Chapter 489: Oppression and Counter-Oppression (Daily Transition)

The five-second rule does not apply to Li Kang.

Van Dijk calmly commanded the midfield, turning the battle into a positional war.

Why the midfield? Not the defensive line?

Because Liverpool's positional defense has undergone a major change after the winter window.

The two full-backs no longer push forward to be crushed head-on by the opponent, but maintain even spacing with the two center-backs.

On the field, several streaks of red are wildly sprinting across the green pitch.

Who is running?

The three midfielders and Firmino.

Diligent engineers, uncomplaining "false nine + drop-back" hybrid strikers.

"Firmino's defensive support on the right flank is very timely!"

"This Liverpool team's defensive positioning rate is too high!"

"Hazard passes the ball back, then makes a forward run!"

"Wow! Li Kang didn't play a through ball, but switched the ball to the weak side!"

The football left Li Kang's left foot.

In mid-air, it traced a flat and fast micro-arc.

Fabregas was very close to the landing point.

Arnold did not push forward; he maintained his distance with Lovren, preventing the ribs from being broken through.

The one pushing forward was midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"That's a very obvious difference."

"Guardiola's team, in positional defense, has the two full-backs wildly sprinting and rotating."

"Klopp's team, in positional defense, has the two full-backs stationary, letting the midfield cover defense."

"Dangerous, Tuchel had Chelsea's two center-backs push forward early!"

Oxlade-Chamberlain failed to head Fabregas.

The latter controlled the ball, kicked, and crossed in one fluid motion.

The football spun violently and plummeted straight into Liverpool's penalty area.

Rudiger, David Luiz, Diego Costa — three ghosts battering the door!

The Brave's Game.

Tuchel never thought about the consequences of an attacking failure being broken through by a counterattack.

Three high points, pressing Van Dijk and Lovren!

Tens of thousands of spectators at Anfield Stadium stared intently at the football's trajectory.

Pa!

The bald little braised egg fired the first shot for the blue army.

The football hit the crossbar and flew out over the baseline.

Rudiger sullenly rubbed his forehead.

Karius let out a long sigh of relief.

"Just that little bit off!"

"Chelsea's independent attack was played very simply and very efficiently."

"Li Kang's strong-weak side transfer can be called a divine stroke."

Tuchel waved his arms wildly in the technical area, signaling his disciples to retreat.

Klopp finally entered his state, restraining his smile, and excitedly waved his fists.

VIP stand.

The sponsors were pleased as punch.

Liverpool's commercial value has risen continuously in recent years, but they still haven't completely shaken off some light endorsements, such as baby strollers and instant coffee.

There were once rumors.

Liverpool hiring Klopp as head coach was not only because they valued his organization and coaching ability.

There was also commercial planning.

Every week, Klopp's speeches at the club are copied and sent to several well-known large enterprises for internal reference and communication.

Fenway Group's investment in the club is not high; most funds are used for Anfield's expansion, renovation, and youth academy blood-building.

Over the past two seasons, the increase in squad value among Premier League clubs: Tottenham first, Liverpool second.

Arsenal and Chelsea, due to Li Kang's presence, rank only fifth and sixth.

Of course, if looking across all of Europe, no club's squad value increase compares to that of Leverkusen in the 2015-16 season.

Taking advantage of the dead-ball phase.

Li Kang and Tuchel gazed at each other from afar, gesturing a few times.

They both understood each other's intentions.

The two Klopp inheritors were very well-prepared for this match.

"After the winter window, Liverpool's possession rate against strong teams is especially high, averaging an increase from 40% to 62%."

"The rhythm in the independent attacking phase is balanced, not merely pursuing speed."

"Klopp should have considered that the previous style of play was not suited to multi-front multi-warfare, so he made adjustments."

"Mourinho once predicted that if Liverpool's tactical system continues to evolve, it will become a possession-based team after 2019."

"Tuchel's double striker, its role here is actually this — highly targeted!"

Liverpool's two fullbacks spread out.

Karius took the goal kick.

A short pass.

Given to Van Dijk.

Diego Costa pressed forward quickly, and at the same time, Hazard pressed toward Lovren.

Their intention was not entirely to win the ball.

If they wanted to win the ball, it couldn't be just two people.

The real purpose was still to restrict the opponent's backfield ball distribution in direction and efficiency.

This is one of the meanings of the eternal 4-4-2 in this historical period, countering the Kop 4-3-3.

4-2-3-1 doesn't work.

4-3-3 is too redundant.

3-5-2 is easily deceived by Liverpool's attacking focus, then shifted to break through the weak side.

As for swapping positions during the football passing process on the defensive end? That's already too late.

The initial formation, in its tactical status in this historical period, is a dying flicker.

Van Dijk passed the ball back to Karius.

Not in a hurry.

After the winter window of the 17-18 season, Liverpool in the buildup phase were very patient, unlike before when they rushed forward.

"No fullback tucked in, switching to a three-center-back buildup shape."

"The two fullbacks pushed up."

"Midfielder Emre Can dropped back to the defensive line to assist buildup."

"Liverpool's midfield might be the most exhausted position in all of Europe."

Diego Costa harassed Van Dijk a few times.

The Dutchman remained unmoved, directing Emre Can's buildup direction.

Thump.

Finally able to distribute the ball.

The ball was quickly passed down the left flank.

Chelsea did not continue to insist on "the brave's game."

The defensive focus did not shift toward the left flank.

Liverpool advanced into the thirty-meter zone.

Wijnaldum seemed a bit confused.

No interference.

Still couldn't find a good forward passing lane.

He kept observing, discovering that at this moment, Chelsea: the four midfielders had spread out their interception width, the defensive line had tightened, a terrifying sense of layering!

This dull little black egg looked uneducated, but actually during the Eredivisie period he was a talented technical midfielder.

This historical period.

Liverpool's midfield serves the fullbacks.

The two fullbacks and the striker, then serve the two wingers, or rather, the "inside forwards."

"Firmino did not continue to lurk between the lines, but withdrew to the outermost part of the middle of zone 14."

"He sped up."

"Precise long pass to the flank."

"After Arnold controlled the ball, he ran wide."

"Mané and Salah simultaneously cut into Chelsea's penalty area."

"Can cross now."

Bang!

The ball's trajectory in midair was snapped by a fuzzy-haired head!

Mané and Salah had no chance to express themselves.

A black shadow flashed past.

Kanté!

The French little black egg's lateral movement speed is very fast; after controlling the ball, he immediately passed to Li Kang.

Chelsea's counterattack has come!

Is Klopp panicking?

No panic!

In the 17-18 season, Liverpool in balanced phases, the "buildup phase" three midfielders cannot push forward to join the attack.

Not a single one can.

Just be a good laborer.

In the "transition to attack phase," they shine again.

The two fullbacks pushed up.

The midfield must stay in a slightly retracted position, assisting the high defensive line, preventing the opponent from launching a transition attack.

Bayern fans will surely be familiar with this scene: "Combat form. At its core, isn't it just the reverse of Guardiola's inverted fullback becoming a holding midfielder?"

Combat form is a recreation.

The important position roles are different.

Li Kang let the ball slip through, turned and accelerated, just managing to dodge Vinardullum's interception!

The Anfield stands erupted in panic.

On the green field, the black-haired, blue-clad figure sped away alone.

"Five-second rule!"

"Too late!"

"Li Kang simply cannot be contained!"

"Liverpool's high defensive line has suffered a major blow!"

Before Emre Can and Chamberlain could form their double-team, Li Kang had already faced the back line.

Three attackers versus two defenders up front.

Li Kang, Diego Costa, and Hazard vs. Lovren and Van Dijk.

On the sidelines.

Klopp waved his arms excitedly, wishing he had a speed-up button in his hand so his players could instantly get into position.

Tuchel and Dino had already prepared to celebrate early.

Li Kang made a slight adjustment.

His body leaned relative to the ground.

He struck the upper-middle part of the ball with the inside of his right foot's instep.

On the damp turf, a rainbow arc instantly appeared!

A low, curved pass!

At Anfield Stadium, the sparse applause was instantly drowned out by gasps of amazement.

"How did Lovren let Li Kang's ground-level curling shot slip past him?!"

"Hazard!"

Lovren performed poorly in 2017, but since Van Dijk joined the team, the Croat's strengths have been brought out by the Dutchman.

If the opponent sends over various through balls, he can always, in the right position, skillfully defuse them using core strength and bodily flexibility.

More importantly: his recovery coverage and range of movement have expanded.

His speed is very fast.

Unfortunately, due to multiple ankle injuries, when he initiates movement, his planting foot can't keep up with his brain.

Hazard approached the ball, observing the positions of Karius and Van Dijk.

There was no time to adjust.

No trapping.

He unleashed a furious shot!

At the moment he touched the ball, he only then realized how perfectly Li Kang's pass had been delivered—it felt incredibly satisfying.

Thud!

The ball screamed toward the top-right corner of Liverpool's goal.

The audio equipment then transmitted a crisp sound!

Karius saved this shot!

The danger was not averted.

He fumbled it.

Van Dijk and Diego Costa both lunged toward the loose ball.

One aimed to clear it.

The other aimed to follow up with a shot.

"No follow-up shot!"

"Diego Costa leaned sideways against Van Dijk, using the outside of his foot to flick the ball back!"

"Li Kang!"

"Open goal!"

Karius had no time for a second save.

By the time he came to his senses, the ball had already bulged the net on the left side of the goal.

Li. Again, Li.

"Beautiful!"

"Goal!"

"Hazard's explosive shot caused Karius to fumble!"

"Diego Costa's brilliant pass assisted!"

"Li Kang pushed the ball into the empty net! Breached Anfield!"

"Too easy!"

"Chelsea seized this counterattack opportunity and broke the deadlock!"

"Let's look at the goal replay again."

"Li Kang's forward advance is simply unstoppable—he did the work of two men alone."

Live broadcast room.

Bullet comments flew across the screen.

【Li Kang and Salah, this season they are set to break the Premier League's 38-match goal-scoring record.】

【Champions League: timid and hesitant; league: heavy punches unleashed!】

【Different tactical styles, different resource allocation, resulting in different goal counts.】

【Klopp, stop worrying about stamina and rhythm — you can't handle this Chelsea side; go all out in a frenzy, or else Li Kang will snowball you.】

【After tactical optimization, advantages multiplied; Liverpool's injury rate over the past three months is the lowest in the Premier League, all thanks to increased possession and slowed attacking tempo.】

【Look at this goal — Chelsea's targeting is strong, unusually reinforcing depth, adopting a low defensive block to win the ball, then handing it to Li Kang, who has vast space, to attack Liverpool's weak midfield.】

Li Kang turned and ran toward the bench.

Tuchel's sturdy frame trembled, inexplicably moved: Is Li wanting to celebrate with me? Hmm! Must be his affection for me as mentor and disciple.

Chelsea's head coach involuntarily spread his arms.

Holding nothing.

Li Kang simply high-fived the head coach, then immediately dragged out a large tactical board from the coaching bench.

Teammates surged forward one after another.

Everyone sat on the ground, celebrating while discussing upcoming tactical adjustments.

Dino handed Li Kang a sports drink.

Morata gave Li Kang a shoulder massage.

Left Tuchel alone in the sea wind, disheveled.

In the distance.

Klopp stared blankly at this scene.

Suddenly felt this Chelsea side was somewhat frightening; the little remaining celebration time must also be used to discuss tactics.

Have I changed or not?

He shook his head, shaking off scattered thoughts.

Liverpool's head coach hesitated for a moment, but ultimately made no adjustment.

Match time remains plentiful.

Need to have patience.

Game restarted from the center circle.

Firmino kicked the ball back to Van Dijk.

Chelsea's midfield and front line immediately surged past the center circle, forming a two-layer pressing net.

The first layer is not Diego Costa and Hazard.

But rather Diego Costa, Li Kang, and Kanté.

The second layer is Hazard and Fabregas.

Not pressing up to the edge of the penalty area.

This time's purpose is not to hinder Liverpool from building play from the back, but to lock down their formation's forward movement.

"There are many types of high pressing."

"Liverpool's pressing is for immediate counterattacks."

"Barcelona's pressing is to control tempo."

"This Chelsea's W-shaped pressing is to seize initiative in space."

"Liverpool now cannot advance their formation via short passes due to the midfield's工兵 nature; they rely more on a high defensive line to launch attacks!"

"We must think of a solution."

"High pressing" and "breaking high pressing" are both the brave's game.

Both tendencies easily lead to conceding goals.

Obviously.

Chelsea and Liverpool are both the brave.

Arnold is very brave.

Stretching width.

Receiving the pass.

Directly lofted a long pass over the top, seeking Salah.

The ball spun and spun in midair!

Destroyed by Bakayoko, who lurked in the defensive line!

Kanté still intercepted the ball.

Liverpool players, eyes closed, know Bakayoko wants to find Li Kang.

Having suffered twice, unable to persist with the five-second principle, they chose to quickly retreat and reposition!

Cannot rush.

Klopp roared loudly on the sideline, his voice quickly drowned by Anfield's anthem.

He gestured exaggeratedly at Firmino.

The hybrid shield-forward understood tacitly.

Football history's most alternative "false nine" will, in tonight's red-blue clash, display defensive support talent!

Firmino ran only a few steps.

Blank-faced, watching the slowly rolling ball and slowly moving Chelsea players.

"Very passive!"

"When Liverpool fails to implement the five-second principle, Li Kang slows the tempo."

"Contracted defensive formation, continue to spread out."

"Li Kang and Fabregas's connection is accelerating!"

"Liverpool's scattered formation continues to contract"

"It's too terrifying"

"Tuchel and Li Kang have fully targeted this tactically optimized Liverpool!"