There were many coaches who liked to restrict young players' play on the field. They wished they could replace the players and arrange every second of their actions, then let the players complete accordingly. They were meticulous and could not make a single mistake. They always told the youngsters in tactics or training, "no dribbling," "no one-on-one," "no forceful breakthroughs," "no passing the ball" … no this, no that. If the players did not follow their instructions, they would lose their position on the team.
Talented young geniuses were killed just like that.
Tang En, on the other hand, liked to encourage the youngsters to play freely. He was also happy to see the youngsters suddenly change the coach's instructions during training and solve problems in their own way. Give them confidence, and they would repay Tang En with results that pleased him. It was the football version of returning the favor.
Tang En continued to let Freddy Eastwood, who was in good form, start in the front line. His partner was the skillful Rebrov. This was the first time the Ukrainian had returned to the front line after six games. Tang En hoped his skills and speed could create some trouble for Bolton Wanderers' older and slower rear defensive line.
The 32-year-old French veteran Bruno N 'Gotti, the 30-year-old Anthony Barness, the 32-year-old Simon Charlton, and the 20-year-old Nicky Hunt. This was Bolton Wanderers' starting defensive line for this game. Although such a defensive line was experienced, no one knew what would happen under the constant attacks of the young Forest team. The oldest players in the Forest team's starting lineup were their goalkeeper, Darren Ward, and striker, Sergei Rebrov, who were only 29 years old.
That was why Tang En had sent such a young team. It did not matter if they had no experience; they could make up for it with physical strength. But the game had only started for ten minutes, and he already felt the situation was critical.
The team gave Bolton Wanderers three consecutive free kicks in front of the penalty area! Every time Bolton Wanderers' young player, Nolan, stood in front of the ball and prepared to take the free kick, Tang En's heart would race.
All three free kicks were given by George Wood. He was still too young and lacked game experience. Two of them should not have been given. Fortunately, Nolan's free kick did not break the goal. Otherwise, conceding a goal in the opening ten minutes would have been a huge blow to Forest.
"Wood!" But in this situation, Tang En had no choice but to remind the brat loudly. He pressed his hands down and said, "Calm down! Don't kick out easily! Just stick close to the opponent! "
Such words should have been shouted at the side of the training ground, but Wood's training was still too little. No wonder he kept asking for extra training. He was also very clear about his own problems.
After roaring, Tang En turned around and returned to the technical area. Walker said to him, "Tony, you also need to calm down. The match has only started for 10 minutes. Don't be so anxious."
Tang En drank a mouthful of water and nodded. "You're right, Walker. But our opponent is not simple … "He glanced at the away team's technical area. Sitting there was a slightly tanned, square-faced, brawny man — Sam Allardyce. "Allardyce is a cunning fellow."
According to Tang En's memory, Bolton's recovery had begun in the hands of this guy. He had led the team into the English Premier League and successfully avoided relegation for three consecutive years. Later, he had also led the team into the UEFA Cup. He was a rather high standard manager, so it was only logical that he later became the manager of a strong team, Newcastle United. Incidentally, his predecessor at Newcastle United was Glenn Roeder, who nearly caused Tang En to make a comeback in the FA Cup last year.
Walker laughed. "But why do I feel that you're even more cunning than him?"
Tang En scratched his head. He knew what Walker was referring to. In the interview before the match, Tang En was full of confidence and complacency, claiming that he would use offensive football to defeat the away team, Bolton Wanderers. In the end, after closing the locker room door, the first thing Tang En said was, "Defense, guys. I want you to know the importance of defense!"
In the end, looking at Bolton Wanderers' starting lineup, they had indeed been influenced by Tang En's "offensive game." Although Kevin Nolan was good at intercepting, his talent in offense was also not to be underestimated. Walker believed that Allardyce had let the 21-year-old Nolan start instead of the real defensive midfielder, Flandersen, in hopes of seeking some opportunities in the middle. In addition to tackling, the young Nolan also had outstanding passing and set pieces, as well as the ability to shoot long shots.
"Nolan is actually the evidence of Allardyce's cunning." Tang En chatted with Walker as he watched the match. "If he had chosen to let Djorkaeff play in the starting lineup, I would have been happier. Unfortunately, he used Nolan, who is balanced in offense and defense …"
Just as he said this, Nolan used his skills to break through Gunnarsson. At this time, he was already at the top of the penalty area!
What about Wood?
Tang En could not help but stand up.
Okocha! Wood was staring at Okocha, and Okocha was still five meters away from Nolan. In other words, Wood was also nearly five meters away from Nolan!
Now, in front of Nolan was Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's back line. He had enough space to swing his leg and shoot long shots!
"F * ck …" Tang En unconsciously cursed. Then, he suddenly raised his voice. "Don't let him shoot! Damn it … "
Before he finished speaking, Nolan lifted his leg and shot long shots from outside the penalty area!
Wes Morgan, who had rushed forward, wanted to use his body to block the sudden shot. The football hit his shoulder and bounced, just in the opposite direction of Forest's goalkeeper, Ward, who had pounced out! Huge cheers rang out from the south stands of the City Ground stadium!
"Kevin Nolan!" Martin Taylor shouted from the commentator's seat.
Following that, his partner, Andy Gray, roared in an even louder voice, "A beautiful long shot! In the English Premier League, Kevin Nolan has already given us four such long range goals! Now, in the EFL Cup semi-finals, his goal has given Bolton Wanderers an away lead! "
Tang En watched from the sidelines as the football flew into Forest's goal. Ward, who had pounced in the wrong direction, could do nothing about it. He angrily punched the ground, then got up and turned to walk back to the substitutes' bench. Walker was helpless about this goal concede. If Morgan had not blocked that shot, perhaps they would not have been able to get in!
Tang En stood in front of him, spread his hands, and said, "Twelve minutes. We're behind. Before the game, I told them about the importance of ten minutes of defense. In the end, we lost the goal even earlier! We were just talking about Nolan, and now he's scored! "
Walker shook his head. "Tony, on the other hand, conceding a goal so early might not be a bad thing. We still have 78 minutes to catch up."
Tang En turned to look at the Bolton Wanderers players who were celebrating their goal on the field, as well as the thousand or so Bolton Wanderers fans who were cheering in the south stands. He gritted his teeth and said, "You're right, Des. No one likes to concede a goal. Now, how are we going to play defense and counterattack? "
Walker did not reply because he did not know how to answer. Indeed, how was Forest going to persevere in their defensive and counterattack tactics after accidentally conceding a goal? Should they press forward and attack? Bolton Wanderers had placed three defensive players in the midfield waiting.
Thinking about it this way, Walker realized that Tang En was right. He turned his head to look at the Bolton Wanderers manager, Sam Allardyce, who was celebrating the goal with his assistants in the away team's technical area. Nolan had already had three long shots in the 12 minutes of the game. Clearly, he had specifically instructed them before the game. This man was indeed very cunning!
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