Discover why managing in the Bundesliga in FM24 offers unique challenges and rewards. Choose your club wisely!
A Manager's Guide: Why the Bundesliga is the Perfect Setting for Your Next FM24 Adventure
Germany's Bundesliga is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation, making it an exciting proposition for any Football Manager 2024 player. With Bayer Leverkusen clinching their first Bundesliga title in the club's 112-year history under Xabi Alonso and remaining unbeaten, the league's competitive landscape is more enticing than ever. This is not just a sporting triumph, but a sign that managing in the Bundesliga in FM24 can be uniquely rewarding.
With Bayern Munich's long-standing dominance waning as evidenced by Leverkusen's recent ascent, the Bundesliga is ripe for the emergence of new powerhouses. This shift not only makes the league more appealing but also challenges players to think strategically and build a team capable of dethroning the giants. It's a thrilling challenge to take on Bayern, historically one of the toughest teams in FM, and now with Leverkusen's template, you have a realistic shot at the title.
Germany has 4 World Cup wins, 3 EUROs wins, and an Olympic gold medal - and a bunch of finals to boot. While the national side are currently in a transitional period, they have consistently been among the top National sides for over 70 years, reaching at least one World Cup final in every decade from the 1950s to the 2010s. Developing homegrown heroes is very important to German football, and the success of the national team is close to every German fan’s heart.
In FM, this is no different, and is reflected in Germany’s high youth rating. German newgens will consistently be among the world’s best, and Bundesliga clubs have the facilities to bring these talents to fruition. The average rating of Bundesliga clubs’ training facilities is 15 out of 20, so all clubs are capable of contributing to the success of Die Nationalmannschaft.
So, you’re convinced. You’re ready to start a Bundesliga save. But who should you manage? These are my favourite saves in Germany on FM24.
VfL Wolfsburg
Not traditionally a big club in Germany, Union have enjoyed a real purple patch in recent years and shot right up the pyramid; culminating in qualifying for the Champions League in 2023/24. In real life, they’re coming back down to Earth a little and currently sit 12th in the Bundesliga, securing only 2 points from a tough Champions League group.
Your job in FM24 is to continue their recent success and ensure these glory days aren’t short-lived. You have a raft of experienced players to lean on, but you’ll want to sort out their financial situation and try to bring through some youngsters for the future. Your reward will be the eternal love of one of the most vocal and vibrant fanbases in the world.
Schalke 04
Now, this is a challenge. The 2. Bundesliga is littered with fallen giants who haven’t had to search for their struggles. Hamburg, Hannover, Fortuna Düsseldorf, Kaiserslautern et al, all former giants of German football who have fallen on hard times and now languish in the second tier of Germany.
None have fallen on times as hard as Schalke. They start FM24 over £100m in debt, and in real life are in very real danger of slipping into amateur football. Your job is to save this magnificent club and reclaim your place at the top table. While the financial situation is dire, you have all of the trappings of a big club at your disposal, including some of the best facilities in Germany and a talent factory that would be the rival of anyone else in the country. Can you harvest a golden generation to take this once-great club back to the pinnacle and topple Bayern Munich?
READ ALSO: Top 5 Fallen Giants to Manage on FM24
Whether you're drawn to the thrill of dismantling a dynasty, eager to navigate financial intricacies, or passionate about nurturing future football stars, the Bundesliga in FM24 offers a dynamic and rewarding management experience. From historical giants to potential-laden underdogs, your perfect club awaits in Germany's top-flight league, promising a journey filled with excitement and challenges.
Financial Stability and Growth Potential
To begin, there are only 6 clubs across the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga which start FM24 in debt. The financial security of most German clubs is something you’ll strive for elsewhere, but it’s common place in Germany. This gives you an excellent platform to build from, as the majority of clubs are in a position to grow and develop from day one.
Another financial factor is the prize money in Germany’s top flight. The winners of the Bundesliga take home a cool £92.46m, and the mid-table sides net over £50m. That’s a lot of money to land in your club coffers at the end of the season, and it ensure your continuing financial health as the save progresses. Making the most of this little nest egg is critical to success in Germany.
Challenge the Dynasty
With Bayern Munich's long-standing dominance waning as evidenced by Leverkusen's recent ascent, the Bundesliga is ripe for the emergence of new powerhouses. This shift not only makes the league more appealing but also challenges players to think strategically and build a team capable of dethroning the giants. It's a thrilling challenge to take on Bayern, historically one of the toughest teams in FM, and now with Leverkusen's template, you have a realistic shot at the title.
Youth Development
Germany has 4 World Cup wins, 3 EUROs wins, and an Olympic gold medal - and a bunch of finals to boot. While the national side are currently in a transitional period, they have consistently been among the top National sides for over 70 years, reaching at least one World Cup final in every decade from the 1950s to the 2010s. Developing homegrown heroes is very important to German football, and the success of the national team is close to every German fan’s heart.
In FM, this is no different, and is reflected in Germany’s high youth rating. German newgens will consistently be among the world’s best, and Bundesliga clubs have the facilities to bring these talents to fruition. The average rating of Bundesliga clubs’ training facilities is 15 out of 20, so all clubs are capable of contributing to the success of Die Nationalmannschaft.
So, you’re convinced. You’re ready to start a Bundesliga save. But who should you manage? These are my favourite saves in Germany on FM24.
Club Options for Your Save
VfL Wolfsburg
There’s plenty of clubs “ready-made” to challenge Bayern for supremacy. Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen come to mind immediately as clubs who could make an instant title challenge, but there’s a handful of clubs on the periphery who could be in contention with a little work.
Wolfsburg are one of those clubs. Their facilities, academy, and youth recruitment are all good enough for a club of their size and they’re in good financial health; perfectly placed to capitalise on a few successful seasons and go after Bayern’s crown. In the short term they also have a handful of very good players (Maxence Lacroix, Lovro Majer and Jonas Wind make up a very talented spine of your squad), and should be looking to qualify for European football in your first season. With some savvy transfers, they’ll be mixing with the big boys in no time.
Union Berlin
Wolfsburg are one of those clubs. Their facilities, academy, and youth recruitment are all good enough for a club of their size and they’re in good financial health; perfectly placed to capitalise on a few successful seasons and go after Bayern’s crown. In the short term they also have a handful of very good players (Maxence Lacroix, Lovro Majer and Jonas Wind make up a very talented spine of your squad), and should be looking to qualify for European football in your first season. With some savvy transfers, they’ll be mixing with the big boys in no time.
Union Berlin
Not traditionally a big club in Germany, Union have enjoyed a real purple patch in recent years and shot right up the pyramid; culminating in qualifying for the Champions League in 2023/24. In real life, they’re coming back down to Earth a little and currently sit 12th in the Bundesliga, securing only 2 points from a tough Champions League group.
Your job in FM24 is to continue their recent success and ensure these glory days aren’t short-lived. You have a raft of experienced players to lean on, but you’ll want to sort out their financial situation and try to bring through some youngsters for the future. Your reward will be the eternal love of one of the most vocal and vibrant fanbases in the world.
Schalke 04
Now, this is a challenge. The 2. Bundesliga is littered with fallen giants who haven’t had to search for their struggles. Hamburg, Hannover, Fortuna Düsseldorf, Kaiserslautern et al, all former giants of German football who have fallen on hard times and now languish in the second tier of Germany.
None have fallen on times as hard as Schalke. They start FM24 over £100m in debt, and in real life are in very real danger of slipping into amateur football. Your job is to save this magnificent club and reclaim your place at the top table. While the financial situation is dire, you have all of the trappings of a big club at your disposal, including some of the best facilities in Germany and a talent factory that would be the rival of anyone else in the country. Can you harvest a golden generation to take this once-great club back to the pinnacle and topple Bayern Munich?
Conclusion
Whether you're drawn to the thrill of dismantling a dynasty, eager to navigate financial intricacies, or passionate about nurturing future football stars, the Bundesliga in FM24 offers a dynamic and rewarding management experience. From historical giants to potential-laden underdogs, your perfect club awaits in Germany's top-flight league, promising a journey filled with excitement and challenges.
