The upcoming week was still very stressful for Sunderland.
Because it would be a two-game week!
First, on Thursday night, they would travel to Stamford Bridge to face league leaders Chelsea, followed by a crucial relegation battle against Swansea on Sunday!
After that, there would still be two more critical matches, against Hull City and Watford respectively, and then the season would conclude.
In other words, Sunderland's last four opponents consisted of one top team and three bottom teams—one title contender and three relegation candidates. In fact, these types of games are always tough at the end of the season!
Of course, for Zhao Zhao, the primary focus was still the match against Chelsea.
This current Chelsea team is truly strong!
Under the leadership of the Italian famous coach, Kong Er Leng Zi Conte, the Blues typically employ a 3-4-3 formation, with sharp offense and solid defense.
In this formation, Spanish full-back Azpilicueta has been converted into one of the three center-backs, anchoring the backline alongside David Luiz and Gary Cahill.
In front of them, the double pivot of Kante and Matic can be described as excellent in both offense and defense.
On the flanks of the midfield are two "blue-collar" players, Moses and Marcos Alonso.
These two players were arguably completely unearthed by Conte; they have performed exceptionally well in the wing-back positions.
Further up the pitch is the trident formed by Pedro, Hazard, and Diego Costa.
This attacking line can be said to combine technique, speed, and power, and with the occasional overlapping runs from the wing-backs, their attacking firepower is exceptionally strong.
This also allowed Chelsea to rank first in the Premier League standings with 81 points after 34 rounds, leading second-placed Tottenham by 4 points.
"This team is neither like Mourinho's Manchester United, which primarily focuses on defensive counter-attacks, nor like Guardiola's Manchester City, which emphasizes possession and passing. They prioritize a balance between offense and defense, which actually makes them harder to target."
Zhao Zhao said this at the first coaching meeting regarding Chelsea.
Before each match, he would always communicate and discuss with his coaching staff members first.
This was mainly to gather intelligence on the opponent, studying Chelsea's recent personnel, formations, and tactics.
Finally, they would brainstorm to decide their own counter-strategy.
But the more he researched, the more Zhao Zhao realized that with the current ability level of Sunderland's players, it would be truly difficult to find any means to emerge unscathed against Chelsea.
"After adopting the three-center-back system, their defensive capability has significantly improved; they once kept six consecutive clean sheets."
"Their team's overall performance is fluid, their formation is stable, and the players' on-field coordination is excellent, demonstrating high-level team football."
"Furthermore, Conte's team is not conservative; he emphasizes high pressing and an aggressive attacking style, which will also greatly increase our possession pressure in the backfield."
"Finally, Chelsea also has talented players in the front third. Whether it's Hazard, Pedro, or Diego Costa, they can all put the ball into the opponent's net through individual ability."
"So…"
Seeing Zhao Zhao suddenly fall silent in thought, the coaches also frowned.
They clearly knew how difficult Chelsea was to play against, and doing so away at Stamford Bridge made it even harder.
But from a tactical perspective, if Zhao Zhao, whom Guardiola called a "genius coach," had no solutions, what could they possibly suggest?
In fact, from Zhao Zhao's current tactical knowledge, this Chelsea team certainly isn't truly without weaknesses.
Or rather, it can be said that there is no team in this world that has no weaknesses!
For example, Chelsea's three central defenders are key; they not only expand the team's defensive area but also bear the responsibility of initiating attacks with the first pass.
If pressure is increased on them from the forward line, it could actually force their central defenders to make mistakes or play risky passes.
Additionally, in the 3-4-3 system, wing-backs need to frequently transition between offense and defense, which can leave gaps.
By using quick counter-attacks and wide breakthroughs, these gaps can be exploited to create threats.
Conte's team is good at high pressing, and opponents can break Chelsea's pressing rhythm through patient possession and quick short passing combinations, thereby creating attacking opportunities.
In defense, Chelsea relies heavily on wide crosses, especially the crossing ability of Moses and Marcos Alonso.
So, by strengthening aerial defense and defending against crosses, Chelsea's scoring opportunities can be reduced.
Also, Hazard plays an important role in Conte's system; limiting his receiving and running space can also weaken Chelsea's attacking efficiency.
But the problem is, it's actually very difficult to meet all these requirements, especially for a weaker team like Sunderland.
Take breaking high pressing through possession and passing, for instance; can players like Larsson and Cattermole really outplay Kante, who has the world's best coverage area?
Kante won the title with Leicester City, and this season he transferred to Chelsea and is about to win again, while Leicester City is fighting for relegation, which itself demonstrates Kante's ability; it's not an exaggeration to say he is currently the world's best defensive midfielder.
And if they want to exploit the opponent's wing-backs, it also requires their own full-backs to have super strong abilities, but Sunderland's two full-backs doing their basic job well would be a success; where would they find the space to overlap, break through, or cross?
Defending Hazard is easy to say, but who will defend him?
Including holding off the opposing beastly striker Diego Costa in the box, it's also a very difficult task for the two veterans O'Shea and Lescott.
So this is truly a case of "a clever housewife cannot cook without rice"!
"Let's end the meeting here today; I'll think about it more myself."
Thinking this, Zhao Zhao ushered all the coaches out of the meeting room.
There was no other way; he could only try using the simulator system first.
After defeating Leicester City, Zhao Zhao had 7 simulation points, so he still had some to spend.
He would use the current lineup to see if he could snatch points against Chelsea!
The match began with Chelsea lining up in a 3-4-3 formation, while your Sunderland countered with a 4-5-1.
Chelsea showed strong attacking intent from the start. Wing-backs Moses and Alonso frequently pushed forward, providing width. Sunderland adopted a more conservative defensive strategy, attempting to repel Chelsea's attacks through tight defending.
In the 20th minute, Sunderland's defense experienced a brief moment of disorganization under Chelsea's high press. Alonso's cross found Costa, who used his physical advantage to head the ball into the net. 1-0, Chelsea took the lead.
Chelsea continued to control the match tempo, constantly threatening Sunderland's defense with quick short passes and wide breakthroughs. Despite Sunderland's efforts to defend, facing Chelsea's relentless pressure, Sunderland's defense began to show signs of fatigue.
In the 35th minute, a gap appeared in Sunderland's midfield defense. Kante received a pass from a teammate outside the box and unleashed a long-range shot. The ball struck the post and bounced into the net. 2-0, Chelsea extended their lead.
At halftime, you attempted to adjust tactics through substitutions, increasing attacking vigor in hopes of breaking the deadlock.
In the second half, with a two-goal lead, Chelsea did not relax, continuing to maintain pressure on Sunderland through possession and organized attacks. Despite Sunderland's efforts to claw back a goal, facing Chelsea's solid defense and effective offense, Sunderland struggled to find scoring opportunities.
In the 85th minute, Sunderland was too hasty in attack and was caught on the counter by Chelsea. Chelsea's wing-back Moses received a through ball on a fast break, went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and calmly slotted it home.
The match ended with Chelsea comfortably defeating Sunderland 3-0 at home.
Match simulation ended. Current simulation points: 6.
"Damn... that was too predictable."
Zhao Zhao scratched his head and thought for a moment:
"Again!"