King of the Zone

After the first leg of the UEFA Cup quarter-final match with Benfica, Dortmund's entire team was criticized by the German media and fans.

Although Benfica is also a well-known strong team in the world, Dortmund, as one of the five major leagues and the top team in the Bundesliga this season, should not concede so many goals even in away games.

Even Cheng Hai was overdrawn in this game. He played for more than 40 minutes in the second half and collapsed at the end of the game. He was helped off by his teammates, but he didn't receive much praise.

Cheng Hai's performance of averaging more than 1 goal per game in the early stage has attracted the attention of the media and fans. In this game, Cheng Hai only had one assist and did not hit the ball, so he was regarded as a poor performance by the media and fans.

"Dortmund lost 1-3 to Benfica in the away game, and Cheng Hai couldn't save the defeat until he collapsed! "

"The first round of the UEFA Cup quarter-finals, Dortmund's team did not perform well and lost 1-3 away to Benfica! "

"Cheng Hai was defended by his opponent without temper, Dortmund lost 1-3 at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon! "

"Cheng Hai's consecutive goals were blocked by Benfica, and the Hornets defeated Portugal! "

Dortmund lost 1-3 away to Benfica in the first round of the UEFA Cup quarter-finals, and the prospect of qualifying for the second round is unpredictable! "

Most of the media have played similar headlines to show that Dortmund did not perform well in this game. It is very difficult to predict whether Dortmund can make a comeback at home and advance to the quarterfinals in the second round.

Even if Dortmund has an ace like Cheng Hai, it is useless, because everyone does not know whether Cheng Hai will perform poorly in the second round and fail to score a goal like the first round.

If Cheng Hai still fails to score in the second round, it is entirely possible for Benfica to defeat Dortmund in two rounds and advance to the quarterfinals.

For Dortmund, their lead in the Bundesliga standings this season is very large, and the probability of winning the Bundesliga is getting higher and higher.

Although theoretically there is still a possibility for the second and third teams to overtake, in fact, everyone knows that as long as Dortmund does not kill itself, the probability of winning this season can basically be said to be sure.

Under such circumstances, both the media and fans, as well as the club, naturally hope that Dortmund can achieve something in the UEFA Cup in addition to the Bundesliga this season.

If you can win the Bundesliga and UEFA Cup double, it will definitely be called a brilliant season.

The same is true for coach Klopp himself.

Therefore, after returning to the station the next day, Klopp gave the players a day off, but he and the coaching staff did not have a day off. They were still reviewing and studying the first round of the game at the base, and considering how to improve the possibility of winning the second round and advancing to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.

After doing research while watching the replay of the game, everyone found out various reasons for the team's poor performance in the first round, analyzed them, and prepared to carry out targeted training after the start of training tomorrow.

In addition, Klopp had another idea about Cheng Hai himself replacing Cheng Hai in the 50th minute, and Cheng Hai persisted until the end of the game.

Although Cheng Hai completely collapsed on the ground and was supported by his teammates when he left the field, Cheng Hai insisted on finishing the 43-point game after all.

Under normal circumstances, the first half is only 1 minute of stoppage time, and the total game is 46 minutes, which is only 3 minutes longer than Cheng Hai's game against Benfica yesterday.

Looking at it this way, it is entirely possible for Cheng Hai to clenched his teeth and persevere.

If Cheng Hai is allowed to start at halftime, insist on playing for 46 minutes, let Cheng Hai fall asleep as quickly as he played in the Asian Cup at halftime and then recover, and play another 10 [-] minutes in the second half, then the probability of Dortmund winning is quite high.

Dortmund really needs Cheng Hai to play a huge role if they want to advance to the quarterfinals.

Therefore, Klopp asked the fitness coach to analyze whether it is possible for Cheng Hai to start the game in the first half like he did when the national team played in the Asian Cup.

The difficulty here is to ensure that Cheng Hai can last at least 46 minutes of the game without cramps.

Once Cheng Hai collapsed with thigh cramps before the first half was over, he would naturally be unable to play in the second half, even deep sleep during the intermission was useless.

The fitness coach analyzed Cheng Hai's performance in a game and said that according to Cheng Hai's current physical condition, the UEFA Cup, which has a much higher level of playing skills and tactics than the Asian Cup, is still facing a strong team like Benfica. It is not easy for Cheng Hai to last 43 minutes in a game.

Let him start the first half, it is difficult to guarantee that there will be no accidents or cramps.

The only way is to reserve physical fitness specifically for the second round of the next UEFA Cup game. Don't go to the away game against Hoffenheim in the middle, and concentrate on preparing for the second round with Benfica at the base.

In this way, the confidence is slightly greater, but it is not [-]% guaranteed.

In case Cheng Hai ran too much distance under the pressure of the opponent's players, he might cramp and collapse before the first half.

But getting this answer, Klopp is already very satisfied.

Because this not only involves this UEFA Cup match, but also involves Dortmund's strategy for using Cheng Hai in the future.

Once the attempt is successful, Cheng Hai's playing time in a game will be increased from more than 30 minutes to six to seven 10 minutes, which will be a qualitative leap for the team's offensive strength. Dortmund has a higher chance of completing the double crown this season.

In addition, in addition to making special reserves for Cheng Hai's physical fitness, some coaches also suggested that Klopp throw smoke bombs for the second round of the game.

When announcing the starting lineup to the media before the game, don't list Cheng Hai, making Benfica think that Cheng Hai is still coming off the bench in the second half.

Then, when the game was about to start, he was replaced by the excuse that the starting forward had an accident, and he changed to sea to start the game.

This can catch Benfica by surprise, cause major deviations in Benfica's countermeasures, and give Dortmund more chances to win.

Although this method is a bit insidious, but in professional football, for the sake of the championship and to win, it is very normal to use all kinds of means.

Klopp is not that pedantic either.

Therefore, he finally accepted the suggestion of his subordinates.

In the next few days, Cheng Hai canceled all other technical and tactical training, specifically for the second round of the UEFA Cup quarter-final against Benfica for physical reserves.

During the 3th round of the Bundesliga on March 12, when Borussia Dortmund challenged Hoffenheim away in the Bundesliga match, Cheng Hai did not even make the squad. Instead, he continued to stay at the training base and continued to prepare for the UEFA Cup with the help of a fitness coach.

Without Cheng Hai, other players were absent-minded and focused on the UEFA Cup, Dortmund lost the away game against Hoffenheim with a score of 0-1.

But for Dortmund, whose points lead is still as high as more than ten points, this league away loss is actually irrelevant.

Now, everyone can focus on preparing for the match against Benfica.