The default team is indeed a challenge to a new player. In my opinion the best way to proceed is a very busy transfer window at the start of the game. Firstly you'll probably want to put quite a few players on the transfer list. Many aren't any good and no matter how much effort will never be any good. Players like Fouque, Hamsun, Huylens, Dodo, Liberman, Van den berg. You don't need them so you might as well try to get rid of them from the off. Just make a decision on your best at brightest and to hell with the rest.
Speaking of your best and brightest this may sound dramatic but you might want to consider just throwing your entire starting youth squad into the team. They're all good and most are as good or better than your first team players but with loads more room for improvement. The youth team includes your best forward (Schwarz) your best midfielder (Shimizu) your best defender (Palmeri-you'll love this guy) and best GK (Fatecha). So really its a no brainer imo.
Along with having dynamic development and putting your money into a good coach like Cusselbigne this should work out pretty well.