Automating Substitutions In Football Manager 2020 Instant Result Matches

In the immersive world of Football Manager 2020, the instant result feature offers a convenient way to progress through seasons quickly, bypassing the detailed match day experience. However, this expediency comes with a caveat: managing substitutions. When simulating matches using instant result, the game's AI takes over tactical decisions, including player substitutions. For managers who prefer a hands-on approach or have specific strategies in mind, the question arises: how can you automate substitutions effectively when selecting the instant result option? This article delves into the methods and strategies for automating substitutions in Football Manager 2020 when using the instant result feature, ensuring your team's performance doesn't suffer from AI-driven decisions. We'll explore the roles of assistant managers, the use of team instructions, and specific player instructions, providing a comprehensive guide to maintaining control over your squad's dynamics even when simulating matches.

The instant result feature in Football Manager 2020 provides a streamlined way to advance through the season, especially useful when managing a large number of matches or when time is limited. By selecting this option, the game simulates the match outcome based on various factors, including team form, player attributes, tactical setup, and opposition strength. However, one of the primary challenges with using instant result is the lack of direct control over in-game decisions, particularly substitutions. The AI, which takes over during simulation, may not always make the optimal choices, potentially leading to missed opportunities or unnecessary fatigue among key players. Therefore, understanding how to influence and automate the substitution process becomes crucial for managers who want to leverage the instant result feature without compromising their team's performance. In this section, we will dissect the challenges posed by AI-driven substitutions and lay the groundwork for effective automation strategies.

When you opt for instant result, the game essentially hands over the reins of match-day management to your assistant manager or the AI. This can lead to several potential issues. The AI might not recognize the need for tactical changes during the game, such as switching to a more attacking formation when chasing a goal or reinforcing the defense when protecting a lead. It may also fail to substitute tired players, leading to decreased performance and increased injury risk. Furthermore, the AI might not utilize your squad depth effectively, potentially overlooking promising youngsters or experienced veterans who could make a difference. These challenges highlight the importance of implementing strategies that ensure substitutions align with your overall game plan and player management philosophy, even when you're not actively managing the match. Overcoming these hurdles requires a combination of careful pre-match planning, delegation of responsibilities, and a deep understanding of the game's tactical nuances. By addressing these challenges proactively, you can maximize the benefits of instant result while maintaining a high level of control over your team's performance.

One of the most effective ways to automate substitutions in Football Manager 2020 when using instant result is to delegate substitution responsibilities to your assistant manager. Your assistant manager is a key member of your backroom staff, and their expertise can be invaluable in making in-game decisions. By configuring their responsibilities appropriately, you can ensure that substitutions are made according to your general tactical preferences and player management principles. This approach allows you to benefit from the speed of instant result while still maintaining a degree of control over how your team is managed during simulated matches. In this section, we will explore the specific responsibilities you can delegate to your assistant manager and how to tailor these responsibilities to achieve your desired substitution outcomes.

To effectively leverage your assistant manager, you need to navigate to the Staff Responsibilities section within the game. Here, you can assign various tasks to your backroom staff, including match-day responsibilities. Under the During Match section, you'll find options related to substitutions. You can choose to have your assistant manager handle all substitutions, specific types of substitutions (e.g., tactical changes or injury-related substitutions), or delegate only certain aspects of the substitution process. For instance, you might want your assistant manager to suggest substitutions based on player condition and performance, while you retain the final say on who comes on and off the pitch. By carefully configuring these settings, you can create a system where your assistant manager acts as an extension of your tactical vision, making substitutions that align with your overall strategy. It's essential to choose an assistant manager with high tactical acumen and player knowledge to ensure they make informed decisions. Reviewing their attributes and preferred playing style can provide valuable insights into their suitability for handling substitutions. Additionally, regularly reviewing the substitutions made by your assistant manager during instant result matches can help you fine-tune their responsibilities and ensure they are meeting your expectations. This iterative process of delegation and evaluation is crucial for optimizing the automation of substitutions and maintaining control over your squad's performance.

Another crucial aspect of automating substitutions when using instant result in Football Manager 2020 is the strategic use of team instructions. Team instructions provide a broad framework for how your team should play, and they can significantly influence the AI's decision-making process during simulated matches. By carefully setting team instructions, you can guide the AI to make substitutions that align with your tactical philosophy and match-specific objectives. This approach is particularly effective when combined with delegating responsibilities to your assistant manager, creating a comprehensive system for automated substitution management. In this section, we will explore the specific team instructions that can impact substitutions and how to configure them to achieve your desired outcomes.

Several team instructions can indirectly influence the AI's substitution decisions. For example, setting a specific mentality (e.g., attacking, balanced, defensive) can affect the AI's willingness to make attacking or defensive substitutions. If you set an attacking mentality, the AI might be more inclined to bring on additional forwards or attacking midfielders when chasing a goal. Conversely, a defensive mentality might lead to substitutions that reinforce the backline and protect a lead. Similarly, instructions related to tempo and pressing can impact player fatigue, which in turn influences the need for substitutions. A high-tempo, high-pressing style of play will likely result in players tiring more quickly, prompting the AI to make more frequent substitutions to maintain energy levels. Furthermore, specific instructions regarding time-wasting can influence the AI's decision to bring on fresh legs in the later stages of the match to see out a victory. It's important to consider how these team instructions interact with each other and how they align with your overall tactical approach. Experimenting with different combinations of instructions can help you identify the optimal settings for your team and your preferred style of play. By carefully crafting your team instructions, you can create a tactical blueprint that guides the AI's substitution decisions, ensuring they align with your game plan even when you're not actively managing the match.

Beyond team instructions, individual player instructions offer another layer of control over automated substitutions when using instant result in Football Manager 2020. These instructions allow you to tailor the behavior of specific players, influencing how the AI manages them during simulated matches. By setting targeted instructions for key players, you can ensure they are used in a way that maximizes their impact and minimizes the risk of fatigue or injury. This approach is particularly useful for managing players with specific roles or those who are prone to fatigue. In this section, we will explore how to use individual player instructions to influence substitution decisions and maintain tactical flexibility.

One of the most effective ways to use individual player instructions for substitution automation is by setting specific instructions related to intensity and work rate. For players who are crucial to your tactical setup but also prone to fatigue, you can reduce their intensity or work rate to conserve energy. This can help them last longer in matches and reduce the likelihood of them being substituted early due to exhaustion. Conversely, for players who you want to have a significant impact in a limited amount of time, you can increase their intensity and work rate, knowing they may need to be substituted sooner. Another useful instruction is the tackling setting. For players who are crucial in defensive situations but also prone to picking up yellow cards, you can instruct them to tackle easier. This reduces the risk of them being sent off, which could force an unwanted substitution. Additionally, you can use player-specific instructions to manage the playing time of young prospects or returning players. By setting their match sharpness training focus and limiting their playing time through careful substitution management, you can gradually integrate them into the team without overexerting them. It's essential to regularly review and adjust these instructions based on player form, fitness, and upcoming fixtures. By carefully tailoring individual player instructions, you can fine-tune the AI's substitution decisions and ensure your key players are managed effectively, even during instant result matches.

While automating substitutions can streamline your gameplay when using instant result in Football Manager 2020, it's crucial to monitor player condition and match statistics to ensure your strategies are effective. Regularly reviewing these data points allows you to identify potential issues and fine-tune your approach to substitution automation. This proactive monitoring is essential for maintaining control over your team's performance and preventing unforeseen setbacks. In this section, we will explore the key metrics to monitor and how to use them to optimize your substitution strategies.

Player condition is one of the most critical factors to monitor when automating substitutions. Even with carefully set instructions and delegated responsibilities, players can still become fatigued or injured during simulated matches. Regularly checking the condition of your players in the squad screen can provide valuable insights into their physical state. If you notice that key players are consistently tiring early in matches, you may need to adjust their individual instructions, reduce the team's tempo, or rotate your squad more frequently. Similarly, monitoring injury reports is crucial for identifying players who may have sustained knocks during instant result matches. These injuries can impact your team's performance and require immediate attention. In addition to player condition, match statistics offer valuable information about the effectiveness of your tactical setup and substitution strategies. Key statistics to monitor include possession, shots on goal, tackles, and passing accuracy. If your team is consistently being outshot or outpossessed, it may indicate a need for tactical adjustments or substitutions to regain control of the match. Furthermore, monitoring player ratings can highlight individual performances and identify players who may need to be substituted due to poor form. By analyzing these statistics, you can gain a deeper understanding of how your team is performing and make informed decisions about substitutions and tactical changes. Regular monitoring of player condition and match statistics is essential for ensuring the success of your automated substitution strategies and maintaining a competitive edge in Football Manager 2020.

The final step in mastering automated substitutions when using instant result in Football Manager 2020 is conducting thorough post-match analysis. Analyzing the outcomes of simulated matches provides valuable feedback on the effectiveness of your strategies and highlights areas for improvement. By reviewing match reports, player performances, and tactical decisions, you can fine-tune your approach to automation and ensure your team is consistently performing at its best. This iterative process of analysis and adjustment is crucial for long-term success in Football Manager 2020. In this section, we will explore the key elements of post-match analysis and how to use them to optimize your substitution strategies.

Post-match analysis should begin with a review of the match report. The match report provides a summary of the key events and statistics from the game, including goals, assists, yellow cards, and substitutions. Pay close attention to the timing and effectiveness of substitutions made by the AI. Were substitutions made at appropriate times, and did they have the desired impact on the game? If not, consider adjusting your team or individual player instructions to guide the AI's decision-making process more effectively. Next, review player performances. Look at individual player ratings, key statistics, and heatmaps to identify players who performed well and those who underperformed. If a player consistently underperforms in simulated matches, it may be necessary to adjust their role, training, or playing time. Additionally, consider the impact of substitutions on player ratings. Did substitutions improve the performance of the team, or did they disrupt the flow of the game? This analysis can help you refine your substitution strategies and ensure they are aligned with your overall tactical objectives. Finally, analyze the tactical decisions made by the AI. Did the AI make appropriate formation changes or tactical adjustments during the match? If not, consider adjusting your team instructions to provide clearer guidance to the AI. By carefully analyzing these elements of post-match data, you can identify patterns and trends that inform your automation strategies. Remember that optimizing your strategies for instant result matches is an ongoing process. Continuously monitor and analyze your matches to refine your automation techniques and ensure your team is well-managed even when you are not actively playing.

Automating substitutions when using the instant result feature in Football Manager 2020 requires a multifaceted approach. By delegating responsibilities to your assistant manager, setting effective team and individual player instructions, monitoring player condition and match statistics, and conducting thorough post-match analysis, you can maintain a high degree of control over your team's performance even when simulating matches. The key is to strike a balance between automation and active management, ensuring that your tactical vision is consistently implemented on the pitch. With careful planning and execution, you can leverage the convenience of instant result while maximizing your team's potential for success. This comprehensive approach will not only streamline your gameplay but also enhance your overall Football Manager 2020 experience.