Quickfire Questions and Answers Thread (Tactic and Training Questions Only)

[kevaggel]

Your players will have to decide what's the right decision each time

[Cloud9]

On 14/07/2024 at 02:21, frank_olaf said:

Hi,

I have a question about the "In Transition" > "When possession has been lost" Team Instruction. I understand the two options, Counter-Press and Regroup, but what happens if I don't select either. What will my players do when we lose possession?

Thanks

Most of the time you can play with a fairly blank slate of TIs on FM24...I only really recommend using them in situations where the tactic demands it.

For example: in a high pressing system you might feel compelled to leave "counter press" on, as without this pressure your high defensive line can be easily exposed.

[Sinbad7104]

Would a winger(A) and focusing play down that side be a good way to exploit space in behind an IWB?

[JAwtunes]

Do AI teams use Player Instructions?

[Cloud9]

On 21/07/2024 at 09:55, JAwtunes said:

Do AI teams use Player Instructions?

I believe the AI has all the tools at their disposal that the human manager can deploy.

[quee]

Hello. Anybody know why this is happening? Second player to get this from their two different mentoring group.

Alberto Mari (Professional) got this same message and became Fairly Professional from a Resolute Mentoring Group (Hugo Duro).

Fran Perez (Balanced) got this message from a Professional Mentoring Group (Juan Mata).

Squad personality is Highly Professional.

Would like to know what is happening so I can prevent it from happening again, and if there's a way to reverse the situation?

[Cloud9]

3 hours ago, quee said:

Hello. Anybody know why this is happening? Second player to get this from their two different mentoring group.

Alberto Mari (Professional) got this same message and became Fairly Professional from a Resolute Mentoring Group (Hugo Duro).

Fran Perez (Balanced) got this message from a Professional Mentoring Group (Juan Mata).

Squad personality is Highly Professional.

Would like to know what is happening so I can prevent it from happening again, and if there's a way to reverse the situation?

Mentoring groups require at least three different players, so whoever else is in the group is a factor.

Fairly Professional and Resolute do not necessarily indicate different levels of professionalism I believe, but different levels of determination between the two players. 

• I frequently see Fairly Professional convert to Resolute at about 15 Determination? I am not up to date on the exact values of personalities. 

There is also a fair bit of luck involved, so keeping things low risk and checking the influence of the good personality players is important. You can check their media handling for more insights into these hidden personality traits. 

• Putting a Professional player into a Resolute group sounds inadvisable. The second example may be down to the third player as I mention above, or simply bad luck.
• You could consider putting two mentors w/verifiably better personalities per youngster depending on how your squad is built.  
  • I only do 1 senior mentor + 2 youngsters when the influence level is "significant" on the mentor. 

Edited July 30 by Cloud9

[Sinbad7104]

Anyone know of a good way of dealing with players who come back to pre season late? Would a 2 week holiday be enough rest? 

[Cloud9]

3 hours ago, Sinbad7104 said:

Anyone know of a good way of dealing with players who come back to pre season late? Would a 2 week holiday be enough rest? 

I don't have a verified answer on that but what I do know is that the pre-season is very important for fitness over the course of the season and injuries are underplayed in FM. You're also not going to do irreparable damage to him as you could to a real athlete w/out sufficient rest.

I would throw him right in the deep end as soon as you can, no holiday.

Edited July 31 by Cloud9

[El Payaso]

Are the pressing traps supposed to do anything in the match engine and if yes, how? 

Also, is the stop crosses instruction totally useless? 

I am asking these because I haven't seen any difference in the gameplay when I activate these instructions. 

[Cloud9]

7 hours ago, El Payaso said:

Are the pressing traps supposed to do anything in the match engine and if yes, how? 

Also, is the stop crosses instruction totally useless? 

I am asking these because I haven't seen any difference in the gameplay when I activate these instructions. 

Yes they are very impactful, I find them very useful in a block. If you're not sure how to use them you can easily hamper your approach.

Edited August 1 by Cloud9

[El Payaso]

Has anyone found a tactical way to nullify the effects of throw-ins? By nullifying I mean a system where you don't concede or score from them? 

[Cloud9]

5 hours ago, El Payaso said:

Has anyone found a tactical way to nullify the effects of throw-ins? By nullifying I mean a system where you don't concede or score from them? 

Good mentals go a long way in defensive situations! Keep in an eye out for attributes like concentration and anticipation but really any gap in the profile can cause issues. Defenders lacking physical profiles can also fail to react to quicker opposition in time or influence them enough to have an impact. 

If you're conceding too many goals with a defensive approach: consider that you may be inviting too much pressure w/out appropriate threat to the opposition out of possession. 

Edited August 17 by Cloud9

[Los_Culés]

@El PayasoI share your pain. I am currently managing in Indian Second League, playing low block, doing well defensively even with very poor players and then every other match goals from practically nowhere (throw-ins, corners). I can swallow the corners (my GK has Command Of Area 5, Reflexes 6, so I can not complain too much ) but the throw-ins...I replaced my Fullbacks with Jumping 4 with Fullbacks with Jumping 8-10 and it helped significantly but still...

[El Payaso]

2 hours ago, Los_Culés said:

@El PayasoI share your pain. I am currently managing in Indian Second League, playing low block, doing well defensively even with very poor players and then every other match goals from practically nowhere (throw-ins, corners). I can swallow the corners (my GK has Command Of Area 5, Reflexes 6, so I can not complain too much ) but the throw-ins...I replaced my Fullbacks with Jumping 4 with Fullbacks with Jumping 8-10 and it helped significantly but still...

Yep. I decided to give up on this version. It's a thing that I have hated on FM since forever and I'm just hoping that SI could finally fix this issue with the new version. 

[caco4003]

En 17/8/2024 a las 13:25, El Payaso dijo:

Has anyone found a tactical way to nullify the effects of throw-ins? By nullifying I mean a system where you don't concede or score from them? 

im using the set pieces routine from this video. i still concede from time to time but it has helped a lot 

 

[El Payaso]

4 hours ago, caco4003 said:

im using the set pieces routine from this video. i still concede from time to time but it has helped a lot 

 

Thank you for the tip. I never tend to download tactics or set pieces routines that someone else has created, so it is a no no to me, especially as it seems that these routines are using some kind of exploit in the attack. 

My aim would have been that I could create an attacking and defending system on throw-ins which would see these type of goals disappearing completely from my gameplay. 

I have tried to solve it even with the help of AI and my coder friend but no luck. 

[kransen]

Is there a way to get a wide midfielder to run in behind a lot? I have a player that in real life plays like this:

• In defense playing almost like a wing back in a back 5 (right back behind tucks in)
• In offensive transition is almost the furthest ahead together with an advanced forward, threatening with runs to receive the ball in the channel between opponent's full back and centre back
• In offensive possession, keeps the width as a winger would, but still making the runs mentioned above when opportunity arrise
• When the attack is on the opposite side, sneaks into the box for far post headers 

I have tried IF (A) with stay wider, but that is not good enough defensively. I have also tried a variation of DW (S), WM (A/S) and W (A) but none of them achieve the threatening runs often enough.

Anyone knows how I can achieve this using instructions and maybe player traits?

[Cloud9]

On 21/08/2024 at 03:58, kransen said:

Is there a way to get a wide midfielder to run in behind a lot? I have a player that in real life plays like this:

• In defense playing almost like a wing back in a back 5 (right back behind tucks in)
• In offensive transition is almost the furthest ahead together with an advanced forward, threatening with runs to receive the ball in the channel between opponent's full back and centre back
• In offensive possession, keeps the width as a winger would, but still making the runs mentioned above when opportunity arrise
• When the attack is on the opposite side, sneaks into the box for far post headers 

I have tried IF (A) with stay wider, but that is not good enough defensively. I have also tried a variation of DW (S), WM (A/S) and W (A) but none of them achieve the threatening runs often enough.

Anyone knows how I can achieve this using instructions and maybe player traits?

Off footed Winger(a) or Raumdeuter + aggressive traits would be my go to for this alongside roles capable of playing him in.

You will likely struggle to get a wide player as prolific as you'd see IRL.

[ivosaurio]

how can i deal with the opposition defending inside the box with up to 9 players and GK against me? i’m the best team in the league by far and we average 60% possession and 2xG per game. yet, we are underperforming because most of our shots get either blocked or deflected 

[Cloud9]

30 minutes ago, ivosaurio said:

how can i deal with the opposition defending inside the box with up to 9 players and GK against me? i’m the best team in the league by far and we average 60% possession and 2xG per game. yet, we are underperforming because most of our shots get either blocked or deflected 

You need to break them down. Find wide players to pin fullbacks wide to deal with the compact nature of their defence. Then utilize overloading runs (see positional play) to exploit these gaps.

If you're by far the best team, then try lowering the tempo and look to roles like the Poacher if you're using a spearheading forward (as he won't run the channels). Finally, take a look at your TIs and remove the ones that are resulting in turnovers (such as counter).  

Roles/a profile like an AP can be very useful in breaking down a block!

[ivosaurio]

7 minutes ago, Cloud9 said:

If you're by far the best team, then try lowering the tempo and look to roles like the Poacher if you're using a spearheading forward (as he won't run the channels). Finally, take a look at your TIs and remove the ones that are resulting in turnovers (such as counter).  

Roles/a profile like an AP can be very useful in breaking down a block!

thanks for the quick reply! this is my system. now, i know that it may be a bit over the top with the roles, but i wanted to take advantage of the talent gap and have some fun with a very fluid system, and it works! we consistently create quality chances and we are the best team defensively, we just cannot score the goals lol. do you think your suggestions would work as a plan B? 

[Cloud9]

15 hours ago, ivosaurio said:

thanks for the quick reply! this is my system. now, i know that it may be a bit over the top with the roles, but i wanted to take advantage of the talent gap and have some fun with a very fluid system, and it works! we consistently create quality chances and we are the best team defensively, we just cannot score the goals lol. do you think your suggestions would work as a plan B? 

I would suggest opening up the width! You have a lot of roles looking to roam and create w/out space to do it in. Work the Ball Into the Box might be a welcome TI as well. 

There is also a lack of a goal threat in the tactic itself. A simple Shadow Striker instead of the Treq and an IF(s) in place of the AP(s) would go along way in balancing things. 

If you want to keep the Treq, perhaps a forward who does the running for him would be appropriate? Finding a balance between creative free roles alongside the hardworking will improve the tactic in general. You might also look to roles such as a DLP(s) over the Regista, who will help you control the ball a bit more compared to making line breaking passes. I haven't experimented too much w/a staggered pivot; but I would recommend a more traditional lined up duo when running two really aggressive wingback choices like you have here. 

Edited August 25 by Cloud9

[vvincc]

In terms of the type of football that you try to play, how you realize when a style suits your players, for example in terms of attacking how do you know when your team suit a direct style rather a short passing game? The same when defending how you realize when your team is good at sitting back and press less or rather a high block with more intense pressing?

 

Do you look for any attributes in particular on the comparision tab?

[Cloud9]

6 hours ago, vvincc said:

In terms of the type of football that you try to play, how you realize when a style suits your players, for example in terms of attacking how do you know when your team suit a direct style rather a short passing game? The same when defending how you realize when your team is good at sitting back and press less or rather a high block with more intense pressing?

 

Do you look for any attributes in particular on the comparision tab?

Physical profiles in your squad can be a strong indicator, as can your key players, or goal scorers. 

How do we get the ball into goal scoring positions as a team and how can my striker get into goal scoring positions himself are two important questions to answer. 

[TehGoatLord]

Is it possible to play a direct style of play as a big team? 

I am trying to be successful implementing a style that uses tempo and passing directness slides one notch below the max allowed.

Even though the man in my profile picture is failing to do this with the team I am managing, I'd like to release quick players like Rashford, Garnacho and Hojland using players like Bruno who will receive the ball from the likes of Martinez, Ugarte, Casemiro, Mainoo. 

I usually employ a 4-2-3-1 DM Wide. 

 

In essence, what are the things I gotta keep in mind when doing something like this? Not opening a separate thread cause I don't need hand holding. Just quick opinions. 

[Heavyman39]

Individual training workload? During season medium and during preseason heavy or medium too?

[Delicate Dave]

3 hours ago, Heavyman39 said:

Individual training workload? During season medium and during preseason heavy or medium too?

I am of the opinion, having played many hours and many years of FM, that each and every additional assignment to a player has an effect on their energy and maybe morale too. So I only put players on individual training if they have a weakness and if it's not working I'll turn it off again. It's easy to see what might work because all the attributes are paired with one or two other attributes. So for example, if you want to increase HEADING ability you would also be trying to increase BRAVERY. If Bravery is already a lot higher than heading then it's pointless as the bravery setting will limit the heading setting. Well that is what I've found.
I wouldn't worry too much about find training, it won't make a big difference. What matters above all is playing time, even better if you can play them in their best position, roll and against "better" players. For that reason putting players out on loan at the right club, at the right level is a massive bonus.

[mikcheck]

How often do you guys use hit early crosses option? Does it make sense to use it in a low/medium block?

It doesn't mean that the team will constantly be pumping crosses into box but when there's a clear advantage in numerical numbers?

[Delicate Dave]

On 02/08/2008 at 08:58, Cush said:

Why do have morale issues with some players? We have just got promoted, against the odds, and after 10-15 games, despite the media predictions we are in a very healthy 12-13th place.

There are a few players who are regulars in my first 11, who are playing well and have no concerns in their "personal" section (one of them even has "pleased to have signed a new contract!") yet have morales of poor or very poor.

How can I cheer them up?

You can't always cheer them up but praise helps and entering the profile to thank them for their attitude etc. Be very careful with praise when it's suggested by your staff, this is the game "gaming" you. I've more then not find even when you praise them they turn around and bite you, then go into a grumpy. I currently have about ten players with "issues", that's why signing professionals is always best.

[Delicate Dave]

2 hours ago, mikcheck said:

How often do you guys use hit early crosses option? Does it make sense to use it in a low/medium block?

It doesn't mean that the team will constantly be pumping crosses into box but when there's a clear advantage in numerical numbers?

Don't know about the block but I've found it's the easiest way to give away the ball. Logic would say if you have a player who can't stop being offside you hit the early cross  but my experience in FM says I would only use it if I had a very tall target man. Bear in mind the type of cross is also a factor and the role your full back & wingers play. No really point in hitting early crosses if they have an instruction to cut inside or get the the by-line. Strangely enough I get more success telling them to cross less and keep possession. But like most these things nothing is the right answer because your players will get used to anything if you play them enough doing it.

[Cloud9]

On 10/09/2024 at 06:46, mikcheck said:

How often do you guys use hit early crosses option? Does it make sense to use it in a low/medium block?

It doesn't mean that the team will constantly be pumping crosses into box but when there's a clear advantage in numerical numbers?

It's useful in breaking down an opposition who are sitting in a compact block. Basically it lets you hit the ball before the defence sets up. Look for a box presence in your tactic to get on the end of things and Tis + tactics to make gaps to stretch the defence.

Tall Poachers are a great role to take advantage of the gaps in defence you're looking to open up. Look for players to pin the opposition fullbacks wide and players capable of delivering the killer ball. 

Edited Thursday at 05:07 by Cloud9

[Medio Volante]

Is it worth developing a player's weaker foot? What does it look like from CA/PA standpoint?

[Cloud9]

1 hour ago, Medio Volante said:

Is it worth developing a player's weaker foot? What does it look like from CA/PA standpoint?

Depends on position in terms of weighting, I believe it is fairly low on some positions like GK and demanding on others.

If the player strengths are on the ball (passing or running with the ball) developing it can be exceptional. For a primarily out of possession player (such as a BWM) then no. Usually it is fairly capped so don't expect too much change. 

Edited Friday at 05:21 by Cloud9

[Gee_Simpson]

6 hours ago, Cloud9 said:

Depends on position in terms of weighting, I believe it is fairly low on some positions like GK and demanding on others.

If the player strengths are on the ball (passing or running with the ball) developing it can be exceptional. For a primarily out of possession player (such as a BWM) then no. Usually it is fairly capped so don't expect too much change. 

Would you say it's worth it for a striker?

[Cloud9]

7 hours ago, Gee_Simpson said:

Would you say it's worth it for a striker?

For me yes! It’s quite valuable irl to have a striker capable of shooting with both feet.

A one footed player is also easier to shut down for opposition defenders. Working on the secondary foot can help prevent this. 

 

[Gee_Simpson]

25 minutes ago, Cloud9 said:

For me yes! It’s quite valuable irl to have a striker capable of shooting with both feet.

A one footed player is also easier to shut down for opposition defenders. Working on the secondary foot can help prevent this. 

 

Yeah I trained a right winger who was left footed only to have a reasonable right foot. It improved his performances and happened really quickly. It seems to be taking longer with the striker.

[Cloud9]

9 hours ago, Gee_Simpson said:

Yeah I trained a right winger who was left footed only to have a reasonable right foot. It improved his performances and happened really quickly. It seems to be taking longer with the striker.

Check their adaptability rating + personality. Those should influence the training. 

Two footed is especially great on 1v1 dribbley players like wingers!

[herne79]

12 hours ago, Gee_Simpson said:

Yeah I trained a right winger who was left footed only to have a reasonable right foot. It improved his performances and happened really quickly. It seems to be taking longer with the striker.

 

3 hours ago, Cloud9 said:

Check their adaptability rating + personality. Those should influence the training. 

Two footed is especially great on 1v1 dribbley players like wingers!

Lots of factors influence training Traits such as Age, Versatility, how many Traits they already know, quality of coaches/training facilities, Personality and so on.  (Adaptability is about foreign players settling at a new club).

Two things to mention in terms of footedness training:

1) A player improving their footedness doesn’t actually start until after the Trait has finished being learned.  The Trait only gives the player the ability to start developing their weaker foot, so it’s a two stage process.

2) A player cannot develop their weaker foot beyond Reasonable (10-11 on a 1-20 scale).  If a player is already at or beyond this point it’s a waste of time trying to teach him.  Players can only get beyond Reasonable if they are “born” with it (for newgens) or have been allocated it by a Researcher (for real players).

(btw, point 2 above is also why the impact on CA/PA is much much smaller than some believe).

[Jr35]

how can i find the average age of my squad?

i know some skins show it but i’m using default skin

[natpatrat]

2 hours ago, Jr35 said:

how can i find the average age of my squad?

i know some skins show it but i’m using default skin

Go to Squad Planner. Click Report, select the Assistant Report drop-down.

[mikcheck]

For the past few years I've always read that AMC position it's not consistent and the players underperform  most of the times, no matter how good his attributes are.

Do you guys still find that same issue?

Edited Sunday at 09:30 by mikcheck

[Gee_Simpson]

5 hours ago, mikcheck said:

For the past few years I've always read that AMC position it's not consistent and the players underperform  most of the times, no matter how good his attributes are.

Do you guys still find that same issue?

I had my AMC as a classic AP (S) in a 4-2-3-1 and he didn't do much. Had more luck when I changed him to AM (A) and occasionally SS or Treq.

[Cloud9]

6 hours ago, mikcheck said:

For the past few years I've always read that AMC position it's not consistent and the players underperform  most of the times, no matter how good his attributes are.

Do you guys still find that same issue?

An AMC can get passed over by quick transitions, so finding ways to get him involved will be key. I had huge success with an AP(s) + Poacher in a 4-2-3-1 in FM24 as well as a SS + F9 combo. In terms of involvement, an SV(s) can link up nicely with an AP in the 10 and height on the AMC can be something to factor in if you're looking a bit more direct in the buildup phases. That height is non negotiable for me on a role like a traditional SS profile who will be attacking the box.

On an AMC(s) role you don't have the ball magnet tag of the AP or sheer goalscoring output of the SS, so defining what you're looking from the role in terms of underlying numbers can be important. I like to make sure the AMC position and striker position don't match duties as well (one support, one attack). 

In short: the attributes are very important as are finding role pairings for your 10! Make sure they have space to operate in.

Edited Sunday at 15:45 by Cloud9

[Gee_Simpson]

1 hour ago, Cloud9 said:

I had huge success with an AP(s) + Poacher in a 4-2-3-1

What kind of goal output did the striker get with that combo? Also, what team mentality were you using?

I always like my striker to score a lot, like a goal per game.

Edited Sunday at 16:42 by Gee_Simpson

[Cloud9]

23 minutes ago, Gee_Simpson said:

What kind of goal output did the striker get with that combo? I always like my striker to score a lot, like a goal per game.

He did extremely well, I had the F9 + SS combo as my go to w/that save and both players scored tons. We overachieved as Sheffield Wednesday and won the Champions League against Real Madrid in the fifth season with a progressive 4-2-3-1. I couldn't tell you exactly how many were scored from either position since they were the same players swapped when running the AP + P. 

I used Jacob Ramsey as my SS/Poacher and his physical profile (height, mobility, off the ball) made him an excellent goalscorer. I think he had my highest ratings of any player over the course of 2-3 seasons.

Of the two setups...I would recommend a F9 + SS combo just as it gives you two primary goal threats as I found my F9 banging in goals for fun alongside the SS (F9 had some height as well). They were both the two best players in my team and put up very nice end product. We built around them structurally (ie. they are a role pairing to get the best out of each other) but I also ran two facilitating wingers to provide space for them (an off footed winger (a) and a hard working winger(s)) + the central supporting run of the SV(s) for them to combine off of. I took advantage of the double pivot in a 4-2-3-1 to safely run an IWB(s) to provide a strong defensive base + buildup play that the front two could go and play in front of. 

If anything I would say the SS in this environment feels a little cheesy, or unrealistically effective. 

Edited Sunday at 17:00 by Cloud9

[Gee_Simpson]

20 minutes ago, Cloud9 said:

He did extremely well, I had the F9 + SS combo as my go to w/that save and both players scored tons. We overachieved as Sheffield Wednesday and won the Champions League against Real Madrid in the fifth season with a progressive 4-2-3-1. I couldn't tell you exactly how many were scored from either position since they were the same players swapped when running the AP + P. 

I used Jacob Ramsey as my SS/Poacher and his physical profile (height, mobility, off the ball) made him an excellent goalscorer. I think he had my highest ratings of any player over the course of 2-3 seasons.

Of the two setups...I would recommend a F9 + SS combo just as it gives you two primary goal threats as I found my F9 banging in goals for fun alongside the SS (F9 had some height as well). They were both the two best players in my team and put up very nice end product. We built around them structurally (ie. they are a role pairing to get the best out of each other) but I also ran two facilitating wingers to provide space for them (an off footed winger (a) and a hard working winger(s)) + the central supporting run of the SV(s) for them to combine off of. I took advantage of the double pivot in a 4-2-3-1 to safely run an IWB(s) to provide a strong defensive base + buildup play that the front two could go and play in front of. 

If anything I would say the SS in this environment feels a little cheesy, or unrealistically effective. 

Nice. Was that a IWB (S) on each side or just 1 on the side of the SV? 

[Cloud9]

1 hour ago, Gee_Simpson said:

Nice. Was that a IWB (S) on each side or just 1 on the side of the SV? 

I did just one IWB(s) on the side of the SV(s) (although w/positional play the other side would work fine too). The IWB(s) basically gives you a ball player to complete the box midfield while the DM(s) can operate as a destroyer.

Two IWB(s) feels unrealistic to me most of the time. The only team that plays like this IRL is Tottenham and I don't think the ME accurately reflects how open it leaves them defensively. I am a big fan of the stability a 3-2 buildup gives teams IRL and in game  

Edited Sunday at 18:35 by Cloud9

[mikcheck]

18 horas atrás, Gee_Simpson disse:

I had my AMC as a classic AP (S) in a 4-2-3-1 and he didn't do much. Had more luck when I changed him to AM (A) and occasionally SS or Treq.

That's what I read most of the time regarding AMC position, that the player have a better contribution and ratings when playing with an attacking duty there.

Edited yesterday at 09:54 by mikcheck

[Gee_Simpson]

6 hours ago, mikcheck said:

That's what I read most of the time regarding AMC position, that the player have a better contribution and ratings when playing with an attacking duty there.

Yeah I read that too, in the official 2024 feedback thread, from multiple people. 

@Cloud9 Had it working with an AP (S) though, so definitely possible.