Do players override manager instructions?

[steviewoodman (Inactive)]

If I've set some tactical instructions, shape, line of engagement, marking instructions etc, can certain players, especially the captain, make on pitch decisions that go against this? 

If, for example, we've conceded a few chances because of my oppositions fast winger, and I don't make a tactical change myself, would my team think to do something, like maybe my midfield on that side would stay back a bit to help out? Or one of my central defenders shift over slightly to help out? 

Equally, if I've got a player like Ronaldo or some star midfield who needs space, and I've placed them in AMC, would they drift back or to the side to find their own space? 

Or the captain would tell a player to calm down on a booking rather than me having to? 

I could give loads of examples but basically, it's the same question - can some senior players make decisions based on how the game is going that might override my instructions? Or do they stick to what I've set no matter what? 

Edited April 16, 2022 by steviewoodman

[kepz (Inactive)]

I don’t know if the captain organizes the team that way, but if you have players with low teamwork they will be less inclined to listen to your tactical instructions at times. 

[steviewoodman (Inactive)]

Oh really? So I could set the team up to play a certain way, and people's Teamwork score could mean they don't do it? 

[zindrinho (Inactive)]

49 minutes ago, steviewoodman said:

Oh really? So I could set the team up to play a certain way, and people's Teamwork score could mean they don't do it? 

hehe, no.

PPMs can make players overlook your instructions. Also they see options that go against your instructions and take advantage. 

[Freakiie (Inactive)]

1 hour ago, steviewoodman said:

Oh really? So I could set the team up to play a certain way, and people's Teamwork score could mean they don't do it? 

Players won't directly ignore what you're telling them, however, if you ask them to do things that don't suit their attributes they won't perform very well. So, someone with low work rate will not be running his lungs out to press the entire match, if a player has low teamwork you shouldn't rely on him to be your main creative outlet and so on.

In the end though, players will try their best to stick to your instructions. You can influence this a bit, as highly creative roles and instructions like "be more expressive" allow players more freedom to make their own decisions, rather than rigidly following instructions.

Referring to your examples though, players won't actively adjust tactics to that extent. They might move in that direction a bit simply because it's a decision that makes sense, but if you see a weakness in your defence you will have to plug that gap yourself, rather than rely on your players to figure things out.