FM24 Guide: How to Retrain Player's Position

In the dynamic world of Football Manager 2024, adaptability is king. Injuries, tactical adjustments, and limited budgets can leave managers scrambling for solutions. That’s where retraining players comes in. By teaching players new positions, you can increase squad depth, maximize individual potential, and overcome the unexpected challenges of a long season. This guide will explore how retraining can transform your team and highlight best practices for success.

Why Should I Retrain Player’s Position?

Retraining player’s position isn’t just a stopgap solution—it’s a strategic tool that can elevate your squad’s flexibility and performance. Here are some reasons to consider retraining:

• Coverage: injuries or transfers may leave your team short in key positions. Retraining offers an internal solution.
• Maximize Potential: some players possess attributes better suited for a different role or position.
• Tactical Flexibility: versatile players can cover multiple roles, giving you more options on the bench.
• Long-Term Development: younger players can be molded into roles that align with your tactical philosophy.
• Player Longevity: aging players might thrive in less physically demanding roles.
• Budget-Friendly: retraining is a cost-effective alternative to signing new players.

Understanding Position Ability Ratings

Check Position Ability Ratings:

• Go to the player’s profile, navigate to the Overview tab, and select Profile or
• Go to the player’s profile, navigate to the Overview tab, and select Attributes or
• Go to the player’s profile, navigate to the Development tab, and select Tactics

Positional Ability is rated on a 0-20 scale:

• Natural: 18-20
• Accomplished: 15-17
• Competent: 12-14
• Unconvincing: 9-11
• Awkward: 5-8
• Makeshift: 2-4
• Ineffectual: 0-1

Natural: the player is naturally at their best position.

Accomplished: the player isn’t naturally at their best in this position but will perform in an accomplished and successful manner more often than not.

Competent: the player has enough experience and ability to put in convincing performances here on a regular basis.

Unconvincing: the player is playing out of position but will be able to do a decent job for a short period.

Awkward: the player isn’t likely to be particularly successful playing in this position. They may fill in for emergencies but will be struggling.

Makeshift: the player is not remotely suitable for this position and will likely be a liability there. Naturally, there might be occasions where you simply have to put someone there, but it should only be as a last resort.

Ineffectual: the player can’t play in this position.

Aim for getting at least 12 at desired position.

Identify Candidates for Retraining

Squad
 

1. Start by assessing your squad and identifying players with the potential to succeed in a different role.
2. Go to the player’s profile, navigate to the Overview tab, and select Attributes to see which roles are compatible with their attributes. 🟢 Key attributes; 🔵 Preferable attributes
3. Decide which position best suits the player’s attributes, personality, and physical traits.

Market

1. When searching the transfer market, focus on scouting for the specific attributes required for the position or role you need, rather than limiting yourself to players listed for that position
2. Go to Scouting, navigate to the Players tab, and select New Search
3. Navigate to Pick Attributes and select the desired role on Highlight Key Attributes for Role (Usually at least 12 is a good start but feel free to increase or decrease the value based on the level of your team/league)
4. Evaluate the price-to-quality ratio to determine if retraining a player is more cost-effective than purchasing one already proficient in the desired position or role

Steps for New Position Training

1. Access Training Menu: Go to the player’s profile, navigate to the Development tab, and select Position/Role/Duty.
2. Game Time: Match experience is essential for successful retraining. Gradually introduce the player to their new position, starting with friendlies, progressing to cup matches, and eventually integrating them into competitive fixtures.

Tips for Successful Retraining

1. Start Early: younger players adapt faster and retain their new positions longer.
2. Be Patient: it takes approximately six to nine months to retrain a player in a brand new position in which they had no position/role familiarity previously, and about 12 months overall before they can be said to have acquired a ‘Natural’ familiarity in the role.
3. Match Traits to Roles: develop traits that align with the player’s new responsibilities.
4. Experiment in Preseason: use preseason games to test players in new roles without pressure.
5. Utilize Youth Intake: assess youth players for retraining opportunities right from their academy days.

Retraining players in Football Manager 2024 isn’t just about plugging gaps—it’s about unlocking potential and maximizing your squad’s flexibility. By carefully selecting candidates, tailoring their training, and providing game time, you can transform your team into a tactically versatile powerhouse. Whether you’re looking to fill gaps, enhance squad depth, or prepare for long-term success, retraining is a must-have tool for any manager aiming to dominate the game.