It's not like that ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster. It did used to be, but friendly competitions don't get you money anymore. And your players don't (or ever did) improve based on how many games you play.
Basically, to be successful you need a good understanding of football. You can not know anything about the game (FM Live, not real football), give out instructions to a bunch of semi-pros, and be successful in your league. That is why I love this game. I love football, I have a deep understanding of the tactical game. Although I don't have an amazing team, stadium or youth academy, I am confident I can achieve a good place in my league because I know a lot about football.
This is why I enjoy playing this game more than FM10. My football knowledge is sick, and so I am above playing AI teams whereby the same tactic will win you whatever. Or (as most people I read on this forum do) buying all the wonderkids at the start of my 8th save game. I enjoy football and everything therein. I do not enjoy buying the best players at rock bottom prices and claiming to be brilliant. Fair.
Don't get me wrong, Football Manager is a very good game. But for those with the money, and foresight (mostly lacking from the posts we read in the FM thread) to play real football, I highly recommend this game.