The All-Around Center Forward
Chapter 932 - 931: The Eve of the Finals
Spain, "Crazy Goals" program.
Guardiola was a guest on this program.
The 2011/2012 La Liga season had concluded, and Barcelona only managed to secure the Copa del Rey this season.
This was also the only trophy they had won in three seasons!
From a peak debut, then a rapid decline.
Guardiola's current situation was not too good, and based on Barcelona's performance over three seasons, someone had to take responsibility.
Ultimately, Guardiola voluntarily resigned, stating he would take responsibility for these results.
"Making this decision is very difficult, but it also shows that I still have a long way to go as a coach. I will continue to learn and work hard to become an excellent coach!"
Guardiola shrugged: "Of course, it probably won't be at Barcelona!"
Upon hearing this, Bizguet also felt a bit emotional.
From winning six trophies in his debut season to only one Copa del Rey in three seasons, it was considered a barren spell.
But should Guardiola really be blamed entirely for this situation?
Actually, no!
Barcelona was currently only suppressed by Real Madrid; they still had a strong suppressive force in Europe.
However, they were too badly suppressed by Real Madrid, and their poor results indeed required someone to take responsibility.
The high-level management could not be held responsible!
Those without enough weight wouldn't do either!
In the end, Guardiola could only take the blame.
"This season, Suker scored 60 goals in a single season. What is your evaluation of him?"
Listening to Bizguet's question, Guardiola straightened his body.
"Good question!"
Guardiola smiled; "I am finally not expressing my thoughts as Barcelona's Head Coach now."
Previously, as Barcelona's Head Coach, there were many things he found inconvenient to say.
For example, praising Suker.
But now, having put those things aside, Guardiola could speak freely!
"This is incredible; it has to be discussed from the evolution of football tactics."
Guardiola spoke eloquently:
"In the Early stage of football, 9-0-1 and 6-2-2 were the most basic formations. Football tactics were in their infancy at this time, and it was difficult to play very attractive matches, which also originated from the formations!"
"At this time, more offensive-minded teams began to introduce the 5-3-2 formation, pioneered by Preston, which was the first truly standard formation in football. The central midfielders were mainly responsible for offense, and the two wing-backs participated in defense."
"This formation was adopted by Uruguay and Argentina in the 1930 World Cup and helped them achieve excellent results."
"But what truly allowed tactics to flourish was after the offside rule change in 1925, created by Arsenal Head Coach Chapman. The characteristic of the W-M formation was its emphasis on defense, with the principle of 'safety first' to seek victory!"
"Thereafter, Brazil's 4-2-4 formation in 1958, and the currently popular 4-3-3 formation, which the Dutch's total football made famous!"
Guardiola spread his hands and said: "Whether it's Cruyff or Beckenbauer, these people have had a profound impact on the development of football tactics. They are not just simple players, and everything they did, the ultimate goal of tactical evolution, is 'overall cohesion'."
"Since the emergence of WM tactics, the role of star players has gradually weakened, and some have even shouted the slogan 'football is dead'!"
"I don't agree with that; it's just about winning matches in different ways amidst the changes in football tactics!"
"But no matter what, minimizing individuals and emphasizing the team has become the main theme of football!"
"Especially in the last decade, the pace of football has become faster and faster, and the transitions between offense and defense have become more rapid. We started emphasizing physical fitness and chasing after runs, and in this situation, the energy of individual players is also pushed to the limit. It's not that it's difficult to perform, but rather that there's a further emphasis on the ability of a 'star player'!"
"In the past, when a star player broke through, there was no so-called system defense, and even less linked defense. Many times, after completing a breakthrough, there was open space ahead!"
"But now it's different; defense is like nesting dolls, layer upon layer, making it incredibly difficult to break through the defense in one go!"
"The reason I'm telling you this is to make you understand how remarkable Suker and Messi are."
"In this situation of extreme exploitation of individual performance, they still managed to score 60 and 58 goals!"
Guardiola's face was filled with emotion.
He finally said it.
During the matches against Real Madrid, Suker put too much pressure on him, but he didn't dislike Suker; instead, he greatly admired him.
Although this guy repeatedly posed challenges for him, being able to coach such a player was also a pleasant experience.
"Well, one more question: if your team could buy Suker and Messi, but only one person, who would you choose?"
Bizguet asked with a smile.
Guardiola shook his head: "This is a truly headache-inducing question. Can't I have both?"
Bizguet shook his head.
"They are different types of players; you need to choose between them based on different situations. Therefore, I cannot answer this question; it requires a realistic approach!"
Guardiola still refused to answer the question.
He was also in a difficult position!
Choose Messi?
In fact, Guardiola was more interested in coaching Suker, or rather, it was more novel.
While studying Suker, Guardiola had thought more than once about what changes would occur if Suker were placed in his tactics.
He believed that in his tactical blueprint, Suker could fully take on the role of a super core, allowing his imaginative tactical vision to be fully unleashed.
But Messi was, after all, his disciple, and he had coached him since the youth team, so he didn't want to give up on Messi either.
Therefore, he didn't know how to answer!
Inside Suker's villa.
Suker, Srna, Marcelo, Benzema, Kaka, and others gathered to watch the program.
"Guardiola resigned!"
Benzema sighed.
Although he was an opponent, he believed Guardiola was also an excellent Head Coach, as they, as opponents, had a more direct feeling.
In their almost invincible state, only Guardiola gave them a sense of urgency.
However, football matches are ultimately made up of players, and Real Madrid's victories were more a reflection of the players' abilities.
Or rather, after repeated victories, Barcelona had lost some confidence when facing Real Madrid and Suker.
This was also one of the reasons why Real Madrid played more and more easily.
"Where is his next stop?"
"Who knows? There's no official announcement yet!"
"Although Guardiola left Barcelona due to performance issues, many teams in Europe still recognize him!"
"Of course! Besides not being able to beat us, Barcelona dominated all of Europe!"
Everyone was discussing.
Suker, meanwhile, showed a thoughtful expression.
In the original timeline, when Guardiola left Barcelona, he would immediately coach Bayern Munich.
And according to the original timeline, Guardiola had already announced his departure during the season.
That is to say, in January 2013, Bayern Munich officially announced that Guardiola would coach them next season.
And in July 2013, Guardiola took office.
But now there was still a year until that timeline, and Guardiola's whereabouts became a mystery.
Moreover, Bayern Munich didn't seem to be making any moves at the moment, and veteran coach Heynckes was also doing very well.
But no matter what, Suker was still relieved.
This season, Suker was only one step away from his ultimate goal.
Looking back at his career, this season was the most exhausting.
Full attendance in the League and Champions League.
In the League, he not only had to win but also score more goals to compete with Messi for the golden boot award.
But Suker still successfully suppressed Messi.
However, the final result still left him with lingering fear.
If Messi, eager to score goals, hadn't angered the Racing Santander players, Messi would have been fully capable of scoring a few more goals in that match.
In that case, Suker's position would not have been secure.
Suker specifically watched that match; the Racing Santander player's flying tackle on Messi was a deliberate retaliatory move, intended to take Messi out of the game.
Messi, focused on scoring, couldn't avoid this flying tackle and ultimately left the field injured.
Suker successfully achieved his League goal, and now only the Champions League remained.
The League concluded, and players from other clubs have already returned to their National Teams to prepare for the European Cup.
For example, from Croatia, Modrić, Mandžukić, and Rakitić had already returned early.
Suker and Srna, due to the Champions League, will return to the team a little later.
Real Madrid is also systematically preparing for the Champions League.
The Champions League will be held on May 20th, with Real Madrid facing Chelsea.
The outside world almost unanimously believes this will be a crushing match.
On one side is the Galácticos, rampaging through Europe, while on the other is the struggling Chelsea.
Until Di Matteo arrived, Boas's Chelsea played terribly.
Therefore, many people consider Chelsea's progression to the final as a stroke of luck.
Even though they defeated Barcelona, these people do not believe Chelsea won the match based on their strength.
Only Real Madrid, as their opponent, is extremely cautious.
Especially Mourinho.
Most of Chelsea's old boys were players Mourinho personally promoted; he clearly understands these guys' abilities and tenacity.
Especially after the baptism of several Champions League matches, their spirit has reached its peak, so preparation needs to be extra careful.
Besides Mourinho, Suker also pays extreme attention to Chelsea.
In the original timeline, Chelsea defeated Bayern Munich, who had 'the right time, place, and people,' and lifted the Champions League trophy!
Right Time: Defeating Real Madrid in the Champions League Semi-Final and advancing to the Champions League Final revitalized Bayern Munich's dispirited mental state in the League.
Right Place: The venue for the Champions League Final was Bayern Munich's home, Allianz Arena!
Right People: Bayern Munich had already confirmed they had no hope for the League title, and for the Champions League, they began a large-scale rotation early, allowing players to rest. In contrast, Chelsea was still competing with Newcastle for fifth place. At the same time, based on the brutal Champions League Semi-Final, Chelsea captain Terry was sent off with a red card, and Ivanović, defensive midfielder Ramires, and Anelka also accumulated yellow cards, missing the final.
Chelsea was forced to face Bayern Munich with a half-strength lineup, including three substitutes.
But even under these circumstances, the iron-blooded Chelsea once again showed their tenacity and ferocity!
Solid defense, efficient goals from sporadic counterattacks, and Goalkeeper Čech's heroic saves!
In Suker's memory, he had seen the heat map of that match.
Almost Chelsea's entire half of the field was densely covered with red dots, which meant Chelsea almost entirely retreated into defense.
But they ultimately dragged the game to a penalty shootout and finally won the Champions League!
It can be said that Chelsea's momentum was steadily rising, and their fighting spirit gradually reached its peak.
To defeat such a Chelsea, one must crush their psychological defense in one fell swoop!
They cannot be allowed to gradually raise their morale; once that happens, Real Madrid will be in danger.
In Mourinho's office, he was also looking at various data comparisons.
Chelsea's current situation is indeed very bad, which is good news.
But the bad news is that the data for several substitutes is not detailed, making it impossible to make specific arrangements based on them.
However, since they are substitutes, they will inevitably have some shortcomings in ability, and in such major and crucial matches, they will also reveal their flaws.
Terry, Ivanović, and Ramires missing the Champions League is a heavy blow to Chelsea to a large extent.
In contrast, Real Madrid, after major battles and League tasks, although somewhat fatigued, is fortunately still facing them with their full main lineup.
Moreover, Mourinho has Suker as his trump card, so he is not worried about Real Madrid's attacking problems.
Undoubtedly, the pace of this match will inevitably be slower.
After all, Chelsea will play very cautiously, primarily focusing on defense.
And Mourinho also does not intend to launch an all-out assault but rather to initiate an offensive encirclement and press forward, slowly wearing Chelsea down.
When it comes to seizing opportunities, Suker is the strongest striker.
How to highlight Suker's role has become a problem he needs to consider.
Of course, Chelsea's counterattacks should not be underestimated.
Although Drogba is a bit older, his impact is still formidable.
"Hoo~~~"
Mourinho let out a breath; these players who once made him famous have now become his opponents.
These carefully selected guys have become the biggest obstacle to Mourinho's path to the Champions League throne.
"Chelsea will still defend, right?" Faria said.
Mourinho nodded; "Of course, although I have left, they are still using the tactical system I left behind!"
"The system is one aspect, and player morale is another," Faria sighed; "Who would have thought that Chelsea, who struggled throughout the season, would explode in the Champions League!"
"Not exactly an explosion!" Mourinho shook his head; "They originally had the ability to contend for these honors, but Boas failed to handle internal conflicts; he wanted too much control over the team."
Listening to Mourinho's words, Faria couldn't help but look at the former.
Boas was once a member of Mourinho's coaching staff, and these habits were also learned from Mourinho.
At that time, Boas was also called 'Madman,' and his exclusive long-side squat was once very popular.
"We're going to Germany in a few days; tell the players to get ready!"
Mourinho finally instructed.
The match will be held on May 20th, and Real Madrid will travel to Munich, Germany, on May 19th, to prepare in advance.
In the supermarket, Suker and Sukic were shopping.
Suker was pushing the cart, and Sukic was sitting in the cart. Although the little guy said he could walk, Suker found it bothersome and told him to stay put.
Along the way, many shopkeepers, waiters, and customers greeted Suker.
Suker is a regular here; at first, they were surprised, but they quickly got used to it.
"Good luck in the final!"
"I'll be cheering for you on TV!"
"Suker! Goal!"
Suker walked along, smiling and joking with these guys:
"We'll definitely do our best! We don't want to lose either!"
"Why aren't you coming to the stadium? If you come, I'll give you a match-worn jersey!"
"Goal what Goal! Why did the price of cabbage go up?"
Sukic curiously watched his father mingle with the people around him.
Although it wasn't the first time, it still felt very novel.
When he was with Gisele Bündchen, she always wrapped him up tightly, and every time they went out, it was like being a thief.
But Suker was different; except for going to crowded places, he hardly concealed himself at all.
And the people here wouldn't actively disturb Suker; their relationship was more like friends.
Although Sukic missed his mother who was busy with her career!
But he also thought his father was amazing.
"Here you go!" An ice cream was shoved into his hand, and Sukic turned his head and sweetly called out; "Thank you, Grandpa Capellán!"
"Uncle!" Capellán, wearing a store manager's uniform, said helplessly; "I'm only two years older than your dad!"
Suker turned his head; "You should shave your beard; it'll make you look younger!"
Capellán: "No one wants to touch my beard!"
The thick, fluffy beard was the result of Capellán growing it for a long time since he was beardless.
Although the dense beard indeed made him look old, Capellán didn't care.
"What do you want to eat?" Suker turned to Sukic and asked.
"Fish-flavored shredded pork!" Sukic happily shouted.
Ever since he ate fish-flavored shredded pork that time, he had fallen in love with the taste.
"Okay, tonight we're having sweet and sour pork ribs!"
Suker turned and walked towards the meat section.
Sukic was stunned for a moment.
Weren't they eating fish-flavored shredded pork?
But sweet and sour pork ribs are delicious too!
Returning home in the evening, Suker specially made ribs for Sukic. He paid great attention to Sukic's nutritional intake.
Perhaps because of his own past malnutrition leading to delayed development, he was very serious about this aspect.
Of course, Suker did not eat sweet and sour pork ribs.
After all, the Champions League was approaching, and his food was simpler, so as not to put pressure on his stomach and to keep himself in the best condition at all times.
This is also something professional players need to pay attention to during preparation.