At the pre-match press conference, Di Matteo looked a little tired.
The 120-minute fierce battle three days ago obviously consumed a lot of energy from him, and he had to make plans for the game against Manchester United overnight. Chelsea is really not the head coach.
Di Matteo: "We know how powerful Manchester United is, but this Manchester United is not invincible. We drew with them five days ago with the same lineup.
Although we are playing against their substitutes, this is part of the game in itself. This time they will use all their main players, and we will make corresponding adjustments.
I must say, Zhang Kuang is one of the most dangerous players on the planet. We can't give him any space, we can't let him turn around, we can't let him face the goal. The task of Ramires and Mikel is to cut off the passing line to him from the midfield. If we do that, we have a chance.
This is the lucky place for Football Association Cup and Chelsea. We must press with high intensity from the first minute and not let Zhang Kuang get any chance to calmly handle the ball in front of the penalty area. Reversal? We are ready."
A reporter asked, "You said before that Ibrahimović's absence affected AC Milan's combat effectiveness against Manchester United. So what difficulties does Chelsea have now?"
Di Matteo was silent for a moment. "Our difficulty is the schedule. We just played a 120-minute final three days ago, but this is no excuse. Professional players should be able to handle this intensity."
Ferguson walked into the release venue chewing gum, looking very relaxed.
"Yes, this is exactly the rematch we wanted because I was a little dissatisfied with the last game. Five days ago we brought in young players and substitutes and they played very well and almost won the game away from home.
Now our main players have rested and are in good condition. Zhang Kuang, Rooney and Hernández all showed excellent condition in the midweek UEFA Champions League and weekend league games.
Chelsea's defense has weaknesses, especially in the absence of Terry. David·Luiz is very talented, but there are still problems with his positioning sense and discipline.
Gary·Cahill is a good central defender, but it will be difficult for him to face the impact of Zhang Kuang and Rooney alone.
I ask the whole team to press high from the start and be fast, direct and deadly on the offensive end. Zhang Kuang will get his chance and I believe he will seize it.
We came to Stamford Bridge just to win, and then we went to Wembley to win the championship, it's that simple."
--
18:45, Stamford Bridge outside the stadium.
London It was raining lightly in the evening, and the temperature was only 7 degrees. It was already March, so the temperature was really a bit low.
Fans poured into the stadium wearing raincoats. The blue of Blues fans and the red of Manchester United fans were intertwined in the rain. All the lights of Stamford Bridge were on, illuminating the entire stadium as if it were daytime.
An old Chelsea fan said in an interview with a reporter on the sidelines, "We will win today. Here is Stamford Bridge. We are never afraid of Manchester United. Zhang Kuang? We have Čech, and Čech can save everything!"
A Manchester United fan next to him immediately retorted, "Čech? How many goals did Zhang Kuang score against Čech? Eight? Nine? Ten? Count yourselves!"
The two glared at each other, and then each walked to their own stands.
At 19:00, bus Manchester United arrived at Stamford Bridge.
When the bus stopped at the players' entrance, fans on both sides began to commotion.
Security personnel formed a human wall to separate the fans. Zhang Kuang was the first to get out of the car. He was wearing a black training suit and headphones, with an expressionless face.
Manchester United fans burst into cheers, while Chelsea fans let out loud boos.
Zhang Kuang waved to the Manchester United fans' stand, and then quickly walked into the players' tunnel.
Followed closely was Rooney. He was obviously limping when he got out of the car, and the ankle injury still affected him. But Rooney gritted his teeth and did not show any expression of pain.
19:15, Chelsea bus arrives.
Drogba was the first to get off the bus. He was wearing a white coat and looked serious.
Lampard followed, and then they walked quickly into the tunnel.
19:30, Manchester United locker room.
Ferguson stood in front of the tactical board, holding a Mark pen in his hand. He drew a few arrows on the tactical board, and then turned around.
"Gentlemen, there are 41,000 Chelsea fans outside. They will boo you, scold you, and try every means to interfere with you. But I don't care, you have to resist. This is our third meeting in the rematch, and we must defeat our opponent today."
He paused.
"Chelsea played 120 minutes in the final three days ago. We played 30 minutes less than them. Their physical fitness is their weakness.
Our tactics are very simple: press high, attack quickly, and crush them from the first minute. Zhang Kuang, you have to keep attacking Bosingwa on the left, he can't guard you, I know it, and you know it too."
Zhang Kuang nodded and made an OK gesture.
"Rooney, if your ankle really can't hold on, don't force it. It's just about winning or losing a game, don't ruin your entire sports career."
Rooney moved his ankle. "It's okay, boss, I can really kick."
Ferguson looked at him for a second. "Okay, you can cut inside more on the right. Ashley Cole is not young anymore, and he also has physical problems."
Hernández, you stay in the penalty area and wait for the opportunity. Valencia and Giggs, you have to ensure that the ball can be passed smoothly to the feet of the three frontcourt players."
He looked around. "Remember: we are Manchester United, we are the defending champions, our goal this season is five crowns, so Football Association Cup must win.
Stamford Bridge is not unbreakable, our young people proved it five days ago. Today we are here, and we are here to win."
At 19:30 pm on the 20th, Martin and Neville were already in place in Sky Sports's studio.
The real-time footage of fans gathering outside Stamford Bridge was played on the big screen.
Martin: "Viewers, welcome to watch the live broadcast of England Football Association Cup 1/4 finals rematch. I am Martin, and my partner today is Gary·Neville
The importance of this game is self-evident. The winner will advance to the semi-finals, only two steps away from the finals of Wembley. Manchester United is bound to advance because they want six championships in the season. And Chelsea is also very eager for the championship because they need a championship to prove this season. League Cup's championship is a bit light."
Neville: "Yes, and the story line of this game is too rich. Five days ago Manchester United used the substitute lineup to draw Chelsea here, and now they have sent in the full main force. And Chelsea just played a 120-minute League Cup final three days ago. Physical fitness is a big problem."
Martin: "Speaking of this, Gary, have you ever experienced this kind of devilish schedule when you were playing football? The final was 120 minutes three days ago, and Football Association Cup replayed two days later. Isn't this too cruel?"
Neville: "Cruel? This is England football, Manchester United was playing Premier League two days ago. We also experienced a similar situation back then, but that's why England football is charming, you have to prove yourself under the most difficult conditions.
Chelsea The problem now is that their core players such as Lampard and Drogba are already in their 30s, and this kind of physical exertion has a greater impact on them."
Martin: "Okay, let's take a look at the starting lineups of both sides. The first is the home team Chelsea..."
The formation diagram of Chelsea was printed on the screen.
Martin: "Chelsea formed a 4-2-3-1 formation today. Goalkeeper Čech, defense Bosingwa, Gary·Cahill, David·Luiz, Ashley·Cole.
The double defensive midfielders Mikel and Lampard, Lampard wore the captain's armband today. The forward lines Ramires, Mata, Malouda, and the forward Drogba.
It is worth noting that Torres was on the bench, and Di Matteo chose Drogba, who had stronger physical resistance, to attack Manchester United's defense."
Neville: "This arrangement is understandable. Drogba's confrontation ability is the only point where Chelsea's frontcourt can compete with Manchester United's central defender.
But the question is, Drogba is already 34 years old and just played 120 minutes three days ago. How long can his physical fitness last?"
Martin: "Look at the first release of Manchester United..."
The 4-3-3 formation of Manchester United was played on the screen.
Martin: "Manchester United is all playing today! Goalkeeper De Gea, defense Phil·Jones, Ferdinand, Vidić, Evra.
Midfielder Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Trident Zhang Kuang, Hernández, Rooney. On the bench are Berbatov, Anderson, Pogba and others. Gary, what do you think of the Manchester United lineup?"
Neville: "This is Manchester United's strongest lineup so far this season. Of course, individual players may have disputes, but it's pretty much the same.
The central defender combination of Ferdinand and Vidić is rich in experience. Carrick's organization and scheduling in the midfield is very important. The front trident, especially Zhang Kuang, will be the biggest headache for Chelsea's defense.
What I particularly want to talk about is the matchup between Zhang Kuang and Bosingwa. Bosingwa is a full-back with strong offensive ability, but he has always had problems with defense.
Zhang Kuang's speed, strength, and technology are all dominant, and this matchup will be Chelsea's Achilles' heel."
Martin: "How many do you think Zhang Kuang can score today?"
Neville: "Haha, he averages 2.59 goals per game, at least two, I don't dare to guess the upper limit. It all depends on whether Chelsea can stop him today.
But what I want to say is that if Chelsea doesn't send two people to guard Zhang Kuang, he will blow up Bosingwa's side. I'm not exaggerating, this is a fact."
At the same time, in CCTV's studio, He Wei and Zhang Lu are also ready.
He Wei: "Good evening, audience friends. Welcome to watch the live broadcast of the 2011-12 season England Football Association Cup 1/4 finals rematch, Chelsea vs. Manchester United at home.
My name is He Wei. The person commentating the game with me today is the familiar Zhang Lu Director."
Zhang Lu:"Hey, hello everyone."
He Wei: "Director Zhang, what do you think of this game? Five days ago, the two teams just played 2:2 here. In that game, Manchester United had three main players: Zhang Kuang, Rooney and Hernández. Today is different."
Zhang Lu: "Hehe, yes. Manchester United's young players played very well in that game and almost beat Chelsea in the away game.
But today's game is completely different. Manchester United's full lineup, especially the return of Zhang Kuang and Rooney, will put huge pressure on Chelsea's defense.
The problem on Chelsea's side is mainly physical fitness. They just played the League Cup final for 120 minutes three days ago. Although they won the championship, they were exhausted.
Veterans like Lampard and Drogba only have two days to recover, which will have a great impact on their condition. Of course, Manchester United also played two days ago, but played 30 minutes less, so he has a certain physical advantage."
He Wei: "The suspension of Terry is also a big loss. Do you think the central defender combination of David·Luiz and Gary·Cahill can guard against Zhang Kuang?"
Zhang Lu: "Hey, to be honest, it's difficult. Zhang Kuang is in great shape now. He scored a hat trick against AC Milan in the middle of the week, then scored twice against Tottenham Hotspur, and scored another hat trick against Fulham at the weekend. He scored 8 goals in a week. How hot is this state? Needless to say, right?
Cahill is a good central defender, but his turning speed is relatively slow. It will be difficult to face a forward like Zhang Kuang who relies on changes in rhythm to break through.
Although Luiz is fast, its positional sense is not good enough and it is easy to be confused by Zhang Kuang's movement. So I think it will be difficult for Chelsea to keep Manchester United clean today."
He Wei: "Then we are looking forward to the performance of Manchester United and Zhang Kuang in the next game. Let's take a look at the situation first..."
19:50, in the players tunnel.
The referee Howard·Webb stood at the front. He looked at his watch and then waved to the captains of the two teams.
"Are you ready?"
Vidić and Lampard nodded at the same time.
At 20:00, players enter the venue.
The live broadcast sounded, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Stamford Bridge stadium! Now entering the stadium--Chelsea!"
Blue smoke filled the stands, and the Chelsea team song "Blue is the Color" resounded throughout the stadium. The players walked out of the tunnel to the song, and the lights of Stamford Bridge stretched their silhouettes.
Then: "The one entering now is--Team Manchester United!"
Manchester United fans' singing was equally loud.
When Zhang Kuang walked out of the tunnel, he habitually looked up at the side where the Manchester United fans were, where dozens of red flags were waving.
Martin: "The game is about to start. Players from both sides have already taken their positions on the field. Chelsea is wearing a blue jersey and Manchester United is wearing a red jersey. The referee Howard·Webb is checking his watch."
Neville: "Webb is one of the best referees of England. His law enforcement standards are relatively loose, which is beneficial to intense physical competitions.
There will definitely be a lot of physical contact in today's game, and Webb's penalty will directly affect the direction of the game."
Martin: "Look at Zhang Kuang. He jumped twice near the center circle and seemed to be in good spirits. Today he is wearing the red Mercurial sneakers. It is said that this is the color scheme in which he has scored the most goals this season. I heard they are China brand shoes."
Neville: "Haha, you even know this?"
Martin: "The brand gave me money... No, I did my homework. Zhang Kuang scored 58 goals in red sneakers this season!!!"
Neville: "Haha, do you have any money from the TV station for accepting this kind of advertising?"
Martin: "This, I'll say it privately later, without letting the station manager hear it."
Neville: "Ah? But we are broadcasting the program live, do you think the station director won't hear it?"
"..."
At 20:02, Webb blew the whistle to start the game.
"Beep--!"
Drogba passes the ball to Mata, and Mata passes it back to Lampard.
The game officially begins.
In the 2nd minute, Chelsea's first attack.
Mata got the ball in the midfield. He looked at Drogba in front of him, and then sent a ball straight into the penalty area!
Drogba held Ferdinand with his back, but Vidić quickly defended from the side and destroyed the ball out of the sideline.
Martin: "Chelsea started the game very aggressively! Drogba is as tough as ever in taking the ball with his back, but Manchester United's defense is experienced, and Ferdinand and Vidić work well together."
Neville: "Drogba is 34 years old this year, but his physical condition is still very good. However, facing old partners like Vidić and Ferdinand, he can't get much advantage by himself."
In the 4th minute, Carrick stole the ball on the left. He looked up and saw that Zhang Kuang had already started and transferred the long pass! The ball flew over a distance of forty yards and landed accurately in front of Zhang Kuang.
Zhang Kuang faced the ball. Facing Bosingwa, he pushed the ball outwards and then suddenly accelerated! Bosingwa was passed cleanly before he could turn around. Zhang Kuang jumped near the baseline and made a pass!
There is no way, Chelsea has learned AC Milan's defensive routine, that is, after Zhang Kuang holds the ball outside the penalty area, he must form a tight shooting route blocking wall in front of him, consisting of at least four people.
So the ones standing in front of Zhang Kuang are: Cahill, Luiz, Lampard, Mikel!
Not to mention, it worked quite well, forcing Zhang Kuang to pass the ball instead of shooting!
The ball flew from high altitude to the penalty area, Hernández rushed forward, and the ball was slightly higher than the crossbar!
Martin: "Ouch! Manchester United's quick counterattack! Carrick's long pass is too accurate, Zhang Kuang's speed is too fast, Bosingwa can't keep up at all! Hernández is just a little bit worse!"
Neville: "Zhang Kuang's first touch with the ball passed Bosingwa. His explosive power was really terrifying. Bosingwa had already judged Zhang Kuang's movement in advance, but was not fast enough and could not catch up.
However, Chelsea seems to have found a way to deal with Zhang Kuang. You can see their acting coach pumping his fists excitedly. They blocked Zhang Kuang's shot and blocked all Zhang Kuang's shooting routes."
Martin: "Oh, it's true. Then it will be interesting to see what happens next. Is Di Matteo's route-blocking defense effective, or is Zhang Kuang's breakthrough and dribbling effective? Gary, what do you think?"
Neville: "Actually, this is not difficult for Zhang Kuang, because many teams have used it, and the one that uses it better is AC Milan, but you know the result, but the method used by Chelsea today is more rigorous."
Martin:"Then let's wait and see!"
In fact, not only Neville saw this problem, Ferguson saw through the trick immediately, and then he shouted to Zhang Kuang, "Zhang, pay attention to their defense."
Zhang Kuang nodded. He was not a fool. He could see it at a glance. This method was not difficult for him. As long as he was fast enough to prevent their defense from forming, everything would be in vain.
Of course, even if they team up, he can also provide assists. If you can guard against him, Zhang Kuang, Rooney, Hernández, and even Giggs are all good scorers.