Updated 24/03/14 to suit patch 14.3 — This post has not been changed, but the changelist for the updated tactic can be found near the bottom of this post, just before the download link. Minor tweaks and enhancements have been made so this will be just as effective with the new patch.
Hey guys and welcome back to our series of best FM 2014 tactics. Its been a while since I could update you with something new, mainly due to this years tactics and match engine been so tough to master. However, after many hours of testing I think we’ve found one of my best FM 2014 tactics yet, at least I hope so. :)
For some time now you’ve been asking us to create a 4-2-3-1 tactic for Football Manager 2014. Well now we have, the holy grail of FM 2014 formations has been unlocked. I call it Darren’s dynamic 4-2-3-1, Darren because of my name, dynamic because its fast paced and well you get the rest. :) Enough of the jokes, lets jump into it as there’s a lot to explain.
Let me begin by saying this is tested for patch 14.2.2 and I can’t say if it will work beyond that patch. Also, if you are struggling with this tactic and haven’t read the full post before using, then don’t complain, its your own fault. Below should explain all you need to know in order to use this properly.
This tactic is suitable for almost any team in the top flight or second tier of almost any country. However, bare in mind you must have the correct personnel for all the best FM 2014 tactics to work, if you don’t this tactic will be an epic fail. I tested it with Swansea to great effect and a friend did so with Chelsea, West Brom and Atletico Madrid. That should give you an idea of the sorts of teams that are primed and ready to play. I recently tried it in Italy, not as effective there due to its fluidity but with patience and good signings it should work.
Best FM 2014 Tactics: 4-2-3-1 formation
Important! The philosophy is very fluid and must stay that way, the strategy should vary on who you are. As a guideline, when playing with Swansea I used counter for every single match bar the incredibly easy ones. My friend Dan used control strategy for every single match when playing with Chelsea, bar the very difficult away games to the likes of Man Utd and City etc. Basically if you are not a top top side then stick with the counter strategy, but you’ll have to gauge yourself where your strategy should lye.
I actually created this tactic while watching Chelsea beat Manchester United. All I did was examine every role Jose played and how they moved, hassled and all their general play, then tried to replicate the roles and instructions in FM. So if you are considering who to sign, just consider Chelsea’s starting XI and use them as inspiration for the types of players you will need. Again, this will work with underdogs, but you do need to make sure the squad is suitable and its worth noting that speed is quite important but we’ll cover that later.
Best FM 2014 Tactics: 4-2-3-1 Team Instructions
The instructions are designed again to try and emulate Chelsea’s game. I noted in the United victory that they seemed very expressive, closed the opposition down fast and most of the play was at a high tempo (note AMC is instructed to hold up ball as to try and be more calculated with his passing options.) Due to their superior wingers they exploited Hazard and co on the flanks and the full backs liked to overlap as did the box to box MC.
I also noted that most of the passing was short as they tried to work an angle into the box and they liked to run at the opposition with the ball as well as drill their crosses in. The only instruction that doesn’t resemble their general style is the pass into space, but that is just to try and combat the difficult match engine.
This tactic does feature a number of player instructions, of which I won’t go into detail. But none effect the roles or general duties you’d expect the players to fulfill…they just enhance what the players are already asked to do like the inside forwards are told to dribble more for instance.
Best FM 2014 Tactics: 4-2-3-1 Roles
GK: goalkeeper — defend — Nothing special required, sometimes your keeper may be left a little stranded with long balls over the top, so one on ones and running out may be a bonus but not a necessity.
DR/DL: wing back — support — Very important players, they give the inside forwards support and overlap going forward. Speed is very important, stamina too and the obvious defensive attributes. But the better these guys are at crossing and dribbling the more chances you will create.
DC: ball playing defender — defend — You should look for all the usual defensive attributes, but also passing, composure and acceleration are very important. If the pace and acceleration are below 12 for top flight teams this guy may cause problems. The faster the better.
DC: central defender — defend — Same as above, he will be vulnerable to balls over the top so needs speed to avoid being caught out. Don’t worry about the passing for this guy though as he isn’t expected to play out of defence. Look more for someone good in the air with jumping and heading.
MC: ball winning midfielder — defend — This guy will need to hunt down possession and then lay it off to a team mate. Good physicals are a bonus, work rate and tackling are very important alongside the usual attributes for this role.
MC: box to box midfielder — support — We want someone with acceleration, dribbling and great work rate for this role. He will run up and down the pitch, good shooting ability will be a bonus too.
AMR/AML: inside forward — attack — Very important players, they will get the goals when your forward can’t. We must have flair, plenty of pace and acceleration and the better they are in front of goal the more they’ll score. Most importantly we need good dribblers. These two will transform you from average to great if picked correctly.
AMC: attacking midfielder — support — The AMC is your link, he should connect everything together so great technical ability is a must. Also the better his mentals in general the better he’ll perform, teamwork and work rate could be a real bonus but look for creativity and try to avoid slow players.
ST: deep lying forward — support — This guy needs to be a bit of an all rounder, the best example for this role would be Bony. But don’t pick someone slow as they will not work. Try for a minimum of 12 in pace and acceleration, again more is better.
General player tips: I can’t stress how important speed is in this tactic, namely out wide and at centre back, slow defenders will be caught out due to the fluidity and number of players in attacking positions.
Best FM 2014 Tactics: 4-2-3-1 In Action
With the right players as I have laid out above, this tactic should play fairly solid at the back and very dangerous upfront. When the opposition press against you as opposed to counter, your back four should stay compact while the two MC’s, AMC and all other attacking players press and hassle, making it difficult for the opposition to break through.
When against lesser opposition who would rather sit back and play on the counter, the team will press much higher up as shown below. The pressure is great, but this is why you need fast wing backs and centre backs as they can be drawn out of position and that is when the long ball over the top will hurt you most and lead to annoying losses to lesser sides.
The build up play can see every one of your players involved. The screenshot below is from a counter attack against Man City that lead to a penalty. The ball winning midfielder picks up possession and finds the marauding wing back who plays a quick threaded pass to the left sided inside forward, Dyer speeds away and is brought down. As you can see there are a lot of attacking options.
The AMC is set to hold up play and pass more direct, this is to further enhance his playmaking options, while the box to box midfielder tends to get up alongside him offering a flat passing option, this helps open play and further passing options. Meanwhile the ST, AMR and AML pry around the opposition defence in search of an opening.
Below are some highlights from my Swansea save which show how clinical this can be with the right players. Please watch in 1080HD for the best viewing.
Results with Swansea
Europa League — We enjoyed a good run in Europe, but were unfortunate to lose against French side Marseille in the semi-final. We had more chances but they took the few they created over both legs.
Premier League — While we suffered early exits in the domestic cups we did incredibly well in the league. Missing out on the title thanks to a last minute Baines fee-kick in the last game of the season!
Squad ratings — Bony was key with 25 goals, so were the wingers. Hernandez and Dyer chipped in with 22 goals between them and 18 assists. You’ll notice the defence had high ratings, they were superb while Michu wasn’t always on form but he always linked up play well and scored 11 goals to boot.
Dan’s results with Chelsea
League Cup — While I tested with Swansea, my friend Dan Davidson tested with Chelsea to great success. He won the League Cup beating United, Liverpool and City on the way.
FA Cup
Premier League — Dan won the Premier League, unfortunately he deleted the save before sending me the screenshot of the table but below are all the results.
Champions League — The quadruple was wrapped up with a win against Juventus in the final of Europe’s elite competition.
Dan also played with West Brom and finished 7th in the Premier League and won the League Cup, showing this can work with the underdog providing you have the right type of players.
Important notes
- I prepared this tactic through pre-season. I had training set to team cohesion and high intensity throughout pre-season and the match prep as tactics only. Through the season I changed to average intensity and balanced training. The match prep should change based on your next opponent and what may have been a problem in the last match.
- Give this tactic time, it will not start working perfectly straight away. I am currently testing with Napoli and only after about 8 games do the team start looking like they can make the tactic work. There’s lots of fluidity and freedom, which can take longer to adapt to. Just see Dan’s first few results for evidence of this.
- You must sign suitable players for this tactic, or it will not work. Remember the faster your side the better they’ll play.
- When two goals up against tough opposition or desperately trying to hang onto a lead at the end of a match, it may be best to switch to my 4-5-1. This tactic will be more stable defensively and help close out the match, you can download it from here.
- For opposition instructions just ask your assistant manager to set them every match, he tends to know best. Your AM won’t always be right, but unless you know what to look for in his errors, leave the instructions to him. Without these instructions been done properly the tactic won’t work.
- There are no specific pitch dimensions I’d recommend.
- This tactic has been tested in patch 14.2.2 and I can’t guarantee it working in later patches.
14.3 Tactic Changelist
As mentioned at the top of this post, I have adjusted and tweaked this tactic to suit the most recent patch, 14.3. Below are all the changes made to suit the new patch, while almost all the information above still applies in using this tactic, just note that the control strategy is best to use in general.
- Strategy — always use control
- Team instructions — Added instruction ‘much deeper defensive line’.
- DCL changed from ball playing defender to central defender.
- MCR changed from box to box midfielder role to central midfielder with support duty.
- MCL changed from ball winning midfielder role to central midfielder with defend duty.
- AMC changed from attacking midfielder to advanced playmaker with support duty.
The download below is for the new revised tactic.
Best FM 2014 Tactics: 4-2-3-1 Download for patch 14.3 and beyond
If you like what you see, then just click the download image below and download the file from mediafire. Then follow the instructions.
- Once download is complete, move the file to the following folder documents>sports interactive>football manager 2014>tactics
- Now load the game as normal and enter the tactics screen.
- Click the button to add a tactic and look in ‘archived tactics’, then select ‘Darren’s Dynamic 4-2-3-1 v2’.
Well that is my best FM 2014 tactic to date. Thanks for reading and please do share this post on Facebook and Twitter…sharing our site will help us grow and I’d really appreciate it. For those trying this out I hope it works as well for you as it did for me and Dan.
Brucey
26 января, 2014 at 14:07
Looks really good on my game so far! Defensively brilliant (which is all important this year) and pretty good offensively. The only thing I could suggest would be changing the AMC from an AM-S to an enchange, which I have found works brilliantly with a BBM.
Darren Smith
26 января, 2014 at 14:55
Thanks, well if you test this tactic with the enganche and it works let us know.
Mufaddal
8 марта, 2014 at 09:33
Thanks for the tactics Darren, but am having a terrible time with man city in my 1st season i have played 15 games but not have won a single game, am going to apply your tactics, can u just help me whom should i keep in which positions…your reply will be appreciated darren
Darren Smith
8 марта, 2014 at 12:16
Just see what the best players main roles are and the squad should pick itself. I haven’t used Man City so I wouldn’t be giving you any first hand experience.
Ainvar
27 января, 2014 at 11:14
Will try as soon as I can! And I was happy to see Brucey commented the same thing I wanted to post, that maybe an Enganche for the AMC position would be perfect, as Darren says the AMC is told to hold the ball and in general be a more stable man up there, linking the marauding WB-IF and striker!
Darren Smith
27 января, 2014 at 11:50
Let us know how it goes.
Ainvar
29 января, 2014 at 13:11
20 games into the season, 17 win 2 draw and 1 lose, with the negative results coming within the first month of season. Also my pre-season was not good, I only won the internal match against the reserve team, but I sticked to it and at some point it bloomed and it’s going very good! I tested it with Newcastle in the EPL.
Many times during the season I wanted to switch my training focus but from the moment the results started to come I don’t want to break the spell, so I stick with my Balanced on High or Average!
Kristoffer
29 января, 2014 at 17:00
Are you using the Enganche role? :)
Ainvar
30 января, 2014 at 14:04
Ah, forgot to mention it. I started using it but reverted back to the original Darren file midway through the save, after 10 games. The reason is that despite I was getting results, my EG had a not shiny average (6,2-6,5) and I had the feeling he was never key in our offensive sets that led to a goal. Back to an AMC and I kept the same results going (proof that a little change cannot make the whole tactic fail) and my AMC is now around 6,7-6,9 ratings, I look at it as it has improved his role in the team.
Darren Smith
29 января, 2014 at 17:48
Well done, glad to hear its working for you and hope it continues.
kevin62
27 января, 2014 at 12:29
Hey Darren
Great write up as always and of course an impressive tactic as well. Probably not suitable for my Canadian SC side though I may give it a go based on the results so far :)
Darren Smith
27 января, 2014 at 20:27
Thanks Kevin, it can be a particular tactic but I guess it can be relative to the clubs in your league. So even if you don’t have the best players, along as you are better physically than your opponent then it could still work, worth a try :)
Max
27 января, 2014 at 13:53
I’ve been using your 4-5-1 with Spurs, I’ve finished 3rd, 4th and 1st and won the league cup in my third season. I’m coming to the end of the 4th season where I’m currently second in the league.
I am going to use this tactic in the 5th season I play. I will probably by another striker for this formation but I have Lamela, Eriksen and Di Maria who should suit the attacking midfield positions.
You mention balls over the top being a problem for the defence. Would it be worth changing thge GK to a sweeped keeper especially as I have Lloris who is perfect for this?
Darren Smith
27 января, 2014 at 20:38
This should certainly work with Spur’s. TBH the sweeper keeper is logical but haven’t tested it as yet…the problem is the gap thats left seems too big even for a sweeper keeper to cover, I feel like he may be left in no mans land. But it would be worth a try.
Max
7 февраля, 2014 at 10:11
I’ve been using the tactic and I like how the players work the ball around the box and that the team is constantly attacking.
The only downside is I now pick up a lot of bookings, did this happen to you when testing the tactic? Sandro seems to start with a yellow card and my centre halves are always running the risk of being sent off.
Darren Smith
7 февраля, 2014 at 11:42
I personally didn’t notice that with Swansea, however have had those issues more recently in other saves. Its just the nature of the tactic because it is risky and the players are told to hassle the opponent it can lead to these issues depending on the players personalities.
Max
7 февраля, 2014 at 13:35
Yes, player personalities do seem to play a big role in how the instructions are followed in this game. I’ve been using the sweeper keeper for this tactic and it works well with Lloris especially as he is good at one on ones but not so well when I play my backup keeper.
I do like the tactic. Your 4-5-1 tactic got good results but this tactic has good results and makes the team play with more style.
Gaurav Chaddah
27 января, 2014 at 16:42
Woooooooo finally someone has cracked the formation of nightmares, finally we’ll be able to use the most common real life formation in FM, thanks a lot Darren, only you could do it ;)
Darren Smith
27 января, 2014 at 20:40
Yeah its a really tough formation to play with but I think we’ve cracked it here, with the right players of course. Just hope the next patch doesn’t knacker that up as it has with my other tactics.
Poobington
27 января, 2014 at 19:15
Hey are we going to see a revival of the tactics review from last year? It was great last year
Darren Smith
27 января, 2014 at 19:44
We will do mate. Just waiting for SI to release the next patch so we don’t have a tonne of questions about whether tactics will work in the next patch.
jackson
28 января, 2014 at 17:02
Great guide Darren. Dan’s results with Chelsea looks fantastic. Michu performed quite poorly though, so do you think changing him to have a role of AM-Attack or even Trequarista (which goes on attack automatically) could make him perform better?
Darren Smith
28 января, 2014 at 18:20
TBH I haven’t tested it with that role so not sure it would work…the AMC serves a duty to the whole tactic not himself, that is why the av ratings weren’t fantastic. I think the trequ would drop too deep in all honesty.
Dalep86
28 января, 2014 at 18:17
have you tried using this tactic with 2 wingers instead of inside forwards?
Darren Smith
28 января, 2014 at 18:21
No I haven’t.
Jonny
28 января, 2014 at 20:52
This tactic is amazing with Southampton at moment!!
Darren Smith
28 января, 2014 at 21:01
Good to hear, hope the run continues.
Matt (Great Matsby)
30 января, 2014 at 15:46
Hi Darren. Just to reiterate Jonny’s point above, I’m riding high with Saints using your tactic. The subtle mix of counter attack mentality but with team and player instructions more widely used with attacking tactics seems to balance things just right. I have Osvaldo and Jay Rodriquez pulling off some incredible solo efforts from IF and Ramirez is a player reborn in the AM role. Many congratulations mate, truly your best tactic to date.
As you have mentioned, the only weakness appears to be conceeding regularly from long balls from the back or jinked through balls from opposition AM’s/DLF’s. I’m getting hit time and time again by this and results are inconsitent (beat Man Utd 2-1at Old Trafford, then welcomed Spurs to St Mary’s, who pummelled me 5-0…Defoe hat-trick), so have been thinking of a way of countering. Possibilities include dropping the BWM into a DM position and withdrawing the AM into CML as an attacking AP (making a 4-1-2-2-1), or dropping both BWM and BBM into the DM slots and experimenting with roles. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Darren Smith
30 января, 2014 at 19:00
Thanks Matt, its all about finding the right mix to avoid those annoying goals and poor defeats. You need to find the right time to switch to the flat 4-5-1 tactic I created, but that is a very fine line to judge.
Mike Bennett
30 января, 2014 at 16:27
having problems downloading with media any other way please help
Darren Smith
30 января, 2014 at 18:39
Just sent you an email with the tactic attached, that is if the email address you used comment is correct.
richie
30 января, 2014 at 19:09
Do you use team instructions by any chance fella? Looks good btw
Darren Smith
30 января, 2014 at 19:14
Yes, they are shown and talked about in the post.
richie
30 января, 2014 at 21:13
Haha ye sozz bout that m8, realised seconds after i posted lol buying a laptop soon, trying ur tactic first.fingers crossed it’ll work
Darren Smith
30 января, 2014 at 21:24
No problem, hope it works for you.
Martin Gnebus
30 января, 2014 at 21:40
Wow, this one is really fantastic so far in my game with Montpellier(currently October 2013). I had tried it few moments ago, played matches with wins 5-2 and 8-0 ! I’m not sure if I was lucky in that second game against Lyon, but the tactic definitely improved the offensive performance of my players…I’m definitely gonna try this later with different teams, big thanks for that :)
Darren Smith
31 января, 2014 at 11:53
No problem, just happy this is working for so many, hope it continues.
Kristoffer
31 января, 2014 at 07:58
Hi, a general question to everyone using this one, are you guys using the AM role for AMC or the Enganche role someone mentioned higher up in the comments field? :)
cheers
Darren Smith
31 января, 2014 at 11:56
No it doesn’t work with the enganche, someone has commented saying so. It should just be used as it has been created by the original author for the full effect.
MZ
1 февраля, 2014 at 01:51
Not having a great time with this tactic so far with arsenal. 8 competitive matches and only 2 wins to show for it. Did all the very high intensity tactics training in the run up but i just doesn’t seem to do the job. Any advice?
Darren Smith
1 февраля, 2014 at 08:44
Its difficult for me to diagnose where its going wrong without seeing what you are doing in game. In theory if you have followed all the instructions and understood the types of players that make this work then it shouldn’t do so badly. What strategy are you using and which CB’s? One key problem with Arsenal is slow defenders, Mertesacker and Vermaelen are far too slow for this in my opinion, as indicated in the post.
magicalzonkey
1 февраля, 2014 at 09:10
Thabks for the reply. I thought exactly the same with the defenders. I sold mertesacker and brought in balanta to play alongside koscelny. I use control against weaker teams and even or hard games I use counter.
Darren Smith
1 февраля, 2014 at 09:17
What have your results been and please put next to the result what strategy you used.
magicalzonkey
1 февраля, 2014 at 10:51
> Hull 1 — 4 Arsenal — Control
> Arsenal 0 — 2 Southampton — Control
> Juventus 0 — 0 Arsenal — Counter
> Arsenal 1 — 1 Everton — Control
> Arsenal 3 — 0 Leicester — Control
> Sunderland 1 — 0 Arsenal — Counter
> Arsenal 1 — 1 Schalke — Control
> West Brom 1 -1 Arsenal — Counter
Darren Smith
1 февраля, 2014 at 11:16
Weird, I’d maybe just stick to control all the time and just try something different with the squad, chances are the inside forwards aren’t converting enough so maybe move Ozil to one wing if he’s at AMC right now.
Looking through the results again, I think the easy games you are drawing could be as a result of the opposition parking the bus, when this happens maybe try switching during the game to counter strategy, but in general I think the control strategy should suit Arsenal as you want to press the opposition higher up, including the better teams.
Andrew
1 февраля, 2014 at 10:33
The tactic is working for me. I’m playing Man U, so the player material is obviously top notch. Still I offloaded a lot of the ‘old’ guys — vidic, rvp, nani, carrick etc. — just to try something different with some of the talent from your Best player-list.
I went om a 16 game unbeaten run…trashed man City 5-0 on the way. The run came to an unfortunate end last night losing 1-0 away to Tottenham. No tweaks to the tactic except using the ‘control’ mentality as your Chelsea mate also has done with succes. Also moved both IF’s up during defensive corners to pull back some opponents and provide a threat on the counter.
Some observations: the tactic is very effective against defensive sides — even maneged to beat stoke, southampton, and Sunderland away which are traditionally pesky teams in fm14. Also the defensive is very solid with only 8 goals conceded in 17 games. Kept man City to 0(!) shots at goal and only 3 attempts. If your players has the stats the tactic seems to bring out the best in the them…Ryan giggs is still going strong as my amc :-) and you get a very varied and entertaining type of football to watch.
The tactic does need a good keeper and quick cb’s as it gives the opponent quite a few runs alone with the keeper — a fact you have covered in the tactic description. De gea is apparently world class for me in that area. I really hope the February patch doesn’t mess this tactic up.
Cheers
Andrew (Danish fan of your work and waiting impatiently for your coming fm14 tactic index)
Darren Smith
1 февраля, 2014 at 10:47
Thanks Andrew, you pretty surmised my experience with better sides too. The key flaw is the opposition through ball and lobbed pass when against better opposition, problem is in fixing it you destroy key aspects of the tactic so its just one of those things I guess.
Like yourself I am hoping that the next patch doesn’t make this tactic ineffective which is what happened to my last two, just want to play the game so sick of having to battle with tactics everytime they bring out a new patch…lets hope that doesn’t happen this time. We are waiting for the new patch to settle in before we start the tactics index, as to avoid issues with tactics not working in the new patch, so should come soon hopefully.
richie
1 февраля, 2014 at 12:09
Just wondering if there was a way to combat the opposition through ball and lobbed through ball problem against higher opposition
Darren Smith
1 февраля, 2014 at 16:22
I haven’t found one yet without effecting the tactics attacking play TBH, the key would be to know when to switch tactics to my flat 4-5-1 which there is a link to in the post.
richie
1 февраля, 2014 at 17:47
Good man, cheers
Duncan Wraight
1 февраля, 2014 at 17:05
I’m struggling to get this tactic to work with Southampton. Your 4-5-1 works really well, especially away from home, but I just don’t score goals using your Dynamic variant.
I’ve played 22 in the first season, but I’ve ended up using 4-5-1 for most of the games. Schneiderlin has scored 6 as my top goal scorer! I’m still managing to sustain 8th in the Premier League thanks to not conceding too many away from home with the Untouchable tactic but I feel like I should be doing better with the Dynamic.
At home I tend to get 20+ shots but score goals and *always* concede; away from home I tend to manage very few shots at all and regularly lose to «lesser» teams that I can beat fairly comfortably with the Untouchable tactic.
All of my players suit the roles of this tactic — Schneiderlin (BBM), Wanyama (BWM), Osvaldo (AM L IF), Ramirez (AM R IF), Lambert (ST C) — so I don’t know where I’m going wrong. Followed your instructions pretty much to the letter.
Interestingly, this is the fourth tactic I’ve tried using two central midfielders, two inside forwards and one striker (with variations on DM C or AM C and obviously mentality/roles etc) and NONE of them appear to be effective with Southampton or Newcastle…
Darren Smith
1 февраля, 2014 at 17:19
I think its just about getting the right mix for when to use which strategy really, it does vary from team to team.
Duncan Wraight
1 февраля, 2014 at 17:34
You would think, with both teams having good players for each position (excluding NUFC’s lack of a natural IF for the AM L position) that your tactic would be really effective.
I feel like SI are trying to «nerf» the IF tactics somewhat.
Appreciate your effort with these tactics though. If you get a chance to play with Southampton or NUFC and manage some success, please let me know. I’m going to continue playing with your Untouchable tactic until I can find a *really* good, quick ST C to try with the Dynamic.
Farsklarv
2 февраля, 2014 at 13:41
Watched some of your stream yestarday, and decided to have a go with this tactic on my brand new At. Madrid save. After a rocky pre season and a hard earned 2-1 win away at Sevilla, I was gonna take on Barcelona in the Supercup! I thought «Well shiiiet, if I struggle to beat Sevilla, I’ll be trashed by Barca! Well, that did not happen! I managed to keep 46% of the posession, a great feat against them! I had 22 shots, they had 8! Took some time to score, but in the end I won it 2-0 from Miranda and Arda Turan. Seems like Turan fits great in the OM role, looking forward to testing this tactic even further! :D
Darren Smith
2 февраля, 2014 at 14:01
Good to hear, Dan also tested with At. Madrid and had only positives to draw from it.
Josephn97
2 февраля, 2014 at 17:16
I have been goin well in my Dortmund carreer i have wont the title twice now and the champions league once however i find it hard to get results in the knockouts of the champions league and away to the top german teams even wen i use the counter method against them p.s- i use control for most my games
Darren Smith
2 февраля, 2014 at 17:38
Well done, thats a good record. Unfortunately at times this can be a little open at the back and when against really good opposition you can be exposed, that is why I think its best to have another tactic loaded to use for those scenarios.
gazatron
4 февраля, 2014 at 22:31
hey im using you tactic as arsenal but i cant get the best out of ozil:(, is it worth playing him in AMC as a adv.playmaker/support, he is getting 5-7 ratings at most and has only got 2 goals and 5 assists in 24 games, the IF work well with walcott AMR and cazorla AML but i want to see the best from ozil to warrant the high wages and transfer fee paid in real life.
gazatron
4 февраля, 2014 at 22:38
btw if it helps my current team is as follows
—szcezesny—
sagna—mertsacker—koscienly—baines
ramsey(BBM)—arteta(BWM)
Walcott(IF)—OZIL(AMC/Support—Cazorla(IF)
GIROUD TM/support
i have changed the striker role to accommodated giroud more as holding up the ball, also wilshere is injured for 9 months :(((
Darren Smith
5 февраля, 2014 at 12:05
TBH I don’t always get the most from my players in that position either, its there for a reason though. I wouldn’t recommend changing it. Sometimes you need to sacrifice one players ratings to benefit the tactic, its just how it is. Others thought it would be smart to attempt the enganche role but that apparently tanked, the AMC is setup to sit there and orchestrate play, not be the star player, attempting to make him the star player by changing his role won’t work and therefore wouldn’t help his ratings anyway.
gazatron
5 февраля, 2014 at 23:22
thanks for the reply darren,
i think i may tinker with it next season to see if i can get him to dictacte the play more but for now with your tactic im 1st in the league and in semis of euro cup (knock out in champions league as i was pitted against AS monaco,as roma and barcelona in groups, very hard ask to qualify from the groups)
Martin
4 февраля, 2014 at 22:49
I know you mentioned this wouldn’t be too effective for lower leagues, but I was thinking about using it with my sheff utd, I have quick, clever players compared to league rivals, could it work? I just want to get more out of my wingers, and nothing I do seems to work!
Darren Smith
5 февраля, 2014 at 12:12
As mentioned I don’t know if it’ll work in the lower leagues, generally because the players don’t suit, I can’t answer any different to a question I’ve already put into the post, all you can do is try it.
Martin
5 февраля, 2014 at 20:58
Thanks for the reply. I used it with my eastleigh team. I had 2 promotions with my old tactic then started to struggle. Since using your tactic I have won 5 out of 6 so can’t complain. I just switched the BPD to a CDD because didn’t have any decent players. Top of my list in January!
By the way this was only with 75 percent familiarty!
Darren Smith
5 февраля, 2014 at 21:30
Well hopefully it will continue to work, if you have the right types of players then it could certainly work long term, its just hard to get those players in the lower leagues.
Andrew
5 февраля, 2014 at 14:12
Having tried the tactic wih huge succes with Man U for one season I got bored and tried it out with Southampton. It tanked. Then I tried with Everton…and tanked. To be fair I didn’t even play half a season before I quit, but I just couldn’t make it work at all with mid-table player material.
I’ve started a save with Newcastle, and the tactic works fine with a few new faces to the squad. It is essential that you have quick players pretty much throughout the squad. especially IF, WB and DC. Sammy Amoebi is doing surprisingly well as IF with pace and dribbling being the only stats worth mentioning. Og and a more than decent GK is important. My GK in the Southampton save was clowning around and making comical mistakes in every other match (a small ME-problem perhaps?).
Andrew
Darren Smith
5 февраля, 2014 at 18:36
Yes as mentioned in the post it is very important to have the right types of players in your squad for this to work. Bit surprising it was so bad with Southampton and Everton but they are two I’d see as on the borderline depending on who you played in the team and bought.
Andrew
5 февраля, 2014 at 19:44
«Borderline» just doesn’t cut it for this tactic ;-)
It is demanding but very rewarding once the team has gelled. The through balls from AMC to IF’s is a joy. As is the deadly wing back support.
I Should mention I continue to use control per default and only use counter when against big guns.
btw you usually turn to Newcastle yourself. Have you (also) noticed that Santon is okay going forward but has a big problem defensively in this tactic? going to offload him soon for 20 mil or thereabouts…
Andrew
Darren Smith
5 февраля, 2014 at 21:28
I haven’t noticed him performing too badly defensively but then again I have only used him with this tactic after 2016 so he’s developed a bit in my game.
BKMK
5 февраля, 2014 at 21:53
Hey Darren, I am currently using Swansea and i started brilliantly, smashing teams in euro cup and was putting in a few upsets in the premier league, I did go through a dark patch mid season, i used all my spare players for a match as my starting XI were tired, after the spare team lost my XI were losing too and we didn’t get a win for 6 games, but we turned it around with a 2-3 win away from home against Liverpool and we kept going from there, I have almost finished the season and i am in 6th spot on Goal difference, have had a lot of injuries more than usual during the season that has not helped. all in all this tactic is really good, thanks for this bud, been wanting a good 4-2-3-1 for sometime.
Darren Smith
6 февраля, 2014 at 18:14
Glad its working for you so far…when I managed Swansea there weren’t too many long term injuries and that can really make the difference especially as this tactic needs the right type of players to work.
BKMK
6 февраля, 2014 at 21:52
Quick question, i was thinking about splashing the cash and buying 1 or 2 of these youngsters, on my shortlist i have — Nathan Redmond, Tom Ince, Ravel Morrison, Zakaria Bakkali and Viktor Fischer. I am curious to know what u recommend as u have used Swansea in this formation. Cheers bud.
Darren Smith
7 февраля, 2014 at 11:39
I’d just scout them all and go from there, most of them have flexible PA so they will vary in how far they can go from save to save. But probably the last two are most feasible to look at.
wujiajin4883ames
6 февраля, 2014 at 15:14
I’m using bayern Munich with your tactic and so far it has been great , 15 wins from 15 matches in all comps. I’m using the counter strategy but should I change to control to get more from my players?
Darren Smith
6 февраля, 2014 at 18:16
Well when somethings working I’d usually suggest not changing it, but I personally would expect more with the control strategy so may be worth a go.
John
8 февраля, 2014 at 00:49
Nice tactic :) but what training would you recommend ?
Rich
8 февраля, 2014 at 13:02
Hi Darren I agree with a lot of people here that it’s a great attacking tactic. I’ve used it for a season and a half with Liverpool and it’s served me pretty well. It took a while for the players to adapt to it, but that was expected and like a few others here I noticed a fair few yellow cards to begin with, but this settled down as players got used to the tactic. I also noticed the tendency to struggle against balls over the top and after going down 3-0 to Man Utd. (all from balls over the top to Hernandez) I thought I’d have a look at trying to solve it. I’ve found by switching the duty of your ball playing centre back to cover and the centre back to stopper seems to give you those extra few seconds needed to cut out an over the top through ball. It’s working really well for me so far (6 games without conceding) and it would be interesting to see if this works for anyone else
Darren Smith
8 февраля, 2014 at 15:59
I haven’t tried changing things up at the back yet but may take a look at it myself in the near future, what you suggest does make sense. My only concern would be the stopper tends to be drawn out of position very easily.
Rich
8 февраля, 2014 at 20:39
Yeah the stopper can get pulled out position a bit but having a fast defender in the ball playing cover role (Agger and Martin Kelly have worked well) seems to be able to cover. Not perfect I know but it does highly depend on picking the right players in the right roles just like the rest of the tactic. Thanks again for giving us such a good set up to work from though man
TheHunter
9 февраля, 2014 at 07:54
Heh Darren, thanks for thr great work, been a fan of your site for some time now.
I was wondering, what other role can the striker fill? I am playing with Arsenal and Robert Lewandowski is my main striker but he isn’t comfortable with playing as a DLF (I haven’t tried to train him).
Appreciate any help you can provide :)
Andrew
9 февраля, 2014 at 08:09
Hi
Depending on my st prefered role I have tried both poacher and adv forw with great succes. But then again I have really only have succes with the tactic with top 6 teams (including Newcastle). Also I use control setting. I guess the dpl role is more important with the counter setting.
Andrew
TheHunter
9 февраля, 2014 at 09:26
I see. Any idea on whether an Advanced Playmaker can replace the Attacking Midfielder? I want to make the best out of my main players (Ozil, Wilshere)
Darren Smith
9 февраля, 2014 at 09:31
For me personally the roles all play a part in the tactic and its functionality, changing them will change the tactic so even if I have a poacher like Adam Campbell for instance, I still play him as deep lying forward. I found using roles with the attack duty seemed to see the striker marked out of the game.
TheHunter
9 февраля, 2014 at 09:57
So it’s just better to (re)train a player into said role? (Lewa into a DLF, Özil into an AM).
Darren Smith
9 февраля, 2014 at 10:29
You don’t need to retrain them, they’ll still be capable in those roles, and they’ll perform better in a role they’re not quite as good in that suits the tactic then a role they are the best in but doesn’t suit the tactic.
TBH The AM serves a purpose for the tactic to work and doesn’t always perform brilliantly well so whomever your play there won’t get great ratings anyway, but without it the tactic doesn’t work.
Andrew
9 февраля, 2014 at 14:41
Hello again
Did a little experiment with the tactic using chelsea. After having 4 wins and 1 draw (damn west bromwich) I met Arsenal away. Played the same match 3 times — once with the Classic darren setup with counter setting and DLF, once again with darren Classic but using an ADV F, and once with a control setting and an ADV F. The latter has given me succes before with mufc and Newcastle. Team talks and start-11 were identical. The results were 1-3, 2-4 and 2-0. In both games with counter I was demolished…in the win using control and ADV F the tables were turned…arsenal was never close. This is not science, but it does hint at something when meeting top teams…counter setting has som difficulty stopping quality attacks. It almost seemed like Arsenal was playing a counter strategy hitting me on breaks time and again (apart from a couple of annoying goals from corner). Playing with the control setting the Arsenal fast break play was crushed.
I know is corresponds with your mates Chelsea game. Just wanted supplement the player role discussion.
A little bonus info: I actually played the same Arsenal match 3 times more testing two other very well known ‘competing’ tactics. Got a couple of losses and one 0-0, so the ‘Darren’ tactic is still top of the class.
I’m really looking forward to your upcoming fm14 tactic index. Maybe you could consider testing the tactic with both counter and control seeing it can produce vastly different results.
Andrew
Darren Smith
9 февраля, 2014 at 15:25
Hi,
I too found that counter attacking against top teams seems to be asking for trouble and control strategy works well, seems to press them and keep the opposition from your own half. However, I’m still not convinced by the adv forward role personally, I just don’t see it working long term.
We’ll be doing the tactics index once the latest patch is released. Most of the time a tactic is made to use a particular strategy so we will just be testing the tactics in the manner they are created I guess.
Will
9 февраля, 2014 at 18:16
Hi I’ve just started using this tactic with West Ham, second season. Is Andy Carroll suited for this tactic? My other option is to use Driussi as DLF, he’s only 18. What would you recommend?
Darren Smith
9 февраля, 2014 at 18:40
You won’t know for sure until you try him our but I’d say Carroll isn’t suited, faster players are better in my opinion, Driussi should be good for it once developed.
Olaf Dziewirz
9 февраля, 2014 at 22:41
Brilliant tactic! Was struggling for a good tactic with Chelsea after finishing third in my first season, decided to download this and won the league on my second season! Made sure the team knew it well during pre-season and I was pretty unstoppable during the season. When I played tough opposition I changed the mentality to standard and that worked pretty well as I was more solid defensively. Overall a great tactic, highly recommend it!
Darren Smith
10 февраля, 2014 at 11:55
Thanks Olaf, glad it worked for you.
Faud Jama
10 февраля, 2014 at 19:25
this tactic wont open.when i click on it a how do you want to open this file notice appears. can someone please suggest a solution to my problem.
Darren Smith
10 февраля, 2014 at 20:20
You need to follow the instructions. You don’t open the file, just move it to the file shown in the instructions and then it will be available in screen. If anything needs clarifying let me know.
cameron
11 февраля, 2014 at 09:09
nice tactic Darren i just wondered when your done creating a tactic how do you test it?
Darren Smith
11 февраля, 2014 at 12:02
Just start a game with different teams and watch the match engine really, needs to be in comprehensive mode really.
Andrew
11 февраля, 2014 at 16:16
Hi again
How much patience was needed when you tested the tactic with swansea before getting results. And did you supplement the squad? I’m very impressed with your results above.
I know it seems strange but I have tried your tactic with 5-6 different teams mostly with good results. Swansea does seem to be on a very slow learning curve though ;-) and michu is really not contributing compared to his fantastic stats.
Andrew
PS. Very nice podcast btw. Balanta is not (the only) god in the game…lacks consistency imo.
Andrew
11 февраля, 2014 at 16:23
The results are not «strange»…me testing the tactic with so many teams is. Just to clarify my post ;-)
Darren Smith
11 февраля, 2014 at 18:43
It did take patience in some sense but to be honest we kind of hit the ground running, so it was obvious to me this worked from day one…it wasn’t like we had a couple of bad performances straight off the bat which could have made me question whether this would work or not. But I could imagine that coming down to a bit of luck and good player selection. I didn’t strengthen the squad no, only in January did I sign Mane to help cover the left wing.
TBH Michu took some time to start becoming effective for me, but that is just the nature of that position in this tactic, I am a believer in having to sacrifice performance of an individual for the greater good. I’m sure he’ll pick up for you though.
Glad you liked the Podcast, there are of course plenty of must have players this year but Balanta is the only one thats affordable and has -10 potential. He can be inconsistent but that evens out as he gets more experienced.
jakob
12 февраля, 2014 at 18:38
Hi! I´ve been using this tactic with F.C. Porto and I just won the ligue and reached the semi-final in the Champions League, lost 4-3 on aggregate to Chelsea. I used your 4-5-1 away in Champions League and it worked wonders! Thank you for sharing.
Darren Smith
12 февраля, 2014 at 19:58
No problem, glad its working for you.
Johannes
13 февраля, 2014 at 16:02
Hi! Great tactic, but i have a few questions. I’m currently playing Everton in my 2nd season, and im 2nd in PL thanks to this tactic. I control almost every game, but my team has a big problem scoring goals. Especially the IF’s. Do you have instructions on these players? Im playing Pienar and Musa, but they have scored 2 goals combined in 15 games…
Darren Smith
13 февраля, 2014 at 18:43
There are instructions yes, you need to download the tactic to get its full effect, instructions to do so are at the bottom of the post. Other thing to note is you maybe don’t have a strong enough IF in Pienar.
Mariyan
14 февраля, 2014 at 14:02
Hi, Darren. Just wanted to say your tactic is BRILLIANT! I used it on my mandatory Man Utd save and first season I won the Premier League with a record point record of 97!!! Ended up 15 points ahead of City in the end :D Also got the League Cup and reached the Final of the FA cup where I lost on penalties to Tottenham after going a man down. In the Champions league I went out at the quarter finals after losing 4:1 at home to Chelsea when I beat them earlier 3:0 in EPL (just defence was a mess in this game). In the group stages I was with PSG and Dortmund in a group and I finished 1st with 16 point only drawing at Dortmund! But it just shows how great your tactic is and with little luck it can even perform much better! The only signing I did was got Lucas Romero for a proper box to box midfielder and got Corchia for a right back cover so I havent done any major overhaul of the team! Looking forward to next season with a few quality signings.
The only problem I have is the AM position where Ronney/Kagawa/Januzaj rarely get above 7 rating. I will try and experiment, but are these players not suitable for this formation? Thanks a lot!
Darren Smith
14 февраля, 2014 at 19:10
Thanks Mariyan, I’m glad this has brought you some success. As for your question, the AMC position is for transisitonal play, I see it as the piece in the jigsaw that brings everything together. Unfortunately such roles don’t lead to massive performances nor great av ratings, so I think you may be expecting a bit too much from it. I’d say those players are suited to it, but Rooney and Kagawa would be better upfront and on the wing respectively I think.
Gaurav Chaddah
14 февраля, 2014 at 20:01
I fancy starting a game with Spurs, what would you go with, this or your 4-5-1?
Darren Smith
14 февраля, 2014 at 21:10
I’d go with this one using control strategy and maybe use the 4-5-1 after going two up or when you need to hold on to a narrow result late on.
Leon
16 февраля, 2014 at 03:27
Hey, I’m at the midpoint of my first spurs season using this tactic and I definitely recommend using it.
The 4-5-1 should also be a very important tactic to have along side this one I have found. If used in counter you can really get some results against the big sides. I’ve also found going away to a team like stoke, good passing side with 4-3-2-1 while they have Hughes, it’s best to switch to a counter 4-5-1. Don’t try and use control in those games as you will not be able to have an edge on possession at their grounds.
Thanks Darren for a fantastic tactic.
Another note: Eriksen — my AM — has one of the best ratings in the team which is contrary to what most people have found for players in that position
Darren Smith
16 февраля, 2014 at 09:01
Thanks Leon. The AMC slot does seem to suit someone like Eriksen but it can be a tough role to fill.
jimbobby30
15 февраля, 2014 at 22:03
HI Darren! your tactic has got me in the premier league with Leicester but now I struggle to keep possession and keep getting caught on the break. My away form is also really bad as well. I’ve tried both counter and control. I have 10 games to avoid relegation… any pointers would be much appreciated!!
Darren Smith
15 февраля, 2014 at 22:09
This tactic does rely on the right players and by the sounds of it you don’t have that for the type of opposition you’re facing. Within the post there is my flat 4-5-1 mentioned as a good tactic to use when going ahead. I’d use use that for the rest of your games.
Dimitri SO (@dimisof)
17 февраля, 2014 at 15:08
HI darren! i set this tactic with liverpool and i finish second in premier but the next sason is not working and i have only bad result after 11 games i have only 13 points (13th positions) !my team is stegen-corhia-zouma-sahko-jonathnan silva-lucas leiva-schneiidrlin-hughes-coutinho-sterling-suarez SUB: nedelev-thauvin-vietto-cassasola-bernard-aspas-jay rodriguez-Lorenzo Crisetig-kelly-henderson-mavinga…season 2016-1017!i don’t know what to do….
before the match For opposition instructions i ask assistant manager to set them every match and i have many yellows and sometimes red card and penalty.
Darren Smith
17 февраля, 2014 at 19:56
I’d suggest that you might be trying to put too many new players into the side at once. The other thing is I think you should be using control strategy if you aren’t already.
John
17 февраля, 2014 at 23:11
Why do you let the assistant set OI? Most of the times they tend to set stupid shit such as tackle harder against fast wingers and strong players. They also tend to set tight marking in the midfield which is just really bad I think when we have a bwm. You want the bwm to chase down players and not mark someone. Same goes when your playing against a 2 strikers or a setup with AMC.
He sets closing down and marking for the striker and AMC. So your defenders will close down the AMC and leave too much space for the striker or they will close down one of the strikers and leave space for the other or for the AMC. Is this maybe why everyone tends to get concede a lot from through balls? You are a genius Darren btw thanks for the tactic but I think you are wrong with the assistant setting OI.
Darren Smith
18 февраля, 2014 at 11:48
While you have a point you have to consider that when I make tactics and write about them I do so for the readers not myself. Based on the fact that the majority of readers are looking for a tactic because they can’t create one, I have to also assume they won’t be able to capably assign opposition instructions. So I always recommend asking the AM to do this as its better than screwing it up yourself when you don’t know what needs doing and its way better than having no instructions at all…not to mention I have always had reasonable results when using the assistants advice in this area.
John
18 февраля, 2014 at 11:59
Ok but maybe you should add as note that the AM isn’t always right? Im sure most people have problems because they don’t know what the AM is doing. One wrong OI can sometimes make you lose against very weak opponents or not dominate the way you want to.
Darren Smith
18 февраля, 2014 at 12:06
I have slightly modified the text.
Alex
17 февраля, 2014 at 23:22
Hi Darren just starting with Chelsea, i wondered if you have changed the striker role at all or persevered with dpl supp
Darren Smith
18 февраля, 2014 at 11:49
No kept the same as in the post.
ASLE
18 февраля, 2014 at 20:23
Can you make a 4-1DM-2-1-2
Darren Smith
18 февраля, 2014 at 21:04
It takes a long time to test and make a tactic, I don’t have the time at the moment I’m afraid.
chris
18 февраля, 2014 at 21:26
Can i be a till pain and ask what player instructions you used
Darren Smith
19 февраля, 2014 at 18:52
It would be much quicker for both of us if you’d download the tactic. Link at the bottom of the post with pretty simple to follow instructions.
Wardie
19 февраля, 2014 at 08:52
During pre-season did you train with your 4-5-1 and this tactic with control as alternate tactics? I’m finding its slowing down the familiarity with the main tactic? Also do you train individual players in the particular roles and positions to fit this tactic? Any fitness training in pre-season?
Darren Smith
19 февраля, 2014 at 18:54
I trained with both tactics loaded yes. Some teams will take longer to learn certain tactics though, its natural. I just train my players to develop them as individuals, so if I feel someone is short on finishing I train that…if I don’t see particular weakness’s then I will select the role they’ll feature in for training yes. As mentioned in the post just team cohesion training during pre-season.
Wardie
21 февраля, 2014 at 13:09
Would you use the same pre-season for following seasons even when the tactics fully learnt? Still seems pretty solid apart from the odd result against lesser teams and not having much joy against the big teams home or away. I’m guessing that’s just down to their quality of players and will compete more as I improve mine
Darren Smith
21 февраля, 2014 at 18:40
I would keep the same training yes. As for the results against top teams it does count for players but I’d actually recommend making sure you use the control strategy, I found it to work better in those game in the end.
Gaurav Chaddah
19 февраля, 2014 at 10:09
As you said in the post you think this tactic will work in a country like Italy if given time so I was interested to test this out and went for Napoli. I’ve attached my results, we started really poorly and thought it just wouldn’t work but as you said if it’s given time it will, some really good results so just in case anyone is wondering it will work in Italy, just have to give it time. The results are here if you want to see: http://i58.tinypic.com/14wy64k.png
Darren Smith
19 февраля, 2014 at 18:56
Well done Gaurav, I too had a similar experience where Napoli struggled in the beginning, due to the Italian style I think but then as they settled really hit their stride.
Gaurav Chaddah
22 февраля, 2014 at 09:38
And just to confirm we finished the season and won the title which for Napoli is pretty good :) http://i58.tinypic.com/2a5nju0.png
Darren Smith
22 февраля, 2014 at 10:02
Thats an excellent season, not so confident we’ll enjoy the same success TBH.
Paul
19 февраля, 2014 at 10:34
Dear Darren,
gre8 strategy, thank you for educating us. Sorry for my ignorance, but can you pls, in respect to this strategy, explain the following:
1. why do you think BBM is better than DLP (covering space better)?
2. the same for AM ag AP?
3. why dont you play offside traps?
4. why dont you mark tighter?
5. why dont IF play wider? and generally why dont you play wider?
6. Why wb cross from the deep? why didnt you use FB attack?
that’s it for now, however i may have more later :).
thank again,
Paul
Darren Smith
19 февраля, 2014 at 18:59
Answers to all the questions are in the post, its one answer for all. I created this tactic around and to try and emulate some of Chelsea’s real life play, so all my decisions go back to that.
Andrew
19 февраля, 2014 at 19:07
I’m also very impressed with your 4-5-1 tactic. It’s really surprisingly effective when you have the lead against more or less whatever team.
Andrew
Darren Smith
19 февраля, 2014 at 19:22
Yeah that tactic used to be effective from start to finish but then it started to lack going forward with recent patches, however it remained very solid defensively so made sense to use it in those scenarios.
Wardie
20 февраля, 2014 at 13:12
Got to say a brilliant tactic, tried your 4-5-1 without much success with Arsenal but this one seems really effective would thoroughly recommend especially for any Arsenal fans who like me were finding this years version a little frustrating, Do you leave you training as Balanced (average) throughout the season or do you let your assistant look after training?
Darren Smith
20 февраля, 2014 at 18:39
Thanks. I do leave training at balanced (average) throughout the season yes.
demetrius palmer
20 февраля, 2014 at 18:46
Should my IF be inverted? Right footed on the left side and vice versa left footed on the right side? I plan on using this with Everton, do you think I would have to make many big additions? Awesome looking tactic btw.
Darren Smith
20 февраля, 2014 at 20:25
It depends on the player really. I have Gomez on the right side who is right footed and he tends to cross more than he cuts inside which works for him, whereas I have a regen on the left that cuts inside and uses his left foot to shoot so it does vary a lot. Ideally you want it inverted though that isn’t a complete must. Everton have a good squad, but you’ll need another option on either wing and maybe a little strength in depth.
vjcsmoke
22 февраля, 2014 at 01:32
Darren, I just want to say Thank You for this tactic!! I only use it at home, but it is very good for home games. I recently crushed Barcelona in Champions League play with my Liverpool side in season 2. Here’s a screenshot of the massacre!!
3-0 home win. The aggregate win was 4-1 in Champions League play!
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab312/goraiden/LiverpoolvBarcelona_PostMatch.png
Here is the formations screenshot, I played with Control Mentality:
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab312/goraiden/LiverpoolvBarcelona_InfoFormations.png
Darren Smith
22 февраля, 2014 at 09:27
Well done, thats a great result and looks like a near perfect XI for the tactic.
João
22 февраля, 2014 at 23:57
First of all i need to say that the Calcio is a mind breaker in what concerns to tactics. I’m with Milan and used your 4-2-3-1 throughout the season, made some modifcations to fit my players and that’s it. Finished the season in second, three points behind Napoli (Napoli and Udinese are just absolute beasts in the game!). However i noticed that sometimes the tactic doesn’t worked due to quick counters or lausy finishes from balotelli(god damn him, i could have been first!). Realising this problem i used another tactic, wich i used in games i thought would be hard bones. I did this in the second half of the season and managed to regain points i had lost. Hard wins but precious wins.
So thanks a lot Darren, i’ll continue using this and hope for the title next season.
If you have any idea about a good playmaker to substitute Kaka’ (is getting old) tell me about it. I have some ideas but i would like to hear you about this. :)
Darren Smith
23 февраля, 2014 at 09:44
I’d probably look at Quintero to replace Kaka, he’s really talented.
NLoureiro
26 февраля, 2014 at 16:12
I have a Milan save so I can relate. Balotelli’s problem is his PPM Shoot from distance. Make him unlearn that…Place Shots or Shoot with power are good options…Other than that, and this is my experience…he’ll still pick the odd red card here and there…
Also, Saponara would be a good fit to replace Káká
Andrew
23 февраля, 2014 at 17:49
Dear Darren
This is a note to say I’m sorry :-) I have turned to another succesfull tactic (ask and I’ll tell) from a competing fansite. your Dynamic tactic was killing it in my saves with MUFC and Chelsea…but just couldn’t get any consistency with Swansea.
But the reason that I’m writing this (apart from coming clean on my betrayal) is that your ‘lesser’ tactic — the 4-5-1 — is absolutely the best «I’m 1 goal ahead and under pressure»-tactic around. You know, the one you turn to to carry you home in the 2nd half.
Not only that…with this tactic as the starter I have taken out Liverpool, Man city and Newcastle away (2-1, 1-0, and 2-0) + tied with leaders Everton away (0-0!) and MUFC at home (1-1). In my experience the tactic is extremely effective against big teams pushing forward + effective as a supplement tactic when you’re ahead at halftime and you are put under pressure by the opposition. No more (costly) goals in 2nd half. And more often than not you’ll be the one putting in a 2nd and 3rd goal to close the game.
I see the Dynamic is getting all the attention, and rightly so when managing the ‘big four’ — but I really can’t recommend your 4-5-1 enough.
Andrew
Darren Smith
23 февраля, 2014 at 18:18
Yeah the 4-2-3-1 does require a good team, however I have had success with the likes of Cardiff, Swansea and others so its not just a big four tactic, it is however very specific with the type of player required thats for sure. The flat 4-5-1 is just a little less demanding on the type of player you use, you aren’t so easily punished for using slow defenders for instance…but I certainly use it when going a goal or two up if I fear losing the lead.
jim
23 февраля, 2014 at 21:44
Whats the player instructions for this tactic
Darren Smith
23 февраля, 2014 at 21:51
Download the tactic and you’ll see what they are with the set pieces, its far quicker than me typing it all up.
wagon
24 февраля, 2014 at 00:00
Hi,
Just wanted to say this tactic is working brilliant for me! Managing Montrose in Scottish Division 2, I was predicted to finish bottom but I have just won the league with 2 games to spare, Awesome work
Darren Smith
24 февраля, 2014 at 11:48
Quite surprised that it works for you in Scotland and with such a team, well done.
Steve "Chippie" Wheeler
25 февраля, 2014 at 10:37
Hi all,
New here. I’ve been using a similar tactic (Pochettino 4-2-3-1 Control, sorry, can’t remember where I downloaded it from) in my current save. Spent a season and a half in Norway with Brann, starting 12 pts behind the then leaders. Caught them and won the league. Season two, won the league again. Champions league….Basically got battered. Fancied a changed, so applied for various manager roles, and got the job at Rostov in the Russian Premier. They are bottom of the league after 18 games (9pts). First game drew 1-1 at home with Zenit, who were third.
Going to try this, as all reports are looking good. See if I can get my top half finish. Watch this space!!!!
Darren Smith
25 февраля, 2014 at 12:20
Good luck Steve, hope this works. It is a particular tactic so I strongly recommend reading the post before use to make sure you have appropriate players.
NLoureiro
26 февраля, 2014 at 15:44
This tactic would suit Dortmund like a glove! Need to try it.
Darren Smith
26 февраля, 2014 at 18:52
It certainly should.
Ian
27 февраля, 2014 at 19:34
Hi Darren, I’ve been a big fan of your previous tactics since you started this site up ages ago. I’m going to give this tactic a shot. Just a quick question, I’ve got both Lucas Romero and Gaston Gil Romero. Which roles would you use for each of them in this particular tactic? I feel them two could be beastly together, but wasnt sure which one to use in which role as they are similar? Cheers.
Darren Smith
27 февраля, 2014 at 19:55
Hi Ian, I hope this tactic will work as well as others had for you. I’d personally use Gaston as BWM and Lucas as your B2B.
Ian
27 февраля, 2014 at 20:00
Thanks for the quick reply mate, much appreciated.
uhahany
28 февраля, 2014 at 13:35
Could you show how you use the training?
Darren Smith
28 февраля, 2014 at 19:36
The training is mentioned in the post, all that would effect the tactic is mentioned in there including general training and match training.
drhay
28 февраля, 2014 at 16:53
First match after 14.3 I had 7 yellows and 2 reds (from 2nd yellows). Let’s see if it’s a recurring issue.
Darren Smith
28 февраля, 2014 at 20:16
I’ve played two games with the new patch and so far have three yellow cards and zero red. I don’t think the new patch has made this tactic poor in discipline, in truth it has always been a little unstable in that area from the start…but only in a minority of games.
drhay
28 февраля, 2014 at 23:07
Yes I have noticed lots of yellows even pre-patch. I think part of the problem is that my first match after the patch is a tough away match. Also in the ME notes it says that dribbling frequency was increased a bit, as were the frequency of over the top long balls. So my defenders were probably overmatched, and they may not be fast enough to play this tactic against the best teams in my league. Hopefully I can get things figured out.
Patrik
2 марта, 2014 at 01:03
I Can download it.
Some nice soul there who can write players instructions and corners instructions.
PLEASE.
I am Inter.
Have Mitrovic in forward but don’t score many goals. Any ideas?
Have Pedro Obiang, R Pereyra, Guarin, Hernanes *from lazio, kovacic, Iancu.
Gonna sell Guarin and Hernanes in summer,any advice player to buy?
Romero is sold to Benfica, to expensive now.
What to do with Pereyra?
Play him or sell him??
JohnS
1 марта, 2014 at 22:41
Is Gylfii Sigurðsson good enough to play in Attacking midfielder position ?
Darren Smith
1 марта, 2014 at 23:06
I think so yes, but bare in mind few players get high ratings in that position as they serve a purpose for the team so don’t expect huge average ratings.
JohnS
1 марта, 2014 at 22:43
What training do you recommend ?
Darren Smith
1 марта, 2014 at 23:07
That is all mentioned in the post. I’d suggest reading it as there’s a lot of important information that you need to make the tactic work.
JohnS
1 марта, 2014 at 23:58
Okay thank you :)
Patrik
2 марта, 2014 at 01:05
**I can’t!!
Darren Smith
2 марта, 2014 at 08:55
Problem is if you don’t download it you won’t have the set pieces either and they are very important. Why is it you can’t download, if its the link won’t download the file then try again as it sometimes has downtime or I could send it your your email. If you are struggling with following the instructions then where is the issue and I will explain it better.
As for the Mitrovic question its far too general to be answered, I’d be making guesses without more information. And the players to buy, I don’t know who has developed well in your save nor who is still available. The tactic states the types of players you should look for. And for more help I’d check this list of players https://footballmanagerstory.com/scout/best-fm-2014-players-list/
I’d also keep Pereyra, you can use him as B2B midfielder and as backup for AMR.
vjcsmoke
3 марта, 2014 at 23:59
Darren, when can we expect updated tactics for the 14.3.0 update patch? I found that in the 14.2.2 match engine, even with a world class team that won the Champions League, we struggled to put up 80 goals per season. Hopefully the 14.3.0 engine will increase the viability of scoring outside of set pieces?
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2014 at 18:26
For which tactic, the 4-2-3-1? If so it was fully optimized and created around the 14.2.2.
vjcsmoke
5 марта, 2014 at 01:20
Yes your 4-2-3-1 has worked great for me in patch 14.2.2. I’m just wondering when to expect an update for the new version (14.3.0) of FM 2014 that just came out. :-) Have you noticed any differences for better or worse with the new match engine?
Darren Smith
5 марта, 2014 at 11:51
I don’t see any need to update it at the moment, though I haven’t had enough time to test it thoroughly on the new patch yet.
Generousman2
4 марта, 2014 at 02:55
Using this tactic with the spurs 3 seasons in and so far so good, just crushed barcelona 6-0 at home in a 2nd leg champions league matchup that we won 6-3 on aggregate, went on to win the CL and was a whisker away from taking the premier league as well.
what i’ve noticed with this tactic is that almost all the scoring comes from either set pieces or fast break counter attacks, whenever the ball slows down on offense it almost always ends up with one of the wingbacks who punts in a cross or a midfielder on the edge of the box who then tries to rocket it into the net (not necessarily a bad thing when you have dembele), any suggestions? not sure if 14.3 has changed this
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2014 at 18:28
No real suggestions as I haven’t seen any differences to be fixed with the latest patch so it should be fine to my knowledge.
demetrius palmer
4 марта, 2014 at 14:26
do you think this tactic fits well with O. Lyon?
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2014 at 18:28
It could do yes, but you’d have to test to find out.
vjcsmoke
5 марта, 2014 at 02:23
Darren, just want to make one comment about the AMC in your system. You said not to expect a lot statwise from an AMC in your tactic. But after acquiring Quintero and putting him into the role, he simply BLEW UP big time. Is he just that talented or what? I use your 4-2-3-1 with the ‘control’ mentality in home games. Here’s Quintero’s screenshot and he has an 8+ rating in league games!!
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab312/goraiden/JuanFernandoQuintero_OverviewProfile.png
Darren Smith
5 марта, 2014 at 11:51
I think his set piece taking ability plays a large part in that.
Greg
5 марта, 2014 at 15:53
Hi Darren,
I used this tactic (Entered the instructions myself instead of downloading from the site) with Liverpool on the 14.3 update. I sold Coutinho and bought Pjanic, Konoplyanka and Ben Davies managed to finish 2nd, even though player ratings weren’t great.
Second season and I sold Lucas, Johnson, Reina, Aspas, Assaidi, Borini and Mignolet. I made a lot of new signings (Moura, Holtby, Clyne, Bender, Barry [Free], Jovetic, Caulker, Ter Stegen) and screwed up my pre season by not having many matches, meaning they weren’t familar with the tactic. Awful start was 15th after 5 or so games. Managed to turn it around a little and get back up to around 5th, but we are still struggling now. The team aren’t performing well, results aren’t amazing. Though the board are happy with me because I signed lots of young players and we are in the knockouts of Champs League, after telling them I’d challenge for the title I’m worried they’ll sack me if I can’t turn it round.
Is there anything you’d suggest? Did I make too many changes and it’s just a time thing? Have I simply bought the wrong players for this tactic?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Greg
Greg
5 марта, 2014 at 16:14
I’d like to point out I’m using the counter strategy always.
Darren Smith
5 марта, 2014 at 18:42
I think there are a number of things that have amassed and led to your poor season.
1) As you suggested there were way too many departures and arrivals and that will always lead to a poor start.
2) On top of that it seems like you were short on match practice in pre-season which is a double whammy and will lead to longer bedding in period for newbies.
3) Having slow central midfielders isn’t a total no no but you’d be far better off with faster players for this tactic, so Barry and Bender may not have been the best signings.
4) Download the tactic, you are missing a few individual player instructions and all the set pieces unless you download.
5) Finally for a team like Liverpool I would strongly recommend using control strategy for every match, especially now you have talented players as you want to pressure the opposition.
Hope this helps.
Greg
5 марта, 2014 at 19:21
Thanks, this is really helpful and very appreciated.
One last thing if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, who would you recommend I sign for a BWM? It seems there is a shortage in quality players that are affordable / available; hence the Bender purchase after the Lucas sale.
Thanks again for all the advice.
Darren Smith
5 марта, 2014 at 19:53
Its hard for me to recommend as I don’t know who’s available in your save, but maybe try Gil Romero, Lucas Romero, Diego Reyes and Andre Ayew (though he may be wasted there.)
vjcsmoke
7 марта, 2014 at 11:00
Hey Greg! Glad to see another Liverpool manager!! This is my side in season 4. I’ve been using Darren’s 4-2-3-1 Dynamic tactic with great success so far. I tend to use the control setting and use it mainly at home. Here is my side at the start of season 4.
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab312/goraiden/LiverpoolvTottenham_InfoFormations.png
As you can see, I’ve done a lot of upgrading, and Liverpool is now a powerhouse! The key is getting into the Champions League and just winning games there. Because then you start raking in the bucks and the sponsorships. And when you have a huge budget and a strong reputation from winning in the Champions League you can buy the players that you want.
Oh yeah, and here’s what happened when that Liverpool side clashed against Tottenham!
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab312/goraiden/LiverpoolvTottenham_InfoSplitView.png
Utter Domination! Good luck, and hopefully that screenshot gave you an idea of what kind of players to aim for next! ^_^
simon
12 марта, 2014 at 00:10
L4 D2 W0 friendlies against lower league teams, 1W in cup 3L 2D in league! explain how this is even half decent! im bolton
Johnny Karp
12 марта, 2014 at 08:50
There’s nothing to explain, you are in charge of your team, not us.
simon
14 марта, 2014 at 14:31
slightly embarassing response, if a tactic is good any one can use it
Darren Smith
18 марта, 2014 at 07:34
Simon, sorry for the late reply, I have been on holiday and Johnny has been filling in for me.
I am sorry you are struggling with the tactic, but in all honesty your comment is provocative and naive. What Johnny means by we are not the manager is that you should find a tactic that suits your team, we are not managing your team so we have not made it around your save. If you read the post it will soon be apparent this tactic does not suit Bolton and as for telling you how it is even half decent, try looking at the results and the many, many good reports in the comments…you need the right type of team and players to use this, as mentioned in the post. And as for saying if a tactic is good anyone can use it, that is very true but not any team can use any tactic…that is just common sense.
Mufaddal
12 марта, 2014 at 12:56
Anyone pls tell me a very good tactic for man city or else i will be fired soon, i tried dans tactics but failed miserably…help will be appreciated
Johnny Karp
13 марта, 2014 at 09:09
Who’s Dan? Anyway, you can try any of our tactics from here: https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/download/
Neil Tomkinson
12 марта, 2014 at 13:56
Hi Darren,
Just started using this tactic after changing from your previous 4-5-1 tactic which was proving ineffective for the mighty Sheff Wed, although it did get me promoted from L1 to the CH (lets not discuss how I got relegated!!)
So far so good, won all my pre-season apart from Chelsea at home but only lost 0-2 and played well so not all bad. three games in and its been Huddersfield away drew 4-4!!, Fleetwood in LC and won 1-0 and Palace at home in CH and won 2-1.
Only implemented these tactics at the end of last season when I went the last 16 games without winning one!!
My team just for reference is
Jamal Blackman GK
Josh Pritchard WBR
Josh Chalmers WBL
Reda Johnson CB
Moassearts CB (SP?) Belgium lad 19 (only signed him last night so can’t quite remember his name!)
Ledesama BWM
McCabe BBM
Raffael Korte AML
Ignico Falque (SP?) AMC
Ettore Simeone AMR
Souyamin (SP?) DLF (Algerian chap signed on free)
Darren Smith
18 марта, 2014 at 07:24
Glad its working so far Neil, hope that continues.
Neil
19 марта, 2014 at 13:06
Top ten finish and 5th round of FA cup in which we was robbed by inept officials playing an extraordinary amount of stoppage time in which Stoke scored their winner. Still I’d say a successful season all in all.
I have some financial issues apparently looming and the big clubs are offering me 4.5m for Ettore Simeone who is only a kid with a value of 110k. Do I sell and take the cash or keep and develop the player further????
Another managerial decision that will give me sleepless nights!!!
Darren Smith
19 марта, 2014 at 15:22
Those decisions can be the toughest, he’s not visible in my saves so couldn’t advise on that but I’d suggest seeing what the coaches say, if he has great potential it may be worth hanging on.
Neil
25 марта, 2014 at 13:30
Going to give the 14.3 version a try tonight and will report back as to how the mighty Owls are fairing.
I sold Simeone because he was a tad injury prone and 4.6m plus 50% of future sale and a pre season friendly with Bayern Munich was too good to say no too.
With my new found money I’ve bought Hayrullah Golkce (ST) and Kenneth Alm(AM LC) who are sloting in lovely.
Darren Smith
25 марта, 2014 at 18:51
Good luck with it, not sure if this tactic would be too fluid and risky for SW but depends how far into the game you are how much you’ve strengthened.
NLoureiro
12 марта, 2014 at 21:24
Using this with River Plate in the argentine League. Só far 12 scored and one conceded. Granted it is the pre-season but I did put 4 past Rayo Vallecano. The other two were MLS teams. Looks promissing
Vargo
13 марта, 2014 at 17:00
Hello Darren, iam currently playing with Milan
My Team is like this :
Starters:
Gomes GK
Abate DR
Kurt Zouma DC bpd
K. Papadopoulos DC cd
Alex Sandro DL
A. Florenzi MC bbm
V. Wanyama MC bwm
Saponara AMC
Robinho AML if
El Shaarawy AMR if
Ballotelli ST dlf
Benchers:
Valentin Lazaro AMC
R. Montolivo MC bbm
P. Mexes DC
C.Zapata DC
N de Jong MC bwm
Rodrigo Gomez AMR
M. Niang AMR , ST
A. Matri ST
My question is the individual workout, should i train them on individual role or specific attribute ? and i have alot of players who are unhappy of their workload, i had them all train indidividual role on heavy and :
My General Training is Balanced, and High , match training is tactics only. Any Suggestions?
Btw, ur tacitc has worked really good with Milan , just had to buy the right players.
Darren Smith
18 марта, 2014 at 07:28
Training will vary on the individual and how you want to develop them, if you feel they lack pace or acceleration then train in quickness etc, whereas if you don’t see many weakness’ train them in the role you want them to fill. Your overall intensity is to blame for the players discontent, I’d switch the general training intensity to average and keep individual training at high, that should solve most of the grumbles, but some may need their individual dropping too.
Tom
13 марта, 2014 at 23:39
I lost 6-2 to United in the third game of the season with Swansea, should I be worried or keep being patient?
Darren Smith
18 марта, 2014 at 07:29
I’d always remain more patient then just one game against a great side, but that result would be a little worrying.
Alex
18 марта, 2014 at 10:49
Hi Darren!.
First of all, what a tactic!! I’ve just finished my first season and I’ve won the treble with Chelsea.. (PL + CL + LC)
I read all your details about the tactic and applied them as best as I could..
I signed balanta and promoted chalobah into the first team and along with David Luiz and azpilicueta I conceded only 32 goals in all competitions in my first season…
My inside forwards did the job for me with Hazard being the best player on the field the majority of the games…
Ramires is an ideal box to box midfielder and really is the reason the tactic works so well!
My only problem is the striker position as he seems to go missing in most games, do you have any recommendations on a striker that will fit the system..
Thanks and keep up the good work! ;)
Darren Smith
18 марта, 2014 at 12:41
Thanks Alex, glad its worked so well for you.
The striker can be a tough call TBH and it also depends on your other players, you have superior players in those AM positions so I can see why the striker play second fiddle…I would recommend Bony as a good player to look into and also I found Carlos Fierro to be untouchable after a couple of years of great development.
Alex
18 марта, 2014 at 12:48
Carlos Fierro already looks fantastic!.. Lukaku looks like a good option so I might try him through pre season and the first few games of the season!.. Thanks for the reply, much appreciated!
Darren Smith
18 марта, 2014 at 14:09
Of course, I forgot you’d have Lukaku he should be great.
Alex
18 марта, 2014 at 15:21
Just played the community shield and super cup, and the match winner was…. LUKAKU!!!
Thanks Darren
Darren Smith
18 марта, 2014 at 15:22
Sounds like you’ve found your man, I’d also get Fierro for rotation.
Alex
18 марта, 2014 at 15:26
Going to try, but turns out I’m not the only one interested…
hassan
18 марта, 2014 at 14:03
hi man i am trying a new 4-3-2-1 with 1 cm and 2 wm left and right with 2 amf and Dlf can u help with players instructions
Darren Smith
18 марта, 2014 at 14:09
Not without testing no. You’d have to just test and try out different things…its usually best to start with it as blank as possible and then add instructions based on issues you find or enhancements you feel an required.
hassan
18 марта, 2014 at 14:45
ok thnx man and what about team instructions ???
my GK distrubte to defenders
my 2 CB mark tighter as i have no DM
my 2 FB (run wide with the ball , mark tighter , close down more often , cross more often , shoot less often )
my CM shoot less often
my 2 WM ( shoot less often , cut inside , more risky passes , sit narrower )
My 2 AMF shoot less often
my ST shoot less often , move into channels
Thnx in advance man …..
Darren Smith
18 марта, 2014 at 14:52
Same thing, its your tactic I can’t tell you how you want your team to play and equally I can’t tell you what will do that without testing which I don’t have time to do right now.
hassan
18 марта, 2014 at 15:05
ok thnx
Gaurav Chaddah
21 марта, 2014 at 23:44
Darren how’s this tactic fairing for you in the latest patch? FM is driving me nuts using this tactic, don’t know about you. Before the patch it was going very good then all of a sudden all of my saves it stopped working and that too with good teams, I’ve started endless amount of saves, Liverpool, Atletico, Roma, Arsenal, Everton and nothing makes sense and nothings working, the midfielders it seems are too offensive so I’ve tried them in more holding roles but that didn’t work eitheir, is it still working for you and everyone else reading this?
Darren Smith
22 марта, 2014 at 13:48
It fairs fine when the players are right for their roles and the tactic is fully learnt all new signings are settled. However, the slightest issue with any of those and it can be inconsistent in the new patch.
cool guy
23 марта, 2014 at 06:52
Hi darren i had the same problem with Gaurav with your untouchable 4-5-1. After I switched to this though,it works brilliantly. i’m playing wigan and iv’e made it past the group stages of the euro league. I’ll uptade you on that. On your tactic, Iv’e just added the Retain possesion instruction
Darren Smith
23 марта, 2014 at 09:21
This probably suits your team better than the flat 4-5-1 then.
Joseph
23 марта, 2014 at 11:21
Hey Darren i am having trouble with this tactic, before i was able to win the bundesliga trophy with Dortmund however now i cant even win a game with my new man city save when i tried to test it out for them, i couldn’t tell why it was but ever since the updated patch the tactic hasn’t been as great as it was previously is their any advice you could give me, furthermore what would you recommend for preseason to reach full familiarity as soon as possible.
Darren Smith
23 марта, 2014 at 12:07
I would say you need to give it time, it still works very well for my Wigan side and they aren’t any better than City despite my development of the squad…the difference is the players are settled and engrained in our ways whereas you have many new foreign players at City. As for familiarity, just train in tactics only for match prep and high intensity during pre-season.
Joseph
23 марта, 2014 at 12:33
What about the General training
Darren Smith
23 марта, 2014 at 13:18
Just team cohesion in pre-season. The post does mention all of this, its worth saying that if you haven’t read the post you may be missing out on a lot of important points…you can’t expect a tactic to work unless you use it correctly and understand what is needed for it to work.
Henrik
26 марта, 2014 at 18:25
Hi, i love this tactic, but it seems my ball winning midfielder and my box to box midfield wont get good ratings at all. Played a season with Man Utd and won PL, but they had lower than 6.8..
Darren Smith
26 марта, 2014 at 18:30
That is natural, every tactic you use will have positions within it that are utility men, players sent out to do a job that won’t get them noticed for great play.
Jonathan
27 марта, 2014 at 00:56
Hi darren. Can I ask if the player roles have to be the same for ur above tactics? This iz because im playing as arsenal and I dont think santi carzola on the aml is suitable to be an inside forward.
Wardie
27 марта, 2014 at 07:54
You’d be surprised Jon, I had the same concern with Arsenal having tried numerous different tactics with them. But I’m now in my 4th season having won the title in 3 of them and Ozil (AMR) and Cazorla (AML) have been my 2 best players with only Wilshere (AMC) really suffering performance wise but doing a job for the team. Ozil has won 2 footballer of the years while Cazorla won the other from that position scoring 23 goals that season.
jonathan
27 марта, 2014 at 08:58
So if u dont follow the specified position this tactic would totally not work at all. I would have no qualms of using this tactic if it can help me win and truly appreciate it. But it would also mean that it would be boring as there is no flexibility for me as a gamer.
Wardie
27 марта, 2014 at 09:18
Don’t get me wrong I’m no expert and was simply sharing my experience I’ve had with this tactic and using Cazorla in that position. If you want true flexibility then perhaps creating your own tactics the best way to go. Otherwise I guess you could tinker with this one till you find something that works for you. I’ve not tinkered with it much so cant really comment but I’m sure Darren tried various positional, player roles and tactical changes before coming up with this particular tactic. I for one am glad he did as an Arsenal fan who struggled to create a tactic that was consistent and effective with them for months I now have an Arsenal save, am into my 5th season and really enjoying it.
Jonathan
27 марта, 2014 at 10:27
Haha that’s good for u man! Btw I tried out that tactic but still ended up losing 2-0 in my first game. What should I do now!!:(
Darren Smith
27 марта, 2014 at 11:33
Jonathan, this tactic was never made with an aim of getting crosses in so changing to wingers wouldn’t really suit. I haven’t tried it TBH because that wasn’t the duty I wanted the players to fulfill, you’d need to test it yourself.
Ed
27 марта, 2014 at 02:33
Wow.
After attempting it with Southampton and Swansea, I finally got it working for me with Everton.
Last game of the season. Newcastle on 77, Everton and Chelsea on 75. We win and toon lose and we’re champions.
Have to go to Old Trafford (my team IRL) of all places. Get a fine draw, Toon lose and Chelsea win and grab the title. Unreal season.
I’d imagine game scripting plays a part sometimes. Newcastle going for the title in my first year, for example. So be sure to mess around with it when playing with weaker team. The big teams are quite easy to win with in general.
Btw, you’re 4-5-1 works very well with Everton too.
Darren Smith
27 марта, 2014 at 11:31
Well done, Ed that is a good first season indeed. Everton are great for a lot of tactics imo, due to how settled the squad is and how good they are for such a low rep team.
Jonathan
27 марта, 2014 at 14:22
How many games will it take for the tactic to work? Cause I lose terribly in my first game
Ed
27 марта, 2014 at 15:17
Straight away with Everton. There will be struggles, that’s how the game is coded. But with enough time spent on Team Cohesion and/or Tactics in training, you’re team will be set to play. Then it’s all down to what you do during the season. I focused a lot on defending with Everton. And there were setbacks. 3 straight defeats around Xmas. It’ll be harder with the weaker teams but if you can get a finish a few places above what would be normal for that team, then you’re doing well. This game is all about patience when managing outside of the top teams.
Darren Smith
27 марта, 2014 at 18:26
I don’t know, it varies on many factors, but it will certainly take a lot more than one.
Alexey Petrushchenkov
27 марта, 2014 at 11:58
Hello, Darren!
Have you tried «Retain posession» instruction?
I’m asking this because I’m trying your tactics with gunners. Good results (very good at home, 50/50 away) but I we never prevail in ball posession. I don’t really care about it, cause when you beat Bayern 3-0 on their pitch and lose in posession 40 — 60 you shouldn’t whine =) Just wanted to know if you have the same issue.
Darren Smith
27 марта, 2014 at 18:25
This tactic isn’t about possession retention so I’ve never tried that shout on it no. If used it would just see the team dilly daddle on the ball and avoid making killer passes when they arise.
Alexey Petrushchenkov
29 марта, 2014 at 19:33
My opponent always converts posession to shots. I mean, yeah, I win a match 3-0 but I have the same quantity of shots on/off goal that my opponent has. So that makes me feel that my victory is pure luck. Maybe it’s because of my slow defenders — Mertesacker and Koscielny, but even Brighton always has its 7-8 moments on Emirates.
Darren Smith
29 марта, 2014 at 21:53
I would say it comes down to the players suitability to their roles and the tactic, but if you’re winning then I don’t really see a problem.
Alexey Petrushchenkov
2 апреля, 2014 at 15:57
Have you tried Attacking mentality, Darren? Played 10 games with it — see no difference at all. Game engine 2014 is weird =)
Paul
28 марта, 2014 at 08:31
Dear Darren,
can you pls explain changes that you did — BTBM to CMs and BWMd to CMd and finally AMs to APs?
What is the logic of these changes?
thanks,
Paul
Darren Smith
28 марта, 2014 at 18:32
The two central midfielders seemed to drift from their positions too often and get drawn out, so I wanted both to have more holding roles to act as the spine of the side. As for the AM to AP, simple fact was the AM wasn’t really working so I tried more of a playmaker role and it seemed to work so stuck with it.
Paul
31 марта, 2014 at 08:33
thx VM much appreciated!
It would be nice if you would dedicate one post on explaining differences in positions especially in CM and DM.
br,
Paul
Paul
31 марта, 2014 at 10:11
Btw one more comment from my side, i play with lower quality team and I changed philosophy from very fluid to fluid and it worked much much better.
Darren Smith
31 марта, 2014 at 12:29
Thats an adjustment I have not tried, may give it a shot.
Dannyboy
28 марта, 2014 at 22:14
this is genius, ive always been a fan of this formation but always played control or attacking as an attacking mid, 2 wingers and a striker i always thought seemed ludicrous to play any other way, and ive won the league with newcastle playing that way, but since the update came out ive started a new game again with newcastle and thought id try your way, which worked from day 1, ive lost one game to southampton 3-2 which tim krul was injured, and beaten man.city 2-0 and everton 1-0 along with a lot others, still in league cup too. 10 games in and top of the league by a point.
defensively with coloccini as bpd and m’biwa as cd im rock solid. and with ben arfa remy and gouffran the pace going forward with dribbling skills is good enough.
so as a whole 9.5/10 with newcastle
Darren Smith
29 марта, 2014 at 08:58
Glad its working well for you so far.
Mike
29 марта, 2014 at 12:34
was just wondering which attributes i should be looking for with the deep lying forward, got jordan rhodes atm and he’s not creative / fast enough
Darren Smith
29 марта, 2014 at 12:43
I’d probably say you need someone that is fairly creative ideally but for me they can’t be slow, weak and need to be able to pass the ball well…basically you need a good all round striker for this to work, if they can’t pass well they’ll keep messing up chances for the inside forwards, if they can’t accelerate away they will struggle on the last mans shoulder and if they can’t finish you may have issues too.
Christopher James Vasseur
30 марта, 2014 at 18:49
When I loaded the tactic, my GK was changed to SK, but I don’t see this on the change list. Was this a mistake?
Darren Smith
30 марта, 2014 at 19:00
That is right, I must have missed it off the change list.
Poma
1 апреля, 2014 at 15:28
The only bad this that SI screwed up the whole game with the 14.3 patch, the amount of individual mistakes is pathetic.
mick
2 апреля, 2014 at 19:45
had a good couple of years with Liverpool using my own tactics (4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, with wingers), I’ve now come unstuck mid-way through my third season with my team playing really poor attacking and defending. Used this tactic and in my first game beat man city 2-1 away although ive just played west ham and lost 1-0 with the same tactics. Will my team start scoring goals the more I use it? or is it a more defensive tactic?
Darren Smith
2 апреля, 2014 at 20:19
I couldn’t say, I don’t know your team and the circumstances of your game, it will vary massively from save to save. All you can do is stick in there for five or so more games and see how it goes. Player suitability is a big factor. But I wouldn’t say it is a defensive tactic no.
Ed
3 апреля, 2014 at 18:56
Now have Yeovil in 7th after 15 games. Yeovil!
Darren Smith
3 апреля, 2014 at 21:32
Well done.
Kav (@KavadaKedavra)
6 апреля, 2014 at 03:46
I’m sorry, this tactic is absolutely awful. I’m 7 games into the Premier League season with Liverpool and I just got beat 5-1 by United at Old Trafford. The board have just told me I’m sacked if I don’t win my next game, which is against Chelsea. I can’t even control possession at Anfield ffs. I’m going back to my trusty tiki-taka tactic.
Kav (@KavadaKedavra)
6 апреля, 2014 at 03:53
I don’t mean to sound bad but please understand as I was just humiliated by my most bitter rivals and my fans and players are starting to turn on me.
My team:
Mignolet;
Johnson, Howedes, Agger, Enrique;
Gerrard, Lars;
Sturridge, Coutinho, Shaqiri;
Suarez.
Kav (@KavadaKedavra)
6 апреля, 2014 at 03:55
And my players keep getting injured. Do you know what this is? My training intensity level is on average yet I have players getting injured one after another. Including Suarez who is usually injury-free!
Darren Smith
6 апреля, 2014 at 08:45
What I don’t understand is what the point of the comment is. First off, the injuries have nothing to do with the tactic. Secondly, not to sound bad but just read the comment below by Harry, if he can get this working with Norwich then there’s nothing wrong with the tactic. There’s a million and one things you could be doing wrong as the manager, I wouldn’t jump on a tactic that has worked for so many just because you are having a tough time with it. It can’t work for others if its an awful tactic, surely.
Kav (@KavadaKedavra)
6 апреля, 2014 at 14:00
You’re right, I apologise.
Harry
6 апреля, 2014 at 07:54
Hey i decided too test this updated formation with a new career mode game. I decided to play with Norwich City, and first season was predicted to fight against relegation. What i loved about this formation is that in my first season most of the players i have had were not ideally suited for the roles i was playing them in but you can still get results and solid premier league players like Snodgrass etc can get lots of goals/assists. I came 7th in the League and won the League Cup.
2nd Season and without spending big money i have started to improve the squad and buying players more suited to the formation, Tom Ince is an absolute steal as a free transfer and Redmond really does become world class with regular game time. Joshua Murphy in Norwich reserves also has huge potential, as well as buying decent players who had been relegated the season before as don’t have a huge budget. I retained the League Cup and won the Europa League for the first time but had a slightly disapointing league campaign but i attribute that to a squad not used to playing Thursday/Sunday. 9th Place and 2 cups not to be laughed at though.
3rd Season got a huge budget was very pleasantly surprised, managed to sign real strength for the squad. now have 2 decent players in each position enabling me to play a League team and a cup/European team which helps keep every one fit and happy as well as letting me play young players to make them stars for the future. Batshuai from Standard Liege for 5million pound has been an amazing signing for 5million, he is going to be a star another amazing Belgian player that could be in the premier league very soon. I lost my first final :( but losing to Bayern Munich so not too bad. I managed to retain the League Cup for 3rd season in a row and also get sweet revenge on Bayern in the Europa league final. I also managed to come 4th in the league so will be experiencing UCL football for the first time next season.
What i love about this formation is that it worked at the beginning with player who didn’t quite suit the formation and it has enabled me to build a squad and now i am getting even better results now, its also amazing for cup football 5 cups in 3 years :) im hoping to win the CL by 5 years in the job.
Darren Smith
6 апреля, 2014 at 08:46
Well done Harry, glad this has worked for you. While 9th in the second season doesn’t sound brilliant, you have to remember the amount of games that were played and injuries naturally take there tole in seasons like that, but to win that amount of trophies in such a short space of time with Norwich is excellent.
Boga
6 апреля, 2014 at 21:10
Hello Darren I follow this tactic for a very long time ago and I just saw you made changes and I wanted to ask some questions.
What kind of players do you recommend to the position central midfielder ?
why you changed the ball playing defender To central defender?
And Why you Added The instruction ‘much deeper defensive line’?
btw im playing with your tactic right now with chelsea im going to start my Second Season
I had a very successful season I won almost all titles
Thank you hope it’s not too much trouble for you.
Darren Smith
6 апреля, 2014 at 21:35
I recommend players for the central midfield position that suit the role, just check in game what the key attributes are. Same as always applies, the better they are physically the better you’ll benefit. I changed the ball playing defender because he attacked the opposition too much, getting drawn out of position. The deeper defensove line was required with lesser sides in the latest patch as balls over the top had become too frequent and dangerous.
If you are still finding success with the original tactic I’d stay with it as its very much player orientated.
Boga
6 апреля, 2014 at 21:48
Wow this was a very quick response Thanks!
In fact I find more success with latest tactic and I’m currently building a team for the second season .
Can You give me some recommended players for Central midfield?
Thank you very much for your help and keep up to good work! thanks!
Darren Smith
7 апреля, 2014 at 12:03
Seen as I don’t know you game, who is available and which players developed I couldn’t really recommend anyone, but the more rounded they are the better.
haiku
7 апреля, 2014 at 21:42
Rubbish tactic. Don’t bother. I lost 5 in 8 matches. And my team is great. Won Europe League last season, Supercup and Community shield. This tactic is average, if not bad.
Darren Smith
7 апреля, 2014 at 21:59
So I suppose the many gamers that had success with this tactic must have been extremely lucky then.
Paul
8 апреля, 2014 at 10:27
Hi again Darren,
as already commenting, great tactic. I did small adjustments eg. From very fluid to fluid- worked very good, also have god TM in the team and gave TM support role which also worked fine…
I have several short q:
1. Why do u require WB to cross from the deep? No instructions eg. Cross more or run with the ball?
2. Why don’t u require CM to close down more and mark tighter? Same goes for WB?
3. No direct passing instructions to best passers? No hold position instruction to CM defend?
General impression is that you don’t tend to give too many instructions to your players.
Your comment are very much appreciated.
Br,
Paul
Darren Smith
8 апреля, 2014 at 11:51
Glad its working with minor adjustments. Below are your answers.
1. I want the wing backs to hit early crosses rather than get right to byline before throwing one in.
2. The central midfielder role was added to stop the CM’s closing down and marking too tightly, I want them to hold a shape not be drawn out of position which happened too much previously.
3. CM defend naturally holds his position anyway so there’s no need to add instruction for that and I don’t understand your direct passing comment, the AMC and MC support are set to pass direct, they should be your best passers.
Paul
8 апреля, 2014 at 12:28
Thx for prompt reply!
Surely I wasn’t precise enough, let me try to give more light:
1. My understanding was that you want to stretch opponents defense by having WB overlapping IF and crossing, at least it would be logical to also allow them to cross by line?
2. Maybe I got it wrongly, will need to check again, it looked to me that CM don’t have direct passing instruction, sorry for that.
3. Understood, one more q, you are not giving any roaming instruction to your AP neither IF- do you want to have more disciplined positioning or? Asking due to the fact that in team instructions you have more expressive instruction instead of more disciplined.
I hope this time was more precise. BTW your postings are far more understandable than any tactical/ position description I could find on web. Becomes my FM bible .
Br,
Paul
Darren Smith
8 апреля, 2014 at 20:06
You have a valid point with the wing backs, TBH your logic is right, but for me I don’t just look at it in one dimension. When you have team instruction of overload and player instruction to cross from deep they tend to do a bit of both and that is what seems to happen in the match engine.
As for the direct passing, it should be set for the one with support to have direct passing and the AMC to have direct but not the CM with defend duty, as I don’t always expect that role to be the best passer as such.
For me personally, if you set a team instruction the players will abide by it unless you tell them to do something differently in their player instructions, so there is no need for the player instruction to be set the same as the team instruction. Hence all players are asked to be more expressive therefore that player instruction isn’t required.
Hope this all makes sense.
Paul
9 апреля, 2014 at 08:30
yes, thank you VM!
Again one more Q popped up now, why don’t you use offside traps in defending tactics?
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2014 at 12:20
I don’t see the point in playing the offside trap in defensive and deep tactics, it should only be used with a high line and risky tactic in my opinion. Very, very hard to play someone offside when you have very little space between your defenders and the goal.
Paul
9 апреля, 2014 at 12:53
makes sense thx a lot, much appreciated!
Jamie
8 апреля, 2014 at 14:16
Great tactic as per Darren !! Have you used the «Much Deeper Defensive Line» to specificly counter through balls ?
Wardy
8 апреля, 2014 at 15:40
Been using your tactic for while and my keeper has began to drop the ball to his feet and kicking it directly to the opposition strikers who lobs it straight back over him into the empty net. Its costing me valuable points and proving more than a little frustrating. Is it anything to do with this tactic or just the game itself bearing in mind my keeper is Courtois whose developed into one of the best keepers in the game???
Darren Smith
8 апреля, 2014 at 20:07
I don’t know if that is the tactic or the match engine, but I’d maybe suggest trying to ask your keeper to distribute to defenders and see how that goes maybe?
Wardy
9 апреля, 2014 at 10:11
Im also now finding especially since the new patch that even with this tactic i’m suffering from the same old problem of dominating games, more possession, CCC’s, shots etc yet still coming away with a loss time and time again. I have a very good team and the losses are mostly against clearly lesser teams. I know you originally created your 4-5-1 tactic to combat this sort of thing. Have you had the same problems or found a way to stop it on the new patch??
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2014 at 12:22
TBH that is happening with many different tactics so I think it is becoming more of a squad management issue as opposed to tactics.
Max
8 апреля, 2014 at 16:32
I’ve played 8 seasons as Spurs and have been using this tactic for the last four of those seasons. In my 8th season I won the league with 99 points, scoring 101 goals and conceding 27. If you have the right players for the roles this tactic will work superbly. My team is Lloris, Walker, Shaw, Umtiti, Cassasola, Lucas Romero, Ward-Prowse, Lamela, Brandt, Eriksen, Giovanne Simeone.
For the people that say the tactic is rubbish, the best thing to do is give it time. I’ve started seasons badly with this tactic when my players haven’t understood the tactics fully or when I’ve had to bed new signings in. Once my team fully understands the tactic I usually go on long unbeaten runs.
Darren Smith
8 апреля, 2014 at 20:09
Thanks Max. You’re right that not all tactics settle straight away and some need more time than others, some won’t suit a side full stop…until gamers understand that there are no plug and play tactics anymore these comments will continue unfortunately but its nice to know some of you can use it to good effect.
Chris96
8 апреля, 2014 at 18:19
Hi Darren,
I’ve been using this tactic with a lower league team recently and it has been going well. I do have a little problem though — my team seem to get a lot of bookings per match.
I was just wondering if that’s due to the tactic or just down to my players being a little too aggressive?
If it’s down to the tactic, is there a way to stop this? I’ve sometimes lost a few matches due to red cards!!
Thanks
Darren Smith
8 апреля, 2014 at 20:12
I remember with the previous version of the tactic that didn’t have a deep def line and MC’s in the middle discipline was a big problem…I haven’t noticed it so much in the update though, so if you’re using the update I would say it could be the players, maybe they lack the physicality to use the tactic and are therefore stretched leading to poor challenges maybe. There’s not much to do other than tell them to stay on feet, but that could make the tactic ineffective in different ways.
Alistair
8 апреля, 2014 at 22:51
This tactic is incredible, best one I’ve used on any version of football manager. Everything is spot on, team play great attacking football, score goals for fun and it’s also defensively brilliant. Helped me to win two euro cups and a champions league with rangers, something I have never been able to do before with a scottish team. Also got to the quarter finals of the world cup with a fairly average scotland side. Works well with any team in any division, seems to work for all player types as well.
haiku
9 апреля, 2014 at 02:15
Mate, I am telling you. This tactic is not working. I have great team and I’m loosing 4-5 to 0 with this tac. Defensively it is very bad. No offence.
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2014 at 12:19
And I am telling you it does work if used correctly. You placed that comment below three or four new comments made recently backing that up…it may not work for you, with your team and how you play the game, but it does work, impossible for so many to succeed with it and it not work, can’t deny that!
Let me explain seen as you don’t seem to understand what I’m saying. If you lose five games badly using this tactic but you do various other aspects of the game differently to other gamers, then another gamer uses exactly the same tactic and enjoys great success, then how can you possibly blame the tactic…the tactic is the same for both gamers, it is the only thing that is guaranteed to be the same across different games, what is different is everything the gamer is doing, ie team selection, team talks, training etc etc not the tactic itself, ergo you are doing something wrong, its not the tactic. If others can get it working then there’s nothing wrong with it. Hope you understand now.
Ian
9 апреля, 2014 at 20:15
I’m going to give this a try, your tactic on last years game was brilliant. So I’ll give this a shot with Spurs, just need to get some faster defenders. Just one quick question, does it matter what foot the inside forwards are? I’ve got lamela for AMR so he’ll cut in. But I’ve been offered Shaqiri as well, so would a left footed player work on the left? Or should I get someone like Insigne to cut in? Cheers dude
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2014 at 20:41
I’d say players that can cut inside are better but you can have either really.
Fraser
9 апреля, 2014 at 21:15
Hi Darren, I was wondering if you play on the latest patch and if you still apply the changes listed at the bottom of your post. I’m on my phone at the moment and would rather create the tactic myself rather than download it. So….I was wondering if you would be kind enough to list any player instructions you use. Would be much appreciated.
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2014 at 21:25
As stated in the post the changes are for the new patch so you should use the updated tactic. I don’t state all player instructions because set pieces are important too and there would just be too much to list out, so you’ll need to download the tactic to get its full effect I’m afraid, it only takes a matter of seconds.
Poma
10 апреля, 2014 at 09:41
It seems like the tactic doesn’t work anymore after the latest update 14.3.1 ;(
The players acting like chickens all over the pitch, can’t shoot, can’t pass, can’t score even with open goal and hitting the bar or post, dominating the game and lose every game ever since updating. The opponent have like one chance in the game and scores one goal…SI have done it again! :(
Anyone else having this problem?
Darren Smith
10 апреля, 2014 at 11:44
To be honest Poma, I don’t see how it can be SI’s fault, they made absolutely no changes to the match engine or anything that could effect it, all they did in the latest patch was fix a couple of crashes etc…I wouldn’t even class it as an update to be honest. Unless a change has indirectly caused an issue in the match engine but that seems unlikely.
Paweł
10 апреля, 2014 at 15:42
Nice tactic. Ive used wonder tactic 4-1-2-2-1 but now it isn’t working… Changed for this tactic and it looks fine :)
Darren Smith
10 апреля, 2014 at 18:54
Thanks Pawel, I hope it continues to work.
Mark
11 апреля, 2014 at 10:54
Hi Darren, thanks for the detailed explanation of your tactic. I just wanted to ask a few questions mate.
1) I am about to start a new save with Liverpool and wanted to know whether Suarez or Sturridge would be more suited to playing Deep lying forward support role.
2) You posted the following when reviewing your Swansea tactic: «When against lesser opposition who would rather sit back and play on the counter, the team will press much higher up as shown below.» Does this mean I would need to set my defence to push higher up or were you implying that the team will automatically press higher up the pitch without me having do anything?
3) During the game to you add any other shouts or do you just go with the team instructions that you have selected.
Thanks again mate
Mark
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2014 at 12:24
I’d probably go with Suarez as DLF and Sturridge AMR, but if one isn’t working you can try switching them.
With regards to what was said about the team pressing, that happened more in the previous patches but not so much so now. You don’t need to change any instructions.
I don’t really change any instructions during the game no, I always go with control strategy and may switch to counter if we take the lead and I want to protect it a bit.
Mark
11 апреля, 2014 at 12:52
Much appreciated Darren. I would like to add that I only came across your thread today and love the fact that you respond to people’s questions even ones that are negative.
Just one other question mate. Do you do any specific training for individual players or is training just as you’ve mentioned already.
Thanks
Mark
Ethan
11 апреля, 2014 at 13:03
What are the player individual roles?
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2014 at 13:05
You need to download the tactic to see that, it only takes a few seconds.
Mark
11 апреля, 2014 at 13:48
Sorry Darren I wasn’t referring to individual player roles. I meant training for individual players.
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2014 at 13:51
Don’t let the tactic effect your players individual training they are not linked at all, just use that area to get the players developed as you see fit.
Mark
11 апреля, 2014 at 15:20
Thanks Darren. However, what individual training methods do you use mate?
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2014 at 15:38
I personally train them with high intensity and individual attributes I feel need improving or just the role I want them to play or improve in, but doing this means the team training intensity needs to be set at average.
Ibrahim61
11 апреля, 2014 at 15:55
I cant seem to extract the folder, is there any other way to download the tactic ? thanks
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2014 at 15:59
Have you followed the instructions? You don’t have to extract anything, just download the tactic, then move it to the folder mentioned and it should be available in your archived tactics.
Ibrahim61
11 апреля, 2014 at 16:04
The logo of the download link wouldent show up, i tried from Chrome and i was able to download it. Il post feedback asap :)
Mark
11 апреля, 2014 at 16:35
Cheers Darren Just going back to your last reply to me. Would the tactic I downloaded still be effective even if I left individual training alone and didn’t use it all. The reason I ask is because I fully understand and get the team training i.e team cohesion and high intensity in pre-season and average intensity and balanced training through the season but I’m finding it difficult to understand how you would implement individual training. Are you saying if you set individual players to train with high intensity you would change the team training to average intensity. I’m confused lol.
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2014 at 16:39
The only thing not doing individual training would do is stall your players development. The reason I change team training to average when using the individual training at high is to avoid players getting too tired and upset with their regime. You can’t ask them to train high intensity in everything so you have to pick and choose.
Mark
11 апреля, 2014 at 16:49
Do you have a print screen or could you give me a brief overview of what individual training you tend to always start off with and keep throughout the season
Thanks
Mark
Moe Müntz (@arabianofelix)
11 апреля, 2014 at 17:28
oh my goodness. this tactic has to be the best i’ve used in the last 5 years. the results with a my new team are off the charts. here is a screen shot to some of my results. im lost for words. my team is mainly youth with a few experienced players aged 33-38 (sirigu, mo zidane, pastore.) i played them in lower divisions in previous clubs until their attributes improved. i tried to avoid tweaks but i did a few such as the keeper. i also changed «fluidity» to «fluid» as my team was prone to counter attacks and lot the ball a lot.
http://uppix.com/f-Screen_Shot_20145348175300160637.png
this is the same tactic the current Atletico Madrid. amazing. thanks a lot.
Moe Müntz (@arabianofelix)
11 апреля, 2014 at 17:30
lost ball a lot***
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2014 at 18:50
Those are some very good results.
Mark
11 апреля, 2014 at 17:49
Hi Darren, I’ve posted what you said a while back as I think it best describes what I’m trying to get at,
«Training will vary on the individual and how you want to develop them, if you feel they lack pace or acceleration then train in quickness etc, whereas if you don’t see many weakness’ train them in the role you want them to fill. Your overall intensity is to blame for the players discontent, I’d switch the general training intensity to average and keep individual training at high, that should solve most of the grumbles, but some may need their individual dropping too.»
I get the bit about training them on an attribute such as quickness but what do you mean by «train them in the role you want them to fill» Could you give me an example of the role you are talking about, please and is this a role you would keep a player on for the whole season unless you train them on an attribute?
Also, would you still recommend a team like Liverpool with to have a much deeper defensive line?
Sorry for all the questions mate
Thanks
Mark
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2014 at 18:32
I don’t know how to expand on that. About the role bit, just train the player in the role you expect them to play within your tactic. ie whomever plays as AMR could be trained individually in inside forward role. I don’t understand your last question, but Liverpool are suitable for this tactic in my opinion if that is what you are asking.
Mark
11 апреля, 2014 at 19:43
That makes sense cheers
Regarding my last question what I meant is in your updated tactic you added the following instruction: Much deeper defensive line. I was wondering if the tactic would still work if I didn’t add that instruction at all or if I decided to choose much higher defensive line instead
Thanks
Mark
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2014 at 20:48
I added that instruction in the recent patch as the tactic was too vulnerable defensively without it…you’d have to have an exceptional side for it to be stable enough without a deeper defensive line to be honest.
Mark
11 апреля, 2014 at 21:15
Thanks Darren
Tooms
11 апреля, 2014 at 20:46
Darren, why do you use Shorter Passing? I guess if you use «Exploit the flanks» instruction you need to make long range passes to wide players like WB. Short pass is doomed to be intercepted, isn’t it?
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2014 at 20:48
Not at all, there are more than just the WB and AM’s in this tactic, on the contrary direct passing will be doomed to lose the ball…the best passers in the team are instructed to pass more direct, but I don’t trust the defenders to do that.
Tooms
11 апреля, 2014 at 20:51
Not intercepted, no. I mean when you make a short pass to a winger he can’t accept the ball while running, so he won’t accelerate and will be eaten by defender. I think.
And second question. Why have you changed from keeper to sweeper keeper?
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2014 at 21:47
The sweeper keeper helped with through balls and I’ve already answered your first question, if it did what you are suggesting I wouldn’t have short passing as it wouldn’t work.
Mark
11 апреля, 2014 at 21:21
One last question Darren and then I won’t bother you again lol. I know you mentioned to get your AM to sort out opposition instruction but wanted to know whether you yourself get your AM to sort out opposition instructions or do you do it all yourself?
Thanks
Mark
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2014 at 21:48
I tell the assistant to do it.
Mark
11 апреля, 2014 at 21:53
Thanks again mate.
jonltaylor
12 апреля, 2014 at 01:02
Hi Darren, just wanted to get your opinion on whether this would work in Portugal for Sporting CP? Currently having a torrid time of it, we have a fairly good squad but we create few chances and are languishing in mid table!
I noticed most people here seem to be testing the tactic in the PL so I wondered if you were aware of any success abroad.
Also- would you recommend making any changes to the tactic when facing some of the big European sides? Thanks a lot!
Darren Smith
12 апреля, 2014 at 08:25
I haven’t managed in Portugal so I couldn’t comment on that I’m afraid, I’d just be making assumptions. And as for making changes I don’t make any so no but all tactics should be adapted to suit your style and team.
mark
12 апреля, 2014 at 16:34
Hi Darren the tactic is working great for me at wolves im in the prem should I change to counter for tough away games ??
Darren Smith
12 апреля, 2014 at 16:47
Good to hear. I don’t change the strategy, but you should judge for yourself and your team.
vidzillaAndy Wilton
13 апреля, 2014 at 22:21
Hi!
Playing on the Vita. Tactics look great but there is no «inside forward» option?
Of the options on the Vita (Attacking midfielder, Attacking playmaker, Trequartista, Enganche and Shadow striker) which should I use?
Thanks.
Darren Smith
14 апреля, 2014 at 11:44
There is inside forward role for AMR and AML, the roles you are talking about are only available for AMC, AMCR and AMCL, you may have the player too narrow.
vidzillaAndy Wilton
14 апреля, 2014 at 11:48
DOH! That makes sense, will try now.
Thanks Mate.
Stex
16 апреля, 2014 at 00:12
Hi mate, I tried it with Southampton and it didnt work at all. My GK was making some funny passes and gifting goals to opponent (some1 else had same problem with Boruc in comments above, lol) and I couldnt score even if I had 20+ shots. Than my game crashed, and I started again. This time I bought Sau from Cagliari because he seems to be good for this tactic, but I had hard times to score again. Boruc was still a moron, so I switched form SK to regular GK, and there was improvment. After almost full season played with this 2nd try I came to conclusion that this tactic is not good for Soton, so guys if u wana play with Soton try different one.
PS. This tactic worked fantastic for my Everton save and Arsenal was solid too.
And if you have time to try it with southampton yourself pls lets my know did u make any results :)
PSS. I played 14.3 version.
Darren Smith
16 апреля, 2014 at 11:46
I’m glad its working for you in other saves, just a shame its not with Southampton but that is normal, TBH I don’t think they are the most suited with their backline as you have pointed out.
kuklakk
16 апреля, 2014 at 20:48
Could you send me this tactics, with the latest tweaks mate?
Darren Smith
16 апреля, 2014 at 20:51
They are available by clicking the download button at the bottom of the post.
valencianorgeKuklakk
16 апреля, 2014 at 21:12
aye but download would wouldnt work, so I think I have a better chance if you send me the files :P is it anything I need to know about how i should train the players
Darren Smith
16 апреля, 2014 at 21:27
I’ve just emailed the tactic assuming the address provided was correct. All you need to know should be in the post.
James
18 апреля, 2014 at 15:05
Hi, I’ve been looking for a tactic that emulates Michael Laudrup’s tactics while he was at Swansea. Someone linked me to this tactic you’ve created, and from reading it looks quite promising that it could be a tactic similar to the one Laudrup used at Swansea. During the 12-13 season, Laudrup’s side was more of a fast paced counter attack team, but still try and keep the ball and control the games. During your save with Swansea, what was your average possession per game, or give me some examples of your team having the majority of possession and dominating? But the thing that made me hesitant over whether this could be a tactic that’s similar to a Laudrup style one, was that you said you based this off Chelsea vs Man United! I’d just like to know because maybe I could use your tactic (it looks genius if I may say!) then I could sort of add tweaks maybe I make it into a more possession style tactic, unless it already is but I will give it a try as it looks good!
Darren Smith
18 апреля, 2014 at 19:14
If you’re looking to dominate possession then this isn’t your tactic, its based more on Chelsea’s style of play and around results. You will have some nice attacking Football if you have the right players but it won’t dominate possession.
Van Basten
19 апреля, 2014 at 13:11
WoW, I finally find that tactic, that not only is effective but also fun to watch, cause its good footy.
I been a Milan Fan since the good Old Van Basten Days, and every year back in CM and FM I just need to have a Milan Save. A few years ago with Ibra Cassano Pato Ronaldinho etc, it was VERY fun. This Year not so much haha.
However thanks to this tactic I got them back on track. First thing I did was Sell Balotelli, I cant or will never ever play with that guy, however good he might be. I just dont like him. Made some money, dont ask me what PSG wanted with him but they put in 33 mill. Giving me some options.
Brought in Kyle Naugton so have another Cover FB who can play both sides, Pavel Savitsky as Cover / talent on both wings. Not a Ideal fit but he is cheap as hell. Then I picked up Thunder Leg Paulo Assunsao, or however you spell it :) On a free transfer. Decided to save the rest of the money from the Mario B Sale for a rainy day, and for some Physios cause I know how much el Shaara is made of glass.
Did attempt to bring in Balanta Fierro amongst others, buuuuut they as many others dont want to join the great AC Milan :)
Anyway back OT, the tactic I slowed the game down alot watching what it actually does, listening to my AM Tassoti, and made changes quickly and swiftly if needed. Rotating heavy on the CM possitions depending on What formation I was up against. Montolivo Honda and Poli and De Jong was rotation players. When Fit the two starters on CM was Muntari (yes I know of all people) but he played so well, and Essien. Rotating the other CMs in if I was ahead or behind or needed more creativity and passing.
I cant stress how much the stratety helped me, changing counter Control and so on. But you have to really micro manage the tactic and work it, but I think thats general in this patch 14.3.1. I trained my IFs and FB CAM with quickness and knock the ball past oppnonent heavy early on. and it really helped them get those CCCs or crosses in.
I finished 4th first Season, behind yeah the obvious 3 Juve Nap Roma.
2nd Season I bought Ter Stegen, as my only and last transfer in my save I want to have players come from youth.
The tactic if you follow the advice given in the OP, get and train the players to fit the system over the «exotic» names, is absolutly hands down the best I and most fun to play I tryied in a long time.
Im not a fan of the Plug and Play break the match engine make every team awesome tacs.
This one makes you work for it but still very effective and easyly manageable.
Thank for for creating it, and a great website. I use the scouting network alot in another save.
Kind regards
Tom
Van Basten
19 апреля, 2014 at 13:16
Forgot to mention I finished 1st Second Season 8 pts clear of Juve, got knocked out of CL in Semi to Bayern.
3rd Season, im gonna destroy Europe
Again Thanks a bunch.
Best solo 14.3 Tac I have used and I have maybe tested 30 in twice as many saves.
Darren Smith
19 апреля, 2014 at 18:41
Thanks, I’m glad you have enjoyed the tactic. What you say about having to work for the tactic is very true, there are no real plug and play tactics in the game, its just not possible to create them now (in my opinion anyway) and that is why you’ll always find moaners that can’t use their own common sense to make a tactic work and implement it properly in their own game. So I appreciate the comment and its nice to know that people like yourself are able to adapt and use it.
Andrew
19 апреля, 2014 at 19:19
What you and the description from Van Basten is saying is quite true. BUT for me as a more casual gamer the tactics has gotten too complex. I rely on a certain level of plug & play to enjoy the game. Now — as Van Basten also says — you have to prepare for each opponent and tweak the tactic…and still it’s impossible to fully understand why you can easily beat City and Arsenal but the same world class players suddenly can’t put two passes together and you lose 0-3 at home to Wigan. I have decided to return to FM13…yes the players are more wooden etc. but the tactics are more consistent and the game easier on some level without you having to put an excessive amount of prepation into it. Basically i guess some of the fun has been lost in FM14.
And this sites FM13 section is quality.
Andrew
Darren Smith
19 апреля, 2014 at 19:34
I agree with that, the game is more complicated and unpredictable, I think this is SI’d attempt at approaching realism but this is a game after all so sometimes it doesn’t pay to be too close to real life with the amount of shock results we see.
Van Basten
19 апреля, 2014 at 19:52
Cheers Darren, 10 games into 3rd Season and 25 pts 4 pts clear of Juve :) Then I had to save and figure out what I just witnessed from Stamford Bridge :)
Thanks again, really njoy the tactic. It has been the resurrection of Kaka.
Joseph
21 апреля, 2014 at 13:25
Struggling with the away games any advice on that??
Darren Smith
21 апреля, 2014 at 13:44
Must admit I’ve started struggling away recently too which is weird as it wasn’t much of an issue before and nothing has changed patch wise recently. I’d just say try a different tactic or play around and experiment with the strategy.
Joseph
21 апреля, 2014 at 21:23
won the league semi-finals of CL finals of the fa cup the away matches are still a lingering problem. Also how do i go about doing team talks because i usually let my assistant do them (one from Roma) and should i always listen to the scouts training reports to set training or do my own?finally how do i no which is the best team to field against opponents because when i choose quick pick some for the good players are left out
reply would be much appreciated :)
Darren Smith
22 апреля, 2014 at 11:44
You can let your assistant do them but its upto you, depends on his motivation attribute I guess. I tend to listen to training report for setting my match prep, they’re right more times than wrong and as for selecting the team you should pick it yourself using common sense, if you’re not careful you may as well as the computer to manage your team completely.
Joseph
22 апреля, 2014 at 17:06
Thanks for your reply much appreciated
Steve Bell (down under) australia
22 апреля, 2014 at 19:26
Hey Darren you always create great tactics, I started off this years fm2014 with a little alterations to your Darren’s Untouchables 4-5-1 tactics all i did was moved the wide midfielders to attacking mid field wingers and played them as wingers thats all i modified from yr tactics and it worked so well i chose a team with media pred of 18th struggling relagation team in hollands Eredivise league a team called SC Camburr was running second behind Ajax 2pts the diff and had a 70% win ratio quater finalist in the cup to was loving it until the update to 14.3 came through and messed it all up for me grrrr so i switched to your other tactics this one the dynamics one updated 14.3 but to be honest was a bit static for me so i was thinking of need of change, so I went back to your untouchable 4-5-1 and tested it for 14.3 update with attacking wingers and what i ,modified to it was fluidity to balance and team instructions to just two which are hassle opponents and higher tempo mate try it its a winner all rounder, and thanks to your tactics and just slight modifications its working brilliant test it Darren its working great mate. And to be honest with you i’ve never created tactics in the 10 years or so i been playing football manager… there’s always a first time I guess..
Cheers mate keep up the great work thumbs up
Darren Smith
22 апреля, 2014 at 21:15
Thanks Steve, I’m glad you have enjoyed the tactics. Unfortunately I am still finding the flat 4-5-1 too lacking in attacking areas with the latest patches but that could have a large part to do with differences in leagues we play in. As long as its working for you that is what matters though, I hope it continues.
Andrew
23 апреля, 2014 at 16:10
@Steve Bell
I was a big fan of the 4-5-1 and used it when ahead with a goal or two. usually kept the opponents from scorig and often adding 1-2 more goals before 14.3 messed it up. I suppose you use OI? and have you tried in PL?
Andrew (who really wants to like FM14)
Steve Bell (down under) australia
24 апреля, 2014 at 01:52
hey Andrew I just use Darrens 4-5-1 untouchables as it is took off all the team instructions and left 2 hassle opponents and higher tempo and fluidity to balance that’s all. hope it works for you
Wardy
24 апреля, 2014 at 09:40
Still doing well with my Arsenal save using this tactic (now in 2020) and have started to use some tactical tweaks for certain opposition which was working, However having gone 26 games unbeaten in the league I came up against Spurs away and my team just didn’t turn up, passes straight to the opposition, defence suddenly all over the place. It became quite apparent early in the match this was the case. Obviously off days happen in real life but are there any instructions, tactical changes you could recommend when its clear your team just arent at the races? Morale was high as unbeaten etc but they just played like a bunch of strangers all of a sudden.
Darren Smith
24 апреля, 2014 at 11:42
TBH when its down to players been over confident, complacent or just under performing in general there is little you can do tactically, you need to take care of that through the team talk and media.
Andy S
1 мая, 2014 at 09:31
Just tried this tactic with my Hudersfield save, got promoted to prem straight away and then finished 7th first season but never really settled on a tactic- just kept changing and picking up points. 2nd season in prem I’m looking for a tactic to settle on and develop with to reach the highest regions of the league.
Last night I tried this tactic and stuck at it for about 15 games, but lost the first 8, then drew 4. It did seem to be getting better but was noticing alot of mistakes that cost me possession and then a goal. I’ve signed many young attacking players (Iancu, Gauld, L.Andersen, W.Hughes, Ince) but it didnt seem to gel.
Instead I reloaded it from an earlier autosave and removed the striker to a defensive BWM position. My first 2 games were Man City (A) which I lost 3-2 then Chelsea (H) which I won 3-2. I noticed with the diamond in the middle I was winning and retaining possession much better and when Andersen (AP) received the ball he was picking out the inside forwards with ease. It seemed to work quite well against these tough teams (counter vs city, control vs chelsea) so hopefully it will be even more effective against lesser teams.
Darren Smith
1 мая, 2014 at 11:48
You do need technically good players with good physicals and a settled team with strong back four for it to work. As always plug and play tactics don’t work anymore, every tactic will need tailoring to your team so sounds like the other option you have used is working better.
Andy S
1 мая, 2014 at 11:56
Most of my players are no older than about 21, they’re good technically but because of their age they tend to get worn out quite quickly. Also I think that I lack quality defenders, who are again quite young. I signed Callum Chambers last season and he played brilliantly, but the ratings for defenders rarely peaked above 6.5. Hopefully I can find a system that works consistently, maybe I can try that tactics again in a couple of seasons when my players are much better
Dries
1 мая, 2014 at 14:14
Hi Darren, do you think this tactic should work with Southampton first season? I got Schneiderlin and Wanyama on the central midfield positions, should i change their player roles or just keep it?
Darren Smith
1 мая, 2014 at 18:45
I haven’t tried it with them so I couldn’t say. Common sense says it should bar the poor CB’s but I know people have struggled with them due to this.
Generousman2
2 мая, 2014 at 08:44
May have a solution to the poor away form. started using this tactic with Liverpool recently and like a lot of the other users of this tactic struggled heavily on away games, only managing draws against weak and mediocre teams and losing most of the other matches. That is until i changed up the DLF to a CF(attack), Suarez averaged a ridiculous 8.5 rating the rest of the way, pretty much going undefeated and won the prem title by the skin of my teeth against Chelsea. Of course im only assuming this worked because Suarez is a beast and cant be stopped when given the freedom to do whatever he wants, but I think its worth a try for those struggling with away games with this tactic
Poma
2 мая, 2014 at 09:01
I can’t get this tactic to work whatsoever with Chelsea. Players acting wired and underperforming all the time even though the tactic is fluid after 12 preseason games…
Darren Smith
2 мая, 2014 at 11:51
@Generousman2 I’d say that may have been the solution for your game personally or the time made it seem so but I can’t see that small change having a big effect in other games, it comes down to the team really.
@Poma, If you are looking for a plug and play tactic they don’t exist, you have to work tactics around your team.
Generousman2
3 мая, 2014 at 07:26
Also, do you reckon this tactic would work with a target man? I’ve found this ridiculous 198cm regen
Darren Smith
3 мая, 2014 at 12:22
I haven’t tried that role so couldn’t say.
BradleyB95
3 мая, 2014 at 19:16
what would you do with the tactic if playing a DM instead of CAM
Darren Smith
3 мая, 2014 at 19:20
That would be a completely different tactic I wouldn’t create so can’t really answer that I’m afraid.
BradleyB95
3 мая, 2014 at 19:31
no worries :)
Steve Bell (down under) australia
6 мая, 2014 at 16:09
hey Darren and all you guys great tactics and with a little tweets created my own and working well good results possession high attack and defence great. it’s a 4-3-2-1 formation sorry bout can’t display mm not familiar on how atm. still green at postings so i’ll just give you the description. I crated the tactics on just the ones from the game basic so I grabbed a 4-5-1 formation and worked on the same basic set up as in game. so set the formation to 4-5-1 then just modify as follows:-
GK DEF
FB AUTO RIGHT AND LEFT
CD DEF BOTH
MCR CM DEF
MC CM ATTACK
MCL CM AUTO
AMR AND AML WINGERS ATTACK
STRIKER DLF SUPPORT
ASS Manger opposition instructions
Team instructions:-
retain possession
work ball into box
drill crosses
run at defence
hassle opponents
get stuck in
use tighter marking
be more expressive
CHANGE NOTHING ELSE
I started with a team 18th predicted in holland SC CAMBUUR I am 5th in the league but i’ll get there in the end I’ve won 5 drew 1 lost 2 mind you both games i lost were the first 2 and against Ajax 1-0 and AZ 4-3 and i’m going to kick there ass when the tacticks are more familiarized scored 15-9.
pre season training team cohision high , and tactics only till start of season. try it guys it’s doing great
Steve Bell (down under) australia
6 мая, 2014 at 16:19
opps by the way set to counter mentality and balanced fluidity
Darren Smith
6 мая, 2014 at 20:06
Very different tactic when you consider the shape and roles, hope it continues to work for you though, its important to develop something suited to your team and style.
Matty C
6 мая, 2014 at 21:56
Thanks Darren. This tactic seems to working very nicely for me. I’m just starting my fourth season at Everton where I have been trying to put together a young British squad within a tight budget. I have been trying to get a 4-2-3-1 system to work and I’ve tried a few things to work but I’ve not achieved anything as successful as this tactic. I’ve always struggled to get my strikers to score and I have relied on the AMC for goals.
I have been using the tactic as suggested with one minor alteration of playing the striker as false nine (to suit the strikers that I have at the club). I shipped a lot of goals in the early games but still came out on top except for a 4-3 loss to Real Madrid away. With time this appears to have settled down and I’m still scoring goals. There is a fluency about attacks that I have not noticed previously. I don’t have a particularly fast squad which I will be looking to address in time. I’m only half a pre-season and six league games in so tactical familiarity is not complete yet so I’m looking forward to seeing some further improvements in time.
As noted the AMC does appear to suffer but the formation has reinvigorated my full backs. The inside forwards contribute with goals frequently and for the first time for me in FM 2014 my strikers regularly strike.
Congratulations and thanks for the tactic. I just wish I had created it myself.
Darren Smith
7 мая, 2014 at 20:57
Good, I’m glad its working for you. I think getting the AMC and ST both scoring and performing is very tough in this formation, I tend to get one or the other no matter what changes I make.
Omar Mauri
7 мая, 2014 at 22:30
Hi ive been using your tactic with my chelsea team. Im in my second season and my squad now has pogba, veratti, benzema and courtois. The tactic is fantastic defensively. Ive only conceded two goals all season (im on game 10) and im on a 9 game streak without conceding. However i vary rarely score more than one goal per game. So they will often be 1-0’s or 0-0 draws. They just cant seem to score goals. Bar a few games where i won 4-0 and 5-0 but i made no change.
Any ideas what i can do.. its costing me a lot of points.
Results so far:
Hull W 3-2
Southampton D 0-0
Stoke W 1-0
Norwich W 4-0
Olympiakos W 5-0
Liverpool W 1-0
Burton Albion W 0-0p
Tottenham W 1-0
Feyenoord D 0-0
Aston Villa W 1-0
P.S I also have 34million in the bank if you think any signings would help?
Thanks
~Omar
Darren Smith
8 мая, 2014 at 18:18
There can be a number of reasons why you are struggling to score, really you should watch the match engine yourself and make your own changes as required. But maybe try this revision http://www.mediafire.com/download/eh4dx4y6kz694p8/Darren's_dynamic_4-2-3-1_v3.tac
Omar Mauri
8 мая, 2014 at 21:05
i would but im kind of a noob.. dont really know what im doing with the roles and duties
pong
9 мая, 2014 at 07:49
need to test thank
No Legend Yet
9 мая, 2014 at 23:18
Doesn’t work for me … i haven’t won a single match so far (Played 8 matches). Even Cardiff managed to hit me. You can imagine the morale of my team…
Darren Smith
10 мая, 2014 at 09:05
As mentioned a number of times there is no such thing as a plug and play tactic this year, there are a number of reasons why it may not be working unfortunately.
jonltaylor
11 мая, 2014 at 00:51
Hi Darren,
After struggling to find an effective 4-2-3-1 for my Sporting CP side, I took the plunge and went for your tactic after 10 games of draws and defeats. The results were brilliant, I was scoring 3 or more each game with the opposition creating at most 1 or 2 CCCs against me.
However, after a run of about 6 wins on the trot, all of a sudden I was getting beaten 0-2 at home, getting bossed in possession stats and managing only 2 or 3 shots on target.
It then picked up again for a few games, but unfortunately seems hit and miss as I approach the end of the season. I’m winning away 3-0 one week and then getting beat 0-2 at home the next, to inferior opposition.
I want to stick with this tactic as it’s the best one I’ve found and when we’re on form the football is brilliant to watch. I just wondered if you had any advice/tweaks to maybe help out the consistency element of it.
Cheers and thanks a lot for sharing a great tactic
Darren Smith
11 мая, 2014 at 09:19
Hi Jon,
What you’re describing sounds like a textbook issue where some of your players aren’t completely suited to the tactic, unfortunately I can’t really recommend anything without seeing where the problems are. You could try an updated version of the tactic of which I left a link a few comments up for someone else.
jonltaylor
11 мая, 2014 at 11:20
Thanks Darren! I’ll give the updated version a go.
Is there a breakdown anywhere of what I should be looking for in each position or is it a case of trial and error?
Cheers for the reply
Darren Smith
11 мая, 2014 at 11:29
Its more a case of trial and error and using common sense over the roles really…a few guidelines are that Zivkovic on the right, Stanciu in the centre and Savitskiy on the left have formed an amazing AM for me, especially Stanciu, easily my favourite player this year.
jonltaylor
11 мая, 2014 at 12:41
Okay, thanks a lot!
Just downloaded v3- are you using ‘counter’ as your go-to mentality these days, then?
Darren Smith
11 мая, 2014 at 14:43
Generally counter yes.
Stanley
12 мая, 2014 at 20:06
why did you lose from west brom? did you analyse that loss?
Darren Smith
12 мая, 2014 at 21:20
I put it down to early days in the tactic been learnt I think but can’t remember, it was a while ago now.
Paul
13 мая, 2014 at 11:49
what has changed in v3 tactics? Can you list them? Sorry for asking but don’t see anywhere description.
thanks!
Darren Smith
13 мая, 2014 at 12:14
I won’t be listing it until I make an official update, if you want to know what is different you can download from the link provided above.
Steve Bell (down under) australia
13 мая, 2014 at 12:13
for all of you that like great football as I posted a few days ago just to update possesion and goals galore and being top of the ladder with a small team my team media prediction to finish 18th is first in holland and pumping morale is high and beautifum possesive football… here’s how the format is… take a 4-5-1 formation from the games basic and build it as follow;-
Mentality .. Counter
Fluidity …. Balanced
GK DEF
FB AUTO RIGHT AND LEFT
CD DEF BOTH
MCR CM DEF
MC CM ATTACK
MCL CM AUTO
AMR AND AML WINGERS ATTACK
STRIKER DLF SUPPORT
ASS Manger opposition instructions
Team instructions:-
retain possession
work ball into box
drill crosses
run at defence
hassle opponents
get stuck in
use tighter marking
be more expressive
CHANGE NOTHING ELSE
enjoy guys and get back to me if you try it out
andrew
14 мая, 2014 at 19:22
Hi Steve
I’ve tried what you have done. Liked the original wall-like defense of Darrens 4-5-1, but tried to add some attacking strength to my Swansea side. The 4-5-1 simply doesn’t work in 14.3.
I played the same match 5 times and tweaked until I won with a nice margin twice in row.
went on to the next match and if I didn’t win I tweaked and played again. after 3 matches like that I sort of had a formular and went on to win the next 5 matches in a row without chaging a thing. Then got beat 3-0 away by Chelsea, but went on to win 3-0 over Brighton in the next match. Have to accept a better side ;-)
I should add that I have tweaked the individual player instructions, so I do no use OI.
Also I should add that I have no idea how the tactic is working in detail — I just rely on what I’m seeing. And I have read A LOT of posts on different sites. For instance I have tweaked the MCL-MC position several times because he was piss poor throwing away the ball time and again even when winning until I settled with AUTO which works fine without being incredible even scoring a few.
As you can see it’s very similar to your settings…
Mentality .. Counter
Fluidity …. Balanced
GK DEF
FB AUTO RIGHT AND LEFT
CD DEF BOTH
MCR CM bwm
MC ap attack
MCL CM AUTO
AMR AND AML inside forwards ATTACK
STRIKER af (I have Damiao who’s crap at passing — Bony could probably play DLP S)
Team instructions:-
hassle opponents
higher tempo
drill crosses
run at defence
go route one
Andrew
p. I expect the AI to adapt to my tweaked Darren-tactic sooner or later as my rep gets better or whatever, so a change to your tactic could maybe throw it of my scent when that happens ;-)
Steve Bell (down under) australia
14 мая, 2014 at 19:40
good to hear Andrew,…so even the team instructions you changed and used the ones you listed?
andrew
14 мая, 2014 at 20:58
Yup. was looking for a more «simple» style with less instructions. Then I can add different instructions during the match depending on what I see. Usually I use play wider (against parking the bus), get stuck in and such. But I may add a few as default now that your version has shown results.
Steve Bell (down under) australia
14 мая, 2014 at 21:36
if it works for you well and good mate. my teams doing well have a win ratio of 70% first on the ladder and reserves ladder to, think it suits my players well lost 3 games all season and won the championship so all good. you goto see what suits and have the right players for the tactics to work..
Andrew
14 мая, 2014 at 20:51
Quick note: tweaked again following aussie Steves lead and changed my IF to Wingers + BWM to MC Def + striker to DLP attack. 4 wins in a row. looking better than before.
Alex
14 мая, 2014 at 16:52
I’ve tried this tactic with gunners and well… Podolski won Golden Ball. That’s more than ridiculous.
Steve Bell (down under) australia
14 мая, 2014 at 17:23
well Alex it’s a pc game not real life, so how many goals did he score, and how did yr team perform? what did you end up end of season? that’s what we want to hear and how did the tactics work or not?
varun
15 мая, 2014 at 20:24
have you tried this with liverpool? if so will it work with them? who would you sign?
Darren Smith
15 мая, 2014 at 21:26
Can’t say I have, maybe just look through the players and see what areas need strengthening. I should imagine you’ll need more inside forwards.
Zachary Whyte
16 мая, 2014 at 22:00
Can anyone recommend selling/buying any players for a swansea team using these tactics
Darren Smith
17 мая, 2014 at 14:15
Check this list https://footballmanagerstory.com/scout/best-fm-2014-players-list/ and see if you can find anyone you like. If he gets a work permit Stanciu is useful for AMC.
Brad Cosgrove (@Brad_Cosgrove)
18 мая, 2014 at 23:28
tactic is quality
Darren Smith
19 мая, 2014 at 18:29
Thanks Brad.
Leman
20 мая, 2014 at 09:01
Hi,
I`ve been using new version v3. First half of season i had amazing results. I`m playing the second part of season and my results are 50 to 50%. Sometimes i win and lose. Do you have any idea why my results in the second part of season are weak. I dont/t change tactic and i`m playing Real. Please help :)
Darren Smith
20 мая, 2014 at 18:39
Going by logic alone I can’t see it been anything other than the AI learning the tactic and performing better against as a result…this happens in this years game.
Paul
21 мая, 2014 at 12:58
Hi Darren,
Ive been using v3 version for last couple of days, looks very good indeed, a bit more offensive would say. It looks to me that you have changed the concept a bit- more goals from AMC position, more offensive striker (or not mainly coming deep and assisting to IF). . .
Can you comment it? or we should wait for official update? When can we expect it?
Of course thank you VM for fantastic tactic!
regards,
Paul
Darren Smith
21 мая, 2014 at 19:05
TBH I don’t know when I’ll be releasing it officially as I need a break from the game (on a count of it doing my head in :)) But yes the tactic has a slightly different emphasis most of which comes in the AMC and ST…now both tie defenders up with forward runs and attacking movement instead of pulling defenders out of position by dropping deeper.
poma
21 мая, 2014 at 19:10
Can we please have a try of the the new version? ;)
Darren Smith
21 мая, 2014 at 19:15
Yeah just read comments above and you’ll see the download link.
poma
21 мая, 2014 at 19:55
So the latest version is v.3 right? Is it the final version?
Darren Smith
21 мая, 2014 at 21:00
That is the latest version, I can’t say its the final version as tactics are always adjusted and tweaked but for now it is yes.
Brad Cosgrove (@Brad_Cosgrove)
23 мая, 2014 at 20:37
In my season with Swansea I got Eduardo Salvio on loan £165k per week to Benfica. I play him AMR
Here is his stats for the league:
Played- 20
Scored- 11
Assists- 6
Ovr Rating- 7.52
Darren Smith
23 мая, 2014 at 21:31
Thats a very good record, he does seem very much suitable for the tactic.
Brad Cosgrove (@Brad_Cosgrove)
25 мая, 2014 at 16:30
Bony has also been great at scoring plenty of goals
Poma
24 мая, 2014 at 13:00
One tip is that if you are struggling and having a hard time against: 4-4-2, 4-4-1-1, 4-1-4-1 and 4-2-3-1 formations are dropping your amc to dmc, change nothing, let the player get the role he is assigned, defensive midfielder with support duty and this will do wonders!
Cheers ;)
Poma
24 мая, 2014 at 13:15
And here is some players you want to buy and try at the AMC slot: Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Roberto Firmino or Remy Cabella. They are all topclass!!!
Silverson
27 мая, 2014 at 00:59
Sergiy Rybalka, Marlone and Nicusor Stanciu have been excellent for me. Borja (R. Madrid) has also played some good games there but I use him as an AMR and there he has excelled.
Silverson
27 мая, 2014 at 00:45
Finally a system with a normal formation (not one where you have no strikers and all the team plays defense) that works. I’ve waited to end 2 seasons in order to write this so I can be sure about the results. Darren has done an excellent job and I am finally able to enjoy playing football manager again after a long, long time.
Before I go on to what I’ve achieved with this system, I need to point out first that I’ve changed the set pieces and since I score a lot of goals that way it should be stated. I also use 2 central defenders (instead of 1 and 1 ball playing defender) and my deep lying forward is set on attack rather than support. Finally I should add that I try to find wingers with a bit of creativity and decision and this in my opinion has helped.
In my first year as Panathinaikos manager in Greece, I won the double which is not an overachievement despite the heavy financial problems the club is facing. We were not the strongest team in the league and we were projected to finish 5th but we did have some quality and with a few transfers we did it. And we did that by playing some excellent football. My main striker was Macheda who despite his lack of pace managed to score 20 goals in 41 appearances and also had 8 assists. Our win percentage at the end of the season was 65%
Come the second season I was able to find players that matched Darren’s proposals more. We did the double again, finishing 21 points clear from the second team. Unfortunately we did not make it past the group stage in the Champions league (we had 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats) but after that we went and won the Euro Cup beating Real Madrid in the final. Our win percentage went a bit down at first to 63% and by the end of the season it was at 75%.
At the start of the 3rd season we won the Euro Super Cup against Bayern but I had to sell a lot of players to solve the financial problems. So far we won against PSG and lost against Chelsea.
In conclusion I adore this tactic and has really paid dividend. We play excellent football and I have yet to see a flanctuation of our form. I can’t find a negative to write (and that says something). I don’t know how a weaker team would fair with it but for me it works great.
Darren Smith
27 мая, 2014 at 11:54
Well done, sounds like you have got a good game going there.
Poma
27 мая, 2014 at 18:54
You know you’re talking about the old version of the tactic right? The new one doesn’t have either «1 and 1 ball playing defender» nor the «deep lying forward».
SweetLorettaMartin
29 мая, 2014 at 22:23
This really doesn’t work. Bottom of the table with Southampton and 15th with Chelsea.
Darren Smith
30 мая, 2014 at 11:43
To be frank you haven’t worded that well. Its impossible for this not to work if it has in fact worked for a lot of people, it is however possible that you don’t understand how to use the tactic and it just doesn’t work for you…having said that, a few comments up there is another download link for a more updated version that may work better for you…haven’t officially released it yet as it works for some team and not for others depending on league and players.
SweetLorettaMartin
31 мая, 2014 at 17:20
I apologise, it does work. I finished 5th with Southampton so I am sorry for my idiocy.
Poma
30 мая, 2014 at 12:15
One question; didn’t you make/build this tactic around how Chelsea play? or am I all wrong here ;)
If, then I must say that the tactic doesn’t work at all for me with Chelsea, have tried lots of times with Chelsea but It simply doesn’t work. But on the other side, It may work with other teams. I know the match engine is totaly f*cked up and players acting strangely and make ridiculously much misstakes but that isn’t the tactic itself who is wrong or bad. The only thing that’s true is that the 4-2-3-1 Denmark setup is pure shit, every team you go up against who plays like that are unbeatable, but if you use it yourself it doesn’t do it. It’s impossible to find balance. But use this tactic as a framework for other formations and tactics may work.
I hope for a better job from SI on FM15
Darren Smith
30 мая, 2014 at 18:33
I did build this around how I perceive Chelsea to play yes, but I didn’t test it with Chelsea myself…this wasn’t created for them, it was created with a vision for how they performed in a certain game. It was tested by a friend with Chelsea to great success, but that was two patches ago and things have changed since then…hence the updated tactic, which hasn’t been tested with Chelsea, so I couldn’t say if it works with them or not.
Poma
30 мая, 2014 at 18:40
Ok, didn’t mean to be harsh just wanted to give some feedback.
The only way I can see Chelsea play in FM is defending/rigid with lots of special roles/duties but as I said it’s almost impossible to make the 4-2-3-1 formation work properly! Helt åt helvete ;) (in swedish) :D
Darren Smith
30 мая, 2014 at 18:46
You weren’t been harsh, just misunderstood how the tactic was made but that is easily done when its a Chelsea inspired tactic.
Poma
30 мая, 2014 at 18:52
I wouldn’t say easy, I’ve tried since the release of FM14 and haven’t been able to create one single stable tactic for Chelsea :D
Darren Smith
30 мая, 2014 at 18:56
You misunderstood what I wrote, when I used the word easy it was to say that misunderstanding how and why I created the tactic is easily done because I stated in the post that it was inspired by Chelsea. The easy part had no reference to creating tactics or how easy they are to do, I myself have struggled a lot this year with them too.
Steve Bell (down under) australia
2 июня, 2014 at 06:18
the thing with this patch with any tactics is consistancy there is no such thing in this patch that you can mantain consistancy I found out, you win 4 games in a row then you fall to defeat with an average team it’s utter bull s… you win with a margin of 4 to 5 goals then you lose to a team mid table or even relegation zone poorly 4 goals rediculous…. it is making a lot of fans of the game really un happy the true thing. SI you messed up this time big time…..
Darren Smith
2 июня, 2014 at 08:06
I agree with Steve, the game is much tougher this year and consistency is a real problem, it doesn’t matter what you do nor what tactic you play…I think this is SI’s way of trying to mimic real life as we get unpredictable runs all the time, but it is frustrating.
Steve Bell (down under) australia
2 июня, 2014 at 06:29
And to be frank guys you are pointing your fingers at the wrong people, these are the people we should be backing for creating great tactics through the years it’s not their fault if the tactics don’t work for your team .. you have to build around your team although as I mentioned earlier there is no such maintaining consistancy in this patch … so id say its the machine behind the game that is stuffing things up .. and not the guys that created the tactics…
I hate this game
30 мая, 2014 at 18:52
Hey! I have to say that this tactics works. But I have some issues and it might be the game itself. It just lacks realism. For instance, for the first few seasons Ive played with a 4-1-2-3 formation very similar to this one. But my middlefielders were overrun by the opponents.
Than I changed to this tactics and during the pre-seaason it worked fine. Then for the first six games it was still great and then the whole game started to be weird.
For instance: I have 30-40 chances per game, 15-24 shots on goal. Some 8-10 from close range. But the opponent goalkeeper saves almost all of the shots.
Secondly, I concede from 3 to 4 of opponents chances. Sometimes only 3 chances and 2 goals.
If I focus on attacking movement I concede too easily and if I focus my preparation on defensive duties then I cant score. :)
My AMs are Inacu, Stanciu anmd Nedelev. The striker is Berardi and some other young players and they either demolsih other teams (happens 1/5 of the games) or I lose or draw against weaker oppoinents (most of the time). Statistically Im dominating the matches and still lose.
And btw, most of my goals are socred from corners. And thats the only thing Ive changed with your tactics.
Ive found that sometimes changing the shout from short passign to only retain possession works, but usually against larger teams.
Ah, yes, in CL Ive managed to beat Juventus once and Porto twice. I mean, it is ridiculous.
There must be something Im doing wrong. I mean FFS, a team like mine should be dominating Bundesliga not compete for UEFA League. :)
Btw, my Cms are Goretzka, Bertolacci, Ledson, Ekdal and Gülan (wonderkid). GK-Koval, CD-Zouma and Munez and LB Rodriguez Ricardo and on the right side Jung. The RB could be better and the CDs are OK. Had Eder Balanta but PSG bought him. :)
Suggestions?
Darren Smith
30 мая, 2014 at 21:46
No real suggestions, you just need to try and watch the match engine in comprehensive match mode and adjust things for the oppositions strengths and weakness’, the issue that everyone seems to have is that the AI adapts very easily to tactics this year, some read that as a tactic not working others read through that naivety and understand the game has changed and we all MUST adjust on a regular basis to beat the AI (I am not a fan of this new feature personally, yes its realistic but this is a computer game after all.) You seem to understand that but just aren’t sure how to approach the issue, don’t worry your not alone, you just need to try and watch in more detail and understand where and why things are going wrong…very hard when you are having so many chances though, but trust me there will be a piece in the puzzle that is set slightly wrong, you just need to find it.
gunner vlado (@gunnervlado)
10 июня, 2014 at 16:38
Is tactic with CM support + CM defend better than BWM + BBM? Or it depends on players?
Darren Smith
10 июня, 2014 at 18:40
Yes it is better in the most recent patches.
Matty
17 июня, 2014 at 18:59
Darren, would this work with a national team? Just been made brazil manager.
Darren Smith
17 июня, 2014 at 19:19
I couldn’t say, I have never tried this with a national side, you’d have to test it.
Chip
24 июня, 2014 at 12:02
Hey Darren,
There are a lot of questions and comments here and I can’t take the time to read through them all so sorry if I ask a question which has already been answered:
Even though there have been changes to the tactic and the original post has not been changed, should we still follow the guidelines on the original post? i.e. should I sign players which the attributes you recommended when you first posted this tactic? The same goes for swapping to your 4-5-1 tactic when trying to hold on to a lead etc.
Thanks,
Chip
Chip
25 июня, 2014 at 12:13
Just thought I’d let you know that I just tested the tactic with Man United and I managed to come 2nd in the BPL, win the Champions League, FA Cup and Community Shield. Will continue with the save and try to keep it working and maybe try it out on a national team too.
Would still appreciate a little help on what players to look for, for each role though.
Thanks
Darren Smith
25 июня, 2014 at 18:51
The guidelines from the original post are still valid yes but I am not so sure the 4-5-1 tactic works well enough to switch too anymore.
fan1
24 июня, 2014 at 22:03
This tactis is great i win first season with Chelsea EPL,UCL and fa cup,sometimes i use mentality counter and works fine
Darren Smith
25 июня, 2014 at 18:52
Good to here, well done.
Matthew hoyle
27 июня, 2014 at 00:46
Hi, any idea on individual player roles?
Darren Smith
27 июня, 2014 at 19:00
You need to download the tactic to see it all and individual instructions.
Ian
14 июля, 2014 at 16:58
Hi Darren, does this still work after the new patch mate? I was a HUGE fan of your tactic on last year’s game, was the best I’ve ever used, so I’ve been checking this thread every now and then to see if you had made a new one for this years.
Cheers
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2014 at 20:11
Heres the most recent update Ian http://www.mediafire.com/download/eh4dx4y6kz694p8/Darren's_dynamic_4-2-3-1_v3.tac If its correct should have an AMC as advanced playmaker with attack duty.
Joseph
22 июля, 2014 at 10:51
Hello Darren, should we use the tactic in the link provided in your comment above or use the download link on at the bottom of the post for the most recent update? Which will be most effective? (I am playing as Chelsea).
Thanks, Keep up the good work.
Joseph
Darren Smith
22 июля, 2014 at 11:49
Hi Joseph, I would recommend using the tactic linked a few comments up, that is the most up-to-date version.
Matthew Hoyle
14 июля, 2014 at 21:53
I have downloaded the file but my pc or my samsung refuse to open it! any suggestions?
Darren Smith
15 июля, 2014 at 11:56
You need to follow the instructions, just place the file where the instructions say and it will then be available in your game.
k g
19 июля, 2014 at 14:29
this is the worst tactic i have ever played.
Darren Smith
19 июля, 2014 at 16:13
Don’t use it then, though I will say you must be doing something wrong yourself, as many, many others have found it great…its possible for one player to not find success with a tactic because they don’t know how to use it, however it isn’t possible for others to have success with the tactic and yet it be useless.
k g
19 июля, 2014 at 21:04
Though followed every step you mentioned.
Darren Smith
20 июля, 2014 at 11:59
I didn’t tell you how to manage your side, which players to use, how to handle team talks, when to adjust your tactic, all those things come down to you and how you manage…those things are why you’re losing, not the tactic.
If you really think that the information above and a tactic will get you winning then why are you bothering with the game, you may as well ask me to play it for you.
Ruggo
20 июля, 2014 at 13:43
It is because this tactics requires a top quality squad. Otherwise you need to tweek some aspects. It took me 2 years to dominate Bundesliga. But I have a squad of 24 high quality players. Constant rotation is the key. Although my squad is very young (23 years average) I have only 4 and 5 star players. 12 games in and I have 34 points.In CL Ive lost game no. 5, but thats the first one. But as I said, this is season 19/20, I have the two Romanian attacking midfielders Iancu and Stanciu, Halilovic, Dutra, Stendera…all gret players. The fiurst season I playet your tactics it was a struggle, but now Im dominating the leauge. Also, if my team has possession over 60%. If not, counter attacking is the key to success. And yeah, team talk! Ussualy there are 9/11 players with good reactions to my team talk.
Darren Smith
20 июля, 2014 at 16:38
You have assessed your side and improved to suit the tactic basically with other aspects of the game too, but its not true you must have a brilliant side, not exclusively. I had York finishing in the top 6 their first season in the EPL. Its all about managing expectations. Its not about having amazing players, its about having the right type of player for each role…I also won the EPL with Everton first season, wouldn’t say they have a brilliant side but they are very well blended and adapted to their club. I reckon the majority of people that moan about tactics not working either don’t have the players to suit the tactic or have signed far too many players for any tactic to work.
willow
22 июля, 2014 at 17:04
Worked great for me, in the beginning played sometimes on the counter and later just the tactic you said.
Great work Darren thx!!!!!
Darren Smith
22 июля, 2014 at 21:09
Thanks, glad its working for you.
Joseph
25 июля, 2014 at 11:06
Hello Darren, I am playing as Newcastle and I which mentality I should use for the best results. I have played four games this season (One league cup game) and have used different mentality’s:
(Home)-Newcastle 2-0 Hull- Control
(Away Newcastle 4-0 West Brom- Control
(Away) (League Cup) Newcastle 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday- Control
(Home) Newcastle 0-2 Manchester United- Counter and Control.
So control is working well against lesser opponents however when I used counter against Man Utd I was completely outplayed in the first half until I switched to Control in the second half when I managed more shots and possession than the first half although I conceded twice in the second half.
So I am unsure which mentality is most effective against different quality sides and which mentality is suited to Newcastle.
Thanks
Darren Smith
25 июля, 2014 at 11:22
I think you are putting too much importance on the strategy, its not possible to assume changing to control in the Utd match made any difference, the opposition could have got complacent or the team talk kicked your players into gear. Simple fact is you need to play and find the best strategy for your side, would seem like control based on results but for me it was counter, everyone will be different. I would be guessing if I gave you an answer without testing.
Joseph
10 августа, 2014 at 19:43
Hello, What strategy would you recommend for Tottenham, Control or Counter (Using most recent version in which default is counter)
Thanks
Darren Smith
10 августа, 2014 at 19:48
TBH I think you’d need to play it by ear. I’d personally start with counter and see how it goes.
Paul
25 июля, 2014 at 11:16
Hello again from my side, had to write couple of lines since I had an interesting development. Was running very low league team, had a lot off problems with my CDs and tried to change them into LDs and it saved my season .
After finally being promoted and since couldn’t find adequate AMC (my previous was too old and retired), but found very good young MC- APa and very good DMC– Anchor, I moved CMd into Anchor and pulled back AMC into MC APa position. Everything else untouched. Worked perfectly!!! A bit better defensively and a slightly less offensive but being huge underdog fits best!
Once again this confirms that your system is excellent and may be applied to different formations. Thanks!
Paul
Darren Smith
25 июля, 2014 at 11:25
TBH with what you have done to the system (despite being very few actual changes) will make it very much not my system anymore as the shape is so different it completely changes the emphasis, though the style would be the same I guess. When playing in lower leagues it is very wise to not use such an offensive tactic though as you’ll get caught out very quick, so it was the right move to adjust the shape, I did the same just by being less expressive and dropping the AMR and AML back to MR and ML but keeping the AMC with York.
Neil
31 июля, 2014 at 19:57
Hello, I have used your tactic to great success although I have noticed that I have been frequently dominated in possession and I wondered how much possession I should be expecting? How much possession do others achieve?
Neil
Darren Smith
31 июля, 2014 at 20:02
To be honest this tactic isn’t really about possession and it will depend largely on your team and personnel. But I’d say you should expect 50/50 possession, there will be games when you are dominated but that should be against superior opposition.
Jim
2 августа, 2014 at 16:35
Where are player instructions?
Darren Smith
2 августа, 2014 at 16:35
You need to download the tactic to see them.
Paul
6 августа, 2014 at 13:58
Dear Darren,
when can we expect the review of version 3? Since it looks to me that it is not following 100% new concept.
And one more question, can you please elaborate more on the shape of the system since it looks to me that playing narrower would naturally fit to the approach.
Thanks!
Matthew Hoyle
6 августа, 2014 at 14:07
I’m using the tactic with Man City in conjunction with another 4-2-3-1 tactic. It’s absolutely devastating using it on counter attack with the pace of Aguero, Navas, and Richards at right back.
Darren Smith
6 августа, 2014 at 19:12
There won’t be one now but you can just download it from the links left in the comments above. Its too late to do one now as we are starting to turn our focus to preparing for the new version of the game.
As for your question, I don’t understand what you want to know. There is no need to elaborate on the shape, there’s not much more to say that would be relevant. I don’t instruct to play narrow as that restricts the team.
James Dunn
15 августа, 2014 at 12:21
Hello, I have used your tactic effectively with many premier league teams and now I have decided to manage a low league (Skrill Premier) team, something I have never done before. Do you think this tactic would work with a Skrill Premier team, specifically Gateshead, or would I be better off using a 442 or 451.
Thanks
Darren Smith
15 августа, 2014 at 18:43
I would say no James, the formation and system wouldn’t suit lower league players, there just aren’t those types around in the depths of English Football. You’d need a more bland formation in my opinion.
James Dunn
18 августа, 2014 at 21:24
I have downloaded Lfc Marshall Update, Will this have any affect on the effectiveness of the formation?
Thanks
Darren Smith
18 августа, 2014 at 21:31
A download won’t effect the mechanics of the game nor the match engine so no it won’t effect the tactic. The only thing a download would effect is the the personnel.
walcotteric
29 августа, 2014 at 14:40
In general I love this tactic. I’ve used it with Wolves to achieve 2 straight promotions, then finished 10th and won League Cup in 1st year in EPL. Now I’m in my 2nd season in EPL (4th overall) and having an issue. Suddenly I can’t defend, and all the goals seem to come from the right wing of my defense.
Maybe it’s just a poor run of form from my RBs, as they’re usually excellent, but I’m not so sure. Do you have any suggested tactical shifts that could address this? Also, what are key attributes for your WBs in this system?
Thanks!
Darren Smith
29 августа, 2014 at 20:26
I personally don’t think these things happened in previous versions of the game. Whether it has become inconsistent, the AI smarter or what I’m not sure, but it can be frustrating. I too have experienced similar experiences with a few teams. All I can recommend is to keep improving your team and ride it out. If the form persists and seems to carry on too long to suggest a form issue, then it is time to try a new tactic for a little bit…this should help throw the AI off your scent.
Es
10 сентября, 2014 at 18:02
Wow darren! This tactic is like magic. Im new to FM14 took Southampton and played Fulham in my first EPL game and I used 4-2-3-1 and got thrashed 3 — 1 away. Then I googled for a good tactic and saw yours, reloaded the same game, followed it according to the settings and BAMM thrashed them three goals without reply (3-0). Look at the reporter comments:
«This has to be one of the more surprising results I’ve seen. I was expecting a close match with Southampton to perhaps scrape victory and yet they’ve run out comfortable winners. The Fulham players look shell-shocked by the end and I’m not sure they knew what hit them»
-Ben Hall, FourFourTwo
You’re a genius man! Bet you can be a good professional coach!
Darren Smith
11 сентября, 2014 at 12:02
Hopefully the form continues then, it can be very up and down in this game and unpredictable though.
Alex
9 ноября, 2014 at 17:02
Well, you can just change 2014 to 2015 — it works wonderfully in a new FM.
Darren
10 ноября, 2014 at 11:41
Who are you managing?
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Poma
25 ноября, 2014 at 07:07
Can U please share all the settings for this tactic, both team and players so we can make this into a FM15 tactic? Cheers ;)
Darren
25 ноября, 2014 at 12:08
I wouldn’t bother it is no where near stable enough I have already tried. I will never show all settings as I maintain you must download my tactics to get the full effect, I won’t go through all set pieces and they are important also.
Josh
31 марта, 2015 at 22:37
I used this tactics on an online game with my mates, I was chelsea with the original XI but with Ramos and varane at CB unseat of Terry and cahill. I lost all 5 of my first games vs west brom, West Ham, liverpool, Stoke and swansea. Just didn’t work at all for me