That's their right-back, Navas. Everyone knows he's actually a very fast winger, but today Guardiola is playing him at wing-back because he wants to utilize his attacking prowess."
Zhao Zhao pointed to Manchester City's right flank on the tactics board and continued, "Coupled with De Bruyne, who frequently operates on their right, and David Silva, who will drift over to participate in attacks, our defensive pressure on this side will be quite high."
"But correspondingly, this direction is also where we need to focus our attacks during counter-attacks!"
"Whether it's Navas, De Bruyne, or David Silva, their defensive abilities are all relatively average."
"Moreover, they will definitely push up more today, which will leave us with enough space in the backfield for our faster forwards to have opportunities to raid!"
"However, everyone must remember that our counter-attack is not necessarily about scoring goals, but about tying up their offense. So, in the initial counter-attacks, do not commit too many players to avoid leaving our defense exposed."
"As for when to truly push up… listen for my command!"
Then, Zhao Zhao tapped on Sunderland's side of the board:
"I still want to emphasize that our priority today is to defend well!"
"Borini, you're playing as a left midfielder today. You must prioritize defense, restrict Navas's movements, and don't be in a hurry to push forward. But once you win the ball, decisively attack the area behind Navas!"
"Larsson, Cattermole, you two defensive midfielders should generally not push up to avoid being dispossessed and hit on the counter. If you have the ball at your feet, quickly move it to the flanks and let Borini or Khazri handle it!"
"O'Shea, you are the central player in the three-man defense. You must pay attention to the positions of your teammates on both sides. Once Kone or Lescott are breached, you must quickly cover to prevent a one-on-one situation."
"Furthermore, the three central defenders must maintain close contact with the two defensive midfielders, and the distance between them should not be too far."
"As you know, the most crucial aspect of our tactical approach is to keep the midfield and backline positions as flat as possible, so as not to give the opponent too much space."
"Space, space! What I've been emphasizing all week is space!"
"Block their passing and dribbling lanes, maintain a low, compact defense, and then look for counter-attacking opportunities. That's the key to getting points in today's match!…"
During his speech, Zhao Zhao frequently called out players' names, and these players often nodded in acknowledgment.
And the players were truly listening and thinking at the same time!
After all, no matter how good the Coach's tactics are, they still need to be executed by the players.
Only when the players fully understand the key points of the tactics and mentally rehearse the on-field situations beforehand can they truly unleash the power of the tactics!
Towards the end, Zhao Zhao suddenly raised his voice:
"I don't know if you've read the recent newspapers or watched TV. Regarding this match, the vast majority of people believe we are doomed to lose. I want to know, do you think so too?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Captain O'Shea said decisively, "No!"
Zhao Zhao nodded in appreciation.
This old Captain, he's reliable.
Zhao Zhao needed him to help find fun, and he could satisfy Zhao Zhao's needs, generously paying for it.
And back in training or during matches, he was always diligent, serious, and led by example.
Now, in a situation that required boosting morale, he could also play the role of a "straight man" to avoid an awkward silence.
With O'Shea around, there was no need to even prepare a "plant"; he truly was a good English Captain!
Indeed, with O'Shea's shout, the players' faces also showed expressions of defiance, and they all shouted:
"No fear, we're not afraid of them!"
"Exactly, even if everyone thinks we'll lose, we have to give it our all!"
"We beat Manchester United at Old Trafford; we can beat Manchester City here too!"
"Let's fight!"
Zhao Zhao nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, full of spirit!"
Since everyone was like this, he didn't need to say too much more.
So, he simply raised his arm and shouted: "Go, go to the battlefield outside, and fight tenaciously!"
-----------------
Amidst the deafening cheers of over fifty thousand fans at Etihad, the players of both teams entered the stadium led by the referee.
Subsequently, the Coach and substitute players also walked out of the player tunnel.
Zhao Zhao first walked towards the home team's dugout.
According to custom, the two Coaches exchange greetings before the match, so Zhao Zhao also went to shake hands with Guardiola.
This guy is, after all, the future "World's Best Coach," and since they met on the field today, they should at least chat for a bit.
However, last week Zhao Zhao was choked by Karanka, so this time, surely not again…
Fortunately, when Zhao Zhao saw that shining bald head, the other party's baritone voice with a Spanish accent rang out first:
"Ah, hello, Coach Zhao."
Then Guardiola smiled and extended his hand towards Zhao Zhao.
"Hello, Mr. Guardiola. You know me?" Zhao Zhao also extended his hand and shook Guardiola's hand.
"Know you, of course I know you." Guardiola laughed heartily, "You just set quite a few records last week, how could I not know you?"
Zhao Zhao also started to laugh.
What he asked was indeed a rhetorical question.
Even if Sunderland hadn't played out such an astonishing 9:0 score last week, with Guardiola's professional attitude, he would certainly thoroughly study Sunderland's tactical approach.
And as the Coach who devised the team's tactics, Zhao Zhao would naturally be within Guardiola's scope of study.
"However, I heard you used a so-called '20-zone training method' in training…" Guardiola suddenly leaned mysteriously towards Zhao Zhao's ear, "Tell me secretly, where did you learn it?"
"Oh?" Zhao Zhao was stunned.
Damn, it really is Guardiola; he even managed to get intelligence on Sunderland's training methods.
Fortunately, when they later switched to Mourinho's defensive method, Zhao Zhao had already ordered all training to be closed, prohibiting all unauthorized personnel from entering or exiting…
"Haha…" Guardiola let out another hearty laugh, but his expression was kind, "Actually, it's fine; I've already used this method at Bayern, and I'm not afraid of others learning it. I'm just a little curious, you understand this method very deeply, and you even incorporated some of your own insights. To be honest, even if I went all out against Middlesbrough, I couldn't have scored that many goals."
"Hehe." Zhao Zhao could only rub the back of his head, using an awkward laugh to defuse the embarrassment.
There was no way around it; although it originated from the system, it was indeed Guardiola's training method. At this moment, Zhao Zhao truly didn't know how to explain all this to the original creator!
Fortunately, from Guardiola's words, it could be heard that Guardiola didn't actually mind this and even quite admired Zhao Zhao.
This was actually not an easy feat.
After all, as a world-class famous Coach, Guardiola's standards were high, and there weren't many Coaches he would look favorably upon.
"Alright, it seems you just want to see the real deal on the field." Guardiola smiled, "Then let's see which team, trained with the same 20-zone training method, has stronger attacking power! I'm really looking forward to today's attacking battle!"
"Alright!" Zhao Zhao responded, then ran back to the away team's dugout like a thief.
Then, he quickly opened the system and simulated today's match one last time.
At this, a look of pleasant surprise appeared on Zhao Zhao's face:
"Hehe, as for an attacking battle, forget about it. And this match, it might not go as you wish…"