Ralph kept explaining the tactics for the second half. The central idea was actually to attack, and to speed up the tempo of the attack. On the one hand, it was because they were behind and had to attack, and on the other hand, it was also to consume the opponent's physical energy.
Inter Milan's defensive backbones such as Zanetti, Cambiasso and Lucio are all very old, and there are not even substitutes.
As long as Hoffenheim's players are willing to fight hard and wear down their opponents, Hoffenheim may have a chance of turning defeat into victory.
In order to increase the offensive intensity and defensive coverage, Ralph replaced Gustavo with Sukulini, who was in better physical condition, during the half-time break.
Gustavo was not substituted because of his mistake in the second goal conceded in the first half, but because Sukulini is more physically fit, can run better and cover a wider range than Gustavo.
Gustavo also understood the coach's decision and had no complaints.
Perhaps Suculini is not as experienced as Gustavo, but in terms of physical fitness and offensive support to the frontcourt, Suculini is obviously stronger than Gustavo.
If Hoffenheim had not fallen behind by two goals, Ralph would definitely not have replaced Gustavo. The team still needed Gustavo's experience to protect the back line.
But now Hoffenheim is behind, so they have to invest more troops in attacking. But the defensive midfielder can't just attack, he also has to return to defense in time.
At this time, we need Sukulini, who has better physical fitness, a wider coverage area, can cover the entire midfield and is said to be invincible.
After Ralph finished his tactical arrangements, the captain Salihovic stepped forward and said: "Guys, listen to the singing outside, our fans haven't given up on us. So, we shouldn't give up. If we win, we can have honor, bonuses, and a brighter future. And they came from far away to watch the game, if they lose, it doesn't matter, if they win, they can only be happy, but in fact they get nothing. So, forget the Bundesliga championship, forget the Hoffenheim miracle, forget the treble. Tonight, we are country bumpkins, we have nothing, let's give it our all and have a bloody battle!"
Lu Wenbin was deeply touched.
Just as the captain said, he won honors, bonuses, more endorsements, a greater future, and he might even win this year's Ballon d'Or and become a world-class superstar admired by fans all over the world, but what do the fans have
Maybe it's just an extra topic to brag to neighbors, but it doesn't really have anything substantial.
They haven't given up, so why should I give up
What about his football dream? What about the promise he made in his heart to win a Champions League title for Hoffenheim? Was he going to give up just like that
This shouldn't be.
What's more, he has the football champion system to back him up, many of his skills are maxed out, and his performance is much more stable than that of ordinary players.
As long as he is willing to fight and fight, with his strength, he will definitely be able to score goals even if facing Mourinho's Inter Milan.
Of course, it won’t be enough for him to fight and fight alone. Football is always a team sport, and he needs the full support of his teammates.
He decided to boost the team's morale based on the captain's speech. Because he had the system skills of a junior leader's aura, his speech was more effective than that of the captain or coach.
So, Lu Wenbin also stood up and clapped his hands to attract the attention of his teammates, and then said: "Guys, listen to me!"
Everyone suddenly fell silent and looked at Lu Wenbin.
Lu Wenbin's identity as the team's second captain, his achievements so far, and his leadership aura all make him very prestigious in the team. Even though he is only 20 years old, everyone is willing to listen to him.
Lu Wenbin said, "When you were in the Bundesliga, did you think at the beginning of the season that you could win both the Bundesliga and the German Cup?"
Veteran players such as Ozcan, Eduardo, and Ibisevic shook their heads and replied, “No!”
Lu Wenbin asked again: "In your first season after being promoted to the Bundesliga, did you think you could win the Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Cup and complete the Hoffenheim miracle of winning the mini-treble?"
Last season was a brilliant season, and everyone immediately became excited and answered loudly: "No!"
Lu Wenbin asked again: "At the beginning of this season, did you think that you would reach the final in your first Champions League and have the opportunity to challenge for the true treble?"
The teammates shouted even louder: "No!"
Lu Wenbin nodded and said, "Yes! When we were in the German Second Division, no one thought we would win the double championship at the beginning of the season, but we did it in the end. In the first season of the Bundesliga, no one thought we would win the treble at the beginning of the season, but we did it in the end. This is our first time playing in the Champions League, and I'm afraid many people would not have thought we would make it to the final, but we did it and have the opportunity to complete the treble."
"Now, we are two goals behind at halftime. Do you think this will be more difficult than the 2005 Champions League final when Liverpool were three goals behind AC Milan at halftime?"
Everyone knows what happened in the 2005 Champions League final, when his teammates excitedly shouted, “No!”
Lu Wenbin nodded and said, "That's right! Liverpool was able to catch up after falling behind by three goals and eventually beat AC Milan to win the championship. Today, our opponent is also from Milan and is ahead of us. Do you have the confidence to beat the opponent in the second half and win the championship?"
Under the influence of Lu Wenbin's constant questioning and his leadership aura, the morale of his teammates continued to soar, and finally they shouted together: "Yes!"
Then, Lu Wenbin asked everyone to form a circle, put their hands together, and shouted together: "One, two, three, come on!"
Lu Wenbin’s final speech inspired his teammates to the highest point. At this time, the staff came and called everyone to enter.
So, the Hoffenheim team left the locker room and the player tunnel with firm belief and high morale, and stepped onto the battlefield of the second half of the Champions League final.
After the start of the second half, in accordance with the tactical instructions of coach Ralph, the Hoffenheim team increased the rhythm of running and passing.
Although this sometimes resulted in mistakes, everyone fought hard to get the ball back.
In particular, Lu Wenbin and Sukulini, who were both at full strength, one in the midfield and backcourt and the other in the midfield and frontcourt, ran and supported Hoffenheim at all costs, so that Hoffenheim's defense did not have too many loopholes, and the intensity of the offense increased a lot compared to the first half.
One reason is that everyone increased their running, and the other is that the team's morale has boosted under the influence of Lu Wenbin's leadership aura.
Compared with the first half, Hoffenheim's threatening attacks began to increase.