Football: A late bloomer, starting with Leicester City

Chapter 321 Vardy and Mahrez study with the prince, and Guardiola wants to win (please vote for me)

"If you were given a chance now to have a phone call with Cristiano, the biggest contender for the Ballon d'Or, would you be willing?"

This was what Spanish newspaper Marca asked Chen Yufeng in an exclusive interview the next day.

Opposite the reporter, Chen Yufeng rubbed his eyelids, shook his head and said, "No, definitely not."

"You know, at this juncture, the two of us are rivals."

"It's definitely a bit strange for opponents to talk to each other, no one would do that and neither would he."

People are afraid of being famous as pigs are afraid of being strong. Today, Chen Yufeng often has to face reporters from all over the world.

Of course he can refuse, no one will force him.

But on the eve of the Golden Globe Awards, he felt the need to stand up and say something, just as if he was on camera in front of the fans.

Otherwise, if he only goes out on serious occasions such as games and press conferences, his affinity will be much smaller.

"You're right, in the interview we did with him, he also rejected this."

The reporter from Marca nodded slightly and was not too surprised by Chen Yufeng's words, "How sure are you of your final future?"

"We all know that it is already December 12th, and there are only three days left before the awards."

"You have a game against Manchester City tomorrow and that will be your last game before the awards."

This interview went relatively smoothly. At this point, both parties had already started chatting.

"I can't say I'm sure. I think I'm qualified and my recent performance is worthy of it. The rest depends on the mood of the voters."

Chen Yufeng still seemed relatively calm, or relatively indifferent, "There are many things in this world that you cannot be 100% sure of. You can only be yourself and wait for something to arrive."

"But what is certain is that the confidence has always existed. This confidence has been there since the first time I was asked about the Golden Globe Award by the media."

"As for tomorrow's game, just play hard and try to get three points."

Speaking of this, he also sighed, "The Premier League is already my daily life. For me, every game is important. It runs through my entire season."

"The Premier League, one after another, is now like my personal calendar, with the Champions League and FA Cup games interspersed in it."

"So, I'm hungry for every three points."

The reporter from Marca nodded, turned his attention to the question manual, and continued: "Mr. Chen Yufeng, do you still remember that you once said that you wanted to make the competition for any award uncontroversial?"

"At that time, what you expressed was the feeling that the Golden Globe Award was very controversial and it didn't matter whether you got it or not. It's better if you get it or not. The latter can make you feel clean."

"Your opinion seems to have changed now. What's the reason?"

"I don't know the reason." Chen Yufeng replied simply: "I can also feel the changes you mentioned. My desire is stronger. This may be some confidence that recent games have given me."

"As for the rest, I really don't know."

Sometimes people don't necessarily understand their previous selves very well. Chen Yufeng has long known this truth.

Only when he looks back at the changes during this period in the distant future will he have a clearer understanding of himself during that period.

Or maybe, in the distant future, he will have very little memory of some things about himself now.

This is all possible.

But so what?

The planning done in the locker room was not in vain. He has a clear understanding of the future, and that is enough.

"The last question is a more interesting one."

The reporter from Marca stood up, stretched out his right hand, and said: "After the Ballon d'Or on the 13th, you will have a Premier League game on the 14th."

"Will Mr. Ranieri let you rest from that game and stay at home and enjoy yourself?"

"Enjoy the joy?" Chen Yufeng knew that this reporter from Marca was blessing him. He smiled and raised his eyebrows and said, "I believe he is not a person who doesn't understand amorous feelings."

Every media and newspaper has different people. The reporter sent by Marca this time should appreciate him more.

This is also the reason why the two of them can have a pleasant conversation.

"Then I wish you good luck, Mr. Chen Yufeng. I will wait for your news at home."

The reporter from Marca gave a final blessing without taking up too much of Chen Yufeng's personal time, and turned and walked out the door.

Chen Yufeng had a good impression of him and congratulated him before leaving the interview room.

As soon as he walked out, he saw Mahrez, Vardy and others walking over with constipated faces, followed by a large group of camera crews, who seemed to be doing interviews and the like.

Judging from the expressions of the two people, they were quite critical of Chen Yufeng because they were really embarrassed.

Everyone knows that as the Golden Globe Awards ceremony approaches, major media outlets will take turns conducting exclusive interviews with the stars who have made the roster.

This is nothing in itself, but when you are in the same club as Chen Yufeng and walk into the interview room under his nose...

That feeling is really extraordinary.

This feels like studying with the prince and pretending to be a prince under the prince's nose.

"You two are also doing an exclusive interview. What is the topic?"

Chen Yufeng wanted to laugh when he saw them like this, and made a joke. They joked often and would not feel uncomfortable.

"Get out!" Two sonorous and powerful shouts sounded, and Chen Yufeng laughed and left.

…………

On December 12, the fifteenth round of the Premier League kicked off at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester City's opponent is a team with a lot of connections last season, Manchester City.

This is an upstart team, even before Guardiola came. They spent a lot of money to win several championships and accumulated a little bit of foundation for the club.

At the end of last season, in order to achieve the ultimate goal of becoming a wealthy team, the team invited the world's top coach, Guardiola, from Bayern Munich.

No one knows what Mansour and Guardiola said. Anyway, they finally succeeded in luring this top world-famous coach!

After Gua Tu came, drastic transformation began. This was his first time coaching a Premier League team, but it was not his first time playing against a Premier League team.

Guardiola has always believed that his own set of 20 zone principles and his set of tikitaka theory are feasible. He will definitely bring pass-and-control football to Manchester City and make this club the way he likes it!

Then go for the championship!

Will he do it in the future?

Nobody knows.

But obviously, this season, he hasn't done it yet.

"Chen Yufeng! Chen Yufeng! Chen Yufeng...!"

In the King Power Stadium, the momentum was overwhelming, and all Leicester fans were shouting Chen Yufeng's name.

Don't talk about the difference between last name and first name. When people really like someone, they will call you the way you like.

This is a kind of respect, respect for your ability, not only from the fans, but also from the commentators.

It's impossible for British fans not to call out Chen Yufeng. Back then, they could call out "Sun Jihai" in a straight and clear tone.

Under the cheers, Guardiola stood on the sidelines of the court looking extremely lonely. This champion coach who had achieved great success in the Champions League seemed particularly hesitant at the moment.

He walked anxiously around the court, constantly reminding the players of certain things.

Guardiola likes to direct on the spot, especially when building a team.

"Transfer! You need to be faster!"

"Going to the heavy position! Aguero!!"

"Don't be too anxious, don't be anxious, there will be time when you have space. If you have time, don't rush to handle the ball unless you see a good opportunity!"

"Principles, remember those principles, you are still making mistakes!" Guardiola is very anxious, he is really anxious.

For now, this Manchester City team cannot guarantee a guaranteed victory against any team at the top of the standings.

Leicester City is undoubtedly the team at the top of the standings.

Yes, even if it is difficult, you have to admit it.

From the beginning of this season, Leicester City led by Ranieri has been ranked ahead of Manchester City led by Guardiola.

Before the transformation was completed, Manchester City looked a bit different.

Guardiola has changed his tune in front of the media and said that his goal this season is to compete for the top four.

In this away game against Leicester City, his goal is one point...

"Oh!"

As soon as he thought about it, Guardiola saw Drinkwater pass a beautiful long ball and found Mahrez on the left.

Manchester City's backcourt seemed a little empty. In the backcourt position, Chen Yufeng even formed a one-on-one situation with Stones.

Everyone knows that it is very dangerous for anyone to go one-on-one with Chen Yufeng.

"This Drinkwater!"

Guardiola complained in his heart, Brother Drinking Water is that type of player. At first glance, there is nothing outstanding about him, and the highlights may not be able to cut out the highlights.

But he just has this kind of pass with a very high accuracy, as well as good organizational and defensive abilities.

Will Guardiola buy him?

No, in Guatu's heart, Drinkwater cannot meet his requirements.

He was just complaining about why this kind of player fits so well with a team like Leicester City...

Because everyone knows that as long as a numerical advantage or balance of power is created in the frontcourt, Mahrez and Chen Yufeng will solve everything, and Vardy will hang over your head like a sharp knife.

"Oh!"

Mahrez's cross came out quickly, and Vardy in the middle made a fake run forward, attracting Sagna away, leaving only Stones to mark Chen Yufeng.

What happened next was obvious. At this time, Stones was a pure ball-playing defender, and his defensive ability was indeed embarrassing.

"Bang!!"

Facing his defense, Chen Yufeng's header was particularly unstoppable. While knocking Stones over with his body, he headed the ball into the gate guarded by Bravo.

"Yeahhh...!" The King Power Stadium cheered, and the fans of the home team waved their flags and shouted wildly.

Only the Manchester City players walked towards the arc of the center circle with their heads lowered, and Guardiola's protesting figure gathered around the fourth official on the sidelines.

"He committed a pushing foul? Can't the referee see it?"

"Is this the standard for whistleblowing in the English Championship? Or was it the whistleblowing standard from 20 years ago?"

"He pushed Stones down!"

The fourth official just glanced at Guatu speechlessly, the meaning of his expression was obvious.

I know you want to put pressure on the referee, but at least find a good time.

Coming up at this time, he seemed a little silly.

Who in the entire European football world doesn't know that after a season of devilish training, Chen Yufeng has developed super explosive strength and heading skills.

Is Stones a defensive muscle defender?

He's not, he can't play, he doesn't have the ability, you know?

Guardiola then walked away a little embarrassed. He touched his nose and felt that he was a little extreme.

This is really a bad time to apply pressure.

The turning point came in the last minute of the first half.

De Bruyne's pass forced Morgan to kick the ball over the line, giving City a chance for a corner kick.

Originally, Manchester City had a corner kick tactic. They would use lateral transfers and changes in rhythm to first find space in the ribs. If they couldn't find it, they would then direct it to the wing for a cross.

But since there was not much time left in the first half, many defenders rushed into Leicester City's penalty area, and everyone signaled De Bruyne to take a kick.

"Tactical literacy! Don't be anxious!" Guardiola shouted from the sidelines, criticizing the professional ethics of his players.

"Bang!" De Bruyne took a corner kick. After several header relays in the Leicester City penalty area, the ball finally fell in front of Kolarov, the knife-wielding defender.

Kolarov did not stop the ball and fired a volley from close range, blasting the football into the net.

Although Manchester City's expeditionary force was small, they still gave the team some symbolic cheers at this time. Kolarov excitedly rushed to the Manchester City fans area beside the stadium, waving and shouting.

"Pretty!"

Guardiola suddenly became happy. He is a paranoid person and a stubborn person.

But his most distinctive character is his extreme passion.

The tactical guidance just now was instantly forgotten, and only the fire of excitement and desire remained in his eyes.

The half-time equalizer!

There is a chance to score points in this game!

Even victory is not impossible!

In the second half, as long as the players play faster and create more space, Leicester City will definitely be in chaos!

As long as this, that, and that...

"Hahaha." Guardiola smiled.

The referee then blew the whistle to end the first half. Guardiola immediately walked to the locker room in a hurry and moved the tactical board before the players came in.

After everyone came in and sat down, he stood in front of the tactical board and started explaining while moving the tactical board.

"We have to create offsides. Your backside is too weak. Bravo's range of activities needs to be wider. He plays the role of a sweeper in the backcourt. Do you understand?"

"You must know what kind of team we are facing. They are not the Leicester City that everyone remembers. They have a lot now!"

"Whether it's the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League or the best two wingers, they are all better than you, do you understand?"

"Only when we work together under one tactical instruction can we achieve the final victory!"

"Quick! Quick! Quick!"

"I don't want to emphasize these basic points again. I have said it many times during training. Whether you can do it or not depends on you!"

"Also, to boldly attack, we need the numerical advantage in the middle. When Oka Kirshinji will return to defend the middle, their midfield position is often a three-person combat team!"

“We want to avoid two-on-three situations, that doesn’t help our backcourt produce the ball, got it?”

"..."

Guardiola didn't give the players time to perform. He continued like this, with tactical explanations interspersed with motivational words, until the end of the halftime break.

When he walked onto the court again, Gua Tu, who felt that he had finished talking about all aspects, stood on the sidelines very proudly.

What is a top coach?

That’s it!

No matter how poor the current lineup configuration is or how slow the pace of running-in tactics is, he can still find a way to win for the team.

He believes that he has the ability to do well in Manchester City.

Guardiola wants to win!

Guardiola wants to fight for the championship!

Guardiola wants to secure his No. 1 spot in the world!

(End of this chapter)