Methodology
How FM Workbench estimates coach assignment ratings
What the calculator estimates
FM Workbench estimates how well a coach may fit each of the nine FM26 training assignments, based on the word-based attributes visible on the coach profile screen. It is designed for comparison and decision support — it helps you identify stronger and weaker coaching fits before committing to a hire or reassignment in your save.
FM Workbench is an unofficial, fan-made tool. It is not affiliated with Sports Interactive, SEGA, or Football Manager, and it is not designed to guarantee replication of any specific in-game value.
How the model works
FM Workbench converts the coach profile's word-based attributes into a consistent internal model. Each assignment is evaluated using a combination of specialist coaching ability, tactical or technical fit, mental attributes and relevant knowledge. Different assignments prioritise these signals differently.
FM Workbench publishes the factors considered by the calculator, but the internal weighting, conversion and rating logic are proprietary.
Inputs considered
The calculator uses these twelve attributes from the FM26 coach profile:
- Coaching (8): Attacking, Defending, Fitness, Goalkeeping, Possession, Set Pieces, Tactical, Technical
- Mental (3): Authority, Determination, Motivating
- Knowledge (1): Tactical Knowledge
All twelve attributes default to Average if not entered. You can leave any attribute at its default and adjust only the ones you know from the coach profile.
Assignment ratings
FM Workbench returns estimated star ratings from 0.5 to 5 stars in half-star steps for each of the nine FM26 training assignments:
- Attacking Tactical
- Attacking Technical
- Defending Tactical
- Defending Technical
- Possession Tactical
- Possession Technical
- Goalkeeping
- Fitness
- Set Pieces
What influences a result
Assignment ratings are influenced most strongly by the coach's relevant specialist ability. Tactical or technical fit, mental strengths and role-specific knowledge may also contribute depending on the assignment.
For specialised areas such as Set Pieces, the model also considers relevant knowledge alongside coaching and mental attributes.
Why results may differ in game
Several factors can cause the calculator output to differ from the star rating shown in FM26:
- Word-based attributes represent bands rather than exact visible numbers — the underlying value within a band is not shown in the game interface
- Coach workload can affect practical coaching performance when a coach covers multiple roles simultaneously
- Game updates may alter the underlying behaviour of assignments
- Other contextual in-game factors such as squad size may also matter
FM Workbench is best used as a comparison guide rather than a precise prediction.
How to use the result
To get the most from the calculator:
- Compare assignments for the same coach to identify their strongest and weakest fits
- Treat close half-star differences cautiously — they may sit within the margin introduced by word-band variation
- Use the result to narrow your shortlist, then confirm the final choice inside your own save