This is my best FM 2013 tactic so far, built throughout a full season with Tottenham in the Premier League. This isn’t one of my usual attacking tactics as I’ve tried a different path this time. My aim was to build a solid defensive tactics, not a spectacular one but a tactic that would bring results. And I think it’s a pretty good one, but I’m looking forward to your feedback.
FM 2013 Tactic Formation
As you can see the formation I used is 4-5-1, with an attacking midfielder and a lone striker. You all know the players in that first eleven, so there’s no need to go into details about them.
The good side of this tactic is that, when defending, you will have at least 8 men behind the ball, and that makes it painfully difficult for the opposition to create any chances. In fact, I haven’t conceded too many goals and most of those were from dead ball situations.
The attacking midfielder is an important piece of the puzzle as he will remain unmarked between the lines quite often. A good creative player in this position can do a lot of damage.
FM 2013 Tactic Team Instructions
As you can see I chose a balanced style and a standard strategy, while choosing shorter passing and an aggressive approach when it comes to pressing. Counter attack is an important side of this tactic, so that is checked as well. There is no playmaker though, and no target man either, I let the players figure those out by themselves on the pitch.
FM 2013 Tactic results
We started the season on the wrong foot, losing the North London derby, but then went on a pretty good streak until the end of the year, losing just two more games and winning quite a few in the process. And, as you can notice, we rarely conceded goals.
The second half of the season brought us the League Cup, the only piece of silverware for the season. We recorded quite a few frustrating draws though. I could have avoided some of those by using touchline shouts but I chose not to because I wanted to see what this tactic can do without any help. Along those lines, I also chose to leave everything to the assistant manager (training, team talks, opposition instructions).
Anyway, we finished second in the Premier League, which is not bad considering the media prediction at the start of the season was that we would finish 6th. In terms of goals conceded, we were by far the best in the league.
Bottom line: I think this is a good solid 4-5-1 tactic for FM 2013, a tactic that can be used to get results especially in the lower leagues or with not very prominent top-flight teams. But you’ll have to give it a go and tell me how it works for you.
Download it by clicking the image below:
How to install the tactic in FM 2013
1. Put the downloaded file into this folder: Documents/Sports Interactive/Football Manager 2013/tactics
2. Start your game and go to your team’s tactics screen.
3. Click on the little arrow located to the right of your starting tactic name, move your mouse cursor over «archived tactics» and select «Spurs_4-5-1_v2» from the menu.
If you like this tactic please share it with your friends on the social networks ;)
If you have questions or need any help with the game, I’m here to answer your comments.
P.S.: In case you were wondering how I played a full season, the answer is I have played it on the review copy I had (read all about that here).
Darren Smith
18 октября, 2012 at 21:39
Looks good Johnny, nice to see you join the 4-5-1 club :) Incredibly solid defense which is impressive when you consider Spurs record in that area. I personally have never grasped how to use an AMC, so that is one area I must improve, this could be worth a tester me thinks :)
Johnny Karp
18 октября, 2012 at 21:45
It would be great if you could test it and maybe tweak it into something better ;)
Darren Smith
18 октября, 2012 at 21:48
I know what that wink means ;) I’ll get my scouting done, then my own tactic and next stop will be a look at yours I think. We could make the perfect combo for attacking and defensive tactics, but will have to see how testing goes.
Chai Chien Liang
19 октября, 2012 at 04:06
I thought the tactic was a 4-4-1-1? :P Interesting defensive resiliency, quite a lot of draws though, interesting that your defeats were all by narrow margins of 1 goal :D
Johnny Karp
19 октября, 2012 at 08:02
Yeah, I prefer to call it 4-5-1, the AMC is a midfielder after all.
Darren Smith
19 октября, 2012 at 08:52
I agree with Johnny, there are so many variations of the flat 4-5-1 that naming them all different would be too confusing…in essence and effect its a 4-5-1 with a twist :)
CsAtlantis
19 октября, 2012 at 09:20
Okay, just thought that it looked quite similar to Everton’s style of play this season with a midfielder playing behind the striker (like Fellaini behind Jelavic), most news reports I read call it 4-4-1-1 ;)
Johnny Karp
19 октября, 2012 at 10:10
Well, Everton’s style was one of the sources of inspiration when I created the tactic ;)
Kenneth Sørensen
20 января, 2013 at 16:50
Hi,
What about training scheldues?
Johnny Karp
20 января, 2013 at 17:00
You should read this: https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/2012/10/fm-2013-training-guide-match-preparation-and-individual-training-explained/
Jonathan Carver
18 октября, 2012 at 21:51
Looks great Johnny :D I will try it out with my Newcastle game :D
Johnny Karp
19 октября, 2012 at 08:01
Great! Let me know how it goes.
Kevin
18 октября, 2012 at 22:31
That’s pretty impressive for a first tactic, now go to bed :)
Johnny Karp
19 октября, 2012 at 05:24
I did. Good morning :)
saltwater
18 октября, 2012 at 23:56
Have to agree with the above, but given Bale’s restriction in terms of player roles, does he still play at his greatest?
Johnny Karp
19 октября, 2012 at 08:02
He scored 20 goals for the season, a pretty good contribution I’d say. In fact, the wide midfielders are quite active on the attacking side.
Gaurav Chaddah
19 октября, 2012 at 05:35
Nice tactic their Johnny, seems to get results even though it’s defensie, like it! :)
Gaurav Chaddah
19 октября, 2012 at 05:41
Oh also where did you get the logos?
Johnny Karp
19 октября, 2012 at 08:03
It’s a secret :) Just kidding, I used the metallic logos from FM 12 ;)
Johnny Karp
19 октября, 2012 at 08:03
It’s quite safe at the back, that’s the best part of it.
Simon Knight
19 октября, 2012 at 13:32
thanks for the tactic, seems to have worked for spurs.
However i tried it with villa, and after four games i have lost five, shipped 16 goals and scored none! i dont think its a slight on your tactic, more the massive task a villa save is!
Johnny Karp
19 октября, 2012 at 13:36
Yeah, a lots depends on the players you have at your disposal. Those results are disastrous though, something surely is terribly wrong in there, maybe this setup is a radical shift from the usual Villa tactic and the players can’t get used to it so quickly, I don’t know.
Simon Knight
19 октября, 2012 at 18:42
well i played another 6 games, lost them all and sacked!, then i started another game and used the default 442, lost 9 games in a row…and sacked! at a bit of a loss really now! especially as pre season is always decent!
Johnny Karp
19 октября, 2012 at 18:56
Whoops! Sorry about that mate. I guess they really have a terrible squad then. I’ll start working on a new tactic tomorrow, should be ready next week in case you want to give Aston Villa another shot :)
Darren Smith
19 октября, 2012 at 22:01
And I’ll be working on a tactic next week when the scouting network is looking fuller….lets hope we can find something to work on your save.
TheZiggy
19 октября, 2012 at 19:39
Now that’s painful. What you need to do is try to understand the main way the goals are being conceded. Hopefully most of them are a particular type, such as being caught by through balls, or crosses.
If it’s a complete variety, it really tough to work out how to make it better.
It may be that you have to go even more defensive, and employ a DMC.
I think we’ve all been there before though, where nothing seems to work, and it starts to get really frustrating.
Skinbag
23 октября, 2012 at 21:06
Am a villa fan also mate, I am on my 3rd start with villa, I think with whats gone on in the last season they are destined to do crap in the beginning of this game.
finally starting to get some results in. still losing big against the big teams, but been beating fulham / sunderland, won 90% of pre-season. but also its the players I bought. at villa u get 0… nada to start with. I sell bent pretty much instantly around 12-16 mill to chelsea. You can sign Anderson on loan from Man U instantly, also sign Poli (amazing midfielder) from sampdoria. that leaves you with Poli / anderson in midfield, with ireland AM and Benteke upfront. Holman isnt that bad in this game but N’zogbia is crap — sell him. thats as far as I got. need a decent left wing and a great defender to help with dunne / vlaar. try and find a nice 19 year old to raise up the ranks.
Without selling people like bent and n’zogbia and warnock etc. if you start the season with villa without signing anyone, you will be sacked mate. about to start my 4th start with villa. but will keep you informed.
Dan
21 октября, 2012 at 10:07
Going to give your tactic a go with York City….. will let you know how it pans out!
Johnny Karp
21 октября, 2012 at 10:35
Great, fingers crossed! :)
Dan
21 октября, 2012 at 19:41
Finished 8th, 1 point outside play offs! Good season I think for a team destined for 17th!
Johnny Karp
21 октября, 2012 at 19:56
Definitely not bad, with a few good signings you should go up next season.
Dan
22 октября, 2012 at 22:32
It worked, won the league! Great tactic!
Johnny Karp
23 октября, 2012 at 05:55
Super! Well done mate!
NUFCdan
21 октября, 2012 at 11:24
I used this for the back end of my season with Newcastle and it has helped me get a draw at old trafford, wins at the emirates. My defence was a lot more soild and it really helped!
Johnny Karp
21 октября, 2012 at 11:37
That’s great to hear mate, I’m very happy that it helped.
micul_
21 октября, 2012 at 21:01
Playmaker? Target man? Target man suply? Thanks in advance.
Johnny Karp
21 октября, 2012 at 21:10
No playmaker, no target man. I think I’ve already said that in the post.
NikoZolo
22 октября, 2012 at 01:44
Very solid tactic. I feared it was so simple it wouldn’t work but its doing well into month 3. 2 losses, 12 wins, 5 draws (this includes preseason in Spain as well). Shots on Target outnumber the opposition 3:1, possession normally 60:40 in my favor. Although I do seem to have better luck with a «More Direct» passing style when playing home. I play NUFC btw. As long as I’m winning I don’t see it as an issue but when Mike Ashley «requests» attractive football I hope he won’t mind the style, just the results.
Johnny Karp
22 октября, 2012 at 06:41
The Tottenham board also required me to play attractive football and they had no objections at the end of the season, so that shouldn’t be a problem as long as the results are good.
Thales De Mattos Oliveira
22 октября, 2012 at 02:38
I loved the tactic, I`m using it in the lower leagues, but… the set pieces are so anoying… I go through the game without conceding, even against the best teams, but then comes the corners and freekicks to haunt me….
Johnny Karp
22 октября, 2012 at 06:42
You might want to try preparing defending set pieces in match preparation training.
Tiago Fred
22 октября, 2012 at 04:10
Seems like David Moyes Everton’s tactic, a good solid system based on the work of the team. For now i’ll stick with my 4-3-3 based on the supported short pass with the full backs well wide open on the pitch and a trequartista trying to break the opposite defence supported by two inside forwards :). But i will definitely give it a try ;). Cheers.
Johnny Karp
22 октября, 2012 at 06:42
Yes, I was inspired by Moyes’ tactics, I admit that ;)
Steve
22 октября, 2012 at 05:10
Will try this when I get home. Would your ‘play like Arsenal’ tactic work in FM13?
Johnny Karp
22 октября, 2012 at 06:39
I haven’t tried it, so I don’t know.
Steve
22 октября, 2012 at 07:38
Are you working on a new tactic that’s like this? It was great in FM12 so hope it will just transfer over. If not hopefully I’ll try to replicate it and let you know?
Will you be adding training regimes over the coming weeks?
What are your thoughts on FM13 so far? Found that crossing seems to be the best way to score goals!
Johnny Karp
22 октября, 2012 at 07:52
I am working on a new tactic for Arsenal right now, but feel free to adapt the FM 12 tactic if you want to and let us know how it goes.
There are no training regimes in FM 13.
About the game, it’s still a beta version, so there are things to fix, especially in the match engine. But overall the game looks great.
Steve
22 октября, 2012 at 08:15
Excellent I look forward to giving your new tactic a go. I’ll try your FM12 one this week.
Do you have any advice for training or best to leave it as it is? Found it more confusing than FM12 but might just be me.
Johnny Karp
22 октября, 2012 at 08:45
There isn’t much you can modify in training, just assigning the coaches and setting the intensity/workload. I haven’t paid too much attention to it until now to be honest so I don’t have any recommendations yet.
Sean
23 октября, 2012 at 00:51
Used this with Berwick Rangers in Scottish Third Division — won my first friendly 5-0 against a non-League side; second friendly drew 3-3 against a Second Division side and third team were still tired and lost 1-0 against a non-League side.
Then the test, played Rangers in the Challenge Cup First Round and lost 3-0 but hey, it’s Rangers so I wasn’t really expecting to win.
Feels like a decent tactic so far — cheers!
Johnny Karp
23 октября, 2012 at 05:56
Sounds like a promising start, but you can’t judge a tactic after so few games. I hope you will have good results.
Rohan
23 октября, 2012 at 18:33
Looks a very good away tactic or a tactic used to keep hold of a lead……….
i have created a tactic and it is giving me great results till now…………..here are some of the results http://i.imgur.com/hVFMU.jpg
The Highlight being 7-3 vs Liverpool @ Home..
so can i upload it on the website for fellow FMS users???
Johnny Karp
23 октября, 2012 at 18:47
Sure! There are two ways to do this:
1. You could send me the tactic file and some screen shots and I’ll make a post about it. My address is johnny@footballmanagerstory.com
2. I could make you an account here and post it yourself, that is if you have some experience with posting using WordPress or if you want to learn how to do that.
Your choice :)
Rohan
23 октября, 2012 at 19:00
Well then I’d prefer to send you the Tactic file and some of the screenshots….
I will send them in a day or to after completing a Season with the BETA
Thanks
Johnny Karp
23 октября, 2012 at 19:10
Great, I’m looking forward to trying your tactic!
Steve
30 октября, 2012 at 16:47
Did that tactic get uploaded? Not having much luck whatever I try!
Johnny Karp
30 октября, 2012 at 16:52
I am currently testing a more attacking tactic with Spurs, going well so far but I need to complete a full season before posting it.
Ronan Patrick Donovan
25 октября, 2012 at 16:21
I tried these out about 7/8 games ago in my pentagon challenge with Milano United (South Africa First div.). I haven’t lost in the league since and we’re flying it in first place. So they have worked very well and I’m very happy with these tactics. Thanks very much Johnny!
Johnny Karp
25 октября, 2012 at 16:22
Great to hear it’s working well for you mate, that always makes me happy :)
Steve Simmonds
26 октября, 2012 at 07:39
I tried to use your old Arsenal tactic in the beta version but didn’t have much luck — look forward to hearing how you’re getting on with your new one.
Changed to this 4-4-1-1 tactic at Christmas and fortunes have improved :)
Johnny Karp
26 октября, 2012 at 07:41
Creating attacking tactics in the beta version seems to be quite tricky, I guess I’ll wait for the final version or maybe for the beta update this weekend before having another go at a more attacking tactic.
Steve Simmonds
27 октября, 2012 at 08:09
What shouts would you recommend using during the match to suit the formation?
Johnny Karp
27 октября, 2012 at 09:04
I haven’t used any shouts during the testing season but I’d recommend «retain possession» and «hassle opponents» when you want to hold on to a narrow lead during the last minutes of a game. As for the rest of the shouts, you just have to keep your eyes open during the game and see which ones you could use to boost your chances. For instance, if the opponent is weak on the flanks you might want to use «exploit the flanks» and so on.
eightnight
26 октября, 2012 at 14:22
wow. you got bale to score 20 goals?!?! do you often switch flanks (bale-lennon)?
i use the same tactics on my fm12 spurs, but go for attack and fluid (sort of like your 4-4-2 with vauxhall) won all 4 trophies (EPL, FA, Carling, Uefa) first season but want bale to do better ;)
also, how to you like the new game?
Johnny Karp
26 октября, 2012 at 14:28
I employed Bale only as a left midfielder, no switching. The new game is great overall, they just need to sort out some glitches in the match engine and it will be perfect.
LocoLohan
27 октября, 2012 at 12:09
Hello, ive tried your tactic with Tottenham, bit not same succes, played 14 draw. Can u make a screenshot of the players Average rating, goals etc ? Only one who scored more than 5 goals from me was Adebayor, so i think if i got tweekt into a more offensive play style it would be great.
Johnny Karp
27 октября, 2012 at 12:24
Premier League goals: Bale — 9, Adebayor — 8, Dempsey — 6, Defoe — 4. I tried to tweak it into a more attacking set up but always ended up conceding more goals than scoring.
Szak
28 октября, 2012 at 09:17
i’ve tried with Liverpool. 4 games — 4 losses
QPR away — 0-1
Newcastle H — 1-2
Partizan H 0-1
Stoke H 1-3
Almost no creating any gol chances.
Johnny Karp
28 октября, 2012 at 09:25
Not much worse than the real-life Liverpool :)
Szak
28 октября, 2012 at 09:48
After 4 more matches /2 lose and 2 draw/ i get sacked :(
Johnny Karp
28 октября, 2012 at 11:07
Good decision from the board I’d say :) Jokes aside, a tactic is just one of the pieces of the puzzle that can make a team have good results or not. Some people had good results with this tactic, a few didn’t and I guess that proves my point.
Liverpool
1 ноября, 2012 at 16:11
when are you coming with a tactic with Barcelona style ?? i like you tactic last year, it was really good.
Johnny Karp
1 ноября, 2012 at 16:13
I will surely make such a tactic for FM 13 at some point, so stick around ;) I hope it will be sooner rather than later but I can’t promise and exact date at the moment.
Liverpool
1 ноября, 2012 at 16:12
when are you coming with a tactic with Barcelona style ? i like you tactic last year, it was really good.
Jap
1 ноября, 2012 at 18:22
It would appear your tactic is working after 2 wins on the bounce with newcastle, (already played 11 league games) youve totally revolutionised the way i play the game! ;) Demba Ba though being sold off to Chelsea at the start of season for £7.5m, is a bummer! Best bit is £3.5m of it went to him! Greedy c**t!
Jap
1 ноября, 2012 at 18:56
Make that 4 on the bounce with man utd and anzi makalakalaka defeated! wigan and napoli previous ooosssshhhh
Johnny Karp
1 ноября, 2012 at 19:07
Not bad at all then, well done!
Jap
1 ноября, 2012 at 19:13
5 games 5 wins 10 scored 0 conceded
Johnny Karp
1 ноября, 2012 at 19:42
Brilliant! :)
Liverpool
1 ноября, 2012 at 20:09
I think you should make a sequel to the barcelona Tactics. I thought that it was incredibly difficult to make a tactic that works for me. I manage to create many opportunities to score, but did not get the ball in the net. and the opposing team, creating as many chances as targets me. and they manage to score anyway. they go right through the defense without any problems. I have about 65 — 75% possess the ball all game. When the other team has the ball, then I do not get it, although I’ve pushed harder. I’m frustrated.
Johnny Karp
1 ноября, 2012 at 20:33
Good possession doesn’t guarantee anything, football is about scoring goals after all. Anyway, I will start working on a possession tactic but testing a tactic does take a bit of time ;)
Liverpool
1 ноября, 2012 at 21:08
I know that possession is not everything. but I can not utilize my chances to score goals. Looking forward to see if you get a tactic where you have a lot of ball possession, and solid back, and score many goals. I can not wait!!
Liverpool
2 ноября, 2012 at 00:17
I’ve finally managed to create a tactic that’s after my needs! Possession, goals, and released almost a goal now.! I’m so happy now. If anyone knows HOW we upload tactics and will try it out. so cry out: D
Independiente
2 ноября, 2012 at 05:46
Go to the save folder under Sports Interactive>Football Manager 2013>Tactics and upload your file to www . zippyshare . com
Johnny Karp
2 ноября, 2012 at 06:21
Or you could send it to me via email and I will post it here. The address is johnny@footballmanagerstory.com
Liverpool
2 ноября, 2012 at 12:28
Now I have sent tactic to Johnny. If it’s good enough, he lays it out here. I have had great success with this tactic with Liverpool now. I have not lost a game in 15 games since I started using this. One of my best score was 4-0 against chelsea. I’m good for both offensive and defensive. Also goalkeeper is very good now. Reina has been damaged in 10 of those matches, so I had to use my backup goalkeeper Robert Green. He has really come forward now. I’m impressed!
Saksham
2 ноября, 2012 at 13:20
Tried this tactic on FM 2012 with QPR. Didn’t work. Any link where you have guys have compiled tactics for FM 2012. I couldn’t find any.
Johnny Karp
2 ноября, 2012 at 14:52
The FM 12 tactics are here: https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/download/fm-2012-tactics/
Jamie D
20 января, 2013 at 18:12
I think it would only benefit the team defensively to set philosophy to rigid as it fits in with the defensive approach of keeping team shape. Also, DIRECT PASSING would be alot more beneficial to a counter attacking stratergy as short passing is suited better to attacking technically superior teams who play high up the pitch and rely on breaking down the opposition brick by brick.
Johnny Karp
20 января, 2013 at 18:15
Sounds nice. Have you tried the tactic though?
Gary Berlinda Parsons
2 февраля, 2013 at 18:59
Just got swansea promoted from championship in 2015 went on a good run 12pts from five games but now i seem be losing streak, so i will give this tatic go hopefully stop the rot!!
Johnny Karp
3 февраля, 2013 at 07:44
Good luck!
Jimboola
9 февраля, 2013 at 16:32
How solid is Lennon at R-WM? I would be very wary of putting such a one-dimentional player in this position. Probably suit a converted R-WB better.
Johnny Karp
9 февраля, 2013 at 16:48
He is good but I used him as a backup mostly. He’s great on counter attacks.
Jimboola
9 февраля, 2013 at 21:57
Gotcha. I think someone like Nathaniel Clyne with a little retraining would be a wow at that position. I may even give it a go! :D
Johnny Karp
10 февраля, 2013 at 12:37
I guess Clyne could be an option.
LtBasch89
6 августа, 2013 at 15:33
Johnny i have made some great changes to this version of the tactic using the updated patches. With Arsenal i finished 4th in the BPL which isn’t a bad acheivement whilst using the 4-5-1, considering i don’t have Bales or Sandros’.
Originally with the 4-5-1 i did notice that my team played with considerably more balanced play, kept possesion well and defended better, but on the flip side my WM’s were very in-effective, my AMC wasn’t as creative and because of this very few chances fell to my AF. Overall, creatively we were poor yet i was still getting fair results.
So, like all good managers i decided to tweak a few sliders and PI’s around firstly to enable more of a creative and attacking presence, but also to increase team fluidity and defensive stances. My results of this tweakage have been amazing. With my tweaks the team plays with good possesion, is more creative yet still defensively dominant. I had wins against Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Barcelona with high scoring results, its solid away aswell. Its not perfect but its very effective, the only problem is … how do i share this?
Johnny Karp
6 августа, 2013 at 19:34
The best place to share it would be the tactics & training section of our forum: https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/forum/forum/14-tactics-training/
You can either attach the tactic file to the post you make in the forum or you can upload it somewhere (I use Dropbox or Mediafire for this) and post the link there.
connor Brownlee
9 апреля, 2014 at 11:43
very good,startedc with milwall and i change to counter when away or a bigger team and im way above par. only half way through the season tho.
cheers