Top Tips to Minimize Player Injuries in Football Manager!
Injuries can be a major setback in Football Manager, affecting not just your squad depth but also your team’s overall performance.
Over the years, I’ve learned that managing player fitness is just as crucial as tactical decisions.
Getting a grip on how to minimize injuries can make all the difference in a successful season.
In this post, I’ll share some of the best tips that have worked for me to keep players fit and injury-free while still pushing them to perform at their best.
Before we move forward, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge my beloved club, Partizan, and the remarkable success we’ve achieved this season.
Injuries – Season Summery
It wouldn’t be fair for me to discuss this topic without acknowledging that I’ve managed to keep injuries to a minimum throughout the season.
So, let me now share the annual report (the first four players are very young and part of the B team).
Partizan was battling on three fronts: the league, the national cup, and the Champions League.
My priority was the result in Europe, as only through success there could I secure transfer deals worth over €10M.
Injury Prevention Guide (tips to keep players healthy)
Managing player injuries is one of the toughest challenges in Football Manager, as even the best-laid plans can fall apart when key players are sidelined.
Keeping your squad fit and available isn’t just about luck – it’s a delicate balancing act that requires keen attention to detail.
Here are my top tips to help your squad stay fit and healthy, even through the toughest seasons.
Rotate Your Squad
Avoid overworking key players by regularly rotating your squad. Fatigue increases injury risk, so ensure that even your star players get enough rest, especially during congested schedules.
My advice is to have an A and B team or a squad of 20 players.
Invest in Quality Backroom Staff
Employ the best physios and sports scientists your budget can handle.
A strong medical team helps identify potential injury risks early and ensures a quicker recovery for injured players.
Pay attention to the Determination attribute, as it plays a key role (for me).
If you’re assigning someone to a leadership position (head), the People Management attribute becomes crucial as well.
Apply Medical Center Insights
Regularly check the medical center for updates and advice.
Your medical team’s reports can guide decisions on player fitness, rest needs, and potential injury threats.
I’ll be honest, I don’t often visit this option unless it’s a key match. Instead, I prefer to keep an eye on the reports that come through my inbox.
If a report indicates that a player can handle 60 minutes on the pitch, I make sure to follow that recommendation.
Monitor Player Fitness Levels
Always pay attention to the condition and match sharpness of your squad!
Players with low match fitness or who are in the red zone for conditioning are far more prone to injuries, so manage their playing time wisely.
Schedule recovery sessions after matches to help them regain fitness faster.
Recovery is key for preventing muscle strains and other fatigue-related injuries.
Pay Attention to Injury Susceptibility
Check each player’s injury history and susceptibility rating.
For those prone to injuries, manage their minutes carefully and avoid high-intensity training.
Manage Training Intensity
Adjust training levels based on match frequency and player fitness.
Heavy training during a packed match schedule can lead to fatigue and injuries.
Keep an eye on players’ workloads and reduce intensity when necessary.
I aim to keep the overall training intensity at a “normal” level, then assign individual tasks to players based on factors such as the number of matches in a week, their age, form, and other considerations.
Multiple factors come into play when tailoring these adjustments.
Avoid Overuse of Heavy Match Tactics
High-press and intense tactical approaches can lead to quicker fatigue.
Be strategic with your tactics, especially if you have limited squad depth, to minimize strain on players.
If you want to play a high-pressing style, my advice is to play for 10 minutes and then take a break.
Adjust Training During International Breaks
Players returning from international duty can be fatigued or injured.
Consider adjusting their training or resting them when they return to ensure they’re fully fit.
Rest Key Players Before Big Games
If a crucial match is approaching, consider resting key players in less important games.
This helps reduce injury risk and ensures your top performers are at their best when it matters most.
The toughest scenario is having three matches in a week!
What I do in such situations is make full use of substitutions in every game to give my key players some rest.
For one of the matches, usually against the weakest opponent (or a team near the bottom of the table), I field a rotated squad to manage workloads effectively.
Conclusion
These tips can be useful if you’re still gaining experience in Football Manager.
To wrap up, always pay attention to the “Natural Fitness” attribute when signing players.
Those with higher ratings in this area tend to recover more easily from serious injuries.
When it comes to transfer policy this season, Partizan’s budget stands at €63 million.
We’ve secured several strong outgoing transfers and expect to continue this trend next season.
My goal is to reach a €100 million budget, after which I plan to continue my Football Manager career abroad.
Thank you for your attention and your time.
Author: Alen Stefanovic Game: Football Manager 2023
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