After confirming their next Champions League opponent, AC Milan immediately began studying the team.
On the third day, Ancelotti started calling players individually to his office for detailed tactical explanations.
First, he called in Pirlo and Gattuso.
"In the next Champions League match, we will use a double defensive midfield setup with one attacking midfielder ahead, forming a triangle," Ancelotti said seriously to Pirlo and Gattuso."Your job is simple: stop Messi's dribbling and breakthroughs. Ivan (Gattuso) is good at physical confrontation and pressing, Pirlo can anticipate passing lanes. But remember, when you go to press, make sure you act together, two at a time."
"When counterattacking, pass the ball to Pirlo for decision-making, but be decisive and resolute!"
Pirlo frowned and said:
"But Barcelona's high pressing will immediately try to win the ball back after we intercept."
Ancelotti nodded:
"Exactly! That's why there's one attacking midfielder role. Kaká will play as the sole attacking midfielder, dropping back and drifting inside to help. This setup will solve your passing lane problems."
Pirlo nodded slightly, basically understanding Ancelotti's idea.
It's a fake possession style but a real counterattack.
It looks like they maintain possession and pass the ball around, but in fact they aren't pushing forward; they're stabilizing possession and waiting for counterattack chances.
"Bring Pato over!"
After saying this, Ancelotti continued calling other players.
Not long after, Pato walked in.
"Boss!" Pato looked excited, since being called individually by the boss meant a special task.
"Sit down," Ancelotti didn't even look up, motioning to the opposite sofa.
"I need you to continuously press on the wing. You'll return to your familiar left flank. Use your speed and explosive power to break through Barcelona's defense."
"I can do it!" Pato shouted without hesitation.
For him, playing in this crucial game was already a rare opportunity.
"Besides the breakthroughs, you also need to press and apply pressure. Coordinate with the front line to keep pressing their midfield. You, Suker, and Kaká — all three of you must run aggressively. I want your running distance to reach the team's highest peak!"
Pato nodded in understanding.
Next, it was Suker and Kaká's turn.
Ancelotti explained the same tactics to them.
"So this isn't high pressing?" Suker immediately understood.
Ancelotti nodded:
"Correct! This isn't pure high pressing but a way to confuse the opponent. Barcelona's strength lies in their midfield."
"The combination of Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi — we can't let them pass comfortably. Even if we can't realistically steal the ball in their half, we must make them feel pressured and harassed, so their passing isn't smooth!"
Ancelotti spoke in a low voice:
"We need to force them to panic and quickly pass the ball to Messi, then use Gattuso and Pirlo's double pivot to double-team, intercept, and press him!"
Suker blinked; this tactic was interesting!
Full of details and reasonable logic.
Most importantly, using double defensive midfielders to limit Messi—that was Mourinho's Inter Milan tactic against Barcelona!
Back then, Mourinho used Motta and Cambiasso as the double pivot—a seemingly clumsy pair who perfectly timed their tackles to steal possession and control the game.
During Barcelona's dominant period, Inter Milan was the only team that made Barcelona suffer defeats.
However, AC Milan didn't have Inter's "best defense in the world."
Thus, they needed to use fake possession and fake pressing to confuse opponents.
All the tactics and arrangements were set for the counterattack!
In summary—everything was fake,only the counterattack was real!
Especially in the first half, which was the most critical period.
AC Milan would bear more attacking pressure and must seize effective counterattack chances and goals.
Ancelotti truly deserved his status as a top coach, quickly grasping the key and making arrangements!
"There's also a new tactic," Ancelotti said. "In the upcoming matches, I'll give you plenty of time to practice this tactic. We have half a month to complete the adjustment—that's the most critical part!"
Ancelotti dared to play like this because of the new tactic studied by Suker and Kaká.
That terrifying attacking power—once AC Milan got into Barcelona's half, their defense wouldn't hold.
If Milan's counterattack came alive, Barcelona would be in trouble.
Of course, tactics are just tactics—a big premise is how the players perform.
If Gattuso and Pirlo couldn't limit Messi, everything was empty talk.
Without restricting and intercepting, Milan couldn't counterattack.
"Understood!" Suker and Kaká nodded.
Ancelotti had done enough.
He nodded:
"Also, the next training matches will be played with long studs."
"Long studs?" Suker was surprised.
Long studs are used for rainy, slippery weather.
No one knew if it would rain on match day—why wear long studs in training?
AC Milan's training ground was watered heavily during the noon break, causing large puddles to form.
In the afternoon training, players came out wearing long studs.
The field was extremely slippery.
Suker tried passing.
The ball wouldn't roll far, blocked by water underneath the grass.
"Damn!" Suker sighed."That's really annoying!"
The first leg was AC Milan's home game!Ancelotti had prepared thoroughly—even considering pitch conditions.
This puddled field was a nightmare for Barcelona's short-passing style.
Passing would be difficult and inaccurate.
AC Milan also played possession football but only to control the ball.
Their real killer was the counterattack—long passes!
Ancelotti used every advantage to maximize their chances and limit Barcelona.
It was clear: Ancelotti was determined to win this home game.
With such full preparation, AC Milan couldn't afford to slip.
The following training was all on this slippery field.
AC Milan needed to adapt early.
"Pass it here!"
"Cover! Cover!"
"Pato! Get back and receive!"
Kaká and Pato performed a quick one-two to bypass defenders.
Kaká carried the ball forward quickly, then after a quick sideways pass that threw off the opposing midfielders, he sent a cross.
Maldini watched the ball's landing spot, preparing to clear it.
But Suker suddenly appeared and jumped first.
Before Maldini could interfere, Suker headed the ball powerfully.
Swish!The ball flew precisely into the left corner of the goal.
"Beautiful! That combination was great!" Suker gave Kaká a thumbs-up.
Kaká shook his head:
"The rhythm still feels off."
Suker patted Kaká's shoulder:
"Don't mind the details. Your role as a metronome is perfect. Sudden rhythm changes will catch the opponent off guard. You can improve your passing, I can jump higher."
Barcelona was technically brilliant, but their defense was weak in the air.
At least, Suker didn't think they could stop him in aerial duels.
In counterattacks, Milan would break through on both wings and cross the ball—Suker could use his skills to finish.
Of course, these were just pre-match drills.
The real game would bring more surprises and emergencies.
Player performance was the key.
So Milan must first lay a solid foundation to increase their chances of winning.
A home victory was a must.
The away leg would build on the first leg's foundation by further restricting the opponent.
All this depended on winning the first game.
If they lost at home, Milan's hopes would be completely lost.
This was a game they must win.