Custom Tactics? Rather Like It
In the away team's locker room at Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal's home ground, the Espanyol players were chatting among themselves.
"Did you hear? Word is they've decided on a new manager."
The Espanyol players had caught wind of the news through outside reports and were sharing their thoughts.
"Man, someone actually wants to take charge of a team sitting in nineteenth place."
"Right? I figured we'd just keep going with David. Is this a good thing or not? I just hope they don't bring in some weird tactics."
"Well, it's not like any of us haven't been through this before. No matter who comes in, we'll just adapt, won't we?"
"True. Still, I hope the new guy builds around a 4-3-3."
"The club probably thought of that when they hired him."
While veterans López and Puado were talking, interim manager David walked into the locker room.
"Alright, everyone! I know there's been a lot of talk about the new manager being appointed, but we're right in the middle of an important cup competition. Let's focus on that first, yeah?"
"Yes, sir."
The players answered promptly.
"Today's opponent is a team sitting ninth in the league. That means they're stronger than us across the board. If we stay focused, we can win this."
Meeting a La Liga side in the Copa del Rey round of 32 was rare, but Espanyol had drawn the short straw against Villarreal and were facing a tough match.
Knowing the opposition was strong, the players began to sharpen their concentration.
"Good. Thanks for locking in. Let's go over today's tactics, then."
David explained the plan, placing particular emphasis on the left flank.
"For the cup squad, we'll attack primarily down the left."
Because the cup roster was a little weaker, David saw Ha Sunmoon and Vargas on the left as the keys to driving the game.
"Sunmoon, your role today is crucial. Just do what you've been doing."
"Yes, sir."
"We don't expect them to come out at full strength either, so don't get too tense. Just play your usual game."
Hmm~ Do it like you've been doing?
Ha Sunmoon deliberately replayed the manager's words in his head.
Kid, the coach wants you to put in crosses. Wouldn't it be better to follow his instructions for now?
But with Diola on his mind, Ha Sunmoon wanted to follow Diola's advice instead. He shook his head at Harrison.
Not doing it? The manager is literally building the tactics around Vargas on the left wing and you at left-back.
Still, Ha Sunmoon shook his head firmly.
Then what exactly are you planning to do?
Ha Sunmoon gave a small smile, as if asking him to trust him.
"Sunmoon, let's have a good one today."
With both Naldo and Bernardo starting at center-back, Naldo patted Ha Sunmoon's shoulder.
"Ah? Yes. Let's do that."
Startled by the sudden address, Ha Sunmoon answered quickly.
"Alright, that's all for tactics. Let's go warm up."
"Yes!"
The players stood and began heading onto the pitch. Ha Sunmoon lingered behind, walking in slowly after the others.
"Listen, most of the instructions the manager has given me so far have been free roles, right?"
What?
"So when he says 'do what you've been doing,' doesn't that actually mean I can do whatever I want?"
No… how does that even…
"Am I wrong?"
But… the thing that's made you stand out lately is those crosses. You worked hard to develop that, and now you're saying you won't do it?
Ha Sunmoon nodded. Harrison felt a headache coming on.
* * *
Meanwhile, Villarreal's locker room was also holding a tactical meeting.
"Espanyol hasn't been able to replace the tactical quality they lost with Rubi. They've gone back to 4-3-3 after Pablo Machín's 4-4-2, but they're still nowhere near the level they showed back then."
The Villarreal manager pointed at left-back Ha Sunmoon on the tactical board.
"But there is a threat. Most of the matches Espanyol have won recently were created by this young left-back. He'll probably start today, so we need to pay close attention to him."
He then played footage of Ha Sunmoon crossing.
"Especially his running crosses—they're devastating. Gaspar, are you watching?"
The Villarreal manager addressed the player who would be playing right-back.
"Yes, I'm watching."
"Your role is vital. You have to stop those dangerous crosses somehow. Stick to him as tightly as possible and prevent him from putting the ball in."
"Understood, boss."
* * *
— The Copa del Rey round-of-32 match between Villarreal and Espanyol is about to begin.
Twenty-two players stood on the pitch. The referee raised the whistle to his lips.
Diola said to play inside if possible, didn't he?
The whistle blew to start the game, and Ha Sunmoon immediately tucked inside toward the midfield to join the build-up.
— The match has begun.
Espanyol passed the ball backward. Central midfielder Melendo, who received it, slipped the ball to Ha Sunmoon beside him.
Good! Let's take it up slowly. They've already crossed our halfway line.
Ha Sunmoon immediately played forward to Vargas, who was making a run. But whether because of their prearranged movement, Vargas drifted inside with the ball, and Ha Sunmoon saw the touchline suddenly open up.
You know there's no choice but to go wide, right? You can't force it through the middle.
With only one route available, Ha Sunmoon had no option but to hug the touchline as he always had. Immediately, Villarreal's right winger Peña closed him down.
Vargas is opening space, so they're sticking straight to you. Watch out—your five o'clock.
Heeding Harrison's warning, Ha Sunmoon accelerated at once, creating distance from Peña.
— Ha is quickly exploiting the left flank. Villarreal hurriedly reorganize their defense.
Villarreal's primary system was a 4-4-2. As Espanyol advanced with possession, the Villarreal players began forming their signature compact double defensive line.
Seeing space, Vargas passed to Ha Sunmoon advancing along the touchline. Ha Sunmoon took the ball cleanly.
— Ha! Beautiful first touch. Ha drives forward along the touchline.
There are a lot of defenders. If I take too long, I'll be completely isolated.
Villarreal's organized movement made Harrison feel how solid their defense was. Ha Sunmoon nudged the ball forward, scanning the situation. Options were dwindling fast; soon the only choice left would be to cross.
As Ha Sunmoon looked into the penalty area to make his move, Villarreal right-back Gaspar began closing in on him.
Cross? No! Let's not cross, just like Diola said. Keep it neat and tidy.
Ha Sunmoon tried to change the situation with a dribble, momentarily looking to create separation on the outside.
Here it comes! He's going for the cross? Not on my watch!
Seeing the movement, Gaspar assumed Ha Sunmoon was about to cross.
— Cross? No—he's cut inside! Gaspar lunges in the wrong direction! Ha slips inside with a dribble!
Ha Sunmoon feinted as though he would cross, but ultimately followed Diola's advice and kept the ball. He didn't deliver it.
What? This is even better! The right-back overcommitted. Just beat him.
Just as Harrison said, right-back Gaspar had stretched out a leg to block a left-footed cross. Ha Sunmoon seized the opening and successfully drove into the penalty area.
The opposing center-backs and midfielders flinched as Ha Sunmoon penetrated. Right center-back Albiol rushed to close him down. Ha Sunmoon quickly looked for a teammate, but Espanyol's passing lanes were mostly cut off by Villarreal's compact double line.
From Harrison's overhead view, however, a gap in the otherwise solid defense was visible.
Diagonal run at two o'clock to Melendo! Can you see him?
Ha Sunmoon looked where Harrison indicated. That exact spot was the only area without a Villarreal player. He struck the ball toward midfielder Melendo.
— Too many bodies in the box. Can Ha find the right pass?
Ha Sunmoon struck the ball!
— There's a player there! He saw it! Melendo!
Melendo receives and shoots! It ripples the net!
Melendo's strike flew cleanly into the goal. Completely beaten, Villarreal right-back Gaspar slammed his fist into the ground.
"Damn it, he dribbled instead of crossing like we expected. The situation changed suddenly and there was nothing I could do."
Center-back Albiol tried to console him.
"Yeah. We'll do better next time. There's still plenty of time."
But Gaspar had no idea that the goal scored right at the start of the match was merely the beginning of a total disaster.