LiberoUno Playbook
Structure, Style, Strategy – the LiberoUno way
Welcome to the LiberoUno Playbook
This is the tactical foundation for everything I do. Built around structure, style, and strategy, the playbook outlines the principles, systems, and player archetypes that define my way of playing Football Manager. Whether you’re looking to build a new identity, evolve an existing squad, or just add clarity to your tactical thinking, this is where it all starts. The playbook is designed to be adaptable — rooted in logic, shaped by player strengths, and flexible enough to suit your squad.
Part 1: Introduction & Philosophy
This first part of the Playbook lays the foundation for everything that follows. It’s where I introduce who I am, why I’ve built this resource, and what drives my approach to Football Manager. Rather than focusing on short-term wins or quick tactical hacks, I’ve taken a step back to define my core philosophy — the principles and beliefs that shape every decision I make, both on and off the pitch.
You’ll learn about the key ideas that guide my tactical identity: a proactive, high-tempo style of play built on aggression, adaptability, and intelligent pressing. This section also explains how I approach formations, how I adapt based on the players I have, and why I believe in creating systems that feel cohesive and flexible. Whether you’re here for inspiration, validation, or something to build your own ideas around, this is where the LiberoUno journey truly begins.
Part 2: Mentality & Team Instructions
In this section, we move from philosophy to practical implementation — translating core ideas into actionable decisions on the pitch. Part 2 explores how mentality and team instructions shape the overall identity of a side, and how they can be used to build a consistent, purposeful playing style.
You’ll see how a proactive mentality underpins everything, creating a team that plays with intensity, verticality, and aggression — both in and out of possession. From quick, purposeful passing patterns to high pressing and counter-pressing setups, every instruction is chosen to support a defined tactical identity. It’s not about micromanaging; it’s about clarity of intention.
This section is the bridge between ideas and tactics — a key foundation before we move on to player roles and archetypes in Part 3.
Part 3: Roles & Archetypes
In this part of the playbook, we zoom in on individual roles — breaking down the players who bring the tactical system to life. It’s not just about choosing a role from the dropdown menu in FM; it’s about understanding the function that role serves in the team, and the type of player who can best execute it.
Each position is explored in detail, with practical examples and real-life parallels to help you recognise key archetypes. From no-nonsense defenders to creative playmakers, from explosive wide forwards to tireless midfield runners — this section explains how different roles contribute to the system, and how they can be adapted based on your squad.
It’s a guide to making the most of the players you have, identifying the ones you need, and building a cohesive unit where every role has a clear purpose. This is where style meets structure — and the foundation for smart recruitment begins.
Part 4: Systems & Structure
Now that we’ve defined the roles and archetypes, it’s time to bring everything together — building systems that reflect both the players and the philosophy.
I want to outline a few core principles I always follow when creating a balanced tactic. These aren’t hard rules, but a framework I’ve developed over years of experimenting with a high-risk, high-reward style of play.
This structure might seem rigid, but it’s what allows the chaos of gegenpressing to function. With the right foundation, individual freedom can flourish without compromising the integrity of the system.
This section also includes a practical breakdown of how the playbook comes to life through example formations.
From Theory to Training Ground
This completes the full picture — from philosophy and mentality, to player roles and tactical structures. Every section of the playbook builds toward helping you create systems that are cohesive, balanced, and truly your own. Whether you’re building from scratch or refining what you’ve already got, everything here is designed to guide and empower your decisions — so that every player, every role, and every shape has purpose.