############ ################# ##### # ----------# # --------------- # # | # ##### # | ######### # | #### | #### | # # | # # | # # | # # | # # | # # | # # | ###---#### # | # # | # # | # # | # # ----| |--# # | ########### | # # | # # | # ######---#### # --------------- # # | # # | # # | # ################## ##### ##### ##### CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER - Tactics/Good Player guide - by James from Northern Ireland [United Kingdom] - If you have any compliments, criticisms or any other comments, send your e-mails to: r_h_c_p20@hotmail.com - Copyright¸ 2003 by James Version History: - Version 1.2 - More tactics and players to be added soon. - Added two new tactics: "mtrenners 4-3-3" and "polarcubs 4-1-2-3" - Added Special Thanks Section - Changed Formations for easier viewing - Added Conference Players Section - Added CM Skins and Logos Section - Added one new tactic: "Gordon Hay 4-4-2 Play" Contents -------- I .................Default Tactics Guide i .................4-4-2 Attacking ii .................5-3-2 Attacking iii .................3-5-2 iv .................5-3-2 Sweeper v .................4-3-2-1 vi .................4-2-4 vii .................4-1-2-1-2 viii.................4-3-3 II .................Created Tactics Guide i .................Brazil World Cup 2002 ii .................France Euro 2000 iii .................Ajax "Total Football" 1990s iv .................Real Madrid season 2002-2003 v .................Juventus season 2002-2003 vi .................Manchester United season 2002-2003 vii ................."CK9s MasterTactic ¸" viii.................My Own Favourite ix .................mtrenners 4-3-3 x .................polarcubs 4-1-2-3 xi .................Gordon Hay 4-4-2 Play III ................Good Player Guide i .................Experienced Players ii .................Young Players iii .................My Favourites iv .................Conference Players v .................My Top 10 CM4 Players IV .................My Dream Teams i .................World Dream Team ii .................Less Well-Known Dream Team iii .................My Valencia Team V .................Miscellaneous Stuff i .................CM Skins ii .................CM Logos VI..................Information i .................Legal Information ii .................Contact Information iii .................Special Thanks *NOTE* THIS GUIDE IS BEST VIEWED USING NOTEPAD, COURIER NEW FONT AT SIZE 16. THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR SEEING THE TACTICS. IF VIEWED IN MICROSOFT WORD, THE FONT MUST BE COURIER NEW, SIZE 8 OR LESS. ============================================================================ *NOTE* During this guide I will refer to "Championship Manager" as "CM", it makes things much easier. *NOTE* There are many more default tactics in CM, however most of them are not very good so what you see in this section is the best tactics to use. <=====================================> I <--i .................4-4-2 Attacking--> <=====================================> Description: The classic formation for any football team. Almost every formation is an adapted version of the 4-4-2. It has been the most popular formation for many years, and still is among many clubs and CM players alike. Formation: *NOTE* The arrows indicating player runs are not to be taken too literally. For example, a run from defender to defensive midfielder should be the same length as a run from midfielder to attacking midfielder IN THE GAME. Ignore the length of the arrows and instead use the position references on to the left of the diagram. ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |--------9------10--------| ---- |-------------------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-^---------------------^-| 2 : Right Full-back |-|---------------------|-| 3 : Left Full-back |-|---------------------|-| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |-11-----6-------8------7-| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Right Winger DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-------------------------| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Centre Forward |-------------------------| 11 : Left Winger SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| <=====================================> I <--ii .................5-3-2 Attacking--> <=====================================> Description: This is a tactic used mainly by lower division teams. However, it can be used to great success by top teams as well. Basically it has 5 defenders to shut out the opposition, and one of the three midfielders is used to protect the back five. The other two midfielders can play normal or attacking, whatever suits you. As with every tactic, one striker should have pace and the other should have good haeding, jumping and strength. Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |--------9------10--------| ---- |-------------------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-^----------8----------^-| 2 : Right Wing-back |-|---------------------|-| 3 : Centre Half |-|---------------------|-| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |-|-----6---------7-----|-| 5 : Centre Half |-|---------------------|-| 6 : Centre Midfielder |-|---------------------|-| 7 : Centre Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-11--------------------2-| 8 : Attacking Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |------3-----4-----5------| 10 : Centre Forward |-------------------------| 11 : Left Wing-back SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| <===========================> I <--iii .................3-5-2--> <===========================> Description: A classic tactic for CM and real life football alike. A version of the 3-5-2 won Brazil the World Cup in 2002 [I will include this tactic later in the guide]. It is just as successful in CM as it is in real life. Three powerful and commanding centre halfs are required in defence. The two wingers should be energetic and very fit, and be good at crossing. Two of the three central midfielders should have good passing and technique attributes. The other one, in the centre, should be good at tackling and be defensive- minded. Again, there should be a pacey and a strong striker up front. Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |---------9-----10--------| ---- |-------------------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-------------------------| 2 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 3 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |-11---6-----5-----8----7-| 5 : Centre Midfielder |------------|------------| 6 : Centre Midfielder |------------|------------| 7 : Right Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |------------v------------| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |------3-----4-----2------| 10 : Centre Forward |-------------------------| 11 : Left Midfielder SWEEPER |-------------------------| | : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| v Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| <===================================> I <--iv .................5-3-2 Sweeper--> <===================================> Description: This tactic is mainly used in Italy in real life, however not often used in CM. It is useful in lower leagues, however perhaps leaves the defence exposed at the top level, due to the attacking full-backs. Anyway, as I just said the full-backs should be attacking and have good crossing. The central midfielder [running forward] should be attacking and have good creativity. The other two either side of him should hold the midfield and protect the back four. Again, both a pacey and powerful striker should be used. Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |---------9-----10--------| ---- |-------------------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |------------^------------| 2 : Right Wing-back |------------|------------| 3 : Left Wing-back |------------|------------| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |-^---11-----7-----8----^-| 5 : Centre Half |-|---------------------|-| 6 : Sweeper |-|---------------------|-| 7 : Centre Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-3---------------------2-| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |--------4---^---5--------| 10 : Centre Forward |------------|------------| 11 : Centre Midfielder SWEEPER |------------6------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| <=============================> I <--v .................4-3-2-1--> <=============================> Description: This tactic is used by Milan in CM. I cannot think of anyone who uses it in real life, but it is effective in the game. The flat back four should be defensive, with the two full-back staying back instead of becoming too involved with the attacks. The two wingers should be good at crossing, with the central midfielder having a defensive role. The two attacking midfielders should =have good creativity attributes, and you may wish to give them free roles. The striker can be pacey or powerful, whatever you prefer. Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |------------9------------| ---- |-------------------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-------11-------10-------| 2 : Right Full-back |-------------------------| 3 : Left Full-back |-------------------------| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |-8----------6----------7-| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Right Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-------------------------| 8 : Left Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Attacking Midfielder |-------------------------| 11 : Attacking Midfielder SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| <============================> I <--vi .................4-2-4--> <============================> Description: The teams I have noticed using this tactic in CM are FC Bayern and Real Betis. In my first season with Valencia in Spain, Real Betis ran away with the League Championship using 4-2-4, and got 6 points off me during the season. It has never really worked well for me though. So I suppose I can't give you much advice on who to play where, just do what you feel may work for your team. Obviously it provides many attacking options, I just feel that it may leave you a little exposed in the midfield. Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |-11-----9-------10-----7-| ---- |-------------------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-------------------------| 2 : Right Full-back |-------------------------| 3 : Left Full-back |-------------------------| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |--------6-------8--------| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Right Forward DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-------------------------| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Centre Forward |-------------------------| 11 : Left Forward SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| <===============================> I <--vii .................4-1-2-1-2--> <===============================> Description: Dortmund use this tactic in CM4 [thanks polarcubs!], and I also remember Barcelona using it to great advantage in the previous versions. Basically the two full-backs are VERY attacking, providing crosses from the touchlines. The defensive midfielder should protect the back four, and I like to give the attacking midfielder a free role. Both a pacey and powerful striker should be used. Basically, it is a very balanced and useful tactic. Also, I have seen Fulham using this tactic. Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |<======9--------10======>| ---- |-------------------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |------------11-----------| 2 : Right Full-back |-------------------------| 3 : Left Full-back |-------------------------| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |--------7-------8--------| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Defensive Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Centre Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |------------6------------| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Centre Forward |-------------------------| 11 : Attacking Midfielder SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| <============================> I <--viii .................4-3-3--> <============================> Description: Used by many of the world's top teams. Ajax used it in the mid 90s [see Ajax "Total Football" 1990s]. Others who use it include Glasgow Rangers, Besiktas and Lyon who have all won the respective Leagues in the 2002-2003 season. In CM, I cannot think who uses it, but it can be very successful. In CM 99/00 I used it with Real Madrid and was very successful, but I have never used it in CM4. Hey! Maybe you can tell me if it works! Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |-<====11----9----10====>-| ---- |-------------------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-------------------------| 2 : Right Full-back |-------------------------| 3 : Left Full-back |-------------------------| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |------7-----6-----8------| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Centre Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-------------------------| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Centre Forward |-------------------------| 11 : Centre Forward SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| <===========================================> II <--i .................Brazil World Cup 2002--> <===========================================> *NOTE* Because these formations are from real teams, I will also include the positions of the players of that team relative to the number on the diagram. Description: What better tactic to use than the one the World Champions themselves used in the 2002 World Cup. It may leak goals, but the attacking options are almost unending. The back three are supposedly used to protect the goal. The two wing-backs should be attacking and cross from the touchline. One midfielder should be attacking, with the other being normal or defensive, whatever you prefer. The two wingers should be very attacking but should NOT cross the ball. They should be creative and try through balls. You can assign them a free role if you wish. The one striker should be pacey and powerful [Ronaldo]. Team Instructions: Passing - Short Focus Passing - Mixed Tackling - Normal Closing Down - Own Half Only Mentality - Gung Ho Offside Trap - No Zonal Marking - Yes Counter Attack - Yes Men Behind Ball - No Formation: *NOTE* Due to difficulties with this guide the arrows from 11 and 10 look deformed. In CM simply direct their runs towards the number 9, there should be an area for them to be placed either side of the number 9. ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |---______^--9--^______---| ---- |--/-------------------\--| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-11-------------------10-| 2 : Right Full-back |-------------------------| 3 : Left Full-back |-------------------------| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |-^------8-------7------^-| 5 : Centre Half |-|---------------------|-| 6 : Centre Half |-|---------------------|-| 7 : Centre Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-3---------------------2-| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-----4------6------5-----| 10 : Attacking Midfielder |-------------------------| 11 : Attacking Midfielder SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| Players: 1 : Marcos 2 : Cafu 3 : Roberto Carlos 4 : Roque Junior 5 : Edmilson 6 : Lucio 7 : Kleberson 8 : Gilberto Silva 9 : Ronaldo 10: Ronaldinho 11: Rivaldo <======================================> II <--i .................France Euro 2000--> <======================================> Description: The former World Champions and current European Champions did not win those tournaments with luck you know, it was this tactic. The four defenders should have defensive mentalities, with the full-backs not really becoming involved in the attacks. The central midfielder should be attacking [Zinedine Zidane] with the other two being either normal or defensive, it is up to you. The two attacking midfielders should cross the ball and try through balls. The should be given attacking mentalities. The one striker should be pacey and powerful [David Trezeguet]. Team Instructions: Passing - Short Focus Passing - Mixed Tackling - Normal Closing Down - Always Mentality - Normal Offside Trap - No Zonal Marking - No Counter Attack - Yes Men Behind Ball - No Formation: *NOTE* Due to difficulties with this guide the arrows from 11 and 10 look deformed. In CM simply direct their runs towards the number 9, there should be an area for them to be placed either side of the number 9. ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |---______^--9--^______---| ---- |--/-------------------\--| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-11---------^---------10-| 2 : Right Full-back |------------|------------| 3 : Left Full-back |------------|------------| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |------7-----6-----8------| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Centre Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-------------------------| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Attacking Midfielder |-------------------------| 11 : Attacking Midfielder SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| Players: 1 : Fabian Barthez 2 : Lilian Thuram 3 : Bixente Lizerazu 4 : Marcel Desailly 5 : Frank Lebouf 6 : Zinedine Zidane 7 : Emmanuel Petit 8 : Patrick Vieira 9 : David Trezeguet 10: Sylvain Wiltord 11: Thierry Henry <================================================> II <--i .................Ajax "Total Football" 1995--> <================================================> Description: The most unique and devastating tactic of the 90s. With their fast-paced atacks and water-tight defense, Ajax won many Dutch League Championships and the UEFA Champions League in this decade. The two full- backs are very attacking, delivering crosses from the touchline. The number 6 should have a attacking mentality, with the other two either side of him normal or attacking. The central striker should be powerful and have good attributes for jumping and heading. The other two should have good pace and technique. A VERY attacking tactic. Team Instructions: Passing - Short Focus Passing - Through the Middle Tackling - Normal Closing Down - Own Half Only Mentality - Gung Ho Offside Trap - No Zonal Marking - Yes Counter Attack - No Men Behind Ball - No Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |-<====11----9----10====>-| ---- |------------^------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |^-----------6-----------^| 2 : Right Full-back |\______-----------______/| 3 : Left Full-back |-------\---------/-------| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |--------8-------7--------| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Attacking Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Centre Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-^---------------------^-| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-|---------------------|-| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Right Forward |-------------------------| 11 : Left Forward SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| Players: 1 : Edwin van der Sar 2 : Michael Reizeger 3 : Winston Bogard 4 : Frank Rijkaard 5 : Danny Blind 6 : Jari Litmanen 7 : Ronald de Boer 8 : Clarence Seedorf 9 : Nwankwo Kanu 10: Finidi George 11: Marc Overmars 'N W A 1986' also has a version of the Ajax side who won the Champions League in 1995. If you would like this version, please e-mail me requesting it [see contact information]. <==================================================> II <--i .................Real Madrid season 2002-2003--> <==================================================> Description: All right, with players like Zidane, Raul, Figo and Ronaldo pretty much any tactic will work for Real Madrid. But this one chosen by Vicente Del Bosque is so unique because it pays so little attention to defensive detail. Real, like Brazil, use a "You score one we'll score three" Philosophy, so I just thought I would add this to the guide. I've never used it myself, and Real don't use it in the game, but e-mail me with the results. Anyway, the left full-back is attacking, and should cross from deep. The two defensive midfielders should have an ultra defensive mentality. The right winger should cross from the touchline and try through balls. The attacking midfielder should have a free role and try through balls. The two strikers should have good finishing and anticipation, as there will be many through balls being played to them. Team Instructions: Passing - Short Focus Passing - Mixed Tackling - Normal Closing Down - Own Half Only Mentality - Gung Ho Offside Trap - No Zonal Marking - No Counter Attack - No Men Behind Ball - No Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |---------11----9-------^-| ---- |-----------------------|-| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |------------10---------|-| 2 : Right Full-back |-----------------------|-| 3 : Left Full-back |-----------------------|-| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |-^---------------------8-| 5 : Centre Half |-|-----------------------| 6 : Defensive Midfielder |-|-----------------------| 7 : Defensive Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-|------6-------7--------| 8 : Right Winger |-|-----------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Attacking Midfielder |-------------------------| 11 : Centre Forward SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| Players: 1 : Iker Casillas 2 : Michel Salgado 3 : Roberto Carlos 4 : Fernando Hierro 5 : Ivan Helguera 6 : Claude Makelele 7 : Flavio Conceicao 8 : Luis Figo 9 : Raul 10: Zinedine Zidane 11: Ronaldo <===============================================> II <--i .................Juventus season 2002-2003--> <===============================================> Description: This tactic won Juventus the Serie A Championship in the 2002- 2003 season, and got them into the UEFA Champions League Final. Again, I have never used it in CM, but it does seem to be a good tactic, similar to the 4-3-2-1 I showed earlier. The two full-backs should have normal mentalities, and the central midfielder should be defensive. The other two either side of him should be normal or attacking, depending on who is playing there [see Players #1 & #2 below]. The two attacking midfielders should try through balls and if you like be given free roles. The striker should have pace and power [David Trezeguet]. Team Instructions: Passing - Short Focus Passing - Through the Middle Tackling - Normal Closing Down - Own Half Only Mentality - Attacking Offside Trap - No Zonal Marking - No Counter Attack - Yes/No [Whatever you prefer, both work well]. Men Behind Ball - No Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |------------9------------| ---- |-------------------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |^--------11----10-------^| 2 : Right Full-back |-\---------------------/-| 3 : Left Full-back |--\___-------------___/--| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |------8-----6-----7------| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Centre Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-^---------------------^-| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-|---------------------|-| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Attacking Midfielder |-------------------------| 11 : Attacking Midfielder SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| Players #1: Players #2: 1 : Gianluigi Buffon 1 : Gianluigi Buffon 2 : Lilian Thuram 2 : Lilian Thuram 3 : Gianluca Zambrotta 3 : Gianluca Zambrotta 4 : Paolo Montero 4 : Paolo Montero 5 : Ciro Ferrara 5 : Ciro Ferrara 6 : Alessio Tacchinardi [Defensive] 6 : Edgar Davids [Defensive] 7 : Mauricio Camoranese [Attacking] 7 : Mauricio Camoranese [Attacking] 8 : Edgar Davids [Normal] 8 : Pavel Nedved [Attacking] 9 : David Trezeguet 9 : David Trezeguet 10: Allesandro Del Piero 10: Marco Di Vaio 11: Pavel Nedved 11: Allesandro Del Piero *NOTE* Mentalities for the players above are in brackets. <========================================================> II <--i .................Manchester United season 2002-2003--> <========================================================> Description: This tactic won Manchester United the Premiership in the 2002- 2003 season. Although Manchester United had a good defensive record this season, the tactic focuses mainly on the attack. The midfield is attacking, with the wingers and attacking midfielder joining the striker. The two wingers should be good at crossing, and the two central midfielders should have defensive mentalities. The attacking midfielder should be given a free role and should try through balls. The full-backs should be attacking, and the one striker should have pace and power [Ruud van Nistelrooy]. Team Instructions: Passing - Mixed Focus Passing - Mixed Tackling - Normal Closing Down - Own Half Only Mentality - Attacking Offside Trap - No Zonal Marking - Yes Counter Attack - No Men Behind Ball - No Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |-^----------9----------^-| ---- |-|---------------------|-| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-|---------10----------|-| 2 : Right Full-back |-|---------------------|-| 3 : Left Full-back |-|---------------------|-| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |-11-----8-------6------7-| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Right Winger DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-^---------------------^-| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-|---------------------|-| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Attacking Midfielder |-------------------------| 11 : Left Winger SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| Players: 1 : Fabian Barthez 2 : Gary Neville 3 : John O'Shea 4 : Mikael Silvestre 5 : Rio Ferdinand 6 : Roy Keane 7 : David Beckham 8 : Phil Neville 9 : Ruud van Nistelrooy 10: Paul Scholes 11: Ryan Giggs <===========================================> II <--i ................."CK9s MasterTactic ¸"--> <===========================================> Description: This is a very unique tactic. When you see it on the tactics screen in the game it looks very strange and you think that it could never work. But it does. All players should be given the team mentality [Gung Ho]. The full-backs should cross and hold up the ball. The centre midfielder should try through balls. The two attacking midfielders should also try through balls and run with the ball. The two centre halfs should man mark, and the striker can be whoever you want [pace or power, both work well]. Team Instructions: Passing - Short Focus Passing - Through the Middle Tackling - Normal Closing Down - Own Half Only Mentality - Gung Ho Offside Trap - No Zonal Marking - Yes Counter Attack - Yes Men Behind Ball - No Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |----------^-9------------| ---- |----------|--------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |---------10---11---------| 2 : Right Full-back |-------------------------| 3 : Left Full-back |-------------------------| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |------------8------------| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Sweeper |-------------------------| 7 : Defensive Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-^----------7----------^-| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-|---------------------|-| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Attacking Midfielder |-------------------------| 11 : Attacking Midfielder SWEEPER |------------6------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| Players: N/A <======================================> II <--i .................My Own Favourite--> <======================================> Description: This is THE tacitc for me in CM. It has everything. Wingers, attacking full-backs, defense and attack in the centre of midfield, and two different strikers. The full-backs should have attacking mentalities and should cross the ball. The wingers should attack and cross the ball, run with the ball and try through balls. The number 6 should be defensive, and the number 8 should be attacking. There should be both a pacey and a powerful striker up front, and they should both run with the ball. Enjoy! Team Instructions: Passing - Mixed Focus Passing - Down Both Flanks Tackling - Normal Closing Down - Stand Off Mentality - Attacking Offside Trap - No Zonal Marking - Yes Counter Attack - No Men Behind Ball - No Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |-^------9-------10-----^-| ---- |-|---------------------|-| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-|---------------------|-| 2 : Right Full-back |-|---------------------|-| 3 : Left Full-back |-|---------------------|-| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |-11-----8-------6------7-| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Right Winger DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-^---------------------^-| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-|---------------------|-| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Centre Forward |-------------------------| 11 : Left Winger SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| *NOTE* For the players here I will use my own first XI for my Valencia team. Players: 1 : Chris Kirkland 2 : Javier Zanetti 3 : Fabio Aurellio 4 : Lucio 5 : Lilian Thuram 6 : Patrick Vieira 7 : Robert Pires 8 : Cristiano Ronaldo 9 : John Carew 10: Christian Vieri 11: Vicente Here is my record as manager of Valencia. I used the above tactic to acheive these statistics: League Wins: 2 Cup Wins: 6 Games Played: 163 Games Won: 116 Games Drawn: 21 Games Lost: 26 Goals Scored: 352 Goal Conceded: 91 <=====================================> II <--i .................mtrenners 4-3-3--> <=====================================> Description: Thanks to mcrenners for this tactic. Basically it is a version of 4-3-3. The central midfielder can have a defensive or normal mentality, whatever you prefer. The other wider midfielders should push forward. The two widest forwards should push out towards the wings, as shown in the diagram. Team Instructions: Passing - Mixed Focus Passing - Mixed Tackling - Normal Closing Down - Always Mentality - Attacking Offside Trap - No Zonal Marking - Yes Counter Attack - No Men Behind Ball - No Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |-<====11----9----10====>-| ---- |-------------------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-------^---------^-------| 2 : Right Full-back |-------|---------|-------| 3 : Left Full-back |-------|---------|-------| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |-------8----6----7-------| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Centre Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-------------------------| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Centre Forward |-------------------------| 11 : Centre Forward SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| Players: 1 : Roberto Bonano 2 : Carles Puyol 3 : Anderson 4 : Lucio 5 : Philip Mexes 6 : Patrick Vieira 7 : Juan Roman Riquelme 8 : Zinedine Zidane 9 : Patrick Kluivert 10: Javier Saviola 11: Diego Tristan This is mtrenners' record as Barcelona manager, using this tactic: --------------------------------------- Season | Pos | W | D | L | F | A | Pts| --------------------------------------- 1 | 4th |18 |15 | 5 |66 | 28| 69 | 2 | 1st |29 |8 | 1 |110| 23| 95 | 3 | 1st |33 |3 | 2 |113| 15| 102| 4 | 1st |30 |6 | 2 |106| 20| 96 | --------------------------------------- <=======================================> II <--i .................polarcubs 4-1-2-3--> <=======================================> Description: Thanks to polarcubs for this tactic. It is a version of 4-3-3, only the midfield is very attacking. All four defenders should have ultra defensive mentalities, but the two full-backs should cross the ball. The central midfielder should stand off [closing down], but should be at always when facing a strong opponent. He should hold up the ball, try through balls and take long shots. The attacking midfielder left should cross from deep to aim for the man, forward runs, try through balls, mixed passing, long shots and hold up the ball. The right attacking midfielder should cross from deep to aim for the man, take long shots and try through balls. The strikers should all hold up the ball and mark zonally. Team Instructions: Passing - Short/Direct Focus Passing - Down Both Flanks Tackling - Hard Closing Down - Always Mentality - Gung Ho Offside Trap - No Zonal Marking - Yes Counter Attack - Yes Men Behind Ball - Yes Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |------11----9----10------| ---- |-------------------------| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-8---------------------7-| 2 : Right Full-back |-------------------------| 3 : Left Full-back |-------------------------| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |------------6------------| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Attacking Midfielder DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-------------------------| 8 : Attacking Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Centre Forward |-------------------------| 11 : Centre Forward SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| Players: 1 : Oliver Kahn 2 : Willy Sagnol 3 : Bixente Lizerazu 4 : Linke 5 : Samuel Kuffor 6 : Michael Ballack 7 : Sebastien Diesler 8 : Ze Roberto 9 : Ronaldo 10: Claudio Pizarro 11: Elber <===========================================> II <--i .................Gordon Hay 4-4-2 Play--> <===========================================> Description: Thanks to Gordon Hay for this tactic. The two centre halfs should man mark, and have hard tackling. The full-backs are not marking, but closing down the opposition in own half. The left and right wingers should run with the ball, cross it from the touchline and have attacking mentalities. The two central midfielders should be marking zonally and making forward runs, as well as trying through balls. The strikers should have an attacking mentality. Team Instructions: Passing - Mixed Focus Passing - Down Both Flanks Tackling - Normal Closing Down - Own Half Only Mentality - Normal Offside Trap - No Zonal Marking - Yes Counter Attack - No Men Behind Ball - No Formation: ___________________________ Position Reference: |-------------------------| KEY: FORWARD |-^------9------10------^-| ---- |-|---------------------|-| 1 : Goalkeeper ATTACKING MIDFIELDER |-|---------------------|-| 2 : Right Full-back |-|---------------------|-| 3 : Left Full-back |-|---------------------|-| 4 : Centre Half MIDFIELDER |-11-----6-------8------7-| 5 : Centre Half |-------------------------| 6 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 7 : Right Winger DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER |-------------------------| 8 : Centre Midfielder |-------------------------| 9 : Centre Forward DEFENDER |-3------4-------5------2-| 10 : Centre Forward |-------------------------| 11 : Left Winger SWEEPER |-------------------------| ^ : Run [Using Right |-------------------------| | Mouse click] GOALKEEPER |------------1------------| |-------------------------| |_________________________| Players: 1 : Iker Casillas 2 : Brett Emerton 3 : Roberto Carlos 4 : Roberto Fabian Ayala 5 : Philip Mexes 6 : Lee Bowyer 7 : Luis Figo 8 : Gaizka Mendieta 9 : Raul 10: Ronaldo 11: Vicente At the request of Gordon Hay, here is his record as Real Madrid manager. He used this tactic to acheive these great statistics: Manager Points: 199983 League Wins: 1 Cup Wins: 5 Games Played: 79 Games Won: 64 Games Drawn: 8 Games Lost: 7 Goals Scored: 202 Goal Conceded: 34 <========================================> III <--i .................Experienced Players--> <========================================> Age 30 - 40 Player Name | Club | Nationality | Position | Age | Stars | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paolo Maldini | Milan | Italian | D L/C | 33 | **** | Roy Keane | Man. United| Irish | DM C | 31 | **** | Pavel Nedved | Juventus | Czech | AML/C | 30 | ***** | Rui Costa | Milan | Portuguese | AM C | 30 | ***** | Rivaldo | Milan | Brazilian | F L/C | 30 | ***** | Zinedine Zidane | Real Madrid| French | M C | 30 | ***** | Francesco Toldo | Inter | Italian | GK | 30 | **** | Fabian Barthez | Man. United| French | GK | 31 | *** | Cafu | Roma | Brazilian | M R | 32 | *** | Diego Simeone | Lazio | Argentinian | DM C | 32 | ** | Steve McManaman | Real Madrid| English | AM R | 30 | ** | Santiago Canizares| Valencia | Spanish | GK | 32 | *** | Philip Cocu | Barcelona | Dutch | DM L/C | 31 | ** | Ismael Urzaiz | A. Bilbao | Spanish | S C | 30 | *** | Lilian Thuram | Juventus | Italian | D R/C | 30 | ***** | Luigi Di Biagio | Inter | Italian | DM C | 31 | *** | Jaap Stam | Lazio | Dutch | D R/C | 30 | *** | Pedrag Djordjevic | Olympiakos | Yugoslav | AM L | 30 | ** | Djalminha | Deportivo | Brazilian | AM L/C | 31 | *** | Josep Guardiola | Brescia | Spanish | DM C | 31 | *** | Christian Worns | Dortmund | German | D C | 30 | ** | Paul Bosvelt | Feyenoord | Dutch | M R/C | 32 | *** | Henrik Larsson | Celtic | Swedish | F C | 30 | ** | Jens Lehmann | Dortmund | German | GK | 32 | *** | Joao Pinto | Sporting | Portuguese | F C | 31 | *** | Juan Sanchez | Valencia | Spanish | S C | 30 | **** | Christophe Dugarry| Bordeaux | French | S C | 30 | *** | Catanha | Celta | Spanish | F R/C | 30 | *** | Enrico Chiesa | Lazio | Italian | F R/C | 31 | *** | Emerson | A. Madrid | Brazilian | DM C | 30 | *** | Frank de Boer | Barcelona | Dutch | D L/C | 32 | *** | Nourredine Naybet | Deportivo | Moroccan | SW/D C | 32 | *** | Luis Enrique | Barcelona | Spanish | AM/F R/L/C| 32 | **** | <=================================> III <--i .................Young Players--> <=================================> Age 13 - 21 Player Name | Club | Nationality | Position | Age | Stars | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Javier Saviola | Barcelona | Argentinian | F C | 20 | ***** | Joaquin | Real Betis | Spanish | AM R | 21 | ***** | Tomas Rosicky | Dortmund | Czech | AM C | 21 | ***** | R. van der Vaart | Ajax | Dutch | AM L/C | 19 | ***** | Christoph Metzelder| Dortmund | German | D C | 21 | *** | Adriano | Parma | Brazilian | S C | 20 | ***** | Ashley Cole | Arsenal | English | D L/C | 21 | **** | Vicente | Valencia | Spanish | AM L | 21 | ***** | John O'Shea | Man. United| Irish | D C | 21 | *** | Iker Casillas | Real Madrid| Spanish | GK | 21 | ***** | A. D'Alessandro | River | Argentinian | AM C | 21 | **** | Kaka | Sao Paulo | Brazilian | AM/F R/C | 20 | ***** | Samuel Eto'o | Mallorca | Cameroonian | F C | 21 | *** | Fernando Torres | A. Madrid | Spanish | S C | 18 | **** | Cristian Chivu | Ajax | Romanian | D L/C | 21 | ***** | John Terry | Chelsea | English | D C | 21 | *** | Xabi Alonso | R. Sociedad| Spanish | DM C | 20 | **** | Carlton Cole | Chelsea | English | S C | 18 | *** | Wayne Rooney | Everton | English | S C | 16 | ***** | Freddy Adu | Free | American | AM C | 13 | **** | Dimitar Berbatov | Leverkusen | Bulgarian | S C | 21 | **** | Mido | Ajax | Egyptian | F L/C | 19 | ***** | Arjen Robben | PSV | Dutch | AM/F L/C | 18 | **** | Scott Parker | Charlton | English | M C | 21 | *** | Fabricio Coloccini | Milan | Argentinian | D C | 20 | **** | Matteo Brighi | Juventus | Italian | DM R/C | 21 | **** | Roque Santa Cruz | FC Bayern | Paraguayan | S C | 21 | ***** | Joe Cole | West Ham | English | AM L/C | 20 | ***** | Kim Kallstrom | Djurgarden | Swedish | DM C | 20 | ***** | Alexander Farnerud | Landskrona | Swedish | AM/F R/L/C| 18 | **** | Borut Semler | FC Bayern | Slovenian | F R/C | 17 | *** | Mikel Arteta | Rangers | Spanish | M C | 20 | **** | <=================================> III <--i .................My Favourites--> <=================================> *NOTE* There is no point in putting David Beckham or Ronaldo into this section, as they would be obvious favourites. This section is more for my favourite less well-know players. Player Name | Club | Nationality | Position | Age | Stars | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marinho | Ponte Preta| Brazilian | D C | 26 | *** | Juanito | Real Betis | Spanish | D C | 26 | **** | Kaka | Sao Paulo | Brazilian | AM/F R/C | 20 | ***** | Marcos | Palmeiras | Brazilian | GK | 28 | **** | Rogerio Ceni | Sao Paulo | Brazilian | GK | 29 | **** | Emilson Cribari | Brescia | Brazilian | D C | 22 | *** | Cristiano Ronaldo | Sporting | Portuguese | F R/L/C | 17 | **** | Mido | Ajax | Egyptian | F L/C | 19 | **** | Alessandro Budel | Triensta | Italian | DM R/L/C | 18 | ** | Eder Bau | Triensta | Italian | F R/L/C | 18 | ** | Raul Tamudo | Espanyol | Spanish | S C | 25 | *** | Kim Kallstrom | Djurgarden | Swedish | DM C | 20 | ***** | Manuel Pablo | Deportivo | Spanish | D R | 26 | *** | John Carew | Valencia | Norweigan | S C | 23 | ***** | Curro Torres | Valencia | Spanish | D/DM R | 26 | **** | Fabio Aurellio | Valencia | Brazilian | D L | 23 | **** | Marco Materazzi | Inter | Italian | D C | 29 | **** | Joe Cole | West Ham | English | AM L/C | 21 | *** | Jermain Defoe | West Ham | English | S C | 20 | **** | Joesph Yobo | Everton | Nigerian | D/DM R/C | 22 | *** | Bernardo Corradi | Lazio | Italian | S C | 26 | *** | Traianos Dellas | Roma | Greek | D C | 26 | ** | Chris Kirkland | Liverpool | English | GK | 21 | **** | Patricio Perez | Velez | Argentinian | AM C | 17 | **** | Andres D'Alessandro| River | Argentinian | AM C | 21 | **** | Tim Howard | MetroStars | American | GK | 23 | ***** | Alexander Farnerud | Landskrona | Swedish | AM/F R/L/C| 18 | **** | Mancini | A. Mineiro | Brazilian | D/AM R | 22 | **** | Diego | Santos | Brazilian | AM R/C | 17 | **** | Robinho | Santos | Brazilian | F C | 18 | **** | Ricardo Oliveira | Santos | Brazilian | S C | 22 | **** | Freddy Adu | Free | American | AM C | 13 | *** | Arjen Robben | PSV | Dutch | AM/F L/C | 18 | **** | Roque Santa Cruz | FC Bayern | Paraguayan | S C | 21 | **** | Diego Santa Cruz | S. Colombia| Paraguayan | F R/L/C | 20 | ** | Fabricio Coloccini | Milan | Argentinian | D C | 20 | **** | Vicente | Valencia | Spanish | AM L | 20 | **** | Deco | FC Porto | Brazilian | AM C | 24 | **** | Shabani Nonda | AS Monaco | D. R. of Congo | S C | 24 | *** | Luca Toni | Brescia | Italian | S C | 25 | ** | Capi | Real Betis | Spanish | AM R/C | 25 | **** | Matteo Ferrari | Parma | Italian | D C | 22 | ***** | Adriano | Parma | Brazilian | S C | 20 | ***** | Anderson | Flamengo | Brazilian | D/DM L | 20 | *** | Vasilas Tsartas | AEK Athens | Greek | AM C | 29 | ***** | Remember that some of these players, especially the youngsters, may not seem to have very good stats when you first look at them. However, they will develop into the future stars of the game, I garuntee you. <======================================> III <--i .................Conference Players--> <======================================> Player Name | Club | Nationality | Position | Age | Stars | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdoulaye M'Baye | Free | Senegalese | SC | 28 | ***** | Ivan Hurtado | Free | Ecuadoran | D C | 27 | ***** | Tijjani Babangida | Free | Nigerian | AM/F R | 28 | ***** | Amado Guevara | Dinamo Kiev | Honduran | AM C | 26 | **** | Mark Bosnich | Free | Austrailian | GK | 30 | **** | Lee Sharpe | Bangor City | English | AM L | 31 | **** | Stephen Hughes | Rangers | English | M L/C | 25 | ***** | Anthony Yeboah | Etehad ...* | Ghanaian | S C | 36 | **** | Junior Agogo | Barnet | Ghanaian | F R/L/C | 22 | **** | Ben Strevens | Barnet | English | S C | 22 | **** | Alan O'Hare | Chesterfield| Irish | D C | 19 | *** | Paul Gascoigne | Gansu Tianma| English | M C | 35 | **** | Sulaberadze | Kutaisi | Georgian | M R/C | 16 | *** | Tresfaye Bramble | Southend | English | S C | 21 | **** | Ferne Snoyl | Free | Dutch | AM F/C | 17 | *** | Rolando Fonseca | Free | Costa Rican | S C | 28 | **** | Scott Huckerby | Hucknall | English | AM/F R/L | 26 | **** | Victor Boyle-Renner| Bishop's...#| English | F R/L/C | 23 | **** | Victor Ikpeba | Al Ittihad**| Nigerian | F C | 29 | ***** | Tim Flowers | Free | English | GK | 36 | ***** | Rasoul Khatibi | Paas | Irainian | AM/F C | 24 | *** | Alireza Vahedi...##| Esteghal | Irainian | DM L | 23 | *** | Ali Daei | Al Shabab | Irainian | S C | 33 | **** | ...* Sports Club ...# Stortford ...** Tripoli ...## Nkbakht <=========================================> III <--i .................My Top 10 CM4 Players--> <=========================================> No. | Player Name | Club | Nationality | Position | Age | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | Christian Vieri | Inter | Italian | S C | 29 | 2 | Ruud van Nistelrooy| Man. United| Dutch | S C | 26 | 3 | Patrick Vieira | Arsenal | French | DM C | 26 | 4 | Andriy Shevchenko | Milan | Ukranian | S C | 25 | 5 | Rivaldo | Milan | Brazilian | F L/C | 30 | 6 | Zinedine Zidane | Real Madrid| French | M C | 30 | 7 | Gianluigi Buffon | Juventus | Italian | GK | 24 | 8 | Lucio | Leverkusen | Brazilian | D C | 24 | 9 | Pavel Nedved | Juventus | Czech | AM L/C | 30 | 10 | John Carew | Valencia | Norweigan | S C | 23 | <=====================================> IV <--i .................World Dream Team--> <=====================================> This is the dream team for every player in the game. This is the big players here. To make things easier, the formation will be 4-4-2. All the world's greatest players into one 11 man team. Here it is: Goalkeeper : Gianluigi Buffon [Juventus] Right Full-Back : Javier Zanetti [Inter] Left Full-Back : Roberto Carlos [Real Madrid] Centre Half : Alessandro Nesta [Milan] Centre Half : Lilian Thuram [Juventus] Left Midfielder : Rivaldo [Milan] Right Midfielder : David Beckham [Manchester United] Centre Midfielder : Patrick Vieira [Arsenal] Centre Midfielder : Zinedine Zidane [Real Madrid] Striker : Raul [Real Madrid] Striker : Christian Vieri [Inter] <===============================================> IV <--i .................Less Well-Known Dream Team--> <===============================================> This my dream team for the less well-known players in the table above [My favourites table]. Again, this will be a 4-4-2 formation. Here it is: Goalkeeper : Tim Howard [MetroStars] Right Full-Back : Mancini [Atletico Mineiro] Left Full-Back : Fabio Aurellio [Valencia] Centre Half : Fabricio Coloccini [Milan] Centre Half : Matteo Ferrari [Parma] Left Midfielder : Vicente [Valencia] Right Midfielder : Kaka [Sao Paulo] Centre Midfielder : Kim Kallstrom [Djurgarden] Centre Midfielder : Vassilas Tsartas [AEK Athens] Striker : John Carew [Valencia] Striker : Adriano [Parma] <=====================================> IV <--i .................My Valencia Team--> <=====================================> This is my own team. I have developed them from teenagers, along with some veterans to keep them in line. THIS is my Valencia team. Four long seasons, with eight trophies, including the treble in my second season. This is THE team for Championship Manager 4. I am currently unbeaten for 34 matches, and I haven't conceded in 36. This is the perfect balance between youth and experience, Technique and determination, attack and defense. Everyone should aim for something similar to this. The word "emaculate" was designed for this team. But, enough with the introduction, this is my Valencia team: Goalkeeper : Chris Kirkland [œ4 Million from Liverpool] Right Full-Back : Javier Zanetti [p/ex with Pablo Aimar from Inter] Left Full-Back : Fabio Aurellio [Original squad] Centre Half : Lucio [œ18 Million from Leverkusen] Centre Half : Lilian Thuram [œ7 Million from Juventus] Left Midfielder : Vicente [Original Squad] Right Midfielder : Robert Pires [œ15 Million from Arsenal] Centre Midfielder : Patrick Vieira [œ40 Million from Arsenal] Centre Midfielder : Cristiano Ronaldo [Bosman free transfer from Sporting] Striker : John Carew [Original squad] Striker : Christian Vieri [œ26 Million from Inter] Substitute 1 : Rogerio Ceni [Bosman free transfer from Sao Paulo] Substitute 2 : Roberto Ayala [Original squad] Substitute 3 : Mancini [œ7.25 Million from Althletico Mineiro] Substitute 4 : Gaizka Mendieta [œ13 Million from Lazio] Substitute 5 : Deco [œ10 Million from FC Porto] Substitute 6 : Kaka [œ12.5 Million from Sao Paulo] Substitute 7 : Ronaldo [œ19.75 Million from Real Madrid] <=============================> V <--i .................CM Skins--> <=============================> This section is dedicated to the skins in CM. Incase you do not know what a 'skin' is, there are three in the game. Ter, Traditional and Traditional Blue are the three default skins. However, more skins are available online. These can be general skins, or club specific skins. Just visit: http://www.cmskins.com It is essential to become a member before any skins can be downloaded. All this requires is your first and last name, your e-mail address, and a user- name and password entry. And that's it! All the skins you could ever want. My favourite skin is "bloomington dx". But, you can choose from a vast selection on the website. <=============================> V <--i .................CM Logos--> <=============================> This section is dedicated to CM logos. As far as I know there are no logos in the game originally [except the Spanish version]. But these logos are also available from http://www.cmskins.com. They come in 'logo packs'. This means you cannot simply download your teams logo, you must download the entire division. But the packs are by no means large in size and can be easily downloaded. The logos available are for many leagues in the game, and for the game's competitions. For example the Premier League logo will appear in the league table screen if you have downloaded it. This is a must addition for all CM fans. <======================================> VI <--i .................Legal Information--> <======================================> Championship Manager is a trademark of Eidos Interactive Limited. All Rights Reserved. This guide is Copyright¸ 2003 by James [me]. All rights reserved. This guide is to be used ONLY by http://www.gamefaqs.com. It may not be posted on any other site or used outside the Internet, used for profit, or modified. Doing so is an infringement of copyright law. Please report all infringements to my e-mail address [see Contact Information]. If you would like to use this guide on your site, or would like to extract part of it for whatever use, e-mail me with your reasons why you want to use my guide [see Contact Information for address]. I will consider every offer and my guide MAY ONLY be used with written permission from me, in response to your e-mail. <========================================> VI <--ii .................Contact Information--> <========================================> If you have any compliments, criticisms or any other comments about this guide please send your e-mails to r_h_c_p20@hotmail.com. Please do not ask me about stuff that is already included within this guide. If you have any tactics, good players or any other stuff about CM e-mail me with your information. Please be sure to include all the information I have included in my guide for your tactic/player. For example, if it is a player, give his name, club, nationality, position and age, I will look at him and give him my own star rating. And please do not give me players already here. Thanks a lot! <===================================> VI <--iii .................Special Thanks--> <===================================> - Thanks to 'mtrenners' for the "mtrenners 4-3-3" tactic. - Thanks to 'polarcubs' for young player Borut Semler. - Thanks to 'polarcubs' for the "polarcubs 4-1-2-3" tactic. - Thanks to 'the rock uk' for young player Mikel Arteta. - Thanks to 'N W A 1986' for Conference Players section. - Thanks to 'Gordon Hay' for "Gordon Hay 4-4-2 Play" tactic. - Thanks to 'Gordon Hay' for the idea of a "CM Skins and Logos Section". - Thanks to 'atri rioter v2' for three Iranian players in Conference Section. ============================================================================= R.I.P Marc-Vivien Foe - 1st May 1975 -> 26th June 2003. =============================================================================