[How to soak up pressure and hit a team on the counter as an underdog? [UPDATED for FM24]]

On 18/07/2023 at 07:13, Cloud9 said:

Tactics look good overall! Here are some suggestions for you to consider: 

Against Weaker Opposition

• I would look to take to the game to weak opposition this late in a save.
  • A second high lines tactic could be useful for these situations when the opposition sits deep. 
• The TF works excellently as the reference point for the attack on a midblock, but can also be great for breaking down opposition as well. 
• Smaller changes to your existing setup against weaker teams (esp if you want to continue to sit deep yourself):
  • Double BPD.
  • More Fluid.
  • Positive mentality.
  • Both fullbacks going forward.
  • Going less narrow.

General Tactical Tweaks

• Consider running the TF(s) on attack, very little goal threat outside the striking partnership 
• Left W(s) -> IW or WP(a), FB(a) -> WB(s/a)
  • Give you a little more dynamic attack 
• DLP(d) -> DLP(s) or CM(s/d).
  • Farias doesn't have the attributes to play in a two man midfield (not enough defensive fight in him). 
  • DLP serves as a ball magnet and Farias is one of the weaker players in your squad. I would a blank CM role for him so less of the play will go through him.
  • If you want to stay with the DLP, a DLP(s) will still hold while stepping up more into midfield and playing a little more expressively. 
• I would prefer an AF for the counter attack style & w/Alvarez.
  • Like the P/TF pairing if you go front foot.
• Consider adding "play for set pieces"
  • Helps to break up play and is always a good option with a TF in the squad.
• Liberal use of "hit crosses early" could be very effective w/this setup. 

Off Field Issues

• Most of your current problems seem to stem from off the field stuff.
• The lads look really tired.
  • I would recommend building a squad just big enough where you aren't forced to play players in the Red.
  • Not only a big injury risk/form killer, but can really hamper development if they're overplayed.
• A couple of the players seem unsettled.
  • Squad morale is struggling.
  • I would prioritize the man management part of your save to get things ticking over. 

Hope some of that helps

Thank you so much, did the corrections and it works so much better

[How to soak up pressure and hit a team on the counter as an underdog? [UPDATED for FM24]]

Hey Guys, been lurking this post for awhile, I decided I want to run a more traditional  but effective counter attacking 442, think Dyche-esque, I followed some of the rules of thumbs including Pi's 1for passing range, I'm just looking for any other advice yous might have on this tactic/ what I should change when against weaker teams. Cheers lads, look forward to hearing the suggestions @Cloud9