The Ball at Your Feet

In the match against Nantes on September 11, Monaco ushered in another match and played a three-game winning streak.

Although Nantes played very well in this game, even scoring a goal shortly after the start of the game, but soon Monaco set off a frenetic counterattack. Although Nantes did not retreat immediately and wanted to fight Monaco in a confrontational battle, Monaco soon used their crazy attacks to get Nantes back to his own half.

Zhao Yaning, Panucci and Giuly’s smooth flank coordination, and the wave of attacks from Rothen and Evra on the left have all put Nantes’ defenses in great danger, and Nantes’ lead is only maintained. In ten minutes, Zhao Yaning evened the score with a long shot.

In the second half, Monaco still played their repressive style of play, but the goal was delayed. Although it is not time for Nantes to win the championship two years ago, their goalkeeper Landro is the French international goalkeeper. In recent seasons, Bartez’s status has declined so severely that he even replaced Cooper. The number one candidate for the French team.

Landro is best known for his stable state and ability to shoot penalty kicks. Since his debut, this goalkeeper who has never played in a sluggish game has once again proved his toughness. In front of the gate, he has guarded Nantes' dignity time and time again, and kept Nantes the final draw. courage.

However, no matter how solid the fortress is, it is impossible to withstand repeated bombings. In the 80th minute, Pulsau, who came off the bench, received a long pass from Rotten and headed into the net, turning the score into 2: 1.

After this wave of offense was over, Zhao Yaning was replaced. Although he played very hard in 80 minutes, but because of the need to take care of Jiuli and Panucci at the same time, his rhythm changed drastically, which caused his physical strength to be consumed very quickly, and several shots were not very good. Effectiveness, and his passing is not threatening enough. Considering that there will be a game three days later, Deschamps still chose to replace the youngest Zhao Yaning in advance.

This is to save energy. After all, on September 15th, they will have another game, and their opponent is still last season's runner-up Lance.

Last season, Lens had almost determined the championship in the penultimate round. They had the advantage in that game, but in the end, their striker Diouf did an unforgivable stupid thing. : At that time the score was a tie, and the Lance player shot the Emperor's goal from a long distance. In order to grab the score, Diouf made a kick before the goal was scored: this should be the goal that determines the league champion's ownership. His kick was made up for an offside goal, and Lance scored a draw. It's not the last round to decide the winner. And their opponent in the last round was the Lyon team, second in the league standings. Although they have the advantage of home games, Lyon won the game 3:2 away and won the championship trophy from Lens. .

Lance, who did not win the championship, suffered from this: Most of the Ligue 1 teams live within their means, except for individual teams such as Paris and Lyon. The expenditures of other teams are determined by income. Failure to win the championship made Lens a lot poorer and naturally could not maintain his combat effectiveness. But even so, Lens's strength still exists and is still Monaco's rival.

And the final result of the game is indeed the case. Monaco, who just played in the league in the middle of the week, was already lacking in physical strength. Coupled with the away game, he was facing the strong team of the northern team. In this game, Monaco could not perform to the usual level, although they also played out. Several beautiful offensives, but in the end, the game still ended 0:0.

"This game is simply a friendly match, and neither side has shown absolute strength."

The team newspaper's comment can be described as hitting the nail on the head. Both Monaco and Lens played extremely conservatively. After getting the ball, both sides spent time in their own backcourt, without considering the issue of offense.

There is only one biggest reason for playing such a game: Monaco's next opponent is against Lyon on the 21st.

Monaco is unwilling to expend too much energy in advance. Lyon is regarded as a strong rival by Deschamps. As the defending champions, they are still one of the most powerful teams in the entire league, although they have never defended the French champions. The points this season are still among them. On the top, second only to Paris Saint-Germain, ranking second in the league.

Faced with such a powerful enemy, Monaco will naturally have to prepare well. It is precisely because of this that when facing Lance, almost none of them is willing to really work hard.

Even Zhao Yaning, who couldn't understand the doorway inside, was replaced by Deschamps early in 60 minutes.

They didn't want to win. For Monaco, a draw is the perfect ending.

Monaco is unwilling to win, and Lens is also happy to play a friendly game with them without any physical effort. Although the battle between Monaco and Lyon does not hinder them, after all, Lance and Lyon do not get along well—Lance’s derby rival is Lille, and Lille’s vice-chairman is the biological brother of Lyon’s chairman Olas. It has not been a year or two to take care of Lille more or less in all aspects. Regardless of the flow of talents or the situation of the game, Lille has received a lot of care. It is a proper Lyon team. Therefore, when it is possible, Lance is still willing to teach Lyon some lessons.

After the two sides shook hands and made peace, Monaco can finally focus on Lyon.

Their opponent is the most balanced, strongest and most terrifying team in this league.

"The game we are going to explain for you today is a game between Lyon and Monaco at home. I am Thierry Rowland. I will explain this game for you, and my partner, I guess you will not be unfamiliar-- If you’re unfamiliar, you can consider changing the channel. If you don’t even know Platini, then why do you watch French football?"

Thierry Roland’s chat and laugh made Platini who was sitting next to him laugh, "Thierry, don’t say that, I’ve been retired for a long time, and it’s normal not to know me."

"But we are talking about football. People in the football world don't know you, is it possible? And you are not just a player, but a coach."

Platini laughed, only a little embarrassed.

The broadcast habit of French football is to find one or two famous players who have retired as special narrators. These people are well-known and somewhat insightful. When explaining football, there is no lack of sharp comments. Platini has always been one of the favorite commentators on French television.

At this time Platini was not a future official of the Football Federation. After retiring, he worked as a football coach for a while, and even coached the French team, but he was not very good. In the 1990 World Cup, the French team failed to qualify, and he no longer coached. But because of his great fame, he made good use of his influence, opened his own business, started a business, and it has always been a good business.

Just as a former football player, he still failed to completely break away from football. His son was a football coach at Paris Saint-Germain, and he himself explained football from time to time. Fans also like his commentary: He is a famous French legend and a successful person after retiring. Such a person devotes himself to football out of interest. Such a person speaks fairly. What's more, Platini has been known for his eloquence and provocative motivation since he was playing football. His commentary is also very interesting. Therefore, he has always been invited, and the TV station has given him a very high commentary. Price code.

Today, the matchup between Monaco and a top team like Lyon is naturally also a big-name commentator like Platini.

"Michelle, who do you hope to win?" Thierry looked at the time and asked questions casually to pass the time.

"Me? From a personal point of view, I naturally hope that Monaco will be the winner." Platini's answer is categorical, "I am a player from the Green Army, and I will not support those bad boys no matter what."

Platini’s owner in Ligue 1 is Saint-Etienne, Ronald Deby has always been one of the important derby in Ligue 1, Saint-Etienne, known as the Green Army, and Lyon, known as the child, have always been deadly enemies. , Platini, as the famous Saint-Etienne, will naturally not support Lyon.

Thierry smiled, but still asked the second question, "What if it is not as Platini, but as a football fan?"

This question silenced Platini for a while before speaking again, "I still support Monaco."

"why?"

"When I arrived, I supported offensive football. Monaco can play offensive football now." Platini shrugged. "And Lyon still played offensive football last season, but since this season, they have played well. It’s getting worse. I don’t like that style of football, so I don’t support Lyon."

This is true. Since this season, Lyon’s coach Regon has emphasized frontcourt counter-grabbing, defense, and physical confrontation. This approach made Lyon’s control football formed during the Santini era gradually turned into an anti-control football. Although the results are more stable than before, when it comes to viewing, this blindly emphasis on efficiency playing method is far worse than the Lyon team, which held 65% of the ball per game during Santini.

"So, who do you think will win this game?" Thierry continued to ask.

Platini was silent for a while before speaking, "I think it's Leon."

"Lyon?" Thierry nodded and laughed, "I actually think the same way as you. In the Ligue 1 technical statistics last season, we can see that Lyon's interception success rate and steal success rate They are all in the forefront, and this season, the Mohamed Diarra they introduced has a significant defensive success rate. His interception ability is now ranked first in Ligue 1, and his stealing ability is fourth in Ligue 1, which is the entire Ligue 1 One of the most outstanding defenders, who is better than him in two statistics, is only one of Bastia’s Michael Essien."

When Thierry said this, he could only give a wry smile: Essien is really a monster. In the Ligue 1 he averaged a terrifying steal per game of 9.7. Such statistics, after being seen, only I can give birth to an idea that this is a monster, don't compare with him.

"I've watched his game, he is a very good midfielder." Platini nodded, "Ligue 1 is really declining now, even the midfielder will be imported from the Eredivisie."

"Anyway, it's also an African." Thierry doesn't care. "The core of their midfielder is Juninho. Last season, his passing data, running distance data, interception success data, and shooting success rate are all It is ranked in the top ten in Ligue 1. This is a real monster with both offensive and defensive capabilities. Last season, in the Lyon team, 40% of the goals were scored or assisted by him. If you count those his organization Yes, but it was not the last pass. His contribution to Lyon's goal reached more than 50%."

Scary monster-this is the nickname given to Juninho by Thierry. This guy from Brazil was not well-known before arriving in Ligue 1, and at the age of twenty-six, he was not a young rookie by any means. People thought that he was just a Brazilian who came to eat. But after seeing his skills, people were all shocked.

This is a monster. More than just free kicks. His football level is a powerful otherworldly monster for the Ligue 1 league. Such a person who has the strength to enter the big list of the Golden Globes is an enchanting existence in the Ligue 1 league.

"I know him..." Platini also showed a little interest. "His free kick is very good. If I'm just a few years younger, I'll go and compare him."

"You are not as good as him, Michel." Thierry shook his head. "Your range is not as far as his."

Platini didn't say anything, but he was unconvinced. He won't boast about other techniques, but for free kicks, he is not convinced by anyone. After all, he is one of the pioneers of free kick tactics.

"They still have Govu...Thank God, Sidney Govu has finally learned a little bit this season. Otherwise, every time I see him take the ball, I hear the laughter of non-Lyon fans in the stands. I can't bear to scold him."

This season, Govu was changed to a winger by Regon. Regon did not attach importance to his explosive power and breakthrough ability, nor did he think of a way to exercise his shooting ability to make him a great forward in Lyon, but Regon fully tapped this guy who can't run. He should play as a winger every game. The race at least tens of thousands of meters, the powerful back and forth attack and his physical effort to play gave him a foothold.

"There is also Cooper. His saves are in the top three in the league this season, second only to Rennes's Cech, Nantes' Landero..."

Thierry has reported data one after another, giving people an intuitive understanding of the strength of the Lyon team. Although Platini sitting aside is not interested in this kind of football commentary built on data, he also admits that Thierry is the best commentator in Ligue 1 and his memory has made others embarrassed.

"Tieri, I don't know these things very well," Platini opened his mouth, interrupting the data issue that he couldn't talk about. "But since Monaco is playing well now, their statistics should be very good. Ok?"

Thierry saw Platini’s dissatisfaction. He knew that Platini didn’t like being robbed of his brilliance by the people around him, but he also smiled at this, “Yes. Now Roundup is the shooter. The list is still the leader, and in terms of assist numbers, Roten is also in the forefront. Jiuli's outstanding performance, shooting and passing are all ranked in the top ten, and Zhao Yaning's number of outstanding performances has now reached the top of the Ligue 1 Second, Ronaldinho, who is only behind Paris Saint-Germain, is among the best even in the four major leagues in Europe."

Thierry is talking about the four major leagues because he does not count the Bundesliga. In the five major leagues, the Bundesliga’s method of statistical excellence is different from that of the other four major leagues. Its standards are too loose. Many actions in other leagues are just getting rid of moves or lateral avoidance, which cannot be counted as extraordinary. , But the Bundesliga has to be considered as an extraordinary action-therefore, the highest number of passes in the other major leagues is about three times per game, while the Bundesliga can come up with an average of five passes per game. If the statistics of the Bundesliga If the statistics are included, then nine of the top ten European masters are in the Bundesliga. This kind of bragging is not in line with the habits of Ligue 1, and the French football world does not recognize the extraordinary data they blow out.

The same goes for the assists data of the Premier League Bundesliga. In other leagues, as long as it is the shooter and the subsequent extraordinary actions, it cannot be counted as an assist. However, the Premier League and Bundesliga's assist statistics are extremely loose. After hitting the goal post, the goalkeeper misses the shot, and even the goalkeeper. Making points are counted as assists, which also makes their assists have been despised by La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. When considering the player's data, they don't think their data has any reference value.

"I said there shouldn't be too much difference. Although the data is sometimes not credible, if you analyze it carefully, you can still see a lot of things." Platini nodded, yes. I was satisfied with the correct judgment, and he went straight to the conclusion and ended this topic that he was not good at. "Sure enough, as I said, in terms of attack power, Monaco is better, and in terms of defense, the Lyon team excels."

"Yes, this is what we are looking for."

Seeing that the time is almost up, Thierry started to introduce the roster of the two sides. "First is the home team Lyon, the goalkeeper is Cooper, the left back is Casapa, the center back is on Edmilson and Muller, the right back is De Flandre. In the midfield, Diarra and Juninho appeared in the position of the double midfielder, and Carrière on the front midfielder. They had Dorasso on the left side, and Govu on the right side, and the forward position. It is still the Brazilian Sonny Anderson."

"The visiting team Monaco, the goalkeeper Roma, the left back is still Evra, the double backs are the starters of Give and Abidal, the right back is Panucci, the midfielder is Zicos, and his front two central midfielders are respectively. It's Bernardi and Giuly, Roten is still on the left, and Zhao Yaning is on the right. What's more unexpected is that Pulsau is the starter at the center position."

"I think it's normal." Platini took the conversation. "Although the Lyon team pays attention to physical confrontation, their offensive method is still the line determined by Santini, that is, the ground attack is the main method. Sony Although Anderson’s playing style is very European, his heading ability is still as poor as the Brazilian. Since he is playing a single midfielder, then there is no need to pay too much attention to header defense and Squelach is no longer needed. Yes. Both Geve and Abidal are central defenders who can play part-time full-backs. Their feet move very fast and have an advantage over a team with ground cooperation. Similarly, Edmilson’s advantage lies in him. His forward penetration ability and ball-handling ability are surprisingly strong. His header defense ability has never been very good. Pulsau’s tall stature is more deterrent to him. With Regon’s conservative character, their defense is not good. Will be over-pressured. In this way, Roundup will not have too many opportunities even on the court, and there is no need to let him play. And because there is a long pass player like Rothen, when Pulseau is on the court, the Lyon team It is necessary to strengthen the press against Roten in the middle, which has won more space for Zhao's breakthrough, and Lyon's midfield defense pressure has increased...Deschamps’ two changes are very targeted~ www.ltnovel.com~ Thierry, do you think I am right?"

Thierry nodded quickly, but felt extremely uncomfortable.

You just showed that you don’t know anything, and now you can give pointers to Jiang. Who did you not believe in private? But if you are ready, don't you just say it right? You have to make it like this to improve your persuasive power. Why bother? You are not a politician.

But he wouldn't be stupid enough to say this kind of complaint. Platini is a famous figure in French football. Even if he uses some small tricks to accumulate some fame for himself, who will say anything?

The game started soon. However, the course of the game was different from what they had imagined. The Lyon team did not fully shrink. They played in a magnificent positional battle, but there was a rare fierceness in the game.

"It was the first time I saw in Ligue 1 that the frontcourt players were so hard in the game. No wonder Lyon is so strong now, this tactic is really suitable for them."

Platini’s admiration is not unreasonable. All Lyon has invested in the frontcourt, which has restricted Monaco’s offense. However, Lyon’s age and stability also make them reluctant to attack. In the midfield, they were stuck together.

"The scene is not very favorable for Monaco. They have no way to crack this tactic." Thierry shook his head, "Diarra is the best player in the entire Ligue 1 to intercept and fill positions, and Lyon did it in the frontcourt. When he is in place, he has played the biggest role. It is difficult for Monaco to break through with this style of play."

"No, I don't think so, but I think Monaco is more confident." Platini looked at the game and said, "I think Monaco is more hopeful, and the key point of hope is on the right, that Asians."