How to handle a game when a player is sent off

[ryandormer]

As the topic suggests, I'm wondering how everybody handles the situation when you have a player sent off, particularly early in the game.

Do you continue to try to attack the opposition, or do you ask your team to sit back and defend?

[Johnny Ace]

Just carry on as normal, so far it's worked out  

[kingjericho]

If I'm already winning I drop back. If not continue as normal

[ryandormer]

1 hour ago, Johnny Ace said:

Just carry on as normal, so far it's worked out  

What sort of formation would you go for?

 

55 minutes ago, kingjericho said:

If I'm already winning I drop back. If not continue as normal

When you drop back, what instructions do you change? Mentality, line, pressing, etc.

[Poison]

Usually I switch to defensive mentality. But you will lose the game most of the time, it's only natural.

[Johnny Ace]

11 minutes ago, ryandormer said:

What sort of formation would you go for?

I usually play a 4-2-3-1 so if someone's sent off, I sacrifice the striker and change one of the wide players to attack so at least someone's trying to attack the box 

[kingjericho]

3 hours ago, ryandormer said:

When you drop back, what instructions do you change? Mentality, line, pressing, etc.

I drop the LOE and Trigger Press. I have one less forward so my high press won't work as well so I press further back.

Edited April 26, 2022 by kingjericho

[HUNT3R]

I usually switch to a 4 man defence, 3x CM players and either 2 up top or 1 at AM and 1 at ST. That way I protect the middle and give up room on the outside, while still being somewhat of a threat going forward. It depends on who I manage, who I am against, where my players would suit best, what the score is etc. It has won me matches before (either from a draw or even coming from behind) so I am confident in still putting up a fight if I have a man sent off.

Usually also combined with a lower DL and standard LoE.

[CARRERA]

I usually try to keep the balance especially in defense and central midfield as well as in terms of attack / defend duties.

Depending on the current result I will shift that balance towards more attacking / defending players

[Damfonik]

I'm usually off down the tunnel chasing the player that got sent off 

 

I'll opt for a 4-3-2. I feel it keeps the opposition CBs honest and stops them from pushing up as high as they'd like to. It gives me a way out, with the 2 up top if the opposition try to camp in my half and press my back line. I tend to place both FBs on support to avoid us being passive on the flanks and my midfield 3 can be placed on support. Although, I like to have a CM on attack just to try and grab something on the break. As Delboy said: "He who dares, wins!"

When you're down to 10 men I find it takes the pressure off a little bit. Strangely I find it calms me and allows me to make better decisions. Therefore I'd be a little more aggressive with 1 midfielder and possibly both strikers. Nothing to lose now lads, type of scenario.

Edited April 27, 2022 by Damfonik