The FM Technical Area - A Football Manager Podcast

Women’s football isn’t a simplified version of the men’s game — it’s a tactical laboratory. In this episode, we explore why the women’s game often demonstrates greater collective intelligence, discipline, and creativity than its male equivalent. Guided by the principles of Sarina Wiegman , the only coach to lead two nations to World Cup finals, we break down how tactical philosophies differ across...

Tired of rigid formations that can't adapt? Paulo Fonseca's systems from Roma to Olympique Lyonnais have mastered the art of tactical transformation - a 4-2-3-1 that morphs into a devastating 3-4-2-1 in possession, creating numerical advantages across the pitch simultaneously. Even when faced with massive squad turnover and budget constraints, Fonseca imposes his signature style: fluidity,...

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...

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 Posici...

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 w...

" 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...

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-t...

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 relegati...

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 mistak...

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 Yo...

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, t...

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 prin...

In this episode of The FM Technical Area, we’re exploring the art/science of perfecting the an often overlooked & underappreciated element of Football Manager - Training 🏗️ We explore: Training Ground Unhappiness & How to Solve It Training Week Approaches Training Philosophies Attribute Synergy With real-world inspirations and Community-inspiration, this episode gives you a blueprint to de...

In this episode of The FM Technical Area, we’re diving into one of the most rewarding aspects of Football Manager 2024: discovering hidden gems and mastering the transfer market. Whether you're rebuilding a fallen giant or starting from the bottom, smart recruitment is everything. 🏗️ We explore how to use Recruitment Focuses to find: Under-the-radar youth prospects Physical monsters from obscu...

Set pieces can be the great equaliser, the secret weapon, or the marginal gain that wins you the title—and in this episode of The FM Technical Area, we’re diving deep into how to master them in Football Manager 2024. From short corner experiments and free-kick strategies to throw-in routines and penalty psychology, this episode is packed with real-life inspiration, FM-specific tips, and tactical i...

B Teams: Development, Depth & Disruption In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of B Teams in Football Manager and real-life football. From youth development and tactical flexibility to strategic squad management and league disruption—B Teams are more than just reserves. We’ll explore how you can use B Teams effectively in FM24 to accelerate player growth, experiment with tactica...

Welcome to the FM Technical Area, your FM podcast brought to you by Gaffer Graemo. In this episode, we delve into the powerful concepts of Structured Rotation and the Core-16 Approach —strategies designed to revolutionize how you build and manage your Football Manager 2024 squads. We’ll explore: ✅ What Structured Rotation is and why it’s essential for fitness, morale, and tactical consistency. ✅...

Welcome to the FM Technical Area, your FM podcast brought to you by Gaffer Graemo. In this episode, we’re diving deep into Tactical Experimentation & New Playstyles in FManager 24 ! If you’re feeling stuck in your tactical approach or just want to try something different, this one’s for you. We’ll discuss: ⚽ Why stepping outside your tactical comfort zone makes you a better FM manager ⚽ The Matc...

Welcome to the FM Technical Area, your FM podcast brought to you by Gaffer Graemo. In this episode, we dive deep into long-term saves and custom databases in FM24. From reviving fallen giants like Red Star Belgrade to navigating alternate realities with unique league structures, there's a challenge for every manager. We also discuss listener questions on motivation and unique save ideas, spotl...

Welcome to the FM Technical Area, your FM podcast brought to you by Gaffer Graemo. So, FM25 is really FM24 in disguise. Amidst the anguish and anger that have come with FM25’s cancellation comes the challenge of finding a way to reignite FM24 to sustain us for the next 8 months. We’ll explore fresh ways to enjoy the game, answer some listener questions, highlight some amazing community content, an...

Welcome to the Technical Area, your FM podcast brought to you by Gaffer Graemo. Dive deep into the art of squad building in Football Manager with insights from the real-world strategies of clubs like Brentford, Brighton, and RB Leipzig. This episode unpacks how data-driven recruitment, youth development, and value scouting can be applied to your FM save. Plus, explore what football can learn from...

Welcome to the Technical Area, your FM podcast brought to you by Gaffer Graemo. With Football Manager 2025 delayed, many of us are left wondering how to make the most of the extra time in FM24 . In this episode, we dive into how to find the perfect save for this window—one that keeps you engaged for 4-5 months IRL, or about three in-game seasons. We break the episode down into three key sections t...

Welcome to the Technical Area, your FM podcast brought to you by Gaffer Graemo. Sir Alex Ferguson. The last man to defeat Real Madrid in a European Final with Aberdeen in 1983, before 38 trophies in 26 years at Man Utd. No matter your opinion of the Red Devils, Ferguson's managerial career has many of the hallmarks of the perfect FM save. From tactical recreations to philosophical discussions, we...

Welcome to the Technical Area, your FM podcast brought to you by Gaffer Graemo. Creating a winning FM24 tactic? 4-2-3-1 Gegenpressing. Easy. But how does it work, and why? What makes pressing a good philosophy to follow? Let's find out! Here's what I read this week: https://www.coachesvoice.com/arrigo-sacchi-ac-milan-italy-coach-tactics/ https://www.thefa.com/bootroom/resources/coaching/th...

Welcome to the Technical Area, your FM podcast brought to you by Gaffer Graemo. Control & Possession. Key tenents of a philosophy where the opposition are subjected to the mind of a great footballing coach. But how is it done? Let's find out! Just before you head off, why not subscribe (if you haven't already), leave a positive review, or share on your socials with your followers if yo...