What to do if you just can't win

[SoccerSagacity]

Struggling - please help

Hi All,

Quick intro - been playing CM/FM for 10+ years, always have great success, best franchise of all time etc etc. I've never struggled like I have on FM13 and need some assistance.

What I've tried so far:
Teams: Zaragoza, Aston Villa, Paris St Germain
Formations: ranging from 4-4-2, 4-1-2-1-2, 4-5-1, 4-2-2-2, 4-1-2-3 etc etc including, ashamed to say it, importing other 'supertactics' from forums to see how they work
Results: Zaragoza - relegated from La Liga 19th, sacked after half a season then added manager to carry on, sacked again end of season.
Aston Villa - played pre-season and 3 league games, lost/drew all.
Paris St Germain - played 4 league games, spent ages on tactics, signed a couple of good players. Record: 0-1-3

I can't understand what I'm doing wrong! I train well, sign good coaches, sign good players, use tactics to suit my players, gel the players to that formation, set tactics and strategy to match player attributes.

NO SUCCESS!

What am I doing wrong?! It's ruining my experience of FM13 so far.

Is it to do with the 'full version'? Would I have more success in 'Classic'? Is it me or is it much harder this year?

Any help appreciated

 

[LIAMFC91]

good post mate well explained

 

[Jake]

Jake

Great Post

I have to say after reading what you have to say I feel more optimistic and realistic about my chances. Ive played FM/CM for a long time and have never been an advocate of downloading other peoples tactics and finding "exploits" but ive always been able to create myself tactics that with tweaks, etc can create a decent team even with BSN clubs. But with Fm13 im at a real loss.

Every FM version ive managed to start a game where I enjoy it and even when im doing **** I feel I can turn things around, I punch the air in excitement when I score a great goal or win a game im not expecting to. But with FM13 i dont feel that.

I would love to talk you more about FM13 and get yours tips and advice on how I can make myself a better FM player/manager. I know this year its been made harder to make you think more about how you play the game i.e roles, formations, training etc but I really dont know where to start. I suppose im one of the old guard that only know how to play the game in a one dimensional way and need assistance on how to progress and evolve myself to the new game.

Ive thought about moving to FMC but I feel thats the cowards way out and id enjoy it even less that I am now. Ive never been one to give up on something but I feel ive lost my "spark" with FM13 and so much so that last night I loaded FM12 up!

So some help would be much appreciated whether thats on here or over a chat on steam, my problems are when starting a new game what to do first, when im creating a tactic what to look for in roles, for example good partnerships in roles, etc. Also ive never ever looked at scouting reports for the enxt opposition but this year I know its imperative. What do u look at so get an idea of what weaknesses I can exploit, etc? Also when im on a bad run (which always happens) how I can turn things around.

Sorry for the long post, im never one for moaning so im trying to keep myself up beat that I can turn things around, you wouldnt beleive how many games ive started and failed after 1 season or less! Maybe I shouldnt give up so easily but I have the patience of a very very impatient person!

Add me on steam, cant guarantee when i'll be on on, but if im on and you message me, i'll try to answer.

gypsyninja

 

[SoccerSagacity]

Add me on steam, cant guarantee when i'll be on on, but if im on and you message me, i'll try to answer.

gypsyninja

Jake,
I feel exactly the same as the fella above that you replied to. Any help much appreciated here or on steam...absolutely stumped added you on Steam just incase you are willing to help
Cheers

 

[Mike.]

Jake

Great Post

I have to say after reading what you have to say I feel more optimistic and realistic about my chances. Ive played FM/CM for a long time and have never been an advocate of downloading other peoples tactics and finding "exploits" but ive always been able to create myself tactics that with tweaks, etc can create a decent team even with BSN clubs. But with Fm13 im at a real loss.

Every FM version ive managed to start a game where I enjoy it and even when im doing **** I feel I can turn things around, I punch the air in excitement when I score a great goal or win a game im not expecting to. But with FM13 i dont feel that.

I would love to talk you more about FM13 and get yours tips and advice on how I can make myself a better FM player/manager. I know this year its been made harder to make you think more about how you play the game i.e roles, formations, training etc but I really dont know where to start. I suppose im one of the old guard that only know how to play the game in a one dimensional way and need assistance on how to progress and evolve myself to the new game.

Ive thought about moving to FMC but I feel thats the cowards way out and id enjoy it even less that I am now. Ive never been one to give up on something but I feel ive lost my "spark" with FM13 and so much so that last night I loaded FM12 up!

So some help would be much appreciated whether thats on here or over a chat on steam, my problems are when starting a new game what to do first, when im creating a tactic what to look for in roles, for example good partnerships in roles, etc. Also ive never ever looked at scouting reports for the enxt opposition but this year I know its imperative. What do u look at so get an idea of what weaknesses I can exploit, etc? Also when im on a bad run (which always happens) how I can turn things around.

Sorry for the long post, im never one for moaning so im trying to keep myself up beat that I can turn things around, you wouldnt beleive how many games ive started and failed after 1 season or less! Maybe I shouldnt give up so easily but I have the patience of a very very impatient person!

One of the biggest problems with the current ME is that it can be very difficult for players to distinguish from what is an ME issue and what is a "tactical issue".

Add in the fact its much harder, and it leaves a lot of people banging their heads.

The stuff in bold, i feel those of us who are doing ok, haven't written enough about, and those who can, will start putting their thoughts in articles.

Feel free to PM me with any questions.

 

[imi]

About the FM classic comment (i didnt read through the whole post, maybe it has been discussed before); but is it really as unrealistic as you seem to describe it? I mean i only knew that it took away the "morale" fact, but the tactics and ME system remains the same; ive even readed somewhere that tactics have more effect in classic since there is no such thing as winning thanks to a good team talk

 

[Jake]

About the FM classic comment (i didnt read through the whole post, maybe it has been discussed before); but is it really as unrealistic as you seem to describe it? I mean i only knew that it took away the "morale" fact, but the tactics and ME system remains the same; ive even readed somewhere that tactics have more effect in classic since there is no such thing as winning thanks to a good team talk

Based on my experience of it so far.

 

[Jake]

One of the biggest problems with the current ME is that it can be very difficult for players to distinguish from what is an ME issue and what is a "tactical issue".

Add in the fact its much harder, and it leaves a lot of people banging their heads.

The stuff in bold, i feel those of us who are doing ok, haven't written enough about, and those who can, will start putting their thoughts in articles.

Feel free to PM me with any questions.

This needs to happen sooner rather than later to prevent people becoming disenfranchised.

I've got some ideas in my cooking pot.

 

[Mike.]

This needs to happen sooner rather than later to prevent people becoming disenfranchised.

I've got some ideas in my cooking pot.

Absolutely, gonna try and get a few up over the next week or so. They also need to roll out this update as soon as possible.

 

[lan lodger]

So in my short and frustrating FM 13 career I have been Manchester UTD, Spurs and Arsenal.. I belive I always buy the right players to strengthen my squad, always 1 or 2. I always play the simple formations 4-2-3-1 4-4-2 4-5-1 I never play players out of position, ever. But I just can’t succeed with these teams.

I let my assistant take my training, I now always take press conferences talk to my players constantly telling them if they’re doing well, not so well and I constantly swap and change my tactics so I don’t get found out.. And I have no success at all.. I get outplayed by teams like Norwich, QPR and Wigan.. not just away but at home iswell. Not only do I lose with relative ease, I get outplayed like their Barcelona.. Whatever tactics I try, direct football passing football get 10 men up there and hoof it the ******* big guy football.. nothing and I mean nothing works.

Also something which is ******* me off, in 3 different saves I’ve bought strikers such as falcao, lewandowski, jovetic, van persie.. yet they have a goalscoring record of 1 goal in 10 games..

Any help at all??

 

[Neun78]

fm2013

fm 2013 is a game for professionals, not the common person in the street.

iam not mourinho,guardiola,etc
fm is a game
not real life

 

[Jake]

So in my short and frustrating FM 13 career I have been Manchester UTD, Spurs and Arsenal.. I belive I always buy the right players to strengthen my squad, always 1 or 2. I always play the simple formations 4-2-3-1 4-4-2 4-5-1 I never play players out of position, ever. But I just can’t succeed with these teams.

I let my assistant take my training, I now always take press conferences talk to my players constantly telling them if they’re doing well, not so well and I constantly swap and change my tactics so I don’t get found out.. And I have no success at all.. I get outplayed by teams like Norwich, QPR and Wigan.. not just away but at home iswell. Not only do I lose with relative ease, I get outplayed like their Barcelona.. Whatever tactics I try, direct football passing football get 10 men up there and hoof it the ******* big guy football.. nothing and I mean nothing works.

Also something which is ******* me off, in 3 different saves I’ve bought strikers such as falcao, lewandowski, jovetic, van persie.. yet they have a goalscoring record of 1 goal in 10 games..

Any help at all??

I didn't really make it clear enough in my opening post.

This year you need to identify a football philosophy and stick to it, making subtle changes here and there to promote your own strengths and exploit opposition weaknesses. There will be occasions where you need to abandon a total football tactic in favour of a park the bus tactic, but you should not be doing this 6 or 7 times a season as a big team.

 

[matox13]

on one save i managed to win the CL 4 times in a row with monaco, after finding one tactic made by myself, and struggling hard, most on first season

now im playing as Crvena Zvezda... i played half season, im struggling hard with the monaco's tactic, sometimes my team just jump to the field with the idea of losing, and its unnegotiable... they want to lose, and they will lose, no matter what

just EVERY chance opponents create, EVERY!!! is goal

i win if i create 10 to 1 chances, then i win 3-1

i draw if i create 5 to 1 chances...

a less ratio, i lose... if i create 4 opponents 1, i lose 1-0, if i create 8 opp 2, 1-2

 

[eire59]

Does anybody have any tips on what to look out for to exploit opponents weaknesses. I am clueless when i comes to reading the scout report

 

[mersk]

Does anybody have any tips on what to look out for to exploit opponents weaknesses. I am clueless when i comes to reading the scout report

#1 would be formation. If they play with an AMC and you're playing away from home, you should probably use a DM or 3 in the middle. If they play narrow, you might want to use wingers and try to exploit the flanks. If they play 4-5-1 with 5 midfielders, you should try to avoid getting outnumbered in the midfield, and so forth. Always try to counter the oppositions formation, but at the same time be wary of the threats their formations pose.

#2 would be style of play. Do they play attacking football, or defensive/counter football? If they play attacking football, you might want to try playing a counter-attacking football yourself. If they play counter-attacking football, you might want to try and retain possession, and constantly look for ways to exploit the upper hand this gives you, while at the same time not leaving your defense open.

#3 would be individual players. Do they have weak players in certain positions? Or perhaps they have a really strong winger/striker who constantly poses a goal threat? Try to find ways to exploit their weak links, and also find ways to restrain their strong players from creating chances.

I can't tell you exactly how to do this, as there are so many factors involved (and more than the ones I already listed): The team you're playing with, the team you're playing against, whether it's a home or an away game, what form your players and the opposition team's players are in etc. The main point is that you should always try to analyse your opposition and choose strategy/tactics accordingly. It's a learning process like all other games, but much more so in this years version of FM than previous ones. It's no longer possible to just sign the best players, play attacking football and expect to win every game (like so many people, including myself, did in FM12). If you find the emphasis on tactic analysis of this years FM too much, the Classic Mode might be better. Personally I enjoy it, and if you fail just try again and again until you figure it out. And remember, it's just a game!

 

[All Blue Supporter]

#1 would be formation. If they play with an AMC and you're playing away from home, you should probably use a DM or 3 in the middle. If they play narrow, you might want to use wingers and try to exploit the flanks. If they play 4-5-1 with 5 midfielders, you should try to avoid getting outnumbered in the midfield, and so forth. Always try to counter the oppositions formation, but at the same time be wary of the threats their formations pose.

#2 would be style of play. Do they play attacking football, or defensive/counter football? If they play attacking football, you might want to try playing a counter-attacking football yourself. If they play counter-attacking football, you might want to try and retain possession, and constantly look for ways to exploit the upper hand this gives you, while at the same time not leaving your defense open.

#3 would be individual players. Do they have weak players in certain positions? Or perhaps they have a really strong winger/striker who constantly poses a goal threat? Try to find ways to exploit their weak links, and also find ways to restrain their strong players from creating chances.

I can't tell you exactly how to do this, as there are so many factors involved (and more than the ones I already listed): The team you're playing with, the team you're playing against, whether it's a home or an away game, what form your players and the opposition team's players are in etc. The main point is that you should always try to analyse your opposition and choose strategy/tactics accordingly. It's a learning process like all other games, but much more so in this years version of FM than previous ones. It's no longer possible to just sign the best players, play attacking football and expect to win every game (like so many people, including myself, did in FM12). If you find the emphasis on tactic analysis of this years FM too much, the Classic Mode might be better. Personally I enjoy it, and if you fail just try again and again until you figure it out. And remember, it's just a game!

Would just like to thank this post. Was getting frustrated with FM13, however reading over this and actually taking time with my tactics and choices, I've had a good start to my new save with my local club. It's only friendlies, however i've won them all convincley, including teams like Charlton. Which as an SPL (non-old firm) club, is pretty good in my opinion. Good possession, good amount og chances and comfortable 3/4 goal wins. Hopefully this can continue into the league form. But yes, thank you for this post. Has got me right into the game.

First two games on the season, two comfortable wins. Two different tactics used, suited to my opposition. Getting the hand of this! (I hope!). Thanks again!

 

[CDXtreme]

I didn't really make it clear enough in my opening post.

This year you need to identify a football philosophy and stick to it, making subtle changes here and there to promote your own strengths and exploit opposition weaknesses. There will be occasions where you need to abandon a total football tactic in favour of a park the bus tactic, but you should not be doing this 6 or 7 times a season as a big team.

Unless your philosophy is possession because that just doesnt seem to work...

 

[mersk]

Unless your philosophy is possession because that just doesnt seem to work...

It works for me, at least in home games.

 

[fabregas2]

It works for me, at least in home games.

Well lucky you

what do you do if a team has no obvious weakness and just play normally with a 4-4-2. Is it still irrational ti expect my team's quality to see us through?

 

[CDXtreme]

It works for me, at least in home games.

******... Im having an awful time with it...