Could use help with defense

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RickyLFC

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Okay I've been playing the FM series for a few years now and during that time I learned how to set up my attack the way I want it. I know how to make my attackers and attacking-minded midfielders do whatever I want. But what I still can't master is my defense. I literally suck at defending, so I would really be grateful if you take a couple of minutes of your time and help me with it.

The tactics I use are usually different for each team I play, depending on the given squad, but I usually aim to control the play and dictate the tempo. Also, I always use a classic back four, plus a defensive midfielder or a ball-winning midfielder (who closes down the opposition all the time). But no matter how hard I try, I can't set up a good defense. I use a zonal marking system (although I sometimes switch to man-marking, usually when the opposition plays with 1 forward). I have also tried many combinations with my stoppers, ball-playing and limited defender, two central defenders, two stoppers, two covers, one stopper and one cover, instructions for both to close down opposition often, instructions for both to close down opposition rarely, instructions one to close down often and the other rarely... etc. etc. etc. Basically I've tried everything. Most of the time one of the stoppers is playing well and the other sucks (rating below 6.0). Sometimes even both suck. I even made their mentality completely defensive and it still doesn't work.

So I would really appreciate if someone could tell me the best way to set up my defense, while also matching my strategy (control the game/dictate the tempo). Thank you in advance :)
 
If you're playing with a mentally strong team, i would advice you to give a try a tactic like this.

Two full-backs, both playing automatic, but make some changes on instructions,and use the one who's better in defence, at defence, captain obviuos. :D

at central backs, i would advice u to play 1 ball-playing defender(block) and a centre-back with good speed.

also, u can use a ball-winning midfielder, and tell him to come back deep to defence,to take the ball.

sry for my bad english, i hope u got the idea. :)
 
Yea but I usually have no problems with my full-backs, only the center backs. So you're saying to use 1 ball-playing defender with a Stopper duty and one Central defender with just a duty of defend? If so then what about the closing down instructions? The opposing forwards often slip up through my defense and score goals easily. I would try narrowing the play down, but that would change my strategy of controlling the game. I just feel like I have a big hole in my defense...
 
How are the other team scoring their goals? Counter attacks? Build up leading to crosses? Through balls? Set pieces? Long shot?
 
Don't narrow the play down, it's OK,i think. Don't close down often.

One ball-playing defender with stopper duty, and a central defender with securing duty, and he should have a good speed,acceleration,concentration,intuition,position picking and tackling. (take a look at Pepe(R.Madrid), Thiago Silva(Milan) and Phil Jagielka(Everton i think))

Give it a try. :)
 
if said:
How are the other team scoring their goals? Counter attacks? Build up leading to crosses? Through balls? Set pieces? Long shot?
Click to expand...

Most of the time I concede from through balls (they always slip up the ball through my defense and someone is always there to heap it in) and sometimes from long shots and counter attacks. I am also no stranger to conceding a header from a cross :/

Snowflakey said:
Don't narrow the play down, it's OK,i think. Don't close down often.

One ball-playing defender with stopper duty, and a central defender with securing duty, and he should have a good speed,acceleration,concentration,intuition,position picking and tackling. (take a look at Pepe(R.Madrid), Thiago Silva(Milan) and Phil Jagielka(Everton i think))

Give it a try. :)
Click to expand...

I'll give that a try then I guess. I should also mention that I am currently managing a club from Croatian 2nd division with aspirations for a respectable position finish and I only have 3 good center-backs, so I am not sure if they fulfill these requirements, but I'll still check it. Meanwhile if someone also has suggestions feel free to tell them to me :)
 
To counter the long shots, get a good goalie :)
Counter attacks should be countered with a good defence, especially wing-backs. Goals from headshots(:S) are easily countered by strong defensive line + anchor man.

In lower leagues, i would advice you to look better at physical stats, not technical/mental.

Will be waitin' for results :)
 
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