One of the biggest challenges for a successful Football Manager season is balancing results with players’ physical condition. In most cases, the highest-rated tactics in tactical testing are also the ones that demand the most intensity, which inevitably takes a toll over a long season.
Because of that, I believe a solid long-term save should rely on three distinct tactical setups, each with a clear purpose:
1️⃣ High-intensity tactic This is your main tactic — usually the one with the best scores in tactical testing. It should be used as the default option, especially when you need to push for wins.
2️⃣ Control tactic Designed for situations where you are already winning, for example 3–0. The goal here is to lower the tempo, control possession, save energy, and safely manage the result — while still being capable of scoring another goal if the opponent opens up.
3️⃣ Extreme defensive tactic (“parking the bus”) This tactic is focused purely on minimizing goals conceded. In FM24, for example, there was an extremely effective setup that was almost impossible to score against. It’s perfect for the final 10 minutes, when you want to slow the game down, protect the lead, and close the match at all costs.
With that in mind, I’d like to challenge the community to test tactics not only based on points won or goals scored, but specifically on how few goals they concede in tactical tests.
Unfortunately, my PC isn’t particularly fast, which makes large-scale tactical testing difficult for me. That’s why I think a collective effort and discussion here could lead to some really interesting findings.
I think with regular rotation, timely substitutions and using lots of rest there really is no need to conserve fitness through tactics. If you want to do it for tactical purposes or to avoid cards sure, but strictly for fitness I wouldn't bother.
One of the biggest challenges for a successful Football Manager season is balancing results with players’ physical condition. In most cases, the highest-rated tactics in tactical testing are also the ones that demand the most intensity, which inevitably takes a toll over a long season.
Because of that, I believe a solid long-term save should rely on three distinct tactical setups, each with a clear purpose:
1️⃣ High-intensity tactic
This is your main tactic — usually the one with the best scores in tactical testing. It should be used as the default option, especially when you need to push for wins.
2️⃣ Control tactic
Designed for situations where you are already winning, for example 3–0. The goal here is to lower the tempo, control possession, save energy, and safely manage the result — while still being capable of scoring another goal if the opponent opens up.
3️⃣ Extreme defensive tactic (“parking the bus”)
This tactic is focused purely on minimizing goals conceded. In FM24, for example, there was an extremely effective setup that was almost impossible to score against. It’s perfect for the final 10 minutes, when you want to slow the game down, protect the lead, and close the match at all costs.
With that in mind, I’d like to challenge the community to test tactics not only based on points won or goals scored, but specifically on how few goals they concede in tactical tests.
Unfortunately, my PC isn’t particularly fast, which makes large-scale tactical testing difficult for me. That’s why I think a collective effort and discussion here could lead to some really interesting findings.
I think with regular rotation, timely substitutions and using lots of rest there really is no need to conserve fitness through tactics. If you want to do it for tactical purposes or to avoid cards sure, but strictly for fitness I wouldn't bother.