[Quickfire Questions and Answers Thread (Tactic and Training Questions Only)]

Thought people of this thread may find this article interesting... it's about using a back three which is popular in Italy these days:

Guardian Sport

[Quickfire Questions and Answers Thread (Tactic and Training Questions Only)]

Quick tactics question about the "counter attack" option under "team instructions" on the tactics screen. Are there any real downsides to having it ticked? I just don't understand why you wouldn't want your side to seize an opportunity to counter-attack.

I'm a newbie to this game so my answer is liable to be wrong and is more to be seen as an invitation to those that know better to tell us both a better answer.

But my ignorant guess would be that having 'counter' switched on risks tiring your players out with all the extra running. I'm probably on even dodgier ground when I extend myself to saying that perhaps it's not a useful strategy unless your players out-pace or at least match the pace of players of those they're trying to run against.

[Quickfire Questions and Answers Thread (Tactic and Training Questions Only)]

Thanks, J. Hmmm. What is the best way out of this embarrassing situation? Just let the trial period lapse and instruct everyone at the club never to mention this happening? I feel rather sorry for the player. Is there any way to make things up to him? We haven't got much money... but just out of interest is it possible to just give a player £50 for no reason other than profound embarrassment. "Sorry kid, here's £50... please don't tell any journalists what an idiot I am."

[Quickfire Questions and Answers Thread (Tactic and Training Questions Only)]

Oh, just remembered a question of my own. I took a player on a trial. But it tells me he is ineligible for the league and cup games I've had to play so far. Would he only be allowed to play in friendlies and reserve games? If so, I'm in mid-season and really don't want any friendlies and I have no reserve team. I guess I have made a silly mistake and should not have taken him on?

[Quickfire Questions and Answers Thread (Tactic and Training Questions Only)]

I'm a newbie to the game, Jhill but I would hope that it depends on what you say. I would guess that it would have an effect on his morale. However, it would be good to have input from someone who knows the game well.

[Quickfire Questions and Answers Thread (Tactic and Training Questions Only)]

OK. So the answer is a definite (A).

Hmm. I am surprised. I don't see myself as in any way good enough at this game yet to make a one star play as well as a five star with any decisions I'm making! I guess I'm just lucky so far.

Edit: Whoops! I forgot to say "thank you". I was raised to know better.

[Quickfire Questions and Answers Thread (Tactic and Training Questions Only)]

Newbie Q: Understanding ability stars v average rating.

As a new player to the game I don't yet understand the relationship between star ratings for players and the numerical rating.

If I have a player with one star and a player with five stars and they both come off the field with a rating of 6.0 does this mean: (A) That they both played as well as each other or (B) that each played a 6 according to their own abilities such that Mr Five Star still radically outplayed Mr One Star?

I find both answers A & B to come with their own problems.

If A is correct, then I'm surprised by the ratings the players are getting: the lower starred players seem to be holding up very well against those players with supposedly far better skill.

If B is correct then clearly I have a lot of mental thought to apply when I look at my players average ratings, as I need to factor in their ability rather than just think "oh, OK, Smith with rating 7 is playing better than Jones with rating 5 this season".