Not setting a setpiece taker is a big mistake. It does not take the best taker when it is unassigned. It is random. I've seen ridiculous takers. I've done that and for a long stretch I did not get a goal from a freekick or corners. I am a believer that setpiece takers is the difference between a point and three. I am willing gamble with my pen taker but not freekicks and corner takers.
As far as contract goes tht is visual to me as I have prematurely renewed contracts of players who lose morale fast and they still do not perform. Like someone mention, captaincy probably has 5-10% impact only. Could or could not be significant depending on your overall team form.