[Football Manager 2021 Official Feedback Thread]

Okay, not sure this is the place to post this. But I want to start a discussion at least. So bear with me please.

On a journeyman save, started in Sweden, then Denmark, took my team FC Randers to Champions League group stage, (I still don't know how we did it, but we did and were not disgraced) . Anyway that's not the issue. Got offered the Villareal job. Considering they were 15th when I took over in December. We played so much better than I expected, never thinking European qualification was realistic. The board wanted mid-table. 

  Anyway , so as is normal, Managerial support is very bad to begin with.. We go on  terrific run, slowly rise from 15th to 8th, still think Europe is not possible. managerial support is right in the middle, not red, not green. Next couple of games we snatch wins, teams above us fall over. Last game of the season we have qualified for Europa League. Doesn't matter the result. (either 5th or 6th)

Managerial support is well into the green. Play Valencia (a rival) who are in 2nd, the result doesn't matter to either of us. They trounce us 3-0. We were awful! 

Fair enough, I say, but next day get message about managerial support? Suddenly it's right back to where I started? Wayyyy in the red? What the heck?

Has anyone else seen this over one game? My team leaders hate me. (again!!) Never seen tis before. 

[Mr Hough 10.3 Tactics]

To be honest, there's a limit as to how much can be done about the defense, in terms of tweaking sliders. The other part of the equation are the players. If you have players with good stats for defending, then the defense will be obviously better. However, taking the same slider settings and putting average defenders on the pitch will see you leak more goals. You can compensate somewhat for their average ability through good man management, mainly team talks.

I totally agree Ace. There is a limit with tactics on how good your defence can be. I've used Mr Hough's tactics with great success, but have found the defence actually operates better when you have dominant midfielders. Good defenders will become great when the two central midfielders are the dominant players. In the past, I always used the philosophy that great strikers will cover most deficencies. But with experimentation, CMs with great passing, strength, composure(yes composure!), determination and supremely important, heading and bravery. They will totally dominate the opposition.

Some the CMs I've used, have been, on paper, perhaps ordinary. But as long as bravery, heading and , I feel, determination are thier best qualities. So much more can be achieved. Just some thoughts to add to Mr Hough's great tactics.

P.S.- if you can find a DM with similiar qualities, it just adds so much more. I've found that heading, along with jumping and bravery is one of the most important aspects for midfielders and defenders. Less so for strikers.