Shoehorning FM16 tactic into FM17

[nick1408]

I built a fairly successful 3-1-4-2 in FM16 that I really wanted to play in FM17.  Problem I have is it just isn't working.  Discounting the obvious (different players for example) I feel the basics of the structure should still work the same.  This just isn't the case.  For example, my last game in FM16 I played as Everton v Liverpool.  Won 1-2 with 7 shots, 4 on target and only 1 long shot.  FM17 last game was again me as Everton v Liverpool. won 2-1 but 13 shots, 4 on target, 6 long shots.  The following is an example:

Here I see at least 3 options that would have been better than this wild shot under pressure.  It was a first touch shot too.  If he had of dribbled into trouble I would have understood it but this is more of a pre-emped move to shoot from a first touch.

I have tried adding things like slower/higher tempo and work ball into box.  I have also played around with shoot less.  No instruction seems to work to limit the shooting from distance.

 

Next on my hitlist is the 3 central defenders.  They don't seem to like defending.  Their positioning is really poor:

 

This is what I ran with in FM16 (and starting FM17):

GK: Roll it out, Distribute to CB's, Slow pace down

Regista: Shoot less often, Dribble less, More direct passes, More risky passes

RM/LM: Run wide with ball, cross from byline (I try and make the LM a right footer so he naturally drifts in and becomes a goal threat)

CMa: More risky passes

DF: Move in channels

Do I have something that just doesn't make sense here?

[LPQR]

having a back three and playing really narrow could cause a few problems if your defensive wingers don't/aren't instructed to track back correctly. Try to analyse how your team defends space and if your team width is interacting well with your roles&formation.

Additionally, if Berardi played as an AF with an attack duty, and if there are no players around him supporting him or if there isn't any player that has a role that requests the ball (usually playmaking roles) he is more likely to try things himself than look to involve other players in the attacking build-up. Also, have a look at how he is challenged by two players and he is rushed into making a decision before losing the ball.

Is it just one player that keeps shooting from distance? have a look at his ppm's, there could be something there that influences that. Additionally, attributes for decisions and composure play a big part in that kind of situation

[edit]

just noticed you have 'retain posession' and 'be more expressive' TI's, which I find a bit confusing as the first is telling your team to restrict adventurous play and look to keep the ball and the second is pretty much the opposite, as well as encouraging players to be more 'individually expressive', which could relate to the above mentioned 'shooting issue'