I'm managing Liverpool. I started off with a brilliant defensive record, going 13 games without conceding. But now other teams are scoring for fun against us. My central defenders are literally saying go on have a shot. What's going on???
try having messing with the opp inst. i'm assuming you're talking about opposition players dribbling through the middle or through balls that your defenders just stood and watched. I've noticed the best way to fix this is that in addition to assistant manager's advice on opp instructions do two things:
1. If they have two strikers up front, tight mark both first of all and then close down & tackle hard on the one with higher teamwork/passing skills. This is to pre-empt any one-twos that might get through the middle. If they are running a 4-3-2-1 formation or something where there is only one striker, then mark,close down, tackle, and weaker foot that single striker.
2. Most teams use wingers or a really fast wingback with good crossing. Make sure you set weaker foot and close down on these players.
These things require you to do some research on the players before you start the match. I notice that these little tweaks determines whether I get a 2-1 loss or a 1-0 win. Also, during half-time and throughout the match reassess your instructions. You might notice that some of the players do not need tightmarking or closing down.
I have actually found this to be one of the greatest solutions to any problem going.arrange friendly with very small team and win!!