retired_carljoseph

I have been playing FM for many years now but have always had a problem when it comes to defending. No matter what tactics i use or what player i have i simply can't stop the flow of goals against me.

My current Newcastle game is a prime example of this. In my first season i finished 7th, scoring 76 goals (the most in the league) but conceding 60 (4th worst in the league). 2nd season was very similar, finishing 6th scoring 77 but conceding 55. So far in my 3rd season i have played 11 games i sit 11th and have conceded a ridiculous 24 goals :eek:

I can't explain why and i have tried just about everything to prevent this but nothing seems to work, i have kept just 1 clean sheet this season in all competitions (in the UEFA Cup against a random Polish team) despite having a defence that consists of the likes of Lescott, Taylor, Rafinha, Ignasevich and Modesto. Whoever i play in the DMC role almost always gets a rating of 6 with the odd 7 (options there include Poulsen, De Jong and Banega) and regularly gets carded.

I've come here as a desperate last attempt to fix my defence as my job is well and truly on the line

retired_corefitness

hahahha my dm always gets carded too and i always cop so many goals. im interested to see who has an answer to this post.

retired_kathryn0628

Learn by trying. There are many successful and popular tactics on the forum, download them and see how you fare with them. If you really like a tactic, but still want to stick to your own - study it and see whats different, what makes that tactics defense good?

If you look in the forums, there are tons of similar questions to yours (defense? attacking? corners? etc.) that can simply be solved by doing your own research with 'succesful' tactics.

retired_kathryn0628

Because I have nothing to do... heres my take on it:

On your defense - I find that even for lower teams, you cannot have a team NOT play like Arsenal, with the wings contributing heavily to the offense. I tried playing basically a 4 DC set, but found much more success by increasing the attacking mentatilty and playing with attacking fullbacks.

One suggestion I have is leave at least 3 back on corners, I use my backs and my DC.

As for the DMC, sadly the interception and defensive tackles don't give your DMC as many 'rating points' so to speak as a goal or assist would. Be assured though that if a DMC can accomplish a few key tackles, ~7 interceptions and a few good passes, hes doing his job well.

As for getting carded, my tactic is set at team tacklingto Hard and my DMC is set to tackle hard, but I have finished with the least yellow cards and reds cards for 4 seasons straight. Look for players with good decision making skills, good tackling skills, not TOO high of aggression, not tempermental, and professional atheletes.

retired_carljoseph

I have tried a few tactics from other people but it still seems to be a problem. Like i said i have been playing this game a long time but still can't seem to crack the defensive aspect. Even using other people's tactics which in theory are solid at the back doesn't seem to make a difference.

I will continue my search to solve this issue but i don't see it happening any time soon.

retired_brendac

Ok mate there is a post on here called NepentheZ's tactical revalution.

Down load it and have a look at his mentality settings for his defence.

Now are you playing Zonal or man marking. Have a look at the manual for the game and check the stats it states that defenders need to have to play Zonal. If ALL OF YOUR back four don't have all these qualities then play man marking. Again this is the same for Offside.

I can gaurentee if you do this you will get better with defence. You need to check where the oposition is strong. I.e if they are quick then drop your defencive line a liitle. ( not at the last seeting ). If you have to stop the balls to feet then tight mark the striker.

PS you also need a good GK.

Hope this helps.