Non-efficent tactics and the 8-1-1

[Patrick123]

Does anyone know how to get around this problem in FM:

We're in the 85 minute and I'm up 2-1. The oppostition switches to an all-out-attack 4-2-4 and the result is that I get battered down for the remaining minutes.

But...

turn it around; They're up 2-1 in the 85 minute and I do the same thing. What happends? I get battered for the remaning minutes. This is pretty frustrating. When the opposition goes into 4-2-4, I have tried everything... in one of my most recent rampages I went into something I can only describe as a mindblowingly defensive 8-1-1, but the result is the same even if I go to all out attack. I dont stand a chance.

By the way, have you experience that your opponent has used anything other than 4-2-4 in the dying seconds?

 

[habler]

I have the better team , ive never tried it on a poor team. So they can do whatever they like but they always try the 4-2-4. All i do is hit the ball long , tight mark , close down their front 4 players. Mabe knock your stye to less attacking and dont allow your defence and midfied to make forward runs. Do not go to all out defence as u will open yourself to the sucker punch. Narrow down your formation slightly for the remaining 10 mins also and obviously timewaste. You can even bring someone back as a holding midfielder in front of the back 4. Thats all i can think of for now. I must admit your flat back 8 raised a smile tho , lol.

 

[Zebedee]

Use the 'control match' theory from TT&F. Make it fairly defensive and you should be defensively solid, retain possession and either catch the four strikers offside all the time or see your goalkeeper pick up the through balls. It will also generate some chances down the wings as the opposition fullbacks will have to step up into midfield to try and close you down (assuming you're playing a 4-4-2). 4-2-4 struggles to win the ball in midfield - if the wing forwards drop back, it's a 4-4-2 and if the fullbacks step up it's a 2-4-4 which is begging to be scored against.

 

[Patrick123]

Ok, thanks.

I hope this helps It has become a real pain my you-know-what to allways be hammered like an anvil for hte rest of the game.

 

[Zebedee]

The theory is sound. How well you implement it will make the difference between success and failure A major factor in the last 15 - 20 minutes of the game is player exhaustion. Exhausted players make more mistakes. If at all possible try not to have exhausted players by the end of the match - if they are, the chances are you're pressing too hard, take it down a notch or two and/or move towards a more possession based game if possible.

 

[BigAgballer]

Depth helops a lot, use your 3 subs wisely! I always save those three as they can become good closer for those tough last 15 mins.