[Player Mentality Problem (I think...)]

I have a problem.

I'm Malaga, newly promoted to La Liga Santander and over-achieving somewhat, as we currently lie in lofty 4th place after 12 games.

My issue in the last 3 games has been this:

2 games at home where I was favourite to win, we have proceeded to lose both 1-2 and put in sub-par performances. I didn't change anything tactically in these 2 games - I continued with my 4-2-3-1 winning formula, where I had won 7, drawn 2 and lost 1. This one loss was also 1-2 at home (so all 3 losses have been at home). This loss was particularly annoying, as I was 1 nil up with 10 minutes to go.

I then go to Valencia, where I am not the favourite, I don't change my formation, but change mentality to cautious with more direct passing, and into space, but I still defend with a high DL, as I do at home and press them from the front with a higher LOE. I boss the game, possession wise and win 2-0.

I think I've identified the problem that with the weight of expectation at home against low lying teams, we struggle. And, when I'm away from home, and not the favourite, we do perform. Morale is high, dressing-room is great and no issues with any players. 

So, what's the reason for this and, more importantly, how do I "fix" this? My team talks before the home games, I also don't say I expect them to win, I pick the "do it for the fans" type ones. Away, I say, " don't worry nobody is expecting anything" types when we're not expected to win.

I'm more than happy with the season, but hoping I can plug this team frailty (it seems) issue. Cheers for any help anyone can offer.

 

[This is a typical game of FM, it's sad and annoying and needs to be looked at.]

I doubt there will be any ME fixes now so close to FM20s release.