6 replies to this topic

[Validicus]

Despite the fact that Match Preparation is mechanical and limited at present, the potential is surely there to gradually add layers of depth that will eventually render "plug-and-play" tactics obsolete. That's the direction which the feature needs to go in order to be a success, in my opinion. There needs to be more variety and more possibilities for the manager to consider. Downloading a tactic would become redundant if it's subject to numerous selections and variables within match preparation. That can surely only be a good thing for the game.

For me, Match Preparation needs to accommodate both short and long-term effects for a team in order to reach its full potential as a feature. This would be beneficial to the tactics side of the game, as well as make training far more immersive and engaging. Match Preparation could pave the way for an evolution of training within the game. Perhaps a modification to special focus areas could go some towards achieving this. 3 days of Attacking Movement providing more of a match benefit than just 1 day would be a good place to start. How about going beyond even that? What if effects could be cumulative? Instead of choosing a benefit with a match in mind, what if it were possible to set your preparation with your team in mind and not of your opposition? For example, what if you could drill your team in Attacking Movement for an indefinite period of time, and your team become gradually better and more dangerous going forward as the weeks/months go by? Surely this avenue would really allow the manager to impose his/her philosophy on their team. The benefits wouldn't be permanent, of course. They could also be so gradual, thus ensuring that it would take most of a season to have a maxed out efficiency in an area.

Another logical addition to the feature could be the ability to prepare for a designated dangerman for the upcoming match. Singling such a player out in the media can be a lottery, but what about having the ability to have your team prepare for a player? Whether it be their aerial dominance, their pace, or perhaps an exceptional set piece delivery, the possibilities should surely be there. I think this is an angle which would truly reflect a Match Preparation method with each a specific match in mind.

The manager should have freedom to allocate Match Preparation workload. If they wish for the team to have more emphasis on becoming familiar with closing down for a particular tactic, then that's what should happen. If the rate in which players learn tactics were to be tweaked, this is another way in which managers could personalise their tactics. If the rate of learning tactics was far slower than it is currently, it would force the manager to prioritise categories according to their style of play. A defensive tactic would perhaps mean greater urgency in having players become familiar with closing down (in addition to a long-term Defensive Positioning benefit!) for example. This could come at the expense of one or more other fields, which would be learned slower as a consequence.

The tactical familiarity system in general could benefit from a face-lift. I for one don't believe a team should be capable of having 100% understanding of 3 completely different systems within a couple of months. In addition to a slower rate of learning, I believe it would be better for there to be a "maximum" amount of understanding which the manager can carefully distribute to his tactical slots. For example, a 100% understanding of an attacking 4-4-2 system would mean the players are restricted in their ability to learn other systems as thoroughly! For the tactical chameleons who likes to mix it up, instead of pursuing a 100% understanding of one system, they could instead aim for their aim have a fairly good understanding of 3 systems with versatility in mind. On that note, players definitely need to be comfortable changing from one tactic to another in the middle of a match providing that it is one that has been learned in Match Preparation. There should be a "Plan B and a Plan C" and the tactics from these slots should not be treated as a completely new tactic when switching to them like they are currently.

Another immersive addition to Match Preparation could be the ability to drill strategies before a match. Do you think your team is vulnerable down the flanks? You should be able to prepare your players for this. Worried about the pace of your opposition's front line? Again, you should be able to tell your defence. This could easily be organised by selecting shouts within Match Preparation. So, for the sake of the two examples, you could select Play Wider and Drop Deeper in the days leading up to a match. The benefit? When you use those shouts in-game, the team could enjoy benefits specific to those shouts. This sort of preparation would create the much desired illusion of actually being "on" the training ground with players and getting them ready for specific conditions in the next match.

Summary of ideas for improvement

A greater variety of short-term and long-term benefits to choose from.

Rectifying the well documented issue of only needing to select a focus area the day before a match in order to take have your chosen match bonus. effect

To be able to prepare for a dangerman.

The ability to prioritise learning so that one or more fields (such as closing down) can be learned quicker than others.

The option to drill your team to utilise specific strengths / exploit specific weaknesses with your opposition in mind.

A much slower rate of tactical learning for players, as well as a maximum amount of knowledge so that it is no longer possible to "max out" 3 systems.

The feature needs to accommodate a "Plan B" and "Plan C" so that the manager can switch between 'familiar' tactics without being harshly penalised.

Thoughts on the aforementioned? What would you like to see added to Match Preparation?

[ChrisOrmie]

As someone who got fed up with the limitations of match preparation and left his assistant handle it (wow my assistants always work HARD for their money), I think that it's an interesting set of ideas you propose - some perhaps too ambitious to see in the next couple of versions but should be something SI work toward.

With the important factors of money (via contracts), preparation (match prep and training) and tactics (new system) all being renovated in the latest versions I do think SI are improving the correct areas whilst introducing the new areas bit by bit. I do think they'll be expanding and revising them as the game develops.

One point you bring up that I find interesting was: "The benefits wouldn't be permanent, of course. They could also be so gradual, thus ensuring that it would take most of a season to have a maxed out efficiency in an area."

The first thing that sprung to mind was what Bob Paisley, Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and others always say - they tried to get their side off to a good start, but it was in Jan/Feb where they needed to be at the top of their game. This idea of it gradually building up throughout a season until then is a good one imo, and in the summer it could degrade back again (not to zero but since you've had a years experience at it then maybe to 25% which means the team peaks a little earlier maybe for next year and can have that little bonus).

I also liked the points about expanding on the match preparation module for long and short term benefits. I think this can be used with training to really focus a team better on the prep side of things and get them ready for the big games to come now - and those at the tail end of the season.

Very interesting read there and chock full of ideas mate! Just hope SI are thinking about these things as much as we are

[Maverick]

Maybe this is something, that should be emailed to si or even posted on there forum, i also agree with both of your points and think there should be a link between this, training and tactics, I do believe it is something that may need 3-4 years for it to be developed properly, but the future of the Fm game looks bright with ideas like this.

[minneapolisJon]

Seconding what Ormie said - This is something the hopefully SI is looking at, as the current system (from what I hear) has some room for improvement.  These are all logical points, and deserve a closer look-see by SI.  I would add a rate of intelligence that helps temper the rate of of adaptability to each player for tactics.  In real life, some lads can get plugged in at any position, in any formation, and handle the job.  Others can only play one position, and can only thrive within a certain given formation - a feature that includes this would be a welcome change to the current situation.

[Maverick]

This is something i hope is developed in fm12, even if it is a working process,and could make a big difference to how tactics and training is looked at in the game.

[Validicus]

It would be a nice step in the right direction. The more we advance away from "slider tweaking" and more so towards preparation and strategy, the better it'll be for the tactical side of the game. Here's hoping match preparation becomes much more immersing in the not-too-distant future.

[Maverick]

Would be great to see the match prep, tactics and training all improved and make the whole tactical part of the game more realistic.