In the advanced midfield position, if you can frequently cross positions to pull away the opponent's defensive players, you can make a through pass any minute!
And whether it's an assist or a goal, it doesn't designate a player; it's about which player ends up in the right position.
This can also catch the opponent off guard.
"But this kind of coordination might require long-term training to achieve," Maniero expressed his thoughts. He supported Lu Yang's idea and even considered trying it with the Italy National Team.
However, for the upcoming second leg of the UEFA Europa League in a few days, Lu Yang's suggestion might not be helpful.
Lu Yang nodded and said, "Yes. The purpose of explaining this concept is mainly to gain consensus. Of course, we can't start doing this right away; we might not even be able to achieve this style of play in the next year or two."
Both Manchester City and the somewhat similar Cosmic Barcelona took considerable time to adapt to this style of play.
Passing has never been the magic of Guardiola's tactics; that's De Bruyne's magic.
Guardiola's real trick is in continuous repositioning!
"Take our 3-5-2 for example, our ball control position is already quite high, naturally in the advanced midfield area we just mentioned," Lu Yang said. "We used to pull our two defensive midfielders back, but now we let them come up and cross positions with me and Canyes, the two wing midfielders."
"Mainly we cut inside to their positions, temporarily acting as defensive midfielders, while they move up to play in midfield."
"At this time, Bai Zhami and Sogel pull wide to the left and right respectively. Their pair of centre-backs will have at least one pulled out. Even if they aren't pulled out, their defensive formation will expand, stretching the distance between them."
"Morici then makes a forward run, impacting their defense line. One of either Canyes or I will also advance. By then, we have already formed a 3-1-3-3 structure. If Morici has no opportunity, then the ball continues to pass in midfield. I will also come up to create more passing options, handling the opponent's pressing."
"Canyes and I are inherently wing-backs, so when we push up on the flanks to participate in attack, people are mentally prepared. But when we are in the midfield area, they assume we are mainly defending."
"If Canyes and I make a second forward penetration in the half-spaces, we will form a 3-2-5 attacking structure."
"At this time, it's highly likely Canyes and I can get into a one-on-one position. Then the player in possession just needs to pass ahead to whichever of us has a better chance."
When Lu Yang finished speaking, several running paths already appeared on the tactical whiteboard.
This complements the path of midfield and two forward players he just described.
For example, the wide forwards pulling back after going wide, then interchanging with Morici, as well as Kaint's lateral movement to adapt, etc.
It sounds a bit complicated, but it's not quite that difficult to execute.
As long as the opponent allows San Remo to hold the ball in the advanced areas without intense pressing, then the rotation can begin as soon as Morici gives the signal.
When there's a chance, a through ball; when there isn't, pass to the flank for a bottom cross.
Awesome!
"Given the time constraints, I think having two simple running tactics, one for the left and one for the right, is enough. It's easy to remember," Lu Yang said.
Maniero applauded immediately.
These two running strategies are indeed simple, and mainly aim to allow Lu Yang and Canyes to make unimpeded forward runs in the half-spaces.
Although Lu Yang as a left midfielder had previously cut inside to score, this is a fundamentally different kind of activity in the half-spaces.
The former relies on Lu Yang's individual ability, showcasing his value with every cut inside.
The latter, however, reflects tactical value. Any player can run into an opportunity, allowing a star player's abilities to be deployed closer to goal.
The core of this running strategy is the transition moment in midfield by Lu Yang and Canyes.
That slight pause gives the impression that Lu Yang and Canyes are defensive players, offering the guise needed for their forward movements.
...
In the following days, San Remo repeatedly practiced this high-position midfield "blind but agile" tactic.
The three defenders, along with Lam, had lighter running duties but needed to understand their teammates' movements to an extent.
If the team is counterattacked because of this, it's up to some of them to press early to stall the play, while others must fall back to prevent easy one-on-one opportunities for the opponent.
March 17th arrived as scheduled.
San Remo traveled to Bremen, playing away against Werder Bremen.
Due to their home kit being bright green, Werder Bremen is nicknamed the Parrots.
Because of a 2-1 loss in the first leg, San Remo needs to score at least two goals to have a chance to win.
At 1-0, Werder Bremen would still lead based on the away goals rule.
Werder Bremen's lineup remains unchanged today, and even a previously injured key player has returned to the team, further strengthening them.
Whereas San Remo decisively changed both formation and lineup.
Bai Zhami, Sogel
Lu Yang, Morici, Canyes
Lam, Kaint
Bernulin, Palacios, Camihong
Areola
3-5-2!
"We can see San Remo has lined up in a 3-5-2 today, a formation they often use against weaker opponents in the league," the commentator said, somewhat puzzled by San Remo's setup. "What exactly is their approach today remains unknown."