Master Tutoring Class

Chapter 266 The Essence of the Competition

Amsterdam is separated from England by the North Sea, and England can be reached by plane by crossing the North Sea.

Brighton is located in southeast England, in the area below London, so it is relatively close to London.

The entire Amsterdam team arrived at London Airport after a flight of less than an hour.

But that wasn't the end of it; they were to take a bus from London to the town where Brighton was located.

It takes about an hour's drive.

Finally, Atlético Amsterdam arrived in Brighton around 2 p.m.

The azure sky, the sun-drenched sea, and the rolling waves create a sense of tranquility.

The coastline is paved with pebbles, and the roads are clean and tidy.

Compared to the hustle and bustle of big cities, this place has a naturally relaxed atmosphere.

Brighton, a popular holiday destination in England, is known as the Sunshine City. Although the weather is still a bit chilly in November, the sunshine makes you feel warm and cozy.

Ha~~~~~~
Wei Lai yawned.

"I really want to find a place, bask in the sun, and have a good night's sleep!"

Felix put his arm around Wei Lai's shoulder: "This is nothing. During the winter break, I'll take you to a small island in Spain for a vacation!"

This was the third time Felix had extended an invitation to him, and it wouldn't be good to refuse again.

It just so happens that he's also going to Spain during the winter break, mainly to see He Chaoyue.

So it was convenient to go that way.

"Forwards and midfielders, gather here!"

On the training field, Pessan whistled and called out loudly to his teammates.

Soon, midfielders and forwards including Felix, Robinson, Diego Ruma, Wei Lai, and Musar gathered on the left side of the field.

"It's still a tactical positioning drill, everyone stay alert!"

With Konrad Lehmann absent, Atlético Amsterdam will need to find a new attacking focal point for this match.

And this key point naturally falls to Felix.

If Felix's finishing ability is developed well, that's what Amsterdam has been doing lately.

"The first one, Wei!"

After Pechan shouted, he kicked the ball towards his left flank area.

Wei Lai ran forward, just like he had done in thousands of training sessions. He made his signature left-hand rotation and lightly brushed the ball with the instep of his foot.

A perfectly curved, precisely placed cross was delivered.

Felix seized the opportunity, immediately appearing at the landing point, landing, jumping, and head-swinging in one smooth motion.

Swish!
The ball bounced into the net!

"great!"

Felix turned and gave a thumbs up.

Receiving a pass from Wei Lai is a pleasure every time. You don't even need to consciously adjust your steps; Wei Lai can calculate the lead time perfectly.

Wei Lai also gave a thumbs up, indicating that Felix did a great job.

Soon, Robinson, Diego Ruma, Mussar, and Hendrick were all training in crossing.

Time passed slowly, and the crossing drills came to an end.

In the second lesson, we immediately switched to the pattern of breaking through on the flanks and crossing!
In the third quarter, the team penetrated through the middle and used a multi-directional passing and cutting style of play.

Fourth quarter: Set piece tactical drill.

In the fifth quarter, the center passed the ball back to the midfielder for a shot.

Section 6: Long-range shooting practice.

Each lesson was short, usually around ten minutes, and in a little over an hour, all the tactical training was completed.

Back at the hotel, Mr. Morton reiterated the importance of a holistic tactic in the conference room.

Since the goal is to secure a draw and strive for a win, the defensive investment will inevitably be greater.

"In the first half, we need to make more use of the flanks to break through. The full-backs should be ready to move forward at any time. The two defensive midfielders, Reyessa and Hendrick, should pay attention to each other's positions and distances, and make sure to disrupt the midfield position to help relieve the defensive pressure on the back line!"

"Musar is in charge of organizing the attack. You need to distribute the ball reasonably to both flanks to drive their attack! Hendrick should make appropriate forward runs and try some long-range shots!"

Mr. Morton emphasized, "Remember, both wingers must try to break through and push forward as much as possible, disrupting Brighton's defense in the first half, putting pressure on their backline, and wearing them down!"

"65 minutes!"

"First wave of substitutions," Morton announced loudly.

His eyes were on Wei Lai.

"Wei, you will come on in the 65th minute. If we are tied or behind, you need to use your passes to find Felix directly and use your good connection to further attack Brighton's defense."

"Felix must pay attention to how he distributes his energy. Don't use all your strength in the first half. Let our wingers attack them. You need to know how to conserve your energy. When Wei comes on, that's when you should unleash your power!"

Mr. Morton said sternly, "Seize the opportunity and score the winning goal!"

Felix nodded.

Wei Lai also indicated that he understood.

He will not start in this match.

The reason is simple: Wei Lai's contribution on the defensive end is more about disrupting and helping on defense; his individual defensive ability is not as good as Reyessa's or Hendrick's.

Moreover, in the first half, Atlético Amsterdam's tactical requirements were not offensive, but rather focused on defense and control.

On the offensive end, wingers are used to disrupt and wear down the opponent's defense.

At the 65-minute mark, Wei Lai came on, and that's when Atlético Amsterdam unleashed their full attacking power.

The tactical lesson has ended, which means the final stage of preparations is complete.

After the tactics lesson, Wei Lai went directly to Robinson.

"In the second half, when I come on, if we're still behind, besides passing to Felix, I'll also be looking for you more often!"

Wei Lai looked at Robinson.

The latter's eyes lit up: "No problem, what do you want me to do?"

Wei Lai's willingness to cooperate with him was something that Robinson was very happy about.

Wei Lai: "Don't stand on the wing; get between the opponent's right center-back and central full-back."

Robinson paused for a moment.

Is it stuck in that position?

Wei Lai nodded; "I want to create space on the right side. Once you get stuck in that position, their defense will have to tuck in."

"This way, whether it's Danny overlapping or my pass, we can utilize the space on the right flank."

"Same principle!"

Wei looked at Diego Ruma: "You do the same thing when you attack down the left flank!"

Diego Ruma and Robinson are both incredibly fast and explosive, and Wei Zi is confident. Their acceleration allows them to catch up with the pass, which creates opportunities for them to sweep the ball down the wing and cross it into the box.

The most crucial thing is to open up space on the flanks.

This is also a backup plan left over when Wei Lai and Felix's cooperation failed to materialize.

He can't possibly put everything into this one offensive decision.

Despite the coaching staff's advice to focus on penetrating the mid lane.

But to be honest, when it comes to playing a central penetration game against Premier League teams, Atlético Amsterdam might not be able to withstand it without a player like Lehmann who can create explosive attacks.

Back in his room, Wei Lai planned to go to sleep.

Musar looked at Wei Lai in surprise: "Aren't you going to study the match videos anymore?"

Wei Lai covered himself with the blanket.

"I've already looked at it, and continuing won't be very effective. Time to sleep! Time to recharge!"

Simulated space, Premier League stadium.

How to take over a game when you're not up to the task?

Coach Ferguson looked at Wei Lai, and the guy's naive ideas really made him laugh.

Incompetent, yet wanting to take over the game?
"What I mean is, how to fully utilize my strengths within 25 minutes. I'll come on in the 65th minute to initiate the team's attack, but honestly, we're likely to be tied or trailing. That's when I become even more important, and I want to make a contribution!"

Wei Lai's eyes gleamed with an inexplicable light.

Coach Ferguson saw something called 'ambition' in his eyes.

Along with improved performance and capabilities, they are also seeking more rights and responsibilities.

"Actually, it's not like there's no way out!" Coach Ferguson said slowly; "What are your strengths?"

"First, you come on at 65 minutes. By then, your teammates have been attacking for a long time, and the opponent's players will be exhausted."

"Secondly, regarding your long passes, sometimes a simpler approach is more effective in complex situations!"

"Thirdly, running!" Coach Ferguson smiled. "This is of utmost importance. Football is a sport that involves running. Running runs throughout the entire field, whether it's attacking or defending, or creating space in the details—all of these require running!"

“You come on in the 65th minute, so you have the advantage of stamina. Therefore, you can’t think like you do in a regular game. You need to find a way to unleash all your energy in the remaining 25 minutes!”

"Run! Run like crazy! Look around, and if you see space, run! Don't hold back your energy."

"Of course, it all depends on your coach's substitution strategy—how to use up the opponent's substitution slots while still failing to catch you, my little rabbit! Understand?"

Wei Lai thought for a moment and nodded: "I understand! I'm good at running!"

The following day, Brighton, Seagull Stadium.

This is a stadium that can hold 30,000 people. As a small town team, Brighton has experienced ups and downs. They started in the amateur league, went through 50 years to enter the top league, then suffered relegation, financial bankruptcy and many other problems, and were relegated to the fourth division again. Then they went all the way to the top league and even competed in European competitions.

It's fair to say that, even in the context of Europe as a whole, Brighton's performance, built on the economy of a small town, is truly legendary.

These experiences are deeply ingrained in Brighton's character; they don't know what giving up means.

Despite losing to Atlético Amsterdam in the second round of the group stage in the first round.

But in this match, playing at home, they are determined to exact revenge.

"Sky Sports, this is the fifth round of the 2027/2028 Europa League group stage, Brighton vs. Atletico Amsterdam!"

"After the first four rounds of matches, the young Dutch team has once again demonstrated amazing European competition strength, winning four consecutive matches and currently holding the top spot in the group standings."

"If they can win this match, they will advance as the group winners."

"For Powell's team, they must win at home; only then can they regain any chance of finishing first in the group!"

Starting lineups for both sides.

Brighton (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Feverelli.

Defenders: Demp, Landers, Van Kerk, Webber Rice.

Midfielders: Vinicius, Grosso, Bonaz, Kostevic, Mitsui.

Forward: Vickers.

Amsterdam Athletic (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Rutte.

Defenders: Dennis Zilben, Shutak, Kakabanja, Lent.

Midfielders: Robinson, Reyessa, Mussar, Hendrick, Diego Ruma.

Forward: Felix.

"Both sides have suffered some player injuries in this match. Brighton, playing at home, lost winger Adinelli to an ankle injury sustained in a fierce challenge in the last round against Taulhamletz and will miss this game!"

"For Atlético Amsterdam, their attacking linchpin, Konrad Lehmann, is also facing injury problems."

"As the league enters its mid-season, injuries are inevitable, and this is when the depth of the bench is put to the test!"

"Brighton have opted for young player Vinicius, and Atlético Amsterdam have made significant changes to their overall formation. They have a three-man midfield with Mussar, Reyessa, and Hendrick. This midfield formation is more defensive, and Wei, the Chinese midfielder who performed well previously, is not in the starting lineup."

The camera immediately shifted to Wei Lai on the bench.

Wei Lai sat in a corner of the bench, wearing a substitute vest, with his arms crossed, chewing gum, and his expression calm.

He was no longer someone insignificant, but a target worthy of attention.

"Wei Lai was not in the starting lineup. Head coach Morton chose the defensive midfield pairing of Reyes and Hendrick, which may be a defensive stance against Brighton's attack."

Duan Jiang nodded, agreeing that this tactical choice was reasonable.

Wei Lai's characteristics mean that he is not suitable for all competitions.

Before he becomes an all-rounder, he definitely needs to be a player with a killer move for specific situations.

Wei Lai today seems to be more offensively strong than defensively strong.

It's not that he has absolutely no defensive ability, but compared to Hendrick, he still lacks some one-on-one skills.

"Wei Lai will definitely play; it's just a matter of when Morton chooses to make the substitution!"

Liu Zhenghao said.

Atlético Amsterdam is not a defensive team; their defense is far less effective than their offense.

The tactical requirement for the first half may be defense, but there will definitely be moments for offense.

Brighton manager Powell touched his shiny bald head and turned to look at Atlético Amsterdam's defense.

His gaze was fixed on Wei Lai.

"We didn't choose to use the Chinese midfielder!" Powell pursed his lips slightly.

In this way, the midfield's marking of Wei Lai became ineffective.

In this match, he was preparing to find a breakthrough by targeting this Chinese midfielder, but unexpectedly, Morton placed him on the bench.

But he also knew that Wei Lai would definitely play.

"Get your spirits up!" Powell yelled across the court; "First half! Attack relentlessly!"

The Brighton players all had sharp eyes.

This match is a revenge match for them.

They need to defeat Atlético Amsterdam at home to reclaim first place in the group.

Gah!Gah!Gah!
Seagulls migrate inland along the sea level, circling above the Seagull Stadium.

As night fell, a sharp whistle pierced the sky.

Beep!
As the whistle blew, the entire stadium erupted in cheers.

The players from both sides were tangled up, scrambling and fighting for the ball, creating a chaotic yet rhythmic atmosphere.

Atletico Amsterdam kicked off first, and Brighton immediately adopted a high-pressing tactic, gradually pushing Atletico Amsterdam's players into their own half.

Kakabanja seized the opportunity and made a long pass to Robinson on the wing.

Robinson jumped, chested the ball down, and as it hit the ground, flicked it with the outside of his foot, passing it directly to Musar.

Immediately, he turned around and started the engine.

But Musar didn't pass him the ball, so he could only run back dejectedly.

"Don't push forward!"

Pessan yelled from the sidelines, "Hold your position! Don't forget your mission!"

The task of Amsterdam's two wingers is to break through and wear down the opponent's stamina.

Moving forward not only risks losing possession but also fails to wear down the opponent.

Musar steadily shifted possession back to the left flank, demonstrating a clear understanding of the tactical objectives and characteristics.

When the ball came to Diego Ruma's feet, he immediately started running.

"Press up!"

Seeing Diego Ruma start, Musar immediately called for Rent to move up and cover the flank.

At the same time, he rushed to the left side to provide support.

Diego Ruma made a series of changes of direction, breaking past Dempsey, but was then blocked by center-back Randers.

Facing a double-team, Diego Ruma lobbed the ball past Randers' outstretched foot, then flicked it back with his left foot, snatching the ball away and passing it back to Musar.

"Very good! Keep it up!"

After receiving the ball, Musar passed it towards the center again.

Felix held off the opposing center-back and immediately passed the ball back.

This time, Brighton launched a fierce attack, and Musar immediately turned and passed the ball back.

He simply wouldn't give the other person a chance to get close to him and directly exert physical pressure.

Wei Lai watched the game from the sidelines, observing Musar's every pass and trying to guess his intentions.

It is not difficult to see that Musar's strategy is mainly based on attrition.

Maintaining possession is the first key; only by ensuring possession can you wear down the opponent's stamina.

Furthermore, Brighton is a team that excels at counter-attacking.

Especially after their failed attempt to contest midfield possession with Atlético Amsterdam in the previous round, they are no longer planning to do so.

"I feel like we can hold our own!"

Wei Lai stared intently at the court.

Amsterdam continued to maintain possession, but Brighton also launched a fierce high press.

Anyone could see that Brighton wanted to create a score difference in the first half, and to that end, their high pressing was extremely fierce.

Finally, Kakabania was forced to resort to long balls.

This haste led to the loss of possession.

Robinson couldn't withstand Serbian Kostevic in the header contest!

"Hold on!"

Hendrick roared, spreading his arms wide; "Everyone turn around, they're about to attack!"

(End of this chapter)