Chapter 85

No one could have imagined that the person who appeared in front of the soccer ball was not another player from São Paulo, nor a player from Athletico Paranaense, but Rongguang, who had not appeared on the TV broadcast for several minutes!

If it were to be explained by good luck, then Rongguang seemed to have had too much good luck, didn't he?

In his debut match, he assisted and scored a goal in the game against Corinthians, which was good luck.

The crucial goal against Santos, which sent São Paulo to the semi-finals of the Rio-São Paulo Championship, was also good luck?

What about the decisive goal against Corinthians? Was that good luck too?

In the first match of the new season's national championship, his assist was good luck.

Was his dribbling past two players also good luck?

Now, if "he's just lucky" is still used as an explanation, it seems too perfunctory.

Of course, Rongguang's claim that "I knew Kaka wouldn't score" is also not credible.

The core issue is that Rongguang, unlike others, did not simply hand everything over to Kaka when he saw him dribbling forward, and just wait to cheer for a goal.

He was still actively participating in the attack.

As the saying goes, "Heaven rewards diligence." The soccer ball hitting the post and bouncing to him might look like luck, but perhaps even the heavens were moved by his relentless running...

Regardless, Rongguang was in a great mood after scoring the goal.

A thousand dollars in hand!

What made him even happier was that he had taken the ball from Kaka!

Not only did it increase his income, but it also dealt a heavy blow to his competitor. It was as perfect as it could be!

Hmph, after this match, who would dare to say to take me off and put Kaka on!

***

"Is this his surprise?" Mauro asked.

Oswaldo nodded with a smile, "Rookies always have something unexpected. I suddenly feel that coaching São Paulo, besides winning matches, has other pleasures..."

Mauro poured cold water on him, "Don't be too happy yet, Oswaldo. Kaka's performance in this match was excellent. He just had a bit of bad luck with that shot. Rong's state is also excellent. After this match, I believe there will be more calls for Kaka to start. What will you do then?"

This time, Oswaldo did not look worried; instead, he seemed very confident.

"I have some ideas, and they became clearer during the goal."

Mauro was surprised, "You have inspiration already?"

Oswaldo nodded, "Yes. Who says they can't coexist? Did you see the replay of the goal?"

Mauro nodded.

On the big screen at the scene, there was a replay of the goal in slow motion, so they could see it clearly.

"When Kaka was sprinting with the ball, only Rong chased after him. This is not only due to his competitive spirit towards Kaka, but also, don't you think that when Kaka sprints, only Rong can keep up? The same applies in reverse."

After Oswaldo said this, Mauro realized it.

Rongguang and Kaka are currently the fastest players on the team. If they are both on the field, they can create a very threatening counter-attack. If Rongguang had been substituted off, Kaka's shot hitting the post would have ended the attack, and there would have been no chance of a goal.

However, the issue of whether they can coexist is not just a tactical arrangement.

"But you know the relationship between them, Oswaldo..."

Oswaldo nodded, "Of course. I don't believe that all the players in my team are close friends. How to integrate them is our job, Mauro. If they can work together well, I believe... São Paulo will be invincible in Brazil!"

He said this with great confidence.

Then he said to Mauro, "Go call Alexandre back. He needs to come on."

***

After Rongguang helped São Paulo regain the lead, the head coach Oswaldo made adjustments.

He replaced another winger, Carlos Miguel, with the defensive midfielder Alexandre.

This way, São Paulo no longer had wingers but had three central midfielders.

Strictly speaking, it was two defensive midfielders and one central midfielder—Ricardinho was the central midfielder, responsible for organizing the attack, and his position was more forward than a typical defensive midfielder.

However, Alexandre brought a new task for Ricardinho.

"Move back?" Ricardinho looked strangely at the head coach Oswaldo on the sidelines, as if to confirm.

But Oswaldo did not look at him.

"Yes."

"But... I'm not good at defense. I'm not a defensive midfielder."

Alexandre did not know the coach's intention, so he shook his head and said, "I don't know either. The coach just wants you to move back a bit."

Ricardinho obediently moved back.

But Kaka and Rongguang's positions remained unchanged, still as attacking midfielders.

Thus, São Paulo's formation became 4-3-2-1.

Four defenders, three defensive midfielders, two attacking midfielders, and a striker, Fabiano, at the front.

Oswaldo brought on the defensive midfielder Alexandre to strengthen the defense.

He also moved Ricardinho back to help with the defense, even though Ricardinho was not good at it. But who could blame Oswaldo for not bringing more defensive midfielders to the away game?

So, they had to make do.

***

After taking the lead, São Paulo knew what to do. Being scored two goals in less than twenty minutes in the second half by Athletico Paranaense was unexpected.

It was due to their arrogance and underestimation of the opponent.

After being tied 2-2, if the São Paulo players were still arrogant and underestimated the opponent, there would be something wrong with their minds...

So, in the following game, São Paulo tightened their defense and played a counter-attacking game.

This time, they withstood Athletico Paranaense's attack.

More importantly, they maintained enough offensive pressure in the front. After Rongguang and Kaka combined to score a goal, Athletico Paranaense could no longer push forward recklessly.

The front line relied on Kaka, Rongguang, and Fabiano, who pinned down Athletico Paranaense's entire defense, making their attacks lack support and depth.

Although they were only one goal behind, Athletico Paranaense could not score another goal to equalize until the end.

Let alone winning at home.

São Paulo won 3-2 away from home.

They finally avenged their previous loss.

***

The day after the match, as Mauro predicted, the media's calls for Kaka to start became even stronger.

Although Kaka did not score in the match, Rongguang did.

But the media's arguments were flawless.

"Although Kaka did not score in yesterday's match, everyone could see that the turning point of the game happened after he came on. His appearance revitalized São Paulo's midfield and attack. Rong's goal was also thanks to Kaka's long run... Such good form, if he cannot start for the team, it would be a loss for São Paulo!"

"Kaka showed an amazing state in yesterday's match. I think Oswaldo no longer has any reason to use 'Kaka needs rest' to prevent him from starting..."

"Kaka was only one post away from scoring yesterday! Such an excellent performance will make it hard for the head coach Oswaldo to ignore him!"

These media outlets were vying to speak up for Kaka, as if Oswaldo making Kaka a substitute for three matches was an unforgivable act.

Of course, some media considered Oswaldo's position, as Kaka's form was indeed good, but Rongguang's form was also excellent!

"Kaka's form has recovered, and Rong's form is also good. In yesterday's match, he scored again, helping the team win 3-2 against Athletico Paranaense... Well, now it's Oswaldo's turn to enjoy the 'happy dilemma.' Rong or Kaka?"

Rong or Kaka?

These media might not realize that this was not a dilemma for Oswaldo at all.

Such excellent young players, of course, should play together to be more effective!

***

After the match against Athletico Paranaense, the team had a day off.

The players could rest, but the coaches could not.

Oswaldo called a meeting with the coaching staff to formulate a specialized training plan.

This training plan was designed for Rongguang and Kaka to play together.

At the meeting, Oswaldo laid out his plans.

The match against Athletico Paranaense gave him inspiration. He found that the 4-3-2-1 formation was the most suitable for São Paulo when Rongguang and Kaka started together.

With Rongguang and Kaka, two fast players, São Paulo's offensive speed increased significantly.

The 4-3-2-1 formation enhanced midfield control without sacrificing defensive and attacking capabilities.

During attacks, the two attacking midfielders could make surprise runs from the back, and their speed made these runs very effective.

As for how to solve the issue of overlapping positions and mutual interference...

It was actually quite simple. When one of them had the ball, the other could act as a more flexible forward.

He could support the player with the ball or rush forward to draw the opponent's attention, creating space.

In Oswaldo's view, this was not a problem at all.

Compared to the relationship between Rongguang and Kaka, this was a minor issue...

***

The next day, the players returned to the training ground to start the new week's training.

Before the training began, Oswaldo announced the new training plan and content.

He told everyone that they would start practicing a new formation and tactics from today.

Then he called out Rongguang and Kaka's names.

"You two, come out."

He beckoned with his hand.

Rongguang and Kaka stepped out, standing on either side of Oswaldo, puzzled.

Their teammates also looked at them curiously, not understanding why the head coach Oswaldo had called them out.

"Given your excellent teamwork in the last match, I have decided to let you play together!" Oswaldo said with a smile.

All the players, including Rongguang and Kaka, were stunned.

Page break for AD start

Page break for AD end