Chapter 739: Chapter 738: The Reason for Showing Our Hand is that We Have an Ace in the Hole
Trigella even showed an interest in discussing his strategic approach with the media, "The Spanish team have excellent technique on the ball, and their midfield control is strong."
"Although their attacks from the wings are also fierce, we believe that the driving force of their formation comes from the midfield."
"That’s why we arranged for double holding midfielders and double attacking midfielders."
"Our three forwards, our wingers as well, will come back to participate in defense, theoretically speaking, we have arranged six players for the midfield!"
Some journalists expressed concerns about this lineup, "But by doing this, you’re dismantling Mourinho’s Champions League-winning defense!"
Trigella laughed, "Maniche, Costinha, Carvalho, Pepe’s positions, including Deco, are not much different from their club placements, and they will adapt to each other."
"Kilop, in any formation, I believe is a keystone in the defense, I trust his ability."
"The defense of the Porto Champions League winners hasn’t disappeared; it has simply taken another form within the team."
Journalist, "But what about the wing defense? Vicente, Etxeberria, or even Joaquín, these Spanish wingers have all performed very well in the past."
Trigella, "I admit, I don’t have a good solution to them. But if they can’t be dealt with, then so be it."
"Similarly, I trust that they can’t handle Deng Kai and Figo! I am very confident in our wing attacks."
"Because we have the most efficient attacker in the world over the past two seasons... Deng Kai!"
"A goal on average in every game, a built-in one-nil lead, creating over a hundred chances in a single season. I am very keen to watch Spain and our team compete in wing attacks."
"Tell them this for me... good luck!"
Trigella arrogantly ended the press conference.
But not a single person thought there was anything wrong with his attitude.
Because everyone was seriously considering the feasibility of Trigella’s tactics.
Bild, "No more pretending! Trigella lays his cards on the table because he holds the trump card!"
Kicker, "Win through the wings? If the Spanish media might think that Vicente and Etxeberria are on par with Ronaldo on the wings, but they can’t deceive themselves into believing that these two are better than Deng Kai!"
Record Report, "Direct confrontation! The world’s number one winger Deng Kai returns, belittling the Spanish wings!"
Sky Sports, "The king returns! Deng Kai is back in the Portugal starting lineup, declaring in advance he’ll tear apart Spain’s wing defense!"
Milan Sport Newspaper, "Deng Kai plays upfront, not as an attacking midfielder, proving Portugal’s determination to score! Setting the tone for the match!"
Marca, "Four defenders plus double holding midfielders, Spain creates an ironclad defense line, this time determined not to give Deng Kai any chance to perform!"
The related discussions were very intense.
In Spain, Guardiola was invited as the commentator for this match.
They couldn’t help it, the offer was too good.
Guardiola couldn’t resist.
As soon as he arrived in the studio, Guardiola knew it would be difficult.
Because everyone expected him to say that Spain could beat Portugal.
But as a member of the Manchester City coaching staff, with Manchester City and the Portugal national team sharing a core and having similar tactics, Guardiola knew better than anyone how high Portugal’s chances of winning were.
"Uh... this... I think... actually..." After several attempts to dodge the question, Guardiola finally gave a little hint to the Spanish team, "At the moment, Spain’s midfield relies mainly on Valencia’s original squad."
"I’m not saying they’re not excellent, but... after all, the Europa League final is there."
"It has been proven that they can’t contain Deng Kai."
"Instead of having two defensive stalwarts who can’t stop Deng Kai in the midfield, why not simply bring on more offensively skilled midfielders, to genuinely organize Spain’s own attacks."
"Like Real Sociedad’s Xavi Alonso, Barcelona’s Xavi, Manchester City’s Fabregas, Real Betis’s Joaquín, and so on."
"Fight attack with attack, there might be a glimmer of hope. After all, we have a significant advantage in the goalkeeper, personally, I believe that Casillas can make up a one or two-goal difference for the team!"
Guardiola sincerely suggested.
He didn’t mention Torres and Villa by name.
But if the team made adjustments in the midfield, based on the players’ characteristics, the inclusion of Torres would be inevitable.
Considering the chemistry, Villa on the bench also had a big chance.
But with that, how many of the original starters from the Spanish team were left?
This was bound to offend people.
Guardiola nonetheless played it safe.
However, later on, the lineup announced by the Spanish team showed no related changes.
The coach at the tournament still opted for the most famous players.
Instead of using those rising new superstars.
Morientes, Raul
Vicente, Alberta, Baraja, Etxeberria
Bravo, Marchena, Helguera, Puyol
Casillas
=
This lineup was actually a targeted adjustment against the Portuguese team.
Bravo was Real Madrid’s starting center-back this season.
Puyol, on the other hand, was Barcelona’s starting center-back.
But now, one on the left, one on the right.
Center-backs placed wide.
Unquestionably, this greatly strengthened flank defense.
And these two players, both with full-back experience, wouldn’t face discomfort on the flanks.
But as a result, the wingers received less support.
To some extent, this cut down Spain’s offensive thrust on the wings.
This was the complete opposite of Guardiola’s approach.
Plainly put, the Spanish team was still somewhat fearful of Deng Kai.
A man’s reputation can cast a long shadow.
Faced with strong offensive players, the first thought is surely defense.
If they could just stop Deng Kai, this Portuguese team couldn’t even beat Greece, for heaven’s sake.
Only Guardiola let out a sigh in the studio.
His Manchester City least feared those hole-digging type of teams.
If you allow Manchester City enough time to control the ball and organize, they could bring all eleven players to your half.
So many running tactics, along with the flashes of brilliance from Deng Kai and other key players, how hard was it to create offensive opportunities?
What Manchester City truly feared was the Dutch style of total football, total defense, or chaotic, muddying-the-waters strategies.
In any case, one word, toughness!
It’s not to say that being tough guarantees a win, but if you’re tough, you might cause Manchester City to lose a man.
This was the only way Guardiola believed Manchester City could be beaten.
As long as you could get most of Manchester City’s starters and substitutes injured, you could defeat them.
Of course, Manchester City was known to have twenty-two starting players.
Meaning, at a minimum, you’d have to get twelve players injured to beat Manchester City!
On the other hand, the Portuguese team had a better lineup but was not as mature as Manchester City.
Theoretically, injuring three to five players should be about enough.
