Has anyone else noticed that fan to game results seem to be a bit unrealistic?
I've been managing Leeds United and doing a fairly good job of it. My first defeat of the season was against Newcastle in a Carling Cup match that there was absolutely no chance of my winning. Despite the odds, I managed to hold Newcastle to a 1-1 draw until the 60th minute when, despite ultra-defensive tactics, the team's comparative lack of skill shone through. I lost 4-1.
Now, speaking as a Leeds fan, if the current squad lost to 4-1 to Newcastle after holding them to a draw for 60 minutes, I'd be pretty damn pleased with myself and with my team. I'd be disappointed that they couldn't hold them to a draw for the full ninety, but I wouldn't be upset about it.
The fan reaction to this game was "the fans are very disappointed with Leeds' heavy 4-1 defeat..." I've noticed the same thing happen in less dramatic situations in previous games, such as losing to strong Championship opposition in cup ties, and it destroys the game's sense of realism for me, not to mention making it unnaturally difficult to keep a team's fan base happy.
I get the impression from playing quite a few games in FM 2008 that fan confidence is based solely on the final score in the game, with no reference to the relative strength of the two teams. (The game actually seems to have a bit of trouble determining that relative strength, as every cup tie in which I faced Championship opposition, I was pipped as the clear favourite. I may be good in the January transfer window, but I'm not good enough to turn Leeds from a good League One side to better than every team in the Championship...).
Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there - anyone else noticed this, or is it just me?