Uploaded Tactic
Formation & Style
Tactical Style:Counter
Mentality:Balanced
Formation:3-4-3
Team Fluidity:Fluid
In Possession
Play Out of Defence
Work Ball Into Box
Be More Expressive
In Transition
Counter
Counter-Press
Out of Possession
Higher Defensive Line
Higher Line of Engagement
Prevent Short GK Distribution
Team Shape Without Ball
Shape:Compact
Description:Defensive shape maintains proximity between players to limit space for the opposition.
Evidence:3 CBs in a line at [2,1], [2,3], [2,5] ensure tight marking on opposing attackers.
Team Shape With Ball
Shape:Fluid
Description:Players move dynamically with inside forwards drawing defenders and creating gaps.
Evidence:Inside forwards at [6,2], [6,4], and a complete forward at [6,3] ensures unpredictable attacking movements.
Phase Description
Attacking Play
Utilizes width and pace through the flanks with inside forwards cutting into central areas.
Defensive Transition
Focuses on quick recovery with a counter-press when possession is lost.
Main Focus
Quick transitions and exploiting wide areas to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Key Strengths
Defensive Stability
Three centre-backs provide reliable coverage against opposing strikers, ensuring solid defensive foundations.
Attacking Width
Wide players stretch the opposition and create openings through the centre.
Fluid Transitions
Quick counter-attacks allowing to exploit spaces left by opponents.
Conflicting Directions
Defensive Line Height
Using a Higher Defensive Line can expose the team to quick counter-attacks against pacey opponents.
Wide Player Deployment
Over-relying on Wing-Backs could lead to vulnerability during defensive transitions.
Counter-Press Limitations
Excessive counter-pressing without effective tracking can lead to defensive gaps.
Tactical Suggestions
Adjust Defensive Line
Consider lowering the defensive line to prevent vulnerabilities against fast counter-attacks.
Solidify Midfield
Introduce a Ball-Winning Midfielder to balance the midfield and regain possession quickly.
Utilize Alternative Shapes
Experiment with a 3-5-2 for a more secure midfield without losing width.
Ask Questions About Your Lineup
Related Tactics
More Counter tactics
Guides for this formation
The tactical theory behind the 3-4-3: roles, instructions, and the trade-offs that decide whether the system holds up.
Playing styles
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Long-ball football done well in FM. When direct, vertical play is the right choice, and what the Direct Passing TI actually changes.
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Playing styles
Possession-Based Tactics in Football Manager
Build the patient, control-the-tempo style without watching your opponents counter through the gaps you leave behind.
Read guide