retired_mamilala

I recently began another job with a new team in the same division as my old one, in the conference North. With my first team, I had had a degree of success, finishing 2nd and 3rd in my two seasons there.

With my new team, I have had a lousy time, sitting in 18th (although I took over in December and they were already in 20th, I've hardly turned things around).

The problem is that I have an atrocious defensive record, conceding 21 goals in 10 games. However, 16 of these goals have been conceded due to 'X's poor clearance led to the opportunity', 'X will have to take the blame there' etc.

What I am wondering is, why are they so bad at clearing or removing the danger? It's usually either my full backs, GK or defensive midfielder who are responsible.

Could it be that the opposition forwards are pressuring my players into mistakes, or is it likely to be caused by something else?

If I could eliminate these defensive errors then I'd be doing alot better. I am following the rule of two theory and did also with my first team.

Btw, before I am accused, I'm not whingeing or complaining, I know it's my tactics that are letting me down, I just need help to get to the bottom of the problem.

GreenRage

It is not always your tactics, it could be some or all of the following.

1) Could just be bad morale, they have no confidence.

Talk to your two central defenders and goal keeper from the player interaction screen and talk to them based on the total of their last 3 form results as follows:

19 or less = below
20 + try below if last score was a 5 or 6 otherwise say acceptable.
21 = acceptable
22 = pleased
23 and above = delighted

Do this 3 days before the next match and after they reply via the press you should see their morale jump to Superb. This will aid in getting rid of some errors. The table is not exact as it is affected by other things, such as personality.

2) Check their concentration stat? If the goals are coming late it might be from low concentration.

3) Check their condition percentage when they make the mistake, are they knackered when they make the mistake.

I am sure there are more, but the llure of food is taking me downstairs for a while.

GreenRage

Sorry for the double post, talk to the players making the mistake, in your case the gk fb's and dm.

Also look at the tempo and their passing settings, are they being closed down and having to rush the kick? Have they got time on the ball, but your asking them to play fast?

Are they set to short passing, which requires more skill than direct passing?

Good luck.

retired_mamilala

Many thanks, The Lambs.

Morale isn't too bad, some individuals are poor but generally the others are ok.

Hmm, yes, of my GK, four defenders and DM, only one has concentration above 6. But they are inherited players, so replacing them is more of a medium to long-term requirement.

I play a fairly slow tempo, but the full backs are DM have short passing, while the DC's have direct. This might require reconsideration. Having said that, the post-match stats show the players to have completed the vast majority of their passes.

Unfortunately, I won't have the opportunity to try some of these solutions until after the new year nowas I am off home for Xmas tomorrow and won't have my PC

GreenRage

Have a great christmas and a happy new year.