When the Nottingham Forest team arrived in Liverpool, many reporters tracked them to the hotel they were staying at, hoping to get some of the latest news before the game. On this point, the local media of the host, Liverpool, were naturally the first to get the news.
They gathered outside the hotel, waiting to interview every Forest player who came out.
George Wood was clearly the most attention-grabbing player. Recently, the media had been hyping up the feud between him and Eastwood, digging up the days when he was still in the youth team and did not know anything. Many of the media believed that George Wood was responsible for Eastwood's retirement. They pretended to be very angry and angrily rebuked their teammate for his retirement, but Eastwood did not say anything at all. It really made people wonder if the atmosphere in the Nottingham Forest team was really as harmonious as Tang En claimed.
This time, a number of Liverpool reporters directly asked Eastwood about Eastwood's retirement. These Liverpool reporters clearly had a plan. They knew the reason for George Wood's recent poor form.
Since you're injured here and the wound has not healed, then we don't mind stabbing your wound again and sprinkling salt on it.
In fact, Twain was not the only one who was unscrupulous in order to win.
"Wood, the media is saying that Eastwood's retirement has something to do with you. Aren't you going to say something?"
"Hey, George. I heard that your relationship with Eastwood has always been bad. Is it because of that? "
"The outside world says that you two are not friends. May I ask how you usually get along?"
…
As soon as he appeared, a group of reporters swarmed up and threw such questions.
At this time, Wood's face was gloomy, his expression as cold as ice to the limit, and he did not answer any questions.
No matter how the reporters harassed him, he did not speak.
As a member of the coaching staff, Eastwood also came with the team. Similarly, the media ran over to ask him similar questions. The Romani player was very popular with the media because he was especially talkative and very cooperative with the media's questions. But today, Eastwood was like George Wood bending over. He had a dark face and kept his mouth shut. He turned a deaf ear to the reporters' questions.
It was enough.
It was enough for those who intended to cause trouble to see this scene. When they asked questions, they didn't really expect the two of them to stand in front of the microphone and speak with confidence. As long as they could capture the two's expressions when they faced the question, it would be enough for them to make an article out of it.
Soon, articles about the feud between George Wood and Eastwood appeared in the media. When Eastwood and Wood's expressions were put together, even without any text, it was already very clear.
After the media's exaggeration, in the eyes of outsiders, Nottingham Forest seemed to have been embroiled in internal strife to the point of disbanding at any time.
At the press conference the day before the match, Tang En pointed at the noses of the media and scolded, "I know what you guys are up to. But it's a pity that what you're doing is useless. "
Moreover, in order to counter the media's rumors, Tang En, who usually only released the starting lineup at the last minute, announced the starting lineup for the match a day earlier this time. George Wood's name was on the list.
He used this action to show his support for his captain.
He did not know the outcome of Eastwood's conversation with Wood, but he believed in Eastwood, and he was the only one who could do it. He also believed in George. He would definitely be able to walk out of it. He could wait for a Wood that was close to a robot. He was the guarantee of the team's victory. He was the light that would never be extinguished. He was the tower of strength.
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"Manager Tony Twain insists on sending George Wood, but Wood's form in the last few matches has been really bad. The team's results have also been affected. This is clearly because Eastwood has retired. Carl Spicer might be right this time. "
Before the match, when introducing the starting lineup for both sides, the commentator analyzed for everyone.
"We all know that Tony Twain is a very stubborn and self-centered person. He always insists on things that others don't think highly of. He has been right in the past, but will he be right this time? You must know that his opponent this time is Liverpool, who has recently won five consecutive matches in the league tournament. "
At the same time, Tang En was in the locker room giving the team a final pep talk.
"Liverpool has recently won five consecutive matches, and they are ranked second in the league tournament. This is a very difficult opponent to deal with. As for us, we have only won one match in six matches. "Tang En counted with his fingers for the players. "They are ranked second in the league tournament, and we are ranked seventh. There is a huge difference. They have been riding high recently, and we have not been doing well recently … But what I'm going to say next has nothing to do with this. "
He made a gesture. "No matter how good their results are, what does it have to do with this match? Absolutely not. Every match is an individual one. Arsenal, who has been undefeated for 49 matches, still lost in the 50th match. So, Liverpool, who has won five matches in a row, may not be able to win six matches in a row. Gerrard is their key figure. George, your task for this match is to freeze Gerrard for me, and at the same time, take care of the offense. "
Wood did not nod or shake his head. He did not express anything. The others turned to look at him, seemingly a little worried.
Tang En ignored Wood after assigning him his tasks. He turned to Gago.
"Fernando, your task is not to defend, but to attack."
Gago was stunned. He thought that the boss would ask him to assist Wood in defense. After all, Wood's form had been terrible recently. Once something happened to Wood, the opponent's offense would directly face the rear defensive line. In the previous six matches, such a situation was not uncommon.
Tang En could see his worry, but he did not explain anything. He just continued to assign tasks. "Make use of your strong physical strength and keep running. Don't be afraid of the ball being intercepted. Leave everything behind you to George. You just focus on attacking. Do you understand? "
"Uh … I understand, boss …" Gago replied hesitantly. Was this arrangement really okay?
This arrangement was really bold. If Wood was in excellent form, there was nothing wrong with this arrangement. But no one knew what Wood could do now. What was the difference between this arrangement and suicide?
Seeing Gago's hesitation, Tang En added, "Attack, attack, attack … You only need to attack in your mind now, Fernando. Don't think about anything else. Even if there is a mistake, it is not your responsibility. "
Gago nodded. "Okay, boss …"
In fact, he was still muttering in his heart …
He believed that he was not the only one who was muttering in his heart at this time.
After assigning the tasks to the others, Tang En clapped his hands. "Okay, guys. Everyone knows what they have to do, but it is not enough. If you want to win the match, it is far from enough to just know what you have to do. You also have to believe in your teammates. A football match is a sport of eleven people. No one can be missing. Now in the locker room, I can tell you the tactics. I can tell you what to do and what not to do. But on the field, the situation changes rapidly. Who can you count on? Anyway, it is not me sitting below. "Tang En spread his hands." It is your teammates and partners beside you. Look at their eyes. You are comrades in the same trench. You can only choose to believe in each other. Do you understand what I mean? I know some people are worried that George's condition will affect the whole team. But even so, you have to believe in him. Because on the field, you can only believe in him. "
These words were a little unreasonable, but it was also Tang En's style. Everyone was used to it, so everyone nodded.
"Go on."
The players got up and walked out. And George Wood was lagging behind.
Tang En looked at him and smiled at him. He also looked at Tang En. The two did not say anything.
When Wood also left, Eastwood took the initiative to find Tang En. He seemed to want to say something. "Boss, I …"
Tang En interrupted him. "Leave me some suspense." He winked at Eastwood.
Eastwood understood Tang En's meaning. He nodded and walked away.
※ ※ ※
"The players from both sides are out! George Wood is at the front of the team. He still wears the captain's armband. Tony Twain trusts Wood like a paranoid maniac. But in the previous few matches, Wood did not return his trust. His performance was terrible. So, in this important match, will Tang En's trust be returned? "
In the press box, Beesley listened to the commentator coming from the television above his head while typing on his laptop. He was already writing the post-match press release in advance.
"… Tang En has chosen to continue trusting Wood. This is great. We don't have to feel guilty for ruining Tang En's anniversary. He asked for it … "
He raised his head to look at the television. A close-up of Wood's face appeared on the screen.
"Look at that dead fish face of his. It's as if Forest has already lost the match. Haha! "He pointed to the television screen and laughed at the people around him.
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Wood and Gerrard shook hands and stood beside the referee to guess the coin toss.
"This is a direct conversation between the two most outstanding midfielders in English football. This match will definitely be very interesting. Of course, Wood has not been in good condition recently. Gerrard may have an advantage. "
Wood lost to Gerrard when they guessed the coin toss.
"Gerrard won first. Ha!" Beesley laughed when he saw the scene.
※ ※ ※
After Tang En appeared in the technical area, several media outlets surrounded him and blocked him in his seat. The cameras and cameras did not stop snapping away. He was the center of attention in this match. This was a day in which he had coached for a full ten years. In those ten years, he had already won eight championships, big and small. He was one of England's most successful managers. He was ranked in the top 20 in England's "Managers' Hall of Fame" and in the top 10 in England's "Managers' Hall of Fame." The most important thing was not these honors, but that he was only forty-five years old. As a manager, he was still a "young and handsome". People had reason to believe that his legendary story was far from reaching its "end."
Tang En sat in his seat and calmly enjoyed the treatment of being surrounded by the stars. This was the honor he deserved. He did not need to feel the slightest bit embarrassed.
His only regret was that this was not the City Ground Stadium. Otherwise, he would have the opportunity to accept the club's award on the spot and enjoy the scene of tens of thousands of fans chanting his name and cheering for him. Perhaps the Forest Club would even have the ingenuity to put on a crown for him and drape a cloak over him, letting him hold a scepter to receive the award.
When Tang En got up from the technical area, the reporters also dispersed one after another under the reminder of the security guards. The match began.
※ ※ ※
Liverpool made use of their home advantage and launched a strong attack on Forest's core right from the start. They really did not intend to give Tony Tang a chance to win Memorial Day at Anfield. Since George Wood was not doing well recently, they would use him here to open up Forest's goal.
"Steven Gerrard! A beautiful long shot! "
Akinfeev did his best to lift the powerful long shot over the crossbar. After he got up from the ground, he shouted for his teammates to pay attention to the defense in the middle. Although he did not mention anyone, everyone knew that the area where Gerrard had kicked was George Wood's responsibility.
Gago could not bear to watch any longer. Although the boss had told him not to worry about defense and focus on offense, Gerrard's long shot almost went in. But Gerrard's long shot almost went in. How could they attack if they lost the ball?
He decided to help Wood before he got into the zone.
Liverpool's corner kick did not go straight into the goal. Instead, it was passed outside. Gerrard made another direct volley. Although it went wide, it also showed that he was excited about this match. An excited Gerrard was definitely a dangerous person. Nottingham Forest had to be careful.
"Watch out for Gerrard!" Kerslake could not sit still off the field. He ran to the sidelines and loudly reminded the players on the field. "Don't give him so many opportunities for long shots!"
Liverpool made a comeback once again. Gago hesitated for a moment. The sense of responsibility he had developed in Real Madrid made him finally rush to the middle, ready to defend against Gerrard.
"Move a little more. The English Premier League is not La Liga. If necessary, you can even foul …" He muttered as he faced Gerrard.
But there was someone faster than him.
George Wood dashed out from the side and rushed towards Gerrard. The two men collided with each other. Gerrard staggered from the collision and lost the football. Wood was about to get the ball when he heard the referee's whistle.
"Foul!"
The stands at Anfield erupted with loud boos aimed at Wood.
Wood ignored them as if he did not hear them. He turned to Gago and made a gesture to press him down. "I'll handle this." He pointed to the front. "You go up."
Seeing Wood's expression, Gago nodded. From the first day he came to the Forest team, the boss told him to believe in George and the captain in the game. He did as he was told and he had a good time these two seasons. This time it will not be a mistake …
Just as he was thinking about this, he heard a familiar voice shouting his name, "Gago! Gago! "
He turned around and found it was the boss.
"What are you doing? Did you forget what I said before? "Tang En waved his arms and shouted at him. "Your position is in front. Go up! Go up a little! "
Gago gave Tang En a thumbs up to show that he understood.
"Don't be further back than George. Otherwise, who will he pass the ball to?"
"I got it! Boss! "Gago had to answer loudly. Otherwise, he was really afraid that the boss would continue talking like this.
※ ※ ※
Nottingham Forest did not line up in this game. They lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. Gago and George Wood's positions were not on the same line. Wood's position was slightly behind, while Gago was in front. The front and back were staggered. It was not a diamond midfield, nor was it a disc midfield, nor was it a parallel midfield.
Such a formation clearly showed the division of labor in the midfield of the Forest team. Gago was the main attacker and Wood was the main defender.
Benítez saw this. He did not know why Tang En dared to line up in such a formation in an away game. But he was sure of one thing — this was an opportunity that he could use.
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