02 Jul, 2025
We asked ChatGPT what the 10 biggest mistakes people make on Football Manager were. Some of these may surprise you!
By William Reid
A lot of us have been playing Football Manager for years. That experience can be a good thing, it helps you understand the game better, learn from your past saves, and fine-tune your approach. But it can also lead to bad habits. Sometimes, it takes a bit of perspective to realise where you’re going wrong. So I asked our robot overlords (ChatGPT) to break down the 10 most common mistakes players make in FM. Some won’t apply to you at all, but others might hit a little too close to home. Use these to sharpen up your game and take one step closer to becoming the next Pep.
It’s easy to get carried away by adding instruction after instruction to your tactic, team ones, player ones, then even more tweaks on top. But loading your tactic with endless rules actually restricts your players, reduces creativity, and makes your system feel robotic. Start with a balanced shape that suits your squad, add just a few key instructions that make sense, and trust your players to make the right decisions on the pitch.
We’ve all been there, one bad result and suddenly you’re rebuilding your entire tactic from scratch. But constantly chopping and changing prevents your players from building familiarity with any system, and performances usually suffer. Instead, give your tactic time to settle and only make small tweaks when something’s not working. Consistency is key.
Having a preferred system is fine, but forcing players into roles they’re not suited for rarely works. A slow centre-back in a high line or a winger who can’t cross playing out wide is just asking for trouble. Build your tactic around your players’ strengths, look at their attributes and traits, and either adapt your shape or bring in the right players gradually to match your style.
A big transfer budget is tempting, but buying half a new squad in one window can cause chaos. Too many signings disrupt chemistry, unsettle existing players, and leave your squad unbalanced. Focus on key areas that need improvement and sign two or three players at a time. If you’re doing a bigger rebuild, manage game time and personalities carefully to avoid morale issues.
A squad full of wonderkids might sound exciting, but without experience around them, they’ll crumble under pressure. On the flip side, relying on veterans means facing a sudden decline. Aim for a balanced squad with a mix of experienced leaders, players in their prime, and youngsters coming through. It makes your team more stable and transition periods much easier to handle.
Focusing only on match-days and transfers is common, but neglecting training and youth development wastes long-term potential. Without proper attention, players won’t develop properly and prospects won’t reach their peak. Check your training regularly, tailor it to your tactical style, and use the Development Centre to track and support your top talents. The right loans and individual focus can turn a prospect into a star… and save you millions.
Some managers rely on the same starting XI week after week, while others forget to use subs until it’s too late. Both approaches can lead to fatigue, injuries, and dips in form. Make regular rotations during busy spells, and don’t be afraid to make substitutions around the 60-minute mark. A well-timed sub can change the game and even your best players need rest.
Just because you can afford a big-money signing doesn’t mean you should make it. Overspending can ruin your wage structure, lead to financial trouble, or force you into selling key players later. Be smart with your budget, set clear limits, and avoid over-the-top bonuses or unnecessary fees. Staying financially stable gives you more freedom in the long run.
It’s easy to lose track of when contracts expire, until a player agrees a free transfer elsewhere. That’s not just a loss on the pitch but also financially damaging. Check contract expiry dates regularly, sort key deals early, and don’t leave things to the last minute. If someone won’t sign, consider selling while they still have value. Keep an eye on contract clauses too, as they can cause problems if ignored.
You can have the perfect tactic and best signings, but if your squad is unhappy, it won’t matter. Poor morale leads to poor performances and one upset leader can quickly create a toxic dressing room. Use the Dynamics screen, talk to players regularly, and avoid promises you can’t keep. Keeping everyone happy and feeling valued is one of the most important skills you can develop.Final ThoughtsFootball Manager isn’t just about tactics and transfers. The best saves come when you take care of every aspect—team morale, squad balance, finances, development. These common mistakes won’t necessarily stop you from succeeding, but cutting them out gives you the best platform to build something special. Stay calm, keep it simple, and the results will follow. Do you agree with these mistakes? If not, what do you think are bigger mistakes?
