"Before this round of the league tournament, Manchester United ranked first in the league with 78 points, followed by Chelsea with 73 points, and Nottingham Forest, ranked third, with 67 points. They are eleven points behind Manchester United, who is first in the league. The hope of winning the title is very slim …"
"Experts have analyzed that Nottingham Forest, who is fully preparing for the UEFA Champions League semi-final, should give up this league tournament. It's not wise to go all out against Manchester United in an away game. "
"If Ferguson's team can beat Nottingham Forest at home, then the Red Devils are getting closer to another Premier League trophy. Of course, the situation is not necessarily so clear. In the last round of the league tournament, Manchester United unexpectedly lost 1: 2 to Portsmouth in an away game, which allowed Chelsea to narrow the points gap between the two teams to five points. With six rounds left in the league tournament, this point difference is not safe for Manchester United … "
"Therefore, we think that Manchester United's home game against Nottingham Forest is the highlight of this round of games, and it is likely to determine the final Premier League title this season. Nottingham Forest has no hope of winning the league title, but I think with Tony Twain's character, he is bound to get involved in this excitement. "
Before the 33rd round of the Premier League, all kinds of news, news, and rumors about this highlight were flying around. This was an indispensable topic of conversation in social life.
Who would win the title? Manchester United or Chelsea? What role would Nottingham Forest play in this?
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The day after tomorrow was the 33rd round of games. Mourinho had just arrived at Chelsea's training base when he received a call from his immediate boss, the big boss, Abramovich. On the phone, the Russian tycoon warmly invited him to dinner that evening and made it clear that it was not the kind of big banquet that invited a lot of socialites. It was just a private dinner for the chairman and manager of the Chelsea Football Club.
Mourinho certainly knew that Abramovich must have a purpose for inviting him to dinner at this time, and it was mostly related to this year's title goal. He had known for a long time what kind of ambition his boss had ever since he took over the team.
He had won the league title, the EFL Cup, and the FA Cup. For the current upstart Chelsea, they still wore the "nouveau riche" hat on their heads. In order to gain everyone's recognition, in order to be called a real powerhouse, and in order for the Chelsea chairman to be more respected in his dealings with London's upper class, Mourinho also needed to bring his boss a new championship title, something that Chelsea had never touched in its 102-year history — the UEFA Champions League title.
How could Mourinho refuse Abramovich's invitation to dinner?
He had never thought of refusing.
Although he and Abramovich were both arrogant people, it seemed that they had something in common. For example, they were all ambitious, they all knew what they wanted to do, and they all needed to be champions.
At the end of the call, Abramovich asked with great concern about the team's preparations for the Champions League. The 33rd round of the league tournament was just around the corner, but he did not care and only thought about the Champions League. The Russians couldn't wait any longer.
Mourinho certainly replied that everything was going smoothly and the team's morale was high because the opponent was Nottingham Forest. He did not even need to mobilize them.
Mourinho gripped the mobile phone in his hand at the thought that their semi-final opponent was Nottingham Forest's Tony Twain.
Of course we will beat Nottingham Forest and break into the Champions League final. Then no matter who the opponent standing in front of us is, AC Milan or Manchester United. The final championship will be Chelsea's. Of course, my boss, this championship trophy is not just for you …
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At the same time, at the Carrington training base in Manchester, the atmosphere on the training ground was a little heavy. It was so heavy that it was oppressive. The Red Devils' leader, Sir Alex Ferguson, looked as gloomy as the weather overhead at the moment. The usual chatter and laughter during the training was now all gone.
Who would dare to be cheeky in front of a boss who was in a bad mood?
People like Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, who were usually lively and liked to show off, were all doing their own training programs today and dared not slack off in the slightest.
At the end of the last round of the league tournament, Ferguson locked all the players in the visiting team's locker room. He completely ignored the press conference outside that he needed to deal with. In there, he berated the entire team. The world's superstars, who were worth hundreds of millions of pounds, did not even dare to breathe loudly in front of the angry Ferguson. They were afraid that they would become the target of his anger.
Regarding this part of the match, no news media reported it after the match because they also did not know what had happened. It was destined to become a "secret story" that would only be revealed in the autobiography of a Manchester United player in the future.
Ferguson fully conveyed his anger to the big-name players with high salaries to let them understand that in the Manchester United kingdom, his orders were supreme and could not be disobeyed.
Ferguson had this expression for a whole week.
Like Chelsea, Manchester United was now at a critical moment. After three seasons of lows, Manchester United rallied under Ferguson's leadership and made a comeback. They did not expect to have the opportunity to win the league title and the Champions League title in their first year and achieve the Double. How could they let go of such a great opportunity?
Unfortunately, Chelsea was now too close in the league tournament and had to compete with the strong rival AC Milan in the Champions League semi-finals. They were all difficult opponents.
If Manchester United had easily defeated the weak Portsmouth in the last away round, would they need to be so nervous now? They were only five points behind by Chelsea and could be overturned at any time.
Looking at the players training on the field with their heads down, he roared, "Work harder, you bastards! This is the debt you have to pay for your carelessness in the last game! "
Two days later, he would welcome an old friend at the "Theatre of Dreams" Old Trafford, but this old friend would not be easy to get rid of.
Now that the outside world was full of comments and analysis about the game, he also wanted to know what Tony Twain thought about the game. Should he go all out or give up this game to prepare for the Champions League?
You have no hope of winning the league title, Tony. Do you still want to intervene?
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For almost the entire season, Nottingham Forest had been doing the work of "reading to the prince." But now, overnight, they had become "Mr. Clutch." So at this moment, what was the man who was going to decide the ownership of the league title, and possibly even the ownership of the Champions League title, doing?
He was at the lush Wilford training base, having a relaxed chat with Albertini.
"The season is almost over, Demetrio. It's almost time to say goodbye. If you can't bear to, don't force yourself. You can still stay and continue to play. I can get a new contract done in ten minutes. "
Hearing Twain say so, Albertini laughed. "Don't make fun of me, boss. There's nothing I can't bear to part with. I've played … eighteen years of high-level professional football. It's time to retire. "
"Is that so? It's a pity … Although I knew this day would come, I still can't treat it as usual when it really comes." Twain shrugged. "Are you going back to Italy after you retire?"
"If I miss you, I'll come back to Nottingham to see you, boss."
"Then I'll go to Milan when I miss you. Anyway, my team always travels all over the world. Haha! "Speaking of Milan, Twain quickly stopped laughing. He asked Albertini. "Demetrio, you said that you like being a manager the most, and the games you like are like Championship Manager … Can you tell me from a manager's point of view now, what choice should we make for the game the day after tomorrow? You've seen the analysis and comments outside, haven't you? "
Albertini was used to Twain asking questions on a whim. He nodded. "If I were the manager … I think I'd choose to give up on fighting Manchester United with all my might. I'd do a rotation, let more of the main players rest, let the bench players get the chance to train, conserve energy, and avoid injuries. I'd be satisfied if I could get a point."
As he spoke, Twain nodded. When he finished, Twain nodded again. "You're right. Completely right. Generally speaking, we should do this. Let me ask you again. In the semi-final between AC Milan and Manchester United, who do you think will make it to the final? "
The question made Albertini think for a long time before he said hesitantly, "I'm not sure … I think the two teams are evenly matched. Either has a chance to make it to the final. It's even reasonable for them to pick up the championship trophy."
Twain smiled. "Then I'll ask in another way. Who do you want to make it to the final?"
This time, Albertini answered him almost at the same time Twain threw out the question. "AC Milan."
"You think the same as me, Demetrio."
Albertini found it strange. "I remember the boss is not an AC Milan fan."
"Yes, of course I'm not. But I prefer them to make it to the final, not Manchester United. "
"You have a good personal relationship with Ferguson …"
"This has nothing to do with personal relationships. I think AC Milan making it to the final is more beneficial for us. Demetrio, remember I once promised to give you a truly wonderful, truly unforgettable career farewell game? " Twain turned his head to look at Albertini and smiled. He saw that Albertini's expression was undergoing the change he wanted to see.
"AC Milan must make it to the final. They must make it to the final. Demetrio, that's my farewell game for you. I hope you like it. " Having said that, he looked down at his watch and said to Albertini, "The break is over. Go to training."
Patting Albertini, who was still in a daze, Twain turned and walked toward his coaching staff.
"Guys, the current situation in the league tournament is very beneficial to us." He walked in front of the coaching staff and opened his arms. "Chelsea and Manchester United both have a chance to win the league title and break into the Champions League final at the same time. Then, if they work hard, they can even win the legendary Double Crown. How many people will refuse such a temptation? "
In the eyes of the coaches, Twain smiled like a demon. A pair of black wings spread out behind him, blocking the sun in front of their eyes.
※ ※ ※
A day later, the Nottingham Forest team's bus arrived at the hotel they were staying in Manchester. At the entrance of the hotel, Twain, who was surrounded by reporters, once again reiterated that Forest's goal for this season was to compete in Europe. As for the domestic league ranking, he would be very satisfied as long as they could guarantee the top four and qualify for next season's Champions League.
"… If I can meet Mr. Ferguson in the Champions League final again, I won't be polite."
His last sentence gave the reporters unlimited room for imagination. First, he said that to show that he would not give his best in this game. Second, he had completely ignored his opponent in the semifinals, Mourinho's Chelsea. Third, he was very confident in winning the Champions League title.
"Should we believe what he says?" Queiroz looked at Twain in the photo and asked his boss, Ferguson. "Generally speaking, it's reasonable and almost certain to give up an insignificant game before a more important game …"
"But that's only generally speaking …" Ferguson sat in the boss' chair and rubbed his chin as he murmured.
In fact, he was also uncertain. Twain gave him a very complicated feeling. Sometimes, you would feel that he was so sincere that he could not wait to dig out his heart for you to see. Sometimes, it made people feel that he was full of lies and that every word he said could not be trusted.
Queiroz wanted to convince his boss to accept his way of thinking. "I think no matter how you analyze it, before there's a bigger pie, Twain should temporarily abandon the small bread. Otherwise, with his appetite, he can't eat a piece of bread and a big pie at the same time."
"What you said makes a lot of sense, Carlos." Ferguson nodded. "But I still have a worry …"
"Sir, you're worried about AC Milan, right? They're indeed a very difficult enemy to deal with, especially this season. Their Kaka is in very good form … "
AC Milan?
Ferguson thought of the team. The situation was indeed very complicated. Ferguson did not want to lose the league title, especially to Mourinho. At the same time, he also very much hoped to get the second Champions League trophy in his coaching career and become an important weight that could be compared to Manchester United's history … No, become an important weight that could be compared to those legendary figures in English football history.
Mark Busby, Bill Shankly, Brian Clough, Bob Paisley … those shining names could be placed together with them and mentioned again and again in the future. There would be no regrets in Ferguson's coaching career.
Ferguson woke up from his contemplation. He looked at Queiroz and said, "Of course we can't lose the league title. I also want the Champions League title. Regardless of what kind of opponent AC Milan is, I don't think Nottingham Forest is an opponent we can beat easily, even if they only send out half of their main force. Let our people go all out. "
※ ※ ※
In the home team's locker room at Old Trafford before the game.
Ferguson was pacing back and forth with the Manchester United players, who had already changed into their jerseys and were ready to play. He roared loudly to make them nervous. "Think about your shitty performance at Portsmouth in the last round of the league tournament! If any of you are proud of it, you can do it again in this game. If you feel that losing to Portsmouth is a disgrace to you, then give it your all in this game and defeat the opponent in front of you! "
Half an hour ago, he had already received Nottingham Forest's lineup. The results proved that his cautiousness was very reasonable. Tony Twain had sent out the strongest lineup he could currently send out to play in this match that was "unimportant" to him.
He was indeed an "old friend" that was difficult to deal with.
"Take down Nottingham Forest and let yourself breathe a sigh of relief before the Champions League semi-finals. Otherwise, none of us will have it easy! Tear them to pieces for me! "
In the away team's locker room.
Unlike Ferguson's impassioned speech, Twain was grinning with a relaxed expression.
"Guys, if any of you are wondering why I'm asking you to go all out in this game to win, you can raise your hand and ask questions now."
Of course, no one would raise their hand. Twain was very satisfied with this. The players must have questions in their hearts, but they chose to believe in him as their manager.
"To be honest, we no longer have a chance to compete for the league title this season. It's different from last season. This is the price we have to pay for putting more energy into the Champions League this season. Now we have to watch others fight to the death for a championship title. For someone like me who is used to being the protagonist, this is too cruel. "
Looking at their manager's pretentious appearance, someone in the locker room laughed. Of course, those who dared to laugh were people like Ribéry and Eastwood who were not afraid of death.
"But are we going to be the stepping stones and corpses for the victors to set foot on the throne and wear the laurel crown? They walk all the way up. The red carpet is not dyed with dye. It's the blood of their opponents! I don't want my blood to appear on it. Do you want it? "
"No, boss!"
"No one wants it!"
"Only a ghost wants it!"
A group of people roared. They were waiting for the manager to ask that.
"Very good! We are different from those losers who have already fallen to the ground with their blood drained and their bodies cold! We have goals that are more worthy than this little throne. We can't die here. We are the f * cking mysterious men! We come without a shadow and leave without a trace. Whoever we don't like, we'll stab them in the back! "Twain slapped his palms hard." Someone thinks he's going to win? Let's show them how childish that idea is! If we can't get it, no one else can get it easily! "
※ ※ ※
Ninety minutes later, in the "Theatre of Dreams" of the Old Trafford stadium that had been noisy throughout the game, the audience had not yet left, but the show had already ended.
"The Theatre of Dreams, the Theatre of Dreams, is indeed a place to direct a good show." Twain stood on the sidelines and applauded as he said to Dunn, who was standing beside him, "They say this is the stage for the actors. I think this is the stage for the director."
Beside him, in the distant stands, there was a huge electronic screen. The score on it was very striking:
0: 2.
According to international practice, the home team's score was first, and the away team's score was second.
"Incredible … Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United by 2: 0 in an away game! Although the process of the game did not look as easy as the score, no matter what, the person laughing after 90 minutes was Tony Twain, not Sir Alex Ferguson! Now, with Chelsea not playing yet, the two sides are still only five points apart! "The television commentator commented on the game. "Both sides have done their best. Unfortunately, Manchester United's luck was a little bad. They had a chance to change the situation on the field …"
What was the use of saying this now?
The game was over.
After applauding the players on the field, Twain turned and walked toward Manchester United's technical area.
At the same time, Ferguson was also walking toward him. The two men met in the middle of the field.
Ferguson's expression was very ugly. Twain thought to himself that those poor Manchester United players would suffer again when they went back. Losing two games in a row was a big problem at such a critical moment. If it was not handled well, the league title that Manchester United had worked so hard for this season might finally fly into Mourinho's hands.
The two men shook hands. Twain had a faint smile on his face. He did not want to appear too pleased with himself and anger Ferguson. Twain would not do such a thing that harmed others without benefiting himself.
Ferguson spoke first. "I gave you a pistol and a bullet. You thought it was too little, so I gave you another one. I didn't expect you to use it all to shoot me. "
Twain smiled. "I told my players that your manager is a man who will not give up no matter what. It's the same for this game. I can't let them see me give up. "
"Give up? Even if you win this game, what have you won? There's no change in the rankings, and there's no guarantee that you can beat Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals. "
"In the first half of the season, your team beat my team on my turf. Now, I've won it back. We're even. "
Ferguson was a little surprised by the answer. "You're really a vengeful person, Mr. Twain."
"The media sometimes doesn't wrong people."
Ferguson was about to leave. He let go of Twain's hand and said, "One last word. If I meet you in the Champions League final, I won't be polite this time. "
Twain waved his hand and watched Ferguson leave. Then he whispered, "We won't meet, Sir Alex. A stable champion or an uncertain champion, which do you want? "
Back in the locker room, Twain shouted to the jubilant players. "You did a good job, guys! Now we can go to Athens without any worries! "
※ ※ ※
The night after Manchester United lost to Nottingham Forest, Mourinho's Chelsea beat West Ham United 4: 1 in an away game. As a result, Manchester United remained unmoved with 78 points. Chelsea's points had risen to 76 points. Now they were only two points away from the top spot in the league. One game could turn the entire Premier League upside down.
It was like a large piece of oily fat meat hanging in front of them. Who could resist the temptation?
League champion, Champions League champion … Double winner!
Get rid of the nouveau riche hat, become a real powerhouse, and let Chelsea be reborn.
Just an hour after the game, Mourinho received a congratulatory call from his immediate boss, Mr. Abramovich. He congratulated the team on their victory in the game and on catching up with their rival, Manchester United, in the league table. At the same time, he invited Mourinho to his private yacht for lunch at noon the next day. If there was time, they could have afternoon tea together.
Before ending the call, the Russian tycoon asked in passing how likely it was for Chelsea to win the Double this season …
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PS: After taking medicine and injections for a few days, the symptoms on his legs had eased a lot. After going to the hospital for a follow-up, he was prescribed some new medicine and had to continue treatment when he came back. He still had to go to the hospital for a follow-up three days later. The doctor said to keep him under observation.
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