During the halftime break, Sotu made significant tactical adjustments for San Remo.
The 352 is indeed a very powerful formation, especially with two soul-wingers like Canyes and Lu Yang. Most of the major threats in the first half were initiated by Canyes and Lu Yang.
However, the defensive system of a three-defender formation isn’t something that can be established overnight.
This requires a lot of training afterward.
Although the Italian Super Cup is not a heavyweight championship, even the top clubs count it when considering championship honors.
In terms of the award system, it is a complete and independent award.
San Remo rarely has such direct opportunities for trophies, so they pay extra attention.
"Canyes, in the second half, you return to the right-back position, focus on defense, and prioritize defense," Sotu said.
Canyes nodded. His tactical importance decreased, but it was not unacceptable.
He believes he can handle multiple positions and tactics.
As long as he can appear on the field, he’s happy.
But at the same time, Matias’s expression was somewhat complicated.
Matias was brought in after San Remo’s Italian D Division season ended. He mainly plays as a right-back; though his offensive abilities are weak, his defense is relatively stable.
He’s currently around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, at the peak of his career, capable of starting for any Serie B team.
However, he found that he seemed a bit... unworthy of San Remo.
Just take Canyes, for instance. Canyes is absolutely superior to Matias in every aspect, not to mention his high popularity and promising future.
Matias can’t compete with Canyes.
Therefore, in Sotu’s new 352 formation, Matias is willing to leave his comfort zone and play as a center-back.
But the effect isn’t very good.
Plus, Matias isn’t entirely without complaints about such sacrifices.
During one’s peak period, sacrificing oneself for the team is a process that’s hard for any player to accept.
Countless players who could have been greater lowered their technical heights for the team’s sake, which isn’t fair to the players.
If nothing unexpected happens, Matias knows he’s about to be substituted.
"Matias, you performed well in the first half, but we have new plans, so I’ll substitute you in the second half," Sotu said to Matias. "In the second half, Lam will retreat from the defensive midfield position to center-back, forming a dual center-back with Palacios, and Bernulin will move to left-back."
Bernulin, Lam, and others nodded.
Matias showed no emotion and accepted the arrangement.
But deep down, Matias was actually considering his future in San Remo.
He believes that this arrangement might just be a snapshot of his season.
Lu Yang noticed Matias’s mood.
He approached Matias and said, "Brother, take a good rest. In the new season, we’re fighting on three fronts, you need to hold up for us!"
Matias was momentarily stunned, then nodded.
Right.
The team’s new season league, Europa League, and Italian Cup—three fronts. Regardless of Matias’s role in the team this season, there will be no shortage of matches.
Although his team’s position has moved back, he might play even more matches than last season.
At least this season he doesn’t need to worry about his future.
As for next season... after playing a season in Serie B, he probably won’t lack suitors.
Matias figured it out and let go.
He’ll work even harder this season.
Meanwhile, Sotu continued the arrangement, "Versachi, you replace Matias and join Latu Yidi and Morici in a three-man midfield."
Versachi received the order.
"Bai Zhami, you substitute Fernandez and move to the left winger position. In the second half, relentlessly attacking Juventus’s right-back; he’s new and lacks obvious chemistry with the team’s defense."
Fernandez and Bai Zhami both nodded.
But with the arrangements unfolding, Lu Yang’s position became a question mark.
Four in the defense.
Three in midfield.
Bai Zhami as the left winger.
Then Lu Yang would be... the right winger?
This...
Everyone was somewhat surprised.
So bold?
Indeed, Sotu said, "Lu Yang, in the second half, you’ll play as the team’s right winger. You and Canyes, penetrate their left flank! When appropriate, pay attention to Bai Zhami’s position, understand what I mean?"
"I’ve discussed with Old Tom about your matches in the European Youth Championship; we found that your cuts on the right are not quite the same as those on the left. Your cuts on the right are more lethal."
"So, do you have the confidence to excel as a right winger?"
Lu Yang immediately stood tall and shouted, "Yes!"
Sotu indeed has the vision.
Lu Yang’s Robben Region was picked out by him.
In fact, Lu Yang mostly cut in from the left in the past two seasons, creating many goal opportunities.
But that was in lower-tier leagues.
Facing higher-level defensive opponents, Lu Yang’s cuts from the left actually find it hard to succeed, mostly relying on his passing and shooting threat trio to find opportunities. It can create chances, but it’s not stable.
Whereas Lu Yang’s cuts from the right in the Robben Region are much more dominant.