Tactics
Two managers with identical squads can get completely different results depending on how they set up. Tactics are where your brain matters more than your wallet. This is the part of MFL where you express your footballing identity.
Account-wide tactics. If you manage multiple clubs, you can copy a tactical setup across all of them. Set it up once and replicate it instead of rebuilding formations, instructions, and match plans from scratch for every team. You'll still want to tweak things based on each squad's strengths, but starting from a proven template saves serious time.
Saving Tactics and Planning Ahead
You can save tactics until one minute before kickoff, and prepare match-specific setups for scheduled fixtures up to 14 days in advance. Check the selected fixture before saving, especially when planning several matches at once.
Matches run automatically. Set your lineup, bench, instructions and plans beforehand; you do not make live substitutions from the viewer.
Discord Kickoff Notifications
Link your Discord account in Settings → Profile → Social Links, then turn on "Ping me on Discord for kickoff?". It is off by default. If "Hide my Discord username?" is enabled, turn that off to make the kickoff toggle available.
Enabled Discord notifications arrive one minute before kickoff. This is also the tactics deadline, so use the 14-day planning window to prepare earlier.
Formation
Your formation determines how your 10 outfield players line up on the pitch. This is the foundation of everything else. Your instructions, your player roles, and your match plans all flow from the shape you choose.
Pick a formation that fits your players, not the other way around. Got two elite wingers and a target man? Playing a narrow diamond is fighting against your own squad.
Captain Selection
Every team needs a captain. Hit the "C" button on any player in your starting XI to give them the armband.
This is not just cosmetic. Your captain provides stat boosts to every player in the starting lineup, and the boost depends on the captain's position:
| Captain Position | Stat Boost |
|---|---|
| Forward | +2 SHO, +1 PAC |
| Midfielder | +2 PAS, +1 DRI |
| Defender | +2 DEF, +1 PHY |
| Goalkeeper | +2 DEF |
Choose wisely. The right captain can lift your entire team's performance.