"Mr. Fasal." Shania found her agent, who was reading alone in the living room.
"Ah, Shania, what's the matter?" Fasal took off his glasses and looked back at her.
"Can I take two days off?"
"It's your turn soon, Shania …" Fasal had a headache when he heard the request. He stood up and explained to Shania.
"When exactly?"
"The crew plans to film your scene on the 22nd."
Shania frowned when she heard Fasal's words. The tip of her nose turned up. Even when she was worried, she looked very cute.
Fasal guessed her intention to take a leave, but he did not expose her. "Where do you want to go?"
"Moscow, Russia."
Fasal smiled. "If it's just to watch a game, one day is enough."
Shania had planned to look for Tang En after the game, but now it seemed that time did not allow it. She sighed. "Yes, if it's just to watch a game, there's enough time. Help me book two tickets to Moscow, Mr. Fasal. "
"Two? I'm not going … "Fasal thought Shania wanted to drag him to watch the game, but in fact, he still had a lot of things to do. With Shania gone, there had to be someone here to contact the various parties, right?
He did not expect Shania to roll her eyes. "It's me and Clarice."
"Did she also receive a ticket?" Fasal suddenly realized that it was Clarice Gloria. Tang En's friend, and because of this relationship, Shania was also familiar with him.
"Yes." Shania nodded.
"Okay, no problem. Also, Tony … "
Shania waved her hand. "You're not allowed to tell him."
"Do you want to give him a surprise?"
"No." Shania smiled. "I just don't want him to be distracted by this."
※ ※ ※
The day before the game, Nottingham Forest was holding their final tactical meeting in the conference room of the hotel they were staying at.
The meeting would analyze the tactics and personnel combinations that Chelsea might use in the final, as well as Nottingham Forest's countermeasures. Whether they could win in the game, other than the manager's on-the-spot command, depended on the results at this time. This was the concentrated embodiment of the entire coaching staff's wisdom.
At times like this, the main character was usually Dunn, while Tang En was only responsible for sitting at the side and listening.
Dunn spoke fluent English with a Nottingham accent. He was also very familiar with English football and was extremely proficient in professional terminology. As for his performance at work, there was no need to talk about it. The foreigners at the Nottingham Forest Football Club could not understand why Tony Twain would meet such a talent even when he was learning Mandarin through MSN. Could it be that China was full of such football talents? That was obviously not right. Otherwise, why would the level of China's football be getting lower year by year?
It could only be said that Tony Twain's luck was surprisingly good!
"… Based on the intelligence over the past few days, we speculate that Chelsea will field such a starting lineup in the final —" Dunn said to the players as he pointed to the tactical board, on which Chelsea's possible lineup had been drawn. "As for the goalkeeper, it's Cech. The center backs are Terry and Carvalho, the left back is Ashley Cole, who has just recovered from his injury, the right back … "
The right back had always been Chelsea's weakness. Although Mourinho put a lot of effort in this area when he was there, the players he bought were always unsatisfactory.
"We think it will be Essien." This was the result of the discussion by the coaching staff. The players would not know how the result was reached. It was useless to tell them. They just needed to know the result. During the discussion, there was disagreement within the coaching staff about the choice of the right back.
Kerslake believed that what Grant lacked was experience. He should send the former Barcelona player, Belletti, who had experience in the UEFA Champions League finals, as the starting right back. His view was agreed with by half of the coaches. After all, what Chelsea lacked the most now was experience.
But Dunn had a different opinion. He believed that Belletti's state was unstable and he was older. In such a fierce final, his presence would instead become Chelsea's weakness. On the contrary, Essien, who was used by Mourinho as a utility player, was more likely to appear in this position. Moreover, he had played as a left and right back and center back when he debuted. There was no problem of him not adapting.
In the end, Twain came forward to make a decisive opinion. "If Chelsea sends Belletti, then their right flank will become our focus area of attack. Grant must know how sharp Nottingham Forest's flank offense is, and Belletti's defense is not on the same level as Essien's. No matter how arrogant that guy was before the match, when it came to the finals, he would definitely seek stability, at least in defense. Therefore, Essien, who is good at defense and has an excellent physique, is more likely to appear in the starting right back position. "
"In the midfield, Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, and Joe Cole will be in the starting lineup. The strikers are Malouda and Drogba. It looks like a 4-4-2 formation, but it may become a 4-3-3 formation during the game. Joe Cole's position will move forward to become a winger. Drogba will be in the middle. He and Malouda will be on the left and right. The three players in the midfield will stand parallel. "
After talking about Chelsea, it was time to announce Nottingham Forest's starting lineup. This was what the Forest players were most concerned about. It was an honor to be able to play in the Champions League final.
The Champions League final was different from the league tournament. They could not easily adopt a rotation system. If there was a strongest lineup, they would naturally send the strongest lineup.
"The goalkeeper is Edwin van der Sar." There was no doubt about it. As long as the experienced Edwin van der Sar was not injured and in a stable state, he would definitely be the main force. No matter how talented Akinfeev was, he could only be a substitute.
"The center backs, Pepe and Piqué, your main task is to clamp down on Drogba. Don't let him get active and use your physical advantage to squeeze him out of the penalty area. Don't give him a chance and don't let him shoot. Tony doesn't want to see him in the final. "
The two men nodded to show that they understood their task.
"The full backs are Gareth Bale on the left and Rafinha on the right." This was a full back lineup full of attacking power. It should be completely clear what Tang En was thinking. He wanted to use his offense on the flanks to suppress Chelsea's two flanks in the final.
"The midfielders are George Wood, van der Vaart, Ribéry and …" At this point, Dunn paused for a moment. He looked up at Tang En sitting next to him before continuing. "Lennon."
This decision was a little surprising. Beckham was injured, but it was only a minor injury after all. It was not to the point where he could not play. However, under the strict discipline that had been cultivated for a long time, there was no clamor in the meeting room. Other than Lennon himself, who was a little stunned, everyone else looked as usual.
Dunn continued to read the starting list while Tang En secretly observed everyone's expression, hoping to understand their inner thoughts through the subtle changes in their expressions. The moment the name "Lennon" came out, a look of disappointment flashed across David Beckham's face. This change did not escape Tang En's eyes.
"The strikers are van Nistelrooy and Eastwood."
The Danish kid, Bendtner, waited patiently until the end but did not hear his name. Unlike Beckham, his disappointment was clear in his words.
In the four seasons since he joined the Forest team, Nottingham Forest had advanced into the Champions League finals for three consecutive seasons, starting from the 05-06 season. It was a proud achievement. But for Bendtner himself, it was not worth mentioning because he had never been in the starting lineup. As a star of tomorrow who had high hopes, this treatment was a little embarrassing. He was the main striker in the Danish national team, but he did not even have a chance to be in the starting lineup at Nottingham Forest.
Originally, after Viduka left, he once thought that his future at Nottingham Forest was bright. He did not expect Tony Twain to change hands and buy van Nistelrooy, who Manchester United did not want! Now, as a similarly strong center forward, he was forced to accept the reality that he could only be van Nistelrooy's substitute. Initially, he thought that van Nistelrooy's condition would definitely decline as he grew older. When that time came, it would be his chance to turn things around. He did not expect that this old gun, van Nistelrooy, would become more and more outstanding the more he played at Nottingham Forest. Only injuries could bring him down. But for the past two years, he had only suffered minor injuries, which were not enough to affect his condition and playing time.
With that thought, Bendtner suddenly felt that his future at Nottingham Forest was bleak.
While Twain was still observing, Dunn had already begun explaining the Forest team's specific tactics in the match.
"… Fifteen minutes into the match, defend. Then, the two full backs will actively plug forward. In the midfield, George Wood will drag back. Edwin van der Sar will lean forward and appear in the attacking midfielder's position. Ribéry and Lennon's positions will move slightly inward. "As Dunn spoke, he drew out the team's formation on the tactical board. The midfield was a diamond, but it was different from the typical 4-4-2 diamond formation. This diamond was not flat and long. Instead, it was a diamond that stretched the distance between the attacking and defensive midfielders. In fact, it was a flat diamond that was erected vertically.
Ribéry and Lennon would move inward. On the center line, it was a relay station connecting the defensive and attacking midfielders. At the same time, it gave way for the two full backs to plug forward. In the actual match, if they plugged forward in a straight line, it would be aimed at Chelsea's flanks. If they moved diagonally, they could go to the side or to the center. In short, they could make their own decisions according to the situation on the field. It was very flexible. As van der Vaart was very close to the front line, his task was not to organize the offense. Instead, he was only responsible for the final pass or direct long shots. In that case, who would be responsible for organizing the offense?
"George." Twain stood up and took over from Dunn's words. "The positions in the match are much more flexible than the ones on the tactical board. From defense to offense, you'll start. You'll organize the offense. "
George Wood was a little surprised. Letting him organize the offense in such an important match? Was there something wrong with Tony Twain's brain?
However, Twain did not explain further. After he finished speaking, he sat down again and returned the leadership to Dunn.
The tactical meeting continued, but some people had already become absent-minded.
※ ※ ※
After the meeting ended, the players left the conference room one after another. Twain called out to David Beckham. They had some things to talk about in private.
Everyone knew why Twain wanted Beckham to stay. It must be because of the starting list. He might have to make some explanations. Bendtner turned his head to look at Twain and Beckham, who were left in the conference room. He was a little jealous. Why was it that both of them were not in the starting list, but Beckham could be left alone to listen to the manager's explanation, while he could not? This was a reality that he could not accept.
Everyone left. Bendtner stood at the door and watched as the conference room door was closed again. Only then did he turn and leave unwillingly.
In the empty conference room, Beckham and Tony Twain sat opposite each other. He looked at Twain and said, "You're looking for me because of the starting list, right, Boss?"
"When it's just the two of us, don't call me 'Boss.' Call me 'Tony.'" Twain scratched his head, thinking about how to better start the topic. "Uh, I know you might be a little disappointed about this."
"To be honest, a little. Although I'm old, I still long to participate in the Champions League final again. But I know you must have your reasons for this arrangement. You're the manager. Although we're good friends, when it comes to the match, my attitude is the same as yours. "
What attitude? It was to prioritize the team's needs. Beckham was a world-class star player, but there had never been a scandal in his career where he had a conflict with the team's manager because he wanted to get on the field. On the one hand, he always had a stable playing position. On the other hand, it was related to his professional ethics.
Twain was very grateful that Beckham understood him so well. Everyone knew that he and Beckham had a good personal relationship. If Beckham used this relationship to force Twain to give him a stable main starting position, then Twain would not be able to manage the team. Because then, the team would be divided into "the manager's direct subordinates" and "the manager's average relationship." When that time came, a split would be inevitable.
Fortunately, Beckham had never done such a thing that would bring down the manager's prestige.
"Yes, the only reason is a tactical need. Lennon has the ability to go forward. He and Ribéry on both sides can sufficiently disrupt Chelsea's defense … "
Beckham did not speak. He did not intend to find a reason for him to also be on the field. Anyway, he had to abide by the manager's decision no matter what. Back in his last season at Real Madrid, Capello did not like him and put him on the sidelines. He had also quietly accepted it, only choosing to leave in the end.
Twain also knew how cruel it was to do so for a veteran who was eager to prove himself. This might be the last chance in his career to stand in the Champions League finals, but he could only be a spectator.
"But you're on the substitute list." This might be a consolation. "It's also a tactical need. I might also send you on the field. After all, your long shots and passes can still create a lot of trouble for Chelsea."
Beckham smiled.
Twain felt that something was wrong. He asked Beckham, "Is there a problem?"
"Don't you think it's not very good for you to do this, Tony?" Beckham said.
"Not very good? What do you mean it's not good? "
"Specifically keeping me behind and telling me not to worry about not being able to play. You're on the substitute list and you have a chance."
"Uh …" Twain still did not quite understand what Beckham meant.
"What would those who are not on the starting list think? Tony. "
"Ah!" Twain suddenly realized.
"Don't do this next time. I'm not a kid who doesn't know anything. Even though you always say to treat everyone equally, sometimes I feel that you don't treat me like an ordinary player. "
Twain looked at Beckham and laughed foolishly. Of course, as a fan who watched you grow up, you've accompanied me through more than a decade of my youth. Even though I've worked hard, I can't completely treat you like an ordinary player …
Like Albertini, there are some people who have left an indelible mark in my short twenty-six years of life. I've watched them appear on the professional football field for the first time with the image of a young and inexperienced teenager. I've watched them obtain victories, win championships, and embrace beauties. I've watched them experience failures and setbacks, face the pain of injuries, and finally slowly fade from people's sight …
Tell me, David, how could I possibly treat you guys like ordinary players? Although I say that, I just don't want my emotions to completely overwhelm my rationality.
You and I only signed a contract for two years. You said that if you could still play after two years, you'd go to America to accompany your wife. Because Victoria gave up on herself for two years to satisfy your selfishness, you'd have to pay her back in double. Now, there's only one year left. A year ago, I sent Albertini away. A year later, what gift should I send you away?
I can't be sure about the future. So, let's do it this year. Tomorrow, this match.
"If there's nothing else, can I go back?" Beckham asked.
Twain came back to his senses and nodded. "Have a good sleep, David. Be more energetic tomorrow."
"You're treating me like a rookie again." Beckham smiled helplessly and bitterly.
"Ah … Sorry." Twain slapped his forehead. "Goodbye, David."
"Goodbye, Boss," Beckham said as he went out and closed the door.
※ ※ ※
When only Twain was left in the conference room, he sat down and leaned against the back of the chair, letting out a long sigh.
It was another decisive battle. Ever since he inexplicably transmigrated here and became the manager of this team, how many decisive battles like this had he experienced? He could no longer remember clearly. At first, he would think that this was his first, second, third match. Later, it became — which match was this? Who cared about that! It was fine as long as he won!
Yes, numbers had no meaning. Only the results were valuable. In the next ten or twenty years, I'll be experiencing more decisive battles like this. It's foolish to feel sentimental about this.
This is just a small step in my coaching career.
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