Greetings, fellow football enthusiasts! Whether you're an experienced Football Manager or a newbie to the game, there's no denying the excitement that comes with taking on a new challenge. The feeling of leading a team from the lower tiers to the top of their respective league is one of triumph that only a select few have experienced in the real world. But in Football Manager 2023, the possibilities are endless.
In this blog post, we'll be exploring the top 25 teams to manage in FM23. From the challenges of Wisla Krakow in the Polish second tier to the allure of Barcelona and their financial troubles, we've got you covered. So strap in, get your tactics board out, and let's dive into the world of football management.
Wrexham AFC: A Football Manager Journey Through The Welsh Valleys
Wrexham AFC is a club with a storied history, and their passionate fanbase is a testament to the club's enduring appeal. The club was acquired by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2020, and they have big plans for the Welsh side.
In Football Manager 2023, Wrexham presents an exciting challenge for those seeking to take a lower-league team to the top. With a transfer budget of £250k and a wage budget of £9k per week, you'll need to be shrewd in the transfer market and develop your squad through the club's youth system.
One advantage of managing Wrexham is their proximity to Liverpool and Manchester, which means you can tap into the rich pool of young talent available in the North West. But you'll also need to be mindful of the fierce competition in the National League, where every game is a battle.
Can you take Wrexham to the top of the English football pyramid and secure their first-ever promotion to the Premier League? It won't be easy, but the rewards will be sweet.
Dorking Wanderers: A Charming Challenge for Aspiring Football Managers
If you're looking for a team that's truly worth your managerial skills, look no further than Dorking Wanderers. This team might not be as famous as some of the other clubs on this list, but don't let that fool you – Dorking Wanderers has an incredible story to tell.
Located in England, Dorking Wanderers might not have a big transfer budget or a huge wage bill, but what they lack in financial muscle, they make up for with heart and determination. With a transfer budget of £15,000 and a wage budget of £12,950 per week (with £750 per week to spend), you'll need to be clever with your signings and manage your team effectively to achieve success.
But don't be fooled into thinking that Dorking Wanderers is a pushover. This team has proven that they're a force to be reckoned with, having made an incredible journey from the bottom to the top of English football. They've got a dedicated following thanks to their social media presence and the Bunch of Amateurs documentary series, which chronicles their journey to the top.
To succeed at Dorking Wanderers, you'll need to scout for talent, keep an eye out for free transfers and loan deals, and put your managerial skills to the test. But with English striker James McShane leading the line, you'll have a reliable goal scorer on your hands.
So, if you're up for a charming challenge that will test your skills and give you a true sense of accomplishment, Dorking Wanderers is the perfect team for you.
RB Salzburg: The Talent Factory of Europe
RB Salzburg is one of the best clubs to manage in FM23. They are known for being a talent factory that produces some of the best players in Europe. With a transfer budget of £6,034,912 and a wage budget of £384,827 pw (£15,173 pw to spend), you have the funds to build a team that can dominate the Austrian Bundesliga and compete in Europe. The club's success in developing young talent is impressive, with players such as Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane, Dayot Upamecano, and Karim Adeyemi passing through their system. To succeed at RB Salzburg, you need to be savvy in the transfer market, looking for young loan talent from big clubs and free transfers. Future stars you’ve got a task to keep hold of include Oumar Solet, Noah Okafor, and Roko Simic. Can you develop the next big thing and lead RB Salzburg to European glory?
Hamburger SV: The Sleeping Giants
Welcome to the once-great Hamburger SV, a sleeping giant that needs a wake-up call. They have been struggling to regain their past glories since their relegation in 2018. Despite their current predicament, they still boast a massive fanbase and a stadium to match. Your task is to get them back to the top division where they belong. But with a wage budget of £217,640 pw and a transfer budget of £2,586,390, you'll have to be smart in the transfer market. Keep an eye out for promising loan talent from bigger clubs and free transfers that can help the team reach their goals. And with the added revenue from the gate receipts, your success will not only be felt on the pitch but also financially. Can you awaken the sleeping giant and bring back the glory days to Hamburger SV?
Coventry City: The Troubled Club
Coventry City is a club with a rich history, but their recent troubles have been well-documented. The Sky Blues have gone through administration and relocation to Northampton and Birmingham in recent years, which has left their fans disheartened. However, Coventry is now back at their home ground and looking to restore their former glory. As a manager, you have the task of developing players from the club's youth system, which the board expects you to do. Gustavo Hamer, Callum O’Hare, and Viktor Gyokeres are league-topping talents who can be developed further or sold to generate funds. Keep in mind that Coventry has a transfer budget of £0M, so you must make the most of the talent available to you. Can you lead Coventry City to success despite all the odds stacked against them?
FC Barcelona: The Challenge of Restoring Glory to Camp Nou
FC Barcelona, one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, is in dire need of a steady hand to navigate them through the current financial turmoil. As the debt approaches £1 billion, you will have your work cut out for you as you try to guide the team back to the top of the footballing world.
Despite the financial struggles, Barca remains one of the most exciting teams to manage in Football Manager 2023. With the legendary striker Robert Lewandowski leading the line and a talented young squad that includes wonderkids like Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati and Alejandro Balde, there is plenty of potential for success.
Your main goal will be to restore glory to Camp Nou by winning La Liga and the Champions League. It won't be easy, especially with the two Madrid clubs dominating the league in recent years. But with your managerial prowess and the talented squad at your disposal, anything is possible.
As you navigate the financial challenges, you will also need to make strategic moves in the transfer market, as Barcelona has a limited transfer budget. Whether you develop young players or make shrewd free-agent signings, the decisions you make will determine the success of the club.
Are you ready to take on the challenge of managing Barcelona and restoring them to their former glory?
NK Osijek: A Challenge for Brave Managers
NK Osijek has been part of Croatia's top-flight football since its inception, but the team has failed to win the league title. As a manager, your goal is to end this drought and take the club to the top of the league. With a relatively young squad and an average age of 26, you have a chance to build a team that can challenge the country's big guns. The team's best player, László Kleinheisler, is a Hungarian international with excellent attacking skills. However, you'll need to work on other areas of the team to create a well-rounded squad capable of competing at the highest level. With a transfer budget of £1.7m and a weekly wage budget of £93,293, you'll need to be smart in the transfer market and look for players who can make an immediate impact. The club's fans are passionate, and they'll be expecting you to take the team to new heights. Are you up for the challenge?
Panathinaikos: Bringing Glory Back to the Greens
Panathinaikos, one of the oldest and most successful Greek football clubs, has seen its fortunes decline in recent years. But with a rich history and loyal fanbase, this team offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for Football Manager 2023 players. Despite the club's financial struggles, there are promising players like Bernard and Andraz Sporar that can help lead the team to glory. With a strong performance in the Europa Conference League, Panathinaikos could attract new talent and potentially regain the top spot in the Super League. As a manager, it's up to you to navigate the challenges and bring back the success that the Greens are known for.
Wisla Krakow: A Club with Great History and Upside Potential
Wisla Krakow, the fourth most successful team in Poland, has a rich history in football. They are a team with a lot of potential, but times have been tough recently. After being relegated last season, Wisla found themselves in the second tier. However, the team has a unique aspect to it that makes it interesting to manage on FM23. Former Dortmund player Jakub Blaszczykowski, who also owns a part of the club, plays in midfield. He could be a great player to put on penalties, and with the right tactics, Wisla Krakow could be on their way back to success.
AS Nancy: Fighting for Redemption
AS Nancy, a French club with a rich history, has found themselves in the third tier after a disappointing spell. Despite their current struggles, they have a lot to offer as a team, with a wealthy chairman and an exceptional youth system that has produced the likes of Michel Platini. With the right guidance and using the club's excellent facilities, AS Nancy has the potential to bounce back and rise up the leagues once again. Can you lead them to redemption and bring back the glory days? As they say, "Never give up, never give in."
FC Liege: The Small Club with a Big Impact
FC Liege is one of the oldest clubs in Belgium, and their impact on the world of football is still felt today. In 1990, the club refused to release Jean-Marc Bosman, leading to the famous Bosman ruling that changed the landscape of football transfers forever. Now, the club finds itself in the third tier of Belgian football, but with a rich history and a chance to build for the future.
With a limited transfer budget, you'll need to be smart in the transfer market to build a competitive squad. Use your managerial skills to guide FC Liege to promotion and beyond, while keeping an eye out for undiscovered talent that can make a difference on the pitch. Can you lead FC Liege to glory and continue their legacy in the world of football?
Bordeaux: Rebuilding a Fallen Giant
Once a Ligue Un champion in 2009, Bordeaux has fallen on hard times in recent years, even being relegated two divisions to the third tier last season. However, after winning their appeal to the French FA, they will start in the Championnat this year, looking to rebuild and regain their former glory.
With a £4M transfer budget and £547k wage budget, you will need to be strategic with your signings and focus on player development to guide Bordeaux back to the top. Can you restore the club's pride and lead them to success in France and beyond?
Altinordu: Developing Turkish Talent
Turkish second-tier side Altinordu offers a unique challenge for Football Manager enthusiasts. The team can only sign Turkish players, which means you'll have to develop local talent if you want to lead them to success. Fortunately, Altinordu has an excellent youth system that has produced players like Cengiz Under and Caglar Soyuncu. With a transfer budget of just €42K and total wages of €25K per week, you'll need to be creative with your signings and focus on developing the existing talent. Can you navigate these limitations and take Altinordu to the top of Turkish football and beyond?
FC Kaiserslautern: A Chance to Relive History
Football fans around the world know about the tale of FC Kaiserslautern - the team that won the Bundesliga right after being promoted back in 1998. If you want to relive that historic moment and lead Kaiserslautern back to the top, then this is the perfect team for you. Recently promoted back to the second tier, FC Kaiserslautern is a side with an illustrious past, and with your guidance, it could have an even brighter future. Take on the challenge and see if you can recreate that incredible feat of two decades ago.
Palermo: A Chance for Redemption
Palermo is a team with a rich history of success, but they have recently fallen on hard times due to financial troubles. After being relegated to Serie C, the club has made a strong effort to bounce back up the leagues. With new ownership under the City Football Group, there is a renewed hope that Palermo can return to their glory days.
As a manager, you will have the opportunity to lead Palermo to redemption and restore their place among the top teams in Italy. The club has a passionate fan base and a talented squad, making it an exciting challenge to take on. Can you guide Palermo back to the top of Italian football and make them a force to be reckoned with once again?
Os Belenenses - A Chance for Redemption
Os Belenenses is a Portuguese football club with a rich history, having won the Primeira Liga in 1946. However, a financial crisis led to the club splitting into two separate teams, with the other team becoming Belenenses in the top tier. Despite this setback, Os Belenenses held onto their history and titles, and now find themselves in the third tier of Portuguese football.
As a manager, you have a chance to lead Os Belenenses back to their glory days and surpass their rivals in the top tier. It won't be easy, but with the right tactics and a bit of luck, you could help this historic club rise through the ranks once again.
Union Berlin: The Underdog Story
Union Berlin has been one of the biggest surprises in German football in recent times. Despite their limited resources, they have been punching above their weight and are now an established Bundesliga side. They even managed to qualify for the Europa League this season. Managing Union Berlin is a challenge, but also a great opportunity to continue the underdog story and take the club to even greater heights. With a passionate fanbase and a team that is greater than the sum of its parts, Union Berlin is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a challenge in FM23.
Dinamo Bucureşti: Rebuild a Fallen Giant
Dinamo Bucureşti is a Romanian football club with a rich history of success, having won 18 league titles, 13 Romanian Cups, and two Romanian Supercups. However, the club has struggled in recent years, and last season, they were relegated for the first time in their history.
As a manager, you have the opportunity to rebuild this once-great club and lead them back to glory. With a passionate fanbase and a proud history, Dinamo Bucureşti is a challenging but rewarding team to manage in FM23.
Can you navigate the financial difficulties and player exodus to rebuild Dinamo Bucureşti into a title-winning team once again? The challenge is great, but the rewards will be even greater for those who succeed.
AFC Wimbledon: The Crazy Gang is back
AFC Wimbledon is one of the most fascinating clubs in the world of football, known for their unique fan-owned structure and the remarkable story of their formation. The club rose from the ashes of the former Wimbledon FC, who famously won the FA Cup in 1988 against all the odds. The Crazy Gang, as they were known, pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history, defeating the mighty Liverpool in the final.
Fast forward to the present day, and AFC Wimbledon are now back in the Football League, following a dramatic rise through the non-league pyramid. Can you continue the club's remarkable journey by leading them to glory on Football Manager 23? With a passionate fanbase and a team of players who will give everything for the badge, the possibilities are endless. So don your blue and yellow scarf, and let's see what you can achieve with The Dons.
AC Milan
AC Milan is one of the most historic and successful clubs in Italy. With 18 Serie A titles and seven European Cups, the Rossoneri have a rich history and a passionate fan base. After winning the Serie A title in the 2021-22 season, AC Milan is a fantastic team to manage on FM23. With a solid squad, including star players such as Zlatan Ibrahimović and Theo Hernández, you'll have the opportunity to compete for trophies both domestically and in Europe. Can you lead AC Milan to continued success and cement your place in the club's storied history?
KRC Genk: Belgian Giants with a Youthful Edge
KRC Genk is a well-known football club in Belgium with a rich history. The club has a reputation for producing young talent and has an excellent academy system that has churned out many future stars. In recent years, they have won multiple titles, including the Belgian league in 2020, and have also enjoyed some success in Europe.
As a manager of KRC Genk, you have the responsibility of continuing this legacy of youth development while also competing for titles. With a squad full of young, talented players and a solid foundation, the club is poised for success in FM23. The challenge will be to keep up with the likes of Club Brugge and Anderlecht, two other Belgian giants, and to make your mark in European competitions.
Liverpool FC (Uruguay): South American Underdogs
Liverpool FC may be a familiar name to Premier League fans, but this Liverpool is based in Uruguay and they are quite the underdogs. Despite their humble beginnings, Liverpool has been a model of consistency in the Uruguayan Primera Division, finishing in the top half of the table for the past five seasons.
Managed by ex-Liverpool defender Alejandro Lembo, the team plays their home games at the Estadio Belvedere and is known for their strong defence. With a young squad full of potential and a passionate fanbase, can you lead Liverpool FC to the top of the Uruguayan football hierarchy and beyond?
De Graafschap: A Team on the Rise
De Graafschap is a team that has been on the rise in recent years. Based in Doetinchem, Netherlands, the team has a loyal following and a rich history. They have been in and out of the Eredivisie, the top tier of Dutch football, but have been playing there since the 2020-2021 season.
De Graafschap has a great youth system that has produced some impressive players over the years. The team has a strong emphasis on attacking football, and they have some talented attackers who are capable of scoring goals from anywhere on the field.
Managing De Graafschap is a challenge, but it's also an opportunity to help shape the future of the team. With a loyal fanbase and a strong squad, there is plenty of potential for success. Can you lead De Graafschap to new heights and establish them as a force to be reckoned with in Dutch football?
St. Mirren FC: A Hidden Gem in FM23
St. Mirren FC may not be the most well-known club in the world, but it's definitely worth considering in FM23. Located in Scotland, this club has a rich history and a passionate fanbase. With a solid squad and dedicated staff, there's plenty of potential to take this team to new heights.
One of the most interesting aspects of managing St. Mirren FC is the challenge of competing against bigger and more established teams. But with the right tactics and training, you can guide this underdog team to victory. Plus, with a modest budget, you'll have to be resourceful and creative with your transfers and contracts.
Overall, St. Mirren FC is a great choice for FM23 managers who want to test their skills and take on a unique challenge.
FC Metz: A French Team on the Rise
FC Metz is a French football club that has been gaining popularity in recent years. With a passionate fan base and a talented squad, they are quickly becoming one of the top teams in the country. Their success is due in part to their strong defence, led by goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja, and their attacking prowess, thanks to players like Pape Matar Sarr and Vagner. Whether you are a seasoned Football Manager player or new to the game, managing FC Metz is sure to be a thrilling experience. With the right tactics and player management, you could lead them to even greater success.
The End
As you embark on your journey to conquer the world of Football Manager 2023, choosing the right team to manage is crucial. From the passionate supporters of St. Mirren FC to the legendary status of AC Milan, each team on our list brings something unique to the table. We hope that our guide has helped you find the perfect team for your next adventure. Don't forget to tag us on Twitter at @GuidesFM and let us know how you get on with your chosen team. Happy managing!
