Li Ang was indeed facing a lot of pressure now.
The media criticized him for buying a bunch of kids from god knows where and criticized Sporting de Gijón's entire transfer as a mess.
Marca's reporter, Felte, even launched an investigation in his column to discuss how long it would take for Sporting de Gijón to win their first La Liga game.
Mundo Deportivo also joined in the fun. They did not know where they found out about Ribéry's first time at the Maleo training base. Their columnist, Soult, described it in a sarcastic tone. "… A player went to a new club to report, but was denied entry because he looked scary and was suspected of being a bad person. Such a thing would probably only happen in that Chinese team … This French kid who came to La Liga from a low-level league in France has always been valued by Li Ang. But what we saw was that he started in four games, took thirty-one shots, and did not score a single goal. Well, this is Sporting de Gijón's matter. Even if they are relegated, it has nothing to do with us, ha …"
These ill-intentioned media finally found an opportunity to wantonly make sarcastic remarks and criticize Li Ang. Ribéry was also implicated and criticized. The main reason was that Li Ang's relationship with these media was really bad. Ribéry, who was entrusted with an important position by Li Ang, was naturally called out for his poor performance.
In the media's description, Ribéry's poor performance became one of Li Ang's crimes.
In addition, the Croatian young player, Modrić, was also ridiculed and sarcastic by the media. After Modrić came to the team, he only played for ten minutes as a substitute in a game. His performance was like sleepwalking. It was obvious that the Croatian had not been able to adapt to the Spanish style of football.
In short, in the words of the media, among the players brought in by Sporting de Gijón's manager, Li Ang, except for the two veterans, Dinatale, Milito, and Grosso, who were 26 or 27 years old, performed well, the other young guys were all trash.
Sporting de Gijón's fans were more tolerant of this. After all, the league had just begun. To be honest, although Li Ang was ambitious for the new season, the fans did not know. In fact, for Sporting de Gijón's fans, if they could successfully avoid relegation at the end of the season and stay in La Liga, they would be very happy. After all, they were a newly promoted team that had left La Liga for many years.
Take Sporting de Gijón's recruitment as an example. The fans knew that the club's financial situation was not very good. Therefore, Manager Li Ang could only bring in unknown young players. This was something that could not be helped. They understood.
And because of the outstanding results of Li Ang's team last season, the fans still trusted and supported Li Ang.
As a small club that lacked strength, the fans had long learned to be patient and understanding.
*****
Gijón, September 16, 2004. The first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. Sporting de Gijón welcomed the Czech First League team, Olomouc, on their home ground.
This was Sporting de Gijón's return to the European arena after 20 or 30 years. Therefore, this aroused the enthusiasm of all the fans.
The whole of Gijón could be said to be empty.
The El Molinon Stadium was full.
The El Molinon Stadium. On the electronic scoreboard in the full stadium, the current score was clearly displayed: 2: 1!
The home team, Sporting de Gijón, was leading the away team, Olomouc, by a score of 2: 1.
At this time, the game had gone on for 71 minutes.
Both of Sporting de Gijón's goals were scored in the first half of the game.
Albertini launched an attack with a long pass, and Diego Milito crossed the ball with a header. Di Natale's subsequent shot was saved by the opposing goalkeeper, Kolinski. Mata's follow-up shot hit the pillar and rebounded, but it was accidentally knocked into his own goal by the opposing defender, Camposlavi.
Sporting de Gijón took the lead with the opponent's own goal.
The second goal came at the last moment of the first half. Albertini's free kick entered the penalty area, and Diego Milito scored with a header!
2: 0!
The whole El Molinon Stadium was thunderous with cheers, and the fans were excited.
Milito, who scored the goal, ran wildly in celebration.
For the Argentine, who was still playing in Italy's Serie B last season, coming to Gijón, playing in the UEFA Europa League, and scoring in the UEFA Europa League, all of this was like a dream.
*****
Li Ang also applauded on the sidelines. Milito's goal was also an affirmation of his work. The Argentine he thought highly of repaid him with a goal!
Sporting de Gijón was temporarily leading 2: 0 in the first half.
Everything looked good and smooth. The commentator, González, was also full of praise for Sporting de Gijón. "Sporting de Gijón showed people their determination to win the game. I give them eight points in the first half of the game! They are still a little bit away from perfect. "
Dagestino was explaining the significance of winning the game. "If they can win the game smoothly, this will be the first time Sporting de Gijón has won a European game in many years. Of course, for the current team, this will also be their first win of the new season. This is key to relieving the pressure on Manager Li Ang!"
The camera gave a close-up of Li Ang. The Sporting de Gijón manager had a bright smile on his face as he walked towards the players' tunnel. He was obviously very satisfied with the team's performance.
These praises and relaxed atmosphere only belonged to the first half of the game. The second half of the game was a sudden change.
Olomouc used a corner kick to get a goal back just five minutes into the second half.
Then, the Czech team showed the resilience of an Eastern European team and began to fight back. They even suppressed Sporting de Gijón until they could not get past half of the field.
At the 70th minute of the game, Sporting de Gijón's situation worsened. Their midfield core, Albertini, was injured and was receiving treatment on the sidelines. This was a huge blow to Sporting de Gijón.
In Sporting de Gijón's offensive tactics, Albertini played a crucial role.
Now that Albertini was injured, if he could not continue the game, he would be substituted. Sporting de Gijón was in a huge predicament.
*****
"How is it?" Li Ang asked the team doctor, Rotalo.
"It's not a big problem, but we can't continue today's game," Mr. Rotalo said.
"Motherf * cker!" Li Ang cursed.
He was extremely eager to win this game, and Albertini's injury had undoubtedly disrupted his tactical deployment. Moreover, the opponent's current momentum was fierce. If Sporting de Gijón could not put pressure on the opponent's offense, their defensive line would also be in great danger.
"Coach –" Albertini also had a pained expression, not because of his injury. He knew the importance of this game to the team. It was really depressing to be injured at this time.
"Demetrio, rest well. The team needs you in the league this weekend." Li Ang patted Albertini's shoulder.
Then he walked towards the substitutes' bench and swept his gaze across the substitutes' bench.
Swept by his gaze, the substitutes were a little excited. They were all eager to play.
In the end, Li Ang's gaze stopped on Modric, and then he looked at Ribéry who was eager to give it a try.
Li Ang gritted his teeth. "Luca, go warm up!"
Modric, who received the order, stood up excitedly. After transferring to Sporting de Gijón, he had only played a few minutes as a substitute in the game against Mallorca. He was eager to play, not to mention this was the UEFA Europa League.
When he heard Li Ang ask Modric to warm up, Ribéry was a little disappointed. The team's vice-captain, Albertini, was injured and the manager was forced to change. Under these circumstances, it seemed that the possibility of him playing was very low.
*****
At this time, Ribéry heard the sound of nature.
"Franck, you go warm up too. Hurry up."
"Ah?" Ribéry was stunned.
"What are you waiting for? What are you waiting for? "Li Ang glared.
Ribéry quickly got up and went to warm up.
"Li, are you going to change two people at once?" Assistant Manager Scott Terry asked. Modric should have replaced the injured Albertini. There was no problem with that. Then, was Ribéry going to play too? Changing two people at once?
"Yes." Li Ang nodded. "We have to suppress the opponent in attack. Samoel's attacking ability is not good. We need Ribéry at this time!"
Albertini left the field with an injury. Sporting de Gijón had not completed the substitution for the time being. Now, they were one less person on the field.
Olomouc took advantage of the number advantage at this time and began to put pressure on Sporting de Gijón's goal.
Sporting de Gijón's captain, Hierro, had a serious expression. He had just finished a beautiful tackle. The old man got up and did not bother to wipe the sweat from his forehead. He clapped vigorously to boost the team's morale. "Keep an eye on them! Don't give them an easy chance to get the ball! "
Hierro looked at the sidelines. He knew how critical the situation was. Hierro was the most clear about Albertini's role. Albertini's management in the midfield could tidy up the midfield and put pressure on Olomouc. Now that Albertini was injured and left the field, Sporting de Gijón's midfield suddenly became chaotic.
After Modric and Ribéry warmed up, the two of them ran back.
Li Ang stood on the sidelines, holding the little guys in each hand.
"Luca, your task is to replace Demetrio," Li Ang said.
Modric nodded.
"I didn't send you on the field for these few games. How's the homework I gave you?" Li Ang asked.
Li Ang did not wait for Modric to answer and continued, "I asked you to watch Demetrio play on the bench. You should have some experience now. When you're on the field, do as you understand. I only have one request. The midfield can't be chaotic. Your task is to tidy up the midfield. Right now, you're the team's metronome!"
Modric nodded and took a deep breath. He understood the coach's training for him. In these few games, he basically sat on the bench for 90 minutes. The coach asked him to watch the game from a close distance and familiarize himself with the style of Spanish football as soon as possible. He had been following the coach's instructions and using his own eyes to observe the game. At the same time, he imagined in his mind how he should play on the field. During training, Albertini took care of him and Carlos and taught them in private.
Now, it was time to test the results.
Modric glanced at Albertini, who had returned to the bench. The Italian veteran gave him a thumbs up as a sign of encouragement.
"If there's a chance for a long shot, you can try a long shot!" Li Ang suddenly said to Modric. In his impression, Modric had the foundation of a long shot. Although he did not know how good his long shot footwork was now, at least it could be a deterrent to the opponent's goal.
"I understand, Coach." Modric clenched his fists.
*****
"Franck —" Li Ang said to Ribéry, "Do you know what to do?"
"Yes, pass the ball more," Ribéry said.
"Idiot." Li Ang patted Ribéry on the shoulder. "In a while, you can show your footwork to your heart's content. Show your breakthrough."
"Ah?" Ribéry was surprised. Didn't he say that he was too focused on breaking through and shooting and was too independent?
"Ah what? Now the team needs your sharp breakthrough. "Li Ang paused for a moment." Of course, if there's a good opportunity, don't forget to pass the ball. "
Ribéry nodded to show that he understood. The manager did not want him to play, but he had to be obedient and only play when it was time to play.
"Go, let everyone see your strength." Li Ang pushed the two young men forward.
In the 73rd minute of the game, Olomouc's striker Destrev's shot deflected off the post. There was a dead ball opportunity on the field. Sporting de Gijón requested a substitution.
No. 8 Alexander Samoel off; No. 11 Franck Ribéry on.
No. 6 Demetrio Albertini off; No. 21 Luca Modric on.
The 19-year-old Modric and the 21-year-old Ribéry are in danger.
PS: Weakly begging for a monthly ticket.
Now, each chapter was between three to four thousand words.
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