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Direct Answer To use advanced playmakers effectively in Football Manager you must give them space, protection and clear passing options. This role fails when overloaded with defensive duties or placed in congested zones where decision-making time is reduced. What the Advanced Playmaker Really Does Many players misunderstand the advanced playmaker role. An advanced playmaker is … Read more
Direct Answer A complete central defender in Football Manager needs positioning, anticipation, concentration and decision-making more than raw physical power. The best defenders read danger early, stay composed under pressure and fit the tactical structure around them. Why Central Defenders Define Defensive Stability No matter how aggressive or possession-based your tactic is, central defenders determine … Read more
Direct Answer A great box-to-box midfielder in Football Manager needs stamina, work rate, decisions and off-the-ball movement above everything else. This role succeeds when a player can contribute in both phases without losing tactical discipline or positional awareness. Why the Box-to-Box Role Is So Demanding The box-to-box midfielder is one of the most complex roles … Read more
Direct Answer To fix attacking problems in Football Manager you need to improve chance quality, role balance and attacking structure, not simply add more attacking players. Most scoring issues come from poor movement, rushed decisions and unbalanced risk rather than from finishing alone. Why Attacking Problems Are So Common If you dominate matches but struggle … Read more
Direct Answer To dominate possession in Football Manager you need structure, spacing and intelligent roles, not endless short passes. Possession dominance comes from controlling space, making good decisions under pressure and keeping a stable shape both in and out of possession. Why Possession Is Often Misunderstood Many players think dominating possession means setting very short … Read more
Direct Answer To create a balanced tactic in Football Manager you need clear defensive structure, logical role distribution and controlled risk. Balance comes from consistency and suitability, not from mixing aggressive and defensive instructions randomly. What “Balanced” Really Means in Football Manager Many players think a balanced tactic means using the “Balanced” mentality. That’s not … Read more
Direct Answer To fix defensive problems in Football Manager you need to restore structure, reduce risk and match roles to player attributes. Most defensive issues are caused by poor positioning, fatigue, morale drops or excessive instructions rather than by the formation itself. Why Defensive Problems Keep Appearing If you’re conceding goals despite “doing everything right”, … Read more
Direct Answer Counter-attacking tactics in Football Manager work by absorbing pressure, regaining possession quickly and attacking space with timing, not by playing passively. They are most effective when your team is organised defensively and has players who can make smart decisions in transition. What Counter-Attacking Really Means in Football Manager Many players think counter-attacking means … Read more
Direct Answer Pressing in Football Manager is not just about intensity. It’s a balance between team shape, player attributes, triggers and fatigue. High pressing works only if your squad can sustain it mentally and physically; otherwise, it exposes defensive gaps and causes late-match collapses. What Pressing Actually Does in Football Manager If you’ve ever switched … Read more
Direct Answer The best tactics for small teams in Football Manager focus on defensive solidity, clear roles and controlled risk. Simple shapes like a compact 4-4-2, a cautious 4-2-3-1 or a disciplined 5-at-the-back system help limited squads stay competitive while avoiding exposure to stronger opponents. Why Tactics Matter More for Small Teams Managing a small … Read more