity for around 70,000 people.

It was a good idea to make it that big, because the 1940s would be good for River Plate. In 1942, Félix Loustau joined Juan Carlos Muñoz, José Manuel Moreno, Adolfo Pedernera and Ángel Labruna to complete the most fearsome striking force football had ever seen. That team would be known as La Máquina, arguably the best team in Argentinian football, winning 10 official titles, including the leagues of 1941, 1942, 1945 and 1947.

From that point onwards, River Plate would continue to be a force in Argentinian and South American football, winning titles in every decade by the 1960s. In 1986, the biggest whole in their cabinet, the Copa Libertadores, was won, and then again in 1996. However, in 2011 the unthinkable would happen: River Plate were relegated. That made it so that Boca Juniors became (after Independiente’s relegation in 2013) the only club in Argentina never to be relegated, something the Boca fans hold very much over their rivals.

Return would be instantaneous, with River winning the Second Division in 2012, and then winning the 2014 title; and yet, their biggest moment was still to come. In 2014, River hired Marcelo Gallardo as their manager, and an era of nearly unparalleled success in Argentinian football history would start. Under Gallardo, River Plate would go on to win three Copa Argentina’s and the 2021 Primera División title. More importantly, however, they would win the 2015 Copa Libertadores, the club’s third ever, and the 2018 Copa Libertadores, beating no one else but Boca Juniors in the final.

Why them in FM23?

On October 13, 2022, Marcelo Gallardo announced he’d be stepping down as River Plate head coach. If you don’t follow Argentine football, you’d be excused to think “A big name coach is leaving. So what?”, but in reality it’s more, much more than that.

For starters, eight year-spells in charge of a club don’t really happen in Argentina, not anymore at least. Right now, Gallardo is the 5th longest serving coach in the history of Argentine football; three of the four men ahead of him did in the 1950s, and the remaining one manages in the Second Division (no disrespect to Pablo Vicó though, awesome man).

Moreover, Marcelo Gallardo is the most successful coach in the history of River Plate. His 14 official titles make him the official trivia answer to the question, but he’s been successful in plenty more areas. Under him, training facilities have been re-engineered to elevate the standards and coaching methodologies have been reworked, including the work of sports scientists and creating a playing DNA that made it far easier for players to transition to the first team. Even the historic Estadio Monumental is set to get a big renovation, which will be completed by 2024 and give it a 81,000 capacity.

Simply put, the departure of Marcelo Gallardo is no smaller a tectonic shift for River Plate than that of Sir Alex Ferguson was for Manchester United was in 2013. You could, theoretically, get a very similar experience managing Boca Juniors, but in all honesty you can do that just about any time. This is an opportunity to take over a massive club right when they will need a steady hand the most. I don’t think a scenario like this will appear in Argentina (or even South America) any time soon, and that’s why you should manage River Plate in FM23.

Key Personnel:

So you’ve decided to take over the mantle of the best manager in the club’s history and try your hand at being the Millonarios boss… brave, brave friend. So who do you count on not to make your stay very short and very un-Gallardo-like?

First off, Nicolás de la Cruz. Gallardo picked up the Uruguayan as the replacement to Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez of “y va el tercero” fame and the former Liverpool de Montevideo man has been up to the task. A Flair player, he’s also very much bought into the coach’s pressing scheme and doesn’t need to carried by his teammates like the typical SA creative players.

Able to play on both sides and with both legs, he’ll add versatility and flexibility to your setup, and he can do just about anything from Crossing, to Finishing, to Passing. However, at 24 years old, he will attract interest, and his contract expires at the end of the season, so you may not have him for long.

Next up, Esequiel Barco. The former Independiente number 10, he should be playing in Europe by now, but he hasn’t exactly set the world alight at the MLS with Atlanta United (despite decent performances), so you’ll have him for a year. Similar to De la Cruz, although perhaps a tad more of a wing player, he’s still very versatile and gives you options when you set up.

Last but not least, Paulo Diaz. An Aggressive and Brave defender, he’s the perfect match for a Gallardo-ball defender, with a comprehensive skill set and the physical tools to still do the “dirty” work. At 27, he still has a long career ahead of him, and will be the stalwart of you defence for years to come.

Honourable mention goes to Juan Fernando Quintero.

Want to manage in Argentina but you don’t fancy Club Atlético River Plate?

I’ll understand any non-takers. Perhaps grabbing the rudder after Marcelo Gallardo doesn’t interest you. Perhaps taking such a big side isn’t your thing. Perhaps, like a certain Scottish FMer, you’ve already got your heart painted in the blue and gold of Boca Juniors. It’s ok, Argentina has plenty of options when it comes to football, so if you’re looking for a…

… great youth academy: Vélez Sarsfield

Yes, the usual answer is Argentinos Juniors, with the whole having produced Diego Armando Maradona, Juan Román Riquelme, Fernando Redondo, Esteban Cambiasso and a long, long list more. But right now, few clubs are putting out so many incredible youngsters like Vélez Sarsfield. Sad to miss out on Thiago Almada? Check out Máximo Perrone, Mateo Seoane, Valentín Gómez, Santiago Castro, Julián Fernández or Gianluca Prestianni… none of which are over 19, by the way.

… plucky underdog side: Unión (SF)

“El Tatengue” fans could be looking at the success derby rivals Colón de Santa Fe are having, with the whole getting their first top tier title and reaching international recognition, but they also have been having a good time under Uruguayan manager Gustavo Munúa, and they’ll be competing in the Copa Sudamericana. If that doesn’t convince you, last season’s title favourites-turned-bottlers Atlético Tucumán are also a good pick

… up and coming side: Defensa y Justicia

It is a bit of an obvious choice, and the argument could be put forward that they no longer are an up and coming side but very much a regular contender. Still, Defensa y Justicia have come a long way under the “guidance” of super agent Christian Bragarnik. All they lack is a title to show for it. If the idea of working with the man who could be called “the South American Jorge Mendes” doesn’t entice you, recently promoted Tigre are also building up momentum once again.

… fallen giant: San Lorenzo

There is really no fallen giant in Argentine football at the moment, provided you ignore Ferrocarril Oeste’s 22 year spell in the Second Division, and even then you’re really stretching the definition of “giant”. If, instead, you look at which current big side is further away from the big lights, San Lorenzo de Almagro is the answer. Right now, they’ve made a stupendous recovery under looks-like-he-slept-with-his-clothes-on manager Rubén Darío Insúa and are set to play next year’s Copa Sudamericana, but that’s now and you’re starting in January 2022, so San Lorenzo it is.

Brazil

Club: Club Athletico Paranaense

Key Details:

Nickname(s): Furação

Founded: 1924

Ground + Capacity: Arena da Baixada / 42,370

Owner: Club

League: Brasileirão Série A (Brazilian First Division)

2021 finish: 14th

Background:

As it’s often discussed when talking about Brazilian football history, the game developed in a very focalized way in the land of jogo bonito. Brazil is an enormous country which is often hard to traverse, meaning for most of its history there was no national-scale footballing scene, but rather clubs developed in the micro-sphere of their home city. Big, rich cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo gave rise to big, rich clubs like Flamengo and Corinthians. Smaller sides in smaller cities would still be very dominant locally, as they were competing against clubs their own size, but they had no chance outside of their bubble. Now, however, the nature of the Brazilian game is changing, and there are few better examples of it than Club Athletico Paranaense.

Founded from the merger of International Foot-Ball Club and América Futebol Clube, Club Atletico Paranaense was born in 1924. The two clubs were actually friendly, with América having sprouted as something of a second team for International, and the merger was more aimed at competing better with their main rivals Coritiba Foot Ball Club and Britânia Sport Club. Still, they would only find medium success, winning a few titles in each decade but never really breaking out from the shadow of Coritiba.

Things started to change in 1995. By that stage, the Brasileirão was becoming the top competition in Brazilian football, with clubs understanding it was far more valuable than their internal fights within the state championship. In that context, Club Atletico Paranaense launched the “Atletico Total” with the intention of bringing the club to the forefront of Brazilian football. That year they returned to the Série A, and two years later they began the construction of a new stadium, which would open in 1999.

At the same time, sporting results improved significantly, winning the Paranaense State Championships five times between 2000 and 2009, and getting to the Copa Libertadores for the first time in 2000, and later they won the Brasileirao for the first time. In 2005 they played in the Copa Libertadores final, losing to Sao Paulo.

As time has moved on, Club Athletico Paranaense (who changed their name in 2018 to avoid confusion with Club Atletico Mineiro), has continued to improve. In 2019 they won the Copa do Brasil, and they’ve also won their first pieces of international silverware, winning the 2018 and 2021 Copa Sudamericanas. This year they’ve been back to the Copa Libertadores final, losing to Flamengo.

Why them in FM23?

The times they are a-changin. The meaning of what big sides in Brazil are is changing. With the national footballing scene properly set up and state championships more a burden than a focus for big teams, being a “big side” is no longer enough to push people around in the Brasileirao. Three of Brazil's Big 12 are currently in Serie B, while Club Athletico Paranaense, together with the likes of Fortaleza, RB Bragantino and América-MG are taking advantage of this new brave world to reap the rewards.

They’re doing it by being smart. Right now, few clubs have the scouting, analytics and coaching infrastructure that Club Athletico Paranaense have in place, with the Brazilian Federation poaching talent from their staff and their sports complex, known as "Cajú", is considered to be the most modern in the country and one of the most innovative in the world, with players from Colombia, Argentina, Spain and even India travelling there to train. The results are showing, and not only in their continental silverware. Fernandinho, Renan Lodi and Alex Sandro all came through the Club Athletico Paranaense academy.

By taking them over on FM23, you’ll be jumping in a project that’s ready to burst into fighting with the heavy weights. Their Arena da Baixada was rebuilt in 2014 and remains one of the premiere venues in South American football, while their facilities will give you the opportunity to develop new talent. Who knows, maybe with the right push that Copa Libertadores can finally be lifted.

Key Personnel:

Taking over a team in Brazil means getting rid of a few of your FM vices, two of them being the love of a short squad and the hatred of people over 30. My first key personnel, ex-Manchester City master of tactical fouls, Fernandinho, explains both points. With the State Championships adding anywhere from 10 to 15 games to your season to the regular 38 and continental competition being a given for almost anyone, you’ll need more than 23 men, even before thinking about the Copa do Brasil or any regional cups. Much in the same way, being the best league in South America but still not at European level means talent is at a premium and there’s no such thing as overlooking a 37 year old who can still control your midfield.

With the Technique, First Touch and Passing to go with his otherworldly mentals, Fernandinho is set to be your main man for at least the first couple of seasons, and should do well to use him wisely, cause he’ll be hard to replace.

Midfield secured, you can unleash diminutive Uruguayan David Terans. Not as iron-willed as the Brazilian, Terans has quality escaping through his pores. A Corners and Free Kick specialist, killer Technique, Flair and Vision should make him the main creative hub of your team for a few seasons.

The future, however, is safe. At least for as long as you can keep hold of 17-year-old Vitor Roque. Technically and physically gifted, he’s no slouch on the mentals side, with enough Composure, Decisions and Work Rate to ensure he won’t be caught sleeping on the job. He’s able to play all across the front of the attack, and he has the skill to Finish, Cross or Pass, so you’ll have to decide which job to give him and how to develop this big talent.

Want to manage in Brazil but you don’t fancy Club Athletico Paranaense?

Picking a save in Brazil can be tricky. The issue with having twelve big sides is that you never quite know which ones are struggling and which ones are basically ready to overpower the whole continent. In any case, here are some options if you’re looking for a…

… great youth academy: Santos

A bit of a daft choice, I agree. Yes, they developed Pele and Neymar, but I like to stay away from obvious picks. Problem is, there’s really not much else in terms of non-massive teams with good academies. You could pick any of Cruzeiro, Gremio or Vasco da Gama as “hard” picks over the fact that they start in Serie B, but they’re still big sides.

… plucky underdog side: Atlético Clube Goianiense

Another club who are working smartly, Goianiense made it all the way to the Copa Sudamericana semi finals this season, and you have that ticket when you pick them on FM23. They aren’t making any massive waves just yet, but there’s potential. América-MG are another good shout.

… fallen giant: São Paulo

Again, any of Cruzeiro, Gremio or Vasco da Gama make more sense, particularly Cruzeiro who almost go down to the third tier a few years back, but if you’re hellbent on starting in Série A, they’re the only big side without international competitions and are a mess of a club right now.

...big side to win the Copa Libertadores: Flamengo

This has to be the easiest save in the whole of South America. The latest Copa Libertadores winners IRL, they have an absolutely stuffed squad with a mix of European-calibre big names and ridiculously talented youngsters. What’s worse (or better, for them) is that they have the economic muscle and youth talent to just keep it going forever. This is PSG on steroids.

South America: Football Manager 2023 League Guide 🌎 #FM23

November 7, 2022

Intro

Welcome back to a more streamlined version of the annual South American league guide. In previous years I have given fairly detailed commentary on the top ‘out-of-the-box’ leagues of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru & Uruguay, but this year I want to keep in concise. Instead I’ll simply present you the headline league information you need to make a decision on which one is right for you. It is also worth noting that subsequent FM23 seasons after 2022 will feel ‘more normal’ than ‘the covid years’ and November 2022 World Cup year which have caused huge upheaval in South America since FM20.

This is Part I of II, with Fernando (Rock’s End FM) returning to the blog to present you one club from each league with a more focussed case study. These recommendations are not necessarily defined as Easy-Medium-Hard as in previous years, instead they’re be ‘interesting saves’ to consider. They will be blog posts with case studies from two nations at a time.

If you like any of these posts, or think it will be useful to others, please share via the link at the bottom of this page. The aim of this post has always been to tackle the “I don't know enough about South American football, which means I won’t go there” attitude towards some of the most fun leagues in Football Manager. Even if this post helps just one person in FM23, then it’s been worthwhile.

Glossary

Opening and Closing - a South American format which sees a league season split between two halves of a calendar year, usually involving the same teams.
Average Points - An aggregation of points from current and previous seasons in order to decide matters. In South America, this is often used to decide relegation.

Argentina

At the time of writing, the 2022 Winter FIFA World Cup is almost here; and Argentina go into the tournament as an outside bet for a surprise win. But whatever happens, it will surely be Lionel Messi’s last World Cup…and then the search for a new legendary playmaker begins. Is this where you come in? Consider Argentina, it’s crazy with year-on-year changes…but most importantly: fun!

Game Start: Argentina offers start dates in 2022 (both start of calendar year or mid-way).

League Structure: February to May 2022, 28-teams begin with two groups of 14 known in FM as ‘Argentine League Cup’. Top 4 teams in each group will play two-legged QFs, SFs before the showpiece single-legged final. From July to November 2022, 28 teams play the traditional league with each side playing each other once. In-game this is called the Argentine Premier Division. Continental qualification can be achieved via winning League Cup/Premier Division/Copa Argentina and also via an aggregated table taking into account both league tournaments (subject to being properly replicated in FM23).

Relegation: Bottom 2 teams from average points table are relegated.

Useful Information: Year-on-year changes mean the number of teams in the top-tier fluctuates. Argentina will keep you on your toes until 2027 where the restructuring stops and sees players end up with a 20 team/38 game season league, in which Average Points relegation is also done away with. My advice is to consult the Overview/Rules section in the league window each year before the season starts!

Brazil

Brazil’s Serie A is a nice entrance to South America for the traditional 38-game-European football fans. However, the state championships Vs rival clubs are a unique challenge…meaning Brazil is a great place to go.

Game Start: Brazil offers start dates for each calendar year (2022 and 2023).

League Structure: April to December 2022 sees 20 teams playing each other home and away.

Relegation: Bottom 4 teams are relegated.

Useful Information: Additional regional state leagues played from January to April offer a nice side-challenge to the save, where you will play geographic rivals.

Chile

Chile is as close to the European way of accepting champions as it gets. The league leader after each team has played each other twice is the league winner. Like Brazil, it’s another bridge league for European players to try out South America with relative ease.

Game Start: Chile offers start dates for each calendar year (2022 and 2023), but you’re also offered the chance to begin mid-way into 2022 and 2023 years.

League Structure: February to October 2022 sees 16 teams play each other home and away.

Relegation: Bottom 2 teams from average points table are relegated.

Useful Information: Whilst Under-21 players are eligible to play in all matches, match day squads must contain at least two Under-21 players. Chilean Primera Division rules also state that teams have to play Under-21 players at least 70% of total minutes, or face a 6 point deduction.

Colombia

In Colombia, prepare for LOTS of games and the scheduling minefields that will ensue. In a complete parallel to Chile, you’re not a champion in Colombia until you have navigated a ‘Quadrangular’ and a subsequent Opening or Closing Final.

Game Start: Colombia offers start dates for each calendar year (2022 and 2023).

League Structure: January to June 2022 Apertura of 20 teams. Repeated again for Clausura from July to November 2022.

Relegation: Bottom 2 teams from average points table are relegated.

Useful Information: After Apertura & Clausura, the top eight teams are separated into two groups of four who will play one another twice home/away (the top 2 teams from Apertura and Clausura will be separated, but the other 6 teams are drawn into each group). The winner of each group (Quadrangular) will then play one another (again home/away) to see who is crowned league winner. This means there will be two league champions each year.

Peru

No league in World Football changes like Peru does, with their Football Association often changing competitions and schedules at relatively short notice. Peru has a traditional Opening and Closing format in FM23, for now at least…

Game Start: Peru offers start dates for each calendar year (2022 and 2023).

League Structure: February to June 2022 Apetura of 19 teams. Repeated again for Clausura from July to October 2022.

Relegation: Bottom 2 teams are relegated. Position 17th faces relegation playoff.

Useful Information: Peruvian domestic football changes annually, which means Sports Interactive has a near impossible task of predicting future seasons. The Copa Bicentenaro [a recently launched domestic cup] has now been cancelled, and is not part of the Football Association’s plans going forward.

For the first couple of seasons, points deductions are applied to teams if they cannot grant 765 minutes to sub-20 players over the 18 matches played. 3 points deducted for every 90 minutes under threshold.

For the first couple of seasons, 1st and 2nd in Peruvian Reserve league awards points to their parent club. Winner grants 2 points bonus, Runner Up grants 1 bonus point.

Uruguay

Uruguay crowns one winner each calendar year from its three domestic competitions: Opening, Intermediate and Closing formats. Technically you could win neither but still top the overall table in which all three competition points feed into, which means you’d make the Grand Final. It is a league where you need to bring your A Game when it matters…

Game Start: Uruguay offers start dates for each calendar year (2022 and 2023).

League Structure: February to May 2022 Apetura of 16 teams. Repeated again for Clausura from August to October 2022. Between the two stages, sixteen teams split into two groups of eight. The group winners play each other in a one-legged final to determine the mid-season Champion.

Relegation: Bottom 3 teams from average points table are relegated.

Useful Information: despite there being three separate tournaments, there is an overall table of which points from all three tournaments are collated. The reason is that the overall table has a say in who gets to be crowned the Uruguayan Grand Champion for that calendar year, and also decides who gets relegated.

To decide the ‘Grand Champion’: the winner of both the Apertura and Clausura play one another in a Semi Final*. The winner plays the team in 1st place of the overall table in a Grand Final. There are occurrences where either the Semi or Grand Final never happen, e.g. a Semi Final winner topping the overall table meaning no Grand Final OR a club winning both Apertura & Clausura AND heading up the overall table, meaning no Semi Final.

Continental Competitions

Can you stop Gabriel Barbosa’s Flamengo in FM23?

Whichever nation you choose to manage in, the spectacles of the CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana tournaments are offered to all. Specific details as follows:

Copa Libertadores - South America's most reputable trophy, which runs throughout the calendar year (January to November). 47 teams participate in three stages: Qualifying, Group Stage and Knockouts. Knockouts are two-legged home & away ties…until you get to the final, which is played as one tie at a neutral venue (the 2023 final will be in the Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo, Guayaquil, Ecuador).

Winning the Copa Libertadores will mean you qualify for it once again. The winner will also enter the FIFA Club World Cup & the Recopa during the next calendar year (see entry below).

Copa Sudamericana - South America's second continental competition, which also runs throughout the calendar year (March to November). 44 teams enter in at various stages, which includes a Group Stage of four teams in eight groups (32 teams) after First Round. Knockout games are two-legged home & away ties, except final which is played as one tie at a neutral venue (the 2023 final will be in the Arena BRB Mané Garrincha, Brasília, Brazil). The winner will qualify for the subsequent Copa Libertadores campaign and also enter the Recopa (see below).

Recopa Sudamericana - This is the South American Super Cup: winners of both the Libertadores and the Sudamericana face-off against one another over two legs home & away. If tied on aggregate, the away goals rule would not be used, and 30 minutes of extra time would be played. If still tied after extra time, a penalty shoot-out is used to determine the winner.

Although not as prestigious as the Copa Libertadores, clubs and fans will still place a great deal of importance on winning this trophy. In my opinion, the move towards neutral venues in both the Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana may also heighten the excitement for the annual Recopa tournaments. As it would give more fans the chance to once again see their clubs win continental honours live in their own stadium (something the Libertadores & Sudamericana have recently ditched).

I hope you found this guide useful, and you enjoy Football Manager 2023 on the South American continent!

Tony / FM Grasshopper

South America: Football Manager 2022 Club Guide 🌎 feat. @rocksendfm #FM22

November 8, 2021

I’m delighted to welcome Fernando @rocksendfm back to my blog for the South America Football Manager 2022 Club Guide. My resident expert will introduce three sides from each out-of-the-box top league in Football Manager 2022 (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru & Uruguay). An easy, medium or hard challenge in each nation, meticulously researched outside of Football Manager…setting the scene for your upcoming FM adventure. Sounds good right?

If you like this post, or think it will be useful to others, please exercise your right to share via the link at the bottom of this page. Thanks in advance for reading.

Argentina

Hard – Platense

(1) Background & Expectation

Some clubs seem to be intrinsically linked with their city of origin, like they’re part of the fabric it’s made from. Platense, which was founded in Recoleta, one of the most iconic barrios of Buenos Aires, is one such club. Tango singers like Roberto Goyeneche (who was a fan and names of their stands) and historic footballers like Angel Labruna (River Plate’s all-time record goalscorer who retired with Platense) are woven into their story, which begins in another Buenos Aires landmark, the Palermo Racecourse. If you’re looking to found a football club with your friends, betting at the races all your money seems like an odd idea; however, that’s exactly what the founders of this club did in 1905. Their horse, Gay Simon from the Platense Stud, won and they named the club in their honour. They even took their colours (white and brown) for their kit, which got them their nickname of El Calamar, the Squid. It was, however, one of the last bits of winning they did. A single 2nd place in the 1916 Argentine Championship and Runners-Up in the 1918 Copa de Honor are their only top tier achievements.. During the 80s, they defied all odds three times to avoid relegation in 1981, ‘86 and ‘87; in 1999 reality finally caught up with them. Now, after 22 years (and two trips to the third tier), they’re back in the Primera División. It’s been a long time since Platense was an established first tier side, and they don’t have a glorious past to draw inspiration from. They are, however, one of the most iconic clubs of the city.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Sign players under the age of 23 for the first team.
Predicted to finish 26th.

(3) Key Players: Facundo Curuchet, Jorge de Olivera and Nicolás Bertolo.

(4) Young Talents: Franco Baldasarra, Brandon Barbas and Patricio Pérez.

Medium – Colón de Santa Fe

(1) Background & Expectation:

Almost two years ago, Argentine cumbia band Los Palmeras, sang their iconic hit “Soy Sabalero'' at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Copa Sudamericana final. As images of Colón fans crying their hearts out on this hymn to their club went viral, Colón de Santa Fe entered the global mainstream for the first time. It wouldn't be the last. In June 2021, a video of an ecstatic man drilling an urn to fill it with wine went viral. The man and his father had made the promise to drink the bottle when Colón won the Primera División title, and he was going to fulfil it even if his father wasn’t there anymore. The story of Colón is one of fervent support, big heartbreaks and eternal hopes. Historically a lower class club, their nickname of Sabaleros comes from their followers, often penniless fishermen who caught Sábalo, a fish often found on the Salado River, which runs next to the city of Santa Fe. A first golden era started in 1995, with the club’s return to the Primera División; two years later, they were league runners-up and got into the Copa Libertadores. Relegation in 2013 put a stop to that, but since then Colón has entered a second, greater golden age. In 2019 they got to their first ever continental final, with forty thousand people travelling to Paraguay to support them. Two years later, they lifted their first ever official title. There’s still a long road for Colón, but if they know one thing, it’s to build from the bottom.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Play defensively solid football.
Predicted to finish 14th.

(3) Key Players: Rodrigo Aliendro, Federico Lértora and Paolo Goltz.

(4) Young Talents: Facundo Farías, Eric Meza and Santiago Pierotti.

Easy – Lanús

(1) Background & Expectation:

On January 3rd, 1915, residents of the town of Villa Gral. Paz decided to host a meeting. The matter at hand was the creation of a social and sporting club; the situation had been deteriorating for years, but a recent flood of the Riachuelo (a small river that runs across the southern part of Buenos Aires) had effectively isolated them from the rest of the city. That day the Club Atlético Lanús was formed. Sporting success came quickly, with the side winning promotion to the Primera División in 1919, and lifting a Copa Competencia in 1926. However, after long periods of up-and-downs, the club entered its worst economic and social crisis in 1977. Heavily in debt and supported by just 2000 members, back to back relegations put them in the Third Division. Now we know it was the beginning of Lanus’ greatest era. They earned promotion to the Second Division in 1981, and after narrowly missing out on another promotion in 1984, they finally got back to the Primera División in 1990. Since then they’ve won two international cups, including the Copa Sudamericana in 2013, their first Primera División title in 2007 and another one in 2016. Moreover, they built one of the best youth academies in the country, producing the likes of Diego Valeri, Estaban Andrada, Eduardo Salvio, Guido Pizarro and many others. With great facilities, their current line up sitting at an average of 22.7 years old, and the likes of De la Vega, Belmonte and Aguirre as fulcrums, the ceiling is immense for Lanús.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Develop players using the club’s youth system.
Play attacking football.
Predicted to finish 7th.

(3) Key Players: José Sand, Diego Braghieri and Ignacio Malcorra.

(4) Young Talents: Pedro de la Vega, Brian Aguirre and Alexandro Bernabéi.

Brazil

Hard – Grêmio

(1) Background & Expectation:

In case you hadn’t heard, giant killing season in Brazil is on. With Vasco de Gama, Cruzeiro and Botafogo already in the Second Division, and with Santos and Sao Paulo immersed in crisis, the historic Big 12 names don’t carry as much weight. Next in line aboard the disaster train are Porto Alegre giants Grêmio. Currently looking to be set for relegation, Grêmio had hired former Brazil and Portugal Luiz Felipe Scolari as manager in June, who was fresh off saving Cruzeiro from even more humiliation with relegation to Serie C. However, after 23 matches between all competitions and a tally of 10 wins, 10 losses and 3 draws, Felipão was sacked, and Grêmio remains in relegation places. This comes as part of the enormous shift that Brazilian football has been experiencing over the last 10 years, and that started in 1971 with the first true national league. No longer do the biggest clubs from the biggest cities get to accumulate all the talent; the competition has widened, and clubs now have to look for every edge possible. With the likes of RB Bragantino, Paranaense and Fortaleza gaining more and more ground, the cost has fallen on the traditional powers. However, it’s not an irreversible trend. Grêmio still boasts some of the best facilities in Brazil, and with just Internacional SC as local rivals, they should get a good chunk of that Gaucho talentpool. It’s looking difficult, but there could still be a light at the end of the tunnel for the club that gave us Ronaldinho.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Develop players using the club’s youth system.
Predicted to finish 7th.

(3) Key Players: Walter Kannemann, Geromel and Douglas Costa (on loan from Juventus)

(4) Young Talents: Jaminton Campaz, Vanderson and Jean Pyerre.

Medium – RB Bragantino

(1) Background & Expectation:

RB Bragantino’s ascent into the high spheres of Brazilian football has mimicked that of their brother clubs, arising as a force very quickly, and very smartly. Coming from the city of Bragança Paulista, deep in the State of Sao Paulo, their story was one of middling success, both at the State and National Championships. Their brightest hour came when they won the Paulista Championship in 1990 and followed that up with a Runners-Up spot in the 1991 Brazilian Championship. After that, it was back to the usual until Red Bull came charging in 2019. The company’s Brazilian adventure had actually started in 2007, with the founding of Red Bull Brasil. However, bad results and lack of progress meant it was back to the drawing board for the drinks giant, and back to a more familiar approach. Approaching Bragantino, the purchase of a controlling stake was settled, investing 45M Reais (around 8M USD), with RB Brasil becoming the academy club. Since, success has been unrelenting. They won promotion to Brazil’s top tier in 2019, finishing 10th the following season, which granted them access to the Copa Sudamericana. This season, they’re on pace to finish in Copa Libertadores positions and they’re also in the Sudamericana final. As with every Red Bull team, hate from other clubs and distaste for the corporatization of the game is always there. But with a young squad and smart recruitment, RB Bragantino looks like it could be challenging the continental giants quicker than their European brothers.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Sign players under the age of 22 for the first team.
Sign players under the age of 20 for the future.
Predicted to finish 11th.

(3) Key Players: Lucas Evangelista, Aderlan and Léo Ortiz.

(4) Young Talents: Praxedes, Artur and Cleiton.

Easy – Atlético Mineiro

(1) Background & Expectation:

If some Big 12 sides are unable to translate their state dominance into the national level, Atlético Mineiro show what can happen when they do. Founded in 1908 by a group of young men, they quickly became widely successful in the Minas Gerais State Championships. Their nickname of Galo (Rooster) was given in the 1930s after they were compared to the black and white roosters that ruled the cockfight rings of that era. However, all that couldn’t be translated into the national stage, with Mineiro winning just a single Brazilian League title, in 1971. They slowly lost standing outside of the State Championships, culminating in their relegation to Serie B in 2005. They returned in 2007, but a 6-1 loss to Cruzeiro in 2011 was too much. The fans started pressuring the president, and a full restructuration of the club was put in place. Putting together a great team that included the likes of Diego Tardelli, Jo, Bernard and Ronaldinho, they won the Copa Libertadores in 2013, their first ever top tier continental title. Now, Mineiro seem to be back on track. Adding players like Matías Zaracho, Ignacio Fernández, and international big names like Hulk and Diego Costa, they had another run at the Libertadores in 2021, falling at the semi finals. The prize they truly want, however, is now within reach, with the club looking set to win the 2021 Brasileirão, their first in 50 years. Moreover, the club seems set to join Flamengo and Palmeiras in a new “big 3” that rules Brazilian football for years to come.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Play attacking football.
Develop players using the club's youth system.
Sign high-reputation players.
Predicted to finish 2nd.

(3) Key Players: Diego Costa, Hulk and Ignacio Fernández.

(4) Young Talents: Matías Zaracho, Alan Franco and Guilherme Arana.

Chile

Hard – Santiago Wanderers

(1) Background & Expectation:

Football arrived in Chile, as it did mostly everywhere, with the British. As early as the 1880s football matches and clubs were popping up all around, and in 1896, a group of young men founded Santiago Wanderers. If you’re at all familiar with Chilean geography, you might make the mistake of thinking this is a club from the capital city of Santiago de Chile, but you’d be wrong. Wanderers was formed in the coastal city of Valparaiso. The name Santiago was taken for two reasons, a club named Valparaiso Wanderers, mostly composed of British expats, already existed. But much in the opposite way, to these young Chilean men, giving it the name of the capital was about sending a message, this was a criollo club, a club for Chileans, with a national identity. After years of success in the Valparaiso league, the club joined Chile’s professional football association in 1943 (after a failed attempt in 1937), and entered a golden era in the 50s and 60s, managing two league titles and two cups, as well as two runners-up finishes. Since then, however, the club has been mired by instability and crisis, failing to establish itself as a Primera División side and getting relegated multiple times. After promotion in 2019, the club managed to survive their first season in the top tier. However, second season syndrome is hitting them hard, currently stuck to the bottom of the table. For such an historic name in Chilean football (the oldest surviving club in the country), they deserve better.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Develop players using the club’s youth system.
Predicted to finish 17th.

(3) Key Players: Ronnie Fernández, Damián Arce and Mauricio Viana.

(4) Young Talents: Daniel González and Matías Marín.

Medium – Audax Italiano

(1) Background & Expectation:

In 1910, members of the Italian community in Santiago decided to found a club to represent them. They were cycling fans, so they named it Audax, a latin word that was often used to refer to those who practiced the sport. They first started playing football in 1917, but it wasn’t until 1921 when the football section was officially founded. Debates over whether the club was supposed to branch out or stick to its cycling beginnings were intense, and things came close to a schism, but in the end it was decided that the community should come first. The club changed its name to Audax Club Sportivo Italiano, and they never looked back. A founding member of the Chilean Primera División, Audax has won the title on four occasions, namely in 1936, ‘46, ‘48 and ‘57. However, they struggled to remain competitive, and spent the 60s and 70s struggling, with two relegations. In 1993 they returned for the second time to the Primera División, and managed to remain in the top tier. Good performances qualified them to the 1998 Copa Conmebol (a precursor to the Copa Sudamericana), and since then they’ve been able to qualify for continental competitions more times, getting to the Libertadores Group Stage in ‘07 and ‘08, and to the Sudamericana in ‘07, ‘18 and ‘20. With good performances in the last few seasons, a recently renovated 12,000 seater stadium and a competent squad, Audax is in a great position to take one step forward and go back to the good times.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

No club culture.
Predicted to finish 8th.

(3) Key Players: Joaquín Montecinos, Federico González and Lautaro Palacios.

(4) Young Talents: Bryan Figueroa and Nicolás Fernandez.

Easy – Unión La Calera

(1) Background & Expectation:

For the vast majority of its history, Unión La Calera struggled to achieve noteworthiness in Chilean football. Founded in 1954 from the merger of three clubs from the area, they first got to the Primera División in 1962, where they’d stay until 1974. However, after that they would wander the 2nd and 3rd tiers mostly. That all changed when Sergio Jadue became president in 2007. Jadue, a shrewd politician, had formed a career from nothing, and was building contacts with the high spheres of power in Chilean football. Under his management, ULC would get promoted to the first tier for the first time in 26 years, and gave good accounts of themselves the following season. In 2013, a permit to rebuild their stadium was granted, putting another building block. Even after relegation in 2016, the future was secure, this time thanks to another powerful man, Argentinian Christian Bragarnik. A controversial figure in South American football, Bragarnik is a super agent, with over 100 players and 15 managers in his books. With him involved in the club, players like Gabriel Arias, Brian Fernández and Walter Bou arrived, and ULC shot up the places. They finished in continental qualification spots in 2018 and ‘19, and even managed a runners up spot in 2020, which got them into the Copa Libertadores. Of course, so many links with shady characters have made them a resisted club, but with a top level squad and the brand new Estadio Nicolás Chahuán Nazar re-inaugurated in 2019, Unión La Calera’s prospects are limitless.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Sign Argentinian players.
Predicted to finish 4th.

(3) Key Players: Gonzalo Castellani, Alexis Martín Arias and Gonzalo Jara.

(4) Young Talents: Simón Ramírez and Jeisson Vargas.

Colombia

Hard – Once Caldas

(1) Background & Expectation:

It’s January 1961. Several men from the Caldas Department in Colombia have met, looking to bring back their county’s football tradition. Carlos Gómez Escobar represents Deportes Caldas, a side that was Colombian champion in 1950; Carlos Gómez Arrubla stands for Once Deportivo, another of the city’s sporting clubs. Hermán Bueno Ramírez suggests a third option, a merger. The proposal is accepted and Once Caldas is born. However, less than a decade after, the club is once again in economic trouble. This time it’s sponsors that come to the rescue. Once Caldas became not only the first Colombian club to have a shirt sponsor, they also got a name sponsors. Over the years, mired by ups and downs and near misses, they would play under names like Cristal Caldas, Varta Caldas and Once Philips. The late 1990s brought an end to that. A great 1998 campaign under Javier Álvarez got them their first ever league runners-up finish, qualifying to the 1998 Copa Libertadores. Álvarez left later that year, but the seeds had been planted. The new millennium brought a first title under the Once Caldas name, winning the 2003 Apertura title. The club’s brightest hour would come the following year, with a surprise campaign that saw them lift the 2004 Copa Libertadores.. In the following years, Once Caldas would remain a force in Colombian football, but it’s now been ten years since their last title, and this season problems have deepened, with the club struggling to remain in the top tier. They’ll need a saviour, like Álvarez, to survive.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Sign players under the age of 23 for the first team.

(3) Key Players: Geraldo Ortíz, Cristian Higuita and Juan David Pérez (on loan from América de Cali).

(4) Young Talents: Robert Mejía and Marcelino Carreazo.

Medium – Deportes Tolima

(1) Background & Expectation:

Founded in 1947 as Club Deportivo Boca Juniors de Ibagué (although ironically wearing a kit inspired by Racing Club), Deportes Tolima would take on their current name in 1954, when members of the board appeared in front of the governor of the department, asking for money to build a championship team. The governor agreed, and Tolima signed a number of players from Argentina’s Racing Club, some of the last done under the era of El Dorado. Tolima managed to finish runners-up in 1957, but after that they’d struggle to establish themselves as a power in Colombian football. It would all change in 1979 with the arrival of businessman Gabriel Camargo Salamanca. Under him, Tolima would invest heavily in top tier players, managing to finish runners-up again in 1981, and would take part in the 1982 and ‘83 Copa Libertadores. His decision to take a step back in 1983 would hurt Tolima, which slipped from contention and eventually was relegated just a decade later. Camargo’s return in 1994 marked an instant bounceback for Tolima, which won promotion that year, and managed to finish fourth in 1995, achieving qualification to continental competitions. In 2003, Camargo’s dream would be fulfilled, with a dominant Tolima winning their first ever league title. Since then, Tolima has been a staple of the Colombian Primera División, winning their second title in 2018, and managing several runners-up finishes. With Camargo’s son César taking over this year, the club can now look to further its ambitions.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Sign players under the age of 23 for the first team.

(3) Key Players: Julián Quiñónes, Juan Fernando Caicedo and Álvaro Montero.

(4) Young Talents: Luis Miranda.

Easy – América de Cali

(1) Background & Expectation:

If you sat down and tried to write the history of a made up football you probably wouldn’t end up with a history like America de Cali’s. The club was officially founded in 1927. After getting good results on two country-wide tours, they achieved a national following, so in 1940 the board decided to turn professional. Benjamín Urrea, a founding member of the club better known as Garabato, was against it, and was expelled. He was so angry he set a curse on the club that they would never be champions. During the 1950s the club struggled, after the inflated salaries of the El Dorado age took its toll on clubs, but when the 60s came around, managing two runners-up finishes in 1960 and 1969, and a third place in 1967. Lost opportunities in 1974 and 1978 were too much. In 1979 the board contacted Garabato and reached an agreement so the curse would be lifted off. That very year, América won its first title, and entered its greatest era. Five consecutive titles between 1982 and 1986 put it as one of the most successful clubs in the country. Garabato’s contract, however, probably didn’t include continental competitions, with América losing a record three straight Copa Libertadores finals, in ‘85, ‘86, and ‘87. Since then, deep economic and institutional crisis have left the club somewhat behind, with long title droughts and even relegation in 2016. Now, however, América are on the path of recovery, and could again become a continental heavy hitter with the right hand on the rudder.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Sign players under the age of 23 for the first team.

(3) Key Players: Adrían Ramos, Joel Graterol and Carlos Sierra.

(4) Young Talents: Pablo Ortiz and Juan Fernando Asprilla.

Peru

Hard – Academia Cantolao

(1) Background & Expectation:

Some clubs have their history linked with a particular competition. It can be a league they dominate with an iron fist, an international competition where they’ve lived their brightest hours, or maybe a cup where they’ve managed multiple upsets. For Academia Cantolao, that competition is the Copa de la Amistad, a youth competition. In 1981, a group of friends met on the beach of Cantolao with the objective of putting together a football team for the youth of the area. They found astonishing success, winning their local league, then the regional tournament and even getting into the regional stages of the nation-wide Copa Perú. With the support of local leader Dante Mandriotti, they decided to create a football academy, and in 1983 they began organizing their own competition, the Copa de la Amistad. Since then, the cup has become a staple of youth football in South America and the world, with teams from all over the world taking part, and stars like Lionel Messi, Javier Zanetti, Álvaro Recoba and Hernán Crespo taking part in their youth days, as well as Cantolao’s own, like Claudio Pizarro or Carlos Zambrano. Parallel to the youth sides, the professional team has been growing as well, with the club managing promotion to Peruvian football’s top tier in 2016, playing with a side averaging just 22 years old. Since then, it’s been a tale of gaining stability, but with one of the best academies in the country one must always look ahead.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Sign players under the age of 23 for the first team.
Predicted to finish 17th.

(3) Key Players: Christian Limousin and Maximiliano Barreiro.

(4) Young Talents: Yuriel Celi, Christian Sánchez and Orlando Núñez.

Medium – Universidad César Vallejo

(1) Background & Expectation:

Many of us are romantic about football, but in reality it's only a few times that poetry and the beautiful game come together. In Club Deportivo Universidad César Vallejo we have one of those instances. Named after the university that bears the name of the great Peruvian poet, UCV was founded in 1996 and immediately started climbing through the ranks of regional football. In 1997 they won the Trujillo Third Division, and the following year they made it back to back promotions, getting into the Trujillo First Division. In 2003 they went one more and, just seven years into existence, they got into the Peruvian Primera División. It was a short adventure, getting relegated in 2005, but after returning in 2007, they came back swinging. They often managed to finish in the top half, managing to qualify for the Copa Sudamericana in 2010 and 2011 and 2014, and even making it into the Copa Libertadores in 2013 and 2016. Another relegation in 2017 put a stop to that run of form, but once again they’ve come back like they never should’ve been gone. Consecutive top half finishes, including a top 3 finish last season, have put them back into the spotlight and into Copa Libertadores places. Now, with one of the best squads in the country, one of the largest stadiums in the league in the Estadio Mansiche and solid facilities to take advantage of, and in a league that’s always been up for grabs, a project as solid as UCV’s can mount a genuine challenge.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Sign players under the age of 23 for the first team.
Predicted to finish 6th.

(3) Key Players: Donald Millán, Rodrigo Cuba and Jairo Vèlez.

(4) Young Talents: Beta da Silva (on loan from Alianza).

Easy – Alianza Lima

(1) Background & Expectation:

One of Peruvian football’s quintessential sides, alongside with big three rivals Universitario and Sporting Cristal, Alianza Lima also holds a unique distinction, that of being Perú’s most popular club. Founded in 1901, Alianza Lima (originally Sport Alianza) was the brainchild of a group of lower class boys. They had little means to found a club, much less to acquire the infrastructure required. The name Alianza comes from the grounds they used to train, the Alianza Stables, property of future presidente of Perú, Augusto Leguía, where the workers allowed the kids to play. By 1912, Alianza was an established club, taking part in the early Peruvian League, and winning their first title in 1918. It was in the 20s and 30s however, that another of the club’s defining characteristics became evident. Being a lower class club, it attracted a big following from Perú’s black community. That was when the first Rodillo Negro (literally, Black Rolling Pin) was formed, which included several black players, key among them Alejandro Villanueva, Alianza’s first undisputed legend. Alianza’s most glorious era would come in the 1970s, when a new generation of players, led by the likes of Hugo Sotil and one of Peru’s all-time greats in Teófilo Cubillas, took the club to three league titles and managed to get to the Copa Libertadores semi finals in 1976 and 1978. Since then, despite some extended trophy droughts, Alianza has largely remained one of the dominating forces in Peruvian football. With a huge following and one of the best academies in the country, there’s no reason to keep it that way.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Sign players under the age of 23 for the first team.
Predicted to finish 3rd.

(3) Key Players: Jefferson Farfán, Arley Rodríguez and Hernán Barcos

(4) Young Talents: Oslimg Mora, Jairo Concha and Miguel Cornejo.

Uruguay

Hard – Fenix

(1) Background & Expectation:

They say there's no such thing as bad publicity. Much in the same way, it could be argued that there's no such thing as a bad record to hold. Fenix fans might want to consider it, being the club with the most ever relegations from Uruguay's top tier (a record which they share, whether that's for better or worse). Founded in 1916 in the Montevideo neighbourhood of Capurro, their name is no coincidence. Three years prior, a club from that part of town had folded. Former players and young men from the area decided it was time to put that right and started the club, naming it after the mythological bird that's reborn from its ashes. Stuck for years in a position which is known in South América as a club ascensor (literally, an elevator club, as it goes up and down forever), Fenix's luck finally changed in 2002 with Zeman-like figure Juan Ramón Carrasco, who managed to finish in third and qualify the club to the Copa Libertadores. Since then, they've qualified for the Copa Sudamericana in 2011, 2016 (with some relegations in the middle, of course) and now once again with Carrasco again at the helm in 2020. For one of Uruguay’s less glamorous sides, Fenix have a very competitive side and are one of several clubs on the outside looking in for continental spots. It will take some work and maybe some Carrasco-inspired magic, but Fenix could become a force to be reckoned with.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Sign players under the age of 23 for the first team.
Predicted to finish 12th.

(3) Key Players: Fabián Estoyanoff, Maureen Franco and Juan Álvez.

(4) Young Talents: Rodrigo Amaral.

Medium – Liverpool de Montevideo

(1) Background & Expectation:

During the early 20th century in the Rio de la Plata estuary football was the only thing on young men’s minds; The students of the Colegio de los Padres Capuchinos Nuevo París in Montevideo were no different. They were desperate to found a club, all they needed was a name. José Freire, one of the students, remembered a geography lesson, when one of their teachers told them Liverpool was the main port in England. Coming from a port city like Montevideo, the connection was immediate. What followed for the club was long periods of struggle, fighting for mid table finishes and often falling into relegation. One of the highpoints was their 1971 tour of Europe, where under the orders of renowned manager Ondino Viera they faced clubs like Werder Bremen, Sevilla, Atlético Madrid and Sporting Lisbon, finishing with a record of 3 wins, 6 draws and 3 losses. All that started to change in 2001, when president José Luis Palma put in place a model that secured the club’s economic future, driving hardline negotiations and investing in the academy. Since then, Liverpool has taken part in the 2009 Copa Sudamericana and the 2011, and remained undeterred after a surprise relegation in 2014 to return after one season to the top tier. They’ve since won the 2019 Torneo Intermedio, the 2020 Supercopa Uruguaya, and 2020 Torneo Clausura. With solid investment, a top academy and competitive squad, Liverpool is a great choice to try and knock the big guns off their perch.

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Develop players using the club’s youth system.
Predicted to finish 6th.

(3) Key Players: Ignacio Ramírez (on load from Saint-Etienne), Ignacio Ramírez and Sebastián Fernández.

(4) Young Talents: Thomás Chacón (on load from Minnesota), Sebastián Lentinelly and Gastón Martirena.

Easy – Montevideo City Torque

(1) Background & Expectation:

When FMG asked me to join him again in the creation of this article, I was instantly wondered… could I manage to steer clear of repeating my choices from last year? No spot worried me as much as this one, but a challenger has arisen. Founded in 2007 by Uruguayan businessman Raúl Aquino Reynoso, Torque wasn't born out of social needs or footballing interest, but as a take on a different sporting business model. Aquino was interested in the ideas of football coach Marcelo Yaurreche regarding the state of Uruguay’s football and youth development. Yaurreche, who's also an electro-mechanical technician, proposed the name Torque for the club, as it means "moment of force" in mechanics. Torque entered the Uruguayan League in the 2008-09 season in the third division, and quickly got into the Second Division. It was in 2015 that the City Group decided to invest in the club after negotiations to invest in Nacional fell through. Since then, they've achieved promotion in 2017 and despite a one season return to the Second Division in 2019, City Group's investment has ramped up, rebranding the club and turning it into one of the most ambitious projects in South American football, focusing on youth development and looking to become a key player in Uruguayan football. In a country where 82% of people claim to be fans of one of two clubs, this may seem like a fool's errand, but with time and investment, who knows?

(2) Club Vision & Media Prediction:

Strive to make progress on and off the pitch.
Predicted to finish 4th.

(3) Key Players: Álvaro Brun, Gastón Guruceaga and Diego Arismendi.

(4) Young Talents: Marcelo Allende, Renzo Orihuela and Nicolás Siri.

Closing Comments

Once again, a huge thank you to Fernando @rocksendfm for joining me on today’s blog. Both this post and the league guide will remain on my site, handily saved on this page: coffeehousefm.com/fmgrasshopper for future reading.

If you do plan to go with any of these teams in FM22, we’d love to hear how you get on,

¡Vamos!

FM Grasshopper