What can I say... I think it's a pretty good tactic! I managed to win everything in my second year with Benfica, and I’m currently testing it with Academica de Viseu (a small team in Portugal) and already having a lot of success.
This is the only tactic I've consistently used since the yearly CM days – and honestly, it’s the only one I’ve built myself that actually works. So I figured I’d share it with you all.
I use a classic 4-2-3-1 Wide:
It’s a shape that gives me balance and plenty of options going forward. My teams play on the front foot, keep possession, and press aggressively.
Although you can tweak depending on the squad, I typically set up with:
This helps me dominate games and create tons of chances – whether I’m managing Benfica or a lower-league side.
I also use the training schedules you see in the screenshots.
Each week includes a good mix of:
I make sure all outfield players (except the GK) have an additional individual focus on Quickness, to improve acceleration and pace – which is key for pressing and quick transitions.
If you’re looking for a tactic that’s balanced, aggressive, and fun to watch, give this one a try. I can’t guarantee it’ll be perfect for everyone, but it’s definitely worked wonders for me.
Let me know if you try it and how it goes!
PS. in all my games when a player is nervous(with the brown face) or not getting the rhythm of the game i give the talk individually and encouraged them, it makes wonders...its one thing that i always didn't care but it makes a lot of difference.
In the Champions League Final against PSG i was 1-1 and i have substituted a ST for another one and he entered the field nervous, i gave him the shout to Encourage him and a couple of minutes after he gave me the goal that would win the Final. (2-1)
This is the only tactic I've consistently used since the yearly CM days – and honestly, it’s the only one I’ve built myself that actually works. So I figured I’d share it with you all.
Tactic Breakdown
Formation
I use a classic 4-2-3-1 Wide:
- A solid back four
- Two midfielders (usually one more defensive and one more creative)
- An attacking trio behind the striker
- And a lone striker up top
It’s a shape that gives me balance and plenty of options going forward. My teams play on the front foot, keep possession, and press aggressively.
Team Style
Although you can tweak depending on the squad, I typically set up with:
- An attacking mentality
- High pressing
- High defensive line
- Fast, short-passing build-up
- Overlapping runs and lots of movement
This helps me dominate games and create tons of chances – whether I’m managing Benfica or a lower-league side.
My Training Setup
I also use the training schedules you see in the screenshots.
Each week includes a good mix of:
- Match Preparation (Teamwork, Att. Movement, Def. Shape)
- Technical Work (Ball Retention, Chance Creation, Transitions)
- Set Pieces (both defending and attacking)
- Physical Focus (Quickness, Endurance)
I make sure all outfield players (except the GK) have an additional individual focus on Quickness, to improve acceleration and pace – which is key for pressing and quick transitions.
Results Speak for Themselves
- Clean sweep of trophies in my second season with Benfica
- Multiple wins already with Academica de Viseu(another save)
- Works great with strong squads and underdog teams alike
If you’re looking for a tactic that’s balanced, aggressive, and fun to watch, give this one a try. I can’t guarantee it’ll be perfect for everyone, but it’s definitely worked wonders for me.
Let me know if you try it and how it goes!
PS. in all my games when a player is nervous(with the brown face) or not getting the rhythm of the game i give the talk individually and encouraged them, it makes wonders...its one thing that i always didn't care but it makes a lot of difference.
In the Champions League Final against PSG i was 1-1 and i have substituted a ST for another one and he entered the field nervous, i gave him the shout to Encourage him and a couple of minutes after he gave me the goal that would win the Final. (2-1)
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