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In an alternate reality, we'd all be sitting here excited for the World Cup semi-finals after playing the biggest and most exciting version of FM that let us play the licenced version of the competition for the first time. However, what has transpired over the past 7/8 months has been nothing short of the greatest disappointment in the series with bugs persisting still to this point in the game's lifecycle. With SI writing off FM26 (see here ), how can you find your love of FM again? I'm hoping the secret is back in FM24, but perhaps (as we discuss today), the secret is even further back... --- Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA , The Site Formerly Known as Twitter ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky / X ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
Women’s football isn’t a simplified version of the men’s game — it’s a tactical laboratory. In this episode, we explore why the women’s game often demonstrates greater collective intelligence, discipline, and creativity than its male equivalent. Guided by the principles of Sarina Wiegman , the only coach to lead two nations to World Cup finals, we break down how tactical philosophies differ across the elite landscape — from Spain’s positional mastery and Barcelona Femení’s fluid rotations , to England’s intelligent directness under Wiegman , and the Netherlands’ adaptable, opponent-specific flexibility . Discover how these contrasting styles shape the game’s identity — and how to replicate them in Football Manager 26 using the new dual-phase tactical system. Learn why set pieces are more decisive , pressing is more coordinated , and transition moments define success. This is football, stripped of assumptions and built on intelligence. --- Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA , The Site Formerly Known as Twitter ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky / X ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
Tired of rigid formations that can't adapt? Paulo Fonseca's systems from Roma to Olympique Lyonnais have mastered the art of tactical transformation - a 4-2-3-1 that morphs into a devastating 3-4-2-1 in possession, creating numerical advantages across the pitch simultaneously. Even when faced with massive squad turnover and budget constraints, Fonseca imposes his signature style: fluidity, controlled possession, and relentless pressing to make his sides easy to identify. His philosophy proves that tactical sophistication doesn't require unlimited resources - it requires intelligent positioning. The Tactical Genius: The transformation begins with a defensive midfielder dropping between center-backs, creating a back-three. This triggers everything: fullbacks become wing-backs, pushing high and wide. Two attacking midfielders occupy half-spaces - those dangerous channels between opposition defenders. The result? A 3-2-5 attacking structure with overloads everywhere. Box Midfield Dominance: Two deeper midfielders plus two advanced "interiors" form a box shape, dominating central zones and opening vertical passing lanes. Opposition teams face constant numerical inferiority - 3v2 in build-up, 4v3 in midfield, 2v1 in wide areas. FM26 Implementation: We'll show you how to recreate this using FM26's dual formation system. The Half-Back role is your tactical trigger - dropping into defense unlocks the entire system. Wing-backs provide width, Advanced Playmakers dominate half-spaces, and the box midfield creates perpetual overloads. Key Metrics: Track final third entries (target: top 2 in league), PPDA under 10 (pressing effectiveness), and progressive passes from wing-backs and interiors. The Visualiser will show your dramatic 4-2-3-1 to 3-4-2-1 transformation. Perfect for advanced FM26 players seeking tactical sophistication through positional intelligence and numerical superiority. What I Read: https://breakingthelines.com/tactical-analysis/tactical-analysis-paulo-fonsecas-lille/ https://learning.coachesvoice.com/cv/paulo-fonseca-tactics-shakhtar-donetsk-roma/ https://totalfootballanalysis.com/head-coach-analysis/paulo-fonseca-tactics-olympique-lyonnais-2025-2026-tactical-analysis https://the-footballanalyst.com/paulo-fonseca-ac-milan-tactical-analysis/ https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2464851169 https://onefootball.com/es/noticias/positionism-and-key-improvements-made-tactical-analysis-of-paulo-fonseca-39635477 --- Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA , The Site Formerly Known as Twitter ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky / X ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
Football Manager 26 has introduced the biggest tactical overhaul in the series' history - and women's football is the key to mastering it. Before you start a save in the Men's Universe, you might want to hear this. FC Barcelona Femení went 38 games and lost just once. They scored 159 goals. They won the Champions League. Again. Their dominance rivals Pep's Barcelona or Ferguson's United. And most of us know almost nothing about this team. The Tactical Revolution: FM26 has completely overhauled tactics with dual-phase formations. You're now setting two formations - one for in possession, one for out of possession. This isn't just new features for the sake of it - it's how modern football actually works. New player roles come directly from innovations in the women's game. With the Visualiser at our fingertips showing exactly how your shape shifts as play progresses, Women's Football is your tactical laboratory. Why Women's Football Matters: This isn't about representation or variety - it's about becoming a better FM player. Women's football is the place. No baggage from fifteen years of "how I play FM." No muscle memory forcing you into old habits. Just pure tactical learning. The WSL, Liga F, and Bundesliga are competitive enough to challenge you but fresh enough that you're willing to experiment. You'll learn FM26's systems properly - thinking in phases, building fluid tactics, using the Visualiser effectively. If you return to your main save, you'll be fundamentally better. --- Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA , The Site Formerly Known as Twitter ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky / X ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
Can you play beautiful, possession-based football with technically limited players in the lower divisions? Xavi García Pimienta spent 28 years at Barcelona proving the answer is yes. His message: players are defined by their numbers (the space they occupy), not their names. Philosophy can elevate players beyond their attributes. At Sabadell and then Las Palmas, XGP stuck rigidly to Juego de Posición principles - Cruyff's positional play taken to extreme fluidity. While most possession football is static and predictable, XGP's version features constant zonal rotations that create numerical superiorities and confuse opposition marking schemes. This isn't tiki-taka for the elite - it's Barcelona's method adapted for League Two. What We'll Talk About: How to implement complex positional play with players rated 8-10 for passing and technique The critical half-space inversion: wing-backs overlap while wingers cut inside, creating triangular superiorities Why the Defensive Midfielder is your "quarterback" - the reliable pivot ensuring control in transition How FM26's dual formation system finally enables true Juego de Posición implementation What I Read: https://theanalyst.com/articles/las-palmas-punching-above-weight https://totalfootballanalysis.com/team-analysis/laliga-202425-las-palmas-tactical-analysis-tactics https://totalfootballanalysis.com/coaches/garcia-pimienta https://www.reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/lqbn4g/garcia_pimientas_tactics/?rdt=40175 https://tacticof.com/managers/xavier-garcia-pimienta-3/ https://totalfootballanalysis.com/head-coach-analysis/garcia-pimienta-at-las-palmas-202223-tactical-analysis-tactics https://learning.coachesvoice.com/cv/francisco-javier-garcia-pimienta-las-palmas-barcelona/ --- Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA , The Site Formerly Known as Twitter ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky / X ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
Forget rigid systems. This week, we dissect the tactical genius of Luis Enrique , using his fluid approach—where a 4-2-3-1 seamlessly transitions into a 3-4-2-1—as the ultimate blueprint for FM26 . This is for intermediate/advanced managers ready to create unpredictable systems, confuse opponents, and maximize squad depth. Inside the Episode, you'll learn: How to design interconnected formations where player roles logically progress (e.g., a fullback becomes a defensive midfielder). Why FM26's new role system is essential for achieving true positional multiplicity and making your squad injury-proof. The exact player attributes ( Positioning 14+, Versatility 14+ ) needed for seamless transitions. Key FM26 Data Detective metrics to monitor, like Formation Transition Frequency (target: 3-7 times per match), to ensure systematic flexibility. It's not about having multiple tactics; it's about having one adaptable framework. Stop being one injury away from disaster and start building teams that can shift on the fly! Sources: https://learning.coachesvoice.com/cv/luis-enrique-spain-barcelona/ https://pontadelancafm.substack.com/p/luis-enriques-psg-tactics-in-fm24 https://talksport.com/football/3558576/luis-enrique-unusual-new-tactic-borrowed-from-rugby-psg/ https://totalfootballanalysis.com/coaches/luis-enrique https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/uefa-champions-league/articles-video/luis-enrique-one-game-away-from-glory-the-treble-that-could-put-him-on-par-with-guardiola-2025-05-31 https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5405009/2024/04/11/paris-saint-germain-barcelona-style-tactics/ https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/luis-enrique-chelsea-barcelona-talks-26636777 https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/dec/14/guardian-sport-network-luis-enrique --- Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA , The Site Formerly Known as Twitter ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky / X ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
" This is football, papa ." José Bordalás doesn't apologise for his approach, and neither should you. While purists rage about his style, Ancelotti and Zidane quietly study his methods. Why? Because Bordalás proved that intensity and directness can compete at the highest level. At Getafe, Bordalás created Europe's most direct team - averaging just 2.1 passes per attacking attempt with the lowest passing accuracy in the top five leagues. Yet they qualified for Europe consistently. They score few but concede fewer. Their PPDA (Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action) ranks third lowest in La Liga, and their attacks start furthest from their own goal. This isn't park-the-bus football - it's controlled chaos. What We'll Focus On: How to build a compact 4-4-2 low block that suffocates technically superior opponents Why specific pressing triggers (on full-backs) create organised intensity without exhausting your players The mathematics of beating better teams: functional attacks > possession dominance How FM26's dual formation system finally allows proper Bordalás recreation Key Concepts: We'll explore the genius of the narrow, compact 4-4-2 that creates natural 2v1 situations through positioning rather than talent. You'll discover why extreme directness (2.1 passes per attack) generates enough chances to win, and how set-pieces become your primary weapon when you embrace this philosophy. FM26 Application: Detailed setup including separate In Possession/Out of Possession formations, instructions through the thirds, and new player roles like Full-Back (Holder) and Tracking Winger. We'll show you how to use FM26's Visualiser tool to perfect your compact defensive shape across all nine grid squares. Real-World Analysis: Learn to spot the visual cues that show effective low-block defending - compact blocks, explosive pressing triggers, quick 10-second transitions from regain to shot. We'll teach you which statistics prove the system works (PPDA under 8, transition speed under 10 seconds, 40%+ of goals from set-pieces). The Reality Check: This system works with physically dominant, work-rate-heavy players who lack elite technique. It prioritises survival and functional effectiveness over aesthetic beauty. If you're managing a lower-league side, newly promoted team, or squad with limited resources, this is your tactical blueprint. Perfect for FM26 players who want to compete intelligently without unlimited budgets. What I read: https://theanalyst.com/articles/getafe-jose-bordalas-tactics-la-liga https://www.football-espana.net/2025/03/18/la-ligas-most-underrated-managers-and-their-tactical-innovations https://totalfootballanalysis.com/head-coach-analysis/jose-bordalas-at-valencia-2021-22-tactical-analysis-tactics https://www.just-football.com/2020/04/getafe-jose-bordalas-tactics-underdogs/ https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cvgqvlpwezgo https://totalfootballanalysis.com/article/getafe-2023-24-their-tactics-under-jose-bordalas-scout-report-tactical-analysis --- Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA , The Site Formerly Known as Twitter ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky / X ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
Are you tired of racking up 70% possession in Football Manager, only to see your team produce three shots and zero highlights? In this week’s episode of The FM Technical Area , we’re breaking the myth that Tiki-Taka has to be slow, sideways, and predictable. Inspired by Míchel’s Girona, we explore Vertical Tiki-Taka — a modern twist on the possession game. It’s a style that values quick, forward-thinking passes, using possession not just to control the ball but to carve open defenses at pace. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between horizontal possession and vertical possession , and why the latter is so dangerous in FM. How to set up formations, roles, and instructions that bring Vertical Tiki-Taka to life. The real-world tactical principles that underpin this system: direct progression, controlled chaos in the final third, and relentless high pressing. How to spot the data signs that your tactic is (or isn’t) working — from forward pass percentages to passes per attacking sequence . Why this style isn’t just for elite clubs: with the right off-the-ball movement and decision-making, even a lower-league side can make it work. We’ll also dive into: A case study from a save where shifting to this system transformed a mid-table underdog into a European contender. Key player attributes that fuel success — decisions, anticipation, and off-the-ball intelligence. Community contributions, including your favourite player roles in pressing systems. Whether you’re chasing underdog glory or fine-tuning a top-tier side, this episode will show you how to turn sterile possession into purposeful attacking football. 🎧 Listen now and start transforming your FM save with Vertical Tiki-Taka. 🔗 Resources & Mentions : https://themastermindsite.com/2023/10/15/michel-girona-tactical-analysis/ https://www.hudl.com/blog/michel-girona-la-liga-style-substance https://community.sports-interactive.com/forums/topic/583471-michels-girona-la-liga-destroying-tactics/ https://secretmatchday.com/the-secret-to-gironas-rise-is-not-the-city-group/ https://the-footballanalyst.com/girona-michel-tactical-analysis/ https://learning.coachesvoice.com/cv/michel-girona-tactics/ Reading: Jonathan Wilson’s Inverting the Pyramid & The Athletic’s Girona tactical analysis Community spotlight: https://fmnatics.com/ https://coffeehousefm.com/fmrensieblog/hey-football-manager-i-miss-you
Welcome back to The FM Technical Area, the Football Manager Podcast! How did Robin Gosens go from Germany's fourth division to starring at the Euros in just five years? The answer lies in Gian Piero Gasperini's wingback revolution at Atalanta, where tactical intelligence consistently trumps individual brilliance. In this episode, we dive deep into the system that transformed Atalanta from relegation battlers to Champions League regulars - without breaking the bank on world-class players. Gasperini's genius isn't just using wingbacks; it's his asymmetric approach that creates numerical superiority everywhere on the pitch. What We'll Focus On: Why one attacking wingback paired with one defensive wingback is more effective than symmetrical deployment How center-backs must adapt their positioning to cover the space vacated by marauding wingbacks The specific FM roles and instructions that recreate Atalanta's 3-4-1-2 masterpiece Why tactical systems can elevate average players into key contributors Key Insights: We'll explore how Gasperini's background in youth football shaped his philosophy of developing players within systems rather than relying on individual quality. You'll discover why positional fluidity and intelligent pressing triggers make this system so effective against technically superior opponents. FM Application: Detailed tactical setup including formation, player roles, and crucial team instructions. We'll show you which attributes matter most for wingbacks (spoiler: it's not just pace and stamina), and how to implement this system with Championship-level players. Real-World Analysis: Learn to spot the visual cues that separate effective wingback play from glorified full-back performance. We'll teach you what to watch for during matches and which statistics prove your system is working. Perfect for intermediate FM players looking to maximize squad potential through tactical innovation rather than transfer spending. --- Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA , The Site Formerly Known as Twitter ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky / X ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5 --- Episode Sources: https://scoutedftbl.com/gasperini-atalanta-five-principles/ https://breakingthelines.com/tactical-analysis/tactical-analysis-gian-piero-gasperinis-atalanta/ https://the-footballanalyst.com/atalanta-gian-piero-gasperini-tactical-analysis/ https://totalfootballanalysis.com/team-analysis/atalanta-attacking-tactics-202425-tactical-analysis https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamdigby/2025/06/18/why-gian-piero-gasperini-could-be-the-perfect-appointment-at-as-roma/ https://totalfootballanalysis.com/head-coach-analysis/gian-piero-gasperini-tactics-roma-2025-2026-tactical-analysis
Forget perfect organisation—sometimes controlled chaos beats technical superiority. This week we're diving into Marcelo Gallardo's River Plate masterclass: creating systematic disruption that levels the playing field against better teams. While gegenpressing gets all the attention, Gallardo's approach goes deeper—intelligent pressing traps that force opponents into predetermined mistakes, calculated "escape routes" that lead to even more dangerous situations, and psychological pressure that turns technical giants into nervous passers. What We'll Talk About Pressing Traps: How to deliberately overload zones while leaving bait for opponents Controlled Chaos: Creating systematic disruption that appears random to opponents Emotional Intensity: Using psychological pressure to force technical errors FM Implementation: 4-2-3-1 setups with specific pressing triggers and player roles Perfect for managers facing technically superior opposition who want to disrupt rather than out-pass. Learn why sometimes the best defence is controlled offensive chaos—and how to make your opponents play at your tempo, not theirs. Because when you can't out-technique them, you can definitely out-fight them. --- Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA , The Site Formerly Known as Twitter ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky / X ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5 Episode Sources:
The traditional #9 died at football's pinnacle—and the False 9 rose in its place, but the role isn't just about Messi dropping deep or Firmino's pressing. We're exploring how this role has evolved far beyond Barcelona, starting with Hidegkuti's revolutionary Magyars to Martínez's tactical masterstroke using Lukaku as a physical "decoy" False 9 for Belgium. What You'll Hear About: Classic False 9: Technical requirements and why Messi/Firmino became the template Physical False 9: How Lukaku's unconventional role created chaos against Brazil in 2018 FM26 Implementation: Tactical setups and player instructions for both styles Data Analysis: Key metrics and warning signs to watch Key Segments Theory (15 min): Barcelona's possession vs Belgium's counter-attacking chaos Listen & Learn (10 min): Visual cues—what success looks like vs common mistakes FM Application (15 min): Formations, roles, and instructions for both False 9 styles Data Detective (10 min): Stats that matter and red flags Case Study: Transforming Belgium's attack through Lukaku's reimagined role Perfect for FM tacticians looking to experiment ahead of FM26's release and understand how tactical concepts translate across different player profiles. Whether you're building around a technical playmaker or a physical target man, this episode shows you how to make the False 9 work for your squad. Get those tactical juices flowing—because sometimes the best False 9 isn't the player you'd expect. --- Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA , The Site Formerly Known as Twitter ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky / X ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5 Episode Sources: https://totalfootballanalysis.com/opinion/messis-impact-how-the-false-9-changed-the-game https://fcbarcelona.us/false-nine-soccer/ https://the-footballanalyst.com/false-nine-football-tactics-explained/ https://worldfootballindex.com/2020/07/analysis-barcelona-real-madrid-6-2-may-2009-full-match/ https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/firmino-delivers-false-nine-masterclass-says-klopp-idUSKBN2HF07O/ https://www.tntsports.co.uk/football/champions-league/2017-2018/why-roberto-firmino-is-jurgen-klopps-football-philosophy-incarnate_sto6770862/story.shtml https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2911770/2021/10/28/analysing-roberto-firmino-liverpools-masterful-false-nine/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1965482/2020/08/05/liverpool-front-three-salah-mane-firmino-analysis-klopp/ https://learning.coachesvoice.com/cv/jurgen-klopp-tactics-liverpool/ https://themastermindsite.com/2022/01/29/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-tactical-analysis-2021-22-edition/ https://m.allfootballapp.com/news/EPL/The-numbers-game-Stats-show-Firmino-is-a-more-complete-forward-than-Kane/1963187 https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/06/roberto-martinez-belgium-players-world-cup-rejigged-false-nine-brazil https://learning.coachesvoice.com/tactics-brazil-belgium-hazard-debruyne-fellaini-lukaku-neymar/ https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/06/lukaku-offers-the-clue-and-belgium-solve-mystery-of-beating-brazil https://thefalse9.com/2014/06/world-cup-golden-boot-contenders-romelu.html https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/manchester-united-man-city-live-updates-premier-league-score-result/B4hgIDpUUuED/VPRkGzv2HQ7A/ https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/026d-135a261f0c56-3487bcf3a37c-1000--the-no9s-guardiola-s-double-false-nine-messi-the-origina/
In this season finale of The FM Technical Area , we take a reflective and forward-looking journey through one of the most unusual years in Football Manager history. FM25 was hyped as a landmark release — and instead, we faced a cancellation, community frustration, and a holding pattern that tested our creativity. But through it all, the FM community kept going. From deep saves to custom content, tactical tinkering to narrative roleplay, the game lived on — even without major updates. Join us as we: Reflect on the FM25 cycle and what it taught us Share top tools, podcasts, books, and YouTubers to prep for FM26 Explore 3 creative save ideas to keep you engaged this summer Highlight community insights and how you’ve stayed inspired Launch our summer challenge: #FMScoutingChallenge 💡 Featured Segments: FM25 Fallout: Lessons from a season of delays and creativity Summer Scouting: Podcasts, videos, and books to sharpen your FM brain Save Ideas: Off-meta concepts to keep things fresh until FM26 Community Voices: What kept you playing through the limbo The FM Scout Challenge: A summer project to plan your FM26 save Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
In this episode of Manager in Focus , we turn our attention to the Arctic Circle and the remarkable rise of Kjetil Knutsen , the architect behind Bodø/Glimt’s tactical revolution. From a club with one of the smallest budgets in European competition to conquering Roma 6–1, Knutsen’s philosophy offers inspiration for every Football Manager save. 🔍 We break down: Knutsen’s tactical identity and principles How to replicate his 4-3-3 system in FM Recruitment strategies that echo Glimt’s brilliance Weekly training schedules with tactical purpose A listener Q&A on pressing without losing shape And a brand-new Community Challenge : The Bodø Blueprint 🟡 Community Challenge: The Bodø Blueprint Start with a small club, limited budget, and big ambition. Build a vertical, high-pressing 4-3-3 with youth at its core — and conquer your domestic league and beyond. Challenge rules & details in the episode. Tag your progress using #FMBodoBlueprint Resources Mentioned: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3589385/2022/09/14/knutsen-de-zerbi-brighton-potter-tactics/ https://www.reddit.com/r/Glimt/comments/1cedw7g/why_is_no_club_looking_at_kjetil_knutsen/ https://totalfootballanalysis.com/team-analysis/bodo-glimt-2023-title-chasing-tactics-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tactics https://news.bet365.com/en-gb/article/kjetil-knutsen-profile/2025050512325304497 https://tottenhamhotspur.blogspot.com/2025/04/tactical-analysis-tottenham-hotspur-vs.html#:~:text=FK%20Bod%C3%B8/Glimt%2C%20under%20coach%20Kjetil%20Knutsen%2C%20play,artificial%20pitch%2C%20Glimt%20often%20push%20the%20tempo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lusc8gJC7Kc Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
In this episode of The FM Technical Area, we’re exploring the art/science of perfecting the an often overlooked & underappreciated element of Football Manager - Training 🏗️ We explore: Training Ground Unhappiness & How to Solve It Training Week Approaches Training Philosophies Attribute Synergy With real-world inspirations and Community-inspiration, this episode gives you a blueprint to develop your players and turn them into stars. We also have: 🔥 Community Challenge: The Development Blueprint Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
In this episode of The FM Technical Area, we’re diving into one of the most rewarding aspects of Football Manager 2024: discovering hidden gems and mastering the transfer market. Whether you're rebuilding a fallen giant or starting from the bottom, smart recruitment is everything. 🏗️ We explore how to use Recruitment Focuses to find: Under-the-radar youth prospects Physical monsters from obscure leagues Versatile bargain buys Contract-expiring stars Players perfectly tailored to your tactical vision With real-world inspiration from Borussia Dortmund, RB Salzburg, Brentford, Atalanta, and more, this episode gives you a blueprint to scout like the pros. We also have: 🌍 Community Spotlight - Ponta de Lança 🔥 Community Challenge: Revive a forgotten league Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
Set pieces can be the great equaliser, the secret weapon, or the marginal gain that wins you the title—and in this episode of The FM Technical Area, we’re diving deep into how to master them in Football Manager 2024. From short corner experiments and free-kick strategies to throw-in routines and penalty psychology, this episode is packed with real-life inspiration, FM-specific tips, and tactical insights to help you squeeze every last goal from dead-ball situations. If you're just trying to turn frustrating 0-0 draws into gritty 1-0 wins, this is for you. We cover: Why set pieces matter more than ever in FM24 How to build routines that mimic real-world successes (like Arsenal’s set-piece clinic) Traits and attributes to prioritise for each set-piece type How to defend like a fortress against aerial bombardment Listener questions on tinkering routines and signing specialists Plus, there’s a challenge for all you tacticians out there: The #FM24SetPieceChallenge . Ready to turn chaos into goals? Let’s go. Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
B Teams: Development, Depth & Disruption In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of B Teams in Football Manager and real-life football. From youth development and tactical flexibility to strategic squad management and league disruption—B Teams are more than just reserves. We’ll explore how you can use B Teams effectively in FM24 to accelerate player growth, experiment with tactical ideas, and build a sustainable long-term club vision. Plus, we’ll shine a light on how real-world clubs like Barcelona, Real Sociedad, and RB Leipzig use their second teams to stay ahead of the curve. You’ll also get: 🎧 Listener Questions: Answering your top questions on B Teams in FM. 🌍 Community Spotlight: Highlighting incredible save ideas and creators who are building dynasties through B Team magic. 🎯 Community Challenge: A brand-new challenge focused on turning a B Team into a developmental powerhouse while competing for promotion! Whether you're managing a European giant or starting a lower-league save, this episode is packed with ideas and insights to take your squad-building to the next level. Have questions or want to share your experience? Drop them in, and we’ll feature them in our Listener Questions segment! Just before you head off, why not subscribe (if you haven't already), leave a positive review, or share on your socials with your followers if you’ve enjoyed the podcast? Check out our site! Get in touch via email (GG/TTA), BlueSky (GG/TTA) & Slack (#gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea) #WeAreTheCommunity (Slack/BlueSky) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
Welcome to the FM Technical Area, your FM podcast brought to you by Gaffer Graemo. In this episode, we delve into the powerful concepts of Structured Rotation and the Core-16 Approach —strategies designed to revolutionize how you build and manage your Football Manager 2024 squads. We’ll explore: ✅ What Structured Rotation is and why it’s essential for fitness, morale, and tactical consistency. ✅ The Core-16 Model: Building your squad around 16 key players, ensuring everyone stays match-fit and developing. ✅ How real-world clubs like Feyenoord, Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, Villarreal, and Red Bull Salzburg use this approach to punch above their weight. ✅ How to apply these methods in your FM24 saves to create a cohesive, flexible, and successful team. Plus, we’ll also touch on alternative squad-building philosophies from Vasco da Gama, Dynamo Berlin, Athletic Club, and more! Whether you’re chasing glory with a giant club or building something special with an underdog, this episode offers valuable insights to transform your saves. Hit play, take notes, and get ready to optimize your FM24 experience! Necessary Reading The Ponta de Lanca Tweets that Inspired the pod https://x.com/pontadelanca10/status/1740512062487621980 https://x.com/pontadelanca10/status/1837842827981566119 A FM Old Timer's Piece: http://afmoldtimer.home.blog/2023/06/01/the-art-of-youth-development-football-manager/ 🎙️ Have questions or want to share your experience? Drop them in, and we’ll feature them in our Listener Questions segment! 🎙️ Listen now & get involved in the challenge! Just before you head off, why not subscribe (if you haven't already), leave a positive review, or share on your socials with your followers if you’ve enjoyed the podcast? Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
Welcome to the FM Technical Area, your FM podcast brought to you by Gaffer Graemo. In this episode, we’re diving deep into Tactical Experimentation & New Playstyles in FManager 24 ! If you’re feeling stuck in your tactical approach or just want to try something different, this one’s for you. We’ll discuss: ⚽ Why stepping outside your tactical comfort zone makes you a better FM manager ⚽ The Match Engine's influences on tactical effectiveness (and how to manipulate it) ⚽ Unique tactical styles to try—from Lillo’s Ultra-Positional 4-3-3 to Zeman’s Chaos Football ⚽ This week’s Community Challenge : Recreating Bielsa-Inspired Chaos Football with Newell’s Old Boys Plus, we answer listener questions about tactical consistency, transitioning between styles mid-season, and the mechanics behind B-teams in FM24 . 🎙️ Listen now & get involved in the challenge! Just before you head off, why not subscribe (if you haven't already), leave a positive review, or share on your socials with your followers if you’ve enjoyed the podcast? Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
Welcome to the FM Technical Area, your FM podcast brought to you by Gaffer Graemo. In this episode, we dive deep into long-term saves and custom databases in FM24. From reviving fallen giants like Red Star Belgrade to navigating alternate realities with unique league structures, there's a challenge for every manager. We also discuss listener questions on motivation and unique save ideas, spotlight incredible community content, and introduce this week’s Community Challenge. Can you rebuild history or master an alternate footballing world? Join the conversation, take on the challenge, and share your journey using #FM24Dynasty! This Week’s Links: https://www.reddit.com/r/footballmanagergames/comments/1iuv33c/a_new_dawn_has_arrived_the_official_launch_of_fm/ https://www.reddit.com/r/footballmanagergames/comments/1ilm6cp/fm24_modded_simatch_file_review_of_the_asian/ https://bsky.app/profile/priisek.bsky.social/post/3li7e4tvu332d https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhSPpkXuX0Q https://www.fmscout.com/a-new-usa-league-system-fm24.html Just before you head off, why not subscribe (if you haven't already), leave a positive review, or share on your socials with your followers if you’ve enjoyed the podcast? Check out our site! Get in touch via email ( GG / TTA ), BlueSky ( GG / TTA ) & Slack ( #gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea ) #WeAreTheCommunity ( Slack / BlueSky ) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
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