Playbook Part 2: Mentality & Team Instructions
Structure, Style, Strategy – the LiberoUno way
Mentality Sets the Tone
Having laid out my core philosophy in Part 1, this is where I begin to translate that identity into Football Manager’s tactical framework.
Everything begins with mentality. I always opt for a positive mentality – it’s the foundation of my entire approach. It sets the expectation: we’re not here to sit back and wait. We’re here to impose ourselves, play on the front foot, and force the opposition to react to us.
A positive mentality encourages quicker ball movement, more direct intent, and an aggressive edge in our overall play. It aligns perfectly with my high-energy, proactive philosophy.
In Possession – Purpose Over Patience
When we have the ball, I want to move it quickly and decisively. The aim is to stretch defences, exploit space, and create chances through intelligent movement and vertical play. Possession isn’t the goal in itself – it’s a means to an end.
We play with a very high tempo, looking to pass into space rather than recycling the ball aimlessly. It’s about making things happen – forcing mistakes, creating overloads, and constantly putting the opposition under pressure.
The playstyle is direct but controlled – always looking forward, but not in a reckless way.
In Transition – Relentless & Reactive
Transitions are where the identity really comes to life.
When we lose possession, we counter-press immediately. The aim is to win the ball back fast and high up the pitch, ideally before the opposition can launch their own attack. It’s all about regaining control, disrupting their rhythm, and keeping the pressure on.
When we win the ball, we look to counter at pace, exploiting the opposition while they’re unorganised and stretched. It’s about forward intent and making the most of those brief windows of chaos.
From a goalkeeping perspective, I instruct my keeper to distribute to the defenders. This gives the team the option to play out from the back when the space and situation allow. However, I deliberately don’t use ‘Play Out of Defence’ as a team instruction – this is key. We’re not committed to short build-up at all costs. Instead, we keep the freedom to assess the situation. If it’s on, we play; if not, we go more direct. The focus remains on making good decisions in transition, not following instructions blindly.
Out of Possession – Aggressive & Uncompromising
Without the ball, we’re not passive. The aim is to defend high up the pitch, using a high press and high defensive line to compress the space the opposition can play in.
I want my players to be front-foot defenders – stepping out, getting tight, and putting the opposition under pressure from the front. We get stuck in, we don’t back off, and we try to win the ball as high as possible to keep the pressure on.
It’s a mindset: don’t wait for the mistake – force it.
Next Up…
In the next post, I’ll break down how I use player roles and duties to support this philosophy, and explain how I fit players into defined archetypes to make any squad play my way – regardless of formation. Starting with the Goalkeeper.