Just when you think that Soccermanager’s tactical innovation was complete, we get bamboozled by a set of new strategies that could make the most experienced Manager quiver. Even so, there are still some potential advantages of using these pre-made tactical strategies that could allow you to organize the other aspects of your team such as squad building, transfers, and engaging with others within your respective gameworlds. But how much trust can we truly put into these custom-built strategies? Well, that’s exactly what we’re gonna find out in today’s blog!
So, the plan is that I’ll go over the tactical set up of each strategy and rank them out of 10 so that we can identify if they are legit enough to be used by your various teams or just a bunch of instructions placed together that don’t make any sense…
First off, let’s begin with:
Now, these are supposedly the tactical instructions for if you wanted to keep possession of the ball without taking any sort of risks that could lead to an opposition attack. Although I appreciate the idea, the main issue is when will anyone ever seek to play this type of dull tactical approach within a match? It’s highly unlikely any of us will ever use this approach unless we’re already playing a possession style of play like the Mixed and Short, for example. However, the intention of this area within the Hold The Ball strategy has to be commended since most of the options are pretty much in syncThe same can be said for the ‘Attack’ options since you would want to Work the Ball Into the Box, play a Short Passing Style and potentially have a designated Playmaker to give most of the ball to. A solid connection between each option thus farAlthough I understand that the main agenda of this strategy here is to completely kill the sting out of a game, the options under ‘Defend’ illustrate that your team won’t be able to hold onto the ball in the first place. As I’ve explained within part 3 of our recent series, a Low Backline gives up territory and potentially possession, and if you’re thinking of retaining the ball when you’re deep within your own defensive third ya might as well put the ball past your own Keeper for the opposition!
FINAL VERDICT: From General to Defend, each tactical set up complements each other (except for playing a Sweeper Keeper… 🤦). However, this strategy is Anti- Football, will never be used, and might cause more harm than good. 7/10
Alright, so here begins the serious lack of Tactical IQ…
First off, there is no wide play without pace, trickery and explosiveness. Therefore, Tempo, Counter Attack, and Creativity are all incorrect.
Although you could indeed choose a Disciplined fluidity, it’ll stifle the Managers’ opportunity to use ‘Wide Forwards’ that are good dribblers such as a Kvaratskhelia, Rashford, Berardi (for example) since they want to get into the box and score but are restricted to staying out wide all game due to the Disciplined approach within this strategy. The only correct item here is the WidthI was in complete agreement with the fist 4 options but then I saw Use Playmaker and Use Target Man… 🤨
So, can P.S.G play Down Both Flanks without a Vitinha or João Neves dictating the game and spraying passes towards their wide teammates? Could Bayern Munich have Ribbery and Robben’s “Winganometrics” without Mario Gomez or Lewandowski as a target for potential crosses and cutbacks? How does one play Direct passing without a Toni Kroos in the Midfield or a Nicolas Jackson up front??!!!The Defence option isn’t bad per se, but the first two above really weigh down this strategy. Personally though, I would’ve pressed in my own half in order to get more space for my Wingers when we do get back the ball, and why are we demonstrating mediocrity with the lack of a Sweeper but high press, whereas the Hold The Ball Strategy had a Sweeper while we’re defending within our 18 yard box? 🤨
FINAL VERDICT: Some good points, but good enough. 4/10
Was thinking about giving this the best score, but YET AGAIN, the final two options have let us down…
Ladies and Gentlemen, there will never be an instance where a Counter Attack is happening with a tempo other than a fast one. A normal tempo defeats the purpose of counter attacking in the first place.
Everything else is pretty spot on, thoughThe best one we’ve had so far! There isn’t necessarily a pattern of play needed when seeking to press all over, so I appreciate the intent to mix things up as much as possible. The major difference between the balance here and the balance within the Hold The Ball Attacking option is that we’ll actually be implementing this oneSolid stuff! 👏 The Backline is high, the attacking players don’t have to come back behind the ball, the Sweeper Keeper and high press are on the way… Would’ve suggested a Hard Tackling Style to further emphasize the intent of the press, but that’s just a personal preference
FINAL VERDICT: Highly recommend you give this one a go, Soccermanagerite! 9.5/10
I absolutely love defensive tactics, so this one is great to see! The Narrow Width allows for compactness; V.Defensive=shut up shop; Disciplined and Cautious approaches are needed, but the only mofo’in problem is that dang counter attacking with a normal tempo! 🙄This one might be tricky for most since some of these options are spot on while others are “meh”… Shoot on Sight has to be partnered with Play Early Crosses (you might see long ball teams passing a bit before launching but that’s only for them to get a good angle before the launch. Has nothing to do with working the ball into the box). Long Ball and Mixed is sufficient enough although I personally believe Long Ball should be partnered with Through the Middle, and I would have a designated ‘Playmaker’ since almost every long ball team in real life utilized one (Ashley Westwood at Burnley, Fernando Hierro at Bolton, for example); the Target Man is ideally necessaryAlthough it looks good on paper there are simply some issues here, mayn… First of all, no one defends extremely deep within their half seeking to give away cheap fouls (aka, Aggressive Tackling). The mantra here should always be: “Stay on your feet! You have enough teammates around to overwhelm the opponent. No need to dive in!”. Secondly, an Advanced Playmaker slipping in their No.9 who is then met by a quick off his line GK cutting down the angle is not an example of a Sweeper Keeper, it’s an example of a GK’s Anticipation attribute (in other words, Sweeper Keeper should be a ‘NO!’). The Men Behind Ball and Tight Marking are pretty spot on though
FINAL VERDICT: Still think this is a solid Strategy although I’d guard against playing that aggressive tackling style. 8/10
This one actually pissed me tf off! I absolutely adore counter attacking football and this is simply all over the fucking place…
Where do I begin… 😮💨
The Width has nothing to do with counter attacking skills; Liverpool played their first 5 seasons under Klopp as a counter attacking team with an Attacking Mentality; how on earth can Xavi Simons use his technical dribbling skills & passing IQ to get Šeško in on goal if I tell him to “Be Cautious”; and WHY THE 🤬 ARE WE 3v3 but holding onto the ball since the Gaffer wants us to slow down the tempo a bit No complaints here (surprisingly lol) since as long as we have either a Playmaker or a Target Man then the Direct Passing Style will work effectively. This one is simply based on personal presence, but the days of looking at a counter attacking system as a method of soaking up pressure and hoping to catch your opposition off guard during the transition are long gone. Counter attacks can happen from anywhere on the pitch and do not necessarily need to be considered a defensive tactic (Klopp’s Dortmund is the PERFECT example of this! Name me a better team who transitioned from defence to attack more swiftly than them? I’ll wait…)
FINAL VERDICT: The last two options gave this strategy some hope, but I simply cannot forgive that General imprudence. Use this strategy one at your own risk. 5.5/10
Let’s wrap things up…
Pretty solid all round, tbh. Can’t say much about not utilizing a Counter Attack even if a Fast Tempo is being played (although both tend to work very well together). The Width could’ve stayed at Normal, but for the most part I’m in agreement with everything I see here. Let’s hope that it stays that way! 🤞Now that didn’t last too long, did it… No need for me to say anymore since enough has already been explained throughout today’s blog. Moving on!A strong end! At least we we’re able to get the defence organized 👏
FINAL VERDICT: Overall I’d say that this strategy is leaning in the path of being usable. i
And that completes today’s look at each strategy within SMW and wether or not you should consider using them.
Stay on the lookout because I’ll be explaining some more tactics very shortly.
The Soccermanager Experience 