Are you tired of racking up 70% possession in Football Manager, only to see your team produce three shots and zero highlights? In this week’s episode of The FM Technical Area, we’re breaking the myth that Tiki-Taka has to be slow, sideways, and predictable.
Inspired by Míchel’s Girona, we explore Vertical Tiki-Taka — a modern twist on the possession game. It’s a style that values quick, forward-thinking passes, using possession not just to control the ball but to carve open defenses at pace.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The difference between horizontal possession and vertical possession, and why the latter is so dangerous in FM.
How to set up formations, roles, and instructions that bring Vertical Tiki-Taka to life.
The real-world tactical principles that underpin this system: direct progression, controlled chaos in the final third, and relentless high pressing.
How to spot the data signs that your tactic is (or isn’t) working — from forward pass percentages to passes per attacking sequence.
Why this style isn’t just for elite clubs: with the right off-the-ball movement and decision-making, even a lower-league side can make it work.
We’ll also dive into:
A case study from a save where shifting to this system transformed a mid-table underdog into a European contender.
Key player attributes that fuel success — decisions, anticipation, and off-the-ball intelligence.
Community contributions, including your favourite player roles in pressing systems.
Whether you’re chasing underdog glory or fine-tuning a top-tier side, this episode will show you how to turn sterile possession into purposeful attacking football.
🎧 Listen now and start transforming your FM save with Vertical Tiki-Taka.
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
https://themastermindsite.com/2023/10/15/michel-girona-tactical-analysis/
https://www.hudl.com/blog/michel-girona-la-liga-style-substance
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