FM24: Manage Indonesia National Team To Glory!

Hey guys, ready to take on a real challenge in Football Manager 2024? How about managing the Indonesia national team? It’s a save that’s both incredibly rewarding and seriously tough. You'll need all your FM skills to bring success to this sleeping giant of Southeast Asian football.

Why Indonesia?

So, why pick Indonesia? Well, for starters, it’s not your typical top-tier nation save. You're not walking into a team full of world-beaters. Indonesia presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities that make it stand out from the crowd. Think of it as climbing Mount Everest in your slippers – ambitious, slightly crazy, but oh-so-satisfying when you reach the top!

Passionate Fanbase

Indonesia has a massive and incredibly passionate football fanbase. The support is unreal, and when you start winning, the whole country gets behind you. Imagine leading the Garuda (the Indonesian national team's nickname) to their first-ever World Cup – the atmosphere would be electric. This fervent support creates an immersive and exciting environment in your save, making every match feel like a monumental occasion. You'll feel the weight of a nation's expectations on your shoulders, which only adds to the thrill of the game.

Untapped Potential

The Indonesian league, Liga 1, is full of untapped potential. There are hidden gems scattered throughout the league, just waiting for the right manager to polish them into stars. Developing these players and bringing them into the national team setup is a hugely rewarding experience. Plus, you have the opportunity to shape the future of Indonesian football by improving the youth system and scouting networks. Think of yourself as a footballing archaeologist, unearthing talent and building a squad capable of competing on the international stage.

Unique Challenges

Let’s be real, it's not going to be a walk in the park. You’ll face numerous challenges, including a limited pool of high-quality players, infrastructure issues, and the need to improve the overall standard of football in the country. But that's what makes it fun, right? Overcoming these obstacles and gradually building a competitive team is what makes this save so engaging. You'll need to be a master of tactics, youth development, and scouting to succeed. It's a true test of your Football Manager skills.

Setting Up Your Save

Okay, so you're convinced. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of setting up your Football Manager 2024 save. First things first, you need to load up the game and start a new career. When you get to the nation selection screen, choose Indonesia. Then, you'll be prompted to select a club or the national team. Obviously, for this challenge, you're going to pick the national team. But here’s where it gets interesting – consider also managing a club in Liga 1. This gives you direct control over player development and allows you to implement your footballing philosophy at a grassroots level.

Database Size and Player Detail

Make sure you load a large database with as many players as possible. This increases the chances of finding those hidden gems and wonderkids scattered throughout Indonesia and the rest of the world. Also, increase the player detail level for Indonesia to ensure you have comprehensive information on all the players in the league. This will help you make informed decisions when it comes to scouting and recruitment.

Choosing Your Manager Profile

When creating your manager profile, consider your strengths and weaknesses. If you’re a tactical mastermind, focus on your tactical attributes. If you prefer to develop young players, boost your youth development stats. However, for a save like this, it's beneficial to have a well-rounded profile with decent attributes across the board. You'll need to be adaptable and capable of handling various aspects of management to succeed in Indonesia.

Tactics and Formations

Now, let’s talk tactics. When managing Indonesia, you need to be realistic about the players at your disposal. Forget about trying to play like Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City right away. Instead, focus on building a solid, well-organized team that is difficult to beat.

Defensive Solidity

Start by prioritizing defensive solidity. A well-drilled defense is the foundation of any successful team, especially when you're working with limited resources. Consider using a formation with a solid defensive structure, such as a 4-4-2 or a 5-3-2. These formations provide extra cover in defense and make it harder for opponents to break you down. Key player instructions include: Stay wider, Tackle harder and Mark tighter.

Counter-Attacking Football

With a solid defense in place, you can then focus on developing a quick and effective counter-attacking style. Indonesia has some pacey players who can exploit space in behind the opposition's defense. Use direct passing, quick transitions, and fast wingers to hit teams on the break. This approach can be particularly effective against stronger opponents who underestimate you.

Set Pieces

Don't underestimate the importance of set pieces. They can be a valuable source of goals, especially when you're struggling to create chances from open play. Dedicate time to training set pieces and identify players who are good at delivering and attacking the ball. A well-executed set-piece routine can be the difference between winning and losing.

Scouting and Recruitment

Scouting and recruitment are crucial in this save. You need to identify and bring in players who can improve the quality of your squad. This means scouring the Indonesian league, as well as looking abroad for players who are eligible to play for Indonesia.

Local Talent

Prioritize scouting the Indonesian league. There are plenty of talented players who are just waiting for an opportunity to shine. Focus on identifying young players with high potential and bringing them into your squad. Develop them through training and give them playing time to help them reach their full potential. Also, pay attention to players who are performing well in the league, even if they are not the most highly-rated. Sometimes, a player's form and determination can make them a valuable addition to your team.

Diaspora Players

Don't forget about the Indonesian diaspora. There are many players of Indonesian descent playing in leagues around the world who may be eligible to represent the national team. These players can often provide a significant boost to the quality of your squad. Use your scouting network to identify these players and try to convince them to join your team. Offering them a chance to represent their country and play in international competitions can be a powerful incentive.

Free Agents and Loan Deals

Keep an eye on the free agent market and look for opportunities to bring in experienced players on loan. These players can provide valuable leadership and experience to your squad, especially in the early stages of your save. They can also help to mentor young players and improve the overall standard of your team. Just be sure to do your research and make sure they fit your tactical system and team culture.

Youth Development

Investing in youth development is essential for the long-term success of Indonesian football. You need to improve the youth facilities, hire talented youth coaches, and develop a strong youth intake system. This will ensure a steady stream of talented young players coming through the ranks.

Improve Facilities

Lobby the board to improve the club's youth facilities. Better facilities will attract more talented young players and provide them with a better environment to develop. This is a long-term investment that will pay dividends in the future.

Hire Quality Coaches

Hire coaches with excellent youth development attributes. These coaches will be able to identify and nurture young talent, helping them to reach their full potential. Look for coaches with high ratings in attributes such as Working with Youngsters, Determination, and Discipline.

Nurture Young Talent

Give young players opportunities to play in the first team. Even if they are not ready to start every game, giving them minutes off the bench and in cup matches will help them to develop and gain experience. Also, consider sending them out on loan to clubs where they will get regular playing time. Just be sure to monitor their progress and ensure they are developing in the right way.

Building a Nation

Managing Indonesia in Football Manager 2024 is about more than just winning matches. It’s about building a nation and creating a legacy. You have the opportunity to shape the future of Indonesian football and inspire a generation of young players.

Improve the League

Work with the Indonesian FA to improve the standard of the league. This could involve lobbying for changes to the league rules, improving the infrastructure, and investing in youth development programs. A stronger league will produce better players and make the national team more competitive.

Develop a Philosophy

Implement a clear footballing philosophy throughout the national team setup. This will ensure that all the teams are playing in the same style and that players are being developed in a consistent manner. This will also make it easier to integrate young players into the first team.

Inspire a Generation

Finally, remember that you are an inspiration to millions of Indonesian football fans. Your success on the pitch can inspire a generation of young players to dream big and work hard. Use your platform to promote the game and encourage young people to get involved. By doing so, you can leave a lasting legacy that extends far beyond your time as manager.

So, are you ready to take on the challenge of managing Indonesia in Football Manager 2024? It’s not going to be easy, but it could be the most rewarding save you ever play. Good luck, and may the football gods be with you!