Tactics and formations
Your tactic decides the match
In Manager11 the Tactics page is the page that matters most. The formation and the eleven you submit are the ones that play, in every league, cup and friendly match. If you submit nothing, your assistant picks the team for you, and assistants are not paid to be clever.
In the game today
- Any formation, from 4-4-2 to a back five
- Six tactic styles with matchups
- Aggression dial from 1 to 20
- Wing-backs and a second striker
- Live changes during matches
- Penalty taker and captain
Formation and lineup
Choose your shape and drag players into it. Every player shows his rating in that spot: in his own position it is his normal level, out of position he keeps only part of it, and the page shows how much. Fitness counts too. A player at 70% fitness plays at about 70% of his level, and his stamina decides how fast he tires during the match.
Tactic styles and matchups
Normal, Defensive, Attacking, Possession, Counter and Long ball change how much tackling, passing and shooting count in each position. Each style is strong against some styles and weak against others, and the Tactics page previews your next opponent so you can pick the one that beats theirs.
Aggression, wing-backs and the second striker
The aggression dial runs from 1 to 20. Higher means your side goes into challenges harder, with more fouls and cards. In a back three, four or five you can turn your wide defenders into wing-backs who push on but tire twice as fast. In shapes with an attacking midfielder behind the striker, you can play him as a second striker who arrives late in the box.
Live matches
When you follow a match live in the match centre you can change your tactic, make substitutions and move players while it plays, and the changes take effect in the match. Every match also gets a 2D replay and full statistics once it is over.
Questions and answers
- Does the game play the lineup I pick?
- Yes. The formation and eleven you submit are honoured in every match. The assistant only picks the team when you have not submitted one.
- What are the four player skills?
- Shot stopping for keepers, tackling, passing and shooting. Your tactic decides how much each skill counts in each position.
- Can I change tactics during a match?
- Yes, in live matches. Substitutions and tactic changes made in the match centre take effect while the match is running.
More features
Transfers and scouting
Bid against real managers and AI clubs, sign free agents for wages only, take players on loan and scout new regions.
Read moreSquad and youth academy
Train your players, promote prospects from the academy, hire coaches and keep your squad fit through a busy season.
Read moreCups and competitions
Win your league to go up, avoid the drop, and chase three knockout cups and the World Challenge Cup for national teams.
Read moreStadium and finances
Set ticket prices, grow your fan base, expand the stadium in stages and balance wages against matchday income.
Read more3D kit designer
Design home and away kits in 3D: colours, patterns, collar and sleeves, badge, sponsor, name and number, or your own artwork.
Read more
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Figures on this page are read from the live game: 2,087 clubs, 164 leagues, 606 clubs run by real managers.