Help with tactics - Union Berlin

I need help with my Union Berlin save. Can't seem to find a tactic to get enough points to get me higher than 16th position in the league. Have tried a lot of different styles and formations. Does anyone have any tips or experience managing Union Berlin or a similar side?

I don't know much about 1.FC squad wise but if you are looking for tactical help I'm happy to advise.

Can you provide an idea of what you have tried so far tactics wise & maybe screenshot your current tactic?

Squad wise where do your strengths & weaknesses sit?

Do you have a style of play you would like to replicate/build your team around?

Cheers.

I've tried mostly variations of the 4-4-2 and 5-2-1-2, because the strength of the squad seem to be built around a direct approach and physical play. I'm going to try to explain the different strengths and weaknesses of the team.

Goalkeepers: Weak position with the same quality as a mid tier 2.Bundesliga keepers, but with pretty good feet.

Defenders: The central defenders are great with their heads, but are average at best when it comes to essentials like marking and tackling. The lack of athleticism is also a bit of a concern. The full backs are pretty well rounded (at least the starters), and the left back Reichel is better offensively and Ryerson on the right is better defensively. Only 1 assist over 21 matches for full backs.

Midfield: The midfield is below average in every aspect, but with some depth. A couple of natural playmakers and a few ball winning midfielders in the later half of their careers. The difference maker in the center of the pitch could be loanee Yunus Malli, who could be used in a deeper playmaking role or higher upp the pitch. In the wide areas we have a couple of inverted wingers, who could also play as ordinary wingers opening up for flexibility. Bulter on the left lacks quality but has great pace and size (188 cm) and Gogia on the left is the exact opposite.

Forwards: The forwards have the worst average ratings when it comes to finishing and off the ball. But, it's here we will find the only player that gives this team some kind of identity and hope. Sebastian Andersson is one of the best target players in the world. The 190cm long Swede has 16 heading, 17 jumping reach and 17 strength which makes him a menace in the box. Other then him we Anthony Ujah who is a good pressing forward with some nice pace. Marcus Ingvartsen is more of a deep lying forward with more technical ability than the rest of the forwards. Andersson is the only reliable goalscorer of the three.

The only thing this team got going for them is that they are dominant in the air, which makes for some good opportunities from set pieces.

I don't really have a style that I necessarily want to play, but I feel like I have to take advantage of Andersson's physical presence to win games with this squad.

Nice write up.

Can you give me the pace of your entire defence please player to player - eg. 12, 11, 12, 10 for a back 4.... & also if you are happy with your wingers/wide men in the midfield strata line as opposed to attacking midfield strata.

I'm seeing a 4-4-1-1/4-4-2 or 5-3-2 to make the most of your target man. Ideally a screen grab of your squad would be ideal.

Pace backline:
Left back:
Reichel 13

Right back:
Ryerson 12

Centre backs:
Friedrich 14
Subotic 10
Schlotterbeck 12

The wide men fit in both lines, so it's flexible.

Here's the squad btw (except the GK). Decided to start all over again with the save because of dynamics and to get time to get the squad more familiar with a new tactic.

Can you get me the screenshot again but include all positions, attributes pace and stamina, height & preferred foot.

We're definitely a back 4 now for sure, just need to see if it's 4-4-1-1, 4-1-2-2-1 or 4-4-2. I need the pace/stamina to judge the Defensive & LOE lines & preferred foot for your midfield balance & also how to build around Andersson.

As set pieces are clearly so important to maximise your output I might well build you a formation(s) & pm over to you, there's too much detail in them to list.

Here you go mate!

Positional wise that's actually some very very good coverage you have there. You could get away with any back four formation.

I'd still run a 4-4-1-1 though looking at it. Physically you are weak in midfield as you mentioned so we need to flood this with four to five players in the defensive phase.

I'll throw something together tomorrow for you & pm over if I can figure out how to do that.

Gonna be interesting to see what you will come up with and if we think alike!

Ha, probably not!! All about opinions isn't it.

2020-07-03 10:04#275442 filipbillhall : I need help with my Union Berlin save. Can't seem to find a tactic to get enough points to get me higher than 16th position in the league. Have tried a lot of different styles and formations. Does anyone have any tips or experience managing Union Berlin or a similar side?

Using knaps Fire and Water with Man Marking, I came 2nd with union Berlin.
If you want to try that, let me know.

2020-07-03 20:51#275497 filipbillhall : Gonna be interesting to see what you will come up with and if we think alike!

Sent you a PM matey.