Championship Manager 96/97 (CM2), finding a "killer" tactic is notoriously more difficult than in its successors, as many of the exploit-based "cheat" formations seen in later versions do not yield the same consistent results here. However, dedicated managers have identified several high-performing strategies that balance defensive stability with attacking flair. The Best Tactical Setups for CM 96/97 The Balanced 5-3-2
. This setup overloads the central midfield and utilizes an "Attacking Midfielder" (AMC) to ghost into the box, a role that is statistically overpowered in this version. The Layout Standard Goalkeeper. DC / DC / DC:
Conclusion:
: In CM 96/97, a high-quality squad often matters more than the specific tactic. Testing shows that elite players can win even with highly unconventional or "messed up" formations. Passing Style
2-3-1-2-2: A complex but highly rewarding formation used by dedicated players to achieve unprecedented success with smaller clubs.