Discover how to implement 'playing out from the back' in Football Manager 2024 with this in-depth guide.
The Evolution of "Playing Out from the Back" in Football Manager
Football's language has evolved significantly. As football styles from various parts of the world blend, especially in the Premier League, which has become a melting pot of philosophies from around Europe, how we talk about football must also evolve.
One of the most debated phrases in modern football is “playing out from the back.” For some fans, it represents a safe way to retain possession during the build-up phase (phrases that might’ve seemed alien to football fans 20 years ago). For traditionalists, however, it can be seen as slow, wasteful, or even a symbol of what’s "wrong" with modern football.
In this post, we'll explore what playing out from the back means, how it looks on the pitch, and how you can master it in Football Manager 2024.
Origins: The Legacy of Cruyff and Guardiola
While Barcelona under Pep Guardiola often gets the credit for popularising the modern passing game, it's Johan Cruyff who laid the groundwork. Cruyff’s philosophy of "Total Football" required all his players, including defenders, to be technically gifted and comfortable in possession. This was a radical departure from the traditionally defensive focus of centre-backs.
Cruyff’s Barcelona, particularly in the early 90s, exemplified this approach with players like Ronald Koeman, a defender as comfortable in possession as any midfielder. By starting the build-up phase deep in their own half, teams could dominate possession, reduce opposition chances, and probe for weaknesses in their opponents’ structure.
How Playing Out from the Back Took Over European Football
The success of clubs like Guardiola’s Barcelona, the Spanish national team, Wenger’s Arsenal, and more recently Manchester City has cemented playing out from the back as the default approach for many top teams. Today, almost every elite team in Europe has at least one defender with the technical ability to start possession from the back, from Virgil Van Dijk to John Stones.
In Football Manager 2024, this tactic has become a popular choice for those looking to dominate possession and control the tempo. But it’s not just about telling your team to "play out from defence." To implement it effectively, you need players with specific attributes and a formation that supports this style of play.
Key Attributes and Roles for Playing Out from the Back in FM24
- Centre-Backs: Look for defenders who excel in
passing, technique,
vision, and decisions. Players like
John Stones are a perfect example — comfortable on the ball and skilled
enough to evade opposition pressing.
- Midfield Links: A well-drilled holding midfielder is
essential. Under Guardiola, this role was epitomised by Sergio Busquets.
In Football Manager, roles like the
Deep-Lying Playmaker, Half Back, or
Regista fit the bill perfectly. These players drop deep
to receive the ball and link the defence to the midfield, making them
critical to a successful "playing out from the back" tactic.
- Goalkeepers: Don’t forget about your goalkeeper. In
modern football, keepers are expected to participate in the build-up, so
ensure they have solid kicking and
composure.
- Formations: Popular choices include the
4-3-3, with a holding midfielder dropping to support
the back line, or a 3-4-3, utilising a
Ball-Playing Defender or even a
Libero to move the ball forward. Both provide excellent
shape for building from the back while offering defensive cover against
counterattacks.
Setting It Up in Football Manager
It's easy to start with the "Play Out of Defence" instruction in FM24, but as we mentioned, that’s just the beginning. Here’s what else to consider:
- Formation: A 4-3-3 works well if you have a strong DM to shield the backline, while a back three with a libero or ball-playing defender offers an alternative for teams with technical centre-backs.
- Player Roles: Ensure your centre-backs and defensive midfielders are comfortable on the ball and have high ratings in passing, technique, and vision. These roles are crucial for effective build-up play.
- Team Shape: Make sure your side stays connected, with players always offering passing options to ensure possession is maintained through each phase of play.
Implementing "Play Out from the Back" in FM24: What You Need to Know
To successfully implement this tactic in FM24, the right system and personnel are key. You need players who are comfortable on the ball, tactically aware, and capable of playing under pressure. It's not enough to simply have possession; your team needs to make effective use of it.
Both in real life and in Football Manager, the phrase “playing out from the back” may divide opinions, but with the right setup, it’s a powerful tool for success.
Conclusion
Playing out from the back can be one of the most rewarding systems to implement in Football Manager 2024 — if done correctly. As long as your defenders and midfielders are capable of retaining possession and progressing the ball, you can dominate matches with controlled, methodical build-up play. Focus on having the right players with the right attributes, and this style of football will become second nature to your squad.
