Football Manager 2021 is the Sports Interactive management game published by SEGA on 24 November 2020, covering more than 50 nations and 2,500 clubs from the top flight down through the pyramid. Its defining theme was body language: FM21 introduced Gestures, so you could put an arm on a shoulder, smile warmly, pound a fist or throw a water bottle, and the choice fed into how players and media read you. It also brought xG into the game properly through data supplied by SciSports, added a post match SIxG readout comparing your result against the chances you created, and gave you a Performance Analyst producing monthly reports modelled on what real managers receive. Note before you plan a save: FM21 has been delisted from the Steam store, so it is no longer purchasable there although existing owners keep it in their library. That, plus a squad database frozen at the 2020/21 season, is the real argument for or against starting a save here rather than on a later edition.
Boss fights are where Football Manager 2021 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 football pyramid | Easy | Tiki-Taka | Segundo Volante |
| Spanish leagues | Moderate | Tiki-Taka | Segundo Volante |
| Italian leagues | Hard | Gegenpress | Inverted Wing-Back |
| German leagues | Very Hard | Gegenpress | Inverted Wing-Back |
| Brazilian leagues | Extreme | Gegenpress | Inverted Wing-Back |
English football pyramid Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Non league through to the Premier League Recommended role: Tiki-Taka with Segundo Volante
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. FM21's headline addition let you pair a spoken line with a non verbal signal. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Gestures in conversations to create safe windows.
- Segundo Volante is enough to handle everything here.
Spanish leagues Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Top flight and second tier Recommended role: Tiki-Taka with Segundo Volante
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of SIxG and expected goals data. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- SIxG and expected goals data is critical for these fights.
- Farm Segundo Volante upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Tiki-Taka if your current setup isn't working.
Italian leagues Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Top flight and second tier Recommended role: Gegenpress with Inverted Wing-Back
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 Gestures in conversations and Performance Analyst monthly reports mastery.
- Inverted Wing-Back makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
German leagues Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Top flight and second tier Recommended role: Gegenpress with Inverted Wing-Back
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Inverted Wing-Back at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Brazilian leagues Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Playable top flight, primarily a recruitment market Recommended role: Gegenpress with Inverted Wing-Back
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 Inverted Wing-Back trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Gestures in conversations: 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 2021 Guides
- Football Manager 2021 Football Manager 2021 Overview
- Football Manager 2021 Best Builds
- Football Manager 2021 Tier List
- Football Manager 2021 Walkthrough
- Football Manager 2021 Beginner's Guide
- Football Manager 2021 Tips & Tricks
- Football Manager 2021 Weapons Guide
- Football Manager 2021 Combat Guide
- Football Manager 2021 Maps & Locations
- Football Manager 2021 Crafting Guide
- Football Manager 2021 Classes & Characters
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