The road to godhood starting from Ligue 1

Chapter 392: I predicted your prediction!
the other side.

Klopp, the newly appointed German coach of Liverpool, showed no signs of nervousness during the pre-match press conference, despite it being his first Premier League game.

He answered questions with great composure.

"Being able to stand here and make my first Premier League game as Liverpool manager is an absolutely delightful moment, even more special than I imagined."

For me, this is not an ordinary league, but the official launch of a brand new project.

Liverpool is a club with a long history and a glorious past, and it is an immense honor to be its manager, working alongside a group of outstanding players and dedicated staff.

When talking about their rivals Arsenal and manager Wenger, Klopp's tone was filled with more respect.

"It is always a blessing for the football world to have a great manager like Wenger."

His achievements at Arsenal are undeniable, and his football philosophy has influenced generations of players and coaches. To be able to face him on the field is a very memorable experience for me.

I know Arsenal are currently at the top of the league table. Their squad is strong, and their mature attacking system is something we should pay close attention to.

Changing the subject, Klopp laughed and said, "But football matches are never just about theory."

We had a high-intensity training session at Melwood, and I was pleasantly surprised by the players' commitment and adaptability.

They crave victory and want to make a difference for Liverpool; that's the kind of fighting spirit I want.

We're not here for sightseeing at the Emirates Stadium; we've brought our own tactical philosophy and fighting spirit, ready for this tough battle.

When asked about the use of Gaio and tactical arrangements.

Klopp smiled and said, "Gaio is a very talented young man. His flexibility and creativity can bring a lot of possibilities to the team. We have already worked out the corresponding tactics in training, and he will play a role in his familiar position."

Speaking about Liverpool's rebuilding, Klopp said sincerely: "This club has been in a slump for a while, but its foundation is still there. The passion of the fans and the potential of the players are the foundation of our rebuilding."

This competition is just the beginning. We have a long way to go and will encounter difficulties and challenges, but my team and I are ready.

Drastic reforms take time, but we will give our all in every match, fighting for Liverpool's glory.

At last,
Klopp flashed his signature smile again, his tone full of anticipation: "To face a strong team like Arsenal and a manager like Wenger in my Premier League debut will be an unforgettable experience. I can't wait to lead the team onto the Emirates Stadium pitch and show everyone a new Liverpool. Liverpool is ready!"

This game.

This naturally became the focus of the tenth round of the Premier League.

It was even labeled as the highlight of the season by outsiders early on.

The media was abuzz with the buzz surrounding this high-profile match.

On one side is Arsenal, who are at the top of the league table and eager to solidify their title challenge; on the other side is Liverpool, with new manager Klopp in charge and pursuing a revival.

The Times published an article titled "Wenger's defense versus Klopp's attack," analyzing the tactics of the two managers.

"This is a clash of two completely different football philosophies. Wenger pursues efficient attacking with precise passing and control, while Klopp believes in passionate rock-and-roll football that tears apart defenses with running. Whoever can control the rhythm of the game is more likely to take the initiative."

The Daily Mail focused on "Klopp's Premier League debut," writing: "For the German coach who led Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final, the Emirates Stadium pitch is his first touchstone for conquering the Premier League."

The fact that Gaião missed out on Arsenal has become a story reported by some media outlets.

Simultaneously.

This story of the "temperature difference draw" naturally leads to Gaio's previous story.

As more and more English fans learn about Gaio's past, they are filled with admiration for this soon-to-be 19-year-old Frenchman.

The story of a prodigal son returning home is, in their eyes, the most inspiring script ever!
Time flies.

the next day.

Around 5 p.m., which happened to be a weekend, the setting sun had already painted the London sky with a warm orange hue.

Football time has already started around the Emirates Stadium.

There is one hour left before the match.

The walkway from Arsenal Metro Station to the stadium was filled with people in red and white.

Arsenal fans wore scarves with the team crest and held up "COYG (Come On You Gunners)" flags.

Meanwhile, they kept following the beat and singing along to "Hot Stuff".

A small number of Liverpool fans, dressed in bright red, mingled among the crowd.

Although the singing in "You'll Never Walk Alone" wasn't as grand as it was during the home games, it still carried a resolute spirit.

The fans of the two teams occasionally brushed past each other, but the atmosphere wasn't particularly heated.

After all, there isn't much of a grudge between the two teams.

It doesn't want to be like the bitter rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United, or Arsenal and Tottenham.

As you walk along the trail, the outline of the Emirates Stadium gradually comes into view.

This modern stadium, which opened in 2006, can accommodate 60,000 spectators, making it the second largest stadium in the Premier League, second only to Manchester United's Old Trafford.

The exterior features a silver-gray metal structure paired with a glass curtain wall, exuding a cool, technological feel under the setting sun, which perfectly matches the tough character of Arsenal.

It's worth mentioning that the stadium's design incorporates many clever touches: the stands are steeper than the old home stadium, Highbury, allowing spectators in the back rows to have a clear view of the details inside the stadium.

Outside the stadium, the atmosphere had already turned into an open-air party.

The makeshift food stalls were steaming, and the aroma of caramelized fish and chips mingled with the malty scent of beer in the air.

Arsenal fans, wrapped in red and white scarves, gathered in small groups around the stall, holding freshly cooked fish and chips, warming their hands with their breath as they discussed animatedly, their voices brimming with the confidence of the league leaders.

"Look at Liverpool's performance. They've only had a new manager for a week, and they haven't even figured out their tactics yet. We're sure to win at home today!"

"That's right! We're in first place in the standings right now. Liverpool has been struggling lately, and even with Klopp coming in, things won't change overnight."

If I have any concerns, it's about that kid Gaio. I watched some of his game footage before; he's fast and can break through defenses, so our full-backs need to keep a close eye on him.

But that's about it. He's a young player, and Wenger must have thought of ways to restrain him; his performance is bound to be limited.

"I don't think we should underestimate them too much," an older fan said slowly, his hot drink steaming in his hand. "Klopp's high-pressing style at Dortmund is still effective, so we need to be careful with counter-attacks. But then again, although we lost two games at home before, we still have an advantage against Liverpool."

at the same time.

Anfield Road, Liverpool, Boot Room Pub. The aroma of malt beer fills the air from 3 pm onwards, red Liverpool scarves hang on hooks around the bar, and even the TVs on the walls are tuned to the Premier League pre-show channel.

The small pub was already packed with people, and latecomers could only squeeze into the aisle, holding their glasses and looking at the big screen.

"Give me another bitter beer!"

Ted slammed his empty glass down on the bar, rolled up the sleeves of his red jersey to his elbows, and blushed with excitement. "Guys, do you think Klopp can surprise us today? It's his Premier League debut, and he's up against that old fox Wenger. Just thinking about it gets my blood pumping!"

His voice drowned out the noise in the pub, and several fans nearby immediately chimed in: "Definitely! Didn't you see the training report? Arsenal's defense definitely won't be able to handle that high-pressing style he's using!"

Some were a little more cautious: "Don't be too hasty. After all, he has only been coaching for two days. It's hard to say how well the tactics have been integrated, but it's already good to be able to see the new coach's style."

Behind the bar, old George was slowly clearing away the glasses.

Today he wore a slightly faded Shankly-era retro jersey, the team crest on the cuffs already blurred.

Hearing the fans' discussion, he raised his eyelids slightly and said calmly, "What's the rush? When I watched Shankly lead his team, it was a bumpy start for him too. Klopp led Mainz from a relegation-threatened team to a mid-table Bundesliga team, and at Dortmund he won two league titles and reached the Champions League final. A coach like that definitely has something to offer. Even if we lose today, it's not a big deal. Give him enough time, and Liverpool will get better."

Old George's words quieted the noisy tavern somewhat.

indeed.

After all these years, with a coach with such an impressive resume, what more could they ask for?

Give it some time and let's take another look.

at this time,

Outside Emirates Stadium in Holloway, London.

The crowd was surging like a tide.

When the faint wail of sirens reached them in the distance, the waiting fans instantly erupted in cheers. The team buses of both teams were driving along the pre-planned route, their team logos standing out prominently under the streetlights.

Cheers erupted along the way.

The bus pulled into the players' tunnel entrance, and the players disembarked one after another.

Once inside the court, the warm-up session began quickly.

The Emirates Stadium was already packed with spectators, the stands a mix of red and white, with the fans' songs and cheers mingling with the players' training sounds.

As the last rays of the setting sun disappeared at the edge of the field, all the stadium lights came on, illuminating the grass as if it were daytime.

Warm-up is over.

The players gradually returned to the locker room, while the cheers from the stands continued unabated.

When they met in the players' tunnel, Gaio greeted Giroud warmly and chatted for a bit.

Although they each play for their respective clubs, this does not affect their friendship.

Back to the locker room.

Make the most of this last bit of time.

Wenger couldn't help but give everyone a repeat of his instructions.

He stood in front of the tactics board, which was covered with the tactical lines he had drawn earlier for Klopp.

“We have studied Klopp’s tactical logic very clearly.” Wenger raised his hand and pointed to Gaio’s position on the tactical board. “When Klopp was at Dortmund, he was good at using the attacking midfielder in the 4-2-3-1 formation as the attacking hub. Götze was in this position to connect the entire frontcourt.”

Now that he's at Liverpool, he'll inevitably replicate this approach, and only Gaio can take on that role.

Only Gaião can both orchestrate play in the middle like Götze and suddenly surge forward into the penalty area.

You could even say that Gaio is an upgraded version of Götze.

Therefore, we must cut off his threat at its source.

As he spoke, Wenger moved his finger to Arsenal's formation diagram and drew a horizontal line between Arteta and Ramsey's positions.

"Mikel, your primary task today is not ball control and distribution, but marking Gaio closely."

When he receives the ball in the middle, you need to close him down immediately and not give him space to dribble past you. Remember, he turns very quickly, so your positioning must always remain between him and the penalty area. Even if it means sacrificing some forward runs, you must hold the central defensive line.

Arteta nodded. "If he moves to the wing to provide support..."

“That’s exactly what we were looking for,” Wenger responded immediately, then drew two arrows on either side of the tactical board and looked at Ramsey. “Aaron, you need to pay more attention to covering the defensive perimeter than usual.”

When Gaio moves to the wing, you need to quickly move laterally to cover and form a double-team with the full-back. Kieran and Bakari, you need to tone down your attacking runs and not give Gaio any openings when he's on the counter-attack.

He likes to make runs forward from the full-backs and then cut inside. By staying in the back, you can limit his inside runs and also defend against Liverpool's crosses from the wings.

He paused, then circled Koscielny's name on the tactics board: "Laurent, keep an eye out for Gaio's sudden forward runs today."

If Klopp really lets him play as an attacking midfielder, he certainly won't just wander around the center like a traditional attacking midfielder. He'll often take advantage of our two center-backs' attention being on Suarez to suddenly cut in from the flanks.

You need to maintain a distance of about 10 meters from Per. He's responsible for aerial interceptions, and you're responsible for lateral coverage. Once Gaio enters the edge of the penalty area, you must immediately move in to double-team him.

“There’s another important point.” Wenger looked up, his gaze sweeping over all the players. “Klopp’s high-pressing will start with Gaião; he will have Gaião participate in the counter-pressing in the attacking third.”

When we pass the ball out from our own half, don't rush to cross into the middle. Instead, use short passing combinations on the flanks to stabilize the ball first, and then slowly advance.

At last,
Wenger drew a box around Gaio's name on the tactics board with a red pen: "Remember, limiting him isn't a one-man job, it's a team effort. Okay, everyone get ready to go on the pitch."

"it is good!"

As the Arsenal players walked out of the locker room, the Liverpool players also came out.

Both sides stood at the entrance to the players' tunnel, waiting to enter the field.

at the same time.

The broadcast camera has already focused on the passageway, and the commentators are full of enthusiasm.

"Dear viewers, welcome back to the live broadcast of this Premier League match!"
What we see now is the players' tunnel, where both teams are fully prepared and ready to go. There are only a few minutes left before the start of this match between the new coach's debut and the battle to defend the top spot!

Listen, the cheers from the Emirates Stadium are already reaching into the tunnels!

The match is about to begin!

(End of this chapter)