retired_sandy19644

I play with a flat back 4 all of whom have a defensive mentality, low creative freedom etc.

I also hav a DMF who sits in front of them. I don't play particularly wide or attacking and although I am dominating a lot of games I am conceeding at least 2 goals a game!

I've tried everything I can think of. Any budding Alan Hanson's out there?

retired_slayerbing

What setting is your defensive line at? If it is at more than about 13 then your defence will be in line with your DMC so you need to bring it back some.

Where are the goals coming from? If they are from crosses then get your full backs to close down often and think about giving them forward runs only rarely.

Passing? Make it direct passing if your dcs are losing the ball in the area though mistakes - this means they will pass ahead to the next line (mid) instead of passing to each other or to the keeper.

Make sure your DC's aren't closing down heavily otherwise they run the risk of being passed.

Hope this helps mate. Let me know.

retired_sandy19644

Alright mate.

Thanks 4 advice but using most of these tactics already. The goals seem to be coming through the middle more than down the wings.

Ive got decent centre backs who play fairly deep and very very close down so I dont get it.

All my defenders are on direct passing but they still seem to give a large number of goals away due to bad passes.

Even if I only give away 2 or 3 chances in a game I'm conceeding 2! Can't seem to keep a lead either.

I did bring in 11 players pre season tho so Im hoping they are just taking time to gel!

retired_sandy19644

* very rarely close down

retired_sandy19644

Half time against Villa away, 50/50 possesion, ive had 7 shots to their 2.......................Im im 2 nil down!

retired_sandy19644

Came back to win 3-2! Who needs a defence.

retired_slayerbing

good to hear you won!

Your right about gellinng though. Bringing in that many players will definately disrupt the side. A back four works best when they have spent some time together. I'm sure you know that already though.

Goals coming through the middle huh. Are they long range shots? If they are identify potential long shot players before the game and make sure your pre game instructions are to close them down and perhaps play them onto their weaker foot. That should help.

If it is players beating your defensive line try your defence with zonal marking so they are'nt tight up with the player - they can judge when he is going to break better that way.

Hope this helps.