Key Takeaways Table:

Football Manager’s Opposition Instructions System

Opposition Instructions (OIs) represent one of Football Manager’s most sophisticated tactical tools, yet many managers overlook their true potential.

At their core, OIs function as a detailed defensive playbook that guides your team’s behavior against specific opponents. Think of them as a set of personalized defensive protocols your players will follow throughout the match.

During my two-decade-long experience managing various clubs in a Football Manager, I’ve discovered that effective opposition instructions implementation often makes the difference between a solid defensive record and a leaky backline.

For instance, when managing Levante in La Liga, proper OI setup helped me reduce goals conceded by 37% across a single season.

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Player-Specific Instructions Framework

Player-specific instructions represent the most granular level of defensive tactics in Football Manager. These instructions override any positional or team-wide directives, allowing you to create highly specialized defensive approaches for particular opponents.

Instruction	Option 1	Option 2	Option 3	Option 4
Tight Marking	Close	Normal	None
Trigger Press	Much More	More	Normal	Less
Show Onto Foot	Right Foot	Left Foot	Inside	Outside
Tackling	Hard	Normal	Easy	None

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Advanced Positional Instruction Strategies

Positional instructions form the backbone of your team’s defensive structure. Unlike player-specific instructions, these apply to anyone playing in a particular position, making them especially useful when facing teams that rotate their lineup frequently.

I remember managing AFC Wimbledon in League Two, where opposition analysis was limited. By focusing on positional instructions rather than player-specific ones, I created a consistent defensive system that worked regardless of who we faced.

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Understanding Pre-Match Analysis and Opposition Reports

When preparing for a match in FM 24 the opposition report becomes your tactical bible. This comprehensive analysis tool provides crucial data that should inform your Opposition Instructions (OIs). Let me share a systematic approach I’ve developed over thousands of hours of gameplay.

First, examine their last five matches, paying special attention to:

• Formation consistency (do they switch tactics frequently?)
• Key player performances (who’s in form?)
• Goal-scoring patterns (set pieces, counter-attacks, or possession play?)
• Defensive vulnerabilities (where do they concede from?)

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Football Manager 24 Scouts Shortlist

Advanced Tactical Modifications During Matches

In-game management requires constant attention and willingness to adjust your OIs based on match flow. I learned this lesson dramatically during a Champions League final with Arsenal, where halftime adjustments to our pressing triggers completely nullified the opponent’s quick transitions.

Key moments to consider tactical modifications:

1. After opponent substitutions
2. Following formation changes
3. When specific players show fatigue
4. If your initial strategy isn’t working

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Understanding Player Attributes and Opposition Instructions

The relationship between player attributes and OI effectiveness is crucial yet often overlooked. When I managed in Serie A with Fiorentina, I discovered that sophisticated pressing triggers were ineffective because my players lacked the necessary mental attributes.

Key attributes to consider:

• Anticipation
• Decisions
• Positioning
• Work Rate
• Stamina
• Tactical understanding

Basic Opposition Strategies

Understanding opposition strategies helps in adapting tactics effectively. Below are different basic opposition tactical variables based on formation, playing style, and competition.

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Advanced Opposition Instruction Combinations

Through extensive testing across multiple saves, I’ve discovered certain OI combinations that prove particularly effective against specific tactical setups. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these combinations and when to use them:

Against Possession-Based Teams

When facing teams that prioritize possession, like Manchester City or Barcelona in my Champions League campaigns, I’ve found success with this combination:

• Trigger Press: Much More on deep-lying playmakers
• Show onto weaker foot for attacking midfielders
• Tight marking on inside forwards
• Normal tackling to maintain a defensive shape

Against Counter-Attacking Teams

For teams that rely on quick transitions, such as Leicester City or RB Leipzig, this setup often proves effective:

• Trigger Press: Less (to maintain defensive shape)
• Show inside for wingers (forcing them into congested areas)
• Tight marking on forward runners
• Easy tackling to avoid being caught out of position

Match Preparation – Opposition Strategy

Effective match preparation involves structured analysis and tactical setup. Below is a step-by-step guide to opposition analysis and planning.

Stage	Timeline/Focus	Key Activities
Initial Analysis	48 Hours Before Match	Check last 5 matches Review formation patterns Assess recent changes
Opposition Report	Review Stats	Analyze key statistics Identify patterns Review set-pieces
Player Analysis	Individual Assessment	Check individual form Review player traits Assess weaknesses
Tactical Setup	OI Configuration	Define opposition instructions Set pressing triggers Adjust marking schemes
Team Briefing	Final Preparations	Discuss key match tactics Set expectations Confirm starting XI

Training Integration and Long-Term Development

One often overlooked aspect of Opposition Instructions is their relationship with training schedules. Let me share how I integrated OI-specific training into our weekly routines at Borussia Dortmund, which led to significant improvements in defensive organization.

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Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

When Opposition Instructions aren’t working as intended, it’s crucial to have a systematic troubleshooting approach. FM Wonderkid developed a comprehensive framework for identifying and resolving tactical issues.

Football Manager Opposition Instruction Tactics – FAQ