Star Card System

Mourinho's "very similar" does not refer to coaching style or personal character, but to the situation.

Before Mourinho left Chelsea after his second spell, his situation was similar to Conte's current situation.

Even worse.

The same internal and external troubles, the same ups and downs in performance.

Looking at Conte who was extremely frustrated because of the loss, Mourinho even felt some sympathy.

But this is competitive sports, results are king, everything is secondary.

Conte naturally had no mood to greet Mourinho after losing the game 0-2.

In fact, the two had no communication when they entered the stadium.

If Chelsea won the game, Conte would probably still have something to say to Mourinho, but now he was in a very bad mood.

Even after the game, he went back to the locker room without waiting for the players.

This can also clearly show how much the relationship between Conte and the players has deteriorated.

But this has nothing to do with Mourinho. Now he belongs to the red, not the blue.

Not only does he not belong to the blue, but he also wants to fight the blue.

After winning Chelsea, Manchester United still maintains a double-digit lead in the league.

And ten points became twelve points.

In this round of games, Manchester City met Arsenal, and they were fiercely blocked by Wenger's team.

In the end, a 3-3 offensive battle allowed Manchester City to further widen the points gap with Manchester United.

They are getting further and further away from the league championship.

Only the cup stage can allow them to strive not to return empty-handed this season.

For example, the upcoming League Cup final.

On February 25, Manchester United won Chelsea, and on March 2, Manchester United finally waited for the League Cup final against Manchester City.

At Wembley Stadium, Manchester United soldiers were eyeing and ready to go.

Because in the previous league match against Chelsea, Manchester United made appropriate rotations in the lineup, and the physical condition of the whole team was very good at this time.

However, Manchester United still did not send all the main players in this game.

It is still the "cup lineup".

Goalkeeper Romero, young Lingard, Rashford, McTominay, Bailly, etc., all appeared on the field.

This means a promise to Mourinho.

In the absolute main lineup, except for Xia Xing who started, there was no one else.

By the way, Carrick and Rooney also returned from injury in this game, and both got the chance to start.

Compared with Manchester United's semi-main lineup, Manchester City is much more luxurious.

For Manchester City, Guardiola arranged a 4-3-3 attack formation,

goalkeeper Ederson,

four defenders Kompany, Otamendi, Kyle Walker,

three midfielders Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho, De Bruyne,

three forwards Sane, Jesus, Aguero.

The attacking group is very luxurious.

But even so, facing Manchester United who set up an iron bucket formation, they still couldn't get a goal.

The two sides have played against each other three times this season.

The first time was the 16th round of the league, the two sides launched an offensive battle, and Manchester United narrowly won 4-3.

The second time was the FA Cup knockout match half a month ago, Manchester City parked the bus, and the substitute lineup won 1-0.

Although both games were won, Mourinho's tactics were completely different.

In the final analysis, it was because of the different stadiums.

As the main league stadium, Manchester United went all out.

Stars such as Xia Xing, Pogba, and Lukaku all played, with full offensive power, and could fight against Manchester City.

In the cup stage, young players and substitutes were the main players.

The overall strength was not as good as Manchester City, so they simply retreated, waited for an opportunity to counterattack, and finally struck a fatal blow.

And today, it was a cup game, a substitute lineup, and a bus.

The biggest difference between Mourinho and Guardiola is the difference in how they treat people.

Guardiola is a coach who adds icing on the cake. He can lead an excellent team to the best in the world.

Mourinho is a pragmatic coach who can make the team win the game at all costs and win the championship.

For example, today.

The two old rivals met again. There was nothing to say, just do it.

The referee blew the whistle and the game began!

Xia Xing retreated and still organized the defense with all his strength.

Almost the same as before.

The only difference is that he did not wear the captain's armband today.

Because Rooney started the game!

After a wave of injuries, Rooney did not play many games this season.

After returning from injury, Mourinho wanted to let him rest, but in the training match, Rooney showed extraordinary state.

Even Lukaku was dwarfed by him.

"This shot is too violent..."

Accurate and fierce, Rooney is still one of the best shooters in the world.

Although his physical fitness has declined seriously, his speed is far less than before, and his collision power is not good, but relying on shooting and passing organization, Rooney is still an important member of this Manchester United team.

He started the game today and was very active.

In the 11th minute of the first half, Rooney received a long pass from Xia Xing and shot directly outside the penalty area!

The ball hit the crossbar and bounced out of the bottom line!

Just a little bit!

In the 24th minute of the game, Rashford dribbled past the defense and created a set-piece opportunity.

Rooney made a lob shot, and the ball slipped out of the goal again, just a little short.

With two consecutive good chances, Rooney was only one step away from scoring.

Although they were in excellent form, this game still belonged to Manchester City's rhythm.

Manchester City attacked frequently in the first half, and the continuous fierce attacks made Manchester United's midfield unable to move forward, and they could only move forward step by step.

For a period of time, only Rooney and Rashford were in the frontcourt of Manchester United, and the other players were defending in the backcourt.

Although they were frustrated by being beaten, this was Mourinho's arrangement, and the players strictly followed it.

The young players were a little angry and wanted to press forward.

But just when they pressed forward, they almost suffered a loss.

McTominay received the clearance from Xia Xing and suddenly dribbled forward!

Sprint forward along the right!

At this time, Lingard in the middle also went up!

Rashford and Rooney were in the frontcourt, forming a four-on-four situation!

Several midfielders and backcourt players also quickly moved forward, and Xia Xing was shocked!

If the ball was to be intercepted, it would be dangerous!

Because his partner at this time was Carrick, whose running ability was not good, and he could not cover such a large area by himself!

You can press forward, but there is no need to be so desperate!

It's not that Xia Xing is conservative, but Xia Xing knows his opponent.

Facing Manchester City, Xia Xing is very clear about the opponent's strength.

As a result, Manchester United did encounter trouble.

McTominay accelerated with the ball, and decisively knocked it horizontally after encountering defense.

Lingard took the ball and passed it directly to Rooney!

This time Rooney didn't get the ball!

The ball was intercepted by Bernardo Silva who retreated to defend!

The intention of this pass was too obvious, and it was intercepted!

At this time, Manchester United pressed forward on all fronts, and the defense was empty!

Manchester City decisively started to counterattack!

Bernardo Silva quickly passed the ball, and Manchester City's front trident accelerated to sprint!

Manchester United's defense is in danger! (End of this chapter)