"Will there be any problems if we do that?" Scotterre asked Li Ang worriedly. He was referring to the players who lifted their jerseys to celebrate. FIFA had just issued a rule, and that was punishable by a yellow card.
"No." Li Ang shook his head. What he said in his heart was that nothing would happen now, but it would be hard to say in six months.
FIFA banned players from taking off their jerseys to celebrate goals in 1996, but the ban was later lifted. Then, in February 2004, FIFA decided that players who took off their jerseys after scoring a goal would be given a yellow card. According to the rules, players who covered their heads with their jerseys and took off their shirts to celebrate a goal would definitely be given a yellow card. However, players who only lifted their jerseys below their chest would not be penalized.
That was the current FIFA rule. As a manager, not only did he have to take care of training, matches, and the psychological state of the players, but he also had to be familiar with the rules.
This was the second time FIFA had issued a penalty for players who took off their jerseys to celebrate. However, because the rules had just been implemented, it was still up to the referee to decide whether to take out a card. For example, if players wrote blessings to their teammates on their jerseys, the referee would not punish them. However, Li Ang knew that in six months, a stricter rule would be introduced. As long as players lifted their jerseys to celebrate, there would be no room for discussion.
*****
In contrast to the relaxed atmosphere on Sporting de Gijón's side, Ranieri had a serious expression on his face in the visitors' locker room.
In fact, the current draw was not bad. If Valencia had been the one to equalize the score, Ranieri's expression might have been better.
In addition, Valencia's ranking in the league was lower than Sporting de Gijón's, which the defending champions could not tolerate. Furthermore, if they wanted to keep their hopes of winning the title and continue to catch up with Barcelona, they had to win this match.
Furthermore, even though Ranieri had taken Sporting de Gijón seriously before the match, after half of the match, he had to admit that this opponent was more difficult to deal with than he had imagined.
Ranieri stood in front of the players. He glanced at the players, coughed, and said, "First of all, the only real defensive player in Sporting de Gijón's midfield is Juan Carlos."
All the players, including Albelda, nodded. Although Modric was also involved in defense and Albertini was also a defensive midfielder, the only real defender was Carlos. Modric also had to take care of the offense and his defensive ability was relatively average. Albertini was Sporting de Gijón's metronome and the initiator of the offense, so it was impossible for him to put too much energy into defense.
*****
"We had a problem in the first half. Although our offense seemed to be very fierce, our offense wasn't able to really put too much pressure on Carlos, allowing him to complete the defense relatively easily. Even if we attacked a little later, at that time, this person was already in a good condition!"
"In the second half of the match, I want you to put more pressure on Carlos. Keep attacking him and cause trouble for him from all positions! Left wing, right wing, middle wing … "He turned around and quickly drew three lines on the tactical board behind him. "If Carlos collapses, Sporting de Gijón's defense will collapse!"
"Also, if their defense collapses, they won't be able to attack at all! Our offense will crush them! "Ranieri raised his voice and said. Defense and offense were never separate. They complemented each other. If Sporting de Gijón's defense collapsed, how could they still have the ability to attack?! Ranieri had a lot of confidence in Valencia's offense. He believed that as long as they put pressure on Carlos, the young man would collapse, and they would win the match!
It should be said that Ranieri was indeed a veteran. His vision was very accurate. Carlos was Sporting de Gijón's midfield barrier, but he could also be Sporting de Gijón's weakness. As long as they could break through this, they would have a bright future! Of course, they had to have the ability to crush Carlos first!
*****
At the end of halftime, Ranieri pulled the other midfielder of the team, Baraja, and said, "As far as I know, Carlos has a bad temper. Do you know what to do?"
When Baraja heard the manager's words, he was stunned for a moment. Then, he said in an uncertain tone, "Get him off the field?"
Ranieri did not say anything. He just patted Baraja's shoulder.
Almost at the same time, on Sporting de Gijón's side, the players walked out of the locker room. Li Ang also pulled one of his players and said to Ribéry, "Franck, I have a task for you."
"Yes, boss. Go ahead." Ribéry nodded.
"What was your impression of Baraja in the first half of the match?" Li Ang asked.
"His defense was fierce," Ribéry said after thinking for a while.
Li Ang shook his head. Many people thought that Baraja was a defender who only knew how to defend and intercept, but in fact, his offensive ability was not bad either. Baraja and Albelda were Valencia's classic defensive midfielder duo. When people talked about Valencia, they would usually focus on Albelda, but they would neglect the quiet Baraja beside Albelda. Baraja's intercepting ability was outstanding. He had a long shot, and his ability to plug in and assist was strong. He was good at both offense and defense. He was a true late-bloomer with real strength.
Li Ang thought about it for a while. In the second half of the match, if Valencia wanted to make some changes in their offense, the biggest possibility would be to free up Baraja and let Albelda take on more defensive duties. Baraja would be more involved in the offense and assist Aimar.
In fact, in Li Ang's opinion, if Valencia did not have Baraja, the entire midfield would be in chaos. Baraja was an inconspicuous but very important player!
*****
"In the second half of the match, I need you to focus on breaking Baraja down. Don't let him participate in the offense!" Li Ang said.
"Understood!" Ribéry nodded. He was happy to carry out such an arrangement.
"Also, Baraja has a yellow card on him," Li Ang said.
Ribéry's eyes lit up.
Li Ang patted the young Frenchman's shoulder. "Well, think of a way to get him down."
Li Ang and Ranieri, two managers with a huge age gap, did not know each other. They were at the opposite end of the corridor less than 50 meters apart, giving out almost the same tactical orders. Both of them thought that they had found the most important player in the opposing team. As long as they could destroy this point, they would be able to control everything. At the same time, they would destroy the opponent's key fulcrum and win the match!
Author's Note: Fourth Update, K League Update 3: 14.
I'll write, I'll explode, and I'll leave the rest to you!
Thank you!
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