Chapter 414: The Decisive Moment
Bruno disrupted Coutinho's fancy dribbling, knocking the ball out of bounds.
Milner threw the ball to Coutinho, who, feeling the pressure from behind, did not control the ball but instead passed it back to Milner in the air and then turned to run towards the center.
Bruno didn't follow Coutinho but instead stayed close to Milner, while another Manchester United player was guarding the other side. If Milner wanted to break through, he'd have to face a double team, so he chose to pass the ball back, kicking it straight to Lovren, the center-back in the backfield.
Liverpool's quick attack failed to materialize, with Bruno playing a key role in the defense.
Nowadays, Bruno devoted more energy to attacking, drawing most of the attention, making it seem like his defense was lacking. However, he still performed his defensive duties, though the heavy lifting was done by Kanté. Bruno's defense might not always be flashy, but it was crucial in the eyes of those who truly understood the game.
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Successfully stopping Liverpool's attack didn't make Bruno feel happy or proud. What mattered now was the offense and how to quickly score a goal.
During halftime, Mourinho instructed the team to utilize the wings more, especially the side with Milner. Bruno had observed that while Liverpool's wings had potential openings, their central defense was tight and quick to recover. Even if they exploited the wings, the center was still being cleared by Liverpool's defenders.
However, it wasn't impossible. With both teams on the offensive, there were bound to be gaps in the defense. Bruno believed the best time to strike was when Liverpool had just pushed forward and committed more players, only to suddenly lose possession, allowing Manchester United to launch a quick counterattack.
The first step of this plan was to intercept the ball. For this to work, simply forcing Liverpool to pass back or kicking the ball out wouldn't suffice. They had to seize the ball and quickly attack, giving Liverpool no time to react.
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But who should be the target? Bruno scanned the field and set his sights on Jordan Henderson.
Though Coutinho was the star, Henderson was the brain of the team, controlling the rhythm and possessing the ball often. Unlike Coutinho, Lallana, or Mané, who handled the ball quickly and drove it forward, Henderson would control the ball, survey the field, and then pass, providing an opportunity to intercept.
Bruno had seen Henderson's matches where he often focused on the field, ignoring nearby dangers. When opponents closed in, Henderson would control the ball, keeping them at bay and pass it back if he couldn't find a target.
Bruno saw this as an opportunity. He could intercept the ball and quickly launch a counterattack without needing to survey the field, as he already had a mental map of the entire pitch.
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With the target and plan set, Bruno took a moment to speak with Kanté, asking for his help. Kanté would apply pressure on Henderson, allowing Bruno to seize the opportunity to intercept the ball.
If they didn't succeed the first time, they'd try again until they did.
Once they intercepted the ball, Bruno could break through Liverpool's previously solid defense.
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Henderson, unaware he was being targeted, continued his role, asking for the ball during attacks. His teammates trusted him, passing the ball for him to organize the offense.
Initially, Manchester United's defense on Henderson was routine. They pressured him when he had the ball and ignored him otherwise, focusing more on Liverpool's attackers.
When Kanté pressured Henderson, he didn't find it unusual. He shielded the ball and passed it quickly, leaving no chance for Bruno to intercept.
In an unnoticed part of the field, Bruno and Kanté communicated with glances and gestures.
Bruno: Quicker and more aggressive pressure! Kanté: Not the right moment, next time.
Liverpool players hadn't realized Manchester United was brewing a storm.
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Kanté and Bruno patiently waited for their opportunity while Liverpool sought a goal.
Coutinho noticed that Bruno was now marking him instead of Kanté, which surprised him but didn't deter him. He knew Bruno well from their previous encounters and was aware of Bruno's strong one-on-one defensive skills.
Bruno's presence made Coutinho handle the ball faster, reducing his threat. The switch allowed Kanté to focus on Henderson, preventing easy passes to Coutinho.
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Klopp saw the score still tied at nearly 70 minutes and decided to substitute Sturridge for the underperforming Firmino.
Bruno noticed the fourth official holding up the substitution board with Sturridge standing next to him and knew it was time to act.
Sturridge's entry would give Liverpool more attacking options and make their offense more unpredictable. Manchester United needed to score quickly before Liverpool gained more opportunities.
"Sturridge is coming on!"
"Klopp is giving him about twenty minutes. Sturridge hasn't been in great form this season due to frequent injuries affecting his performance. He's lost his starting spot to Firmino and Origi."
"In a crucial match like the Red Derby, Klopp chose Firmino and Origi over Sturridge, indicating his recent form isn't optimal."
"With Liverpool struggling to break through, Klopp is giving Sturridge a chance with about twenty minutes left."
"A skilled shooter with speed, Sturridge might bring new ideas and opportunities to Liverpool's attack…"
The commentators saw Sturridge's entry as a sign of Liverpool intensifying their attack.
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Mourinho was also tense. The match continued without a stoppage, so Sturridge had to wait on the sidelines. Mourinho moved to the edge of the pitch, shouting at Bruno to step up the offensive organization.
Bruno gave an OK gesture to Mourinho.
He and Kanté had tried several times but had not succeeded yet. Once Sturridge was on, Henderson's passes would simplify, targeting Sturridge as the main route.
Intercepting during Henderson's observation might be the last chance.
(End of Chapter)
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