ich bin Lior

June 16, 2021

Hey guys, I'm managing in Holland doing an academy challenge.
Is there a way to get other nationalities to appear in my youth intakes ?

June 16, 2021

basically. i wanna make a best defense there is, but still have my 2 strikers score.

February 18, 2021

On 27/01/2021 at 09:05, beverage1982 said:

I just thought I'd post with a little update. I managed to get a 4411 Positive built aorund the principles in @engamohd's excellent "A Complete Guide to Quick Transitions and Counter Attacking Football" which I'd highly recommend you read.

It's a really nice system that manages to replicate Villa's two banks of four and breaks at pace. But here's the thing, watching the last few Villa games I can't help but think that in real life we play on a much lower mentality in FM terms.

Hear me out...

Defending - Often at the back we defend like Burnley of old. It's all about putting bodies on the line, full backs tucking in, and sitting deep. I know that's soemthing you can replicate on higher mentalities, but it's also something that is intrinsic to the lower ones.

Tempo - I can't have been the only person to watch some of our games and see Martinez play it out to Konsa, who knocks it square to Mings, who doesn't have a pass on and (usually) opts to play it safe and plays it back to Martinez. In fact we're very patient at the back this year and by and large very safety first. it is something I remember reading about after Project Lockdown - a sense of going back to basics defensively so to speak. Again to me this screams lower mentality. Sure when we get a bit further forward the play speeds up, but also sometimes it doesn't. In fact, there have been goals this season where Jack and Barkley have basically brought play to a standstill before scoring. That's definitely something you don't get from a higher mentality.

Villa's strengths - The graphic in the OP says that Villas control the game in the opponents half (which we do) but we also drop deep and into a defensive shape quite readily too. Again this makes me think of a lower mentality but with a higher defensive line.

So I gave it a try...

I'm not saying this is right, just a different approach, but it's certainly been interesting. The thing is by going lower down the mentality ladder I feel I can play a more traditional 4231, which on positive just didnt work as well as the 4411. That means I have more roles to choose from.

The lower mentality is also "safer" which means that I'm more comfortable playing a higher defensive line (which I believe we do in real life, just look at the number of times Mings and Konsa were in Newcastle's half at the weekend). And yet, despite playing a high line we still drop into a relatively deep defensive shape because of the mentality.

The lower mentality also means we sometimes slow the pace down in attack and not go gung ho on the break. yet, when the break is on, we're quick like VIlla are too.

Anyway my work in progress is below. I'm still not happy with Ollie's role, I feel PF (A) probably reflects what he is in real life but not sure. I'm also enjoying the Segundo Volante role for MCGinn who is a B2B but playing deeper this year. The great thing about this role is I can make him hold by putting it on support, but also easily notch him up to attack duty without compromising my shape.

As I say it's just a work in progress for now, but thought I'd share it for the hive mind to discuss. UTV!

PI ? looks good mate.

January 3, 2021

Hey, so first of all been a big fan of the fm20 topic, but because I did not play the game in those latter stages I did not participated in the topic.

I love this thinking of a tactic, I play a very weak lower level team, I'm currently in the 4th tier of the dutch league.

Because my players are really weak technically, I'm looking to benefit in passing, playing smarter, punishing the opposition closing down bad.
I want to always try to take the number superiority against them in every chance I get - making my players play smarter, and not "technically better".

How should I do that ? I know it wont be an easy thing to implement in such a weak side but I have loads of time and wanna develop this style till I reach better levels.

Really looking forward for your take on what I can do.

Thanks for the great read you gave me both on the FM20 topic and in this one aswell !

December 23, 2020

On 20/12/2020 at 00:18, SpartyOn said:

You need the right players for any system, and anti-football is no exception. Having bad players doesn't make you good at parking the bus. Even if your team is the worst in the league, you should find a tactic that plays to whatever few strengths they have.

If you want to play anti-football, you need good anti-footballers. Here's how I'd build a squad to suck the life out of the game.

I want enormous center backs who specialize in dealing with crosses. Think Per Mertesacker, but taller and less technical. Gonna send my scouts to basketball games.

Normal center backs still have a role in my team, but that role is either fullback or defensive midfielder. Those weird newgen fullbacks that have 17 tackling but 5 dribbling/crossing are suddenly desirable. Attacking fullbacks can be my wide midfielders. The central midfielders should be hard workers who fight for every ball.

Formation options are 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1, both with DMs and ML/MR, or maybe a 3-6-1 with two DMs and two MCs. I want 9 guys behind the ball who are strong defensively, and one striker whose main job is to chase down clearances.

"Attacking midfielder" is an oxymoron in this system. My midfielders should be just good enough offensively to score on AI-triggered counters with a big numbers advantage. That and lobbing in set pieces for our giant oaf center backs are our routes to goal.

Mentality is defensive. Keep the team instructions simple - be more disciplined, frequently waste time, play for set pieces, regroup, counter. Maybe tighter marking and/or get stuck in, but could also use OIs for that.

I've used tactics like this to see out wins before, but I only have so much time to play FM and don't really want to spend it watching 0-0 draws. Maybe if I get fired and my wife leaves me on the same day, I'll have the right combination of free time and cynicism to dive in to this terrible idea.

That was a beautiful answer. Thank you.

I just wanna play like this. Don't know why but just feels like.

December 19, 2020

16 minutes ago, frukox said:

It depends on the personnel as long as there are at least eight players able to defend in a low block but I wouldn't kill the game unless I have the lead. Instead, I'd try to test the opponents back line with swift attackers with a direct play style aiming to get my few attackers behind it or making the best out of set-pieces by setting them up correctly. For example, a 5-4-1:

AF

IWA CAR BBMS WA

WBS CBD LA CBD FBS

Balanced

More Direct Passing Slower Tempo Hit Early Crosses Pass Into Space, Narrow, Focus Play Down the Middle

Regroup Counter Distribute to Playmaker

Lower LoE, Standard DL, Get Stuck In, Narrow Defensive Width, More/ Extreme Urgent Pressing, Tighter Marking

I would aim to keep possession in my half until my attackers get behind the defensive line. Then, my players would try to find them with direct passes or balls over the top.

Is the wingers flat on your position ?

December 19, 2020

^^

What would you do ? Your side is a newly promoted, you are the weakest team in the league and you decide to kill football.

What formation would you play ? Roles ? Instructions ?

Just a discussion I found interesting.

December 18, 2020

Just read every post here, great save mate, where can I find this database ?

December 18, 2020

6 hours ago, Kharza_FM said:

I'd do this...

That looks insane, where and how much did you test it ? seems enjoyable and funny.

December 17, 2020

Ok guys, I have no clue what I was thinking and how it makes my team play better. but it does, I listened to my assistant who said 442 wingplay is good for us and I just went crazy wanting to see how the Wide Target Man works.

Results so far:

Only problem is I'm getting so many Yellow cards, have no idea how to stop it.

December 17, 2020

I've took all your advice and implemented it to the current tactic.

Even when I win games, the other team were better and they are a division below me !!!

I'm frustrated, I've been playing fm since 2010 and never felt this bad.

December 17, 2020

15 minutes ago, Tsuru said:

I don´t totally agree. I play on a counter attack with a mid-small team in Portugal using the Positive mentality and we attack a lot. Also our defensive strategy is well designed and balanced so we do not concede too much even if our defense is not the best on the league (far from it). On the past two matches we suffered 1 goal just from a corner, and it really looked like a desperate move from the opposition that could not attack us properly. And we don´t play for 0-0, in fact we are scoring many goals this season.

However I agree that counter needs good/fast men upfront that are smart to use the spaces that appear. But yes, it looks like you have some of those players - your two natural wingers, for example. Maybe if you combine them with a good striker (fast, good dribbling, good off the ball, good composure) you can score lots of goals on the counter.

Balance is the key here. If you really want to counter you will need a solid defensive strategy (strategy, not instructions) and players that can use the space well. It won´t always work, of course, but a possession strategy wouldn´t too.

Be aware that playing on counter needs a lot of adapting. I usually change the instructions as soon as I get a lead, otherwise my team could be easily pinned on our own half. And I would probably need to change if we suffer a goal, too.

Choosing the kind of football your team will play may be another key here.

Would you share with me your tactics or the thinking behind it ? Maybe it will suit my players.

Do you guys believe that you can be a mastermind tactician in football manager and change the whole tactic around every match to counter the opossition strengthes and weaknesses or the game just does not suit this type of thinking ?

December 17, 2020

3 hours ago, Justified said:

Had a feeling you'd run into issues later down the line. Probably the AI wasn't ready for you being quite attacking.

Personally, as a team which isn't the best in the league, you're way too open with this and playing a sort of fast possession tactic. Quite difficult when you don't have the quality. I'd keep things really simple and go a bit direct.

Go to a balanced mentality and keep the instructions very simple. In possession go Direct, Higher Tempo and if teams are leaving space because they're attacking you then you can add Pass Into Space but use it situationally. If you want to still build up from the back then add Distribution to the CD's and Fullbacks. I would have Counter but not counter press and be a bit more midblock-ish. Out of possession, have no instructions. I would however use split blocking as a 433 is a good formation to do this with. Add close down more to the front 3 and the attacking midfielder. Use this as a base and add/remove however you like.

As for the roles you can be more conservative. Because you're no longer higher up the pitch you don't need a SK, you can have a basic GK. Use regular CD's as you'd already be playing more direct. The LB can be a FB on attack so he can use the space left by the IF. The RB you can choose whatever you feel works well. A defend duty if you want more solidity, support if you want him to contribute. Attack only if you are the better team. In midfield I'd use a simple DMCd, DLPsu on the left and a CMatt on the right. Essinger is a winger, use him as one on support. Use an attack role on the striker.

These kind of roles keep it very simple and have a good counter plan. It also allows you to easily have a second tactic with cautious mentality when wanting to close out the game.

Will take into consideration, I'll answer it more in the next qoutes.

7 hours ago, NotSoSpecialOne said:

Personally I wouldn't use Work Ball Into Box + Be More Disciplined together on any mentality that isn't Attacking or Very Attacking. It's overkill and really pushes you towards possession with no intent. Not sure what the thinking is behind two Ball Playing Defenders when you've got a playmaker ahead of them.

You look especially vulnerable on the counter, I doubt the DLP(De) is providing adequate cover for the two wing backs to do their thing. But a quick glance at those match stats tells me you're probably not just getting hit on the counter whilst high up the pitch. That's a lot of shots to give up when you have the lion's share of possession. I also wonder if your team is actually capable of playing shorter whilst on a higher tempo - without seeing what you're seeing I can only speculate that you're giving away possession cheaply in dangerous areas (based on the low pass completion and how many chances they had).

I did lose the ball in my half a lot.

1 hour ago, Justified said:

That's just me being more a 1-0 then 4-3 type of manager in these situations Can definitely play a possession based style if he wants but against better teams in that league it will be a bit of a struggle.

I'm defintly a "Manager" and even an irl football fan that prefer the 1-0 and not the 4-3.

53 minutes ago, Tsuru said:

Yes, me too, I prefer a less riskier style - and I love direct and intense football, so this sum ends in a counter attack style when I play with lower league teams. But I really believe the most important is to feel comfortable, maybe it will be a bit of struggle on the first seasons but things get better with better players. This is a very important and necessary choice IMHO.

I'll answer you and Justified together.

The thinking from my side for why playing a counter attacking base football wont work its because it will make me have less chances probably and with my players I don't think those chances gonna convert and that will mean I'll play for a 0-0 all the time and probably will concede as my defenders and goalkeeper are really not in the level of the league. At least thats what im thiking and thats why im "afraid" to give the possession away.

December 17, 2020

So I started playing this tactic in the relegation playoff:

I've got some good results with it, and somehow managed to stay in the league.

I thought everything is gonna get better now, had a good pre season training schedule and everything but I'm just so bad I'm starting to get frustrated in this save.
My results so far:

Last game:

Even when I can somehow lead I'm losing.

What can I do different ??

December 16, 2020

10 minutes ago, Justified said:

If I'm understanding it correctly, you're in your first season in the top league?

Playing a 433 as a newcomer in a top league can be tough sometimes. Not impossible but it can be tricky as your defending is with a 4-3. But I'd definitely look to be solid first and direct and counter. Only problem there is your left winger seems to be the only one with pace.

I'd say, if it's not working out well you can revert to something that has a 4-4 in defence to keep your lines more compact. Your wingers are more Natural in those positions anyways so could be a win win possibly.

Yes, first season in the top league.

I took Tsuru Advice and currently playing like this:

Results got way better:

Currently I'm 5 points off relegation with 6 games remaining.

December 16, 2020

33 minutes ago, Tsuru said:

I think your instructions look a bit too deep on possessive football and may create a "possession for the sake of possession" tactic, in which you have the ball but don´t do anything with it. I also believe the roles and duties are not well balanced, you don´t have a holding midfielder and your two MCs attack too much, which can give your opponents a lot of space.

Starting from your players, you have Paul Lang which is good as a DLP, Burkhart as a CM AT and Kramer as Mezzala. As they are the best on your team, it looks like a 4-1-4-1 DM wide is a good starting point, maybe with Lang as a DLP - D on the DM position (or it can be Gruber as a DM - D), Kramer maybe as a Mezzala on Support on the left and Burkhart as a CM AT on the right.

If you decide this is a good idea, than you have a Mezzala on the left and he may benefit from space on that side. Maybe an Inside Foward or Inverted Winger can work, and on the other side, a common Winger on Support ahead of the CM AT. Or you can put two wingers on Support on each side and combine them with a Pressing Foward on attack.

If you use the winger moving inside on the left it would be good that the fullback explore that space, so maybe an attacking fullback, probably a Wingback on Support or FB on Attack, to use the flank better without exposing the flank too much. And on the other side you can use a Fullback on support, as the Winger is already doing that flank.

The striker could be a DLF on Attack if one of your wingers move inside, and maybe a PF on Attack if you use two "common" wingers.

But the roles and duties will depend on the kind of football that you want to play. I think that looking at your players, an attacking/control ball game may work, as you have three intelligent midfielders. I would start with Positive Mentality, Higher Defensive Line (and nothing more), Distribute Quickly to FBs and DCs (and maybe during matches add Counter or Counter Press), CBs and DM on defend with shorter passing. I would observe during 2 or 3 matches, see how it goes, what I like and what I do not, and then evaluate if it´s good or if any changes are necessary.

See, I don´t know your other players and my suggestions may even not work completely, but maybe they help you as a starting point on developing your tactic. Hope your team improves and you have fun.

First of all thank you so much for your advice and the time you've pit into this.

The tactic I've attached above is not what I'm playing currently, its what I used and what my players know the best, currently I'm changing and trying new stuff every couple of games.

I feel like I need to play possession football and waste it just so I wont get attacked and get humiliated, and because my players are smarter than they are good with their feet I fill like playing a counter attacking fast football will lead to a lot of possessions lost.
In my head and there is a chance I'm wrong, I feel like because my players are smarter than good with the ball in their feet I need to play smarter and less technical football, way more structured and with way less dribbling and 1on1.

A question that I want to ask you, you said that if I'll put a Mezalla in the left, with an IF above it, I should play with a wing back, wont the wing back and the mezzala get too much into each other ?

I will for sure try your advice, and I will update you on how it goes.

I just feel like this is the weirdest team I've ever had in football manager, cant understand how should I play with those kind of players.

Btw, which tactic style did you think of when advising those roles ?

December 16, 2020

Hey guys ! This is my first ever post in here, I've seen how much help you can provide here and want to see if you can help me aswell.
English is not my native language so if there are some mistakes I'm sorry.

I'm managing "SV Austria Salzburg" from the 3rd division in Austria, they are a fan club that opened after "Red Bull" purchased the Salzburg team by their fans.
I'm doing the youth academy challenge that means I literally depend on the youth intakes, they are currently in season 5 the best they can possibly be Youth Recruitment and Junior Coaching wise.

In the 1st season I finished in the mid table. using this tactic:

I've tried to be pretty simple although playing with some "hard" roles.

In the 2nd season when using mostly the same tactic I got promoted.

3rd season, first season in the 2nd tier of Austrian leagues, I again finished in mid table. 9th to be exact, still same old 433.

4rd season was the season I got promoted from the 2nd league, managing to even win the FA Cup, with a win in ET in the semi finals and a 2-1 lucky win in the finals, both over first league teams, that season my tactics were all over the place trying to find my self.

Currently we are in our 5th season, 20 league games in, 2 wins, 2 draws .. yes. we suck. I know that my team is way below the level of the 1st league teams, my players are really not technically gifted.

My players have an above average mental stats, but really below average technical and physical which makes me think I need to play a very structured anti football tactic which I can't find.

I'll add some of the players I try to build my team on, most of them are crap. How can I maximize this squad ability ?
I've already understand I'm gonna get relegated but I want to be able to play the best I can in the 2nd division and hopefully get back to the 1st although there are much better teams than ours in the 2nd division.

I would love to play some out of the box smart football that can take the mental stats of my players to the max while not having to worry about their technicals, It will probably have to be built with wingers as those are the best and most potential players I've got in my team.

I hope you could help me with ideas and such and maybe even understand better the squads ability.

Thanks in advance, Lior.

Below you can find 10 players, the 5 Best in the Squad and the 5 with the most potential in the Squad.