Because of Wood's collision, Tang En stood up from his seat and paced back and forth a few times. In the end, he quickly walked back to the technical area. He looked at Walker but did not say anything. He turned back and stood on the sidelines with his arms crossed and his lips pursed tightly.
He was a little worried, but he could not say it out loud. He could not let others know that his worries and hesitations had wavered.
Tangning's breakthrough gave him a wake-up call. In theory, his "wall defense" did not have any problems … However, the most unreliable thing in a football game was "theory." In practice, many things were changing all the time.
Like just now. Before the match, he had requested for the rear defensive line not to press forward. They had to stay at the back and not give the opponent a chance to attack from behind. But in reality? Weren't they hit from behind just now? It was impossible for the rear defensive line to stick to the end line 100% of the time. This was also not the correct way to defend. There was bound to be an opening. It was just that Middlesbrough had not grasped it before. This time, they had coincidentally grasped it.
Could they not take it to heart just because it was coincidental?
If there was once, there would be a second time. McClaren must have noticed this as well. His two full backs were relatively young and each had their own weaknesses. The left flank was fine. With Tangning on the right flank, there was a lot of pressure on Thompson and Ashley Young. If McClaren let the team focus on attacking here and take turns to attack, could Thompson and Ashley Young withstand it?
Tang En soon found out the answer.
Middlesbrough had indeed intentionally strengthened their offense on this side. Tangning tried to break through in front of Thompson three times in a row. If not for Thompson and Ashley Young teaming up to defend, he would definitely have broken through.
But the fourth time, they did not manage to surround him. Ashley Young's movements were a little slow, and Tangning slipped between the two of them like a loach. The man and the ball separated!
The Middlesbrough fans immediately erupted in loud cheers. This time, the detestable George Wood was still in the middle. He could not rush over in time!
"What a beautiful breakthrough! Tangning's speed caused the Forest team to suffer! In the second half, he became more and more active. The one who has the biggest headache is probably Manager Tang En. Pass! "
The German Robert Huth rushed in front of Makaroni and headed the ball out of the end line. It was another corner kick. The Forest team was more passive than in the first half, and it was all because of one person — Downing.
Walker, who was sitting in the technical area, got up and walked towards Tang En. Standing beside him, he said worriedly, "Tony, the situation doesn't look too good."
Twain nodded. "I know … McClaren has made adjustments, and we have to do something … You call Pop back."
Walker turned around to call for someone. Tang En also walked back to the technical area. He picked up a bottle of water and took a sip. Although he had only spoken a few words, his mouth was already dry. Nervousness … This emotion returned to him.
This is the EFL Cup final … Damn it, how can I let this be your chance to make a name for yourself?
"Boss?" Pope, who was standing beside Twain, called out in confusion. He was standing there, but Twain did not see him.
"Ah … Ou Gen." Tang En slightly eased the emotions in his heart. Ever since Wood appeared out of nowhere, Tang En had only been able to play as a substitute. "Replace Ashley and switch places with George. Tell him to keep a close eye on Tangning, number 28."
"Okay." Pope nodded.
"As for you, partner with Gunnarsson as a defensive midfielder. Guard against Juninho, that Brazilian. Let him know that the newcomer is also a ruthless character! "Twain clenched his fists.
"I understand, Boss."
"Then go!" Twain patted Pope's shoulder and encouraged him. "Don't think too much. Just like in training. You just have to perform at your own level. You can do it. "
After sending Pope off, Twain continued to stand by the side of the field to watch the game. Walker did not return to the technical area either. He stood by the side of the field with him.
"Tony …" He wanted to say something but stopped.
But Twain knew what he wanted to say. "You're worried that we might lose this game, Des."
Walker did not utter a word, which was equivalent to tacit agreement.
"Des, in terms of age, you're actually older than me. I think it might not be appropriate to say this. But I still want to give you a piece of advice. Whether you're going to help Bowyer or plan to become the manager of a team in the future, you must remember this. " Twain stared at the field without turning his head. "As a manager, even if you're just an assistant, you can't give up hope and confidence no matter what. Because the players behind you and in front of you … these players are all looking at you. Do you understand what I mean? We'll win this game. "
Even though his heartbeat might not be any slower than Walker's, Twain still turned his head and gave him a confident smile.
※ ※ ※
"Forest has made their first substitution in the entire game. They've replaced Ashley Young with defensive midfielder Eugen Bopp. Coach Twain's tactical intentions are clear. Under Middlesbrough's wave after wave of attacks, they'll continue to strengthen their defense. He seems to be planning to defend until overtime? "
"No, Andy. He's planning to defend until the penalty kick, "Martin Taylor corrected. "Up until now, in this dreary game, the most eye-catching person is Middlesbrough's young winger, Stuart Downing. His incisive breakthroughs on the left flank have put a lot of pressure on Forest's defense! Unfortunately, he lacks that little bit of luck. " Taylor was referring to the time when Wood's foul was not awarded. To be able to successfully reduce the opponent's player through his own performance, at least from a tactical point of view, it was a great contribution.
Twain did not deny that Downing's performance was very active. Otherwise, he would not have made such an adjustment. But to say that he was the most outstanding person in the game … you would have to ask another person if he agreed or not.
Ashley Young panted heavily as he returned to Twain's side. Twain gave him a hug and thanked him for his performance in the game.
On the other side, on the field, Wood heard Bopp's words and raised his head to look at the side of the field. Twain nodded at him. So, he obediently ran to the side. Even though he had never played in that position before, as long as he was asked to mark someone, it was all the same to him!
Seeing that the person in front of him was number 33, who had previously knocked him down, Twain furrowed his brows.
I was just about to settle the score with you. You came yourself … That's good. Twain's in good form now. I'll show you what I'm capable of!
Wood looked expressionlessly at the opponent opposite him, who had suddenly clenched his fists and was gnashing his teeth. He did not know what Twain was thinking, nor did he care. In any case, you're the same as the people I've faced before. You're an opponent, an enemy, who prevents me from getting the championship prize. I don't care if you're a left-sided genius in English football, the star of Middlesbrough Football Club, or whatever else … Twain asked me to mark you, so don't even think about running away.
On the sidelines, McClaren was no longer concerned about whether Juninho would perform better in the middle after George Wood went to the side. Now that Twain's form was getting better and better, and he was gradually playing, he wanted the team to give the ball to the young man as much as possible. On the stage of an important cup final, only two kinds of people could perform well. One was a veteran who had experienced hundreds of battles, and the other was a rising star who was full of hope for the future.
Twain was the latter. He hoped to make a name for himself through this EFL Cup final, which was broadcast live across the country. He would put in more effort than before.
Come on, kid, let me see how much power you have!
In order to get more of the ball, Twain took the initiative to retreat during the game and reached out his hand to ask for the ball from his teammates. The football was quickly passed to his feet. Then, he turned around in a slightly flashy manner, eliciting a round of applause from the stands.
Seeing this scene, McClaren finally revealed a smile from the bottom of his heart. If he dared to play, it meant that his form was fine.
On the other side, Walker frowned. "Wood didn't follow in time …"
"Don't worry, Des." Twain comforted him. "That kid will soon find out that he chose the wrong side …"
There were perhaps only two people in the world who had unlimited confidence in Wood. One was his mother, Sophia, who did not understand football. The other was Manager Tony Twain, who watched him walk over step by step.
The television commentator, Andy Gray, also had the same opinion as Walker. "A beautiful turn to receive the ball. George Wood did not stick close in time, which gave Twain space to increase his speed and make his moves. The Forest team's rear defensive line is going to sound the alarm again!"
Twain dribbled the ball along the side, and the distance between him and Wood was getting closer and closer. His upper body began to sway, hoping to get past his opponent. Then, when they were very close, he suddenly knocked the football to the right side of Wood's body, and he accelerated to break through from the left. The man and the ball passed each other!
Twain, who saw this scene from the sidelines, laughed. This fool. Do you think Wood is a block of wood?
You're competing in speed, right? You're not the first idiot to lose to him in speed, and you won't be the last!
Wood saw the football and his opponent suddenly flash past in two different directions. Without the slightest hesitation, he turned and chased after the football, ignoring Twain on the other side.
Twain, who had painstakingly intended to overtake from the outside lane, was soon surprised to find that when he overtook, the football was already out of his control! That number 33's turning speed was even faster than his own sprinting speed. Turning, blocking, intercepting the ball, all in one go! He could not stop in time and crashed into the opponent's back. A strong recoil made him grimace.
"Twain and the ball passed … Ah! Failed! George Wood's reaction was faster than he thought! Beautiful defense! "
John Motson, who was watching the live broadcast at home, heard Andy Gray's shout and laughed happily. Gray was not the first commentator to be stunned by George Wood's speed. He remembered the words he had said at the end of the kid's first league match: Well done, kid! Continue to play like this, your future is bright!
Looking at it now, it was not an exaggeration at all. This kid … As long as the Forest team could be promoted to the English Premier League this season, he would definitely be recognized by more people and would make more people marvel:
"God! This kid's really fast! "
"Oh my God! His body is really strong! "
"My God, it's already been 93 minutes, and he can still sprint back and forth! Is he a soldier of the future? "
And so on and so forth …
Unknowingly, Motson was actually looking forward to the Forest team's performance after being promoted to the English Premier League. What kind of force would they become? What kind of impact would that manager with a rich personality bring to this pool of stagnant water?
(To be continued, if you want to know what happens next, please log on to WWW. CMFU. com. More chapters. Support the author. Support original reading!)
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