Defending with bad defenders

[88bigphill88]

I'm playing a game with a second division Argentina Team and everybody is pretty bad in every team. Mine was predicted to finish 6th in the league and their team is pretty good at this level. My defenders didn't even seem so bad attribute-wise (relatively, of course), but boy during games it's frustrating. Every away game is a humiliation, sometimes so are the home games.

I've tried pressuring the opposition and retaining possession, but they let so many through balls and the other teams forwards find themselves often on 1-on-1s with my GK. On the other hand, when defending deep they there are always free players in the box, missed interceptions, poor tackling. I've tried protecting them with DMs, keeping the FBs back... I wish I could say what's the problem, could be the level of ability, but the opposition defenders look just fine. Technically they are OK, mentally not so much. I really, really wish to say the ME is BSing me, but that isn't true either.

Any ideas how to stabilize the bleeding?

 

[Igneos79]

http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/foot...ow-set-up-effective-defence-centre-backs.html

 

[adit 99]

if your defense are totally ****, outscore the opponent then.

 

[88bigphill88]

if your defense are totally ****, outscore the opponent then.

After 10 games I have scored 17 goals and conceded 24. I have draws like 3-3 and 4-4, a 4-2 defeat, so I don't think I can score more goals without losing any kind of balance I still may have.

I guess trying those defenders combinations might be worth, but most of the goals look like terrible individual mistakes.

 

[Igneos79]

I guess trying those defenders combinations might be worth, but most of the goals look like terrible individual mistakes.

Match engine makes it look like that. If you are using attacking fullbacks/wingbacks, I recommend using two stopper duties next to them to close down empty space, and perhaps a covering defender or sweeper between them. Sweeper keeper is also cool. If not using attacking but instead supporting fullbacks/wingbacks, you can go with two defend duties and offside trap combined with a high defensive line....or you can use a stopper cover combo with a deep defensive line. Formations without a DM should use stopper cover combo, unless playing a high defensive line. Cover defender doesn't work well with a high def. line. Also, if not using two same roles with defend duties, do not use offside trap.

 

[ChivuStoica]

Try switching to a three-man back line?