retired_fitnessfirst

I have recently started a game with fulham, and am fairly early into the game, but already i have established that my main issue is my defensve incapabilities.
The board have told me that they want me to steer clear of relegation this season, and i feel i can do this, but i want to try and establish a mid table position.
My transfer budget was a measly £3million. but i off loaded 1 or 2 of the older players who didnt fit into my plans, and i have brought in a few youngsters that my scouts seem to think will be world beaters one day. So far this is my dealings in the transfer market

Out

Helguson - Portsmouth - £1.7m
Mabbut - Free Transfer
Pembridge - Derby - 45k

In

Boccarini - Free Transfer
Gasparini - Free Transfer
Zangani - Empoli - 120k
Maniero - Juventus - 160k
Dica - Steaua - £1.6m
Buonanotte - River - 50k
Johnson - Kansas - £1.3m
Boskailo - Djurgarden - 375k
Fabio Paim - Sporting CP - 900k


At present i am 4 games into the season and have won 2 and lost 2. Which isnt bad for someone aspiring for mid table mediocraty. i have scored 10 goals in those 4 games, which i am very pleased about, but i have conceeded 9. which makes me worry about the fragility of my defense.

So what i need is some help in tightening up my leaky defense, im not looking for miracles, just an improvement, whether it be a new tactic, or different training techniques.

retired_e_fores

Deeper defensive line perhaps. You have Zat Knight and Johnson who are both good jumpers so play direct, close down hard, hard tackling, tight mark perhaps too - should work well for attack and defense, at least at home. I assume you know all the basics and stuff. Look at threads by Leroy1883

retired_fitnessfirst

yeah i tried a deeper defensive line, but i still seem to be getting caught on the break and by balls over the top. it doesnt help that all my defenders are slow so once the opposition break they cant get back in time.

retired_hotrod1985

Dont close donw so much if ya do they get caught out of position, keep it low on your defenders around 5 on your DL/DR and 3 on the DC's. Defensive mentalies little higher on the wingback lower on the DC's and no FWR low on creative freedom. Try and have one midfielder thats just have to concentrate on defensive work.