A set of tips for the starting Football Manager to help understand and learn the game.
1. Start with a top club
When you are playing Football Manager for the first time, start a save with one of the best clubs in the world. These clubs make it easier for you to learn the basics of the game. After you get more experience in the game you can venture down the football ladder.
Find the clubs with the biggest transfer budgets
2. Use your Team Report
Take advantage of the information the game gives you. FM is basically a graphical enhanced spreadsheet and there is so much information that you can get lost. The team report screen gives you a lot of information about your own players and the possibilities you have.
Learn more about the team report
3. Responsibilities
You can delegate many of your managerial duties to members of your backroom staff. If you are new to the game, it is advisable to delegate many of your tasks. This way you can quickly master the basics. If you are more experienced you can take on more tasks.
4. Start simple
Due to the many options when creating a tactic it is very possible you will select too many options and instructions. However, many of these instructions are contradictory and do the opposite of what you would expect. So start simple and use the stand set of instructions the game gives you. Start tweaking the tactic after you have played a couple of matches.
Learn how to create a basic FM tactic
5. Morale is the key
The morale of your players as individuals and as a group are the most important of all. Good morals build confidence and that can mean the difference between winning and losing. Use the Squad Dynamics to monitor the morale of your players.
6. Trust your scouts
Delegate scouting to your head scout at first. He will lead the team of scouts and will send them around the world. If you are more experienced you can choose to do this yourself.
Learn more about scouts and scouting networks in FM
7. Let your assistant do your training
The workouts in Football Manager can be overwhelming. You have plenty of options to set up the training. The many choices also make making mistakes a lot easier. Players easily get overtrained and that can affect the development and fitness of your players. Give your assistant confidence and the more experienced you become, the more you can take control of yourself.
8. Use the Medical Center!
To become champions you need your best players. To ensure that your star players are always available, you will have to pay close attention to their fitness. The Medical Center in FM is the starting point for the fitness of your players. Take advantage of this and learn how to protect players from injuries.
9. Don't forget about club vision!
Each season, your club's board will present you with some objectives. If you fail to pass these, chances are you will be fired. Therefore keep a close eye on the club vision and make sure that you try to comply with the wishes of your board as much as possible.
10. Have fun!
Above all, Football Manager is a computer game meant to entertain you. If it doesn't work, don't be afraid to put the game aside for a while and try again later. Mastering FM is quite difficult, but realize that once you get the hang of it, it's one of the most beautiful games in the world!