423 Looking On the Verge of a Loss Part 1 (1/2)
If Tang En had known that the commentator's evaluation of him was ”timid,” he would probably fly into a rage right then and there. He had never thought that persisting for victory was a performance of timidity. However, to recover his image in other people's hearts, he needed to do something, something that fit with most people's aesthetic sense of what was an attack adjustment.
On the other side, while the reserve players were excitedly celebrating the goal, Mancini only gave a simple high-five to his assistant before walking back to the manager's seat. He was not trying to act cool. He had been standing from the first minute of the match and could finally sit comfortably for a brief rest.
A lead of 2:1. Though that single away goal felt like a nail in his heart and annoyed him, it was better to win than lose or even get a draw. Furthermore, from the two goals, Mancini could tell that Nottingham Forest was only bluffing with a strong front. When Inter Milan got serious with them, they were immediately seen through, revealing themselves. Teams lacking in depth were like that. With a moment's momentum, they could gain the upper hand briefly, but it would never last long.
For numerous Forest fans, being able to gain the results of 1:2 in an away field already satisfied them. After all, they had gotten one away goal and were only behind by a ball. They could achieve more when they returned to their home field.
But, as the team's main manager, Tony did not think the same way. From the beginning, he had never thought that losing by one goal was a victory. He wanted to counterattack, a real defensive counterattack.
Arteta jogged back from the warmup area. Tang En pulled him back and personally explained his mission on the field.
Upon hearing that the person he was substituting was fullback Leighton Baines, Arteta was somewhat taken aback.
”I'm not putting you in to defend, Mikel.”
”Yes, I know, Boss. But…”
”You're worried about defense? That's is not something you have to consider. Your mission is to get in and help organize attacks; relieve Demi of some pressure.” Tang En held the tactical board and spoke as he drew on it. ”After getting in, discuss in more detail with Demi how the two of you want to do this. Whatever it is, don't let him get surrounded again.”
Mikel Arteta nodded, but he was still fretting over the defense. ”So, the defense…”
”Tell George to run more.”
”Okay, I understand.”
”Go now, we don't have much time!”
Kerslake waited for Arteta to stand by the sidelines, awaiting entry, before walking over to Tony.
”Tony, you're really bold. Inter Milan's attack is that strong, but you're choosing to use three rear defenders?”
”I have no choice. The four-man grouping in the midfield is already set, and Arteta works in the middle. Between Albertini and George Wood, I can't move either. If I change out George, it would be equivalent to having no one defending the midfield. When that happens, Inter Milan's counterattacks would likely become even easier for them. If I change out Albertini, Arteta would be tightly marked very quickly after he gets in. That would be a complete waste of the substitution. The two on the forward line also helps to divert some of the opponent's defensive energies, relieving our midfield of some pressure. So… only the players on the defensive line can be changed out.”
”You're not worried about losing goals?”
”I'm worried. But… if I keep holding onto the idea of 'not losing any more goals' and refuse to make an unconventional change of players, we'll definitely lose.”
Nottingham Forest was awarded a throw-in at the front field. Arteta finally got his chance to switch in. The Fourth Official raised the player change sign: Number 22, Leighton Baines, out; number 14, Mikel Arteta, in.
”Nottingham Forest is making a substitution. An attacking midfielder for a fullback. Manager Tony Twain has finally remembered that they needed to attack… but, how are they going to deal with Inter Milan's attacks if they change out a fullback?”