I used ChatGPT as my assistant manager on Football Manager and it was a gamechanger!
Using Barnsley (who we got promoted to the Premier League), we made Chat GPT our Assistant Manager in Football Manager! Check out this fun article where we go through our FM team’s tactical set-up and more and then put the team to the test with a brutal start to this FM campaign facing Man City, Spurs and Chelsea!
By: William Reid
‘View our complete FPL Guidebook here, where you can find the answers and guide’s to your general fantasy queries. This is a great tool for any newcomer to FPL.
Also check out the homepage for your chance to win prizes by competing in challenges.
Our latest articles page contains all the latest transfer and FPL news!
At the moment, I’m managing Barnsley in the Premier League.
I’m predicted to finish 18th, I’ve got one of the lowest wage bills in the division, and honestly? It’s an absolute slog. I’m used to high-pressing, fancy tactics. gegenpressing galore, but with this lot, that’s a very dangerous game. I’ve conceded nearly the most goals in the league. I had a decent start, but my form was starting to dip.
Feeding the Beast
First thing I did was give it a ton of information about my team. I included the full squad list, our predicted position, and a detailed team report. I probably could have sent more, but it was a solid starting point. Here’s the initial tactic it spat out:
Tactic Overview:
Name: Deep Diamond Counter Formation: 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow (Diamond) Mentality: Cautious
This shape suited my best performers (Rodrigo Mora, Dewsbury-Hall, Valeri, Romero, Wharton), strengthened our central areas, and protected our very, very vulnerable wings.
Team Instructions:
In Possession:
Shorter Passing – Minimises mistakes, given our limited technical ability.
Play for Set Pieces – We’re decent here (7th-best xA from set plays).
Be More Disciplined – Cuts out silly risks.
Work Ball Into Box – Helps maximise xG with our dodgy finishing.
Fairly Narrow – Protects the middle and fits the diamond setup.
In Transition:
Regroup – We’re not pressing monsters; shape up quickly.
Counter – Our forwards are physical and quick – break with intent.
Distribute to Centre-Backs – Our keepers can’t pass wind, never mind pick out a winger.
Out of Possession:
Mid Block – We’d get torn apart trying a high line.
Standard Defensive Line
Much More Often Trigger Press – Let opponents have it, then pounce near halfway.
Get Stuck In – We’ve got tackling and bravery, so use it.
Player Roles + Instructions
GK – Goalkeeper (Defend)
Simple role. Best to keep things safe with our questionable keepers.
DR & DL – Wing-Back (Support)
Stay Wider
Cross From Deep
Ngakia/Akpoguma and Valeri offer pace and physicality. Valeri especially – he’s a baller.
DCs – Central Defender (Defend)
Stay Wider
Tackle Harder
Romero + Beraldo or Pellegrino – decent aerially, love a crunching tackle.
DM – Defensive Midfielder (Support)
Take Fewer Risks
Hold Position
Mark Tighter
Wharton fits this well. Could play DLP, but safe mode is best.
MCR – Box-to-Box Midfielder (Support)
Get Further Forward
Tackle Harder
Shoot Less Often
Dewsbury-Hall – absolute engine, exactly what this role needs.
MCL – Mezzala (Support)
Roam From Position
Get Further Forward
Ideal link-up man – Alarcón or Lewis O’Brien offer good legs.
AMC – Advanced Playmaker (Attack)
Roam From Position
Take More Risks
Rodrigo Mora is the creative heartbeat. Give him the keys.
STC – Deep-Lying Forward (Support)
Hold Up Ball
Move Into Channels
Pellegri suits this nicely – physical presence up top.
STC – Pressing Forward (Attack)
Close Down More
Tackle Harder
Shoot More Often
Iheanacho’s not lethal, but he’ll hassle defenders and take his chances.
Key Tactical Notes
Use opposition instructions to force play wide and press their weak links.
Switch to a 4-3-3 Narrow with an Inside Forward if you’re facing parked buses.
Exploit set pieces — especially near post corners with Romero or Beraldo attacking them.
First Test: Manchester City (H)
My first match using the newfangled tactic, which I tweaked slightly myself, was at home to Manchester City.
…AND WE WON!
K, we rode our luck (the xG tells a tale), but we limited them to just two shots on target and had more of the ball. I’ll take that every day of the week.
After the match, I sent ChatGPT images of the match stats, passing maps, heat maps etc., and asked for tweaks based on the data.
Second Test: Tottenham (A)
Next up: Tottenham away. They lined up in a 4-2-4. I should have known it was going to be a bloodbath. We conceded five; though to our credit, we did score three. Still, not ideal.
After that game, I decided I’d had enough of the narrow diamond. It just left the full-backs far too exposed for my liking.
So I asked ChatGPT for an alternative. It suggested a 4-3-3 counter-attacking setup. I’ll be honest — I hate not using a high press. It makes me feel like I’m not doing anything. But I trusted the process.
Opponent-Specific Tweaks
Before each match, I’d also send in info on the opposition manager and their tactics, asking if any adjustments should be made. Here’s what it came back with for Chelsea:
Chelsea Tactical Report
1. Aggressive Wingbacks (Cucurella & Reece James – CWB)
They push very high – space to exploit behind.
Use direct transitions via wide players (Oršić and Mora/Torre).
2. No Natural Width in Attack
Sterling and Ocampos both cut inside.
They’ll clog central areas and combine with Nkunku. Block the lanes.
3. Pressing but Passive in Subs
They press well, but don’t adapt.
If you hold firm and stay level, they run out of ideas.
At half-time, I’d also show it live match stats and ask for adjustments. It responded really well, and actually explained the why behind each instruction, which, let’s be honest, is often missing when you’re just fiddling with sliders blindly in-game.
The Results
So, how did I fare over the five games I played using ChatGPT’s assistance?
Let’s be clear… it was a brutal run:
Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Aston Villa.
And yet… I came away with 7 points.
It wasn’t always pretty. But ChatGPT was brilliant at designing a setup to grind out points. What really impressed me was how realistic it felt — it wasn’t some overpowered ‘meta’ system. It felt like a genuine mid-table underdog approach. Brentford energy, if you will.
Final Thoughts
Using AI as your assistant manager won’t turn you into Guardiola overnight, but it’s incredibly helpful, especially if you’re a beginner or stuck in a tactical rut.
The biggest plus? It explains its thinking. Your tactical IQ will go up. And the more you feed it, the smarter it gets.
Just don’t ask it how to beat 4-2-4 away from home. Still having nightmares about that one.
27 Jun, 2025
