Football Manager 2020 shipped on 18 November 2019 with a database frozen on the 2019/20 season, and that database is the main reason anyone still loads it: Erling Haaland starts at Red Bull Salzburg, and every squad predates the pandemic. FM20's own additions were the Development Centre, Club Vision and the Playing Time Pathway, all of which behave differently from the systems that replaced them in later editions. Sports Interactive can only sell each edition while its club and player licences hold, so FM20 has been pulled from sale and cannot be bought new; the Stadia version died with Stadia in January 2023.
Boss fights are where Football Manager 2020 tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
| Area | Difficulty | Recommended Role | Key Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Premier League | Easy | Mezzala | Development Centre hub |
| German Bundesliga | Moderate | Mezzala | Development Centre hub |
| Italian Serie A | Hard | Segundo Volante | Club Vision board objectives |
| English National League | Very Hard | Segundo Volante | Club Vision board objectives |
| Gibraltar National League | Extreme | Segundo Volante | Club Vision board objectives |
English Premier League Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Any experience level Recommended role: Mezzala with Development Centre hub
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Club Vision was new in FM20 and splits board expectations into three layers: club culture objectives covering transfer policy and playing style, a five-year plan broken down season by season with financial, infrastructure and competition targets, and ongoing objectives you are expected to respect throughout your tenure. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Club Vision and the five-year plan to create safe windows.
- Development Centre hub is enough to handle everything here.
German Bundesliga Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Second save, once you understand Club Vision Recommended role: Mezzala with Development Centre hub
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of The Development Centre. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- The Development Centre is critical for these fights.
- Farm Development Centre hub upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Mezzala if your current setup isn't working.
Italian Serie A Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Any, best for players who enjoy the transfer market Recommended role: Segundo Volante with Club Vision board objectives
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both Club Vision and the five-year plan and Playing Time Pathway mastery.
- Club Vision board objectives makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
English National League Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Experienced managers; the tools are thinner at this level Recommended role: Segundo Volante with Club Vision board objectives
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Club Vision board objectives at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Gibraltar National League Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: For players who have already done the standard saves Recommended role: Segundo Volante with Club Vision board objectives
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic. See our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight: Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build: Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your equipment: A max-upgraded Club Vision board objectives trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Club Vision and the five-year plan: The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough: Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More Football Manager 2020 Guides
- Football Manager 2020 Football Manager 2020 Overview
- Football Manager 2020 Best Builds
- Football Manager 2020 Tier List
- Football Manager 2020 Walkthrough
- Football Manager 2020 Beginner's Guide
- Football Manager 2020 Tips & Tricks
- Football Manager 2020 Weapons Guide
- Football Manager 2020 Combat Guide
- Football Manager 2020 Maps & Locations
- Football Manager 2020 Crafting Guide
- Football Manager 2020 Classes & Characters
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