Sotu: "I came from Naji’s age, so I can truly understand his thoughts. I’m happy to see him expressing his emotions because they convey certain messages clearly."
"This is much better than players keeping things to themselves. I always like dealing with such simple and pure individuals because I don’t have to worry about being betrayed by them. Of course, this isn’t meant to criticize Maniero."
"Naji needs more tolerance, and I hope everyone stops blaming him. Naturally, I’ll guide him more correctly. Young players aren’t entirely at fault for being irrational on the field; it’s also an issue for their head coach. We are obligated to help young players improve."
"Moreover, our coaching staff’s arrangement for Naji won’t change. The most important thing for him this season is not the matches, but becoming better. From the bench, he can learn a lot from superstars like Bernulin."
And indeed, Naji didn’t start in this match.
San Remo finally revealed their ambition in this match, once again setting up the 3-5-2 formation.
They are determined to fine-tune this lineup at the beginning of the season, thereby reducing players’ exertion so that the team will have relatively sufficient stamina for multi-line combat in the latter half.
It’s just the start of the season, yet San Remo is already preparing for matches in the second half of the season.
This is somewhat arrogant.
Because... whether it’s the Italian Cup or the Europa League, you have to keep winning to have matches in the second half of the season.
Especially in the Europa League, is San Remo sure they can make it out of the group stage?
The other three teams in the group dare not make such claims.
The starting lineup for this match is:
Fernandez, Sogel
Morici
Lu Yang, Latu Yidi, Lam, Canyes
Bernulin, Palacios, Matias
As soon as the match began, San Remo’s two strikers and two wide midfielders were visibly enthusiastic.
Their pressing caused discomfort for Ascoli’s defensive players, making it nearly impossible for them to play out of the back.
The ball couldn’t cross the midfield.
The strength of the 3-5-2 lies in the forward players’ pressing and the midfielders’ numerical advantage.
Both Fernandez and Lu Yang possess defensive capabilities far above average for players in their positions.
Fernandez increasingly plays like a midfielder, and since he will likely be substituted by Bai Zhami in the 60th or 70th minute of the second half, he needn’t worry about stamina.
Lu Yang, even more so, was dominating!
Ascoli attempted a long pass, Bernulin quickly rushed out to clear the ball off the goal line while Latu Yidi dropped back to cover the central defender position.
Ascoli executed a sideline ball, finally bringing the ball into San Remo’s half.
After throwing the sideline ball, they tried to reach the goal line.
Yet, Bernulin’s defense was so solid that they had no chance whatsoever.
Thus, the Ascoli striker forced a cross into the middle despite no players challenging for the ball, and it was easily controlled by Palacios.
Palacios saw Lu Yang had retreated to the defensive area and passed the ball to him.
Lu Yang performed a direct V-shaped Pull in the left midfield area, dodging the pressing Ascoli player and immediately taking big steps with the ball.
Kaka’s Big Step Meteor!
Lu Yang quickly advanced between the left and center, soon crossing the halfway line.
His speed was impressive, and each stride was large.
This prompted a bold thought in the Ascoli players retreating defensively.
With this dribbling rhythm... if they suddenly challenge while defending, isn’t it easy to intercept the ball?
Once the Ascoli defender thought this, he got caught up in it.
If he managed to intercept Lu Yang, the large open space behind Lu Yang would become a racing field. With any quick pass, he could create a shooting opportunity for his teammates.
The defender’s judgment was quite accurate.
A player taking large steps with the ball is most easily intercepted by one who suddenly challenges.
Because when you’re taking large steps, each touch sends the ball three to five meters away. Adding running space, there’s about seven meters of separation between you and the ball.
If a defending player predictively challenges before you power the next move and is within ten meters, he could potentially reach the ball before you.
Such successful defenses appear frequently in defensive highlights.
Seeing this logic, the central defender from Ascoli slowed his pace, not returning to his intended rear position.
A thirty-meter gap appeared between him and the goalkeeper.
Teammates, to maintain defensive line consistency, avoid passing cuts behind them, and align the offside trap, had no choice but to slow down.
They assumed a defensive posture five meters past the center circle, like defending in the penalty area.
As the two drew closer, the distance rapidly closed to about seven meters.
The moment arrived!
Suddenly, the Ascoli central defender moved forward instead of retreating.
With explosive energy, his studs dug a few marks on the turf.
Accelerating instantly, he charged at Lu Yang.
Meanwhile, Lu Yang’s expression turned serious, and his leg muscles visibly bulged during the next step.
"What?"
A second later, the Ascoli central defender’s eyes widened, arms stretched as if unsure whether to move left or right.
"Oh no! Lu Yang dribbled with a wide touch!"