Chapter 404 Double Red Meeting! Defensive counterattack VS high position pressing!
Time: October 17, 2016
Location: Liverpool, Anfield Stadium
Background: Eighth round of the Premier League, Double Red Club
Since this game kicked off in the evening and the distance between Manchester and Liverpool was very close.
So that afternoon, under the leadership of Mourinho, the Manchester United generals arrived at Anfield on the team bus.
Even though they were very low-key, they were watched by Liverpool fans from the moment the team bus drove into Liverpool!
“Fxxkoff!”
“Shit!”
“Go back!”
"Son of the Beach!"
Sitting by the window, even with headphones on, Ling Feng could feel the disgust towards him from the gestures and expressions of the Liverpool fans outside the window.
Of course, not all Liverpool fans are like this.
Many female Liverpool fans waved to him happily when they saw him.
And Ling Feng also smiled and waved, fully showing his open-minded side.
Originally, both sides were relatively restrained before the game.
It’s just about posting historical battles on their respective official social media accounts to hurt their opponents.
However, at the pre-match press conference, Mourinho directly opened the wounds of Liverpool players and fans, and then sprinkled salt on them!
Mourinho first said that Liverpool is nothing special and is no different from other big clubs.
Then he deliberately brought up the game in 2014 when Liverpool lost the Premier League title and Gerrard made a shocking slip.
Claiming that he can beat Liverpool even if he uses a substitute.
In response to this, the media reporters at the scene all showed excitement and were typing on their laptops.
Magic Bird is such a person!
Under the background of the team's seven consecutive league wins and no defeat in all competitions so far, Mourinho certainly has the confidence to say such very arrogant words.
This is also the reason why his reputation is polarized.
People who like him will like him very much, and people who hate him will hate him very much!
You know, that game is the most painful thing that all Liverpool fans want to mention!
Klopp also responded to Mourinho’s behavior of rubbing salt into his opponent’s wounds:
“I must remind José that he is no longer at Chelsea. And he was fired."
"Congratulations on coming to Manchester United, the results are very good, but we will do our best to stop them!"
"You know, this is Anfield!"
The battle between the coaches of both sides at the press conference added a bit of excitement to the game.
When the Manchester United players were warming up before the game, they also received warm greetings from Liverpool fans:
“I’m a fool!”
“Manchester United!”
"Ling, you idiot!"
Lin Huang, who was doing warm-up exercises side by side with Ling Feng, glanced at the home team fans in the stands who were raising their middle fingers, and laughed:
" Man, I told you, joining Manchester United is definitely the wisest decision! In Leicester City, you can't feel this tense derby atmosphere!"
"I guess you were on the field at that time! Once you get the ball, Liverpool fans will definitely boo you.”
Facing Lingard’s ridicule, Ling Feng also smiled,
"Why do you look so happy after being scolded? Are you a masochist?"
"Hey, I just feel very excited, I can't wait to get started right away!"
< br>"You sound like you have a chance to play."
Hearing this, Lingard did not feel depressed on the spot, but came closer and whispered:
"Man, Let’s discuss it. I’ll take one first in the first half and then assist Zlatan, and then I’ll have a chance to come on as a substitute in the second half!”
"Do you think goals and assists will come at a moment's notice?"
"Of course, you are the strongest player in the Premier League!"
Looking at Lingard's natural expression, Ling Feng opened his mouth, but in the end he could only give a thumbs up, sending his first like today.
What he said made sense, but I was speechless!
“Welcome to watch the highlight of the eighth round of the Premier League on time. Liverpool faces the menacing top team Manchester United at home!”
"Before the game, let's take a look at the starting lineups given by the two teams."
"The starting lineup of the home team"
"In the goalkeeper position, the German Karius continues Replaced Mignolet and became the starter."
"In defense, Milner, Matip, Lovren, Klein"
"The defensive midfielder is Emre. Jan plus captain Henderson ”
"On the offensive line, Coutinho and Mane are separated on the left and right, Firmino is in the middle, and Sturridge is at the front!"
It can be said that Klopp sent out the best team at hand. Strong eleven!
“The Manchester United side playing away from home has no changes from the previous big win over Stoke City, except that Rashford, who has been in hot form recently, replaced Martial. "
"The goalkeeper is still De Gea, the defense: Luke Shaw, Smalling, Bailly, Valencia."
"Kante partners with Herrera to guard Midfielder. Slightly ahead is Ling Feng, with Rashford and captain Rooney separated. ”
"Ibrahimovic single arrow!"
This season, Manchester United's frontcourt players are full of firepower and radiant, often occupying the front page of the media.
However, only insiders will see that the reason why Manchester United's offense has taken on a new look is largely due to Ling Feng.
What Mourinho did was just to give Ling Feng sufficient trust and tactical freedom, allowing the most creative midfielder today to unleash his full potential!
This is also one of the characteristics of his team's offensive training - especially relying on the super abilities of individual stars to lead with points, thereby revitalizing the frontcourt offense!
However, Mourinho is good at building a defensive system.
The joining of Kanter can be said to have suddenly strengthened the team's waist.
After the introduction of Bailly, the central defender combination of Bailly and Smalling has been very complementary in terms of responsibilities.
Bailey has speed and can attack; Smalling has the height advantage and can protect from behind.
The two wings are also quite stable!
Valencia, who switched from winger to fullback, is not only fast enough, but also full of physical fitness.
In addition to being able to move up and down, his defense is also very solid.
Perhaps his background as a winger allowed him to master the offensive methods and methods of wingers.
And Luke Xiao’s progress is seen by everyone.
Thanks to Ling Feng’s help, Luke Xiao recovered very well both physically and mentally after suffering a serious injury from a broken leg.
Coupled with the team's sharp offense this season, the opponent's pressure on the defense is not great, allowing him to ensure a sound defense on the wing while repeatedly inserting behind to participate in the attack.
Started six of seven league games, provided two assists, and averaged seven points per game after the game!
Luke Shaw firmly occupies the main position of left back with his diligent running and active defense. Many people believe that Southampton's former genius boy is getting rid of the shadow of last year's broken leg and starting to realize his talents step by step
. . .
The stadium was filled with singing, and it was obvious that it was the Liverpool fans singing "You'll Never Walk Alone"
And in the somewhat narrow player tunnel, Ling Feng also felt the excitement between the players on both sides. The solemn atmosphere almost made the air freeze.
This reminded him of Rooney's pre-match mobilization before walking out of the locker room:
The Double Red Club is not a war, but more like a war!
We will win this war!
Onward, Manchester United!
Therefore, in order to avoid suspicion, he did not take the initiative to say hello to Henderson and Milner, his two national team teammates. He just stood silently at the end of the queue, adjusting his socks.
In this game, Manchester United, playing away from home, is wearing a blue jersey.
Just as he looked at the Red Jun players, Emre Can suddenly turned his head and glared at him.
Seeing this, Ling Feng just smiled coldly and raised his chin towards him.
This kid seems to have forgotten the scene of him being beaten by himself in the League Cup
It is worth mentioning that in an interview before the game, the red midfielder claimed that Ling Feng was indeed outstanding and was the best player in the Premier League. One of the best midfielders.
But he is not unstoppable.
Then Emre Can also said that he was fully prepared to freeze Lingfeng in order to avenge the League Cup final.
I would rather let the ball pass by me than let people pass by me!
There was a hint of threat in his tone.
However, when Lingard told him about it, Ling Feng just smiled contemptuously and didn't care at all.
It’s just the barking of the defeated general!
If he had to write down every person he defeated, he would not be able to write it down in his little notebook.
Seeing Ling Feng's expression of not taking him seriously at all, Emre Zhan's expression was gloomy, but his heart was filled with sadness
"You self-righteous bastard! When we get to the court later, I will let you taste my power."
Soon, with the introduction of the stadium DJ, the players from both sides lined up to enter the stadium.
After the pre-match ceremony, referee Anthony Taylor gave a long whistle and raised his hand.
This much-anticipated double red meeting has officially begun!
This is Klopp’s second season coaching Liverpool.
Strictly speaking, this is his first full season in charge of Liverpool.
Even though it has only been one year, both opponents and fans can clearly feel that the German coach's transformation of the team has begun to bear fruit.
Especially the pressing intensity in the high position is simply eye-catching!
Normal competition is no exception.
Manchester United, who took the lead to kick off the ball, were collectively pressed by Liverpool's frontcourt players.
As soon as he got the ball, Ling Feng saw Sturridge rushing towards him.
At the same time, he also saw Firmino following closely behind him with a look on his face.
Hey, pressing high? !
He twisted his hips and tried to pass the ball to Rooney on the right. Then he tricked Sturridge into shifting his center of gravity to the right, then pulled the ball laterally and passed it directly from the left.
Then, facing Firmino who was following closely behind, Ling Feng feinted with his upper body, broke through to the right, then buckled with the inside of his right foot and passed Firmino again.
The key to cracking the high-position pressing tactics lies in effective passing and running and the ability to play the ball under pressure!
If one person gets the ball, other teammates will not run into the open space to respond, but will stand there with their hands on their hips and watch.
The player holding the ball will definitely be surrounded by opponents and lose the ball.
Of course, unless the one with the ball is Messi.
Or Ling Feng!
Compared to Messi, who has a terrifying pace and ultra-low center of gravity, the key to Ling Feng not being afraid of pressing lies in his divine vision.
Even if he doesn't need to observe, he always knows the positions of the players around him.
He knows exactly where there are people and from which direction the opponent will come to press.
Coupled with his extraordinary speed and reaction, he often steps out calmly before the opponent's pressing circle is formed!
“Beautiful!”
"Ling Feng showed off his extraordinary skills as soon as he came up!"
"Ling Feng pushed forward with the ball."
After passing two people, Ling Feng pushed forward two times. After taking a step forward, attracting the approach of the defensive player, he passed the ball to Rashford who was open on the left.
When the latter gets the ball, there is a soup along the wing!
Unfortunately, Liverpool right back Klein is not a vegetarian either.
The England winger who became famous at Crystal Palace is characterized by speed and confrontation.
In the Three Lions, he often played one-on-one with wingers such as Rashford and Sterling. He had already been familiar with these
I saw him accelerate directly and get stuck first. position, separating Rashford from the ball.
Rashford still suffered the disadvantage of being young and started to pull at him from behind.
Klein fell to the ground and got the foul whistle from the referee as he wished.
This wave of clean defense also received warm applause from the home team fans.
Klein, who got up, also stepped forward and patted Rashford's butt, smiling slightly.
Young man, are you making soup in front of me?
You think you are Ling Feng!
Subsequently, after the ball was kicked out, Liverpool, which was sitting at home, quickly organized an offensive.
Compared with the League Cup final eight months ago, Liverpool's passing and cutting cooperation is obviously more concise. The midfield and backfield often pass the ball to the feet of the frontcourt players without too many invalid kicks.
When Coutinho gets the ball, whether it is Sturridge, Firmino or Emre Can in front, they will run around him and stretch out the space.
However, even if Liverpool, which is very particular about running without the ball, faces Manchester United, whose overall formation has shrunk, there is no good solution.
Facing Manchester United's bus tactics, the home team fans also booed.
“It appeared!”
"Mourinho's bus!"
Seeing that the passing space was too narrow, Coutinho, who was holding the ball on the left wing, faced Rooney's defense, his upper body feinted, and after stepping on a bicycle, Cut in suddenly.
Then Rooney was unable to catch up and fired a cloud-piercing arrow!
Bang!
This long-range shot from the front of the penalty area is of good quality, with ball speed and angle, and goes straight to the back of the goal and into the upper corner.
It's a pity that De Gea concentrated his attention, made a flying side dive, and saved the ball outside the left penalty area.
Luke Shaw got stuck in his position in time, and then under Mane's pressure, he turned and sent a direct pass, finding Kanter who came to respond.
The latter directly advanced the ball a few meters and handed the ball to Ling Feng in front.
Just when Ling Feng turned his back to get the ball, Liverpool midfielder Zhan came up directly and pushed hard with both hands, knocking him down directly from behind.
Of course, Ling Feng let him push him down on purpose.
Beep!
The referee blew the foul whistle directly.
After committing the foul, Zhan showed no regrets at all, but raised his chin to Ling Feng:
“You can’t even get the ball!”
Facing Zhan provoked again, Ling Feng just raised his eyebrows and said back:
"You can try!"
In the first ten minutes, the two sides were just testing the stability of each other's defense.
The defensive strategies of both sides are completely different:
Once Liverpool has the ball, Manchester United's defense will retract and defend in the low post;
Once Manchester United has the ball, Liverpool's The overall formation is to press forward and press high.
This is also the game and confrontation between the core tactical concepts of the two head coaches Mourinho and Klopp:
Defensive counterattack VS high position pressing!
(End of this chapter)