LIGHTNOVELONLINE opening a balotelli
Chapter 370
Chapter 370
Performing well in the Champions League in a single season does not mean that a team is really strong.
In the past seasons, although such "flash in the pan" teams were rare, there were also.
For example, Malaga, which broke into the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season.
After being dug out of the coach and core players, this season's Malaga, not to mention continuing to play in the Champions League, did not even qualify for the Europa League.
They are currently ranked tenth in La Liga, and their strength has declined very seriously, which is a typical example of "flash in the pan".
However, like Sheffield United, with strong financial resources, the bosses behind them are willing to invest, and they have performed at a super level in the Champions League for two consecutive seasons, that is naturally another matter.
Even if Sheffield United is still a sophomore in the Champions League, there is no team whose fans dare to ridicule them.
After watching Sheffield United beat Juventus today, fans of the traditional giants don't want to meet Sheffield United too early in the knockout stage.
Now it's not that they are afraid of capsizing in the gutter, but that they themselves are not sure whether the home team really has the same strength as Sheffield United.
After all, it depends on the opponents Sheffield United met in the first two rounds of the Champions League group stage.
A Leverkusen, a Juventus, are currently ranked third in their respective league hard ideas.
But even so, the two teams were still crushed and beaten by Sheffield United!
Looking at the content of the game carefully, did Leverkusen and Juventus play poorly?
not necessarily.
Is it because their respective states are not good enough?
Not to mention.
In these two games, whether Sheffield United is playing control, attacking, or playing contracted defense, the strength of Sheffield United is much higher than these two teams!
They not only have the luxury trident in the frontcourt, but also Li Mo, the super killer.
Even if you only look at the midfielder and goalkeeper, Sheffield United are all top European or first-class players in every position!
I don't know how many teams have looked at the many outstanding players hoarded in the Sheffield United team.
After the end of last season, there were quite a few teams that made offers to Sheffield United and contacted these players in private, but in the end they failed to find any of them.
The strength is outstanding, the tactical system is suitable, and the cohesion is strong.
In just a few years, Speed has created such a top team capable of fighting tough battles.
It really amazed countless fans.
While feeling emotional, these fans also had to admit.
Sheffield United, who were regarded by them as the "Dark Horse of the Champions League" last year, has now truly become a strong opponent of the major traditional giants!
Sheffield United also used outstanding performance step by step, strongly declaring their desire for the Champions League.
No matter how low-key Speed is, the record can no longer hide the light of Sheffield United.
It's just that the other three teams in Group A have suffered, and it is estimated that they will have to be beaten by Sheffield United in the first round.
At this moment, Real Sociedad, which is 0-2 behind at home in Leverkusen, is even more likely to not get a point in the first round.
For the Juventus players and Conte who were still frustrated at the time, this may be considered a different kind of good news after the game.
At least in Group A, both the strongest and the weakest poles have emerged, and the situation in the group has become clearer.
In this case, they only need to slam against Leverkusen in the next round of the group stage.
As long as you win, you can also take a slight advantage.
After all, for Juventus now, the most important thing is to break through the encirclement in the Champions League group stage.
It is naturally better to get the first place in the group. If you can't get it, it will be OK to qualify and reach the season goal.
Anyway, Leverkusen also lost to Sheffield United in the first round. After recognizing the gap in strength, many Juventus players subconsciously comforted themselves.
Not everyone can maintain high morale and continue to fight when facing a score of 0-3.
They are not Liverpool, and Sheffield United is not Milan.
Conte himself is very clear that this game has ended early.
From being targeted by Speed's tactics at the beginning of the game, to seeing through the tactical adjustments in the second half by Speed, there are too many things worthy of his review.
Even if he doesn't want to admit it anymore, Conte understands in his heart at this moment that Speed's coaching level and on-the-spot performance are much better than him.
The gap between players also said that Conte didn't want to make any excuses when his skills were not as good as others.
He has decided to take responsibility first after the game, trying not to affect the players' preparations for the next Serie A.
After the No. 70 minute of the game, Speed played his last card, replacing Bell with Stones, changing his formation again, and resorting to a five-four-one formation.
Conte also simply replaced Pirlo and Tevez successively.
The two sides chose to preserve the physical fitness of the main and core players in a tacit understanding, and did not fight to the end in this Champions League group match.
As a result, the game proceeded very "smoothly", and when the last 2 minutes of stoppage time came, the referee decisively blew the whistle for the end of the game.
Sheffield United achieved the pre-match goal and celebrated with joy.
The Juventus players thanked the home fans with full apologies.
A large number of reporters gathered around.
Not only did they surround the winner, but around Conte and the Juventus players, there were also many reporters eager to complete the interview.
There was so much to dig into in this 3-0 game.
In the face of tactical doubts from the Italian reporters, Conte is also a bachelor, and he generously admitted his mistakes.
His taking the blame attracted most of the targeted firepower, and the Juventus players took the opportunity to escape into the dressing room.
Li Mo looked at Pogba who stayed here deliberately to find him to change his jersey, with a very "kind" expression.
"Excellent game, brother, you played really well today, but unfortunately, apart from Carlos Tevez, there is no second reliable offensive player in front of you who can turn your beautiful pass into an offensive opportunity. I like your long pass. Come on!"
Li Mo's words seemed to be fine, and Pogba just felt very happy when he heard it.
But after the two hugged and parted, Pogba put Li Mo's jersey on his shoulders, but the more he thought about it, the more he felt that something was wrong.
He likes Li Mo's praise of him, because he really admires Li Mo very much.
But it doesn't mean that he can't hear Li Mo's meaning other than praise at this moment, he has always been very smart.
Combined with the fact that Li Mo asked him out for coffee through Tevez before the game, his heart beat wildly several times in an instant.
A bold but seemingly "reasonable" conjecture appeared in his mind.
"How about it, are you happy to get Lee's jersey?"
Vidal waited at the entrance of the player tunnel, seeing Pogba still had a smile on his face, he patted him on the shoulder and said carelessly.
"Not very happy."
Pogba restrained his smile, thoughtfully squeezed Li Mo's jersey on his shoulder, and subconsciously glanced back before entering the player tunnel.
Not far from the court, Li Mo was also looking at Pogba at the moment, and the two looked at each other with a tacit smile, and then staggered their eyes.
Communication between smart people is sometimes that simple.
They didn't actually communicate with each other about off-court matters, but at this moment the person who said it was relieved, and the person who listened understood the meaning.
For the rest, leave it to more professionals, and time will give all the answers.
※※※
On the morning of October 10, Sheffield United, who finished the second round of the Champions League group stage, flew back to Sheffield.
In addition to the enthusiasm and cheers of their own fans, what greeted them was naturally the overwhelming praise and reports from the British media.
Sheffield United returned with another European victory, which greatly improved the face of the Premier League.
In addition to the end of this round of the Champions League group stage, except for the 2-4 loss to the defending champion Manchester City, the rest of the Premier League teams have scored points.
Naturally, the large and small media with British media was full of lively advocacy.
At present, both Sheffield United and Arsenal have achieved two consecutive victories in their respective "groups of death", with a tough performance and a good qualifying form.
Manchester United won one and one draw, Chelsea realized their shame and were brave, and beat Steaua Bucharest with five goals in the second round. Manchester City's loss to Bayern was not too ugly, at least they all have something to brag about.
If the teams continue to play like this, maybe this year we can really see the spectacular scene of five Premier League teams competing in the quarter-finals of the Champions League!
At that time, it will not only create a piece of history in the Champions League, but also provide strong evidence for the return of the "Premier League".
At least the media reporters with English can eat enough traffic, and they are not afraid that no one will read the report for a month.
But at the moment, the "Five Tigers of the Premier League" may not be as happy as the media reported.
Manchester City conceded four goals under Bayern's indiscriminate bombardment. Not only did Pei Gong look ugly after the game, but Manchester City's players also suffered pressure from the team's top management.
Although it was the defending champion who lost, they also scored two face-saving goals, but the failure to concede four goals could not satisfy the top management anyway.
Manchester City's players can be happy in this atmosphere.
And Manchester United, who are also struggling brothers, has one win and one tie in two group matches and has four points, and the qualifying situation is very good.
But when I think about playing against Sheffield United again soon, I really can't be happy if I want to be happy.
Manchester United fans don't know what to say about Moyes.
Let's talk about him, he is pretty good at leading the team to play in the Champions League. Manchester United seems to be heading for the first place in the group.
But you say he is good, after the first six rounds of the league, Manchester United only won two games, and the current ranking has slipped to No.13 in the league!
The ranking was so outrageous that Manchester United fans couldn't see it!
You must know that they were still second in the Premier League last season.
You say there is a problem with Manchester United's lineup, and everyone agrees.
Once Ferguson retired, the veterans of Manchester United also lost their energy, and their strength somewhat declined.
But this is not enough to be your reason for Moyes to bring the second start of the league last season to No.13!
Already some Manchester United fans raised their placards to demonstrate outside the Carrington training base and Old Trafford.
Even though Manchester United is still going smoothly in the Champions League, this part of the irritable Red Devils did not buy it at all, and pointed out that Moyes should get out of class and get out.
However, they are still in the minority after all, and the anger of most Manchester United fans is still suppressed for the time being.
In any case, Moyes has only been with Manchester United for a few months, and now he has only played six rounds in the league. The game is ugly, but it is not easy to nail Moyes to the shame of failure.
At any rate, Moyes would have to give Moyes a few rounds of league trial and error. Then when Ferguson took office, the results of leading the team were not so good, right?
What's more, Moyes, as Ferguson's "handpicked" successor, Manchester United fans still have to give Sir Alex face.
In history, there are many examples of new coaches coaching giants to drive low and go high. Manchester United fans can only hope that Moyes can become a successful coach in these cases, leading Manchester United to truly complete the reconstruction and embark on the road to success.
However, fans of other teams are increasingly not optimistic about Moyes' coaching career at Manchester United.
As the so-called authorities are obsessed, bystanders are clear.
How many veterans in your Manchester United team are over [-] years old, or close to [-] years old, do you Manchester United fans have no points in your mind?
Look at Liverpool, whose record has soared this season, Arsenal, who are recovering, and Chelsea, who are steadily improving.
And Sheffield United, who are on the throne and rule the Premier League strongly.
Which of these four teams has not completed the rejuvenation of the team?
You Manchester United have won the Premier League championship in the past few seasons by relying on Ferguson's incredible ability to knead the team.
Now that Ferguson is gone, the metaphysics is gone, and you need to believe in the science of team building. I gave you a whole summer window but you only bought one Fellaini?
Really give you a chance to use your TM!
You and Woodward have become the CEO of Manchester United, can he be?
If you can't do it, those who don't have the ability know it!
A Xia Chuang didn't catch a big fish in the transfer market, and even Moyes' direct descendants in Everton only dug one.
Also TM was dug at a super premium!
The really temperamental head coach saw such a weird operation by the uniform team in the transfer window, so he just shook his face and talked to the higher-ups.
But Moyes, who is new to the team and has no experience in coaching a giant, chose to endure.
With this tolerance, Manchester United's reconstruction work was completely delayed.
The players are still those players, just one year older.
The striker is counting on Van Persie, the midfielder Scholes has lost his calf, and now he is hugging Rooney again.
The two elders on the defensive line, Xuan Ming, don't have much fuel left. They guess that they should retire after this season and transfer.
It can only be said that it is not without reason that Manchester United has stretched their hips so far in the league.
They can't see through the shortcomings of other teams, but other teams can see it clearly.
Speed said in private that it is impossible for Manchester United to pose a threat to Sheffield United for at least three years.
Rebuilding a great team is never easy.
First of all, your newly introduced players must be talented, strong, and have a reasonable age structure.
It is best to have a group of young players who are in their prime and a group of talented new stars, so that after a season or two of running-in, the team can be called formed.
Because Manchester United is rich and famous, it only needs to choose the right and experienced head coach, and the reconstruction is still smoother than most teams.
So Speed was a bit conservative, and only talked about it for three years.
After all, he didn't open his eyes, so he didn't know what happened next.
Look at the current Chelsea. With the right head coach, didn't Mancini quickly rebuild the team on the basis of his predecessor's signings.
Speed thinks that Manchester United is similar. Now if Mourinho, who is at home, is invited to spend a lot of money, maybe it will be done in two years?
But Li Mo knows that after three years, three years, three years, and nine years later, Manchester United is still on the "right path" and has not gone through the channel!
"Take it easy, the Red Devil's hard days are still to come~"
(End of this chapter)
Performing well in the Champions League in a single season does not mean that a team is really strong.
In the past seasons, although such "flash in the pan" teams were rare, there were also.
For example, Malaga, which broke into the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season.
After being dug out of the coach and core players, this season's Malaga, not to mention continuing to play in the Champions League, did not even qualify for the Europa League.
They are currently ranked tenth in La Liga, and their strength has declined very seriously, which is a typical example of "flash in the pan".
However, like Sheffield United, with strong financial resources, the bosses behind them are willing to invest, and they have performed at a super level in the Champions League for two consecutive seasons, that is naturally another matter.
Even if Sheffield United is still a sophomore in the Champions League, there is no team whose fans dare to ridicule them.
After watching Sheffield United beat Juventus today, fans of the traditional giants don't want to meet Sheffield United too early in the knockout stage.
Now it's not that they are afraid of capsizing in the gutter, but that they themselves are not sure whether the home team really has the same strength as Sheffield United.
After all, it depends on the opponents Sheffield United met in the first two rounds of the Champions League group stage.
A Leverkusen, a Juventus, are currently ranked third in their respective league hard ideas.
But even so, the two teams were still crushed and beaten by Sheffield United!
Looking at the content of the game carefully, did Leverkusen and Juventus play poorly?
not necessarily.
Is it because their respective states are not good enough?
Not to mention.
In these two games, whether Sheffield United is playing control, attacking, or playing contracted defense, the strength of Sheffield United is much higher than these two teams!
They not only have the luxury trident in the frontcourt, but also Li Mo, the super killer.
Even if you only look at the midfielder and goalkeeper, Sheffield United are all top European or first-class players in every position!
I don't know how many teams have looked at the many outstanding players hoarded in the Sheffield United team.
After the end of last season, there were quite a few teams that made offers to Sheffield United and contacted these players in private, but in the end they failed to find any of them.
The strength is outstanding, the tactical system is suitable, and the cohesion is strong.
In just a few years, Speed has created such a top team capable of fighting tough battles.
It really amazed countless fans.
While feeling emotional, these fans also had to admit.
Sheffield United, who were regarded by them as the "Dark Horse of the Champions League" last year, has now truly become a strong opponent of the major traditional giants!
Sheffield United also used outstanding performance step by step, strongly declaring their desire for the Champions League.
No matter how low-key Speed is, the record can no longer hide the light of Sheffield United.
It's just that the other three teams in Group A have suffered, and it is estimated that they will have to be beaten by Sheffield United in the first round.
At this moment, Real Sociedad, which is 0-2 behind at home in Leverkusen, is even more likely to not get a point in the first round.
For the Juventus players and Conte who were still frustrated at the time, this may be considered a different kind of good news after the game.
At least in Group A, both the strongest and the weakest poles have emerged, and the situation in the group has become clearer.
In this case, they only need to slam against Leverkusen in the next round of the group stage.
As long as you win, you can also take a slight advantage.
After all, for Juventus now, the most important thing is to break through the encirclement in the Champions League group stage.
It is naturally better to get the first place in the group. If you can't get it, it will be OK to qualify and reach the season goal.
Anyway, Leverkusen also lost to Sheffield United in the first round. After recognizing the gap in strength, many Juventus players subconsciously comforted themselves.
Not everyone can maintain high morale and continue to fight when facing a score of 0-3.
They are not Liverpool, and Sheffield United is not Milan.
Conte himself is very clear that this game has ended early.
From being targeted by Speed's tactics at the beginning of the game, to seeing through the tactical adjustments in the second half by Speed, there are too many things worthy of his review.
Even if he doesn't want to admit it anymore, Conte understands in his heart at this moment that Speed's coaching level and on-the-spot performance are much better than him.
The gap between players also said that Conte didn't want to make any excuses when his skills were not as good as others.
He has decided to take responsibility first after the game, trying not to affect the players' preparations for the next Serie A.
After the No. 70 minute of the game, Speed played his last card, replacing Bell with Stones, changing his formation again, and resorting to a five-four-one formation.
Conte also simply replaced Pirlo and Tevez successively.
The two sides chose to preserve the physical fitness of the main and core players in a tacit understanding, and did not fight to the end in this Champions League group match.
As a result, the game proceeded very "smoothly", and when the last 2 minutes of stoppage time came, the referee decisively blew the whistle for the end of the game.
Sheffield United achieved the pre-match goal and celebrated with joy.
The Juventus players thanked the home fans with full apologies.
A large number of reporters gathered around.
Not only did they surround the winner, but around Conte and the Juventus players, there were also many reporters eager to complete the interview.
There was so much to dig into in this 3-0 game.
In the face of tactical doubts from the Italian reporters, Conte is also a bachelor, and he generously admitted his mistakes.
His taking the blame attracted most of the targeted firepower, and the Juventus players took the opportunity to escape into the dressing room.
Li Mo looked at Pogba who stayed here deliberately to find him to change his jersey, with a very "kind" expression.
"Excellent game, brother, you played really well today, but unfortunately, apart from Carlos Tevez, there is no second reliable offensive player in front of you who can turn your beautiful pass into an offensive opportunity. I like your long pass. Come on!"
Li Mo's words seemed to be fine, and Pogba just felt very happy when he heard it.
But after the two hugged and parted, Pogba put Li Mo's jersey on his shoulders, but the more he thought about it, the more he felt that something was wrong.
He likes Li Mo's praise of him, because he really admires Li Mo very much.
But it doesn't mean that he can't hear Li Mo's meaning other than praise at this moment, he has always been very smart.
Combined with the fact that Li Mo asked him out for coffee through Tevez before the game, his heart beat wildly several times in an instant.
A bold but seemingly "reasonable" conjecture appeared in his mind.
"How about it, are you happy to get Lee's jersey?"
Vidal waited at the entrance of the player tunnel, seeing Pogba still had a smile on his face, he patted him on the shoulder and said carelessly.
"Not very happy."
Pogba restrained his smile, thoughtfully squeezed Li Mo's jersey on his shoulder, and subconsciously glanced back before entering the player tunnel.
Not far from the court, Li Mo was also looking at Pogba at the moment, and the two looked at each other with a tacit smile, and then staggered their eyes.
Communication between smart people is sometimes that simple.
They didn't actually communicate with each other about off-court matters, but at this moment the person who said it was relieved, and the person who listened understood the meaning.
For the rest, leave it to more professionals, and time will give all the answers.
※※※
On the morning of October 10, Sheffield United, who finished the second round of the Champions League group stage, flew back to Sheffield.
In addition to the enthusiasm and cheers of their own fans, what greeted them was naturally the overwhelming praise and reports from the British media.
Sheffield United returned with another European victory, which greatly improved the face of the Premier League.
In addition to the end of this round of the Champions League group stage, except for the 2-4 loss to the defending champion Manchester City, the rest of the Premier League teams have scored points.
Naturally, the large and small media with British media was full of lively advocacy.
At present, both Sheffield United and Arsenal have achieved two consecutive victories in their respective "groups of death", with a tough performance and a good qualifying form.
Manchester United won one and one draw, Chelsea realized their shame and were brave, and beat Steaua Bucharest with five goals in the second round. Manchester City's loss to Bayern was not too ugly, at least they all have something to brag about.
If the teams continue to play like this, maybe this year we can really see the spectacular scene of five Premier League teams competing in the quarter-finals of the Champions League!
At that time, it will not only create a piece of history in the Champions League, but also provide strong evidence for the return of the "Premier League".
At least the media reporters with English can eat enough traffic, and they are not afraid that no one will read the report for a month.
But at the moment, the "Five Tigers of the Premier League" may not be as happy as the media reported.
Manchester City conceded four goals under Bayern's indiscriminate bombardment. Not only did Pei Gong look ugly after the game, but Manchester City's players also suffered pressure from the team's top management.
Although it was the defending champion who lost, they also scored two face-saving goals, but the failure to concede four goals could not satisfy the top management anyway.
Manchester City's players can be happy in this atmosphere.
And Manchester United, who are also struggling brothers, has one win and one tie in two group matches and has four points, and the qualifying situation is very good.
But when I think about playing against Sheffield United again soon, I really can't be happy if I want to be happy.
Manchester United fans don't know what to say about Moyes.
Let's talk about him, he is pretty good at leading the team to play in the Champions League. Manchester United seems to be heading for the first place in the group.
But you say he is good, after the first six rounds of the league, Manchester United only won two games, and the current ranking has slipped to No.13 in the league!
The ranking was so outrageous that Manchester United fans couldn't see it!
You must know that they were still second in the Premier League last season.
You say there is a problem with Manchester United's lineup, and everyone agrees.
Once Ferguson retired, the veterans of Manchester United also lost their energy, and their strength somewhat declined.
But this is not enough to be your reason for Moyes to bring the second start of the league last season to No.13!
Already some Manchester United fans raised their placards to demonstrate outside the Carrington training base and Old Trafford.
Even though Manchester United is still going smoothly in the Champions League, this part of the irritable Red Devils did not buy it at all, and pointed out that Moyes should get out of class and get out.
However, they are still in the minority after all, and the anger of most Manchester United fans is still suppressed for the time being.
In any case, Moyes has only been with Manchester United for a few months, and now he has only played six rounds in the league. The game is ugly, but it is not easy to nail Moyes to the shame of failure.
At any rate, Moyes would have to give Moyes a few rounds of league trial and error. Then when Ferguson took office, the results of leading the team were not so good, right?
What's more, Moyes, as Ferguson's "handpicked" successor, Manchester United fans still have to give Sir Alex face.
In history, there are many examples of new coaches coaching giants to drive low and go high. Manchester United fans can only hope that Moyes can become a successful coach in these cases, leading Manchester United to truly complete the reconstruction and embark on the road to success.
However, fans of other teams are increasingly not optimistic about Moyes' coaching career at Manchester United.
As the so-called authorities are obsessed, bystanders are clear.
How many veterans in your Manchester United team are over [-] years old, or close to [-] years old, do you Manchester United fans have no points in your mind?
Look at Liverpool, whose record has soared this season, Arsenal, who are recovering, and Chelsea, who are steadily improving.
And Sheffield United, who are on the throne and rule the Premier League strongly.
Which of these four teams has not completed the rejuvenation of the team?
You Manchester United have won the Premier League championship in the past few seasons by relying on Ferguson's incredible ability to knead the team.
Now that Ferguson is gone, the metaphysics is gone, and you need to believe in the science of team building. I gave you a whole summer window but you only bought one Fellaini?
Really give you a chance to use your TM!
You and Woodward have become the CEO of Manchester United, can he be?
If you can't do it, those who don't have the ability know it!
A Xia Chuang didn't catch a big fish in the transfer market, and even Moyes' direct descendants in Everton only dug one.
Also TM was dug at a super premium!
The really temperamental head coach saw such a weird operation by the uniform team in the transfer window, so he just shook his face and talked to the higher-ups.
But Moyes, who is new to the team and has no experience in coaching a giant, chose to endure.
With this tolerance, Manchester United's reconstruction work was completely delayed.
The players are still those players, just one year older.
The striker is counting on Van Persie, the midfielder Scholes has lost his calf, and now he is hugging Rooney again.
The two elders on the defensive line, Xuan Ming, don't have much fuel left. They guess that they should retire after this season and transfer.
It can only be said that it is not without reason that Manchester United has stretched their hips so far in the league.
They can't see through the shortcomings of other teams, but other teams can see it clearly.
Speed said in private that it is impossible for Manchester United to pose a threat to Sheffield United for at least three years.
Rebuilding a great team is never easy.
First of all, your newly introduced players must be talented, strong, and have a reasonable age structure.
It is best to have a group of young players who are in their prime and a group of talented new stars, so that after a season or two of running-in, the team can be called formed.
Because Manchester United is rich and famous, it only needs to choose the right and experienced head coach, and the reconstruction is still smoother than most teams.
So Speed was a bit conservative, and only talked about it for three years.
After all, he didn't open his eyes, so he didn't know what happened next.
Look at the current Chelsea. With the right head coach, didn't Mancini quickly rebuild the team on the basis of his predecessor's signings.
Speed thinks that Manchester United is similar. Now if Mourinho, who is at home, is invited to spend a lot of money, maybe it will be done in two years?
But Li Mo knows that after three years, three years, three years, and nine years later, Manchester United is still on the "right path" and has not gone through the channel!
"Take it easy, the Red Devil's hard days are still to come~"
(End of this chapter)
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