How to improve team cohesion in Football Manager 2024

In Football Manager 2024, team cohesion plays a vital role in achieving success on the virtual pitch. A cohesive team performs better, communicates effectively, and builds strong bonds among its players. In this guide, we will outline some practical steps to improve team cohesion in FM24, ensuring that your squad operates as a well-oiled machine.

To enhance team cohesion, it is crucial to schedule specific training sessions that focus on key aspects of the game – Attack, Defence, and Possession. These sessions help players develop a shared understanding of tactical strategies and improve their coordination on the field.

When scheduling these sessions, consider the strengths and weaknesses of your team and design drills that address those areas. For example, if your team struggles with possession, focus on exercises that improve passing accuracy and movement off the ball. By consistently practicing these skills as a team, players will develop a stronger understanding of each other's tendencies and improve their overall cohesion on the field.

Team meetings are an essential tool for fostering happiness and club atmosphere within your squad. By regularly gathering your players together, you can address any concerns they may have, boost morale, and encourage camaraderie among teammates.

During these meetings, make an effort to create an open and inclusive environment where players feel comfortable expressing their opinions and ideas. Discuss upcoming matches, tactics, and any other relevant topics that will help strengthen the team's understanding of each other's roles and responsibilities. Additionally, use this time to celebrate individual and team accomplishments, as recognition and praise can go a long way in boosting team spirit.

Regularly scheduling matches not only provides valuable game experience but also increases tactical familiarity and strengthens the links between players. Encourage your team to work together on the pitch by emphasizing effective communication and cooperative play.

In addition to the regular league matches, consider organizing friendly matches or participating in tournaments to provide more opportunities for your team to gel. These matches will allow players to apply the tactics they've been practicing in training and develop a better understanding of each other's playing styles. Encourage players to communicate on the field, whether it's through verbal cues, hand signals, or simply understanding each other's movements.

Preseason friendlies serve as an excellent opportunity to fine-tune tactics and assess player performance while promoting greater team cohesion. Additionally, conducting thorough match reviews allows you to analyze individual player contributions while highlighting areas for improvement collectively.

Before the start of the season, schedule a series of preseason friendlies to give your team a chance to build chemistry and understand the tactical instructions you've implemented. These matches should be treated as learning experiences, allowing players to make mistakes and learn from them without the pressure of league points at stake.

After each match, conduct detailed match reviews with your coaching staff, focusing on both individual and team performances. By analyzing the game together, you can identify areas where the team can improve and offer constructive feedback to individual players. This process not only helps players understand their roles better but also strengthens team cohesion by fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

A stable squad is crucial for building long-term team cohesion. Instead of overhauling the entire team every season, focus on retaining core players who exhibit leadership qualities and contribute positively to the group dynamics. Keep senior players happy by recognizing their importance within the squad structure.

When building your squad, consider the personalities and values of the players you bring in. Look for individuals who align with the team's culture and share a common goal. While it is important to introduce new talent, try to strike a balance between bringing in fresh faces and maintaining a core group of players who have already developed strong bonds with each other.

Recognize the importance of senior players within the squad. Their experience and leadership qualities can significantly contribute to team cohesion. Provide them with opportunities to mentor younger players and involve them in decision-making processes. By valuing their contributions, you ensure that these influential players remain motivated and committed to the team's success.

Resist the temptation to make drastic changes too frequently as it can disrupt the team's cohesion. Instead, strive to build upon existing bonds and relationships within the squad. Encourage social groups to form naturally, allowing players to develop strong connections on and off the pitch.

While it may be tempting to make wholesale changes to your team, especially after a poor run of form, it is essential to recognize the value of stability. Continuity allows players to develop understanding and trust in each other's abilities, leading to improved team cohesion.

Encourage players to spend time together outside of training and matches. Organize team-building activities, such as group dinners or outings, to foster stronger relationships. When players have a genuine connection off the pitch, it often translates to better chemistry and communication on the field.