Chapter 324: Wish Fulfilled (1/2)

Chapter 324: Wish Fulfilled

Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The new season was about to begin, and the team was in the final stages of preparation.

At this time, drilling tactics became the main task of the coaching staff.

The lineup of the Dingtian Soccer Club changed little this year, and the players were quite familiar with Herman's tactical systems. They needn't learn new tactics. They just needed to practice new tactical changes on present tactics.

The time left for physical training also began to dwindle, and it would become more valuable as the new season began. For example, players had strength training nearly every day before the new season, while during the season, training twice a week would be quite good.

Meanwhile, the coaching staff also arranged actual competition training to allow players to familiarize themselves with the use of tactics.

The players of the club were divided into two groups for confrontation. Group A were all main players, and Group B were the young players and those who had nearly no opportunity to enter the field.

A professional team contained about 30 players, but in official games, only 14 players could play on the court at the start, including 11 starters and three substitutes. Even the squad list for official games contained 18 players, including a substitute goalkeeper. Therefore, at least one-third of the team had no chance to play on the field, and it would be no problem for them to form a team.

Furthermore, in the Dingtian Soccer Club, there was a large gap between the levels of the players. Main players included some world-class star players and national team players who were quite expensive and talented. Those players who nearly had no chance to enter the field were in the second-class even in domestic leagues.

Owing to the great gap of strength, this kind of practice match tended to be one-sided. How could those players who had nearly no chance to enter the field rival the main players? Because of the gap of strength, the group of main players could easily practice new tactics in the training match.

Standing on the sidelines, Coach Harman was watching the field with no expression on his face.

The score was now 4-0 with Group A in the lead, but this result was unexpected.

”Group B played well today. They run actively, and although there are plenty of mistakes, their coverage is excellent.” Looking at his watch, Harman continued, ”I thought Group A would have a much bigger lead so far, but they have only scored four goals.”

”Two of those goals depend on Neol's personal capability,” assistant coach Draco added, ”so only two of the goals were really because of their tactical coordination.”

”Group A made no obvious mistakes in tactics, but several of their attempts at tactical coordination were destroyed by Group B. Players in Group B may not be sufficient in personal capability, but they are also our players, and they know the tactical intentions of Group A,” said assistant coach Georg.

”I'm afraid it's more than that.” Watching his watch again, Harman murmured, ”70 minutes.”

Surprised at first, the two assistant coaches then understood what Harman meant after seeing the players performance.

”This game has lasted for 70 minutes, and the match on the field is still very intense and the game still holds a fast pace. I'm not surprised at the performance of Group A, but the fact that Group B is still keeping up is completely unexpected,” Harman said slowly.

”In terms of ball possession, Group A owns absolute advantage. I have informed the data analysis team to record the covering distances all the players run,” Draco said.

...

”How could the covering distance of Group B be more than that of Group A?” Looking at the report by data analysis team, Draco was astonished.

”Of course. During the whole game, Group B was in a passive position at all times. They have to run constantly to defend against the attacks of Group A. Since they have to follow the pace of Group A, there is no doubt that they will cover a longer distance in passive defense,” the analyst explained.

”I know what you said. But I want to know, how did they manage to run the whole time? Could their physical strength bear it?” Draco said.

”About this question, you should ask Claude. He is in charge of physical training, and he will give you a reasonable explanation. What I can provide is only data for your tactical analysis.” The analyst was an old member of Harman's team. He shrugged his shoulders.

”Well, thanks.” Holding this report, Draco headed for Claude's office.

Claude was as busy as a bee. Since Franz returned to Europe to recuperate, the physical training work of two coaches had all been on his shoulders.

”Claude! Look at this!” Draco rushed into Claude's office, saw the gaunt Claude, and handed him the report.

”What's this?” Claude asked.

”Data from the data analysis team about the game today,” Draco answered.

”Ah. Put it aside. I'll look at it after I finish what I'm doing,” Claude said.