Chapter 249, Preparations Before the Game

When Kintag walked out of Woodward's office, the two words written by Woodward still appeared in his mind-manchestercity.

Kintag knows that Woodward is very fancy about this championship. This is his first chance to compete for the championship since he became the CEO of Manchester United, so Woodward is so fancy.

But is it not the first time for Jin Taige?

Although Jin Taige led the team to win the Community Shield before the season, that honor is really insignificant. If you want to prove your coaching ability, the domestic cup is the minimum requirement. If you can’t even win the domestic cup, then the league champion, It is even more difficult to win the Champions League.

Jin Taige came to his office, closed the door, turned on the computer, and played a game video again. That was the fifth round of the league this season. Manchester United challenged Manchester City away, and the score of 1 to 4 was the biggest loss since Kintegger coached Manchester United. In that game, the two teams were originally evenly matched, but because Jones was sent off with a red card, Manchester United's situation on the field suddenly changed drastically. The disadvantage of playing one less player was obvious, and finally lost by a big score.

Thinking of that game, Kintag was very dissatisfied. He was very annoyed by Nasri's diving behavior. If it wasn't for his diving, Jones would not have been sent off. If it weren't for one less player, the final result would definitely have changed a lot.

Not only that, but there was another unfavorable factor in that game, that is, Kanter was absent due to injury, and the team's defensive strength dropped greatly. Although Jones, who played as a midfielder at the time, was brave, there was still a long way to go from Kanter in terms of positioning and one-on-one.

Therefore, Kintag is also looking forward to the League Cup final in his heart. He wants to prove with facts that Manchester United is the boss of Manchester!

On February 25, Manchester United lost to Olympiacos away.

On February 26, Kintag spent a whole day carefully watching the previous Premier League game against Manchester City.

On March 2, the League Cup final will be held at the Etihad Stadium.

Because there are only 28 days in February, it seems that there is enough time, but after the players return to the team on the 27th, there are only two days before the League Cup final, so the time is very tight.

Fortunately, the venue of this game is very close. It is said to be an away game, but the Etihad Stadium is less than 20 kilometers away from Old Trafford Stadium. It can be reached in 20 minutes by car. The distance is very close, so the journey is saved running around and toiling.

On February 27, Manchester United players returned to the team to prepare for the League Cup final three days later.

To Kintag's delight, although he just lost to Olympiacos, he didn't see any shadow left by the loss on the faces of the players, which made him very happy. He played in such a mental state, The hope of defeating Manchester City is even greater.

Although the players are in good form, injuries have once again hit Manchester United.

This time it was Icardi who fell.

In the last Champions League knockout game against Olympiacos, Icardi replaced the injured Van Persie, but he was shoveled by his opponent and felt some discomfort in his ankle. After the team doctor persisted, he found that his injury was not serious, but he still suggested that he rest. However, in order to gain playing time, Icardi endured the slight pain and told Kim Tagg that he was fine.

But in the past two days, his ankle has become more serious. After the team doctor's examination, he suffered a second ankle injury and is expected to be out for about ten days. This made Icardi very upset.

Jin Taige visited Icardi at home and told him to take a good rest and strive to come back as soon as possible, and the next game will be more difficult.

If only Icardi was injured, Kintag would not be particularly depressed.

After the examination by the team doctor, Van Persie, who was injured a few days ago, did not recover well from his injury. He thought he would be able to catch up with the League Cup final, but after the team doctor's examination, he still suggested that Van Persie should rest for two days and continue to recuperate. Therefore, just in case, Jin Taige still did not take the risk of sending Van Persie to the stage.

Van Persie and Icardi were both injured. As a result, Manchester United now only has Rooney as a center forward, which makes Kintag a bit stretched for this formation.

About the formation of this game, Jin Taige studied all day yesterday. On the training ground today, Kintag asked Scholes and Phelan, wanting to hear their opinions.

Phelan thought for a while and said: "We have been playing 4-4-2 this season, so I suggest not to change. Although there is only Rooney left as a pure center forward, we can put Salah at the top and play well. As a center forward, partner with Rooney."

But Kintag shook his head: "Salah's technical characteristics are stable footwork, fast speed, and good dribbling. He is very similar to Messi's characteristics, but there is one thing that Salah is not suitable for playing as a center forward. He is in the team. In his tactics, space is very much needed, as long as he is given enough frontcourt space, he can give full play to his technical characteristics, so Salah is an excellent winger, not a center forward."

Phelan looked at Salah on the field. At this time, he was dribbling the ball quickly, passed Smalling, shot from a tricky angle, and hit the post of the goal. Salah spread his hands and felt It is a pity.

Ferran pointed to the field again: "But we don't have many players who can play forwards now, why don't we recruit Dembele from the youth team?"

"Dembele is too young. If it was the previous knockout round, there might be no problem, but in a final of this scale, he may not be able to withstand the pressure." Scholes said.

Jin Taige nodded: "Well, our young people have good strength and good skills, but they lack experience in competitions and their psychological quality is not strong. Paul, what do you think?"

Scholes said: "I don't think we need to have another striker. Even if we play a 4-4-2 formation, the two strikers are positioned one behind the other, with Van Persie or Icardi as the center forward. Rooney is behind them. On the one hand, this is to increase the team's sense of hierarchy. On the other hand, it is also because of Rooney's comprehensive skills. Putting him in front of the penalty area is more suitable for him than placing him in the penalty area. And this game We can adjust it, let Rooney play the center forward, and then arrange a shadow forward behind Rooney as a support. Captain, what do you think of this?"

Jin Taige smiled: "Paul, you thought of going with me this time. In this game, I want Rooney to play the center forward to attract the attention of the opponent, and then arrange a shadow forward behind Rooney as the real main attacker. point!"