"Could it be the tactic that once caused such a stir among coaches?" Jim Beglin could hardly believe what he had just said.
He had only heard of it once before, years ago in a documentary.
An unknown coach had mentioned it briefly back then. It was only a concept, never implemented, yet it sparked widespread debate. Even the ever-innovative Cruyff dismissed it as utterly impractical.
"Freeing all defenders—allowing those with technical ability not just to defend, but to participate in build-up and attack. As for its true core, we still don't know."
"But judging by the name, it likely asks the center backs to push forward, even step into midfield on their own to support the attack."
"The demands on every defender would be extremely high. And clearly, Guardiola is rotating all four center backs into that role."
The crisp snap of passing rang out across the pitch. Manchester City held possession with authority, gradually dismantling Liverpool's ultra-high press.
Klopp signaled for his players to steady themselves, wary of burning too much energy through relentless pressing.
Leo Lin gradually dropped deeper into midfield to help defensively. The more he defended, the more uneasy he felt. He simply couldn't read Manchester City's system.
And clearly, City were fully comfortable with this brand-new approach—they were executing it to devastating effect.
16th minute!
"Otamendi drives forward with the ball and plays it to David Silva."
"After releasing the pass, Otamendi doesn't retreat to his center back position—he keeps moving to offer support to David Silva!"
"The Magician lays it back to Stones—Stones has stepped up as well!"
"All the defenders are pushing forward together. And these aren't conventional runs—this is completely unlike normal defensive movement. It's frightening. These advanced positions make City's midfield passing incredibly smooth. They've created a numerical overload!"
As he spoke, Stones played it to Danilo. Danilo, too, joined the attack, switching play and sliding it out to Sterling.
Sterling had a one-on-one!
Facing Robertson, he exploded instantly, arms slightly out for balance, and burst past him in one sharp movement.
"Sterling gets to the byline!"
"Cuts it back!"
"Aguero!!!"
Sterling drilled a low cutback into the middle. Aguero struck it first time!
His body twisted violently as he shot, not even adjusting his stride before unleashing the effort!
Mignolet dived, but Lovren hurled himself to the ground and blocked the shot with his body!
The ball ricocheted back into the box—another chance!
"Aguero follows up—he wants another!"
"Matip gets there first and clears! The danger is finally over!"
"From the replay, you can see Aguero's entire body tensed at the moment of the shot—especially the muscles in his thighs and calves, bulging instantly. It's terrifying!"
"There was once an amusing report that Aguero hired a physical therapist because his thighs were so thick that he couldn't sleep on his side—the pressure from his muscles pressing together caused him real discomfort."
"That says a lot about his shooting power. A true cannon inside the box."
"When he strikes from close range, goalkeepers barely have time to react."
With their newly unleashed defender system, Manchester City completely suppressed Liverpool.
For the first time this season, Liverpool fans felt genuine fear. They had never seen their side so passive, so thoroughly pinned back, almost unable to fight back at all.
"We're 20 minutes in, and Manchester City have 70% Ball Possession. That's staggering."
"Liverpool are simply chasing shadows right now, and City's chances are only increasing."
31st minute!
Leo Lin worked tirelessly, tracking back to reinforce the defense as City surged forward again.
De Bruyne split the ball to David Silva. Leo Lin immediately stepped in to press.
But David Silva deftly returned it to De Bruyne.
Henderson was forced into a one-on-one. The Belgian genius dropped his shoulder, cut inside to open up a sliver of space, then whipped his ankle around the ball with the inside of his foot.
A beautiful curling pass skimmed along the grass, carving a perfect path toward the left channel.
It split two defenders!
Gomez spun desperately to chase, but Sané burst forward. He collected the ball and drove straight into the box, controlling and nudging it past Gomez in one motion before curling a shot from a tight angle!
Mignolet stood frozen. The distance was too close—there was no time to react.
Liverpool's entire back line watched as the ball flashed into the net.
"GOAL!!!!!"
In the commentary box, Manchester City legend Shay Given rose to his feet applauding.
"What a goal!"
"Sané finishes brilliantly—City take the lead!"
"Manchester City's total liberation tactic is exploding with power!"
"My word, Guardiola had this hidden away! I've never seen City play like this before, but it's clearly working. They've pinned Liverpool inside their own half and are relentlessly grinding them down!"
"City control the possession, control the tempo, control everything. They are the masters of this match!"
Klopp stood in thought. He knew he had to find an answer quickly.
Leo Lin, however, remained calm. Despite conceding, he felt no panic.
He knew that once they found a solution, Liverpool could turn the tide at home.
After the restart, Liverpool were still forced deep, while Manchester City continued to press forward. The home supporters could barely see any path to victory.
Across the live streams:
"That bald old fox saved this move just for Liverpool!"
"Guardiola's greatness lies in how he blends and reinvents football tactics, creating systems no one has seen before!"
"Every new invention carries danger—and Guardiola is inventing a new one right now!"
As fans raved about Guardiola's tactical innovation, Leo Lin—who had been anchoring midfield defensively—suddenly altered his pressing approach.
A dark figure surged forward. Whenever a Manchester City defender carried the ball and prepared to advance, Leo Lin would launch at the same moment, sprinting toward that defender with a reverse pressing run!
Under Leo Lin's command, his teammates began doing the same. No matter which defender City tried to "liberate," Liverpool's players would immediately close in, converging on the ball carrier and pressing with synchronized reverse runs!
On the touchline, Guardiola felt a jolt of tension.
Meanwhile, the corner of Leo Lin's mouth lifted slightly.
He knew this wouldn't necessarily shut down Guardiola's new tactic entirely.
But it might just pull Liverpool back from the brink.
He might have found it—
The Way of Oppression!