Hey guys, I have been promising a post on my Newcastle tactics for a while now. Well today we’ll be looking at both my 4-4-2 and 4-5-1 formations. You can also download these tactics, but I am waiting before I write a detailed post on how I use them. After my next season I will have gathered all the information needed to tell you each Premier League clubs weakness’ and how I exploit them. Anyway, that is next time so lets take a look at my Newcastle formations and tactics.
4-5-1 formation — Newcastle
This is my favoured formation. The 4-5-1 works very well in England and is effective against many different tactics. A lot of people prefer using a DMC in this formation and I have tried it but found the flat 3 man midfield far more successful.
The team instructions tend to vary depending on the opponent, difficulty of match and home or away fixtures. I will explain how to use these against each Premier League side at a later date. My standard and most commonly used instructions are below. Using a standard strategy and balanced philosophy means we don’t commit too many forward, but attack when the moment arises. I use the target man supply as ‘run onto ball’ because my strikers are given a role of poacher. I like my forwards to have pace and good finishing. The playmaker role should go to the guy who creates magic in midfield.
The players roles and duties are very important to gain a balance within the formation. Plus I have signed players to suit this tactic. I would always recommend using an inside forward on one of the wings, I have found a lot more goals come from midfield this way and the striker gets more support.
- GK: role- goalkeeper, duty- defend
- DR: role- full back, duty- automatic
- DL: role- full back, duty- support
- DCR: role- central defender, duty-defend
- DCL: role- central defender, duty- defend
- MC: role- central midfielder, duty- defend
- MCR: role- central midfielder, duty- support
- MCL: role- advanced playmaker, duty- attack
- AMR: role- winger, duty- attack
- AML: role- inside forward, duty- attack
- STC: role- poacher, duty- attack
Download my 4-5-1 formation here. Save it into: my documents/sports interactive/football manager 2011/tactics. Then it should be available in your ‘archived tactics’ in game.
4-4-2 formation — Newcastle
This tactic is rarely used, only called upon if my assistant recommends a 4-4-2 or says the opponent plays well against a 4-5-1. I sometimes move the wingers into a more attacking midfield position but that sometimes leaves my full backs under too much pressure. The flat midfield seems to create a nice balance across the pitch, only down side been my wingers perform better as AMR/L rather than MR/L.
The team instructions are almost identical to my 4-5-1 and I change them depending on the opponent. Like I’ve already said, we will look into the team instructions for individual opponents at a later date, but the ones below are used most of the time.
Like my team instructions, the players roles are very similar to in my 4-5-1. I’ll list them for clarity though, just remember that you could use one forward as a target man and support duty. I prefer two poachers as Andy Carroll plays very little at the moment.
- GK: role- goalkeeper, duty- defend
- DR: role- full back, duty- defend
- DL: role- full back, duty- support
- DCR: role- central defender, duty- defend
- DCL: role- central defender, duty- defend
- MCR: role- central midfielder, duty- defend
- MCL: role-advanced playmaker, duty- attack
- MR: role- winger, duty- attack
- ML: role- winger, duty- attack
- STCR: role- poacher, duty- attack
- STCL: role- poacher, duty- attack
Download my 4-4-2 formation here. Save it into: my documents/sports interactive/football manager 2011/tactics. Then it should be available in your ‘archived tactics’ in game.
OK guys that is pretty much it for my Newcastle tactics. In a while I will have my Premier League team weakness’ ready and will share how I exploit them using these tactics. Until then please feel free to ask any questions and I look forward to your comments.
Birdy
14 декабря, 2010 at 22:41
Nice Tactic Darren with the 4-4-2
would work going in against a higher team that peoples teams may struggle against
Darren Smith
15 декабря, 2010 at 19:08
Thanks Birdy, I always use these two tactics and they always work if used against the right opponents.
Arjuna
15 декабря, 2010 at 02:36
Hey Darren,
4-5-1 is a good formation and you have tweaked it slightly for it to work better for you. Personally, I feel that 4-4-2 does not allow a real link between the midfielders and the strikers. Do you use any other tactics? I suggest that when you play the games in the Champions League, you should play a defensive 4-1-4-1, it works well against the strong teams.
Arjuna
Darren Smith
15 декабря, 2010 at 19:10
Hey Arjuna, I know what you mean with regards to the 442 but I only use it if the assistant recommends or I know the opponent struggles against it. The 4-1-4-1 works the same as my 4-5-1, thats how I have found it so far but may try the 4-1-4-1 more often. Thanks for the tip.
Sears
15 декабря, 2010 at 21:13
Thanks Darren. My favorite tactic is 4-1-2-1-2. I use it with Cheonan City but with Liverpool I have a 4-2-2-2 tactic with two wingers. Can’t believe it, my Choenan game won’t bloody load!!
Darren Smith
15 декабря, 2010 at 21:33
Isn’t it wierd how we all find so many different tactics to guide our sides to success. Your 4-2-2-2 should suit Liverpool well, hopefully you’ll gain lots of success.
Pingback: FM 2011 tactics guide - how to beat every club in the Premier League | Allthatisfootballmanager
Mark
31 декабря, 2010 at 17:05
What would you recmommend with spurs, currently in a game and I think ive got the players right (not that you need much tweaking with a squad like that!) but struggling with the formation, im gonna give the 4-5-1 a go.
Darren Smith
31 декабря, 2010 at 18:42
Hey Mark…I would recommend downloading my 451 and using that. I have also prepared a Premier League opponents guide which may come in handy for you…http://allthatisfootballmanager.com/2010/12/fm-2011-tactics-guide-how-i-beat-every-club-in-the-premier-league/ Always check your pre-match advice and switch between the 442 and 451 depending on what the assistant suggests. If in doubt use the 451 with a standard strategy and you should be OK. It may not provide amazing performances all the time…but its been my most successful tactic with various sides. Let me know how you get on mate.
Ross Gilchrist
6 января, 2011 at 23:03
That’s one thing i’ve been wary of, going to put the 4-4-2 in the match preparation stage. See how it goes :) Sorry for bombarding you with messages
Ross Gilchrist
12 января, 2011 at 23:48
Hi, just thought I would drop in an update, finished my season in 10th place, losing to bottom of the league Birmingham on the last day. Ashley was kind enough to give me 12 Million for transfers for the next season. Signed Enyeama (Free), David Bentley (£2 Mil), Reo-Coker (£1.6 Mill), Esposito (£850k), and Arron Ramsey & Younes Kaboul on season long loans. Unfortunately my assistant did not renew Steven Taylor’s contract so he decided to leave and refused to re-sign, he’s going to be quite a big miss as him and Kaboul were solid last season. I signed Kaboul last season as well and got a rating of above 7.00 every game. Also bought a centre midfielder who’s name escapes me, but he was £1.6 Mill and regarded as as player who ‘should be bought whatever the price’ by my scout. All my signings were either transfer or loan listed, some great bargains with players with high stats. Almost signed Gago from Real Madrid for £1.4 but his £125,000 wage demand was too high. Just looking for a back-up striker who can take over from Carroll if we progress into Europe, had a look at Kadlec, but can only get him for £12 Mil. Do you know any strikers who will bang in the goals at all levels for £5 million and work well with the 4-5-1?
Thanks Again :) Look forward to your feedback
Darren Smith
13 января, 2011 at 18:12
Well done Ross, that is a good start to your Newcastle career. You seem to have worked the market well and hopefully next season will bring some further success. A striker for £5 million eh. Well I would say Paloschi is a good one if he’s available for that price. Other than that maybe try Gaitan from Benfica. He’s generally used on the wing but does really well upfront. Goodluck mate.
Ross Gilchrist
14 января, 2011 at 01:23
So close to just giving up here, can’t get any results to go my way, maybe my team needs to blend but if we keep losing it’s never going to end. Not scoring enough goals, and conceding to terrible teams. Carroll is out for 3-4 months, so my options are Laurito or Ranger, any opinions? Unsure on 2 of my new midfielders, want to give them a chance but if there not going to get better there just hurting my team.
Darren Smith
14 января, 2011 at 18:40
I’m sorry to hear that Ross, sounds like you’re struggling. Its really hard to get out of bad form. I am not a fan of Ranger on FM, I don’t think he is nor ever will be good enough for the Premiership. Therefore Laurito would be my choice, if you can get through the season then really strengthen during the summer. You need a striker that can finish and has tonnes of pace. I hope you find a way out of the bad run mate.
RossGilchrist
16 января, 2011 at 22:42
After a string of bad results, about 6 games in, lying 16th I got sacked. I think I made a mistake replacing my entire midfield, but given time I think they would of settled well cause they were a top group of players. I’ve given up on taking Newcastle to glory for the moment, i’ll start a new game at a later date and have another crack at it but for now Barcelona is my team, just fancied an easy season but where I can tweak tactics to get the best out of top players. I’ll get bored and return to a real challenge hopefully within the near future. I won’t post any Barca progress, don’t think it’s an interesting challenge to read about. So signing off for now :)
Darren Smith
17 января, 2011 at 18:49
I’m sorry to hear that Ross, I’m really not sure where it all went wrong. At least you can now relax and watch Messi, Xavi, Villa and co do all the work.
Ross Gilchrist
4 января, 2011 at 00:24
Hi, I was using a simple 4-4-2 with the 2 wide men pushed up to wingers as recommended on fm base by a user who had a great amount of success. This worked great for me in pre season and the early games of the premiership, most noticeably my 4-0 away win against Man Utd, then after 3/4 games it went downhill with no change of tactics, now I either draw or lose, no idea what happened. This is my 2nd season and i’m 12 games in, going to try and try and turn things around with your 4-5-1. Who would you recommend as my lone striker, with no funds I have the options of; Andy Carroll, Hugo Almeida, Hanni (On loan from Nantes) & Niall Ranger. All have been prolific at stages but now find themselves struggling to find a goal between them.
Thanks,
Ross
Darren Smith
4 января, 2011 at 10:15
Hey Ross, I too have tried a 4-4-2 with wingers pushed up but found it inconsistent. My 4-4-2 and 4-5-1 tactics are made to suit every opponent between them. For full effect you need to use them in the right scenarios. Maybe check out my post on how to use them in the Premiership http://allthatisfootballmanager.com/2010/12/fm-2011-tactics-guide-how-i-beat-every-club-in-the-premier-league/ The only other thing is that they work best with a poacher and those Strikers aren’t great for that role. I would recommend using Andy Carroll upfront on his own as a complete forward with attack duty. You could mix him with Hugo Almeida.
What I have found is that if you get unlucky and lose one or two games, the teams morale falls and they are rubbish with an adventrous formation. That is why I created these two tactics because their cautious. They still work very well when your winning and full of morale but also help grind out results when things aren’t going so well or your against a tough opponent. I hope this helps but if you need anything else just let me know :)
Ross Gilchrist
4 января, 2011 at 17:49
Thanks for the speedy reply :)
I changed to the 4-5-1 with andy carroll as the lone striker and lost the next match, I kept the same formation for the following game as I thought the team would need more time to settle into it and I lost that game also, which resulted in me getting sacked. I started off the season in the top 3 and kept dropping until I was 16th when I got sacked. I’m now manager of Wolves who are 8th in the premier league and I beat newcastle in my 1st game in charge, using the 4-4-2 with pushed up wingers, but i think I will use your 4-4-2 if I don’t have any more success with my current tactics. I prefer too play with 2 strikers so I think this will suit Wolves better seeing as I’ve just bought Kris Boyd from middlesborough. I wish I had an earlier save game of Newcastle so I could of used your tactics for a longer period which might of resulted in me not being sacked.
Darren Smith
4 января, 2011 at 18:48
Thats OK Ross, I’m just sorry you struggled. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what you do if you’re on a really bad run. Such ruts are impossible to get out of. Also everyones style of management and players are different. This naturally changes the tactics. I hope you do well at Wolves mate.
Ross Gilchrist
4 января, 2011 at 20:23
Decided to just start again fresh with Newcastle, using your 4-5-1 with Andy Carroll as the lone striker, looking to get a new striker to play as the poacher (marquinhos) but Carroll is banging in goals for fun in the complete forward role, don’t know whether to just stick with it or change. Ben Arfa is playing CM and playing well, but I don’t want routledge on the right wing and since kind Mr Ashley has offered me 0 transfer funds i’m a bit stuck :P
Darren Smith
4 января, 2011 at 20:36
Glad to hear the second run is going better Ross. I always say why fix something that aint broke. The only thing to watch out for is some sides will perform better when a poacher is around. If this is the case then bring someone on like Lovenkrands with a bit of pace. When I played Ben Arfa on the left wing I set his role as inside forward and he won player of the year at Newcastle. Maybe thats something to consider, Tiote, Barton and Nolan were great for me in the middle.
ps Just so you know, a new owner took charge in the second season of my game (2nd or 3rd I cant remember) He’s called Myers and is very good. Gives me extra money for wages on request and the transfer budgets are always great even if they’ll put the club into debt. Just so you know theres light at the end of the tunnell :) :)
Ross Gilchrist
4 января, 2011 at 20:57
The only thing is that jonas is playing greta on the left and I wonder if he’ll be able to do the same on the right if I put ben arfa on the left. I look forward to that takeover then, hate him just as much in the game as in real life haha
Darren Smith
5 января, 2011 at 11:44
Thats always the problem when shuffling players around. I used him on the right wing and he managed about 10 goals and 11 assists. His natural position is on the left but I never saw him perform differently on either wing to honest. Hopefully you’ll find a good solution and can push on.
Ross Gilchrist
6 января, 2011 at 02:21
I think i’ve found consistency with your 4-5-1, lying 9th in the table, playing good football, grinding some good results out. Going good so far………………so far. :)
Darren Smith
6 января, 2011 at 11:36
Great news mate…glad to hear you’ve cracked it. The only other thing I can recommend is to not be scared of changing to 4-4-2 for one game if the assistant recommends it. Thats what has helped me win so much. Keep it up mate.
Your Mom
5 января, 2011 at 18:21
Dear Darren,
Could you please post some results of your 4-4-2 formation, so we could see how it works in real life. I am also a fan of 4-4-2, and I would very much be thankful if you showed us how you manage with it. I am playing a game with Tottenham, and I am looking for UK or Irish players/wonderkids that I could add into the squad, could you maybe also create a list of players like that, cost does not matter. I recommend Tom Cairney , he always comes in handy.
Darren Smith
5 января, 2011 at 21:46
Hey mate, I have put up some results from my 4-4-2 formation, they are not the toughest of games because my 4-5-1 is mainly used but you can see them here http://allthatisfootballmanager.com/forum1/?mingleforumaction=viewtopic&t=44.0#postid-317 Its in the sites forum and I will work on some English and Irish players for you tomorrow. Sorry for the delay, its just been hectic today :) I’ll post a reply to your comment again when I have posted the players in my sites forum.
Tom Cairney is definitely a good player, quite cheap as well. Thanks for the comment.
hugh smith
9 января, 2011 at 20:59
i want to ask what is the required qualities for each position?
it’s because i am using everton, and man u
just want to try ur formation.
thanks.
Darren Smith
9 января, 2011 at 22:05
Hi Hugh, I’d be happy to help.
Basically I would recommend defenders with a little pace, the more the better though. The strikers must be fast, good at dribbling and finishing. The wingers should have great dribbling skills as well as a fair amount of pace…the one of the left wing would be best with good finishing and flair. The central midfielders should just suit their roles so check their recommended attributes by clicking their name in your formation…the highlighted attributes are what is needed. Hope this makes sense but if not let me know. Im here to help mate! :)
Frode
3 февраля, 2011 at 19:22
Hi! I use your tacticwith Magpies, but Beardsly (ass. manager) always says during match that i need more attackers. I also score very little goals.
Do you have any tips for this?
Darren Smith
3 февраля, 2011 at 19:55
That information is a little unhelpful from the assistant and I would ignore it. You will find a lack of goals in the early stages with this tactic until you sign better players that are suited to it. I too had a major lack of goals during the first season. However, I signed Paloschi upfront, Gaitan on the left wing and Afellay as the advanced playmaker and my situation turned around. These players helped my side win the title. Basically its probably a problem with the players I have found. If not you may need to rethink your strategies ie counter or standard and team talks as they can effect performance. Thanks for commenting and I hope this helps a little. :)
Frode
6 февраля, 2011 at 16:52
Thx for tips!
Think my main goal will be too survive in the premiership, and then strenght’n the squad for my second season.
What did u do with your staff?
Darren Smith
6 февраля, 2011 at 19:44
No problem Frode, you have a sound plan. The second season is always much easier and a strong striker with plenty of pace will definitely help.
I kept most of the staff and brought in 4 or 5 additions. I also made the coaches only cover one area in training (their best one.)
Danny
23 февраля, 2011 at 20:56
Hi Darren,
I’ve read your other article (how to beat every team) and I have saved it to favorites so I can whip it out before each league match!
I’ve gone with my favorite team, Liverpool and my system is similar to that of your own. I play 4-5-1 with Lucas holding behind Meireles and Gerrard, Suarez and Cole/Kuyt in wide attacking midfield roles, and Carroll as the lone striker. I think one of the problems I have is that I dont tend to use shout outs and dont change my training and tactics enough. 3 games in I’ve lost to Villa and Everton (after scoring first) but did come from 2-0 down against United to win. I altered the formation during that game but still need some help to win these should win games!!!
Darren Smith
24 февраля, 2011 at 12:02
Hey Danny,
Glad you have saved the other article, hopefully it should help. My 4-5-1 is a fairly risky formation in that the players performance decides the match, so you need to get them geared up. ie prematch team talks. I usually say ‘do it for the fans’ if we’re the favourites and ‘you can win this’ if we’re the underdogs. I also tell them I’m disappointed at half time of the game is not going to plan.
The key shout outs for me are as follows. If your under pressure and feel the lads aren’t performing or attacking well, shout, ‘get the ball forward’ and ‘get stuck in’. Equally if you’re in a winning position but fear your opponent may equalize, change to counter strategy and shout ‘pass into space’ and ‘hassle opponents’. This sometimes helps you counter them and get the important second goal. :) Let me know if I can help though mate.
Timmy
28 февраля, 2011 at 15:33
Hi Darren
just want to say,this tactic is world class!
I very recommended this tactic for everbody want to use this tactic
with this tactic,im become number 4 in second season(without any big transfer,just lucas)
now im currently number 1 im premier league,with dzeko score 10 goals in 10 apperance
Thanks Darren for this great tactic,and btw you should post your another tactic(Atm tactic,Argentine tactic)
cheers :)
Darren Smith
28 февраля, 2011 at 19:20
Thanks Timmy, I’m glad your enjoying some success from my tactic. It has certainly served me well so far. :) I may offer my At Madrid and Argentina tactics for download but they are almost identical to the Newcastle one anyway…I’ll check how different they are first then decide whether people will benefit from them. Thanks again Timmy.
Timmy
3 марта, 2011 at 17:39
Hi again,I just want to asking,which player is very compatible for your tactic?Because you are the tactic maker,so i ask you.
GK:Sketelenburg,Enyeama,Pyatov,Romero(come next season)
DEF:S.Taylor,R.Taylor,Spence,Fazio,Coloccini,Enrique,Gosling
MID:Adam,Barton,Fellaini,Defour(come next season),Sandro,Lucas,Angel Albin,Kadlec
STRC:Dzeko,Kadlec,Albin,Leigh
and there is possibly sign Ozil or Van Der Vaart,so who is best?
and never lose in 15 games,this tactic is great!
(nb:you are great!,finish 5 in first season with this tactic)
Darren Smith
3 марта, 2011 at 19:13
Hey Timmy, I’ll write the players in order of position that best suit my tactic from your list…I’ll also write which role is best for them.
GK — Enyeama
LB — Enrique, RB — sign someone new like Micah Richards, CB — S.Taylor, CB — Coloccini/Fazio
Central midfielders — Sandro (CM defend), Fellaini/Defour (CM Support), Charlie Adam (advanced playmaker attack)
Wingers — Albin (left inside forward), sign someone with plenty of pace for the right wing.
striker — Dzeko (complete forward attack) or Kadlec (Poacher)
I would sign Ozil 100% Glad you’re enjoying lots of success mate. :)
Timmy
4 марта, 2011 at 09:36
Hey,thankyou for the reply,but get Ozil is almost impossible,and how about Stekelenburg?
He don’t concede for me 645 minutes,and Romero is have great stats
and Spence stats is good for 22 years old player,how good his stats in your games(he touted as next Carragher in my game)
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2011 at 11:58
Spence is a good player, but because I’ve never managed him before on FM I’m not sure how he suits my tactics. Stekelenburg is good too, but I’ve had him and Enyeama before, Enyeama is better for me. Romero is also great but Enyeama got European Goalkeeper of the year for me in the 4-5-1 tactic.
Timmy
9 марта, 2011 at 17:17
Hey darren,actualy this is my real squad so i need some help to re-arrange the tactic again,can you help me?
GK:Stekelenburg,Enyeama,Romero
DEF:S.Taylor,Fazio,Spence,Phil Jones,Azpilicueta,Enrique,Micah,Ashley Cole
MID:Matic,Aissati,Vela,Fellaini,Defour,Adam,Arnautovic,Lucas
STRC:Dzeko,Paloschi,Kadlec,Arnautovic
btw can you give me list of fm 2011 patch list(ex 1.10,1.11,and another)
Darren Smith
9 марта, 2011 at 19:54
OK Timmy, here is what my starting XI would be.
GK — Romero
RB — Azpilicueta, LB — Enrique, CB — Phil Jones, CB — S.Taylor
CM (defend) — Lucas/Fellaini, CM (support) — Defour, CM (advanced playmaker) — Charlie Adam
I’m honestly not sure what the best players are to use in the wings.
ST — Dzeko/Paloschi/Kadlec all rotated until you find the best player but Dzeko as a complete forward looks good. :)
The patches that I have are 11.1.0, 11.2.0 and then 11.3.0
Hope this helps Timmy
Timmy
10 марта, 2011 at 14:59
Hey,thanks(again)for the reply,arnautovic was great but his mental atributes was very :(
and interesting you choose Romero this time.
Btw there is not so much story update on your website,whats happen?
and why you don’t do your newcastle story anymore?
Darren Smith
10 марта, 2011 at 18:52
No problem Timmy. After using Romero more with my Argentina national squad, I saw just how could he can be. Very similar to Enyeama, but I think Romero is fractionally better.
The reason for my recent lack of story updates is purely down to my schedule. I am busy sorting something for the site that I can’t talk about right now and my personal life is much busier too. Things will return to normal, but for now I am writing as much as time allows me to. As for the Newcastle story, I find it distracting playing and writing two games at once and therefore it is on hold while I finish the UEC. It will be returned to eventually. :)
Jp
14 марта, 2011 at 04:19
First season with sheff utd on no budget and no wages i used 4312 formation which proved to inconsistent to reach play off places second season started and couldnt afford a single player so all signings were freebies but with cudicini, leon best, lovenkrands and pires also boensich i was expecting a promotion push other than anihaliting hull 5-2 i found my team underperforming and languishing in the relegation zone familar to real life ?! Gave your tactic ago and boom play off places, unbelievable!!! So cheers! If only it could work in real life!
Darren Smith
14 марта, 2011 at 11:59
Cheers Jp, its great to know my tactic has helped. Sounds like you may be in for promotion soon, hope you get it :)
Alex
14 марта, 2011 at 19:37
jmy newcastle side performed well at the start of the season wit the 4-5-1 but have currently gone on a bad run and fibd ourselfs 16th! any idea 2 get newcastle back on track? :)
Darren Smith
14 марта, 2011 at 20:52
Hey Alex, I will try to help but its tough when not knowing the full details of your game. All I can do is tell you how I improved my team, first off you have read the tactics guide and therefore know how I approach each team in the first few seasons. However, players are the main thing to sort. I noticed a lack of goals in my team. You should look for a great central midfielder that has attacking attributes like Afellay. Also you may need a great left or right winger. I signed Gaitan from Porto who is excellent. Then there is Paloschi upfront he’s been immense for me. But the main thing to look for is pace, dribbling, finishing and composure. I hope this helps a little. But if I can do anything let me know.
Alex
16 марта, 2011 at 18:15
thanks for answering! :D :)
Alex
14 марта, 2011 at 20:48
my newcastle side have recntly headed 4 the worst and ly in 17th! any help from any1 plz
sorry i put the wrong email in
:)
Bango.Skank
26 марта, 2011 at 12:35
I normally play as Newcastle and while it isn’t ideal for when you first take over the time (not that it’s bad either, got me a respectable finish in my first season) once you hit your first summer and you are able to sign players it becomes a very formidable tactic, especially into the third season. I also used the team instructions to create a 4-3-2-1 when my assistant manager mentioned AC Milan were troubled by it. Adapting it into the 4-4-1-1 tactic is a little more hit and miss but better than going out with a tatic you have been told teams will perform well against. Big thumbs up from me.
Darren Smith
26 марта, 2011 at 12:54
Thanks mate, this tactic has done wonders for my Newcastle game you’re right it can be adapted into other formations with ease. I also agree with you on the 4-4-1-1, I have struggled to make that work with my current tactics and to be honest stay away from it. Thanks for the comment and I’m glad this helped. :)
Mario
13 апреля, 2011 at 17:03
Hi!
first of all,Darren you’re great!!both as tactical genius and a person (you always answer on posts :D).As i hate using somebody’s entirely tactics (it feels like cheating to me) I hope that you can answer on my few questions regarding your tactics (and they’ll be mine then ;)).
my favourite formation is also 4-5-1 but I can’t use it because I like playing with 2 strikers more ;( I’m managing Newcastle since FM08 despite I don’t know a thing about club’s history (only reason is that O.Martins played for them and I’m big fan of him).Ok,I bought lukaku and kadlec in first transfer window (11.3.0 update) and I’ll probably get babacar and neymar next season,so playing with one striker is,sadly,out of option for me.As you can see,I’m big fan of wonderkids…
so question’s for yours 4-4-2 tactics are :
1.philosophy and strategy — how do you succeed in scoring goals only with balanced and standard strategy?I’m using control/attacking (with get stuck in/get ball forward) and still can’t get decent number of shots at goal
2.why are you using man marking?I’ve read on many forums that zonal is far better,because def can be fooled by swapping strikers or just by more powerful strikers ability to lose his marker
3.can I set both full backs as support?
4.won’t more powerful teams exploit press more tactic?
5.shouldn’t direct passing require quick tempo and wide play?
6.is my lack of passing caused by direct passing?MLC Hazard,playmaker,got 4 passes on half-time and others aren’t better,despite having high passing rating.Other teams regularly have more passes than me and I wanna play possession football with lots of passes if possible
7.can you tell me what will be ideal roles for Lukaku and Kadlec?I tried with poacher but they’re not satisfying (Kadlec got 10 games without scoring)
and I’ll also like to recommend Pedro Morales,25 (1mil) better than ben arfa imo…
thanks for your time :D
Darren Smith
13 апреля, 2011 at 19:03
Hi Mario, let me start by thanking you for the kind words. I used to follow blogs like my own many years ago and always got ignored by the authors. Therefore I vowed to never willingly miss a comment and to always offer my best possible reply. :)
I will try and answer your questions mate, but remember my 4-4-2 is only used in 5% of matches. I always try to use my 4-5-1. Unfortunately my 4-4-2 is probably not set up correctly to make the most of it, I tend to notice it fail unless used against the correct opponent.
1) Honest answer is I don’t know. But I used to use fluid philosophy and attacking strategy during the demo game. I hated it because we dominated possession and never seemed to score. Therefore I decided to do anything I needed to in order to win the match. Using balanced and standard just seems to work for me. But remember there are a million other aspects to the tactic so I use a combination of tweaks to make them work. This includes adjusting little things to counter my opponents strengths and take advantage of their weakness’. I don’t make my tactic to suit my team, but to adjust in order to beat the opponent. I often find that I win more games with less possession than when we dominate possession.
2) Marking is a personal choice thing. I have tried both zonal and man marking…zonal was just too sloppy for me so I disagree with those forums, but it could vary on the tactics you’re using or even your squad members.
3) You could set both full backs as support, but I wouldn’t recommend it within a 4-4-2. With only having two CM’s you could find only 2 CB’s at the back when broken against. Maybe try setting your wingers as wide midfielders if you want two wing backs, then set them to swap positions…however you’d need some versatile wingers for this.
4) To be honest more powerful teams could exploit a press more tactic, but this makes me far more dangerous in terms of a quick counter. Plus if you stand off a team with better technique and maybe even better long range shooting will take advantage of you giving them space. I just hate offering players time on the ball.
5) Tbh I don’t think wide play and quick tempo make a difference to a direct passing game. All the direct passing does is make your players search further up the pitch for a pass. I know some of these tweaks don’t make sense, but its what I have found to work from testing and losing many games in the past. Although a quick tempo may get the long ball across quicker and width may see the wingers take advantage of a long ball too, I think the cons of these two outway the pro’s. Remember I always change my width and tempo to suit the opponent, although it is generally left to slightly narrow and slightly slow tempo.
6) Now here I can offer you a straight answer. Yes your lack of passing is due to a direct passing game. If you want to play possession football, ignore my tactics mate. These are what I use as a foundation to tweak in order to win, not play fancy football. You want to be using a fluid philosophy, short passing etc.
7) I can confirm 100% Kadlec is best as a poacher, all his attributes point to that role. I would suggest its the tactic he struggles in not the role. Lukaku could be used as a poacher or even complete forward in my opinion. If you’re using a 4-4-2 constantly I’d maybe suggest using Lukaku as some sort of supporting role and Kadlec as a poacher. Although the supporting strikers tend to under perform, this could work better on the whole.
Thanks for the recommendation mate, I’ll look out for him. Myself and Johnny are currently working on a huge project…it will help you immensely so stay tuned mate.
Mario
13 апреля, 2011 at 19:52
thanks :)
and can you tell me what will happen with Vuckic in a few years??Should I keep him or sell him??
Darren Smith
13 апреля, 2011 at 20:18
Your welcome Mario, I’m just sorry I couldn’t offer some better answers. :(
As for Vuckic, his technical attributes don’t improve (bar passing and technique) however he does get better mental attributes and improves on his physical ones too. I’d personally sell him as you’ll probably struggle to play the lad.
Mario
17 апреля, 2011 at 00:13
Hi,it’s me again :D
I’ve finally finished my 1st season with Newcastle (your 4-4-2 tactic with few of my tweaks ;)) as 6th in PRM,just in front of Liverpool (and their manager will probably get fired and they’d want me,but I’m not leaving Newcastle :D) AND won FA cup (with help from Enyeama,Hazard,Defour,Morales,Carcela,Suazo and Kadlec).
The reason why I’m contacting you again is next — Man.Utd snatched Enyeama from me (he insisted on 7.5 mil release clause when he arrived :@) and now I’m without GK.So,can you recommend some good GKs that are willing to come in Newcastle?I still can’t persuade good ones to join my side (De Gea,Neuer,Lloris)…also,I need talented full backs to replace Enrique and Taylor
PS: you was right,I get more goals with standard than attacking strategy
Darren Smith
17 апреля, 2011 at 09:30
Hey Mario,
Great achievement during the first season. You also seem to have established a talented squad. That extra Carroll cash is a real help isn’t it. :) As for a GK, have you tried Ochoa, or David Ospina?? Not the best goalkeepers in the world but very good still. Now looking at full backs, maybe try checking the transfer list first as Kieran Gibbs sometimes pops up for a low price alongside Micah Richards. Also try Azpilicueta, Serge Aurier and Ignacio Monreal. Ow I also noticed a decent LB in France called Tremoulinas…not to mention Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand gets good. Hope these players help as much as the standard strategy advice (weird how that works isn’t it!)
Joe lance
23 апреля, 2011 at 01:28
Hey Darren,
I tend to concede a lot of goals from corners, and it’s really fustrating sometimes. Any advice? And how well does this tactic work for poor players, i mean BSP players. They don’t have any really good attributes, how does it work.
Sears
23 апреля, 2011 at 01:50
Regarding the corner problem, manually set you’re players to cover specific jobs ie you’re left back mark far post, you’re tall player mark their tall player etc. Also have someone on the edge of you’re box! And have a quick forward up front on his own in case of a quick break away or if have a big strong target man to hold onto the ball for a few seconds to let you’re defense reorganize. Hope this helps.
Darren Smith
23 апреля, 2011 at 10:05
Sears is pretty much spot on Joe…everything he said should help avoid conceding from corners. As for this tactic in the lower leagues, well it will work but needs adapting to your team. Kevin who writes here used my 4-4-2 tactic with Wrexham and adapted it for his team. You can see his version here. https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/2011/01/download-kevins-football-manager-2011-wrexham-tactic-a-simple-4-4-2/ Kevin enjoyed some real success so I’d suggest checking his post.
Joe lance
23 апреля, 2011 at 17:33
Thanks Sears, will try to do that.
Darren, thanks i’ll check Kelvin’s tactics. Actually i was talking about the 451 tactic, do you think i can do any good with that?
Darren Smith
23 апреля, 2011 at 17:44
Tbh Joe, I haven’t tried my tactic in the lower league, but there is no reason why it can’t. I’d suggest using it but try different things out as and when you come across glitches. Like I said, I reckon it will suit the lower leagues too so hope it helps.
Mario
19 мая, 2011 at 21:28
Hey Darren,
I was wondering how can I use the most of first touch??Should I set to quick tempo or something like that because I have a lot of players with really high first touch?
Darren Smith
19 мая, 2011 at 21:58
Interesting question Mario, and the answer is I’m not 100% sure. Tbh you could see it either way. A good first touch could be best used in a more direct passing game because the player will get the best of his marker from long balls…whereas a short passing game could lead to quicker passing because a player can get the ball ready to pass quickly. I find a good first touch is perfect in my 4-5-1 with direct passing and players like Paloschi and Afellay have done great, maybe that’s the answer, I’m not sure.
Tom Miller
2 июня, 2011 at 16:06
On my fm it says the 4-5-1 that you do is a 4-3-3 why?
Mariano
11 июня, 2011 at 22:22
Hi Darren,
You know a lot about tactics!
Could you explain in more detail hy you choose to tacke hardd, show weaker foot etc to certain players?
Do you check the attributes of every opposite player before every match?
Cheers
Darren Smith
12 июня, 2011 at 09:30
Hey again Mariano, I watch far too much football and also find patterns very easily so its more about spotting the details and paying close attention to detail I guess. As for the opposition instructions I go off a few simple steps. 1) put the striker(s) onto weaker foot only if dangerous and in form. 2) If they have a danger man on the wings who takes on his man ‘tack hard’. 3) If I feel the opponent has playmaker and tempo setter in midfield I’ll close him down to stop play from the source. 4) Finally, if the opposition have a dodgy defender I’ll tackle him hard to make him nervous.
These are the main pointers, but don’t use ANY opposition instruction if you expect to win and are at home. Because then the players will think less about attacking.
jamiekey
14 июня, 2011 at 10:24
Hi, about to use this tactic on my Newcastle team, just started a new game. Could you let me know which players you bought and sold? Because the transfer budget is pretty dire!
Looking forward to using the tactic. Thanks! Jamiekey
Darren Smith
14 июня, 2011 at 11:53
Hey mate, I bought Enyeama who is a must buy keeper and Araujo from Boca who plays upfront. Why don’t you download the latest patch and that way you’ll have the Andy Carroll cash.
jamiekey
14 июня, 2011 at 16:13
Good thinking, cheers man!
Darren Smith
14 июня, 2011 at 18:21
No problem mate, hope you get loads of cash now.
Dennis
16 июня, 2011 at 12:51
hi darren
my question is can I use these two with QPR
Darren Smith
16 июня, 2011 at 19:20
You could certainly try them Dennis, but all I’d say is adjust them to best suit your players. The main thing to note is my 4-5-1 requires a talented and quick striker as the poacher.
john
27 июля, 2011 at 21:11
Hi Darren ,
Was wondering do you use the same tactics when you are playing away from home , or do you change things in your team settings?
Darren Smith
27 июля, 2011 at 21:23
Not really to be honest, follow this link to get a better idea of how I use these tactics https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/2010/12/fm-2011-tactics-guide-how-i-beat-every-club-in-the-premier-league/
Or I have created a new tactic that is unstoppable with the right team and players, the link is here https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/2011/07/football-manager-2011-understanding-tactics-and-%E2%80%98the-manchelona%E2%80%99/
john
29 июля, 2011 at 00:54
thanks both great posts , helped me to beat arsenal 2-0 !
Darren Smith
29 июля, 2011 at 11:43
No problem mate, happy to help.
Chris
27 августа, 2011 at 16:15
hey maye nice post, ive saved your tactics into the correct file but having trouble finding them in game, was just wondering on were i should be looking for them? (ive never saved other peoples tactics before)
Thx chris
Darren Smith
27 августа, 2011 at 17:08
Thanks mate, you just need to go to your tactics page in game and then near the top right on ‘tactic’ and then hover your mouse over the ‘archived tactics’ now scroll down until you find the tactic.
Rawli
27 августа, 2011 at 19:20
ahhh nouts ever simple for me lol, ive went on there and the tactics arnt there, any idea’s why this could be?
Darren Smith
27 августа, 2011 at 21:52
You can’t be downloading the file properly. You need to save the file into the tactics file and follow the route shown which should be sports interactive/football manager 2011/tactics. If you have saved the tactic into that file then the tactics will show within your archive.
jimmy
9 сентября, 2011 at 16:30
Hi!
Im using your tactic and it works well :) But i got problem to find a good right winger you have any suggestion? cant find your «Dudu». Price isnt a problem but would be glad if he wasnt to expensive.
cheers
Darren Smith
9 сентября, 2011 at 18:43
Good to know the tactics are working mate. As for a right winger I’d suggest Jordan Henderson, Jack Wilshere or Dentinho (from Corinthians.) I also highly regard Giuliano, but you’d need to make the RW position inside forward role and make the left wing a winger role for that to work.
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Zovac
28 апреля, 2012 at 12:10
can this tactic be used in FM 2012?? beacuse I tried to save it and i cant find it in archived tactics
Darren Smith
28 апреля, 2012 at 12:14
I don’t know as it was made for FM11, if its not showing in the archived tactics after you have copied it to documents/sports interactive/football manager 2012/tactics then chances are it won’t work no.
Jeremy Bowditch
15 июля, 2013 at 21:55
What pitch size do you use from Jeremy??
Darren Smith
16 июля, 2013 at 12:14
I never pay attention to the pitch size, its not important for this tactic.