For years on the FM series you've been able to just whack the same 11 out in the same formation week in week out, and tweak until you beat everyone. And im as guilty as the rest of them. Until now.
It was last week, i was bored, in a rough patch with Hertha in the Bundesliga, and my missus asked how i could stare at a few dots on the screen without actually doing anything. Well, i replied, preparing my in depth speech on the possibilities of the game, i took her through the transfer options, briefed her on press conferences and how it affected player morale, and showed her the pre/post match tactical reports on teams, only to realise i hadnt actually looked at them myself before. It always just used to be one of those items i always pressed space and skipped over, thinking it was only telling me that the opposition were 1kg heavier on average and 1cm shorter. Pointless, i thought. Until i read it in full. My next game was against Leverkusen away. My assistant had told me they tended to concede the most chances against a 4 2 3 1, and three quarters of the goals they've shipped came from a header in the first 15 minutes. I chuckled at first, thinking i wouldnt dare play such an attacking formation against a team i was expected to get a hiding from. But as i was in a rut i thought id give it a go. Low and behold, i was 1 up inside 10 minutes, a header from Ibesivic. And against all the odds at half time i was deservedly in front.
The match finished 1-1, sending the media and my fans into hysterics, i haven't looked back since and currently lie in 3rd on a 9 match unbeaten run. Every team report is scrutinised to find a weakness.
A team isn't aggressive? Get stuck in.
They don't have decision makers? Close them down and let them give possession up all by themselves.
It's magic. I only wish I'd have done it sooner
It was last week, i was bored, in a rough patch with Hertha in the Bundesliga, and my missus asked how i could stare at a few dots on the screen without actually doing anything. Well, i replied, preparing my in depth speech on the possibilities of the game, i took her through the transfer options, briefed her on press conferences and how it affected player morale, and showed her the pre/post match tactical reports on teams, only to realise i hadnt actually looked at them myself before. It always just used to be one of those items i always pressed space and skipped over, thinking it was only telling me that the opposition were 1kg heavier on average and 1cm shorter. Pointless, i thought. Until i read it in full. My next game was against Leverkusen away. My assistant had told me they tended to concede the most chances against a 4 2 3 1, and three quarters of the goals they've shipped came from a header in the first 15 minutes. I chuckled at first, thinking i wouldnt dare play such an attacking formation against a team i was expected to get a hiding from. But as i was in a rut i thought id give it a go. Low and behold, i was 1 up inside 10 minutes, a header from Ibesivic. And against all the odds at half time i was deservedly in front.
The match finished 1-1, sending the media and my fans into hysterics, i haven't looked back since and currently lie in 3rd on a 9 match unbeaten run. Every team report is scrutinised to find a weakness.
A team isn't aggressive? Get stuck in.
They don't have decision makers? Close them down and let them give possession up all by themselves.
It's magic. I only wish I'd have done it sooner
