Football Manager 2023 review — Leaves FIFA 23 Career Mode like a skiddy

OUR team isn’t looking too hot. So it’s about time that we rework the roster.

We’ve know who we want to snap up in the transfer window. Older players are out and Milinkovic-Savic, Dodò, and Zalewski are in.

The season starts with a bang, gaining three points on Manchester City in the Champions League.

However, Juventus’ performances and results are only tolerable, and the World Cup has halted our winning streak.

President Mr. Agnelli fires us, despite winning our last three matches.

Next, we go for a club slightly less prestigious. Atalanta hasn’t always been in Italy’s top league Serie A, and we definitely find more luck here.

Executives set the goal of reaching the Conference League, and we end up in second place in Serie A.

With our 83-point record Atalanta has never done so well, despite only being able to afford a few up-and-coming players.

We end up a victim of our success, with our best talent being scouted by bigger clubs. We replace them with some top talent returning from loan. 

These sales give us a larger budget, but we keep our faith in younger stars. Despite their age, we start the season with three out of three wins.

Now Chelsea awaits us in our Champions League debut, and the matchup is not in our favour.

Football Manager has always been able to make snatch away your weekend in an instant, and the latest entry is no different.

Over the years, little has changed in terms of gameplay, but with a core so strong there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.

Small to medium-sized clubs are easier to manage, as the biggest clubs with the largest budgets come with unworldly expectations.

Transfers can be frustrating in the first season. Emerging players may want to renew their contracts instead of moving to bigger clubs, or turning them down due to rivalry.

It’s different from the real world, and those used to that drama will have to readjust. 

However, you can be more flexible in terms of your budgeting, and plan creative payment plans that wouldn’t fly with real players.

Bigger clubs also have the disadvantage of being devastated by the World Cup, though the time flows better and the summer break leads pleasantly into the new season.

Developer Sports Interactive has listened to fans, and has improved the focus on areas that players care most about.

Increasing matches will increase player injuries, particularly with older players, and it’s something that’s difficult to balance.

Failures feel punishing, especially when the loss feels out of your hands.

Controlling the mood of the dressing room can also increase your chances. Caring about your players will improve their performance on the pitch.

There are more nuanced options when it comes to talking to your players, creating a relationship as well as a football management sim.

The new UEFA licence means the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League all join the game.

Visuals are more life-like than ever, but the lack of licences for teams in the Premier League is a  letdown.

Supporters influence your role as manager, and their opinion can influence the club’s top brass.

This is coupled with more stats than ever before, including ratings for scouted players, meaning your decisions are more based on information than ever before.

The Squad Planner is this year’s big addition, which splits the team based on your current tactics.

People have been doing this on pen and paper, but it’s nice to see it implemented in the game.

When playing with a club you aren’t too knowledgeable on, it gives more specific stats on who you can sell to maintain a complete squad.

It also allows you to scout players for a specific role, which is laser-focused and much faster. 

Finding undiscovered talent is one of the greatest joys of FM, and this new system makes it quicker and easier than ever before.

At its core, FM23 is the same game you’ve always loved, with some notable improvements.

Injuries and transfers may be as anger-inducing as ever, but the Squad Manager is a vast improvement in day-to-day planning.

It’s not going to enter anyone’s game of the year lists, but it’s definitely heading in the right direction.

Written by Paolo Sirio and Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.