Mascherano nodded.

This was Guardiola's decision after careful consideration, replaced Mascherano to play as a central defender, and Barcelona resumed the lineup of four defenders.

Try to ensure the line of defense is complete.

Logically speaking, if the midfield is curbed, he should send another midfielder with strong fighting ability, such as Keita.

However, Guardiola hesitated and did not do that. What Barcelona needs now is goals. Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Pedro and Villa's frontcourt offensive combination has been tested by so many games, and it is not suitable for him to replace anyone.

The team needs to score goals, but cannot move in the frontcourt.

He could only hope that Mascherano could lead the defense to resist Aston Villa's counterattack.

Moreover, Guardiola predicted that Aston Villa would still be a defensive counterattack in the second half. In this case, the defense of the four defenders should be barely able to cope with it.

The problem is still on the offensive end. No matter how good the defense is, it is useless to not be able to attack.

In a word, Fang Jue was "sincere" in the first half of the game, and was behind zero to two. This is the most fundamental reason why Guardiola is very uncomfortable in deploying troops now.

This is also the most appropriate adjustment he can make at present, at least that's what he thinks himself.

...

Before the second half begins.

Barcelona requests a substitution.

Boyan was replaced and Mascherano came on as a substitute.

With the whistle from referee Kaushoi, the second half began.

Fang Jue noticed that Mascherano did not appear in the midfield and Busquets to form a double defensive midfielder, but appeared in the central defender position.

Fang Jue immediately understood Guardiola's thoughts and choices.

A smile rose from the corner of his mouth.

Guardiola is still not decisive enough.

If it were him, he would arrange for Mascherano to be in the midfield.

Only when the midfielder is held, the pressure on the back line will be reduced accordingly.

In this game, the real showdown is in the midfield. Aston Villa's full-game pressing tactics, and the most intense confrontation is the midfield.

The midfield cannot be opened and cannot be stable. Barcelona wants to turn the tables unless Aston Villa makes a mistake himself.

Will Aston Villa make mistakes?

Fang Jue was not proud and was not blinded by the victory in the first half. He would not make such a low-level mistake. He was very confident in his team.
Chapter completed!