The road to godhood starting from Ligue 1

Chapter 391 Frontcourt Libero

The morning mist had not yet dissipated.

When the players arrived at the training ground, they couldn't help but slow down.

The lawn at Melwood training ground had just been mowed and smelled of fresh grass, but it was clearly divided into distinct sections.

The three main areas are separated by colored training cones, resembling a divided tactical chessboard, quite different from the training scenes familiar to the players.

Simultaneously.

As far as the eye could see, each area was filled with densely packed simulated defense dummies.

"What is this for?"

Henderson leaned closer to Gerald and whispered something in a curious tone.

Gerald didn't speak, but stared at the mannequins arranged in density, his eyes scrutinizing them.

He'd been playing football for over a decade and had never seen such a large-scale training setup.

Klopp, dressed in his training gear, stood in the center of the training field.

Seeing that all the players had arrived, he didn't exchange any more pleasantries, but simply smiled and said, "Good morning, kids! Today we'll start with pressing. Remember what was written on the blackboard yesterday: TERRIBLE. Now, we're going to incorporate it into every run!"

Subsequently.

He explained the purpose of these mannequins.

These three areas represent high, medium, and low levels of oppression.

The dummies in the high-pressure area are arranged closely together, leaving almost no gaps, to simulate the pressure scenario when the opponent is defending densely.

The spacing between the dummies in the central pressure zone is moderate, which fits the pressing rhythm during regular offensive and defensive transitions.

The dummies in the low-pressure areas are sparsely distributed, focusing on spatial control during defensive counterattacks.

Klopp also gestured to his assistant to demonstrate, moving between the three areas.

In high-pressure areas, players need to quickly weave through dense rows of mannequins, completing a steal, turn, and pass within 3 seconds;
In the central pressing area, the focus is on practicing multi-player coordinated pressing, with dummies distributed at standard defensive intervals, requiring players to anticipate routes and block passes;
The low-pressure zone focuses on the speed of counter-attacking, with sparse mannequins simulating gaps in the opponent's defense, requiring players to change direction and make the final pass while sprinting.

Subsequently,

Klopp also spoke about reverse pressing, or high-pressing tactics.

During the demonstration, he even went down to the field himself, bending over and spreading his arms to simulate a defensive posture, moving quickly with small, quick steps, while chanting the rhythm in sync: "One step! Two steps! Steal! Yes, that's the speed! Never let the opponent dribble comfortably! Steal from anywhere!"

The players seemed to understand, but not quite.

quickly,

After warming up, the training officially began.

In high-pressure areas, Gaio needs to break through the gaps between closely packed dummies, maintaining speed while paying attention to ball control; a slight lapse in attention could result in him colliding with a dummy.

After several sets...

"It's even more tiring than actual combat."

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and exchanged a glance with Suarez beside him; they both saw a sense of unfamiliarity in each other's eyes.

Previous training focused more on individual skills and group sparring, but Klopp's training is all about tactical execution, emphasizing tactical positioning.

During training, Klopp would also provide continuous guidance.

His tone was urgent but not harsh: "Here! Run here! Don't wait for the ball, anticipate it!"

Training has been almost non-stop.

The extensive running drills left the players' calves sore, and the repetitive ball-winning, passing, and running routines gradually led to more private complaints.

During rest,
Henderson sat on the grass, rubbing his thigh muscles: "It feels like I'm doing the same thing over and over again, it's a bit repetitive."

Sturridge, standing next to him, nodded in agreement: "Yeah, running against dummies of varying densities every time is more physically demanding than playing a full match."

Klopp didn't go far. He squatted down next to the mannequin in the high-pressure area, measuring the distance with his fingers and muttering to himself as he fine-tuned the mannequin's position. He didn't pay any attention to the murmurs he heard.

He even pulled Gerrard aside, gesturing with his hands to show him the passing route, telling Gerrard he should do better.

His eyes shone, he spoke rapidly, his German accent mixed with English, yet every word was clear.

"Remember! Pressure isn't about standing around watching! With high density, you need to find gaps; with medium density, you need to stick to the defense; with low density, you need to speed up—stick to them and make them gasp for breath!"

Gaio, however, did not echo Henderson and the others' conversation.

He sat quietly to rest.

in fact,

As training progressed, Gaio gradually found his rhythm.

He suddenly remembered what Klopp had said in training: "Tired? Of course you're tired! But victory comes from these repetitive runs—remember the rhythm of pressure at different densities, and etch it into your bones! We must make sure that no matter how the opponent sets up their defense, they can feel the taste of TERRIBLE on the field!"

drop!
The assistant coach soon blew the whistle again, and training continued.

When Gaio got up, he saw his teammates' state; they seemed unaware of what kind of team Liverpool would become in the future.

Perhaps they haven't fully grasped Klopp's tactics either.

But Gaio knew very well.

Give Klopp time, and a Red Army that will sweep across Europe will be born.

"Terrible"

Gaio repeated the word to himself again. Yes, they wanted to instill fear in their opponents!
We need to make our opponents think that Liverpool is invincible!
Training continues.

The players began to pant.

Klopp's training intensity is still very high.

On the contrary, Henderson, who usually runs a lot on the court, seemed to be in his element.

Today, after listening to Klopp's tactics...

Henderson maintained a smile throughout.

Klopp said everyone should run like mad dogs, and Henderson is least afraid of running!

He felt his chance to shine at Liverpool had arrived.

There is also one other person.

They thrived just like fish in water.

Kanté.

He's a natural athleticist, and Klopp's instructions to him were to stick close to his opponent, which is exactly what he excels at.

Some adapt, while others do not.

For example, Suarez is not really willing to run like that. He prefers to wait for opportunities in the penalty area or make runs in the penalty area, rather than running wildly with the opponent.

They also didn't want to defend too deep.

During Rogers' era, he had the privilege of not having to track back on defense.

But a new coach has taken office.

Ultimately, no one said much.

Just practice diligently and that's it.

The whole morning passed.

After training, the players headed to the locker room, leaving only a few scattered players on the Melwood lawn.

Klopp then spoke with Gaião privately. "Your movement in the high-pressure zone this afternoon was much smoother than this morning, but your timing for the final pass could have been more decisive."

Gaio nodded. "I've roughly figured out the rhythm of movement and positioning under high pressure, and the free-roaming position you mentioned is actually very similar to what I've been training for in the national team. I think I'll be fine."

“National team?” Klopp raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. “It seems Deschamps also discovered your talent a long time ago. The creativity of your feet shouldn’t be limited to the wing.”

He casually took out his notebook, picked up a pen and drew a 4-2-3-1 formation diagram on it, then tapped his finger heavily on the central area: "In the next game against Arsenal, I want you to play in the middle. They have injury problems right now, so their starting lineup is practically a given."

The starting center-back pairing will most likely be Mertesacker and Koscielny, while the defensive midfielders will most likely be Ramsey and Arteta.

This lineup will have many weaknesses; you need to maneuver flexibly in the mid lane to find these weaknesses.

Gaio leaned closer to look at the lines Klopp had drawn and nodded, saying, "No problem. Didier also had me try a similar role in the national team, emphasizing that I would coordinate with the wingers rather than being fixed in the middle."

"This is the free-roaming forward I'm talking about." Klopp's pen traced a few smooth arcs on the formation diagram. "It's not about you defending the middle, but about using the middle as a pivot point to make free runs."

Arsenal's two full-backs, Gibbs and Sagna, both love to push forward. You can cut to the wing after they make runs forward to receive long passes from Steven.

When they pull back to defend, you push back into the middle and form a two-striker formation with Suarez to press forward.

Mertesacker is slow to turn, so you can make more runs with your back to goal and then turn to attack. Koscielny will have to cover, which will naturally create space for Suarez.

He paused, then marked the positions of Arteta and Ramsey: "Focus on their two defensive midfielders."

Arteta is getting old, and his ability to run continuously has declined. You can exploit the gap between him and Mertesacker by dribbling laterally after receiving the ball, forcing him to move and cover.

Ramsey always likes to push forward and participate in the attack. When he goes up, it leaves gaps in midfield. You need to move into those positions immediately to receive long passes from Steven or launch quick counter-attacks after winning the ball.

Gaio listened attentively, "I understand."

During national team training, Didier would have me drop back to receive the ball during counter-attacks, draw out the defenders, and then pass it to the wing, which is similar to the idea you mentioned.

However, when it comes to Arsenal's midfield, could we press Arteta more closely when he has possession of the ball?

His ball control isn't top-notch, and he's prone to making mistakes under pressure.

Klopp's eyes lit up, and he patted Gaio on the shoulder: "Well said! That's the essence of a free man."

Instead of passively waiting for opportunities, we actively create them.

Arsenal's attacking linchpin is Deadfish Eye, who is used to operating in the middle and left flanks. Steven needs to focus on marking him, so when you drop back to receive the ball, you should be careful to maintain a vertical distance from Steven and not let him have to both defend and support.

in addition,

After Ramsey makes a forward run, you need to quickly cover his position to prevent him from making a counter-attack.

Saying,

Klopp picked up a soccer ball and handed it to Gaio: "Here, let's try it."

If I were Mertesacker, and you cut inside from the wing to the center, I would follow you. At that moment, what you should do is not continue dribbling, but suddenly stop and turn, pass the ball to the right-back Glen Johnson who is making a run from behind, or take a step to the side and threaten the goal with a long shot.

Mertesacker is slow to turn; by the time he reacts, you've either already passed the ball or taken a shot.

Gaio took the ball and began practicing according to Klopp's instructions.

As he simulated a cut inside and a sudden stop and turn, Klopp immediately stepped forward to block him, shouting, "Yes, that's the rhythm! Koscielny will come to cover, you need to pay attention to his position. As soon as he moves, Suarez will be open, just pass the ball to him."

Also, if Arteta comes to intercept, you can use a nutmeg or a lob to get past him. His defensive movements aren't fast, so you have plenty of time to make your move.

After several drills.

Klopp gave Gaio a thumbs up. "Alright, I believe you understand how you're going to play. I can only say that this is just one situation on the pitch. There isn't enough time in training. As for the rest, you'll have to rely on yourself to adapt to the situation on the field. However, I believe you can do your best!"

Gaio nodded.

Klopp patted Gaio on the back, "Take a good rest. Let's give the league leaders a surprise in the next game. Arsenal is indeed very strong, but their defensive vulnerabilities will allow our pressing tactics to be fully utilized."

"it is good!"

Klopp watched Gaio walk towards the locker room and couldn't help but smile, revealing his big white teeth.

Life's encounters are truly unbelievably wonderful.

This French talent, whom he had long wanted to sign, eventually ended up playing for him after many twists and turns.

Who could have imagined that the trajectory of fate would unfold in such an unexpected way?
Suppressing the inexplicable emotions in his heart, Klopp's thoughts were instantly pulled back to the main topic—his mind was filled with how to crack Arsenal, this tough nut to crack, at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The players finished their day's training and went back to rest one after another, but his and the coaching team's work would not stop.

The office tactical board was covered with dense markings, and Arsenal's attacking and defensive clips were repeatedly replayed in the game video, all waiting for them to dissect them one by one.

He and his assistants had to go over the tactical details again and again.

How to maintain the high-pressing rhythm in every round, how to allow Gaião to move freely in the attacking third and exploit the weaknesses in Arsenal's defense, and how to ensure that Gerrard's midfield orchestration seamlessly connects with the forward line.

More importantly, how to truly instill his core football philosophy into this Liverpool team that has been dormant for too long.

This century-old family has witnessed countless glories and triumphs, but in the long wait, it has gradually lost its former brilliance.

To regain the top spot in European football and reignite the cheers at Anfield, it's not something that can be achieved with just a few victories; a sweeping reform is necessary!
From training methods to tactical systems, from morale to team cohesion, everything needs to be changed!
This path is destined to be full of thorns. What we need to fight against is not only the opponents on the field, but also the inertia and laziness that have been formed over a long period of time.

But Klopp's eyes were filled with a stubborn, burning passion.

Disaster?
so what.

He just wanted to give it a try, to lead this group of players and this club, and step by step, amidst doubt and expectation, to reclaim the glory that belongs to Liverpool!

time flies.

Liverpool only had two days to train.

Including the day before the match.

Therefore,
Considering the intensity of the training, aside from the high-intensity training on the first day, Klopp simply had the players make continuous runs on the second day to understand his tactical ideas.

Klopp spoke individually with almost everyone, telling them what to pay attention to and how to act on the field.

He doesn't know if the players can play the way he wants.

But Klopp is starting to try to do that.

at the same time.

There has been much discussion about this match.

after all,

This is a direct confrontation between two teams that have made a strong comeback this season.

And their opponents have just welcomed a new coach, Jürgen Klopp.

Therefore, it is normal for it to attract a lot of attention.

Wenger said at the pre-match press conference, "We must remain calm at home, especially against Liverpool who may be transformed after changing managers. Their tactics will likely change, and we must be fully prepared."

We're currently at the top of the Premier League table, which gives us a huge boost in confidence, but otherwise there's not much difference.

Arsenal is in the title race, as is Liverpool, and there are four or five other teams that also have a chance to compete for the championship.

However, I'm not too worried about the standings.

The difference between 8th and 14th place might only be 2 or 3 points, so the current standings are meaningless.

It's worth noting that Liverpool have just welcomed Klopp, whose tactics are quite distinctive, and their young player Gaio has been performing exceptionally well recently, which will make this match even more challenging.

In fact,
I've been keeping an eye on him for a while now. We tried to sign him before he joined Bastia, but unfortunately we couldn't.

I know his talent, and seeing how he's grown now, I have to say it's a big regret.

it is a pity."

(End of this chapter)