Squad limits

A squad is more than the eleven on the pitch. A club has a ceiling on how many players it can hold and a floor below which it cannot sell.

How many players a club can have

The maximum squad size depends on the level of the club base: from 18 players at the start to 35 at the top level. The current number and the limit are shown on the "Squad" page in the "Players" menu ("Squad limit"), and what the next level gives is shown in "Buildings".

When the squad is full, you cannot buy a player, sign a free agent or promote a youngster from the academy: the game asks you to upgrade the base.

How many you must keep

After listing, selling or releasing a player, the club must still have at least 15 available players. Players already listed count too. This way a club cannot accidentally sell itself down to having nobody to play with. See "When you cannot sell".

Starting eleven and bench

Substitutions in a match: 3 in cup matches and 5 in friendlies.

Who cannot start

• injured;
• suspended;
• on a booster rest;
• fitness below 40%;
• listed for transfer.

"Tactics" will not let you put such a player on the pitch and explains why. You can put him on the bench, but an injured or suspended player cannot come on from there — "Coach's advice" warns you about it. The "Unavailable" tab on the "Squad" page collects everyone who cannot play right now.

Incomplete squad

If the starting eleven has fewer than 11 available players, the club cannot enter a cup or play a friendly. And if the squad is incomplete at kick-off, the match ends in a technical defeat. The home screen warns you about this in advance.

Tips

• Keep at least one substitute for every line — injuries and cards come at the worst moment.
• Do not fill the squad to the limit with players who never play: you will need the room for a youngster or a good signing.
• Before listing a player for transfer, take him out of the starting eleven.