Challenges | Other elements FM 2014 Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
All challenges have been played on normal difficulty. The difference between levels of difficulty varies between challenges so losing points, debt or number of injured players increases. In some challenges difficulty also depends on a team you choose. It's easier with a pre-season favorite than a small, weak team.
1. The savior cometh
"Your team are embroiled in a relegation battle halfway through the season. Can you take the reins and guide them to safety?"
Main goal: stay in the league
Your team is several points away from a safe position. You have to go up the table in less than half of the season. Don't bother yourself about the transfers - use your players to the max and if you lack some, take some from the reserves. Correct formation and tactic are crucial. Get all points on your own pitch and try to score at least one point in the away matches, use defensive formation and play with counters.
2. Injury crisis
"Your team is swamped with injury problems, leading to most of your first team players being on the treatment table. Can you meet the board's expectations in the league?"
Main goal: meet the board's expectations
Regardless on the team you choose, the amount of injuries in your team may give you a headache. The hardest thing is that main players of your first team are injured. The goal will vary depending on the team you choose - some have to fight for a trophy and some will just have to stay in the league. To meet the board's expectations you'll have to replace the injured players. To do it, you should look in your reserves for young players with good physical attributes or older but with more experience and better technical abilities. Choosing a strategy for the players in your team will be very important. Use their best skills as much as possible.
3. The invincibles
"You've gone on a long run without defeat. Can you cement your place in history by going the full season unbeaten?"
Main goal: don't lose any match
You're halfway through the season so you won't play against every team. Check your calendar and be ready for strong opponents. You shouldn't have any problems winning on your own field because the team's morale is very high. Remember that you shouldn't ignore the opponent and go in a fully offensive formation because you'll risk counterattacks. When away, you should either score a goal as soon as possible and move into defence, or play in defence from the beginning. Don't try to finish the match with 0:0 because losing a goal in the final minutes might lead you to a failure.
4. You can't win anything with kids
"A batch of exceptional youth players has risen through the ranks and joined your first team. Can you claim silverware with a side built around this core of young, homegrown talent?"
Main goal: win the trophy; young players must be among 11 players with most appearances in the team
A few interesting juniors join your first team. In the squad view their names are orange. To complete this challenge it's essential to have them in your first team as often as possible. You have all the season to get the trophy, it's important to monitor the young players' exhaustion because you won't win if they're too tired - don't use them in every match. Another thing you should keep in mind is their position among other players (number of appearances). Check if they're high in this rank from time to time.
5. Unrest at home
"Your appointment as manager has left some senior players unhappy. How will you handle the dressing room and the inevitable egos within? Can you avoid being sacked before the end of the season by matching the board's expectations?"
Main goal: meet the board's expectations
The board's expectation depend on a team you choose. Some players (mostly the best ones) will be unhappy with your appointment, it will be marked with a proper icon next to their names. You have half of the season to convince them that you were the right choice. The best way to do it will obviously be winning matches and meeting the board's expectations. Take a look at the reserves, perhaps you'll find a replacement for the unhappy players.
6. Top division underdog
"Your side will be immediately promoted to the top division in their country. How will you fare as massive underdogs?"
Main goal: stay in the league
The team selection will be limited to all leagues except the highest one. The weaker team you choose, the harder it gets. You have to stay in the top league for whole season. It's a good idea to acquire the players you need, preferably from free transfers. Get points at home and against weaker opponents. Choosing a proper strategy for each opponent will make staying in the league possible. A proper tactic suited for each player will result in the fact that supporting this person will become possible.
7. Financial storm
"Your club is in financial peril. Can you maintain competitiveness on the pitch whilst reducing the club's debt and wage bill off it?"
Main goal: meet the board's expectations; reduce debt
Firstly, you should see how much debt your club has and how much you exceed wage budget. Unfortunately, the main way to reduce debt and wage expenses is selling the players. Selling one or two players with highest wages will be more effective than selling half of your team. Remember not to accept the initial conditions in negotiations. Try to negotiate instantly taking as much money as possible instead of monthly fees. Check the reserves - perhaps you have some players that could replace the ones you've sold. You can also sell some of them, you'll save money. When you get a message about being close to receivership, be careful, you're on the verge of failure.