"… The doctor's advice to Tony Twain was to wait until the end of the season before considering returning to work. But there are suddenly rumors that he wants to take over the team immediately. Could it be that Nottingham Forest's terrible results have reached the end of his patience? "
"… In fact, I'm not optimistic about the veracity of this rumor. If Tony Twain is a smart man, he would not choose to come back at such an awkward time. There are three rounds left in the league, and the team is destined to achieve nothing this season. He can't change anything even if he comes back. Instead, he might be made a scapegoat. Is Tony Twain a smart man? Obviously he is … "
"I think the strangest thing is not his early return to work, but the fact that he's back to work. To be honest, I don't think he's fit to be a manager anymore. Although he had achieved brilliant results in the past, it was the best choice for him to stop at this point. With his character and temper, I'm worried that his heart can't take it … "
When the rumors about Twain's early return appeared in the media, most people were pessimistic.
Carl Spicer, the vanguard of anti-Tony Twain, shouted in his column, "Tony Twain is done for! His heart can't take the torment of the English Premier League! His drive has been depleted by his heart disease! I heard that he's being watched over by a nurse? This is the funniest thing I've heard this year! Look at Houllier's results after he returned to the position of Liverpool's manager from his sickbed … I think Tony Twain's best ending should be to announce his retirement and go to Hollywood with his supermodel girlfriend. It doesn't matter if he can't earn money, his girlfriend is very rich … Do you think I'm anti-Tony Twain for the sake of being anti-Tony Twain? That's wrong. This time, I'm really doing it for his own good. Well, actually, I'm doing it for his own good every time. I think no matter how much people hate him, they wouldn't want to see him die in the manager's seat, right? "
Unlike the English Premier League managers who hoped that Twain could overcome his heart disease and return, the media unexpectedly unanimously did not think highly of Tony Twain.
Some people felt that the timing of his return was not good, while others simply thought that his heart could no longer take the stimulation of professional football. Or perhaps there were people who simply thought that the current Twain was easy to bully and kept on smearing his name.
In any case, for the past five months, Tang En had been silent in the columns of several newspapers. He did not publish a single article. In the past five months, he had not publicly accepted a single interview. Other than the occasional news from Pierce Brosnan such as "Tony Twain is recovering well", "Tony Twain is actively working out", "Tony Twain is in a good mood", "Tony Twain and his girlfriend, Shania, are on vacation in Brazil", and other inconsequential "gossip", he did not spit out a single word of rebuttal to the comments and reports that criticized him and were not optimistic about him. This was really not in line with Twain's character.
It was inevitable that people would think that Tony Twain had lost his temper because of a heart attack. There were also some tabloids that exaggerated the process of Tang En's treatment. They said that he was forced to have a heart transplant, that he did not dare to have any emotional fluctuations, and that the slightest stimulation would lead to a relapse of his heart disease. In fact, they were all fabricated, but there were still people who believed them. He couldn't help but sigh at how big the world was. No matter how low the IQ record was, there would always be someone who could break it.
Now that they heard that Twain was coming back so soon, some of the media panicked …
※ ※ ※
Today's weather was very good for the United Kingdom. It was sunny all over the country.
The sky was blue, and the sun was bright.
The players were training on the training ground, and the coaches' shouts and whistles rang continuously. The most hardcore fans were still supporting the team at this time. They came from all directions to watch the team's training and hoped to get a few star players' autographs after the training. It would be even better if they could take a photo together.
This day in Wilford was no different from any other day in the past.
In the administrative building of the training base, Evan Doughty and Allan Adams sat in the office, looking at a man opposite them.
After greeting each other, the atmosphere seemed to be showing signs of cooling down.
It was the man who laughed first. "Why so serious? Allan, you can't be thinking that I'm back to denounce you, right? "
Allan Adams took advantage of Tang En's absence to make the decision to sell Ribéry. Tang En only found out about this a few months later. At that time, he was a little annoyed, but thanks to the doctor's advice, he worked hard to calm his emotions down. After thinking about it calmly, he realized that Allan Adams did not do anything wrong. The team needed money, and Ribéry was currently the most expensive player in the team. Moreover, Ribéry himself had the intention to leave for a long time. The melon that was forcefully twisted this summer was still not sweet.
In fact, when he personally went to Mallorca to persuade Ribéry in the summer, Tang En had already made such preparations deep down in his heart. Without money, he could not keep Ribéry. This kid was afraid of being poor.
It was all in the past. Let bygones be bygones. There was no need to sour his relationship with his current colleagues because of someone who had left. So, he did not intend to grab Allan Adams by the collar and let him experience the power of the "hairdryer."
Evan laughed first. "Tony, you're joking again."
Tang En, who returned to the club, did not go directly to the team to meet with his colleagues and players. Instead, he went to the chairman's office first.
"I'm just here to tell you that I'm back to work."
"For something like this, just a phone call will do."
Tang En raised his eyebrows. "How can that do? It's better to say it face to face. "
"Your body … Is there really nothing wrong with it? I also saw the news of you coming back from the recent newspapers. I thought it was just a rumor, "Evan asked with some concern. In fact, deep down, he was anxious for Tang En to return as soon as possible. But out of consideration for Tang En's safety, he did not call to ask about Tang En's return date. Now that Tang En had returned himself, it could not be any better. He still had to say pretty words to save face.
Tang En touched his left chest. "Now there's something here that I can still feel with my hands. But I can't feel its existence most of the time. As for my body … I watched the last round of the league tournament. "
Hearing Tang En mention the home loss to Bolton Wanderers, Evan's expression was a little awkward. That game was too embarrassing for the team.
Putting aside the result of the loss, the fact that the team showed no fighting spirit at all was really intolerable for a club chairman who did not know much about football. He had even discussed with Allan Adams in the private room which players had to be kicked out of the team in the summer.
"Although I'm very angry, there's nothing wrong with my heart!" Tang En laughed. "I think I can start working. I can't wait!" He rubbed his hands excitedly, just like George Barton who was fired for slapping a soldier in Sicily — he was starving. One would feel dead if he was not allowed to fight. The other would feel dead if he was not allowed to direct the game.
Allan Adams, who had not spoken, stood up and turned to pick up an envelope from the table. He handed it to Tang En.
Tang En did not quite understand what it meant. Allan pointed to the envelope and explained, "Franck Ribéry gave it to me when he left. He asked me to give it to you if you came back. "
Tang En looked down at the "For Boss" written on the envelope. He gently squeezed it. There was only a thin piece of paper inside.
He stuffed it into his shirt pocket.
"You're not going to take a look?" Allan was a little surprised.
"Not now." Tang En shrugged. "I should get to work."
Evan stopped him. "Does the team know you're coming back today?"
Tang En shook his head and smiled a little proudly. "No. I didn't tell anyone. I'm going to give them a big 'surprise'! "
※ ※ ※
The sun was very good. The grass on the training ground gave off a dry, fishy smell under the baking sun. Dunn stood under the sun, but he did not feel the slightest warmth — he was still in winter.
The acting manager was distracted, and the players also seemed a little distracted.
The season was about to end. It was said that a group of people would be cleaned up after the season. The club needed money, and the players had better pursuits. Who would have thought that the team that had lifted the championship trophy several times last season would fall apart?
Nottingham Forest was destined to become the brightest shooting star in the history of English football. When it appeared twice, the dazzling light lit up half the sky, as if it was the falling sun. But it streaked across the sky twice more and then disappeared.
The season was not over yet, and many of the main players had received invitations from other teams.
As the team's captain, George Wood also received the favor of many big clubs. However, as his agent, Billy Woox, clearly did not react to these matters as quickly as he did to commercial endorsement contracts. He did not respond to any transfer offers from other clubs.
Such a team, just because it was missing a manager, actually had a faint centrifugal force. It was really sad.
Kerslake blew the whistle in his mouth, "The outdoor training ends here. Let's go to the tactics class!"
The group of people slowly walked to the tactics classroom with their heads down.
The "tactics class" the next day after every game would always be to watch the video of the previous game. Yesterday's game … Was there still a need to watch it? Everyone muttered in their hearts.
The tactics classroom had thick double curtains drawn, and it was as dark as a cinema. It was very suitable to watch the big screen.
After the door opened, a group of people swarmed in. Then there were sounds of chairs and screams. Finally, someone remembered to turn on the lights.
As the white light flashed, a voice rushed into everyone's ears, "Have you all lost your souls? The first thing you do when you enter such a dark room is not to turn on the lights, but to rush straight in. What are you all thinking? "
When everyone came to their senses, they realized that there was already someone sitting in the room.
That person sat in a chair next to the computer, frowning a little impatiently. Who else could it be but the boss, Tony Twain?
For a moment, the room was silent.
Dunn saw that the crowd in front had suddenly stopped moving. He thought it was strange. Could it be a ghost? After squeezing in with great effort, he also stopped.
"Hey! What are you doing in front? Why aren't you moving? Why are you blocking the door for? " Kerslake's unique loud voice rang out from behind the crowd. He could not squeeze in, so he could only jump and shout at the back.
Twain did not get up from his chair. He only waved his hand toward the inside. Only then did a group of people rush in and make way for the entrance.
Only Dunn did not move at the side. When Kerslake came in and saw Twain, he immediately did the same as Dunn.
A group of people stood silently in the room. Only Twain sat alone.
Twain did not open his mouth to speak. He just looked at everyone in silence.
This was his team …
Then he stood up and said, "Today, I'm here to give you a tactics class. Sit down. "
The players obediently sat in the chairs. Kerslake heard Twain's words and wanted to put the game disc in his hands into the computer, but was stopped by Twain.
"There's no need for this. I still remember that game until now. And I believe that all of you haven't forgotten it so quickly, right?"
Hearing Twain say that, everyone's hearts sank to the bottom. It looked like the boss was very dissatisfied with the team's performance and was about to scold someone. But … could his heart withstand such intense emotional changes?
Dunn opened his mouth to persuade him, "Tony, you …"
Twain looked at him and said, "I watched the entire game on television yesterday. My heart was fine. I think it withstood the test, so I decided to come back early. Do you want to know why? "He turned his face again to look at the players. "Because I think from now on, I will never see a game as clumsy and infuriating as that!!"
He suddenly raised his voice, causing the hearts of those present to tighten.
David Beckham looked at Twain with some worry, afraid that after he finished shouting, he would not be able to catch his breath and faint to the ground again. But fortunately, Tang En still stood there steadily, his expression solemn.
"Look at what you've done … You actually lost to Bolton Wanderers at home! Bolton Wanderers, guys, how dare you lose to such a team! Is there anything in this world that you can't do? Attack Mars or land on the Moon? "
It had been five months … The depression, resentment, and passion that had been suppressed in Twain's heart poured out in one go. Meh Meh, which had been as obedient as a child in front of Nurse Douglas, had now transformed into a ferocious wolf. It opened its bloody mouth, revealing sharp teeth that gleamed with a cold light, and spewed out waves of the breath of death.
"I know the team's results aren't good, and I also know there are many difficulties. I have nothing to say about being eliminated from the Champions League. Under these circumstances, we should have given up on a competition. Do you know? In the most difficult time, in December last year, I had prepared for the worst, which was to lose the Champions League and maintain a top four position in the league tournament … But look at us now, we're ranked 12th! The media outside are all saying 'Nottingham Forest can't do well without Tony Twain.' Do you think I should be happy and proud of this? Bullsh * t! I feel deeply humiliated! You're the f * cking 'Nottingham Forest Team,' not the son of a b * tch 'Tony Twain Team!' "
His emotions were already high, and his voice should have soared again. But at this point, Twain suddenly stopped and took a few deep breaths. He finally felt the pressure from his heart after the harsh scolding just now. He had no choice but to take a break for the time being.
Seeing him like this, Kerslake nervously went forward to support him, but was pushed away by Twain. He pressed his hand on the table and stood there alone. "It's no big deal. I have a nuclear-powered heart here!" He pointed to his chest and said fiercely to Kerslake.
"I've always looked down on Grant and his Chelsea. We always beat Chelsea, so much so that every time we faced each other, I always said we had a psychological advantage. But in these five months, I've admired Grant's Chelsea very much. Do you know why? They both changed managers halfway through the league tournament, and they finally reached the Champions League final! And you guys! "
"No Champions League, no UEFA Europa League, there's nothing next season! We're like a newly promoted team that has just been promoted! Is there anyone who's tired of winning too many championships? It's just as well. From next season onwards, we can start all over again as if we've never won any championships! But I don't want to hide anything from you. Failure in results will bring financial difficulties. All of us have to pay for this season's failure! Yes, all of us, even I am no exception. Why do I have to come back at this time? I just want to show that the team's current terrible predicament has something to do with me, and I'm responsible for it. But! "He raised his voice again and pointed to the people in front of him.
"None of you can run away! You have to atone for your sins from now on! I don't expect everyone to go all out in the final stages and rush to the sixth place in the league tournament. Our opponents are not fools. But I don't want to see the disgusting performance you showed in the game against Bolton Wanderers again! What did Nottingham Forest rely on to dominate Europe in these two years? In terms of strength, it's not that there are no teams that are the same as us or even stronger than us. We rely on that spirit and momentum! Only this is unique and belongs only to us, Nottingham Forest! There are so many teams in Europe, but when it comes to 'never admit defeat,' it's us, Nottingham Forest! We can lose, but we can't raise our hands and surrender! I'm proud of this. That's our flag, and I don't want you to lose this flag. Even if you lose it, you have to pick it up from today onwards! And stick it here! "He pointed to his feet.
Tang En had scolded so many people in one go and was finally exhausted. But he still straightened his back and waved his hand forcefully. "Tactics class ends here. Dismissed!"
No one moved. He walked straight out.
Dunn chased after him. He was afraid that Tang En would fall to the ground the moment he stepped out. The scene of the final moments of the game against Newcastle still appeared in his mind from time to time. When he knelt beside Tang En and watched him twitch all over, he really thought that this fearless guy was about to die. No matter how much time passed, there was only lingering fear when he thought about it.
※ ※ ※
"Tony!"
Tang En walked very quickly. Dunn had no choice but to run to catch up. By the time he caught up, he was already panting.
Tang En stopped and turned to look at him. He smiled at him and said, "You look like you can't take any more fatigue than my heart. It's been hard on you these five months. "
Dunn shook his head.
"When do you plan to move back?" For the past five months, Tang En had been living in the high-class apartment that Shania had bought at the Lace Market, avoiding most of the harassment from the reporters. Dunn had always been the one cleaning and looking after No. 13 Brede Garden Street.
"Let's do it tomorrow. Why, did you miss me?" Tang En joked with Dunn.
Dunn was expressionless. His unmoved expression made Tang En's joke fall through. He pursed his lips. "I'll come back with Shania tomorrow. If you're free tonight, let's have dinner together at home. I'll have to reintroduce Shania to you. "
"When are you getting married?" Dunn asked. He already knew that Tang En and Shania had returned to Brazil together to get engaged.
"This summer."
"So early!" Dunn was a little surprised.
"Is it still early to get married at 40?" Tang En smiled. "Be my best man when the time comes, Dunn. The wedding will be in Brazil. Bring Dad and Mom along. As their son, I haven't let them enjoy anything … Even if it's a trip abroad. "
The two of them chatted as they walked out. Neither of them brought up the troublesome matters of the team. They only talked about the trifles after five months apart. The house was cleaned twice a week. Toto was almost like Dunn's pet.
They walked all the way to the door of the office. Just as Tang En was about to push the door open to enter, Dunn suddenly remembered something. "Right, Chen Jian visited me once in March. He wanted to thank you, but he was afraid to see you, so he only came to me after he left. He thanked you for scolding him that day, so he persevered. "
Tang En interrupted him. "I almost forgot about him. He persevered?"
Dunn nodded. "Greenwood followed your instructions and picked on his faults every day. He magnified all his shortcomings and used Greenwood's training plan to train him meticulously and correct his shortcomings. He was even stricter than before. But he still persevered. "Dunn's expression was very serious as he said this. "But because of your illness, the team's poor results, and the club faced a lot of problems, no one cared about a young player from a commercial talent show. So, after the one-year deadline, he returned to China. "
Hearing Dunn say this, Tang En was silent for a while.
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