Manchester United Luke Shaw (left) and Man City Kanselu are fighting head-to-head. [AFP=연합뉴스]
– “Manchester City (Man City) is England’s best team.” Manchester United (Man United) coach Ole Gunnar Solshar, who lost to Manchester City, said immediately after the match. Man City beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-final of the 2020-21 season, held as an away game on the 7th (Korea time). It is unusual for Jin praised the opponent in the so-called’Manchester Derby’.
Carabao Cup semifinal amid coronavirus outbreak
Win with anomalous tactics except for the main players
Tottenham-Man City Finals April 26
– This time it was worth it. In Man City, nearly half of the players in the lineup before the start were infected with Corona 19. On the 24th of last month, goalkeeper Ederson, defender Kyle Walker, midfielder Tommy Doyle, Fernandinho, and striker Gabriel Jejus were infected. Due to such a large number of confirmed cases, the Premier League Man City-Everton match scheduled to be held on the 29th of last month was canceled.
Goalkeeper Scott Carson, who was scheduled to start a few hours ahead of the game, was confirmed as Corona 19 due to a convulsion. Goalkeeper Sergio Aguero was struggling with an injury. The only consolation was that Fernandinho finished self-isolation. “Man City coach Guardiola doesn’t have many players,” said Skysports of England. In Man City, the only goalkeeper is Jack Stefan.”
Guardiola showed wit. He came up with a tactic of “fake 9” (a tactic in which the midfielder instantly penetrates the attack without a striker) with flanking striker Riyadh Marez and midfielder Kevin De Brawiner in the forefront. Guardiola emphasized his mental power, saying to the players, “If you concentrate, you can accomplish the impossible.”
Anomalous tactics were successful. With a large number of midfielders being introduced, Man City led the game with a 60% market share. Luck followed. In the 38th minute of the second half, anxious 1-0. Even though he suddenly scored the goal, goalkeeper Stefan played a clear goal. After the game, Guardiola turned the ball to the players, saying, “If they have the will, they can do great things.”
Man City will challenge the 4th consecutive victory (8 times in total) in the final (Wembley Stadium) on April 26. The opponent is the tricky Tottenham that’Man City Killer’ Son Heung-min endured. Son Heung-min recently scored five goals (6 goals in total) in five matches against Man City. Jamie Body (9 goals, Leicester City) is the only one who has more goals than Son Heung-min against Guardiola’s Man City. If Tottenham wins, it will be his fifth victory in 13 years since 2007-08.
Guardiola and Tottenham coach Jose Mourinho’s battle is also a point of watching. The two previously played a hot’El Clasico’ (Rival Battle between Barcelona and Real)’ in Barcelona (Guardiola) and Real Madrid (Mourinho) on the Spanish stage (2010-12). In the opponent’s record, coach Guardiola leads with 11 wins, 6 draws and 7 losses.
Reporter Pee Ju-young [email protected]
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