SunDevil

Just wanted to add that this tactic is really working for me, but more importantly I am enjoying the game a lot.

rashidi1

I ran out of queue numbers for you.

rashidi1

Our next away match was against Wigan, who had been on a four game winning streak vs our six game winning streak. This was going to be a tough game. The odds favoured us slightly, after studying my scout report who suggested that the main threat would come from the centre. We proceeded to watch a scouted game.

In that match Wigan played a 41212 with 2 Sarrowed strikers, this meant that the strikers would pull wide allowing their central midfield to make runs into the box. They didn't have much of an aerial thread and liked to play the ball on the ground.

By default my formation has been set for high tempo, wide and a pushed up D-line. We proceeded to drop the d-line, reduce the tempo and this time I also reduced the width to normal. I gave the press a "no comment" and the boys already had superb morale going into the match. After a 6 game winning run, i heaped more pressure on them and told them to get the win.

After a goaless first run where we dominated possession I lost my temper in the dressing room and told the boys they had to win. Five of the players emerged with "fired up", my captain became "stressed", guess he's going to lose his armband. The boys went on to win the game 1-0, dominating possession and goals on target as well.

I lovvvve this formation....and this is not a tactic, just a way of playing.

My closing down instructions for the MCd = Fullback

vasilli07

Hi rashidi, I would like to know if you change your passing style as you change your tempo?

Short passing for slow tempo and direct passing for quick tempo?

rashidi1

No I do not change my passing style or my closing down as well.

chewgo

I've adapted this into a 442, because that's the best fit for my squad, and it's working really well. The home and away changes are absolutely top notch. I'm actually playing decent looking football as well.

:thup:

rashidi1

The approach can be adapted to all tactics. I would assume.

Its the 3 man backline formations where things may be different. I haven't put my head around it with the amount of "real life" work I have on my plate .

rashidi1

I used to employ the assman to make teamtalks. That has now changed.


Assumptions
1. Before every game I use the scout to get the reports. The reports will give me a general idea on the style of play of a side.

2. I keep one tactic as default. The defaults in this tactic will include:

1. Mentality
2. Closing Down

3. The sliders I change prior to any game after studying the match reports are:
Width
Tempo
Defensive Line

Taunton

This is absolutely wonderful. A true eye-opener. It is a great approach to the game, and with this I feel I get the hang of things and a deeper understanding of what I am doing right/wrong.

Thanks a bunch rashidi.

KUTGW :thup:

rashidi1

Cheers Taunton.

Glad to help.

Just an update to how things.. My Merthyr Tydfil side had managed to get into the final of the UEFA Cup meant we had a fixture congestion. It meant clearing a lot of games in a short time at a crucial point in the season. We managed to go on a great run with my youthful team, but had 5 games in hand and 4 of these were with Chelsea.(H&A), Utd and Liverpool. We were lying in 5th spot, but could mathematically take the title if United lost 1 game. But we would guarantee 2nd if we managed at least prevent Chelsea from winning.

My first chelsea game was at home...the side had destroyed us 6-0 in the cup earlier so this time we did not push up too much. We kept our D-line deep-normal, our tempo was set to normal and we kept a normal width
We scored in the opening minute.

I then decided to go defensive with 90 mins to play...stupid move..they equalised 10 mins later. I made the mistake of going too deep, and slowing down too much...I reverted back to my normal style and then pulled 2-1 up. But we couldn't hold them at bay as we conceded the equaliser off a corner in the dying moments.


Our next match away and this time I decided to keep things the way they were..we take a 2 goal lead into half time...but the final score was 2-2..again a mistake on my part...but the fact that I can take my 20yr old average side and make chelsea sweat is enough for me...

Keep things simple.