Stand by the last line of defense

Chapter 48 Lian Ping
In this game, Zaragoza, which mainly played 442, did not have too many offensive tactics. It mainly used the two wings to break through and look for crosses.

It's just that the ability of the two full-backs is not outstanding.

Romero's cross was directly pushed out by the opponent's central defender.

Zaragoza lost the ball.

Just like the epitome of this offense, the whole game came down.

No. 9 Borja Baston and No. 10 William Jose lack support, and it is difficult to pass the ball to their feet, and they cannot organize effective offenses at all.

They hardly have any decent shots!

The commentator on the scene shouted.

"Zaragoza still chose a conservative 442 formation in this game, although they have strengthened their defense. But in terms of offense, they don't have many options.

Several attempts to break through were unsuccessful.The two wings cannot fight, it is difficult for them to enter the opponent's dangerous area! "

"Similarly, I can't get over the door of Zheng Long's handle. Aravis's offense has not improved much! It seems that today will be a tough battle again! It depends on who can score first!"

……

The last corner kick was headed by Baston, and the referee blew the whistle to end the game.

Counting stoppage time, the fierce battle lasted 93 minutes. 0 to 0, the two sides shook hands and made a peace.

Standing in front of the goal, Zheng Long couldn't help shaking his head.

I have been able to do everything I can do, trying to keep the goal.

It's a pity that the team's midfielders didn't do their own thing well and didn't seize the opportunity to send the ball into the net.

In addition to Zheng Long's dissatisfaction in this game, Zaragoza fans were even more dissatisfied.

Facing Alaves, although they did not lose, a draw is not what they want.

When they got up and walked out of the arena annoyed, they couldn't help complaining when talking with their companions.

"It's a pity this game. At home, we just got a draw! If Baston headed in, we would have won!"

"That's right, it felt like there were too few chances for the striker in this game. They didn't even create a few chances to score!"

"It feels like we played a bit conservatively in this game!"

"I think so too! We should be more proactive and bold!"

……

For this draw, coach Ranko Popovich is not very satisfied.

But he saw that the formation changed from 433 to 442. After strengthening the fight in the midfield, after the whole game, the number of opponents creating threats was much less.Finally, there is no need for the audience to be worried.

Prove that your thinking is right.

In this draw, it's just that the players haven't fully adapted to their new tactics. As long as they are familiar with the new tactics, they can show their true abilities.

Correct!
Just wait for the players to adapt to their new tactical system.

Win on offense, win championships on defense.

If you want to successfully rush to the armor, you must base yourself on defense and reduce mistakes!
Ranko Popovich thought firmly.

Is Popovich a world-class coach?
of course!
It's just that that person is Gregg Popovich, a world-class basketball coach and the head coach of the NBA Spurs.

Not Zaragoza's head coach Ranco Zaragoza.

He is just a coach of West Second Division.

For the offensive troubles Zaragoza is facing now, he can see it.

But he just felt that the team hadn't fully adapted to the tactics.

As long as the players adapt to their tactics, everything will be fine.

Popovich didn't make too many adjustments, but emphasized that players should implement their own tactics, first solidify their defense, and then wait for an opportunity to counterattack.

Popovich's tactical thinking is really not wrong.

Win the game by attacking, and win the championship by testing defense.

This is true in professional leagues all over the world.

Even Arsenal and Barcelona, ​​who claim to advocate offense, often use offense to involve the opponent's offense.

But their defensive level is at the upper-middle level in the league.

This will ensure that they can win the league title.

On the other hand, the Total Attack and All Defense team won the Netherlands back then. Although they claimed to be 'All Defense', it was obvious that they failed to do so.

Defense is their biggest shortcoming.

But Zaragoza's current situation is completely different from them, and it's a pity Ranko Popovich didn't realize it.

On September 9, away to Lugo.

Still the same players, same tactics, same score.

0 to 0, Zaragoza got another draw.

Although there is no loss, it is for Zaragoza fans who are looking forward to getting the top two in the league this season and directly advancing to La Liga.

A draw is not what they want now, a victory is what they want.

The fans are very dissatisfied with Zaragozad's weak offensive methods.

The fans who came with the team booed loudly.

They issued bursts of condemnation to coach Popovich.

"We need goals, we need wins!"

"Defense alone, we won't win titles. We need goals!"

"Stop playing it safe. We have the best goalkeepers. Let's go bold!"

……

As the fans yelled at him, Popovich quickened his pace and walked into the player tunnel.

At the press conference, some reporters attacked Popovich directly.

"Mr. Ranko, Zaragoza has remained unbeaten this season, but now the team has drawn three consecutive games and is already ranked 5th in the second division. What do you think of the team's weak offense?"

When Popovich heard the reporter's question, he felt very bitter.

The configuration of the team is like this, what can he do.What can he do?
Popovich pondered for a moment and said. "We got a lot of opportunities in the game, but we didn't grasp them well. In the next training, we will strengthen this aspect of training!"

The reporter just sat down when another reporter stood up and asked. "Coach Popovich, the fact that the fans criticized your conservative tactics is what caused the team to fail to win. Do you think your tactics are too conservative?"

Popovich quickly vetoed it.

Just kidding, if you really admit it's your mistake.

He still has the face to continue coaching.

Even if you want to correct it, you must never admit it verbally.

Popovich immediately said: "The tactics I am deploying now are the most suitable for the current player configuration!"

Reporters have always been the ones who don't take things too seriously, another reporter asked.

"At the beginning of the season, the team adopted a 433 formation and won all of them. But in these rounds, the team has adopted a 442 formation. Is this the reason why the team has been unable to find goals?"

Hearing that the reporter insisted on this question, Popovich became a little annoyed.

Win on offense, win championships on defense.

The team's defense is full of loopholes. If the tactics are not changed, the team will be punched into holes by the opponent.

"No! I just accepted the team this summer, and I don't know the situation of some players very well. Now I have a very clear understanding of the situation of the players. Only then will I make such an adjustment!"

The reporter repeatedly asked Popovich about his conservative tactics, and finally answered the reporter's question.When it's the opponent's turn,
Lugo's head coach Alberto added another handful of salt to the wound.

When Alberto summed up the team's draw, he specifically mentioned Zheng Long's name.

"This team is very different from Zaragoza last season. The biggest difference is that this season their goalkeeper is China's blocker Zheng Long.

We prepared quite well before the game and thought we could win them at home.But the interceptor Zheng Long made all our efforts go to waste.

You can't imagine how terrifying he is alone, intercepting all attacks.You have also seen that we have attacked more than a dozen times, but we have not been able to overcome his defense once.

His reaction speed is too exaggerated.He helped Zaragoza remain unbeaten.I really envy Coach Popovich, he has an amazing goalkeeper.

With him around, you don't have to worry about defense at all.He just needs to design offensive tactics with peace of mind! "

Anyway, the match against Zaragoza was over.

Alberto doesn't mind giving Popovich a hand while making trouble for other teams.The best thing is to let the other teams lose.

In this case, Lugo might benefit from it!
Now the media and even fans are questioning Ranko Popovich.

They all want to know how to improve the team's lack of attack now that there are such good goalkeepers.

Zaragoza's head coach is also very headache at this time.

Is my change of formation right or wrong?
(End of this chapter)