The General team instructions will be more focused on the teams physic and mentality according to the tactical setup, which will underline the other shouts used. We will go through all the general shouts below.


The shout "Take a breather" is all about regaining match fitness and slow the tempo of the game down. You will instruct your players to keep hold of the ball and lower the tempo when in possession. Without possession of the ball the team will stand more collective together, don't chase the opponents around by heavy pressing with as little movement as possible. It's mostly used late in game, when holding on to a lead, or when you want your players to recover physically as some /or all are exhausted, but can also be used after longer periods of high tempo in order to let the team recover a little, before attacking again.

Take a breather will also work together with "Stand off Opponents", "Be more Disciplined" and "Retain Possession" to name a few. This shout can be used no matter formation or player attributes the squad possess. Of course will players with lower stamina and natural fitness tire quicker if match conditions are hard, the tempo very high or the fixture list have been tight.


Waste Time will only be available when using Contain or Defensive mentality. It will instruct players to waste time whenever possible, which might be worthy when protecting a lead. Players will take their time, holding on to the ball, using more times at set-pieces and passes.


From time to time, it may be important to instruct your players to be more disciplined. Perhaps you're facing the division leaders who possess excellent creativity and more individual skills that needs to be addressed to, or you got players who aren't following your tactical instructions making bad decisions time and again.

This shout will simply tell your players to follow the overall tactical instructions and keep its shape. It will make the team collectively stronger in the expense of individual creativity and expressions. "Be more disciplined" will work with any other shout, but fits better with "Stick to position" and "Play narrower". Changing to, or using the tactical strategy rigid / very rigid may emphasize this shout even more.

The Shout "Be more disciplined" will increase the defensive orientation as the team will decrease their level of creativity and can be worthy to assign when players are becoming exhausted, for example when facing a better opponent and need to ensure your players to stick to their position in regard to the formation used.

Important Player attributes: Teamwork


The Football Manager shout "Be more expressive" instructs your players, and more specifically creative ones to use their creativity and flair on the expense of the tactical setup and shape in order to break down defensive minded opponents who only aim to park the bus and play narrow.

Be more expressive can be one of the tools when chasing for a late equaliser or chasing goals. Be more expressive can work with Roam from position and Pass into space in order to use the creativity to increase the amount of through balls and players running forward exploiting space. The shout "Be More Expressive" can be used no matter formation, but will emphasize the attacking outlet of your playing style. Choosing Attacking or Overload may aid your team in additional to changing to this shout, depending on the shape of your formation and player positioning.

Important Player attributes: Creativity, Off the ball



Take More Risks will only be available when using match mentality "Overload". It will instruct the players to take whatever necessary actions and risks in order to attack. By using overload you will instruct your players to stay very high with their defensive line, which will increase the risk for being counter-attacked. Take more risks increases the players use of their creativity and take more risks in passing (more direct), shooting (quicklier) and earlier through balls. Players will look to run from deep ofter, run with the ball more and use their flair and creativity on their own, as players will abandon the preferred tactical instructions trying to surprise the opposition team with some "not expected actions".

It may be worthy to employ it late in game when looking for a late equalizer, going all out attack in order to score goals. Overload and take more risks should be used with care as players without the required player attributes might hurt the team rather than benefit it. Strictly speaking this shout will target individual skills more than overall teamwork.


Play even safer will instruct the players to be even more disciplined and careful, playing on the sfe side instead of taking any risks. It reduces the individual players creaivity level in additional to reducing passing length to safer and shorter - less through balls and less direct. It's primarly a defensive shout used to keep shape and protect a narrow lead late in game. Overall attributes such as teamwork and anticipation will be more important than individual skills.


The tempo of the game will normally be associated with the shouts in the possession category and which team strategy you've employed. By setting the tempo by using one of the shouts below according to how the game develops makes you able to finetune the teams passing tempo. These shouts can be used with all the different mentalities, while some are more recommended to use for some than other. There are four different shouts and levels specifically related to setting the tempo of the passing and movement;

- Much Lower Tempo will instruct your players to be more patient in the attacking build-up. Players will lower the tempo by being more disciplined when passing and retaining possession just by keeping hold of the ball with no short-term purpose, making it easy to control the match through low tempo. "Much Lower tempo" will be a great tool to keep control of the game, for example when leading with 2 goals.

This shout can work well when you want to disrupt the oppotition teams eager to attack at all cost, or when they want to keep a higher tempo than your team would be capable of. "Much Lower Tempo" is one shout that will work with "Take a breather", "Retain Possession" and "Shorter Passing".

- Lower Tempo will instruct the players to keep control of the match, be considered and patient when in possession of the ball. Tempo will be a little higher than previous level discussed, but will make the team be able to keep high amount of possession which is useful in a possession tactic.

Important Player Attributes: Positioning, First Touch

- Higher Tempo instructs the players to move the ball around quicker by trying to unsettle the opposition team with higher intensity. Players will be more decisive when in possession of the ball, looking to use as little as time delving on the ball. The team will go about their business in an urgent fashion. This shout can be worthy when dealing with stubborn defences who stick to their positions, or when chasing for a goal. It can also be a good shout to employ if you're outnumbering or superior of the opposition team. The Football Manager shout "Higher Tempo" will work with "Play Wider" and "Roam from Position" to name some few appropiate shouts.

Important Player Attributes: Off the ball, Creativity, Passing, Technique

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Retain possession instructs the players to prioritize holding on to the ball when in possession of it. Similar to the lower tempo, the players will look to hold on to the ball or pass to an available teammate nearby. Not only will the passing length be shortened, but also the tempo will be lowered.

This is normally used for any possession tactic, but might be worthy to employ when looking to hold on to a narrow lead or when you want to make sure players don't make risky passes for an counter-attacking opposition.

Retain possession can be used together with "Pass shorter" and "Play narrower".



Go route one will instruct the players to heave the ball over the midfield with increased urgency to get the ball into the attacking third. Players will look to play extremely direct and risky passes, often long balls and crosses from wide into the penalty box as quickly as possible, when the right opportunity arises.

This shout may be useful to employ when you need to grab a goal (often late in game), but can also be used against teams with stronger midfield than yours, as you look to play the ball over (or around them) instead of between them, in order to stretch their shape.

It should work great together with "Pump ball into box" and "Hit early Crosses" but can also be used with "Play Wider" and/or "Exploit the Flanks".

Important Player Attributes: Crossing, Heading, Passing, Technique
Recommended Player Roles: Limited Fullback, Wide Target Man, Limited Defender, Target Man


By employing this instruction you will tell your players to play more risky passes, more through balls and longer passes at a higher tempo. More Direct Passing will adopt a playing style based on quicker transition from back to front. You will instruct the players to get the ball forward quicker often passing infront of the player rather than to their feet. It's useful when counter-attacking opposition team or when you want to exploit spaces. It will work well with instructing them to "Pass into Space" and "Play wider" in order to stretch both width and length to increase available passing space.

Important Player Attributes: Passing, Technique, Off the ball, Decisions


Shorter Passing will instruct the players to adopt a short passing playing style similar to the tiki-taka, where the ball is passed to feet rather into space (infront of him). As the passing style will be shorter, it will be useful to play narrower and use a formation based on triangles and double or triple pivots in order to succeed with it.

Pass shorter can be worthy then employing "Taking a breath" but also when "exploiting the middle" as the ball retention will be better, and the tempo automatically decreased, but can also be used as the preferred playing style dominating opposition teams by much passing in shorter space.

Important Player Attributes: Passing, Anticipation, First Touch, Decisions
Recommended Player Roles: Advanced Playmaker, Deep-Lying Playmaker, Regista


This shout will instruct the players to adopt a more direct passing style, where the ball is passed into space (normally infront of an on-running teammate). As the passing length will be increased, it will be useful to play wider and let the defensive line drop deeper.

Pass into space can work great with both "Pass shorter" and "More Direct Passing". It may be a worthy shout to employ to increase tempo a little and exploit available space better both between the lines and in-between opposite players. Players should be instructed to Roam more in order to take advantage of the passes played into space. The high movement will help the team retain possession better.

Important Player Attributes: Anticipation, Off the ball, Decisions, Technique


Employing this shout may be worthy when you want to play a patient passing play. You will instruct the players to work hard for the opening, retaining possession until available space and the right opportunity arises, and the attacking line can penetrate and finally break through the opposition defense. Players will look to pass shorter passes, more through balls and less long shots.

Work ball into box can be worthy if you spot your players taking many poor long shots. This shout should be unclicked if the opposition team uses a deep and narrow defensive line, which is hard to penetrate.

READ THE FULL GUIDE TO GENERAL TEAM INSTRUCTIONS HERE[www.mypassion4footballmanager.com]

Use offside trap will instruct the players to push defensive line forward in order to set opposite forwards in offside position. This defensive strategy is worthy when the defenders got great acceleration, pace, positioning and anticipation. It may be useful when playing with a high defensive line, but might backfire if the opposite striker(s) has excellent off the ball, anticipation and quickness. By pushing the defensive line up when opposite team is making through balls, you can combat and intercept these through balls better preventing a slower striker to use his main strength, finishing.

The defenders will need to be disciplined and well-organised in order to set the offside trap at the right time. This shout might make wonders together with "Push higher up".

Important Player Attributes: Anticipation, Decisions, Positioning


Employing this shout instruction will make the players adopt a man-zonal marking. They will look to stay closer to the opposite player in defensive situations (when in not possession of the ball) in order to prevent the opposite player to attack the ball. This can be useful in order to pressurize the opposite players to use their creativity and off the ball in order to get by your players, and will make it easier to win possession of the ball, if opposite players are physical weaker or poor first touch.

Use tighter marking can work good together with "hassle opponents" and "push higher up" if you got defensive players with good positioning, marking and tackling.

Important Player Attributes: Marking, Tackling, Strength, Positioning


This Football Manager shout will instruct the players to close down players more and pressurize the opposite players with harder tackles and more aggressiveness. Of course will you increase the risk for fouls and disiplinary actions, so it should be used with care. "Get stuck in" might be benefitial in order to win possession against an opposition midfield with low bravery, balance and determination, as you can make them more nervous and afraid to involve themselves. I would recommend not to use it against an opposition packed with technical, speedy players good in dribbling and has excellent physical attributes such as good balance. Be also aware of the referees lenient to card givings, as players with poor tackling and much aggressiveness may be proned to cards.

This shout can work together with "Hassle Opponents", "Use Tighter marking" and "Be more disciplined". Get Stuck in can also be a way to decrease individual condition of the opposite team, but can also make your side exhausted if employed too long. To counter specific individually weaknesses by using tackle harder, see our FM guide to opposition instructions.

Important Player Attributes: Tackling, Aggression, Bravery, Stamina
Recommended Player Roles: Defensive Midfielder, Ball Winning Midfielder, Anchor Man

As mentioned above, there is not always smart to go all in by strong tacklings and much aggression. Stay on feet will instruct the players to decrease the space to the opposite player, and not dive in when tackling. This is what you want of your players when dealing with players who are capable to beat his marker by dribbling, quickness and raw physic, such as good balance, agility and strength.

You will tell the players to be more careful and most important pick the right moment rather than get stuck in; takle the ball at every opportunity. It should work well with "Be More Disciplined", "Stand off opponents" and select a proper defensive line according to match analysis; make space for the opposition team to get the ball and then stay compact in order to make them play on their weaknesses rather than strength - might force them to shoot from long and use their wings (if they got any). It may be advantageous to employ if you're the weaker side hoping for a draw, or if the referees are lenient to card givings.

Important Player Attributes: Tackling, Concentration, Positioning, Decisions



Hassle opponents will make your side adopt a playing style where they will close all opposition players in as fast as possible. It will give them little time on the ball and more opportunities for you to win the ball by them making mistakes, either by forcing them to us their weaker foot or pressurize them enough to make a wrong pass. Players within the reach of the opposite player with the ball will pressurize him and close him down.

It can be worthy to employ from time to time throughout the game in order to tire the opposition out mentally, but might also backfire as your own players might get exhausted too. It can also be worthy to employ late in game if your team has better conditions and your chasing for the final goal.

Hassle opponents will decrease the space to the opposite players and can be used alongside "Push higher up", "Get Stuck in" and "Use tighter marking". It can also be worthy to use if the opposite players are good with the ball; high passing completion, many assists from deep and good technique, but perhaps poor concentration.

Important Player Attributes: Stamina, Aggression, Marking, Anticipation


Similar to "stay on feet" reduces the aggression when tackling, Stand off Opponents will reduce the space to the opposite players. You will instruct the players to not close down as much. As the players won't hassle opponents it will improve the defensive shape, making it harder for the opposition team to penetrate you, and they will need to work harder for their openings. But notice also, that you will let the opposite players get more time on the ball and time to use their creativity.

Stand off opponents can be worthy to employ against a quicker and more technical side, in order to force them to either play over your players, shoot from long or exploit smaller spaces. It will minimise the risk for being opened up, which is advantageous when holding on to a narrow lead or in the last 10 minutes of the match when you're only hope is to claim a lucky draw. Should be used together with "Stay on feet", "Drop deeper", "Stick to positions" and "Be more disciplined".

Important Player Attributes: Concentration, Anticipation, Decisions, Teamwork

The team instruction category shape will be more focused on setting width and defensive line proper to the opposition team together with player movement. I've decided to split this category into three sub caegories; Setting width, setting defensive line and player movement. There will be a total of 8 different Football Manager shouts to choose from.



Stick to positions will instruct the players to stick to their primary duties in their assigned position. It won't allow fluidity of movement, but will counteract that your players will be dragged out of position. The mentality will be changed to rigid, similar to the stand off opponents.

Stick to positions will be worthy for any side looking to keep defensive shape and control the game by a good defense. It could be employed together with "Stand off opponents", "Drop deeper" and "Be more disciplined" but can also be used as a stand alone shouts no matter playing style. Stick to positions might be a smart choice when opposite team is counter attacking, using their advantage of players with good creativity, quickness and off the ball.

Important Player Attributes: Concentration, Teamwork, Positioning, Composure


Roam from positions will allow players to be more creativie and fluid with their positioning. It will change the mentality to fluid and players will roam around looking for space when attacking. It requires far more of your players as they might need to cover more ground, but by taking advantage of the players creativity and flair you can add depth to your attack making more players involved by high movement. This will also make it more difficult for the opposition team to defend against, as they need to decide; shall I track down or stick to position.

Roam from positions can be used together with "Be more expressive", "Higher Tempo" and "Pass into space" often helped by the setting of the width. It can be a great tool to open up the most stubborn defences, but you will also require players who are tactical aware and understand where to position when a teammate fills in to a space.

Important Player Attributes: Creativity, Flair, Positioning, Decisions, Teamwork, Anticipation


Allow wide players to swap positions will only be allowed if using wingers. It will instruct players operating in wide attacking areas to swap sides during the course of the match by allowing left wingers to participate on the right side for shorts spells while the right winger will operate on left.

This is primarly helpful if wide players are man marked, which will disrupt the opposition teams defensive shape and tactical instructions. By letting wide wingers swap positions you can make it more difficult for the opposition team to defend against. When playing on the side with their preferred foot they can make curling crosses outwards, while being on the side with their weakest foot they can cut inside in order to pass, shoot or make inwards crosses.

It can be a smart solution in order to break down a strong opposition defense, or add some unpredictability when attacking.


Setting width is necessary in order to reduce and exploit space. It's one of the basic tools no matter playing style and should be analyzed before employed. There are two options in regard to set the width specifically.

• Play Wider increases the space between your players and stretch the width of formation. It increases the space in the center to be exploited, but can be a great tool if your central midfield is stronger than the opposite or you will look to disrupt the defensive shape of the opposition team forcing them to play wider or deal with crosses wide. It's often used in order to make you attacking stronger by utilizing the strength of good crossing wingers or wingbacks, but can also be one way of exploiting the increased space in the middle.
  
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• Play Narrower decreases the space between the players, narrowing the width, making it harder to combat the defensive shape of the team. By playing narrower you can make some player positions stronger, where you're normally weak (for example central midfield). Play narrower is often used in order to exploit space on the flanks, but can also force the opposition team to play wider, which is a clever way to use your strength (if your side got better wingbacks and wingers).

READ THE FULL GUIDE TO GENERAL TEAM INSTRUCTIONS HERE[www.mypassion4footballmanager.com]