First guess is, familiarity with tactics and having a team, that has had time to gel is more inportant than previously. It used to be that if you found the right tactic, no matter how poor other stats where, they would be bearable. perhaps not so much this year. Also, I find that older more experienced players seem more valuable this year. I would allways use only young players with perhaps one or two older players in defence or defensive midfield. I looks like I might have to abandon that startegy.

Also, I have been using the no-striker-cheat last couple years. from my experience so far with this years game, this strategy may have been nerfed. I am guessing setting the team up to play long ball with pacey inside forwards may work, but have not had time to test yet.

since my rage post i have won 4 on the bounce with a new tactic i picked up from FMScout using wingbacks but this may well prove to be ineffective when the next patch comes out. Patience is indeede a virtue, and perserverence. :)

I have no trouble at all. I made a tactic that would suit the Scandinavian team I play atm.

https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1561741897

It did work very fast, because they knew alot of the stuff, but once the familiarity was filled up they destroyed their opponents. One thing that is important is to not use tactics that does not suit your players! You should strive to either

Make a tactic that suits the player you have right now
or
Sell players, buy new players that suit the tactic you have.