Football Manager 2023: Beginner’s Tips

Welcome to the thrilling world of Football Manager 2023, where you can step into the shoes of a football manager and guide your team to glory. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the game, this article is here to provide you with football manager 2023 tips for beginners and advice to help you navigate the intricacies of the game and embark on a successful managerial journey.

In Football Manager 2023, the decisions you make have a profound impact on your team’s performance and success. As a beginner, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals and learn how to make the most of your resources. This article will offer guidance on key areas such as squad management, tactics, and continuous improvement to set you on the path to know how to get better at football manager 2023.

So, whether you dream of leading a top-tier club to championship glory or nurturing a small team to unexpected triumphs, read on to discover Football Manager 2023 PC tips and trick and learn how to take your managerial skills to the next level.

What is Football Manager 2023

Football Manager (FM) is a renowned series of football management video games that have captured the hearts of football enthusiasts around the world. Developed by Sports Interactive and published by Sega, this long-standing franchise has been a staple in the gaming community since its inception.

The latest addition to the series is Football Manager 2023 (FM23), which made its debut on November 9, 2022, much to the excitement of fans worldwide. This installment brings forth a plethora of new features and enhancements that aim to deliver an unparalleled managerial experience.

The previous installments, Football Manager 2021 and Football Manager 2022, were also highly regarded within the gaming community. FM21 impressed players with its refined graphics and improved gameplay mechanics. On the other hand, FM22 introduced exciting features like the ability to create a custom club, allowing managers to build their own footballing legacy from scratch.

Football Manager 2023: Beginner’s Tips

Choosing A Game Mode

When starting a new game in FM23, you’ll be presented with a variety of game modes to choose from, both online and offline. These modes include:

• Career Mode

The traditional career mode is the most popular option in Football Manager. It’s a single-player experience that doesn’t require an internet connection since all the necessary information is already part of the game’s database.

In this mode, you can create your manager profile and embark on a football management career. There’s a wide range of clubs to choose from, and for an added challenge, you can even start as an unemployed manager and work your way up.

You also have the option to manage national teams alongside club teams, which adds an extra layer of depth considering the limited international football calendar.

• Online Career Mode

For those seeking a multiplayer experience, the online career mode is a fantastic option. In this mode, you can host a game and invite your friends to join, or you can connect with other Football Manager players from around the world.

Online Career Mode allows you to create leagues or cup competitions with up to 32 players simultaneously. You also have some control over the rules and regulations of these competitions.

All the features you enjoy in the regular career mode, such as tactical decision-making, squad building, and player recruitment, are available in the online career mode. The excitement of competing alongside human managers adds a unique element to this mode.

• Create-A-Club Mode

If you crave a high level of customization in an offline career game mode, the “Create-A-Club” mode is perfect for you. As the name suggests, you have the opportunity to build a completely fictional club from scratch, based on your own ideas and vision.

In this mode, you’ll replace an existing club in the game, but don’t worry, it’s not a major obstacle. Keep in mind that certain details, such as the quality of facilities, finances, and European competition placement, cannot be edited. Therefore, it’s important to choose a club that aligns with your preferences in those areas right from the start.

Just imagine the excitement of creating a club with players based on yourself and your friends. It’s easy to see how this type of save can become even more captivating than the regular career mode, fostering a deeper connection to your virtual team.

• Fantasy Draft

Fantasy Draft is an often overlooked online game mode in Football Manager, introduced in FM16, that offers unique and standout features.

If you’re familiar with the American draft style, you’ll quickly grasp the concept of this mode.

In Fantasy Draft, you participate in a fantasy scenario where you assemble a team through a player draft from a pool of available players.

Each player takes turns selecting players from the pool until squads are complete. These completed squads then compete against each other in league, cup, or combined league and cup formats.

• Versus Mode

Versus Mode is another online game mode where you can go head-to-head against other managers in league or cup competitions. The host of the session determines the custom rules for these competitions.

You have the flexibility to set up a single-player competition against AI opponents, engage in online multiplayer sessions with other human managers, or even participate in multiplayer sessions that include a mix of human managers and AI teams.

Furthermore, you can join a lobby created by another human manager and challenge them to a match.

In Versus mode, you have the option to play with existing clubs from playable leagues or export a team from your regular career mode save and use it in this mode.

Please keep in mind that Versus mode is specifically reserved for FMFC members. To enjoy this mode, you’ll need to create an FMFC account by signing up. Once you’ve successfully registered, you can easily select the Versus mode from the game’s start screen, sign in to your FMFC account, and proceed with setting up your game. It’s a simple process that grants you access to an exciting multiplayer experience within Football Manager.

For the purpose of this guide, I’ll be focusing on providing tips for the regular and most popular game mode, the offline career mode. We’ll start by discussing how to set up a database and delve into other helpful tips along the way.

Setting Up Your Database

After selecting the offline career game mode in FM23, the next step is to configure your database settings. Before diving into this process, it’s worth checking if your PC meets the requirements to run FM23 smoothly. This is important because your PC’s capabilities play a significant role in determining the recommended database size.

If you’re eager to jump right into the game, you can opt for a quick start. However, I highly recommend investing the effort to fine-tune your database options using the advanced setup, as it can greatly enhance your overall gaming experience.

When setting up your database in FM23, you have the ability to choose the countries and leagues that you want to include in your save game.

Upon opening the “Add/Remove Leagues” option, you’ll have a comprehensive overview of the available countries.

For example, if you wish to include the English Premier League, you’ll need to select England. Keep in mind that various leagues have their own squad registration rules and restrictions, so it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the best leagues to manage in FM23 before finalizing your choices.

Once you’ve selected all the desired countries, you can take it a step further and adjust the specific leagues you want to include from those countries. For instance, you may choose to include only the top two tiers of English football – the Premiership and the Championship.

Next, you’ll have the option to designate each selected country as “Playable” or “View-only”. If your PC can handle it, I recommend selecting the “Playable” option for all the added leagues, as it provides a more immersive experience.

Lastly, in the top right corner, you’ll find the option to adjust the size of your database. There are only three available otions: Small, Medium, and Large. The size you choose determines the number of players loaded into the game.

Here’s a handy tip – a large database offers a wider pool of players to choose from, providing you with more options when it comes to signing new players for your team.

On the other hand, a smaller database restricts the AI’s options in the transfer market, making it somewhat easier for you to sell players whenever you desire. It’s up to you to decide which approach suits your preferences.

In my opinion, loading the largest database size might be worth considering, as it increases your chances of discovering the best wonderkids available in FM23.

Choosing Your Team

Once you’ve created your manager’s profile, the next step is to select a team to manage. You’ll have the opportunity to browse through the playable leagues you’ve chosen, using the club overview data on the right-hand side to assess your options.

While it’s possible to start the game as an unemployed manager, I would not recommend this approach for beginners.

If you’re new to Football Manager, it’s natural to lean towards managing the team you support in real life. It’s not a bad idea at all, as you’ll already have familiarity with the squad and your favorite players.

However, in my opinion, starting with a big club is the optimal choice for beginners. Starting with a smaller club can be challenging, as the pressure from the board’s expectations combined with learning the game mechanics can be overwhelming and potentially lead to an early dismissal.

Once you become more comfortable with the game, you can always transition to a larger club. You can do this by applying for jobs at those clubs, introducing a new head coach while retiring the old one, or simply starting a completely new save game.

Remember, Football Manager is a journey, and starting with a big club can provide a smoother learning curve, allowing you to gradually grasp the intricacies of the game before taking on greater challenges.

Completing the Induction Process

Once you’ve selected your team, you’ll be directed to your inbox, where you’ll receive a warm welcome from the board. This is where you’ll get a glimpse of the extensive menus and sidebars that Football Manager 2023 offers. I must admit, it can be quite overwhelming at first.

Fortunately, the team at Sports Interactive understands this feeling, which is why they’ve implemented “inductions” for many of the menus.

For example, when you visit the “Tactics” page for the first time, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the basics of the process via the induction menu.

Make sure to pay attention to these inductions and complete each one of them. These visual cues provide valuable context and a better understanding of the various details discussed in this guide. They can truly help you navigate the game more effectively and make the most out of your Football Manager experience.

Managing Your Team’s Squad

When you access the “Squad” page, you’ll be presented with a comprehensive list of players comprising your first team. This page offers various menus that provide different types of squad-related data, so take your time to familiarize yourself with these options.

Naturally, as a new manager, one of your initial tasks will be to assess the quality of your squad and identify areas that require improvement.

Once you’ve identified players you wish to offload, you have a couple of options. You can transfer-list them, specifying a desired value, or you can offer them to other clubs to expedite the process of receiving offers.

Apart from the main first team, it’s worth noting that your squad can consist of players from the youth teams as well. To access and review the players in your Under-23 (U23) and Under-18 (U18) squads, simply go to the “Development Center” option in the sidebar menu. From there, you’ll be able to explore and manage the talented young players in your club’s youth system. It’s a great way to keep track of their progress and make informed decisions about their development within the team.

It’s important to evaluate these players as well, determining who would benefit from a loan spell, who needs more time with the youth squads, who has the potential to be promoted to the first team, and who should be sold.

By carefully managing your squad, both in terms of the first team and the youth teams, you can optimize player development and make strategic decisions that will positively impact the success of your team.

Setting Up Your Team’s Training

Training plays a vital role in enhancing team performance and facilitating individual player growth in FM23. As a beginner, you have two options when it comes to training: delegate it to your assistant manager and free up time to focus on other aspects, or take full control of training yourself.

If you have a capable assistant manager, they can handle the training to a certain extent, ensuring decent performance and individual player growth. However, it’s important to note that the level of customization and effectiveness you can achieve by setting up the training yourself is unparalleled.

If you decide to take charge of training, a comprehensive guide specifically tailored to FM23 training can be immensely helpful. It will provide valuable insights and tips to optimize your team’s training regimen and maximize player development.

On the other hand, if you prefer to delegate the training responsibility to your assistant manager, you can easily do so by accessing the “Responsibilities” section within the “Staff” sidebar menu.

Ultimately, the choice between managing training yourself or delegating it to your assistant manager depends on your preferences and the level of control you wish to have over your team’s development. Consider your managerial style and priorities to make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for success.

Setting Up Scouting and Recruitment

Scouting and recruitment are crucial aspects of FM23 that offer a balance between delegating tasks to your backroom staff and actively participating for optimal outcomes. When it comes to acquiring new players to improve your squad, it’s important to strike a balance between replacing departing players and enhancing the overall quality of your team.

To ensure successful scouting and signing endeavors, consider the following tips:

Expand your scouting network: Allocate resources towards scouting and invest in knowledgeable staff who can effectively identify top prospects. By widening your scouting network, you increase your chances of discovering hidden gems and uncovering talented players from various regions.

Focus on player potential: Give priority to players with high potential, as they have the ability to develop into future stars. Identifying young talents with room for growth can be a valuable long-term investment for your team.

Negotiate wisely: Approach contract negotiations with patience and strategy. Take the time to evaluate offers and counteroffers, aiming to secure the best deals for your club. Skillful negotiation can save your club money and ensure favorable contract terms for the player.

Develop your own talents: Invest in your youth academy and provide opportunities for young players to gain valuable experience. Nurturing and developing your own talents not only strengthens your squad but also fosters a sense of club identity and loyalty.

Creating Your Team’s Tactics

When it comes to creating a tactic in FM23, the induction process may feel somewhat limited considering the level of detail you can delve into. Therefore, it might take a few attempts to fine-tune your approach and find what works best for your team.

One highly effective tactic that has been dominant in recent Football Manager games is the “Gengenpress” system. This high-intensity pressing style can be incredibly powerful if implemented correctly. Certain formations complement this tactic exceptionally well, so it’s worth exploring if your squad consists of players suited to this style of play.

In FM23, you have the ability to save and interchange between three different tactics, allowing for flexibility and experimentation. I recommend creating a tactic focused on attacking football, another centered around counter-attacking, and a third geared towards defensive solidity.

By covering these three scenarios, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of opposition that you’ll encounter throughout the season. Furthermore, the flexibility to switch between tactics during a game can be invaluable, depending on the flow of the match.

Managing Your Support Team

While your backroom staff may operate mostly behind the scenes, their contributions significantly impact your team’s success or failure, particularly if you rely on delegating tasks.

As previously mentioned, crucial aspects of the game like scouting and training heavily rely on the quality of your staff. Therefore, evaluating and optimizing your support team is paramount.

When you begin a fresh game in FM23, it’s important to prioritize the assessment of your backroom staff. Take a moment to review the composition of your team’s staff members. It’s worth noting that every club has a specific limit on the number of staff members allowed for each role. To get a better understanding of these limitations, I recommend visiting the “Staff Overview” page. This will provide you with valuable insights into the structure of your team and help you make informed decisions about the staff members you have at your disposal.

Next, examine the attributes of each staff member and determine if they are suitable for their respective roles within the club. Each role requires specific qualities. For instance, a scout’s effectiveness is primarily determined by their scores in “Judging Player Ability” and “Judging Player Potential,” while an U23s coach should excel in technical coaching categories and “Working with Youngsters.”

Attribute scores range from 0 to 20, with anything above 15 considered excellent.

However, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the quality of your staff, taking into account the level of the club you are managing. Top-tier clubs can aspire to have world-class backroom staff, but lower-tier or lesser-known league teams may not have the same luxury.

Consider investing in staff development and training programs to improve their skills over time. Regularly review your support team and make necessary adjustments to ensure their expertise aligns with the needs and ambitions of your club.

Financial Management

As mentioned earlier, the expectations of the board play a significant role in determining your job security. Regardless of the club you manage, one constant expectation is that you handle finances wisely.

Upon starting a new game, you’ll be allocated a transfer and wage budget, which dictates your activities in the transfer market. It’s crucial to exercise prudence in your financial dealings to meet the board’s expectations.

If you approve deals that heavily burden the club’s finances, such as substantial installment payments or performance-based bonuses, and subsequently plunge the club into significant debt, the board will exert pressure on you.

This is why I recommended starting with a prominent club for your first save game. Generally, larger clubs in FM23, as in previous versions, boast substantial transfer budgets and healthier financial standings. This affords you greater flexibility in managing finances and facilitates satisfying the board’s expectations in this area.

Is Football Manager 2023 worth it

Absolutely! Football Manager 2023 for Xbox is definitely worth it for fans of the beautiful game who have a passion for the strategic side of football management. It brings the immersive and detailed experience of Football Manager to the Xbox platform, allowing you to take control of every aspect of a football club from the comfort of your living room.

Conclusion

As a beginner in Football Manager 2023, you now have a solid foundation of tips to help you navigate the complex world of football management. From setting up a database and choosing a team to managing your squad and handling finances, these tips will give you a head start on your managerial journey.

So why wait? Dive into the world of Football Manager 2023 and experience the thrill of being in control of your own football empire. Take on the challenges, make tough decisions, and witness the impact of your choices unfold in real-time. To get started, head over to Electronic First and grab your copy of the game. Get ready to lead your team to glory and write your own footballing legacy in Football Manager 2023!

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