The Prince of Inter Milan starts with Brother Xiaosa

Chapter 296 The whole story and the away game against Marseille

“Bologna played very well in the first half, but we were a little careless and underestimated the opponent.

But underestimating the enemy is never an excuse. Fortunately, we quickly adjusted after the start of the second half.

Is there a problem with the team? Haha, isn’t this question a bit funny?

We are currently advancing on three fronts and winning consecutively, but someone actually thinks there is a problem within our team?

My answer is pure nonsense. Our team is united and united, and there are absolutely no problems like those rumored by the outside world. "

Leo said this to reporters, but he himself also knew that everything is not so absolute.

There must be some contradictions within Inter Milan, such as competition for the starting position, which is unavoidable.

Of course, there is no big problem. Ancelotti has great control over the locker room.

No, after the game, An Pang took some time and called Leo to the office.

Are you looking for me to discuss the team's tactical issues that have been a hot topic recently?

"Sit down, what do you think of the opinions from the outside world?"

"They are all a bunch of fans who don't understand football and people who don't take it too seriously to watch the excitement, but they are led by someone with a heart.

I also know that the team has conceded a lot of goals recently and has some defensive problems, but there is nothing we can do about it. "

Ancelotti raised his eyebrows, seeming to be interested.

“Let’s talk specifically about what the defensive problem is and why there’s nothing we can do about it.”

"Because fans like to watch offensive football, especially Bale and Neymar flying together on both wings.

It must be admitted that these young people in our team are very talented, but at the same time they cannot participate in the team's defensive system as actively and effectively as ordinary Serie A offensive players.

The goals conceded in these recent games cannot be completely blamed on the lack of form of the defensive teammates. On the contrary, they have tried their best to a certain extent.

If it weren't for Handanovic's high pass and low block in front of the goal and the full defense of several defenders, we might have scored more goals.

Because the interception in the frontcourt is not done well, it is very difficult for several young people on the offensive line to strengthen the defense while ensuring the offensive threat, so there is no way. "

Ancelotti nodded and cast an approving look at Leo.

"Leo, you are very good, sometimes people really forget your age.

If you want to, you can become an excellent head coach after you retire. "

Then An Pang paused and returned to the topic.

"You are basically right. If the team is in an advantageous position and plays offensive football, Bale, Neymar and Balotelli can perform very amazingly.

Even if it is a defensive counterattack, they can also play a considerable role in the counterattack.

But it is limited to counterattacks. I hope they can help the team on the defensive end. It is indeed a bit difficult.

And when the team is suppressed and at a disadvantage, let alone, they are all young people after all.

My original intention is to use the loss of one or two games to let the outside world see this clearly, and stop clamoring for gorgeous offensive football all day long.

Of course, I also know that as players, you don’t like losing, so I didn’t explain this to you in advance.

I didn't expect that your ability exceeded my expectations. Even when the situation was so unfavorable, you still led these young men to reverse the game.

So I had to find you here today and ask what you think. "

Leo nodded in realization. No wonder he found that something was wrong with the head coach some time ago. It turned out to be like this.

There was a deeper reason that Ancelotti didn't say.

When he took over Inter Milan, the Nerazzurri had already won the treble for two consecutive seasons.

So if Ancelotti wants to distance himself from his predecessor and establish himself at Inter Milan, changes must be made.

Subsequent changes in the team's lineup and his adjustments to tactics all stemmed from this.

The same reason is why he reuses new players and young players and recruits his disciple Pirlo.

Fortunately, after major changes in personnel and new tactics, Inter Milan's record is as good as ever.

It proves that An Pang does have something.

However, as the season progressed, Ancelotti's tactics and the characteristics of Inter Milan's new players were gradually understood by many opponents, and the game was not as easy to play as it was in the first half of the season.

Ancelotti's best response to this situation is to refrigerate some young players first and then re-activate veterans in the frontcourt, especially the forward line.

Then the team's tactics were also adjusted, strengthening defense and no longer blindly attacking and suppressing.

The key is that now Inter Milan can't suppress it even if they want to. Serie A's opponents have basically figured out a way to deal with the defending champion, and the results are pretty good.

But the fans definitely don't want to see such a change. They just hope that the team can continue to bring them good-looking offensive football while continuing to win.

“Of course everyone likes total offense and total defense football, but I am the head coach and must be responsible for the results.

But now I see another possibility. Although I don't know what magic you have, I can see that you can stand up whenever the team is at a disadvantage.

Not only does he take the lead in creating goals to help the team reverse the situation, but he can also often inspire his teammates and cheer them up.

So I want to ask you now, can you continue to help them contribute to the team on the offensive end?

Only if the players in the frontcourt can perform to their due level and score goals against any opponent can I convince myself to lower my demands on them on the defensive end.

It doesn't matter if you can't do it. The coaching staff and I will continue to adjust our tactics and there will always be a solution. "

Ancelotti did not use his humor at this time, but looked directly at Leo seriously.

Leo gave his answer without a moment's hesitation.

“I dare not say anything else, but I think there should be no problem if those boys can perform well in every game.

This is what I should do as the captain and their good big brother. "

Isn't it just to continue to PUA Bale, Neymar and Balotelli? Leo is already familiar with it.

Seeing Leo's firm gaze, Ancelotti smiled.

"Okay, I understand."

Ancelotti actually has some headaches for several talented young players in the team.

They are all geniuses, and it is normal to have a little personality.

But since there is help from Leo, the "kid king", the Inter Milan coach can relax and focus on other aspects of the team.

After Leo talked with the head coach, he found that the team's training content had been fine-tuned again.

In particular, the defensive tasks in the midfield have been increased, including Leo, who has made him boast so much.

Of course, he is not the one who has the most trouble. Leo is very good at defense, so these are all a piece of cake for him.

Modric and Pirlo are miserable. Inter Milan's defensive coach has begun to focus on "taking care" of them these days.

Pirlo really didn't expect that he would still have to do such hard work at his old age.

But with Modric by his side, Pirlo really didn't want to admit defeat. He didn't feel that he would be inferior to this "young man" who was six years younger than him.

Yes, Ancelotti's solution is simple. Since the little guys on the front line can't contribute to the team's defense, let them devote themselves to the offense.

Leave the defensive matters to the players in the midfield and backfield.

It is obviously not enough to rely on defenders and goalkeepers alone, so the midfielder can only strengthen interceptions and steals to resolve the opponent's offense as early as possible.

At the same time, because Pirlo and Modric are on the court, there is no doubt about their ability to pass forward, so the offensive organization of Inter Milan's midfielder will not weaken much.

This idea is very beautiful. As for whether it is useful in actual combat, you still have to try it to know.

Isn’t the whetstone here?

The quarter-finals of the Champions League have begun, and Inter Milan will travel to France to face Marseille in the first round.

To be honest, Marseille's opponent did not bring much tension to Inter fans.

The home team has drawn in the last two rounds of French Ligue 1 and is already 12 points behind the top spot with no chance of winning the title.

At the same time, they lost two home games before the Champions League to Arsenal and Olympiacos.

This performance really made the defending champion a little unmotivated.

On February 2, a highlight match of the Champions League quarter-finals started at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille!

Despite the Nerazzurri's intensive schedule in February, Ancelotti carried out the rotation well according to the reports of the team's sports medicine team.

Inter Milan, with a well-organized lineup, played in the strongest attacking formation in the away game, and their lineup was still the familiar 4-2-3-1.

Balotelli is the lone forward, with Bale and Neymar on the wings.

Leo is the attacking midfielder, and behind him are Pirlo and De Rossi.

Kolarov left back, Zanetti right back, Bonucci and Ranocchia partnered as central defenders, and goalkeeper Handanovic.

Let’s talk about their opponent today, the French Ligue 1 powerhouse Marseille.

It's hard to say whether Marseille is considered a giant, because they have always been a group of heroes in Ligue 1, and they do not have absolute dominance in the country.

But if you look at the hard conditions of winning the Champions League and multiple league championships and having a long history, perhaps only Marseille in the entire French Ligue 1 meets this requirement.

Because they have not only been competing domestically for a long time with nine French football top league titles and ten French Cup titles,

Twenty years ago, they also won the only Champions League trophy in team history and the entire French Ligue 1.

Although Saint-Etienne's ten top league titles and Lyon's seven consecutive titles since the 01-02 season are both remarkable,

Reims, Saint-Etienne, Monaco and other teams have also reached the Champions League finals.

But in all aspects, they are still not as good as Marseille.

And their current head coach Deschamps, as early as the 03-04 season, led Monaco to eliminate Real Madrid and Chelsea one after another and entered the Champions League finals to compete with Mourinho's Porto for the final championship.

It is a pity that Deschamps was one step short of a move, and his Monaco, which had stars such as Giuly, Morientes, Roten, Evra, etc., lost in the final.

But in any case, it can be said that Deschamps not only performed well as a player, but is definitely a very capable head coach now.

But to be honest, the lineup of this Marseille team may not be as good as Monaco eight years ago.

Deschamps also started 4,231 at home today.

Forwards Brandang, Andre Ayew and Amalfitano are on the left and right.

Valbuena is the attacking midfielder, Aludiarra and Shelu are in the midfield.

Left back Morel, right back Azpilicueta, Diawara and Nkulu partnered as central defender and goalkeeper Mandanda. The home team took the lead in the first half of the game. Even if the opponent was Inter Milan, Marseille was not stage frightened at all.

From the first minute of the game, they took the lead.

Xie Lu blocked a volley from the outside of the penalty area, but Pirlo, who was back on defense, used his body to block the baseline!

As the home team prepared for a corner kick, the Italian veteran sighed.

What do you think I am doing now that I am old? If it weren't for Ancelotti's plea, Pirlo would not really be willing to do these dirty jobs.

After all, he is also a well-known midfield master, so why is he always falling to the ground and making tackles?

"Andre, the team needs your strength now. Those kids in the frontcourt really can't bear the burden of defense.

The only one I can rely on is you!

As a veteran, should you take on more responsibilities in the team? "

"Don't worry, leave it to me!"

Pirlo really wanted to slap himself a few times on the field, but why was he so confused at that time that he agreed.

After the home team's corner kick was taken, Inter goalkeeper Handanovic flew to clear the ball.

Pirlo passed another big kick to the frontcourt, where Balotelli had been waiting for a long time. He leaned against Marseille's center back N'Kullu and gave a clever heel!

The ball came to the left, and Bell broke through with the ball at high speed!

The home team's right back Azpilicueta gritted his teeth and followed Bell.

Although it was difficult for the Spanish teenager to catch up with the fast Welsh winger after being separated, he still did not give up.

Bell broke into the penalty area from the left and did not forget to look back at Azpilicueta.

Is this guy the team's new full-back? The momentum is good, but the strength is a bit lacking.

In total, Bell and Azpilicueta are actually both 22 years old, but the Welshman has more experience in competitions and looks more mature.

Mandanda was slightly hesitant about whether to attack or stay in front of the goal line. Bale would not be weak and just hit a powerful low shot with his left foot!

Marseille's goalkeeper reacted quickly and went down to save the ball immediately, but unfortunately he still failed to touch the ball.

The ball went in! One to zero!

Inter Milan, playing away from home, took the lead in scoring!

The visiting team took the lead just after the game started. Marseille supporters could not sit still. They stood up and sang the team anthem to cheer for the home team.

Amalfitano was brought down by De Rossi and Marseille won a well-positioned free kick.

However, Xie Lu's free kick went directly to the goal but hit the wall and bounced out.

Marseille coach Deschamps played against Inter Milan ten times as a player and lost only once.

Will he lose at home today? Deschamps stood up and came to the sideline without saying a word.

The head coach's actions put psychological pressure on the home team players on the field, and they stepped up their offense.

Kolarov made a precise pass from the left, and Balotelli volleyed with his right foot from the penalty spot!

The ball was lifted over the crossbar by Marseille goalkeeper Mandanda with one palm.

Then Inter Milan's corner kick went to the back point. Neymar passed the defender and himself. He missed the ball's landing point and did not form a shot.

Morell cut in from the left and shot a low shot with his left foot outside the penalty area and missed the right post.

A minute later, Amalfitano's right-footed volley from the edge of the penalty area hit the crossbar!

The home team seemed to have two consecutive shots on goal, but they were all long-range shots from outside the penalty area, which did not pose much of a threat to Inter Milan.

Zanetti cooperated with Neymar on the right. The Brazilian dribbled the ball away from the defense and broke into the right side of the penalty area. His powerful volley was blocked by Mandanda bravely!

Leo made a pass from the front, and Neymar followed up with a low shot from a small angle that missed the far post!

Continuous wasting of opportunities is not what Leo wants to see.

He took advantage of a dead ball opportunity and walked to Neymar's side.

"You see Bale scoring a goal, so you are anxious to perform?"

"I didn't!"

Leo smiled and shook his head and ignored Neymar's rebuttal.

"It doesn't matter, only with competition can we make progress.

I will pass the ball to you more to help you score. Don't worry, take your time and the goals will come. "

Neymar smiled and nodded vigorously.

Brandang's powerful low shot from outside the arc of the penalty area was firmly saved by Handanovic!

As the saying goes, the weakest team is the best.

Who would have thought that Handanovic has gone through a lot of training at Inter Milan, and his condition has been getting better and better recently.

Leo sent a precise pass during the counterattack, and Balotelli successfully broke into the penalty area and fired vigorously in response to offside!

The ball was obtained by Mandanda.

Surprisingly, Marseille's goalkeeper performed extremely well today. If it weren't for Mandanda's heroic save, Inter Milan would have scored at least two or three more goals.

Marseille intercepted the clearance ball and distributed it to the right, and Amalfitano volleyed high from the sideline of the penalty area.

In the 30th minute of the game, Pirlo pulled down Ayew who was dribbling the ball and gave his opponent a free kick.

Andre Ayew, who started today, is the elder brother. There is also Jordan Ayew in the Marseille team who is the younger brother and is currently sitting on the bench.

Both brothers are offensive players with excellent speed, but I don’t know if they will be able to see their brothers fighting side by side today.

Valbuena's free kick from the left was slanted into the penalty area, and two Marseille players were outflanking him!

Diawara fell to the ground and took a shot from the small penalty area, and the ball missed the left post!

This should be regarded as the most threatening shot for the home team so far in the game.

It's a pity that it's still a little bit behind.

Leo took the ball and passed Diarra, who was pressing forward, and sent a direct pass. Bell broke through from the left and hit back.

De Rossi's powerful attack from outside the penalty area was confiscated by Mandanda!

Then Marseille's counterattack quickly reached the frontcourt. Valbuena broke through to the left side of the penalty area and volleyed from a small angle and hit the side net.

The first half of the game entered stoppage time. After stealing the ball in the frontcourt, Leo immediately distributed the ball to launch a quick counterattack!

Neymar countered offside and successfully offloaded the ball, attracting three defensive players and then knocked it across the middle!

Pirlo caught the ball and broke into the penalty area. His right-footed shot was blocked by Marseille goalkeeper Mandanda with his leg!

At the end of the half, Inter Milan temporarily led 1-0 away from home.

It's really outrageous. After entering the game, the Nerazzurri bombarded the team indiscriminately for at least thirty minutes.

But no matter which direction the shot came from, it was blocked by Mandanda bravely but could not score.

Of course, in addition to the outstanding performance of the home team's goalkeeper, the efforts of other Marseille defensive players also contributed.

The home team's defensive arrangements, especially the frontal defense in front of the penalty area, were very good.

This shows their head coach's skill in coaching defense.

But this is very uncomfortable for their opponent, Inter Milan.

"The opponent's goalkeeper was in great shape today, and our shots started as close to the goal as possible."

The second half of the game started with no substitutions from either side.

The home team, which was lagging behind, launched an offensive first.

Brandang's powerful kick from the sideline of the penalty area was blocked by Handanovic!

Valbuena took a corner kick on the right, and Cheroux's left-footed volley in front of the small penalty area was destroyed by De Rossi!

Diawara's left-footed volley from the front of the penalty area missed the left post.

But just like that, Inter Milan immediately regained control of the initiative on the court.

In the 53rd minute, Pirlo kicked down Valbuena and was given a yellow card by the referee.

De Rossi then also received a yellow card for fouling Andre Ayew.

Yes, the Nerazzurri's defense is based on the active pressing and interception of midfielders as the first line of defense.

So in the 62nd minute, Ancelotti took the lead in making substitutions.

Modric and Thiago Motta came off the bench one after another, replacing Pirlo and De Rossi.

Not only did the two of them exert too much physical energy, but they also had yellow cards on their bodies. It was reasonable for them to get off the field early and rest.

Zanetti passed the ball diagonally, and Neymar's shot into the penalty area was deflected by Mandanda and flew out of the baseline.

Soon after, Marseille launched a counterattack from the right. Azpilicueta's cross was followed by Morel's left-footed volley that flew directly into the stands!

Inter Milan immediately retaliated. Leo sent a pass at the front of the penalty area. Bell received the ball on the left and turned around to get rid of Amalfitano and broke into the penalty area and fell to the ground.

The referee Cakir from Turkey did not say anything.

To be honest, even if the game ended like this, Inter Milan would still be able to accept it.

They won the away game and scored away goals. As long as they don't lose at home, they can successfully advance to the next round of the Champions League.

But their fans will definitely not be satisfied with a small victory of 1-0. Nerazzurri hopes that the team will continue to attack and score more goals.

Leo also noticed whether there was a sad look "floating over" from the right side.

You can’t blame Leo for this!

He has passed several wonderful through balls to Neymar, but the opponent missed the opportunity to score. What can be done!

The Marseille team playing at home played very tenaciously in front of tens of thousands of their own fans. After conceding the goal at the beginning, they not only kept the goal but also worked hard to find opportunities to equalize the score.

In the 74th minute, Leo came to the wing and lobbed a 45-degree diagonal pass into the penalty area!

Balotelli's header was blocked by the home team's defender to the back point, and Neymar's close-range follow-up shot in front of the goal was subconsciously caught by Mandanda!

Didn't you get in? !

Leo was completely speechless.

Three minutes later, Modric stepped forward and caused a pass error from Valbuena. Inter intercepted the ball in the backcourt and quickly launched a counterattack!

Leo passed two people in the middle and then moved to the right. Neymar received the ball and passed Morel's marker and broke into the penalty area!

This time Mandanda chose to abandon the goal and give the Brazilian a chance. Neymar swayed flexibly and dunked past the opponent's goalkeeper and pushed the ball into the empty goal!

Two to zero!

Inter Milan finally expanded its lead!

Jordan Ayew came on as a substitute to replace forward Brandang, who had a poor performance today. The Ayew brothers can be regarded as "brothers fighting tigers."

Don't tell me, it makes sense for brothers to work together. Marseille's offense has really improved.

In the final stage of the game, the home team frequently created threats.

In the third minute of stoppage time, his younger brother Jordan Ayew cut in from the left and volleyed with the outside of his right foot. The ball was saved by Handanovic bravely!

Then Valbuena took a corner kick from the left, and his brother Andre Ayew, pulled by the defender, forced his header into the far corner!

Two to one!

This is his fourth goal in the Champions League this season, and he is only one goal away from the single-season scoring record for Ghanaian players in the Champions League set by Essien in the 2004-05 season.

The game is over!

The Marseille team playing at home retained a glimmer of hope of promotion with a goal at the last moment of stoppage time!

(End of this chapter)