But fantasizing about Kaka is just fantasizing about Kaka.
Now that we're in the Champions League and Leeds United are already behind, Li Shiguang's primary task should be to figure out how to turn the tide.
After thinking for a while with his head down, Li Shiguang called Lamu to the sidelines before the game restarted.
"Philip, when the game restarts, if the opponent still focuses their attack on the right half, then be bolder, look for opportunities to push forward, cooperate more with Gareth, and try to open up the game from the left."
"Okay!" Lahm nodded seriously, turned around and prepared to walk onto the field. This was his first Champions League appearance, and he didn't want to be eliminated in the quarterfinals.
"There's more!" But Li Shiguang immediately pulled him back. "Tell the brothers not to be so dejected. It's just one goal. We still have plenty of time to tie the score. Let them show some spirit!"
"Yes, boss!"
Back on the field, Lahm relayed Li Shiguang's words to Kompany.
Kompany immediately gathered his teammates together, gave them a good morale boost, and then told them about Li Shiguang's arrangements.
Once everyone had taken their positions again, the dejection after conceding the goal had vanished. Everyone stared at AC Milan's goal like hungry wolves, their eyes looking as if they wanted to tear Dida in front of the goal apart.
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“Oh? The Leeds United players look to be in good form. I was a little worried when I saw them looking so dejected!” Lineker nodded in satisfaction.
"This is where the importance of an excellent captain comes into play. Look at Kompany, the way he just gathered his teammates together for a pep talk reminded me of Terry!" Jon was also very satisfied; he had a certain fondness for all players with a tough playing style.
After the casual conversation ended, Lineker, like a curious child, asked Jon, "By the way, I saw Lee call Lahm to the sidelines and talk to him for a long time. Jon, you're so good at analysis, can you analyze what Lee said to Lahm? Maybe he wanted to adjust the tactics?"
"Get lost! I don't even speak English! How would I know what Li said?"
"But if it's about adjusting tactics, I don't think so. After all, AC Milan's weaknesses and strengths are clear. With Li's ability, he should have given the players a clear plan before the game even started! Calling Lahm to the sidelines would at most mean having the players intensify their efforts on a specific attacking point he's designated, since the team is currently trailing..."
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After AC Milan's celebrations ended, the referee blew the whistle to restart the game.
Just as Li Shiguang had predicted, after taking the lead, AC Milan did not choose to retreat and defend, but continued to apply pressure on Leeds United's right half.
Seeing that they were still like this, Li Shiguang rearranged the focus of the attack.
Leeds United players simply stopped their attacks on the right half, with Ribery dropping back behind the halfway line to assist in the defense. When Leeds United gained possession, they shifted all their attacks to the left side.
The two teams played back and forth for a few minutes, alternating between left and right, but neither side managed to create any significant opportunities.
Looking at the situation on the field, Li Shiguang felt that the game would likely remain deadlocked for a while, so he turned around and prepared to go back to the bench to get a bottle of water.
But at that moment, an unexpected event occurred!
The match has reached the 30th minute.
AC Milan regained possession and launched an attack.
Jankulovski received the ball on the wing, and the Leeds United players marking him were Mascherano and Sneijder, who was running from the center circle towards him.
At this moment, Seedorf, who was directly in front of Yankulovsky, had completely moved to the side, while Sun Jihai was behind him.
Logically speaking, Jankulovski would have been the most sensible player to pass the ball to Seedorf, who was supporting him on the sideline, at this point, and most players would probably have done the same.
But the Czechs did something that surprised everyone.
He stared intently at Seedorf, making it seem as if he was about to pass the ball to Seedorf, who was already waving for it.
But in reality, Jankulovski passed the ball across to the center the instant he kicked it.
Gattuso was standing there.
What's worse, there wasn't a single Leeds United defender around him!
But Sneijder, who was closest to Gattuso, saw Jankulovski change his passing target and immediately turned and charged at Gattuso at full speed.
Gattuso was clever; he knew his technique wasn't great, so he didn't stop the ball. As soon as it rolled to him, he passed it directly to Kaká, who was right in front of him.
The facts proved his judgment of his own skills correct. Gattuso's pass was not good. The ball bounced and hopped towards Kaká after leaving his feet, and the speed of the ball was not very fast.
Kaka looked at the football in front of him, and had no choice but to run back a few steps to receive the ball.
But as Kaka ran, Kompany and Silva, who were behind him, naturally pressed forward to prevent him from turning around.
Kompany remained cautious and glanced back at Inzaghi's position before running forward.
If Kaká receives the ball, turns, and passes it after discovering that the player is about two body lengths behind him, Inzaghi will undoubtedly be offside.
Once this is confirmed.
Only then did Kompany feel relieved enough to run forward in a straight line with Silva.
But the next second, Kompany felt that he and Silva had been completely fooled by Kaka!
Because Kaka didn't make the movements he imagined, like receiving the ball and turning around; he didn't receive the ball at all!
When the ball bounced in front of Kaká, he seemed to have eyes in the back of his head, gently letting the ball roll past his feet. Then he stepped forward with his right foot, quickly landed, and forcefully struck the ball with his heel.
What Kompany found even more incredible was that at the same moment the ball was passed from Kaká's feet, Inzaghi, who had been two steps behind him, had already appeared beside him.
At this moment, he was standing on the same line as himself, and had already turned around and started moving!
It’s over!
Realizing the problem, Kompany and Silva immediately turned back to chase, but it was too late. Inzaghi, who had started earlier, had already received Kaká's pass and entered the penalty area.
One-on-one!
Super Pippo's ghostly runs finally created a deadly situation at Elland Road Stadium!
Faced with Kasper Schmeichel's departure, Inzaghi, who knew his own shortcomings, did not make many moves.
After seeing Schmeichel fall to the ground, he pushed the ball with his right foot, and the ball rolled past Schmeichel and accurately into the bottom right corner of the Leeds United goal!
0:2!
Less than 30 minutes into the first half, Leeds United were down by two goals at home!
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