4-1-5 Zetsugi - Hakki Dotou

Many consider the match engines in Football Manager to be offensively oriented. Some of the better tactics take that approach in mind and have found some success, such as those that use triple strikers. While defensive tactics have been usable in recent match engines, this tactic implements heavy offense using a 5-man forward, classical offense-oriented team instructions, and universal "Tackle Harder" player instructions. Like other tactics similar to this, this trades defensive stability in the hopes of being able to come out on top simply by scoring more.

The 5-man offense is comprised of various forward roles that have seen individual success in different tactic tests. Some of these roles are proven successes, such as the Advanced Forward (ST) and Inside Forward (RWF), while there are other obscure roles such as Deep-Lying Forward (ST), Complete Forward (ST), and Inverted Winger (LWF). The key principle of this offense is that the forward movement of the ball will iterate in succession through each of the five roles, after which the role with the best chance for success will open up a chance for a goal scored. This is the most realistic chance for a manager to offer variety to their offense without direct control over the players' roles.

The back 4 and DM are standard tactics-wise: 2 Ball-Playing Defenders and 2 Wing Backs, paired with a Support-minded Defensive Midfielder. BPDs are with "Dribble More" and DM is with "Hold Position," in addition to the universal "Tackle Harder."

Methodology:
- Friendly fixture with Second XI at the start of preseason
- Cleared out set pieces (producing a blank slate), load tactic
- No player-made changes to staff or team players for duration of run
- "Go On Vacation," select the following:
-- "Reject all offers" (Transfer Offers)
-- "Use current match tactics"
-- "Return from vacation on date: Choose... 5/31/24"