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.

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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/

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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:

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"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

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

• 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

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