Returning to FM26 after rage-quitting at launch — starting Le Mans FC in Ligue 2 but I need tips on everything: tactics, recruitment, dressing room, youth development and general save management. Big thread incoming, drop your knowledge 🙏
I played FM26 briefly at launch, found it too different and gave up. Now I want a proper long-term save with Le Mans FC in Ligue 2, hopefully climbing the divisions over time. Lots of questions below — answer one section or all of them, everything helps.
Tactics
What's actually working in FM26? In lower leagues, is possession football realistic or do you need to go pragmatic? As you climb divisions, do you stick to one system or rebuild each season around your squad?
Recruitment & soutint
With a tiny budget, what's the priority — loans, free transfers, Bosmans? How do you set up scouting properly in FM26 and actually trust the reports? Any reliable way to spot players who will develop well, not just perform well right now?
Dressing room & morale
How do you build a good atmosphere from day one? How do you pick a captain and does it actually matter? How do you handle unhappy rotation players without the whole squad turning on you?
Youth development — from 16
What's the best way to develop a 16-year-old properly? How do you structure their training, and when do you start giving them real minutes? What should you look for in a loan destination and which hidden attributes matter most at that age?
Season & long-term management
How do you avoid mid-season collapses when injuries and morale dip? What do you do in international breaks? And how do you handle the jump between divisions without your squad being overwhelmed?
Appreciate anyone who takes the time — I'd rather have a detailed thread I can keep coming back to