For football diehards, there is no obsession like the latest version of Football Manager – unquestionably one of the most addicting games of our generation. Season after season, gamers become emotionally attached with a club or a particular group of players which can lead to absurd extremities, ranging from burning up annual leave at work to creating fractions within their marriage. Whether it’s scouring the internet for a right wing Brazilian wonderkid or looking for any other tips and tricks such as unbeatable formations and playing styles, be prepared to lose your social life to Football Manager.
It is Football Manager’s meticulous nature that enables it to mirror the evolving world of the beautiful game. None of us have ever lost a game from behind the dugout and this absorption provides us with our greatest indicator into finding out if we could actually outshine the manager of the club we worship.
Despite its ability to continually encapsulate us, Football Manager is still striving for perfection. With speculation already rife about the release date of Football Manager 19, we have compiled some features we would love to see in the next edition of this popular management series.
Temporary Jobs
Short-term vacancies are becoming increasingly prevalent in the modern game and can even lead to a prolonged stay. Darren Moore nearly pulled off the great escape at the Hawthorns, whilst Mark Hughes has secured himself a three-year-deal to rebuild Southampton after winning three of his 10 games in charge which ultimately gave the Saints another shot at Premier League football. This quick-fix solution could provide Football Manager with some in-game drama and fascinating results.
VAR
Despite all of the expertise, the resources and the money spent, the technology has received a mixed response. Its inclusion at the World Cup for the first time in the competition’s history suggests that the influence of the video assistant referees in ‘game-changing’ situations and the outcome of major decisions will continue to evolve.
Integrating this feature into the next Football Manager would add to the game’s realism and the ability to overturn or substantiate judgements mid-match could be the difference between triumph or tears. There are rumours that goal-line technology could even feature.
Backwards Compatibility
Perseverance is in the DNA of every Football Manager aficionado. Many hours and multiple campaigns are spent trying to improve their club’s current position, be it scrapping their way out of a relegation dogfight or trying to mix it with the best in Europe. Therefore, the notion of being able to import saved games from previous versions would add further chapters to times gone by.
One-Off Games
The stakes couldn’t be higher. You have one match parallel with the real season to prove your credentials. For example, Chelsea entertain Manchester City in a title decider at Stamford Bridge. Football Manager would let you take control of either side, complete with the current injuries, suspensions and hindrances that each team is currently faced with. Could you deliver in the big moment?
Women’s Leagues
The growth of women’s football over the last few years has been remarkable and it is surely only a matter of time before women’s teams are selectable on Football Manager. With 101 clubs in England alone to be added, considerable time and research would need to be undertaken in order to achieve this mammoth feat.
