jc577

What if your line of engagement maxed out? is that effectively the same as counter-pressing?

Really good stuff this, will nick a few ideas for my own save if you don't mind!

I sympathise with what you’re saying, and I too haven’t really got to grips with FM19 yet. I think SI were right to implement the changes they did to training, it was extremely basic and needed an overhaul, but I can’t lie and say it isn’t overwhelming. My best advice would be to experiment with training; trial a dummy save where you don’t really care about the results too much, and just see what works for you and what doesn’t. I like to play the game quite fast, as the tactical side of things is what really facinates me, so I like to see my boys in action. However, i’ve realised that this isn’t really feasible in FM19, so when I next load up the game i’m going to take it slow and work my way through methodically. If you simply do not want to bother with training, then hire an assistant manager who’s personality, coaching style and attributes are in line with your philosophy, and delegate training to him. I’m sure your results won’t suffer much, if at all really.

Yet you’ve used two Inside-forwards on attack? I’m confused

Some of the advice you gave was spot on, and I think your intentions were good, but the issue I have is that you made a 'basic guideline' seem like hard and fast rules. I understand that some people find tactics difficult, so your advice was generic in order not to confuse them further, but without any context, inexperienced users won't learn very much. What would have been more useful would have been to break down some of the pros and cons of the tactic, from an object point of view... maybe even upload a screenshot of a successful 4231 you've created and list why it works, how it creates space, who uses the space etc.

@sporadicsmiles This is exactly how I used to set up my teams away from home against big teams when I first started playing the game, worked reasonably well and stole quite a few results. The tactics I created in FM18 were very successful, so I never really needed to tweak no matter who I was facing, whether we were home or away. However, none of those tactics used a 4231 formation which is very susceptible to counter-attacks, and my midfield isn't the quickest which likely only exacerbates the problem. This is very good advice though, perhaps it's something I should think about creating. I do love counter-attacks

Thanks for the responses guys, I haven't had time to reply (real life took over for a sec ) but I appreciate the responses. I see where you're coming from, but the WB-A gives me so much in attack; the player I'm using there resembles a winger more than a full-back tbh, but it is something I may consider changing the in the big games. The reasons for this were twofold; A lot of my attacks were coming from the wingbacks, I wasn't seeing many combinations between the forward players so this was an attempt to get them playing a bit closer together. Also, I noticed in a couple of matches that we were playing long diagonals which were just easily intercepted, so again wanted the players closer to prevent this from happening. Interesting roles and duties there. I'd have reservations using a BBM purely because I've already got four forwards stationed high up the field, is there a need for another runner? Also, wouldn't the APMs and AMs, at least at times, be competing for the same space? Dzeko: As you can see, whilst he's a very good traditional number 9, some of his ppms are almost playmaker like: comes deep to get the ball, plays one-twos and likes to switch the ball to other flank. I didn't really see the point in playing him as an AF, P, etc because he wouldn't be doing what I'd like due to his ppms.

Hi guys, To provide a bit of context, I'm managing Roma over in Serie A, doing pretty well sitting in 2nd on goal difference. Will post my tactic below, but we're playing a standard 4231, but I'm struggling to get my front four to properly click... despite that we've won 10, lost 2 and drawn 1 of our opening 13 games, so I guess I can't complain too much, although we are overly reliant on set-pieces. I realise our 'struggles' may be due to giving the wrong duties to some of our forward players, but it's difficult to get the balance right and have backup players to slot in if my first XI are tired or injured. Anyway, we've only conceded 12 goals from 13 matches, but 10!!! have come away from home against Juventus and Napoli, who just tore through our defence at will, along with a 3-1 loss at the Bernabéu, which really should have been more. My question is, are these results solely down to my tactics, or do you thinking training could be a factor, seeing as how powerful it is in FM19. We tend to focus on: attacking set pieces, defensive set pieces, and defensive team shape in these big away games, but seemingly to no avail. Any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I agree with the first bit in bold; the way I see gegenpress is breaking the game up into mini battles of ‘controlled chaos’, which entails aggressive pressing throughout the pitch. However, I’m not so sure about the second part. I think a key component of gegenpress is winning the ball back high up the pitch, forcing turnovers in the opposition’s third and attacking quickly from there. Even if you max out pressing, but do so in a medium block, to me anyway, that isn’t a gegenpress. If you want to counter-press successfully, a high(er) d-line is crucial, as if the opposition by-pass the press then there will be acres of space in midfield as the rest of the team haven’t pushed up. I think a key attribute which people have missed out is Anticipation; having the energy, acceleration etc to press is all well and good, and will lead to some success, but without the ability to predict where the ball is going then your players may be running in vein.

As Ryan said it's all down to the players... if they have the attributes to sustain pressing for the full 90 mins then sure, go for it.

I agree with Johnny, 4 of your front 5 players A. Want the ball to feet, and B. Look to play risky passes, but Mahrez is the only player attacking space immediately. Even though the W-A is an underrated goalscorer, he's much more of an outlet/runner/provider and I can't really see where your goals are coming from. Considering the DLF is on support, I'd definitely look at having a central runner getting close to him, either a BBM/Mez/CM-A.

True but then again passing a ball 5 yards is much easier than passing it 20... quite a rudimentary point to make but what i’m getting at is that this approach (short/shorter passing) could get the team playing more than the sum of its parts as players are in close proximity, always lending a hand if a teammate comes under pressure. I think what it comes down to (as it so often does) is balance, teams with less capable players technically can try and play a possession based style but slightly adapted for their level, so they may not try to play out from the back as much as say a Chelsea or Man City, but if the conditions are right and players have taken intelligent positions during build-up then they can do it successfully. As you’ve said, the likelihood of success is less of a guarantee, but even a broken clock is right twice a day

I’d definitely look at having Tosun feeding off through balls from Gylfi in the #10 position, and crosses from Richardson/Walcott. Or you could even have one/both of them coming inside and have attacking full-backs, as Baines, Digne and Coleman are all good going forward and have good delivery. You’ve got a variety of options, but getting a striker scoring is all about supply. The key is to figure out who is going to supply him, in what way, and then how to give these players the ball in good positions so they can deliver the final pass/cross. You could even experiment with Walcott or Richarlison up front if you wanted a more mobile forward, which would allow you to play a bit quicker and gives you a better counter-attacking threat with the pace of your attack. Everton have a really exciting squad this year - don’t stress, just enjoy!

I think ‘Shorter Passing’ works well in a 442 Diamond Wide actually, as players will have to move closer to eachother to receive passes, thus reducing the gaps the formation has.

Okay, let's say the opposition is playing a 433 or 4123 DM Wide as referred to in FM: The F9 drops deep essentially creating a diamond in midfield...how can you stop this using a 4231? Now, this is for the sake of argument, I wouldn't actually do this, but theoretically, could you ask your AM to man-mark one of the... as I'm typing this I've realised that no matter who marks who, you're still going to be outnumbered 3-2 centrally As you were folks.