Football Feast, Starting From the Acquisition of European Clubs

  Chapter 180 Mourinho's genetic mutation accelerated

   It was Chelsea CEO Peter Kenyon.

   By convention, training and games are the purview of the head coach, and Peter Kenyon, the CEO, should not be involved.

   But this match against Crystal Palace is related to the title of the Premier League this season, so Peter Kenyon couldn't help but come to take care of Mourinho's preparations.

   There is no way, for three consecutive seasons of hundreds of millions of euros of investment, if you can't get a decent championship back.

   Not only is the position of head coach Mourinho not guaranteed, but even his CEO can continue to be a big question mark.

   After all, although the Russian boss is rich, he is not a philanthropist, and investment must be rewarded.

   "Peter, don't worry, this time we will definitely win the Crystal Palace."

   Mourinho looked at Peter Kenyon with piercing eyes and said decisively.

The    is just the dark circles on his face, showing that his recent sleep quality has not been very good.

   Mourinho has been researching ways to deal with Crystal Palace during this period of time, and he has watched all the past Chelsea-Crystal Palace game videos several times.

   To sum up, Chelsea's central axis strength is not much different from that of Crystal Palace.

  Whether it is the midfield combination of Lampard, Makelele and Essien, or the central defender combination of Terry and Carvalho, compared with the players in the corresponding positions of Crystal Palace, they are not inferior at all.

   In other words, center Drogba is still a bit rough. Compared with Tony of Crystal Palace, his scoring ability is still lacking, but he is still qualified as a fulcrum.

   Although the stability of goalkeeper Cudicini is not as good as that of Cech, he often has heroic performances, which is generally good.

  The key problem lies in the flanks, especially the two full-backs.

   Neither Del Horno on the left nor Paulo Ferreira on the right could stop the attack of Cristiano Ronaldo and Ribery of Crystal Palace.

   And because Chelsea adopts the 433 formation, the two wingers Robben and Duff are positioned at the front, and their defensive ability is also average, which does not help the defense of the two full-backs.

   So almost every time Crystal Palace can open a gap from the wing and threaten Chelsea's goal.

   After a painful remorse, Mourinho decided to give up his usual 433 formation against Crystal Palace this time.

  Evolution 532, strengthen the defense, first plug the loopholes in the defense.

   To this end, Mourinho put Robben and Duff, who had been the main force of the team before, on the bench.

   Then Crespo, who has been on loan for many years, was put into the starting lineup.

   In addition, Mourinho also took down Del Horno, who was not very comfortable with the Premier League, and replaced William Gallas to play left-back.

  Besides Terry and Carvalho at the same time, Mourinho added another Huth, specially used to deal with Crystal Palace's twin tower tactics.

  So, after Mourinho's major adjustments, Chelsea's starting lineup for this game has been completely changed.

   striker Drogba, striker Crespo

   MF Makelele, MF Lampard, MF Essien

  Left-back William Gallas, center-back Terry, center-back Huth, center-back Carvalho, right-back Paulo Ferreira

   Goalkeeper Cudicini

   It can be said that in order to strengthen the defense, Mourinho racked his brains.

   As for offense, he has now been put on the back burner, just a word to his players.

"After you get the ball, you just pass long **** to Drogba and Crespo in front. As for whether you can score, that's their business. You all leave me in the backcourt to defend. There is no order from me. , not allowed to take part in the offense. Understand?"

   On Chen Ran's side, he didn't know that Mourinho had undergone major surgery on Chelsea's tactical play in order to defeat Crystal Palace.

  Because the team had plenty of rest time before, and this game was the home court of Crystal Palace, Chen Ran habitually adopted Guardiola's tactics.

   Center Tony

   Left midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo, midfielder Modric, right midfielder Ribery

   Midfielder Vieira, midfielder Simeone

  Left-back Chiellini, centre-back Gareth Southgate, centre-back Vidic, right-back Maicon

   Goalkeeper Cech

   Chen Ran was also surprised when he saw Chelsea's starting lineup.

   "Josep, is this Chelsea's starting roster today?"

  Chen Ran turned to look at Guardiola, wanting to confirm again.

   "Yes, boss. I was a little surprised when I first saw it, and I have repeatedly confirmed that this is indeed Chelsea's starting list today."

   Guardiola nodded, his expression a little serious.

   When things go wrong, there must be demons, and he also understands this principle.

   "It seems that our old rival Mourinho has made a big move this time!"

   "Boss, Mourinho has put the two main wingers Robben and Duff that he has been using all the time on the bench. What is he trying to do?"

   "Let's see, there is an extra central defender Huth, and the left back has also been replaced from Del Horno to William Gallas. Mourinho is trying to set up a bus."

   Seeing Chelsea's starting roster with two more defenders, Chen Ran immediately realized what Mourinho wanted to do.

  Because in his previous life, the tactic of placing the bus even became Mourinho's signature style of play for a time, and he was criticized by many people for this.

  It stands to reason that now is the time for Mourinho to emerge and be in high spirits. At this time in his previous life, Mourinho never did that.

   Could it be that it was because of his appearance that Mourinho inspired his talent for bus-swinging in advance?

  Thinking of this, Chen Ran touched his nose, guessing that his butterfly's wings were flapping a little, which accelerated Mourinho's genetic mutation.

   Today's game, it seems that Crystal Palace is in trouble.

   As expected by Chen Ran, from the time the referee blew the whistle for the start of the game, Chelsea, except for the two forwards Drogba and Crespo, all shrunk in their own half, and they were not at the center line at all.

   Even if Chelsea got the ball, they would directly look for the two forwards with their big feet, and the others had no intention of going up and participating in the attack.

   "This Mourinho is quite thorough in setting up the bus."

   Seeing this situation on the field, Chen Ran also scratched his head.

  Because Crystal Palace has been the sharpest wing attack of all time, it is now greatly restricted by Chelsea.

   Take Cristiano Ronaldo as an example. Once the ball reached Cristiano Ronaldo's feet, Chelsea's right back Paulo Ferreira immediately stepped forward to press.

   At the same time, he was followed by Chelsea's right centre-back Carvalho for protection.

   And Essien, who is on the right among the three Chelsea midfielders, also immediately came over to the right to help defend.

   At this moment, what Cristiano Ronaldo has to face is no longer just one Paulo Ferreira, but three Chelsea defenders.

   Even if he gets past Paulo Ferreira, he will be double-teamed by Carvalho and Essien right away. This caused Ronaldo's breakthrough success rate to drop sharply immediately.

   On the other side, Ribery also encountered the same problem.

   Even Ribery's situation was worse than Ronaldo's.

  Because of the individual defensive ability, William Gallas is obviously stronger than Paul Ferreira.

   Coupled with Terry who was behind William Gallas for protection, Ribery faced a much higher defensive intensity than Cristiano Ronaldo.

   Even if Ribery wanted to attack Chelsea's defense with his flexibility and speed, Mourinho also prepared Makelele, who is on the left side of the midfielder, to help him at any time.

   As soon as the two sides of Crystal Palace were restricted, the entire offensive seemed to have stepped into the swamp. It is difficult to move forward.

   "Boss, Ronaldo and Ribery are both restrained by each other. If it really doesn't work, let's try attacking from the middle?"

   Guardiola also discovered the problem on the field at this time, and got close to Chen Ran and came up with an idea.

   Middle?

  Chen Ran looked up at Modric, who was sandwiched between the three midfielders Lampard, Makelele and Essien.

  Since Mourinho can't get out of the back, it seems like it would be a waste to put two more midfielders.

  Thinking of this, Chen Ran immediately walked to the sidelines, taking advantage of the dead ball opportunity, and called Vieira to his side.

   "Patrick, move your position forward for a while, go and play the attacking midfielder with Modric. If there is no chance in Ronaldo and Ribery, you two will play more long shots."

   "Okay, boss."

After    explained Vieira, Chen Ran turned to look at Guardiola again.

   "Josep, you're going to stare at Chelsea's bench next. If there's any movement from Mourinho, you have to notify me immediately, understand?"

   "Understood, boss. However, let Patrick also play the attacking midfielder, then Diego is the only midfielder left in front of the back line. If Chelsea presses up to attack at this time, isn't it a bit too dangerous?"

  Guardiola was a little worried when he saw Chen Ran's aggressive adjustment and deployment.

   "So I asked you to keep an eye on the Chelsea bench. As soon as there is any movement from Mourinho, you have to inform me immediately."

   "Okay, boss."

  Although Mourinho is now huddled behind the bus, but this does not mean that he has been on the bus for the whole game, unless Mourinho does not want to win the game at all.

   However, based on Chen Ran's understanding of Mourinho's character, this is obviously impossible.

   This guy, it is estimated that he dreams of winning himself and the Crystal Palace.

   Then, only if this guy wants to win, he will definitely change the formation and press out to attack.

   It’s just that this time is not easy to judge, but Chen Ran estimates that Mourinho will put the time for the counterattack in the second half. Don't ask how he knew that, it's a coach's gut instinct.

   Therefore, Chen Ran assigned Guardiola to watch the Chelsea bench. As long as there is any movement from Mourinho, Chen Ran can also take measures in advance.

   After all, Chen Ran has now pushed Vieira to the front, leaving only Simeone in the midfield as a midfielder, and the defense is a bit weak.

   Of course, this is also a flaw that Chen Ran deliberately revealed, the bait he gave Mourinho.

   As long as Mourinho wants to take advantage of the holes in Crystal Palace's defense, he will have to replace Robben, Duff or Joe Cole.

   Once Mourinho replaces these attacking players, then Chelsea's current rock-solid defensive system will not be broken.

   At that time, it is the best time for Crystal Palace to launch a general attack.

   And this is exactly what Chen Ran wanted to see.

   Now that the pit has been dug and the bait has been placed, Chen Ran just needs to be patient.

  Everything is ready, only Mourinho owes the bait.

  Chen Ran's adjustment, Mourinho naturally also sees it.

  Seeing that Vieira also rushed to the front of Chelsea's penalty area and participated in the attack with Modric, Mourinho was a little moved.

The figure of   Simeone standing alone in the lower back position caught his eye very conspicuously.

   Mourinho couldn't help swallowing and forcibly suppressed his thoughts of launching a counterattack.

   No, now is not the time.

  Crystal Palace's players are still full of energy and concentrated, so wait, wait.

   Mourinho is waiting, Chen Ran is also waiting.

   Two guys, just let the players on the field play according to their previous arrangements.

  Modric and Vieira had average foot feel today. Chen Ran asked them to shoot more long-range shots. As a result, they did not hit a world wave after a few kicks. All of them were confiscated by Cudicini who performed well.

  Crystal Palace couldn't get in, and Chelsea couldn't get out.

   grinded and grinded until the end of the first half.

   The score on the field is still 0:0.

   "Boss, are you still playing like this in the second half? Chelsea's defense is very solid today. If we continue to play like this, I'm afraid it will be difficult for us to break their goal."

  Guardiola took two quick steps to catch up with Chen Ran, and walked to the locker room together.

"Just play like that. As long as Mourinho dares to press out to attack, we have a chance to win Chelsea. If he doesn't come out, a draw is not unacceptable. After all, we still have a four-point lead. us."

   "Indeed, if Chelsea can't win this game, it will be difficult to catch up with us Crystal Palace later. Boss, do you expect Mourinho to attack?"

   "Almost. From what I know about Mourinho, he can't help it. So, Josep, you have to keep an eye on the Chelsea bench, understand?"

   "Understood, I must target Mourinho to death."

   During the intermission, Chen Ran did not make any adjustments except to give the players some blood as usual.

   On the Chelsea side, Mourinho is also standing still.

  The two guys seem to be competing with each other to see who can lose their temper first.

   After the start of the second half, the situation on the court is the same as the first half.

   Still one can’t get in, and the other can’t come out.

  The waves are calm and boring.

   Not only the fans, but even the reporters in the stands couldn't help but start complaining.

   "What happened to Chelsea today? Are you planning to stay behind the whole time? Is this still the performance of a strong team?"

   (end of this chapter)