Top 5 Player Weaknesses in Football Manager & How to Fix Them

Discover the top 5 player cons in Football Manager, their hidden attributes, and how to manage them to turn weaknesses into strengths.

Struggling with inconsistent performers or injury-prone stars? Here’s how to turn weaknesses into strengths in FM.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably cursed under your breath when a key player goes missing in a cup final or your star striker suddenly decides to ghost half the season. Let’s face it—managing player weaknesses in Football Manager is one of the toughest challenges.

But don’t worry, mate. I’m here to help you tackle the top five most frustrating player cons in FM, with practical advice on how to deal with them. Whether it’s “Fairly inconsistent performer” or “Doesn’t enjoy big matches,” I’ve got some strategies to help you turn even the most flawed players into match-winners. Let’s dive in!

1. Doesn’t Enjoy Big Matches

This con is tied to the hidden attribute called Important Matches. It ranges from 1 (terrible under pressure) to 20 (thrives in big games). Players with low Important Matches scores tend to underperform in high-stakes situations, no matter how good their visible attributes are.

 
Why It’s a Problem:

Players with this con struggle to perform in high-pressure games, whether it’s a derby, a cup final, or a relegation battle. You might notice them bottling it or simply fading into the background.

What You Can Do:

• Ease Them In: Use them sparingly in less crucial matches to build confidence before throwing them into the deep end.
• Pick Wisely: Rotate them out for players who thrive in big matches when the stakes are high.
• Team Talks Matter: Use calming or morale-boosting talks to take the pressure off.
• Praise Often: Publicly acknowledge their performances in smaller games—it might just help them step up.

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• 💡 Pro Tip:
• Don’t assign these players penalty duties or captaincy in big games. Let them focus on their role.

2. Fairly Inconsistent Performer

Nothing is more infuriating than a player who delivers a 9.0 one game and a 5.8 the next. Sound familiar? That’s the bane of the inconsistent performer. This is linked to the hidden Consistency attribute, which determines how often a player performs at their potential. A score of 1 means wildly erratic performances, while 20 ensures reliable form.

 
Why It’s a Problem:

Consistency is key for any successful squad. If a player can’t deliver reliably, it’s hard to trust them in crucial moments.

 
What You Can Do:

• Youth Hope: Younger players often grow more consistent with age, so patience and game time can work wonders.
• Mentoring Groups: Pair them with a senior professional with a strong personality—consistency is contagious!
• Tactical Tweaks: Use them in less demanding roles or positions where their mistakes are less costly.
• Manage Workload: Don’t overplay them. Rotate them frequently to keep their performances sharp.

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• 🔑 Key Insight: 
• Even if they frustrate you, inconsistent players can still win you games with their occasional brilliance. Use them as wild cards!

READ ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Hidden Attributes in Football Manager

3. Injury Prone

The dreaded “Injury Prone” tag. Let me guess—you’ve signed a star only for them to spend more time with the physios than on the pitch. It’s a nightmare, right? This con is tied to the hidden Injury Proneness attribute. A high score means the player is more likely to pick up injuries, even from light challenges or training workloads.

 
Why It’s a Problem:

 
Injury-prone players disrupt your tactics, morale, and budget. They’re unreliable and can throw a spanner in your season plans.

 
What You Can Do:

• Custom Training Plans: Focus on Strength and Balance to reduce injury risks.
• Rotate and Rest: Avoid overworking them in matches or training.
• Medical Upgrades: Invest in top physios and facilities to manage their fitness better.
• Pick Matches Carefully: Don’t risk them on bad pitches or overly physical games.

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• 🚨 Warning:
• If a player’s injury history is truly dire, sometimes the best solution is to cut your losses and move on.

READ ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Physical Attributes in Football Manager

4. Unambitious Personality

Ever had a wonderkid with all the talent but none of the drive? That’s what it’s like dealing with an unambitious player. Frustrating, isn’t it? This con stems from a combination of hidden personality traits, particularly Ambition and Professionalism. Players with low Ambition lack the drive to improve, while low Professionalism leads to poor training habits.

 
Why It’s a Problem:

 
Low ambition means slow development and a lack of motivation to improve. It’s a waste of potential.

 
What You Can Do:

• Mentoring: Surround them with ambitious, professional players to improve their mindset.
• Create Competition: Make them fight for their place in the squad—it might spark some ambition.
• Praise and Motivate: Keep morale high and give them something to aim for, like breaking into the first team.

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• 🌟 Bright Side:
• With the right environment, even unambitious players can grow into reliable squad members.

READ ALSO: Understanding Player Personalities in Football Manager

5. Poor Concentration

A lapse in focus can cost you a match. Whether it’s a defender caught napping or a midfielder misplacing passes, poor concentration is a killer. This is tied to the mental attribute Concentration, which affects how well a player maintains focus during matches. A low score means they’re prone to lapses, especially under fatigue or pressure.

 
Why It’s a Problem:

 
Players with low concentration make critical mistakes, especially under pressure or fatigue.

 
What You Can Do:

• Focused Training: Work on Mental attributes like Concentration, Positioning, and Decisions.
• Tactical Adjustments: Place them in roles with less risk, such as deeper positions for defenders.
• Sub Early: Take them off when they’re tired—it’s when mistakes are most likely.
• Encourage Discipline: Use team talks to keep them focused and engaged.

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• 🎯 Quick Tip:
• Avoid pairing them with other error-prone players. That’s a recipe for disaster!

READ ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Mental Attributes in Football Manager

Final Thoughts: Turning Weaknesses into Strengths

Every player has flaws—it’s part of the game. But with the right approach, you can turn even the most frustrating cons into manageable quirks. Whether it’s managing an injury-prone star or mentoring an unambitious youngster, the secret lies in smart squad management and knowing when to cut your losses.