The players were exhausted from several consecutive days of commercial activities, but they would soon be free — to finish today's game.
The China Olympic team's game against Nottingham Forest had long been publicized to the point that the world knew. Although China's football continued to be at a low ebb, China's fans still had great expectations for the game.
Some people might just come to watch the Nottingham Forest star players perform, and some people did come to watch the China Olympic team's game. China would never lack these people, no matter how many people scolded China football, how many people mocked China football, and how many people were dismissive of China football. But there would always be such a group of people who would always pay attention to China football. Don't look at the Chinese Super League's low level and low attendance, but there would always be attendance, right? That meant there were people watching. Not to mention the games of the national team, almost all of them were full — of course, there was a patriotic factor in it, not entirely because of football.
Football, the world's number one sport, had a broad mass base in China, but there was no organization that could integrate these mass bases and carry out effective management. Then the foundation would always be the foundation, and there would never be a superstructure on top of this foundation.
The China Football Association hoped to use this game to reawaken people's enthusiasm for football, and then take advantage of the Olympic Games to bring China's football level to a higher level. Twain understood their idea of operating behind the scenes, because the leaders of the Chinese Football Association were such single-celled organisms with wishful thinking. But he himself was very disdainful of this approach.
It was completely putting the cart before the horse. The fans' enthusiasm for football would never be ignited because of a commercial game, and the level of China's football would never change in the slightest because of the achievements of the China Olympic team in the Olympic Games. These should have been the logical and natural product of the continuous development of football, but the heads of the Chinese Football Association treated it as a process.
When Twain was still relatively young, he had the dream that many fans had — a group of talented players came out of nowhere, and a talented manager led them to the summit of the World Cup. Later, as he grew older and experienced, he thought it would always be a dream. If the system was not reformed, China football would never have a chance to make a name for itself.
FIFA's constitution clearly stated that the national football associations could not be government-run organizations. They had to be non-governmental organizations. The national governments could not interfere with the affairs of the football associations. Otherwise, they would be severely punished. But look at China. The Chinese Football Association jumped out and said, "We are a private organization." Would anyone believe it? The General Administration of Sport above them was the first to disagree. Everyone in China knows what kind of organization the General Administration of Sport is. Does FIFA not know? But there was nothing they could do.
Therefore, the current Tang En no longer had extravagant hopes that China's football could become better. He felt that the only consolation for these China fans was the occasional one or two good players who could play abroad and represent China on another field. If he performed well at the club, he would be able to excite the Chinese fans.
Look, the demands of the China fans are so simple.
But even such a simple request was very difficult to fulfill.
Therefore, most China fans could only vent their frustrations through sarcasm and abuse. Now, Twain was luckier than them, because he had the opportunity to express his emotions face-to-face and give the leaders of the Football Association, who specially came to "supervise" the battle, a great deal of face …
※ ※ ※
In the four days in Ningbo, it rained every day. Yesterday's weather forecast said there would be light rain today. As expected, the rain did not stop from last night to this afternoon.
"Luckily we're an English team," Tang En said to the coaches beside him as he looked at the wet world outside the window. "This kind of weather is too normal. How's the turf? "
"A little slippery," Dunn replied.
Tang En frowned slightly. The field was slippery, and technical movements were difficult to control. When the body collided, some unexpected situations could occur, which would greatly increase the possibility of injury.
Although when he was a fan, Tang En was very unhappy with the European powerhouses who did not put in effort when they came to China to play, and the players' lazy looks for fear of injury, he would still make such arrangements this time. Even if Allan did not look for him, he had to preserve his strength. He would be the biggest fool in the world to let his main players get injured because of a commercial game in faraway China.
The Forest team's bus drove slowly on the highway. Due to the game, the road near the stadium was a little congested. Ningbo mobilized a large number of traffic police to maintain order, and the speed of vehicles was restricted.
Fortunately, the CITIC Ningbo International Hotel where they were staying was very close to the Fubang Stadium. No matter how slow they drove, as long as there was no traffic jam, they did not have to worry about being late.
The experience of personally leading the players to take the subway to a game in the First Division was considered rare for Tang En.
Along the way, fans could be seen rushing to the stadium by bus, car, or on foot. When they saw Nottingham Forest's bus, the fans in the bus would excitedly lean out and wave their hands and shout. China's five-star red flag and the posters of Nottingham Forest's star players intertwined, which was also very harmonious — everyone was red, after all.
"If I didn't … I'd be one of them now," Tang En said to Dunn in Mandarin.
"Specially going from Sichuan to Ningbo?"
"That's not impossible … I once resigned from the company just to be able to stay up late to watch the UEFA European Championship." Tang En's expression was very proud when he said this. He was not afraid of Dunn discovering his identity as a transmigrator. After all, he only said "UEFA European Championship." There was also a UEFA European Championship in 2000. As for his real age, he was still in school in 2002. However, he had never told Dunn, and Dunn also did not inquire about these very personal things. "Never underestimate the enthusiasm of the fans … Of course, never underestimate their anger."
When it was time for the game, the Forest players resumed their identity as professional players. On the bus, they behaved as if they were going to play an away league game. Only a few children transferred from the youth team were curiously taking pictures of the spectacular "yellow tide" outside the window with a digital camera.
In fact, the team's coaching staff did not make any arrangements for the game at all. The training these days was mainly focused on physical recovery and simple tactical drills. There was no special training for the China Olympic team. The team's overall training plan was to prepare for the new season's league tournament and the European arena. Tang En did not even call the players together for a tactical meeting before the game. There was enough to say in the locker room later.
Due to the close distance, Nottingham Forest set off on time. When they arrived at Fubon Stadium, the players of the China Olympic team had already run out of the locker room to warm up on the field.
"Their fighting spirit is high." Tang En looked at those people and whistled.
"Because we're the strongest of all their warm-up opponents," Dunn said. "For them, this game is more valuable than the previous warm-up games."
"If we accidentally win, we'll be even more valuable." Tang En winked at Dunn.
"That's impossible." Dunn, a China man, poured cold water on Tang En with a straight face.
"Allan will be very angry to hear you say that … Haha!" Tang En laughed. It was obvious that he was in a good mood. "But you're right. Even if we don't go all out, it's not difficult to win them. Fourteen years ago, China football might defeat opponents who underestimated them, but today's team certainly won't. Everything is developing, but it's strange that this rule doesn't apply at all to China football. "He shook his head.
"Tell them not to dawdle and hurry out to warm up." He turned his head to Kerslake and said. Hence, the assistant manager's loud voice rang out in the locker room.
"Don't relax just because this is a warm-up game! You'll still get hurt if you don't warm up enough! Does anyone want the new season to end before it has started? "
His shout was effective. The players, who had been leisurely planning to dawdle a little more, immediately dashed out.
Tang En did not stay in the locker room to prepare. There was really nothing to prepare. Playing against the China Olympic team, there was no need to study the opponent at all. As long as they played according to their own habits, the game would always be in their hands.
He actually felt a little like "returning home in glory." Deep in his heart, he wanted to go out and show off. Although no one would admit that he was a Chinese man now, and the Chinese would not express envy for his achievements, it did not prevent him from fantasizing in his heart and amusing himself. Back then, I was just an ordinary little fan. Now I've returned to China with a two-time Champions League Double Winner team!
Because it had rained for several consecutive days, the organizers had been worried that the fans who had bought tickets would not come to watch the game live. But what Tang En saw should make the organizers breathe a sigh of relief. More than half of the 40,000 seats had been filled by now, and there were still 40 minutes before the start of the game.
The drizzling rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of the fans at all. Even when the players from both sides came out to warm up, they were still happily shouting in the stands.
Looking at them, and then thinking about the various fans he had met in England. Tang En suddenly had no interest in continuing to "show off" outside. He turned and walked back to the locker room.
Just as he walked to the mouth of the tunnel, he was stopped by a group of Chinese reporters. They wanted to interview the legendary manager who was full of character. The person who came forward to ask the question was Tang Jing, an old acquaintance of Tang En.
"I really run into you everywhere, Miss Tang." Tang En greeted her in Mandarin.
"I'm a reporter in charge of reporting on you. It would be strange if you didn't see me." Tang Jing shook her head and threw out her own question. "Before the game, the fans were worried that such a commercial game would greatly reduce the value of the game. Whether it was spectating or competitive, it was not as good as the usual game. What do you think?"
"This game is certainly different from the EFL Cup. But I don't agree with the statement that it is not exciting. Because there are several kinds of excitement. A 7: 0 victory over the opponent is also very exciting. "Tang En winked at Tang Jing.
"Oh? Are you saying that your team will score a lot of goals in the game? "
"I didn't say that. It's just an analogy. Don't try to lead my meaning in that direction. "Tang En was very clear about the reporter's little tricks. "I have no idea how the game will be played. I can only promise that we will do our best to let the Chinese fans enjoy a wonderful game. We are different from those European teams who are just here to make money. Don't forget that we are also the cultural ambassadors of Nottingham. This game is a good opportunity to showcase the British football culture. And, you know, Miss Tang. I never raise my hands and surrender before the game. "
Hearing Tang En say that, Tang Jing smiled. She had said so much useless bureaucratic nonsense and empty words at the beginning, but this last sentence was the real truth. It was indeed difficult to make Tang En give up before the game started.
"So, the Chinese fans and television viewers can enjoy a wonderful game with peace of mind?"
"That should be the case."
Tang En and Tang Jing exchanged happy glances. The other Chinese reporters were unwilling to be left out and came up to ask their own questions. The biggest advantage of interviewing Tang En was that both sides could communicate directly in Mandarin without a translator, which saved a lot of trouble.
"What do you think of the strength of the China Olympic team, Mr. Tang?"
"I don't know much about this team …" In fact, I know very well, but I won't tell you!
"There are rumors that you are interested in Zheng Zhi. May I ask if it's true?"
"If Zheng Zhi can accept being George Wood's substitute, I don't mind." Tang En grinned. Anyone who knew George Wood would know that this was tantamount to denying the rumor.
"Do you have any expectations for the Beijing Olympics?"
"I'm sorry I can't come to Beijing to watch the Olympics in person, because the English Premier League will have started by then. But I believe the Beijing Olympics will be an unforgettable Olympics. "Tang En answered the question with a smile. He was courteous, cultured, humorous, and gave the impression of being a very good man. It was hard for the Chinese reporters who came into contact with him for the first time to believe that this man had a notorious reputation in Europe.
Only Tang Jing knew that this man's appearance was completely untrustworthy.
This group of Chinese reporters soon saw another side of Tony Twain.
A female television reporter with a distinctive appearance squeezed in. "Beckham is in the starting lineup. May I ask if he can play the whole game?"
"It depends on the situation. Generally speaking, we will make a big adjustment." This was not a regular game. The substitution quota was discussed by both sides. As the China Olympic team wanted to train, everyone decided to change eleven players.
"That is to say, Beckham will be replaced midway?"
Tang En began to feel that this female reporter was very annoying. The questions she asked were very low-level and unprofessional. His enthusiastic tone quickly cooled down. "I can't answer you now."
The female reporter did not feel the dissatisfaction in Tang En's tone and continued to throw out the question she had prepared. "Do you think David Beckham's role in the team is very important?"
Tang En finally could not stand it anymore. He questioned the female reporter in a stern tone, "Miss. I'm very dissatisfied with the way you ask questions that presuppose the position and answer of the interviewee. I can only answer 'yes' or 'no' to such a question. Or do you want me to answer what you want to hear? I'm really sorry. I refuse to answer this question. Also, are you an entertainment reporter? "
Tang En's sudden outburst stunned all the reporters present, including the female reporter. She had interviewed many competitions in China and had always asked questions like this. No one had ever said that she asked the wrong questions or asked the wrong questions.
For example, "Do you feel very honored and proud to win the gold medal? Did the coach and the team help you a lot? Are you very excited and want to cry? "
"Do you feel regretful that you only got the silver medal? Do you feel that you have let down the country's years of training? "
"Congratulations on running your personal best this year. Liu Xiang won the championship. Do you feel very happy? What do you think of Liu Xiang's performance today? "
…
But today, this person actually refuted her mercilessly. Her brain could not wrap around it for a while.
"I … I'm not an entertainment reporter." It took her a long time to answer this inexplicable question.
"Go be an entertainment reporter. You're very talented in that area." With that, Tang En pulled away. He left an awkward back view for all the China reporters present.
Tang Jing saw this scene behind the crowd and shrugged. She knew things would develop like this.
Tang En, who was very upset, walked quickly through the tunnel. When he passed by the door of the home team's locker room, the door just closed. This action attracted his attention. He turned his head and caught a glimpse of a familiar figure through the crack in the door — Xie Guanlong, the president of the China Football Association.
It was said that Dujković had long been a head coach in name, and the Chinese coaching team was just a puppet, only responsible for conveying the instructions and spirit from above. Now it seemed that the rumor was true.
A glimpse of this scene made Tang En laugh. China's football was a joke everywhere. Xie Guanlong, a person with a track and field background, pretended to arrange tactics in the locker room and direct the team's game? Then a group of professional coaches bowed their heads and ears, constantly nodding and saying yes, and then fawning and praising, "President Xie is really an expert," and "President Xie is very right." Just thinking about it made one feel funny.
Fortunately, he did not have to suffer in such an environment.
This little interlude made him feel better all of a sudden.
※ ※ ※
After the players finished warming up, they returned to the locker room, wiped off the water on their bodies, and changed into clean clothes.
After Tang En saw that they had done this, he said, "There's nothing to say about this game. How we usually play in this game will be how we play? "
Eastwood stood up and said, "Chief, or defensive counterattack?"
"We don't only know how to defend and counterattack!" Tang En glared at him. "We'll practice the offensive routine in the middle today. We won't go to the sides, only the middle. If the China team's morale is high, they will definitely pounce more fiercely. Take this opportunity to score a goal against them, and then start practicing the offense. "
The players nodded. The middle was a place that all teams paid more attention to. Whether it was offense or defense, there must be a lot of troops deployed there. The Forest team did not have a chance to specially practice in a normal game, because they wanted to pursue victory. The flank play was obviously more practical. Now that they were facing an opponent like the China Olympic team, it would be a waste not to use it to practice tactics but to play the flank attack that they were best at.
"But I want to remind you." Tang En stretched out his left index finger. "Everyone must be familiar with the weather and the situation of the field when they warmed up just now. The China team will fight very fiercely. You have to be careful not to let yourself get hurt. Don't snatch the more difficult balls from the opponent. If they move too much, avoid them. Protect yourselves. "
Everyone on the starting list nodded. Tang En gave everyone enough face in the starting list for this game — almost all the main lineup would play.
The goalkeeper was Edwin van der Sar. The center backs were Piqué and Ayala's partners, the left back Gareth Bale, and the right back Rafinha. The defensive midfielder was Sun Jihai, the attacking midfielder was van der Vaart, the left midfielder was Ribéry, and the right midfielder was Beckham. The strikers were van Nistelrooy and Eastwood.
The center back, Pepe, had some minor injuries. Out of caution, Tang En did not put him on the starting list. On the other hand, George Wood did not have any injuries. Tang En's decision to put him on the substitutes' bench was puzzling. In fact, Tang En had his own plans for this arrangement.
※ ※ ※
At the same time, in the China Olympic team's locker room, Xie Guanlong had just made a guest appearance as the head coach and laid out tactics for the players of the China Olympic team. In fact, his tactics were very simple. They were nothing more than some jargon that the fake fans knew. "Have a solid defense and quick counterattack. Start to snatch in the front field. Go to the two flanks. The ball is heavy on a rainy day. Strengthen long shots … "
After saying these superficially professional words, which were tantamount to saying nothing, he began his favorite ideological mobilization work, which was to mobilize before the game.
"Players! It's a rare opportunity to play against the UEFA Champions League champion. The Chinese Football Association has worked hard to get this opportunity for everyone. I hope you cherish it. "He put one hand on his psoas and the other hand's five fingers were slightly spread, waving vigorously. He had the air of a leader. "Our strength is definitely not as good as our opponent in this game, but I hope you don't give up. You have to play in your own style! First, momentum! You are weaker than your opponent. If your momentum is not as good as your opponent, you can't play this game! We have to make them afraid! We have to show a tenacious fighting spirit and ferociously snatch. We can make bigger movements. As long as the opponent is afraid, the situation of the game will be in our favor! "
He spoke enthusiastically here, while the head coach, Dujković, sat in the corner with an indifferent expression. It was as if everything that happened here had nothing to do with him. In fact, it really did not matter. He was just a figurehead. He could not do anything and had no power. To put it nicely, he was a spectator who could sit in the technical area.
"The second point is don't give up! No matter what the situation is, don't give up the game! The style of China football is to never give up until the last second! " Xie Guanlong was high-spirited, as if his team had already won the game. But did he not feel embarrassed saying such words? "If the opponent scores, we have to work hard to snatch and disrupt their rhythm! Then strive to equalize the score as soon as possible. We must be fierce in defense. We will use our fighting spirit and tenacious fighting spirit to make up for our technical disadvantages, as well as our positive style! "
"Finally, I hope you can give a wonderful game to the fans all over the country and let the fans see the spirit you show! The party and the people are watching you and hope you can hand in a satisfactory answer sheet! "
After irresponsibly throwing the burden of 1.3 billion people onto the shoulders of these ordinary players, Xie Guanlong confidently left the locker room accompanied by other officials. He felt very, very good at the thought of that result and the impassioned speech he made before the game.
Back on the podium, after shaking hands with Nottingham Forest Football Club chairman Evan Doughty and market manager Allan Adams, he sat next to the two men and prepared to watch the game.
In the stands opposite the podium, there were fans who put up the banner "Xie X Long dismissed! Return my Dujković! ", but he glanced over and pretended not to see it.
※ ※ ※
The players from both sides lined up and the atmosphere at the scene warmed up. The live broadcast broadcasted the players from both sides. Whether it was the China Olympic team or the Nottingham Forest star players, they all received the most enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience. Of course, Beckham was the most popular.
Since George Wood was not there, it was reasonable to say that the second captain, Edwin van der Sar, should come up to guess. But because it was not an official game, but a commercial game, Twain gave the captain's armband to Beckham from a commercial point of view. This move was very pleasing. Seeing Beckham with the captain's armband in the center circle and the China Olympic team's captain, Li Weifeng, the fans at the scene burst into loud cheers.
Beckham lost to Li Weifeng during the guess and was awarded the right to kick off.
After the starting lineup took a group photo, the players on both sides returned to their respective positions. The referee from China blew the whistle and the game officially began!
From the beginning of the game, the fans in the stands cheered hard. In most cases, they cheered on the China China Olympic team. Because Twain clearly heard them shouting, "China team, come on! China team, come on! "
Any fan who often watched the China team's games live on television would be familiar with this voice, and Twain was no exception. It seemed that no matter how popular Nottingham Forest was in China, no matter how great Beckham's appeal was, as long as the opponent was China's national team, then it was almost impossible for the fans at the scene to cheer for the Forest team.
At the beginning of the game, it was just as Twain said. The morale of the China Olympic team was high. Although they did not have possession of the ball, they were very active in pressing for the ball. Any successful defense would win a burst of cheers from the stands. But in Twain's view, this was just a performance of bravery but no strategy. The "manager" who arranged this was very incompetent.
The China Olympic team's aggressive pressing was bound to consume a lot of energy, and they could not take care of every corner of the field, especially in the rear defensive line, where there would be a lot of gaps that could be exploited. Nottingham Forest was waiting for a suitable opportunity to kill in one shot.
Nottingham Forest did not have to wait too long for this opportunity. Nottingham Forest, which could almost be regarded as an all-main force, easily grasped the pace of the game in their own hands. The China Olympic team could only follow the Forest team's pace at first. They ran very actively and consumed a lot of energy to actively open up gaps for the Forest team.
In the sixth minute, Beckham saw the opportunity and suddenly lifted his leg to pass a diagonal pass into the penalty area. Van Nistelrooy and Eastwood attracted the attention of all the China Olympic team defenders. Van der Vaart, who plugged in from behind, appeared in the penalty area unmarked. He did not stop the ball and directly volleyed!
If it was a more important game, he might try to be steady and stop the ball first before he made a move. But in such a game, the China Olympic team did not put any pressure on him at all, so he was in the mood to play some uncommonly difficult moves. And the effect was very good …
"The ball went in! Oh, China's defense of the China Olympic team has a gap here that should not have been there … "The commentator on China's national television looked a little depressed. Although it was known that the strength of the two teams was not on the same level, the China Olympic team represented China. It was a loss of face to concede the goal so quickly.
Seeing the goal, the Forest players simply celebrated. Twain and the others in the technical area did not even get up to applaud. For these people, it was normal to score a goal for the China team and not worth celebrating at all.
※ ※ ※
After taking the lead, Nottingham Forest deliberately slowed down the pace and began to follow the guidelines set up by Twain before the game. If there was a chance to attack, they would attack the middle. Even if the China Olympic team put all the defensive forces in the middle, even if it led to a sharp decline in the success rate of the attack, they had no intention of trying the flanks.
The trailing China Olympic team stepped up their scramble amid the cheers of the fans in the stadium. Their overexcited actions became bigger and bigger, forcing the Nottingham Forest players to give up the ball several times to avoid the opponent's fierce shovels.
This made the Forest players a little dissatisfied. The smell of gunpowder in the commercial game gradually became stronger.
Finally, in the twenty-first minute, the China Olympic team's striker, Gao Lin, suddenly fell to the ground when he received Zheng Zhi's pass in the penalty area. The referee firmly awarded a penalty kick! The Nottingham Forest players felt wronged. Although Piqué and Gao Lin had physical contact, it was a bit exaggerated to say that it was a foul. They could not always call for a penalty kick as long as the opponent's striker fell to the ground after physical contact with the defender in the penalty area.
The referee did not care about the protests of the Forest players and insisted on the original verdict.
Twain smiled when he saw the first scene off the field. Did the Football Association also play double insurance?
There was no suspense. Zheng Zhi scored the penalty kick. The score became a 1: 1 tie.
The gongs and drums in the stands were deafening. The fans were very happy to be able to equalize the score. The China Olympic team players were also affected by this. They became more excited and their actions became more and more ruthless.
The Forest players quickly discovered a problem. The two sides scrambled together. After physical contact, the China players fell to the ground. In most cases, the referee would rule that the Forest team had fouled. The China Olympic team was far ahead in the number of free kicks in the first half.
When Ayala circled from the back to the front to defend and poked the ball at the feet of Zheng Zhi, who was looking around, Zheng Zhi fell to the ground and the referee whistled for a foul again. The old Argentine general stood with his hands on his hips and shook his head helplessly.
As a result, the Nottingham Forest players played more and more passively. They were timid in the face of the China team's defense, which was close to a foul. When they defended, they were afraid of being called for a foul and dared not easily make a move. As a result, the China team regained the initiative on the field.
When the Forest team controlled the ball, they would rather pass the ball back and forth in the middle and backfield than easily pass the ball forward. Such a move displeased the fans who came to watch the game. They wanted to see the two sides attack each other back and forth, not a passive game. As a result, boos against Nottingham Forest began to appear in the stands. As soon as they started to pass the ball to each other and pass the ball back, such boos would immediately ring out.
The China Olympic team, which struggled hard, naturally received one-sided enthusiastic support.
Everyone's thinking was — since Nottingham Forest is not willing to go all out and disdains to play seriously with a team like us. Then we will defeat you and embarrass you!
In the second half of the first half, the China Olympic team began to gain the upper hand. They even besieged the Forest team's goal, causing the goal guarded by Edwin van der Sar to be in danger. Seeing such a scene, the stands naturally burst into thunderous cheers, and Xie Guanlong on the podium was also full of smiles.
In the technical area, Kerslake could not sit still. It was strange that Tang En, who could not tolerate sand in his eyes, sat calmly on the fishing platform and crossed his legs. He was not worried about the team's predicament on the field at all.
Before the end of the first half, Nottingham Forest paid the price for their passive game. Zheng Zhi made an unexpected long shot. The football hit Sun Jihai's thigh, refracted, and flew into the net. Edwin van der Sar could only look at the ball and sigh.
At this moment, the decibel level of the Fubang Stadium reached its highest since its construction.
Xie Guanlong even stood up and applauded. The China Olympic players hugged each other excitedly. In the second half of the first half, they completely suppressed Nottingham Forest. Now they were ahead of the European champions! It was hard not to get these young people excited.
As for Twain? He just turned his head to the restless Kerslake next to him and said, "You should be happy. The first half is about to end, and we have no injuries. "
※ ※ ※
During the halftime interval, the China Olympic players ran off the field with their heads held high, accepting the cheers of the fans along the way. The Nottingham Forest players bowed their heads helplessly as they left the field. Occasionally, they would hear boos from the stands.
It was no wonder that the attitude of these fans, who were still chasing the Forest team before the game, had a 180-degree change. In the first half, Nottingham Forest bore the titles of the European Champion and the Double Winner. People had high hopes, but they really did not play to the level that everyone wanted to see. How could this not be disappointing? Since they were disappointed, they naturally had to fully express it for the British team to see.
The director of the television broadcast was clearly aware of Tang En's position. When the players came off the field, the camera lens found Tang En, but was surprised to find that Tang En was not the slightest dissatisfied with the result and the team's performance, which was really puzzling. Wasn't it rumored that he could accept losing, but absolutely could not accept losing in a cowardly and unmotivated manner?
Why now …
How could these people know that Tang En's little abacus was ringing in his mind?
On the podium, Xie Guanlong left with a smile. He was going to the locker room to inspect again. The team's performance in the first half made him very happy, but the reaction of the fans in the stadium made him even happier.
※ ※ ※
Everyone was already in the locker room. Tang En came in and closed the door.
He did not criticize the players at all. With a smile on his face, he said, "You guys did well. No one got hurt. I'm relieved. "
But his players did not agree with this statement. Eastwood stood up with a gloomy face. "Boss, I can't accept this result at all."
His statement was quickly echoed and agreed by most of his other teammates.
"Oh? Why? " Tang En pretended to be surprised. "Not getting hurt in the warm-up is the most important thing. I think there's no reason to fight for such a game."
"You're right, Boss. But I just can't accept this result and this awkward situation. Every time I hear the boos from the stands, I feel uncomfortable. "Eastwood, who was always smiling, now had a serious look on his face. "We're the European champions, right? We're the Double Winner, right? If we were a little more serious, the first half would have been 3: 0. To be honest … "
Eastwood hesitated for a moment, but still said what was on his mind. "… I don't like this kind of game. It's like a show, to let the audience see the results they want to see. Compared to this kind of commercial game, I prefer the real Champions League final! "
Having said that, he held his head high and waited for the criticism from the boss. But Tang En had a smile on his face and had no intention of scolding him.
"But I think the result and situation of a commercial game are insignificant. Compared to that bit of face, I value your health more. We can't choose whether to participate in this kind of game. As our reputation rises, there will definitely be similar games. But we can choose the way the game is played … "
Eastwood was determined to vent the resentment he suffered in the first half today. He knew the boss liked him, so he was a little unscrupulous. "I remember the boss once told us that the way to end the game early includes completely killing the opponent at the beginning of the game. Why can't we be like that in this game? No matter what, I think this kind of game is a disgrace to my work ethic. "
The words were a little harsh, but Tang En was still not angry. He looked at the players with a grin.
"I think, boss … I can probably guess what these China newspapers will say about us the next day. It's definitely not good." The second person stood up. It was Pepe, who did not play because of his injury. He shrugged and curled his lips. "I don't want others to look down on me."
"Boss, we know what a commercial game is. But a commercial game does not stipulate that we must lose to the host. "
"The referee of this game has been blowing the whistle to the side. Everything is against us. I want to show them what I'm made of! "
"Anyway, the first half was very uncomfortable. Football should not be played like this!"
More and more people stood up bravely to oppose their king, but the smile on Tang En's face grew wider.
"So, you all don't want to lose?"
"Who was the one who told us that Nottingham Forest's football is a football that refuses to admit defeat? Boss? "Eastwood looked straight at Tang En and asked in return.
Twain finally laughed out loud. "I knew you people wouldn't be honest. Actually, I think … I certainly don't want to lose, but it's not that I don't want you guys to get hurt. You've seen the opponent's actions. I don't want to wait for someone to get hurt before I start regretting. You have to think about your own bodies. "
"At the start of the second half, I'll make a major change in the players. I won't keep any of the eleven players. But! " He raised his voice. "You're right. Nottingham Forest's football is a football that refuses to admit defeat. I will never accept failure, let alone a failure like this! We can obviously beat them, so let's beat them! "
Sun Jihai began to pray for his compatriots in the midst of an excited crowd.
Seeing that everyone was full of confidence and fighting spirit to win the game, Twain grinned happily.
The only regret was that he could not see the changing expressions on the faces of the Chinese Football Association leaders in the second half. You must have laughed happily in the first half, right?
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
