David Gill was still waiting for such a thing to happen again. He called Tony Twain, but he did not expect Twain's answer at all. He felt that rather than let Twain take over Manchester United, it was better to persuade Ferguson to change his mind.
Twain discovered a problem. Since Gill called him, the media's news that he might take over Manchester United had become more and more intense.
This phenomenon alerted him — if Manchester United really wanted to poach him to be the manager, there was no reason for them to make such a big deal out of it before things were clear. But if they did not publicize it, how did the media know? Manchester United deliberately revealed it …
Deliberately revealed it for what? To disrupt the Forest team's morale.
During this time, everyone was discussing whether Tony Twain would go to Manchester United. Some people said that Twain was suitable for Manchester United, while others said that Twain would not leave the Forest team. It seemed that whatever was said made sense. Because of this, this matter was even more confusing — people who did not understand the truth did not know what to believe. Tony Twain's loyalty and position in Nottingham Forest were bound to be challenged.
Thinking of this, Twain felt that all this looked like Manchester United's psychological warfare.
But if this was Manchester United's psychological warfare, then they were too generous. Although real and fake were the highest level of trickery, it was really not worth it for the sake of a game — it was not a game that concerned the ownership of the league championship.
Just when Twain could not figure out why Manchester United was doing this, he received another call.
This time it was not David Gill, who hated him, but Alex Ferguson.
"The cost of this psychological warfare is a little high, sir." Twain said half-jokingly.
"Ha, unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work on you. I haven't heard any bad news from the Forest team. "
"Hey." Twain rolled his eyes. If his team was so easily disrupted by a groundless rumor, he could tie a rock to himself and jump into the English Channel as a manager. "So your retirement this time is fake again?"
"No, it's real this time. Tony. I'm already 70 years old, and I've won countless honors. I think it's enough. "
Twain did not say a word and quietly listened to Ferguson continue on the other side of the phone.
"This time I won't change my mind again. Do you know why I called you? I hope to persuade you to accept Manchester United's offer. Tony, Nottingham Forest is not your final destination. You should have a bigger stage. "
"I think the current stage is enough." Twain smiled and did not directly reject Ferguson.
"No. At Manchester United, you are fully capable of becoming the second me, but at Nottingham Forest … your reputation cannot go any further. It's a small team and they can't meet all your requirements. You are only forty-two years old now. You can work at Manchester United for twenty-eight years until you are seventy, longer than I have been at Manchester United. You'll be a legend … But you won't get any of that at Nottingham Forest. "
Tang En smiled. "Why are you so sure?"
"It's very simple. Your boss is not a rich man."
Modern football was a world of capital. One could not play without money. At the very least, one could not play well. Indeed, Evan Doughty was not considered a rich man. Among the owners of the 20 Premier League clubs, his wealth was probably at the bottom of the list. For so many years, Tang En's life had been tight and he had never been rich.
Ferguson believed that if he came to Manchester United, at least the club would not restrict Tang En too much financially. He had the means to buy the players he wanted. Coupled with Manchester United's reputation, it would not be difficult to build another team that could dominate the world. If Manchester United wanted to continue to dominate the Premier League and touch Europe after his retirement, they had to rely on this man.
Looking at the coaches over the years, only he was the most suitable and the most capable person for Manchester United.
But unfortunately, this man was more stubborn than expected …
"I have to admit that you're right, Sir. Manchester United is richer and more prestigious than Forest. If I jump ship to Manchester United, it will be a new career opportunity and improvement for me personally. Although I did not think much of this team when we were opponents, I personally respect this team. I will not reject Manchester United's invitation because of my personal dislike. But I'm afraid I can't accept this invitation. "
"Why?"
"Manchester United is good, Arsenal is good, Chelsea and Liverpool are also good … But I'm only suitable for Nottingham Forest."
"You're too idealistic."
Tang En smiled. "Of course I know myself the best. Sir, when you're considering your successor, you must be thinking from Manchester United's point of view, right? And I have no reason to think from Manchester United's point of view. I only think from my point of view — I don't think I'm suitable for Manchester United. "
In the past, when the two of them talked about the future Manchester United manager, Ferguson used a joking tone to invite Tang En, and Tang En naturally used a joking tone to reject it. But this time, Ferguson was serious, and Tang En's tone was a lot more solemn.
"Sir, do you think I can have the power I have now at Nottingham Forest if I go to Manchester United? Can I manage a group of big-name players in the locker room? Can you guarantee that Mr. David Gill won't because of his prejudice against me … "
"I believe David is a person who puts the overall situation first."
"Well, even if that's the case. Manchester United is a big club, a powerhouse, and a team with a high reputation in the world. In comparison, Nottingham Forest is a small club that has won a few championships, but is still seen as a nouveau riche. Although we don't lack anything except money. But I prefer a small club. "
Tang En played the emotional card.
"I also came to Manchester United from a small club." Ferguson responded, "I think people need to make an important decision in life. When I chose to coach Manchester United, it was a choice I will never regret in this life. At that time, I also won a few championships at Aberdeen, just like Nottingham Forest now. If I continue to work there, people will not know who Alex Ferguson is in 26 years. And you, Tony … You have such an opportunity, and I don't want you to let it go. "
"Ha!" Tang En laughed, "Sir. I led a small team that was promoted from the First Division and won two European championships, one Premier League title, and one EFL Cup title under a lack of funds. I became the fifth force in the English Premier League to compete with Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea. I think even 30 years later, there will be people who will remember me. "Tang En said these words confidently. He was never modest or embarrassed about what he had achieved in the past. He accepted it calmly.
In fact, he did have the right to be proud. Apart from having fewer league titles and domestic cups than other managers, he had won the most European championships among the top five managers in the English Premier League.
Benítez had won it once in Istanbul in 2005, Ferguson had won it once in Camp Nou in 1999, and Rijkaard had won it once in Paris in 2006 after defeating Tang En. Wenger, on the other hand, had never touched the Champions League. Only Tony Twain had picked up the Champions League twice, and twice in a row. In terms of European honors alone, there was no manager in England who could match him. This alone was enough for him to be among the top managers in the English Premier League and the top managers in England. Even in the history of English football, there were only two managers who could win more than two Champions League titles: Bob Paisley, the great manager who led Liverpool to four Champions League titles, and Brian Clough, the creator of Nottingham Forest's glorious era. Now that Tony Twain had engraved his name on it, he was the first active manager in the English Premier League.
It could be said that the current Tony Twain was on the same level as the above managers. As for the likes of Keegan, they were all below Twain and were second-rate at best.
Ferguson also felt that he could not refute Twain on this point, but he had other ways. "Yes, we can't change what has happened. But there are many possibilities in the future. Do you think Nottingham Forest can have any big development in the future with its current situation? "
"Why not? We have a group of talented players, and they are loyal. "Twain shrugged.
"But the club's top management behind you is an unstable factor. Do you know when they will force you to sell your favorite players without your consent? Like Ribéry … "
These words made Twain silent for a moment. Because he believed that what Ferguson said could become the truth. This was perhaps the only thing that made him feel bad about the Forest team — Allan Adams was a mercenary man. When the club needed money, he could not rule out the possibility of him continuing to sell players. Evan Adams was a smart man, so he asked him and Allan to restrain each other. But what was the strength that supported him and Allan? It was the results. Once the team's results declined and became unstable, then he could not get an equal status with Allan in the top management.
For so many years, he had been walking on a single-log bridge, and his heart had never been at ease.
"It can't be helped. No club is perfect. It can meet all the requirements of the manager and not make trouble for him. Such a club doesn't exist, Sir. Whether it's my Forest or your Manchester United. I'm more satisfied with the current situation. "
"You're such a stubborn man! Is the name 'Manchester United' so unattractive? "
"At least for now … I prefer to stay at Nottingham Forest."
"So, it's possible for you in the future?"
"Who can tell what will happen in the future? Like you said, if the Forest higher-ups sell all my players, I might have to leave there. "
"I thought you were very loyal."
"I'm not a fool, ha! If others treat me well and respect me, I will naturally repay them all. On the contrary, I won't force myself to stay in a place I don't like. "
"All right …" Ferguson felt that it was almost impossible to convince Tang En now, but he wanted to leave something for himself. "I look forward to seeing you in the home team's technical area at Old Trafford in a few years."
"I think it's good as it is now. How much longer can I see you in the home team's technical area at Old Trafford? If you haven't convinced me, you won't choose to retire, right? Besides, don't you still have a Champions League title to win? You're not as good as me in this regard. "
"I'm determined this time. There won't be any changes. I'll retire at the end of this season. "Ferguson's words were resolute and did not mean to joke at all.
Tang En opened his mouth. In fact, he never thought Ferguson would really leave the position of Manchester United manager. He had been at Manchester United since before he started watching football. For a long time, he was Manchester United, and Manchester United was him. How could this ambitious old Scotsman, who was always full of fighting spirit, be willing to leave this position? He could not wait for Wenger to retire earlier than him. He wanted to continue to dominate the Premier League, continue to suppress Arsenal and Liverpool, have a war of words with Wenger, continue to block the BBC, attack each other with the media, and constantly buy and sell players. Even the Manchester United chairman, Glazer, had to be respectful when he saw him and continue to be the lead actor in the Theatre of Dreams at Old Trafford.
How could he retire?
"You know, Tony. My wife, who always kicks me out of the house to go to work every morning, also starts to worry about my heart. I know I'm getting old. I don't want to die in the technical area like Jock Stein. "
For some reason, this phone call to persuade Tang En to join Manchester United was suddenly filled with a sense of parting.
Perhaps Ferguson was also aware of the problem. He quickly interrupted the topic. "Anyway, Tony. I hope you'll consider it seriously, no matter how long it takes. If you decide to change your mind, you're welcome to call me. You don't have to worry about the management of the locker room and the relationship with the top management. I've been at Manchester United for 26 years. If you need help, I'll be happy to help. "
"Thank you for your kindness, Sir."
Ferguson did not say anything definite, and Tang En did not bluntly refuse. No matter what, the old man was thinking for himself, even though his starting point was for the good of Manchester United …
※ ※ ※
Rumors that Tang En would join Manchester United next season were rampant in the media. Quite a number of media outlets swore that the Manchester United Football Club had already signed a private agreement with Tony Twain. Although Twain still had a four-year contract with Nottingham Forest Football Club, Manchester United was willing to fork out the liquidated damages to bring Twain to Old Trafford.
What they said made sense, and it looked like it was true. After all, it was a very difficult thing to refuse Manchester United's invitation.
If this news was officially confirmed, it was bound to become the most sensational news in the Premier League this season.
The home team's technical area at Old Trafford had not changed hands for 26 years. If Tang En really became Ferguson's successor, it would be no less than the American president turning from white to black.
There were many stories about him and Manchester United, and it had even seriously affected the Forest team's normal training. Even people within the club came to find out if what the outside media said was true.
For example, after Evan Doughty learned that Manchester United wanted to poach him, he immediately called Tang En, who was preparing for the Champions League in Glasgow, to find out what he had to say. Tang En's answer reassured him. "I'll fulfill my contract with the club."
Dunn and Kerslake also expressed their concern about this matter. Tang En also dispelled their doubts at the first opportunity. One of the foundations of his good work at the Forest team was that he had always received the full support of the coaching staff. So, no matter what, there could not be any animosity between him and the coaching staff.
As for the players, Tang En also expressed his loyalty to them in the locker room at Celtic Park. "I asked you to play for me, and I naturally have to repay you with the same attitude. I hate being lied to. If I really have to leave, I will definitely tell you. The truth is, I'm not going anywhere other than Nottingham Forest. So, there's nothing to worry about. Win the game in front of us, and then we'll go back to Nottingham together! "
In the end, the Forest team rotated their lineup and defeated Celtic with a score of 3: 2 in the away game. In the game, Tang En supervised and directed the game from the sidelines from beginning to end. From his performance, it was impossible to tell that he had been affected by a series of rumors recently. When the team was trailing 1: 2, he changed the situation with a beautiful substitution, allowing the team to finally turn defeat into victory.
The commentator evaluated Tang En as showing his ability to Manchester United's top brass to prove that he could become a qualified successor to Ferguson.
But in the post-match press conference, Tang En publicly refuted the recent rumors in the media.
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