How to Play FM13: A Twelve Step Guide

[James9]

It would depend on other factors, such as pace and acceleration. If neither are specially high or low, then I'd leave things as standard. If they are, I'd still leave the team settings as standard, but employ shouts to modify as and when needed.

Thanks. When you say leave as standard do you mean leave as default.would you do the same if the team was low in other areas. Such as movement and creativity

[Blancos]

Wwfan, I wanna ask you. Why doesn't shout command provides us more flexibility in expanding the team's width alone without changing focus passing? Many times I tried to expand my width in order to contain the AI half, but in the same time I still want to mixed my passing focus. Yes, I can do that by ticking the focus passing, but can SI provide us with simpler "Play wide" shout without automatically focus the passing to "Both Flanks"?

[Guest Satchy]

You can 'play wider' and also 'exploit the middle' at the same time.

[joshpmilton]

Just wanted to add to the chorus of people thanking you for not only the original post, but also all the constructive help throughout both this thread, but the rest of this sub forum.

I've been playing this series since Championship Manager 98/99 and have been somewhat stuck in a bubble as to how to approach this game. Thanks to this thread I've embraced an entire revolution on how to play this game. I've been using Commentary Only, because that's how I've always played - it was good enough when it was the only option, so why not now? Well, your fantastic work has shown me exactly how blind I've been playing this since the 2D view came in, let alone all the other changes since.

I'd been struggling over the last few years to really get into some games as I didn't appear to being having any success and worse, I couldn't figure out why. I guess I now know how lazy I was being with the game, and I, like a few others I've read in this thread alone, just figured why should I change now? I've adopted the steps and advice given out here into a career I'm writing about in the career thread, and although initially a little confused, I have got my head sorted and now I'm starting to see results - not all of which just on the pitch. Whilst points have started to come in, the pure enjoyment is back. Before when I was chasing a game it would be just waiting for something to happen. Now I can see my changes (which before would have been arbitary guesses) actually taking effect, and although sometimes I don't get what I want I know why things are happening, or what I didn't do. Hitting the post in the 90th minute after changing my tactics and seeing them work for the last 10 minutes, was far more exciting to watch even the result was the same.

Thanks again all!

[Sunndaihann]

First and foremost, i for one think the condescending tone with which some choose to disparage others with regards to tactics and having trouble with FM 2013 from being a Superstar tactician in fm 12 is unnecessary. I know many people, of which i am one, who took time and patience to create working tactics for teams in 2012 with references from real life. It's unfair to say FM12 tacticians are people who found a way to "game" the No collision detecting ME. As far as we are concerned, we did not know we were "gaming" the ME and felt our tactics were working because of the time spent molding them. At the end of the day, it is still a game, and no matter how much you choose to defend it's realism and improvements, it's still just a game and there will always be little irregularities, (read : ways to game) whether they have been found out yet or not.

[Sunndaihann]

For me it's the same old story with EVERY , and i mean EVERY new Football manager game. Struggle through a few games to find a working, successful tactic, enjoy some success ( a few matches) and then back to screaming at the pc screen in disgust as the tactic falls apart and a run of stinky results sets in.

NExt step is to shelf the game for a few days, only to return and notice all the mistakes in the old tactic, correct them, and enjoy some success again. ( at least until the nest run of bad results)

I will admit, i was one of the people that totally hated the new match engine, and when i say hate, i mean HATE. But my love for FM is too strong and have powered though up to the point where the light bulb switches on and you let out a loud "aha! I GET IT NOW. THIS IS WHAT I WAS DOING WRONG !"

It's always the same, and i don't love Fm any less for it.

[wwfan]

Just wanted to add to the chorus of people thanking you for not only the original post, but also all the constructive help throughout both this thread, but the rest of this sub forum.

I've been playing this series since Championship Manager 98/99 and have been somewhat stuck in a bubble as to how to approach this game. Thanks to this thread I've embraced an entire revolution on how to play this game. I've been using Commentary Only, because that's how I've always played - it was good enough when it was the only option, so why not now? Well, your fantastic work has shown me exactly how blind I've been playing this since the 2D view came in, let alone all the other changes since.

I'd been struggling over the last few years to really get into some games as I didn't appear to being having any success and worse, I couldn't figure out why. I guess I now know how lazy I was being with the game, and I, like a few others I've read in this thread alone, just figured why should I change now? I've adopted the steps and advice given out here into a career I'm writing about in the career thread, and although initially a little confused, I have got my head sorted and now I'm starting to see results - not all of which just on the pitch. Whilst points have started to come in, the pure enjoyment is back. Before when I was chasing a game it would be just waiting for something to happen. Now I can see my changes (which before would have been arbitary guesses) actually taking effect, and although sometimes I don't get what I want I know why things are happening, or what I didn't do. Hitting the post in the 90th minute after changing my tactics and seeing them work for the last 10 minutes, was far more exciting to watch even the result was the same.

Thanks again all!

Congratulations. Always good to hear that somebody's got the joy back.

[landskill]

wwfan in your Chester examples of your different approach to playing two different teams did you change the starting strategy or just the shouts? I know explained how you used a defensive strategy against the stronger team and how you kept them in their half of the pitch, but in the second example did you use a more attacking strategy or just different shouts and more advanced wingers?

I know you used to advocate changing strategy in line with match odds and form and I wondered if its something you still do? I also read you Barcelona style thread about playing with a counter strategy, is it up to how you want to play? Eg respond to the opposition and situation, or if your team is good enough play the way that suits you regardless?

[wwfan]

More attacking strategy. I change how I play all the time. At some clubs, I'll change strategy, at others I'll just change shout combos. If my team is good enough, I'll change very few times during the season as my preferred style will usually do the job.

[jac4121993]

You might have already answered this wwfan, but how long do you think it took you to get to grips with this game?

[wwfan]

You might have already answered this wwfan, but how long do you think it took you to get to grips with this game?

I used to follow forum dogma and just beat the ME (prior to FM06). FM06 was my epiphany, when I began to think in real football terms. However, it took me a good month to work things out. In FM07, I changed my approach to mentality. Since then, although I've become more sophisticated, I've never struggled at all. Everything always works as I expect and I can even predict with some accuracy how systems of play I'm not using myself will perform.

[SamLFC]

wwf may i ask your help please? I have started with Liverpool and its not working out for me :/ I play 41221 formation. But i need help as its not working out! I cant seem to score much and i concede alot too! I lost to wolves 4-0 lol. This is how i set up my team:

GK: Mignolet SK (A)

LB: Enrique WB (A)

CB: Agger BPD (D)

CB: Skrtel DEF (D)

RB: Kelly WB (S)

DM: Lucas Anchor Man (D)

CM: Gerrard AP (S or A)

CM: Allen BWM or DLP (D or S)

AMR: Suarez IF(A)

AML: Coutinho or some new signing W or IF (S)

ST: Borini (AF or DLF)

I play fluid or standard and i switch between the attcking control standard def counter according to the sistuation. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[SamLFC]

Oh and i forgot i use more pressing, Man marking, more expressive and short passing

[SamLFC]

Alright i changed my tactic to plane old 4231 Now the problem is that after watching the match for a while i saw that my three mids were going too far forward! Lucas was a BWM (D) Allen was an AP (A) and Gerrard who was in AMC was an AM (S). Gerrard was right on the shoulder of my striker. The other two were pretty forward and not even close to my defence. Now this has me thinking should i change my formation to 41131? By this i will drop back Lucas to an Anchor man and Allen will become my DLP. Also i saw that Liverpool has the best passers in the league but there workrate was below average so i changed to stand off more. Also i switched to counter strategy as i think that will help with a nice build up play:) Now i am not sure what i am have done is right! Any assistance would be helpful!

Sorry for asking so many question!

[Gee_Simpson]

Alright i changed my tactic to plane old 4231 Now the problem is that after watching the match for a while i saw that my three mids were going too far forward! Lucas was a BWM (D) Allen was an AP (A) and Gerrard who was in AMC was an AM (S). Gerrard was right on the shoulder of my striker. The other two were pretty forward and not even close to my defence. Now this has me thinking should i change my formation to 41131? By this i will drop back Lucas to an Anchor man and Allen will become my DLP. Also i saw that Liverpool has the best passers in the league but there workrate was below average so i changed to stand off more. Also i switched to counter strategy as i think that will help with a nice build up play:) Now i am not sure what i am have done is right! Any assistance would be helpful!

Sorry for asking so many question!

Regarding the 3 mids being too far forward, well you have created this problem because of the roles you have chosen for the 2 MC's. You have a BWM (D) and an AP (A). The latter will get forward often which will obviously disconnect him from shielding the defence. Even though you have the BWM set to a defend duty, he still closes down a heck of a lot, and thus, will end up with him disconnecting from shielding the defence as well. What you really want in a 4-2-3-1, especially the MC version, is for both the CM's to have roles with run from deep set to 'rarely' so let's say a CM pairing of DLP (D/S) and CM (D). This will ensure that the CM's screen the defence better and keep that 'box' between the 2 CM's and CB's.

[VizuaLizah]

I have been a victim of downloading tactics and winning against the ME but never as a manager. Recently started to play FM as a manager and how it should be played. I have read through this article and some others, picked up on stuff I did not know before.

I have started a new save with West Ham, must say love the feeling when results go your way but we have been very inconsistent and struggling.

(Right Click "Open image in new tab")

(Right Click "Open image in new tab")

I have posted two images that show my formation and play style with my strongest eleven and the shouts I use in game. I would be grateful if you could help me spot some of the problems I may have in my tactics. I really want to enjoy playing FM as a manager but have hit a brick wall that needs breaking.

[wwfan]

Can't see the images, I'm afraid.

[SamLFC]

wwfan would you kindly recommend a good AMR IF? I am selling suarez as i'm angry at him:P and he's not so good for me!

[wwfan]

wwfan would you kindly recommend a good AMR IF? I am selling suarez as i'm angry at him:P and he's not so good for me!

No idea. I don't play higher level leagues with a new database, so don't know which players are suited to any roles.

[SamLFC]

Thanks anyways mate!

[VizuaLizah]

Can't see the images, I'm afraid.

http://gyazo.com/7065fecb7fd8a85b68091a670f758536

http://gyazo.com/3651133199048fd4c1739d235d9203f9

now?

[wwfan]

Main issue for me is a lone TM on an attack duty. You are basically playing a direct, counter attacking system to a TM whose going to do nothing except slow the game down. He's not going to be capable of playing in any of the breaking players or beating defenders himself. He's either going to hold up the ball and kill the break, lose it, or play a very safe pass which kills the momentum. None of his flick ons will find a teammate either.

You either need to switch to a two FC formation which can get the best out of a TM, or use a deeper lying and more creative FC.

[VizuaLizah]

Thanks for the reply. I have noticed Andy Carroll holding up the ball then he seems to get caught off guard and loses the ball in quite a few of my games but was not sure what to do. If I switch to a deeper lying FC should I use him on the attack duty or support? One more question is about Philosophy I get very confused on what to chose, I understand that if you use more specialist roles you should go for a rigid style and if not a more fluid style. I saw someone post; what philosophy you should play depending on how many specialist roles you have in your team - Very Fluid : 1, Fluid : 2, Balanced : 3, Rigid : 4, Very Rigid : 5, is this how it works or have I got the wrong picture in my head?

[wwfan]

You are correct in the philosophy logic, although its 0-1, 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5.

You can try a TM/S, DF/S, DLF/S (maybe A), CF/S, or TQ for the lone FC. Any other attack duty/role risks isolating him. It might be OK given you are playing very direct and will thus be encouraging everybody to look for direct balls to a breaking FC, but it might mean he never has any support and has to do too much himself.

[Esmark11]

I have read the debate in this thread about the lone striker. I must say I dont agree completly. I have been playing 10 seasons with Rangers and it has worked well with a lone poacher as striker. But it defends wwfans Words that I play direct in the final third:cool: However how should a pacy finisher be positioned? Which role? Which mentality with attacking strategy? How shall the mentality be for a target man? for a trequartista? Would also like to know whats best to do with the central defence when playing with attacking strategy? How shall the mentality be? 5-10 notchs mentality? Or 10-12? And what about the central midfielder with defend duty shall his mentallity be on 9 notches or 13 notces with attacking strategy?

By the way: Where can I see how many specialist or generic roles I need in order to play rigid or fluid?

[Deisler26]

Pretty much as Cleon says. In the previous 21 years of CM/FM, it has always been possible to overpower AI tactics by exploiting ME holes / weaknesses. If you ALWAYS won the EPL first season with Liverpool, then you've probably ALWAYS taken advantage of some of these holes. The FM13 ME seems to be the first one that is truly exploit free.

For some people, this requires a massive shift away from the strategies that made them successful previously. You can no longer design or download a tactic, load it up, press continue and pile up money and a world class squad. You actually have to put some effort into managing matches. With a squad comparable to the top third of the division, you should be able to design a tactical base / starting shout strategy that wins you a good 50-60% of you matches without you getting any more involved than that. That will guarantee you a playoff spot. However, to actually win the league, you'll either have to have a totally dominant squad or take the time to think about the 40-50% of matches in which your base tactic/strategy isn't working.

Some of us have been doing this for years (me probably longer than anyone else). Once you've nailed the logic, you don't have to change your tactical approach for any ME build, ever. I've used the same basic system since FM07 (although I've become more sophisticated in adjusting playing style). In all that time, I have never had to change anything to accommodate an ME.

You suggest that playing this way is a chore and that you, as a 21 year CM/FM veteran, shouldn't have to play this way. To be blunt, you've never really 'played' FM. You've beaten its ME, not its AI. You've not really learned anything about the game's basics in all those years. You don't know how to react to the ebb and flow of a season because your tactic has always overpowered the ME to the extent it wins no matter which players you have. This is what you need to learn to do.

At the moment, you'll have no idea how to coax a decent performance out of low morale players, because you've never had to. You won't have a clue about adapting your strategy to cope with bad weather, different formations or tactical styles, or horrible pitches. You won't have an inkling about how to prepare a week long motivational & media strategy prior to the biggest match of the season, because your tactic always did the trick for you no matter what you said. All of the complex interaction in the game has been lost to you because of your tactical approach. You've never had to manage! Hence, you are now stuck without a paddle. The learning curve you face is huge and can't even be started without a fundamental shift in attitude. Your reaction to points 5-12 illustrate how far you are away from that shift.

Moving past the bluntness, for the large majority of people who have shifted their approach in FM13, the outcome is revelatory. They find themselves having more fun, feeling in more control and enjoying their successes more than ever, because they know they deserve them. There's nothing more satisfying than preparing motivationally and tactically for that big match and seeing everything come off exactly as planned. It doesn't take much effort either, just a minute or so's thought prior to kick off for tactics and a coherent motivation/media strategy prior to and post the match. For some matches, especially at first, things will go wrong as you'll make mistakes. Then you'll have to pay close attention to in-match tactics and probably play more slowly than you're used to. However, over time you'll become confident as to what you are doing and play through more and more matches without having to make a tactical change. Once you have, you'll play just as quickly as you ever did.

If you can let go of the hubris about 'knowing how to play FM' I can promise you that FM13 will be the most enjoyable version you've ever played. If not, then you'll lose a big part of your life. What have you got to lose by giving it a go?

I'll be honest. I am that guy too. However, I am fully aware of the fact that (without meaning to) my tactics exploited the ME. So now I'm struggling.

I love your work, along with Cleon's, but I always find myself a bit lost, even with your simple explanations. This is clearly because I'm a tactical moron.

I now understand the Rigid/Specialist & Fluid/Generic philosophy/role ideas, thanks to you, however I really struggle with how to set up my team as I always went narrow, deep d line, direct play, counter, hassle opponents etc...

This now has me being beaten out of sight with a lot of mistakes. HELP!

GK: D

DR: WB-A

DC: CD-S

DC: CD-C

DL: WB-A

DM: AM-D

MCR: AP-A

MC: BWM-D

MCL: BBM-S

FCR: TM-S

FCL: AF-A

[landskill]

I'm going to tempt a reply just to check my own knowledge of tactics so please correct me if I'm wrong. One of the problems see is that your CMR is trying to push up and your FCR is looking to drop deep, getting in each others way potentially. Also would dropping deep but also hassle opponents contradict? I imagine teams that want to drop deep hold their shape and make it hard to play through them, hassling opponents will make them come out of their positions to close down leaving holes for opponents to exploit in dangerous parts of the field.

[zinedinezidane10]

Hey wwfan

I've got a question regarding roles and duties. I like to play a 4-2-3-1 system, which means i am using a lonely striker, so when you are saying, "you need to have at least one support role in attack", does that mean this striker should be on support?

Also the part about attacking roles, is that a maximum of 1 attack in defence and 1 attack in the midfield?

Thanks in advance

[kazm]

Just wanted to say thanks (maybe again cant remember).

ATM i'm playing as Helsingborgs from Sweden, 3d season. First season i finished 5th (bad) but reached the group stage of the CL which gave me loads of cash. 2nd season finished 2nd. Then this season we really started strugling and it took a lot of effort to get some 1-0 wins and a lot of 1-1 draws. Then I read the first few posts of this thread and I read you used 'run at defense' shout for your counter tactic. I use a 41221 counter tactic myself too and my players are number 1 in passing, first touch etc, almost all other teams use 442. Since I started using the run at defense shout (in combination with my usual shouts) I'm seeing a lot more players drawing defenders out of position before passing and things finally look like flowing attacks. I think I've been using this the last 4 or 5 matches, results of those were in order: 4-0, 3-2, 2-0, 2-1, 8-0. (2-1 vs the number 1 in league, 8-0 in Euro cup qualifier).

I'm not expecting to just cruise to the number 1 spot but I'm happy with the big progress we made in such an easy way. And i feel dumb for not thinking of it myself.

TL;DR: Thanks WWFan

edit: the me is horrible tho. i really get aids from all these players bumping into each other, all these defenders heading behind balls that wouldve gone behind anyway etc

[wwfan]

Hey wwfan

I've got a question regarding roles and duties. I like to play a 4-2-3-1 system, which means i am using a lonely striker, so when you are saying, "you need to have at least one support role in attack", does that mean this striker should be on support?

Also the part about attacking roles, is that a maximum of 1 attack in defence and 1 attack in the midfield?

Thanks in advance

A lone FC without an AMC nearly always needs to have a Support Duty. With an AMC, an Attack Duty is fine, although TM might not be a good choice.

Not a maximim, only a minimum.

[Forest_Rule]

Going to have a really good read of this thread. I used to be decent at FM but for some reason, I am abysmal at this version! My Forest side have lost 9 of the first 10 games, playing very dull, uninspiring stuff. I would create a thread to try and gain some help/advice but I can't even narrow it down to what the problems are - my players are pretty good, but they are pathetic in the matches.

I'll report back after I've implemented some of the tips in this thread

[sneek]

Hey guys. I´m on my way to start the second season whit my Liverpool save. Bought 2 new players that i hope can make me achive more this season then the last. Finished 5th..

I really want the three guys op front to produce goals and assist and this i how i plan to set up my tactic:

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Can it work?

[tomtuck01]

Would advise swapping Suarez to the Support role. It will open up space more for the IF's. Also think you'd be better off with one of the IF's on the Support role aswell as otherwise you'll have the two of them getting in to the same space, thus limiting how you attack.

[sneek]

Would advise swapping Suarez to the Support role. It will open up space more for the IF's. Also think you'd be better off with one of the IF's on the Support role aswell as otherwise you'll have the two of them getting in to the same space, thus limiting how you attack.

I actually noticed that by using el Shaarawy as an AP/support made him drop a bit deeper. Think im going to us him as that insteed.

About Suarez, i´ll give it a try and change him from attack to support.

Ty

[sneek]

Ok let me tell you.

First game of the season at Anfield vs Southampton. Firts half and nothing happens, really booring football to watch. What i noticed tho was that there was no space for me to attack, they were sitting deep. My solution to the problem, change mentality from attacking to counter, try and lure them up the field. Second thing TY WWFAN use the shouts - retain possession, pass into space, run at defence - third thing, change Suarez to CF/Attack. BOOM Suarez scores 4 goals in the second half, assisted by Gerrard, Allen and Pedro. One goal from the penalty spot. Beautiful football to watch!

[Deisler26]

So, I finally sat down to a match, where I tried to put some new knowledge to the test. Wolfsburg away in the Europa League.

Rated as better than me, I read the scouting report, checked the stats, adapted to some different weather during the game, nulified players that needed to be. Everything looked nice. We were playing well and I was impressed witha 1-0 lead. Then, in the 91st minute, all my hard work was undone by a good tackle in the box, which trickled to the opposing striker who rammed it home from inches away. 1-1.

Gutted, but there are glimmers of hope.

[Forest_Rule]

Just before I start, can you see any glaring problems with this

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[Deisler26]

One of your WM's should be an A? Maybe?

[Deisler26]

In the three games since I adopted these new methods, I've noticed a lot more fluidity about the team and less of a disposition to falter against sides playing different ways.

(A) Sevilla BBVA, 1-1, again we took the lead and conceded on an impossible angle

(A) Denia Copa Del Rey, 4-1, the youth and backups looked sharp, due to new style of TT and shouts

(H) Celta Vigo BBVA, 1-0, we shut them down to perfection, with a change in forward too.

Small sample size, but I'm really hopeful for the future. Thank you.

[Forest_Rule]

Is it the player's individual sliders that we shouldn't be tweaking? So we shouldn't be trying to tell certain players to pass short and others to pass more direct through the use of the sliders?

[wwfan]

Is it the player's individual sliders that we shouldn't be tweaking? So we shouldn't be trying to tell certain players to pass short and others to pass more direct through the use of the sliders?

I wouldn't touch any slider unless you know exactly why you are changing it. Remember that manual slider changes override the shouts, so every one changed takes away your dynamic options.

[Forest_Rule]

I wouldn't touch any slider unless you know exactly why you are changing it. Remember that manual slider changes override the shouts, so every one changed takes away your dynamic options.

How did you get your side playing short passing down one side and more direct passing down the other flank without altering the individual sliders?

Is this done purely through the roles of the players? So the fact that your players were closer together meant that they were more likely to play short passing?

[wwfan]

How did you get your side playing short passing down one side and more direct passing down the other flank without altering the individual sliders?

Is this done purely through the roles of the players? So the fact that your players were closer together meant that they were more likely to play short passing?

Purely through role combos. You'll get shorter interplay with the FB having an Attack duty and the midfielder a Support duty than you do the other way around.

With regards to your deleted post. Don't give up. There's a steepish learning curve involved. The best thing you can do is open a thread explaining your tactical ideas and getting a lot of eyes on it. They'll quickly point out where you are going wrong and where you might be able to improve and get you running up that curve a lot faster.

[USA Bhoy]

Thanks for all of the input thus far. However, after reading all of theses posts, I think that I might be doing something wrong by adhering to a very symmetrical tactic. I am playing with Celtic and have had no problem winning in Scotland but am trying to kick on and win something in Europe.

I have, thus far, worked with 2 FB's in Attack (although per wwfan I have now learned that I should not leave my team in attacking mode with my 2 FB's bombing up and down the flanks) and 2 wingers also in attack. I had the wingers wide play to cut inside and the FBs wide play to hug the touchline to try and create a little width.

I am in pre season and tinkering with a 4-3-3- with a CF set to Support and 2 IF's on attack mode, and again, with the 2 FBs in attack. My thought, again, is to use the FBs to get some width and crosses into the box.

However most of the posters here do not seem to have tactics where the right and left sides mirror one another. Is there a reason for that? For example, I have seen mutliple 4-3-3 formations with 1 IF an 1 W or 1 WB and 1 FB. Is there a reason that people are not playing with similar tactics down each flank? Or is it just a function of different skill sets that people have? ie, some players might be better suited to play IF than W, so they play there accordingly?

Thanks in advance

[valehannes]

However most of the posters here do not seem to have tactics where the right and left sides mirror one another. Is there a reason for that? For example, I have seen mutliple 4-3-3 formations with 1 IF an 1 W or 1 WB and 1 FB. Is there a reason that people are not playing with similar tactics down each flank? Or is it just a function of different skill sets that people have? ie, some players might be better suited to play IF than W, so they play there accordingly?

The reason for this is that 2 IF's cutting inside and a forward set as support tend to all end up in the same place on the pitch offering no width. This is made worse by a central midfielder with attack duty in there too. The opposite happens in a 433 with wingers. Both wingers play wide and the forward is left alone in the middle. Switching it up offers better coverage especially if you have a full back surging to provide width on the side that has cut in.

edit1: This is not to say that either can't be made to work.

[llama3]

I think this is where you have to pick carefully on your team instructions and player roles and duties too. Nothing wrong with creating an overload in the centre with the FC, AML & AMR with an MC/AMC coming in to join, as long as you still have width, for example the full backs. The previous mentioned 4 will all move and make runs differently which is useful. If you have a Complete Forward then he will hold the ball up and move wide more which opens more space, a Target Man is will tend to stay central and create the overloads.

I have to say a lot of people do not like the idea that they are congesting players, but creating overloads is a really important part of tactical variety. It is not all about moving and drifting into space, sometimes outnumbering the opponents is very useful. Especially on a Zonal Marking system employed by a defensive side, where you can exploit a team being exposed in a certain area. Was planning an article on the subject of Movement v Overloads at somepoint.

[lfc7]

On my team comparison page on the the all positions tab my team is 18th for leadership, is this due to the Influence stat ? thanks

Also on the odd match my assistant is telling me "we need to be a lot tighter in our own area it's easy to get shots off right now" what do i need to do to stop this ? if you need more info for e.g formation etc just ask thanks

[SPE3D]

I play a counter attacking 4-1-2-2-1 with a DM and 2 central midfielders in front of him. I use a rigid philosophy and want to use this to maintain my shape.

Been reading through this excellent thread and realise I need to incorporate 3 specialist roles in order to make this formation work better. Because of the way my team is setup I can only incorporate these 3 specialist roles into my midfield 3 (the DM and 2 x CM) . Would this be OK or would it cause an issue to have the 3 specialist roles operating close together?

[tomtuck01]

Why can you only incorporate the three specialist roles in the midfield?

[SPE3D]

I suppose I should have said I don't want to change the other positions. They are CD, FB, IF, DLF AND WINGER and they suit what I am trying to achieve with this formation so would it be ok to play a DLP, APM AND BWM in a midfield 3 together?