retired_bismil

Been playing fm for a while now, and I’m a bit confused about how to do things the proper way.

Started off in Norway with a reasonably good team, and won the league several times. As this was a good team, the tactics did not play that heavy part.

After some seasons I took charge of Reading who played in the championship and managed to get into the premier league.

With no money to spend on new players I’ve done reasonably well over three seasons, managing to stay up the first, win the league cup the second season, and now in the middle of the third season I’m top half in the premiership. Not to bad I would say as it is more challenging to find a good tactic to survive.

Till now I’ve used the 4-4-2, direct, quick and wide (12-15). Trying to keep the team compact, so mentality for defenders is 6, 8 for def mid, 10 for at mid and 12 for wingers and strikers. Def line about 10.

A problem for me is the amount of goals going past my goalie. I’ve tried to sign defenders with high positioning, marking, tackling, positioning, work rate and teamwork. No stars in there, but stats are reasonably ok. Problem occurs when AI plays quick, direct football. Defenders don’t seem to cope with their pace. I’ve tried to experiment a bit with closing down, but not been able to find a “golden setting”. Default setting for defenders is 6-8 the way I play now. For the def mid about 12-15, and the other mc about the same if I play good teams. For the wingers about 10 and strikers 5-6.

Since the defenders are not world beaters it seems to me they make rather rash decisions when closing down at mixed. If I turn up CD, they get beaten by good attackers. Might be something I’ve got to live with? Or am I missing out on something regarding how to instruct my defenders?

It’s not unusual for the team to let in three or more goals in a game. Just lost 4-3 at Birmingham after their striker netted a hat-trick. He looked like a world class striker, but when checked his stats, that was not so. A pretty average striker (pace 12, heading 11, finishing 11) that I would not even signed to Reading.

And this seams to be the scenario all over. To get run over by Arsenal and Henry is almost expected, but I’ve been able to beat Arsenal several times. It does not seem to be any special team or formation that kills my defense, but quick football with lots of movement.

And then it’s kind of strange to that teams beat me rather often after creating a small amount of chances. Several times I’ve been beaten by 4 or 5 goals, and that’s as many shots on target my opponent get. My team creates decent amount of chances, but are not able to produce the same amount of goals as the opposition.

But if my defense could shut up shop the three goals scored by my team would be enough.

Are there any good defense coaches out there to enlighten me?

PS. I’ve installed the update.

retired_elpata

You read the defence threads in the unofficial tactics bible topic at top of the forum? That has all the defence tips you need.