fuelledbypassion
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Let There Be Light - Counter Attacking Excellence by Fuelledbypassion
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Reality hurts...
I have been playing the Football Manager series since the dark ages, from the days of the simplistic yet
addictive Championship Manager 4, to the perpetual heights of the franchise today. The straightforward
concept of buying the league has long gone, as many of the big hitters have found in football recently,
and in persuit of the ultimate virtual experience, Sport Interactive have created a real monster of a
game.
But with this added realism comes the harsh reality that many are failing to comprehend - the game has
become much harder.
I've never considered myself the next Herrera or Guardiola, indeed, I'd never have the tactical know-how to
reinvent the game that I love so much. But I've always got by. This year though, I've struggled to adapt
to the new game and match engine. Repeatedly screaming at a dot on my screen, 'close him...square it...shoot!',
have irked me in the past but we've always won through my frustrations. Yet only now can I ashamedly admit
to dipping a toe in the icy pool of tactic downloading, if only to spare my blushes.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
A Philosophical Change...
FM 2013 is a game that will really test your patience. I've always been an advocate of attacking football,
breathtaking interplay and midfield domination. I overload the midfield, control the tempo and patiently
probe for an opening, and I've always favoured the poacher, the attacking playmaker and the midfield
anchorman. But this game has changed my philosophy - it's now just as pleasing to scrape a 1-0 win with a
set piece goal, as hitting the bottom team for six in the previous game. Your decisions are heralded and
vilified, just as in real life, which makes it all the more rewarding when you win.
So I've had a change of heart. Defensive solidity is more important than ever before. I can't just attempt
to outscore other teams - I don't have a forward line of Van Persie, Rooney and Hernandez playing as
Sanremese or Stalybridge Celtic. So I have had to change my philosophy.
Fluid > Balanced
Contol > Counter
I've also changed formation slightly, reducing the number of specialised roles in my midfield, but still
allowing fluid interplay and the tidy, short passing that I love to watch most. The midfield engine is now
a flat three, with simplified, more balanced roles to improve the defensive part of the tactic. With my
most attacking midfielder only venturing forward when we have the ball, plus a defensive minded playmaker
and a disciplined defensive player alongside, the tactic is more solid and built to retain possession.
Anchorman (Defend) > Central Midfielder (Defend)
Box to Box (Support) > Central Midfielder (Attack)
Advanced Playmaker (Attack) > Deep Lying Playmaker (Defend)
Now that I have restricted my midfield somewhat and pushed back my defence, I needed a striking option that
will help to link up play, as well as pushing the opposition in the opposite direction. My fluid front three
would have to be sacrificed for a more versatile and, ultimately, defensive trio. They will remain my
biggest attacking threat, mainly supported by a central midfielder, a wingback and a fullback.
Winger (Attack) > Inside Forward (Attack)
Poacher (Attack) > Complete Forward (Support)
Inside Forward (Attack) > Inside Forward (Support)
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Team Instructions...
The tactical concept itself, is very simple: Defend and attack in numbers, as one. It's a versatile set up
that allows us to sit deep and spring quickly against the stronger teams, but also dominate possession and
score beautiful team goals against the weak. Concentration on set pieces is a useful approach, allowing us
to sit back and soak up pressure but remain a genuine attacking threat.
View attachment 308998
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
The Inspiration...
Sweeper 'Keeper (Support) - 'The Lev Yashin'
Will sweep up any through balls that aren't intercepted, and initiate attacks with quick distribution to
full backs or direct, long balls to the attacking trio. Key attributes are Decisions, Positioning and
Reflexes.
Left Central Defender (Cover) - 'The Franco Baresi'
Covers his defensive partner and sits deeper than the defensive line, able to intercept attacks and pick up
midfield runners. Needs to be composed on the ball. Key attributes are Anticipation, Concentration and
Positioning.
Right Central Defender (Stopper) - 'The Jose Santamaria'
Closes down opposing strikers, dominant in the air and a defensive rock. Also a real goal threat from set
pieces. Key attributes are Heading, Marking and Strength.
Left Full Back (Support) - 'The Paolo Maldini'
Although primarily a defensive player, he must also be competent in possession with the stamina to support
attacks. He is an important link player. Key attributes include Tackling, Positioning and Stamina.
Right Wing Back (Attack) - 'The Cafu'
This player is very important in attack, often overlapping the Inside Forward and creating many goals for
the team. He keeps width and is always a passing option. Key attributes are Crossing, Dribbling and
Work Rate.
Central Midfielder (Defend) - 'The Jean Tigana'
The most defensive of the three, this central midfielder acts as a screen in front of the back four and
plays a simple passing game. Along with the Deep Lying Playmaker, he sits back and controls the tempo,
while also encouraged to pick a forward pass when available. Key attributes include Tackling, Positioning
and Teamwork.
Deep Lying Playmaker (Defend) - 'The Josep Guardiola'
The heartbeat of the team, focused on controlling the game and dictating play. With extra defensive
responsibilities, he will rarely venture forward and provides support for the back line. Key attributes
are Passing, Composure and Positioning.
Central Midfielder (Attack) - 'The Frank Lampard'
Breaks forward at every opportunity and is a goal threat both inside and outside the box. Moves into
channels and is generally given the license to roam around. Key attributes are Decisions, Off The Ball and
Teamwork.
Left Inside Forward (Support) - 'The Luis Figo'
Supports the attack, coming off the flank to play in attacking players or take on defenders and go for
goal. Key attributes include Passing, Off The Ball and Acceleration.
Right Inside Forward (Attack) - 'The George Best'
Attacks from the flank, leaving space for an overlapping wing back, or dribbling wide and crossing into
the box. Scorer of great individual goals. Key attributes include Dribbling, Crossing and Acceleration.
Complete Forward (Support) - 'The Johan Cruyff'
Plays like an attacking, Deep Lying Forward, linking play and driving forward from deep. He is the focus
point of a fluid attacking trio, with a supporting midfielder as an extra passing option occasionally
driving ahead of him. Also drifts to the flanks, looking for and creating space. Key attributes are
Off The Ball, Teamwork and Anticipation.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
A Tactical Masterclass...
I developed the tactic with Borussia Dortmund, and had phenominal success testing with Italian mediocracy
in Parma.
Borussia Dortmund - League Champions, an incredible 23 clean sheets in 34 league games,
View attachment 309009View attachment 309010
View attachment 309006View attachment 309007View attachment 309004View attachment 309005
Parma - top at the halfway stage having signed Yussuf & Zuniga on loan
View attachment 308999View attachment 309008
View attachment 309003View attachment 309002View attachment 309001View attachment 309000
Ukraine - some decent performances against big teams and a good World Cup campaign
View attachment 310830View attachment 310829View attachment 310828View attachment 310827
View attachment 310833View attachment 310834View attachment 310831View attachment 310832
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Key Players...
In my experience, the Deep Lying Playmaker is a vital position as your primary conductor of the game. It's
always important to have a solid spine, but a flambuoyant front three can carry a weaker team. Strong and
powerful centre backs are a massive bonus.
Borussia Dortmund
View attachment 309013View attachment 309016View attachment 309014View attachment 309015
Parma
View attachment 309017View attachment 309018View attachment 309019View attachment 309020
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
From The Dugout...
Touchline shouts play a major part in this year's Football Manager, with tactical versatility a must in the
game. I like to counter and opposition threats/weaknesses during the contest, often altering my instructions
around the formations I face.
When playing a narrow diamond > Exploit the Flanks, Run With Ball, Play Wider
When playing a two man midfield > Exploit the Middle, Play Through Defence, Play Narrower
When holding a lead against strong opponents > Drop Deeper, Play Narrower, Clear To Flanks
When leading against weaker opponents > Retain Possession, Pass To Feet, Take A Breather
When chasing a game > Push Higher Up, Hit Early Crosses, Look For The Overlap, Hassle Opponents
There's lots of good advice on touchline shouts, some of which can be found here
It's all about reacting quickly this year, and I've often found myself changing the team's focus to the
right flank or to utilise my right wing back as a target man. I would advise watching as much of the match
as you can, If you really want the full experience and the best chance of success.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
The Link...
Good luck guys, hope this has at least helped inspire a few of you to think more about your own tactics.
I would love anyone out there to give this a go, I'm sure that it can be successful with the right players
Now Play Nice
For an alternate version of the tactic, with a slight change of formation and player roles that have worked well for other teams, here is Veez' Let There Be Light Tweaked Version:
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Reality hurts...
I have been playing the Football Manager series since the dark ages, from the days of the simplistic yet
addictive Championship Manager 4, to the perpetual heights of the franchise today. The straightforward
concept of buying the league has long gone, as many of the big hitters have found in football recently,
and in persuit of the ultimate virtual experience, Sport Interactive have created a real monster of a
game.
But with this added realism comes the harsh reality that many are failing to comprehend - the game has
become much harder.
I've never considered myself the next Herrera or Guardiola, indeed, I'd never have the tactical know-how to
reinvent the game that I love so much. But I've always got by. This year though, I've struggled to adapt
to the new game and match engine. Repeatedly screaming at a dot on my screen, 'close him...square it...shoot!',
have irked me in the past but we've always won through my frustrations. Yet only now can I ashamedly admit
to dipping a toe in the icy pool of tactic downloading, if only to spare my blushes.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
A Philosophical Change...
FM 2013 is a game that will really test your patience. I've always been an advocate of attacking football,
breathtaking interplay and midfield domination. I overload the midfield, control the tempo and patiently
probe for an opening, and I've always favoured the poacher, the attacking playmaker and the midfield
anchorman. But this game has changed my philosophy - it's now just as pleasing to scrape a 1-0 win with a
set piece goal, as hitting the bottom team for six in the previous game. Your decisions are heralded and
vilified, just as in real life, which makes it all the more rewarding when you win.
So I've had a change of heart. Defensive solidity is more important than ever before. I can't just attempt
to outscore other teams - I don't have a forward line of Van Persie, Rooney and Hernandez playing as
Sanremese or Stalybridge Celtic. So I have had to change my philosophy.
Fluid > Balanced
Contol > Counter
I've also changed formation slightly, reducing the number of specialised roles in my midfield, but still
allowing fluid interplay and the tidy, short passing that I love to watch most. The midfield engine is now
a flat three, with simplified, more balanced roles to improve the defensive part of the tactic. With my
most attacking midfielder only venturing forward when we have the ball, plus a defensive minded playmaker
and a disciplined defensive player alongside, the tactic is more solid and built to retain possession.
Anchorman (Defend) > Central Midfielder (Defend)
Box to Box (Support) > Central Midfielder (Attack)
Advanced Playmaker (Attack) > Deep Lying Playmaker (Defend)
Now that I have restricted my midfield somewhat and pushed back my defence, I needed a striking option that
will help to link up play, as well as pushing the opposition in the opposite direction. My fluid front three
would have to be sacrificed for a more versatile and, ultimately, defensive trio. They will remain my
biggest attacking threat, mainly supported by a central midfielder, a wingback and a fullback.
Winger (Attack) > Inside Forward (Attack)
Poacher (Attack) > Complete Forward (Support)
Inside Forward (Attack) > Inside Forward (Support)
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Team Instructions...
The tactical concept itself, is very simple: Defend and attack in numbers, as one. It's a versatile set up
that allows us to sit deep and spring quickly against the stronger teams, but also dominate possession and
score beautiful team goals against the weak. Concentration on set pieces is a useful approach, allowing us
to sit back and soak up pressure but remain a genuine attacking threat.
View attachment 308998
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
The Inspiration...
Sweeper 'Keeper (Support) - 'The Lev Yashin'
Will sweep up any through balls that aren't intercepted, and initiate attacks with quick distribution to
full backs or direct, long balls to the attacking trio. Key attributes are Decisions, Positioning and
Reflexes.
Left Central Defender (Cover) - 'The Franco Baresi'
Covers his defensive partner and sits deeper than the defensive line, able to intercept attacks and pick up
midfield runners. Needs to be composed on the ball. Key attributes are Anticipation, Concentration and
Positioning.
Right Central Defender (Stopper) - 'The Jose Santamaria'
Closes down opposing strikers, dominant in the air and a defensive rock. Also a real goal threat from set
pieces. Key attributes are Heading, Marking and Strength.
Left Full Back (Support) - 'The Paolo Maldini'
Although primarily a defensive player, he must also be competent in possession with the stamina to support
attacks. He is an important link player. Key attributes include Tackling, Positioning and Stamina.
Right Wing Back (Attack) - 'The Cafu'
This player is very important in attack, often overlapping the Inside Forward and creating many goals for
the team. He keeps width and is always a passing option. Key attributes are Crossing, Dribbling and
Work Rate.
Central Midfielder (Defend) - 'The Jean Tigana'
The most defensive of the three, this central midfielder acts as a screen in front of the back four and
plays a simple passing game. Along with the Deep Lying Playmaker, he sits back and controls the tempo,
while also encouraged to pick a forward pass when available. Key attributes include Tackling, Positioning
and Teamwork.
Deep Lying Playmaker (Defend) - 'The Josep Guardiola'
The heartbeat of the team, focused on controlling the game and dictating play. With extra defensive
responsibilities, he will rarely venture forward and provides support for the back line. Key attributes
are Passing, Composure and Positioning.
Central Midfielder (Attack) - 'The Frank Lampard'
Breaks forward at every opportunity and is a goal threat both inside and outside the box. Moves into
channels and is generally given the license to roam around. Key attributes are Decisions, Off The Ball and
Teamwork.
Left Inside Forward (Support) - 'The Luis Figo'
Supports the attack, coming off the flank to play in attacking players or take on defenders and go for
goal. Key attributes include Passing, Off The Ball and Acceleration.
Right Inside Forward (Attack) - 'The George Best'
Attacks from the flank, leaving space for an overlapping wing back, or dribbling wide and crossing into
the box. Scorer of great individual goals. Key attributes include Dribbling, Crossing and Acceleration.
Complete Forward (Support) - 'The Johan Cruyff'
Plays like an attacking, Deep Lying Forward, linking play and driving forward from deep. He is the focus
point of a fluid attacking trio, with a supporting midfielder as an extra passing option occasionally
driving ahead of him. Also drifts to the flanks, looking for and creating space. Key attributes are
Off The Ball, Teamwork and Anticipation.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
A Tactical Masterclass...
I developed the tactic with Borussia Dortmund, and had phenominal success testing with Italian mediocracy
in Parma.
Borussia Dortmund - League Champions, an incredible 23 clean sheets in 34 league games,
View attachment 309009View attachment 309010
View attachment 309006View attachment 309007View attachment 309004View attachment 309005
Parma - top at the halfway stage having signed Yussuf & Zuniga on loan
View attachment 308999View attachment 309008
View attachment 309003View attachment 309002View attachment 309001View attachment 309000
Ukraine - some decent performances against big teams and a good World Cup campaign
View attachment 310830View attachment 310829View attachment 310828View attachment 310827
View attachment 310833View attachment 310834View attachment 310831View attachment 310832
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Key Players...
In my experience, the Deep Lying Playmaker is a vital position as your primary conductor of the game. It's
always important to have a solid spine, but a flambuoyant front three can carry a weaker team. Strong and
powerful centre backs are a massive bonus.
Borussia Dortmund
View attachment 309013View attachment 309016View attachment 309014View attachment 309015
Parma
View attachment 309017View attachment 309018View attachment 309019View attachment 309020
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
From The Dugout...
Touchline shouts play a major part in this year's Football Manager, with tactical versatility a must in the
game. I like to counter and opposition threats/weaknesses during the contest, often altering my instructions
around the formations I face.
When playing a narrow diamond > Exploit the Flanks, Run With Ball, Play Wider
When playing a two man midfield > Exploit the Middle, Play Through Defence, Play Narrower
When holding a lead against strong opponents > Drop Deeper, Play Narrower, Clear To Flanks
When leading against weaker opponents > Retain Possession, Pass To Feet, Take A Breather
When chasing a game > Push Higher Up, Hit Early Crosses, Look For The Overlap, Hassle Opponents
There's lots of good advice on touchline shouts, some of which can be found here
It's all about reacting quickly this year, and I've often found myself changing the team's focus to the
right flank or to utilise my right wing back as a target man. I would advise watching as much of the match
as you can, If you really want the full experience and the best chance of success.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
The Link...
Good luck guys, hope this has at least helped inspire a few of you to think more about your own tactics.
I would love anyone out there to give this a go, I'm sure that it can be successful with the right players
Now Play Nice
For an alternate version of the tactic, with a slight change of formation and player roles that have worked well for other teams, here is Veez' Let There Be Light Tweaked Version:
Last edited: