Half an hour ago.
While the players were still doing their final warm-ups on the field, Zhao Zhao was using the simulator system to conduct a final simulation of the upcoming match.
This was also the best method he had discovered for using the simulator, having developed a complete process.
That is, after confirming the opponent, first simulate according to a predetermined plan; if it wins, then train and strengthen in that manner for the next period.
If it loses, then of course, adjustments are made based on the key points of the loss, and then it's tried again until it can win, and then training resumes.
Finally, a simulation is conducted again before the match to avoid any unexpected situations, allowing for last-minute adjustments.
After defeating Manchester City, Zhao Zhao's simulation points once again reached 7, and after two simulations, he could already defeat Leicester City 3:1.
Therefore, he arranged his tactics and subsequent training according to the 4-2-3-1 strong attack formation from the simulation.
However, this final simulation truly had an unexpected outcome!
You fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Leicester City responded with a 4-4-2.
After the match began, Sunderland quickly launched an offensive, attempting to break through Leicester City's defense through ball control and passing. However, Leicester City's defense was very well-organized, their backline remained compact, not giving Sunderland much space.
In the 30th minute, Sunderland had an excellent opportunity; Defoe received a cross from his teammate in the penalty area, but his shot, facing goalkeeper Schmeichel, went just wide of the post.
In the 45th minute, Defoe, once again in a one-on-one situation against the goalkeeper, hit the ball directly at Schmeichel, missing a good chance to break the deadlock.
Although Leicester City did not dominate in terms of possession, their counterattacks were extremely threatening.
In the 70th minute, Leicester City, after winning the ball in their own half, quickly launched a counterattack. Vardy, receiving a pass from Mahrez, used his speed advantage to shake off Sunderland's defenders, and facing Pickford one-on-one, calmly pushed the ball into the net, giving Leicester City a 1:0 lead.
Trailing, Sunderland tried to intensify their attack, hoping to equalize the score. But Leicester City's defense remained solid, and their goalkeeper Schmeichel also made several brilliant saves, protecting their goal.
Sunderland ultimately lost 0:1 to Leicester City at home.
Match simulation ended, current simulation points: 4.
"Damn it, is Defoe in such poor form today?" Zhao Zhao scratched his head.
In the training sessions over the past few days, everyone's morale was high and their form was excellent, and Defoe, as the team's star player, was no exception.
It could be said that the starting lineup chosen today was composed of the players Zhao Zhao selected who had the best current ability and form.
Even in the earliest simulations, it was Defoe's brace that helped the team defeat Leicester City.
But what was going on now?
"Let's try another one and see." Zhao Zhao thought for a moment and adjusted the team's tactics to be slightly more balanced between attack and defense.
Specifically, the defense against Vardy was made tighter, and at the same time, the players were instructed to try their best to cut off the connection between Mahrez and Vardy.
No other changes were made.
After all, from the performance on the field, his team had an absolute advantage and created very good scoring opportunities, which was already the best a Coach could achieve.
Whether a striker can score when facing an opportunity is not something a Coach can control.
Then, activate the simulator!
...
In the 15th minute, Sunderland's forward Defoe received a precise cross from a teammate in the penalty area, but his shot, facing the goalkeeper, went just wide of the post.
In the 35th minute, Sunderland launched another attack, Defoe received a through ball from a teammate at the edge of the penalty area, creating a one-on-one situation. However, his shot was brilliantly saved by Schmeichel, once again missing a scoring opportunity.
In the 60th minute, Defoe once again had a shooting opportunity; this time, he received a horizontal pass from a teammate in the penalty area, but his shot went over the crossbar, missing another scoring chance.
...Leicester City's counterattacks were also repeatedly thwarted by Sunderland, and ultimately both sides failed to score, settling for a 0:0 draw.
Match simulation ended, current simulation points: 3.
Zhao Zhao frowned.
This time, although his tactics worked, preventing Leicester City's offense from succeeding, the final result was better than the first time.
But Defoe wasted even more chances!
A hat-trick of missed opportunities? This was not the Defoe with exquisite shooting skills that Zhao Zhao knew.
Could it be that he invited Sterling in today's spirit-invoking activity!?
"In that case, I can only substitute him."
Zhao Zhao quickly made a decision, replacing Defoe with Anichebe to start as the center forward.
At the same time, he made some minor adjustments to Sunderland's tactics.
After all, Anichebe and Defoe have very different characteristics.
Anichebe, this Nigerian forward, has excellent physical qualities, and besides being good at headers, his speed and technique are also very good.
It's just that he sometimes relies too much on individual ability, possibly indulging in solo play, which can affect the team's overall offensive efficiency.
This is why Zhao Zhao can only use him as a surprise weapon, not a regular starter.
Such a player, once in good form, might be unstoppable, but once surrounded and without seeking help from teammates, he's no different from a mere wooden post on the field.
Since Defoe was in worse form now, Zhao Zhao could only try Anichebe, and then he increased the team's tendency for crosses from the wings.
Fortunately, ever since Anichebe's substitute goal against Manchester City in the last round, the young man's confidence and form seemed to have been overflowing, so it was indeed worth a try.
The match began, and Sunderland attempted to control the tempo through possession. Leicester City adopted a defensive counter-attacking strategy, using quick transitions between offense and defense to create threats.
Due to the last-minute adjustments, the Sunderland players did not quickly get into their rhythm, and the contest between the two sides became a stalemate, with a goalless first half.
After the second half began, Leicester City surprisingly took the lead. In the 60th minute, they scored through a quick counterattack, with Vardy heading in a cross from Mahrez in the penalty area, changing the score to 0:1.
You made significant substitutions and adjusted the formation to 4-2-3-1.
Sunderland quickly equalized. This time it was Anichebe's individual brilliance; he dribbled past Leicester City's midfield defense. Facing the last defender, he cleverly nudged the ball forward, using his speed and physical advantage to shake off the defense, and facing the goalkeeper one-on-one, calmly shot and scored, 1:1.
In the 89th minute, Anichebe, after receiving a high ball from a teammate in the penalty area, did not choose to head the ball directly at goal, but instead passed it to the better-positioned teammate Larsson, who easily pushed it into the net, giving Sunderland a 2:1 lead.
The match ended, Sunderland defeated Leicester City at home!
Match simulation ended, current simulation points: 2.
"OK, that's the only way then."
Zhao Zhao's brows relaxed, and then he called over his assistant Coach Breswell:
"Go tell the referee team that we need to temporarily change our starting lineup."