Tactical Development Workshop

Contrary to popular belief, neither defining the width of the game nor the length of the pass in the team instructions will determine our style of play in FM.

80% of the ball is playmaking by central midfielders on specific roles. Tempo and passing directness determine the playing style of the whole team, and the behaviour of the playmaker's teammates on the pitch.

The choice of how your team should attack depends above all on how your opponent will defend. So, how do you know which way your opponent will defend?

Busting common myths about attacking midfielders which prevent you from troubleshooting inefficient play and ultimately improving the offensive formation of your team.

The choice of available roles and duties in FM made an attack on the opponent’s goal possible practically from every line of each formation.

Recall everything you have learnt so far about formations and defenders. The setting of your defence should always be the answer to the way your rival plays.

Full backs can clinch our advantage in attack and have a decisive role in stopping aggressive opposition wing players in their tracks. We assess all full back roles in FM 2017 and explain what each of them does.

We look at the defensive end of the pitch and compare the roles which are actually worth utilizing in Football Manager, as well as considering whether we use 2 or 3 central defenders. We also pick the best roles for GK and DM.

Forget everything you have learned about tactics in Football Manager so far. Cross the doorstep of the Tactical Development Workshop as a beginner. A new game and a new perspective.

For season #1 we pick Sunderland and familiarize ourselves with the squad. LESSONS 1-4 will deal with all the tactical ISSUES that arise throughout this season. Grab the game save at the end and get on with the given exercise.

This is NOT another Football Manager tactical guide. We focus all of our attention on tactical ISSUES and tackle them in the form of LESSONS. Buckle up and let's get the ball moving!