In the CM 03/04 engine, the AI's man-marking is triggered by the position a player starts in. Because the AMC starts in midfield but is programmed to run directly into the box through the "With Ball" instructions, the AI's central defenders wait for the strikers, and the opposition midfielders don't track the runner deep enough. This results in the AMC being "invisible" to the code, leading to constant one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper.
You need specific player attributes to maximize this tactical exploit. Cm 03 04 Diablo Tactic Team Instructions
On paper, the Diablo looks like a standard formation, but the devil is in the specific Team Instructions and player roles. In the CM 03/04 engine, the AI's man-marking
In a room that breathes danger, these instructions give shape to chaos. They are a contract: an agreement that every small motion matters, that each presence protects the next, and that the team’s integrity is the mission’s surest ally. You need specific player attributes to maximize this
The Diablo tactic left an indelible mark on the series. It forced Sports Interactive to significantly rework the match engine for future iterations to ensure no single run could break the defensive AI so completely. Players have since attempted to "recreate" Diablo in new Football Manager games, but these are merely homages, as the modern, more robust match engine simply won't allow for such a devastating, all-powerful tactic.
Often, no specific target man is needed, but setting a strong striker to "Run onto ball" works well. Player Roles and Requirements
Vulnerable to counter-attacks due to the "Gung-Ho" mentality and high line.