Guardiola's Tactics Part 2
Recreating Guardiola’s Tactics in FM21 – Part 2

Recreating Guardiola’s Tactics in FM21 – Part 2

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In our previous article, we talked about the history of Pep Guardiola’s tactics and the 4-3-3 tiki taka tactic he utilized at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City. In this installment, we will explore the 3-4-3 tactic he has used more recently at Manchester City. Part 1 – http://dictatethegame.com/recreating-guardiolas-tactics-in-fm21/ This of course has roots at Barcelona as well when Pep was a player. Johan Cruyff developed a similar 3-4-3 when he was Barca’s manager. In Guardiola’s tactics it’s slightly different…

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Total Football Journeyman: Building Effective Partnerships in FM21

Total Football Journeyman: Building Effective Partnerships in FM21

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The theme of this article is the concept of on-the-field partnerships. And how such relationships between players have proved to be so important for some of the most successful teams in the history of the game. Today, nobody can think of Barcelona from mid-2000s without remembering the names of Busquets, Iniesta and Xavi. Or Chelsea team from that same period. Alongside Man United, it was easily the most dominant team in Premier League and Europe at the time. And the names of its legendary trio: Frank Lampard, Claude…

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Recreating Diego Armando Maradona in FM21

Recreating Diego Armando Maradona in FM21

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I love youth development and I have a weakness for a good story. What happens when I combine the two? Well, in FM20 ”Santástico” happened. It was a blog/Twitch series managing Santos FC in Brazil, with the aim to create the next Pélé. I absolutely loved the series and I’ve been longing to do something similar in FM21. I’m so excited to announce that the time for this is now. It’s time to see if I can recreate the career…

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Ending Poor Form in Football Manager 2021

Ending Poor Form in Football Manager 2021

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Ending poor form with your team in Football Manager 2021 is always a frustrating experience. The highs of winning matches and trophies are addictive, but the lows of poor team form can be tough to end. This is why several tips and tricks are available to aid your cause in this, such as this article! Below I guide you through the different ways to end your team’s poor form, such as reversing low player morale and low dressing room atmosphere….

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Moneyball | FM21 | Part 2

Moneyball | FM21 | Part 2

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Statistics, finances and transfers. Welcome back to Moneyball. In my first post of the series, I outlined what Moneyball is, the club I’d chosen to take forward, and the rules and restrictions I’ll be using this year. If you missed it, I’d recommend starting there, and also reading my FM19 edition for a wider background on the subject. This post will look at results from the end of the 20/21 season and a deep dive into one signing we’ve made…

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Total Football Journeyman: Swiss Army Knife Method to FM Tactics

Total Football Journeyman: Swiss Army Knife Method to FM Tactics

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Recently, I changed my approach to both tactic creation and playing matches in FM21. I would like to share this approach with you, because it has given me a lot of joy. It’s what I call the Swiss Army Knife Method to Football Management. At its core, my approach uses a very basic 4-5-1 shape. But unlike my previous articles, which often chronicled historic tactics and teams, this guide is not about any one particular formation. It’s really about building a whole…

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Total Football Journeyman: Le Carré Magique

Total Football Journeyman: Le Carré Magique

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When the Dutch Total Football first appeared on the international football scene in the early 1970s, it seemed to be destined for greatness. With the way Ajax was playing, football enthusiasts wondered if anyone could ever stop the Totaalvoetbal juggernaut. The expectations were set when Amsterdam club took home every European Cup between 1970 and 1973. A total of 3 European Cups! Then came the two consecutive World Cup Finals in 1974 and 1978. But in both Finals, the Flying…

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Recreating Guardiola's Tactics in FM21
Recreating Guardiola’s Tactics in FM21

Recreating Guardiola’s Tactics in FM21

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From Barcelona to Bayern Munich to Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s tactic have evolved football over the past decade. His key principles are rooted in ‘The Barcelona Way” possession, fluidity, and numerical advantages. His teams let the ball do the hard work and this has provided much success over the years, winning numerous Champions Leagues, League Titles and Domestic Cups. Today we will make an attempt at recreating Guardiola’s tactics in FM21.

The Five Channels: Attacking movement on Football Manager

The Five Channels: Attacking movement on Football Manager

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As much as anyone loves the majestic performances of Maldini, Baresi and Bonucci, there’s nothing quite like a well-scored goal. Much like everything else in football, though, attacking and scoring are about movement as well as skill. What players do with the ball at their feet you can’t control, but you can control where they do it. Create overwhelming attacking movement on Football Manager with what I call the Five Channels..