Preparation of matches in Football Manager 2011

Match Preparation in Football Manager 2011 allows you to not only work on your pre-match setup, but also gives you the ability to train your team regarding their tactical proficiency. It is not an obvious training module, but should be seen as part of the training system. The training covers only the technical and physical attributes, while it is the match preparation that trains the tactical attributes of the players.

To create a rewarding training routine through MP, you need to repeatedly work on the same tactical setup. If you work to improve a formation, you will see the familiarity bar increase as a result of the team becoming more comfortable with that system. That’s why it’s important not to ‘cut and change’ your tactics too radically when they’re not working very well for you.

Aside from the MP training aspect, you should note that the “Special Focus Areas” setup is great for exploiting the opposition’s formation or setup. You should look to do your pre-match scouting (more below) and then use this module to get your team focused on a method of exploiting the opposition’s weaknesses. It’s important to remember that selecting an SFA will distract the team from other areas of their game, but if you set up the SFA to correctly exploit an opponent who is, for example, weak in the corners, the result is likely to be much more positive than simply choose to operate within your own style of play.

Remember, setting the MP workload will have an effect on the Training workload, so try to find a balance for your team. It’s all about considering whether you want to work on the team as a unit or the players as individuals, then set the sliders to whatever levels you want. Personally I would work on the team more than the players, then when the team is at a good level I would reduce the SFA workload and focus on improving the individuals. Obviously, finding a balance is still vital, so don’t get too skewed in one area of ​​focus.

Let’s take a deeper look at the special focus areas.

TeamBlend

This allows you to focus your players on better understanding how their teammates work on the ball. By using this SFA, you can create a team unit, instead of having 11 strangers playing on your side.

Defensive Positioning

This allows you to ‘train’ your team in the art of defense. The best teams are the hardest to exploit defensively, and by focusing on this area you can reduce the risk of the player being in the wrong position when under pressure at the back and give them instruction on how to function defensively. . unit, rather than relying on defenders to do all the defensive work.

attack positioning

This allows you to “run plays” with the team. With this SFA, you can influence players to attack in numbers, instead of attacking individually. This allows you to have players in better attacking positions when crosses are coming into the box or when counter-attacks are being executed. With this, you can have your team working ‘in tune’ when they are attacking.

Set piece defense

This allows you to train the team to be more proficient when defending corners or free kicks. Having a team that knows exactly what needs to be done and how the players around them will react when the ball comes to them is something you will really benefit from when they master this special area of ​​focus.

Set piece attack

This allows you to train the team to be more clinical when attacking corners or taking free kicks. Having a team that knows where the players are going to run or where they are going to put the ball can make the difference when it comes to taking advantage of a set piece in attack.