On Wednesday, the FA's punishment for Lu Ling's misconduct in kicking a water bottle at home to Everton was officially down, and she was suspended for one match. That means she won't be able to take charge of the game against Manchester United. Assistant coach Tim Lewis will be the sideline conductor.

Speaking of which, Lu Ling hasn't seen Jose Mourinho for a while. He didn't go to this year's coaching summit, and the first meeting was on the first day of the last month of the year.

Because this game against Manchester United will be Tim's first on-the-spot command in the Premier League, it also reminds Lu Ling of his first on-the-spot command. The Portuguese was still on hand for that game – it was the winter of 2015, when he had just been sacked by Chelsea and was at home. It was rumored that he was going to the Theater of Dreams, and later, he did.

Three years have passed in a flash, and this is Jose Mourinho's third season at Manchester United. It is also her third season as QPR manager.

****

On December 1, the 13th round of the Premier League will begin.

Entering December means that the "opening" stage of the Premier League is over, and what is about to enter is a fierce battle in the "middle game".

Saturday's Sky Sports newsroom was as busy as usual, with a recap of the Premier League table after 12 league games on screen before the morning game began:

Arsenal 9-3-030 25:12

Everton 9-2-129 at 24:11

qpr9-1-228 points 26:7

Manchester City 8-3-127 24-9

Liverpool 7-4-125 23:13

Tottenham 6-6-024 at 21:14

Manchester United 5-4-319 16:11

Chelsea 4-4-416 at 14:14

With Everton's defeat to QPR on Saturday, Arsenal are now one point clear of the table and unbeaten at the top of the table. Tottenham also came to the first group through the later catch-up. Now, the points of the entire first group are very tight with each other, and they can change in an instant if they are not careful.

Chelsea have moved up to eighth place with a new manager, Simeone, but it's not easy to get into the top four.

The same situation happened to the opponent of this round of QPR - Manchester United.

Manchester United have spent more than 100 million pounds this season, reaching 111.5 million pounds, bringing in three strong players – French defender Tiemoue Bakayoko, Portuguese winger Alphonso Pinto and Ecuadorian versatile defender Pedro Morales. But even so, Manchester United's number one star Paul Pogba missed a couple of games at the start of the season, making their start particularly difficult. They are now in seventh place, eight points away from the top four. Manchester United, meanwhile, are likely to miss out on qualifying for the Champions League group stage.

Due to the poor results, as well as Mourinho's frequent controversy in interviews, and even some remarks blaming his own players, Manchester United's senior management has already had a lot of dissatisfaction with Mourinho. There have even been reports that Manchester United are looking to poach Everton boss Nicolas Flores to replace Jose Mourinho in the winter.

However, these are just rumors.

In the tavern that night, Lu Ling wanted to ask Nick if Manchester United had really invited him. At first, she didn't find the right time, and then she simply forgot about it. Then she thought about it again, but she hesitated and decided that it might be a bit inappropriate to ask Nick that question. Not to mention that Nick might not answer truthfully, so what if she did□□ that wasn't a piece of information she needed to know. After all, it was also personal*, and she thought she shouldn't touch that social boundary.

In this game, this QPR home game against Manchester United, if Manchester United can't get the three points, it is likely that Mourinho is only one step away from getting out of class.

This is also media rhetoric. But this time it seems that it is not just anecdotal, but close to the truth.

Lu Ling was well aware of this situation. As a coach, she doesn't like to see her peers in such a situation, especially as she has been dubbed by the media this season as "the straw that broke Conte" (Conte's sacking from Chelsea following the defeat to QPR). However, she also knows that United still have a fight to go and will not be an easy game after a surprise draw with promoted Malize United in the last round.

She is now in a box at the New Queen's Park Stadium, next to the two chairmen, Nathan Neal and Tony.

Today the weather is fine, but there is a lot of wind and the temperature is very low.

The atmosphere at New Queen's Park is still hot.

The game started with the whistle from referee Anthony Taylor. On the screen of the box, Mourinho's somewhat anxious face flashed.

In this game, Manchester United used extremely conservative tactics. Obviously, Mourinho thinks it is extremely dangerous to press on easily, to expose the gaps, and to face a QPR who has won six consecutive league games and is playing at home.

However, the QPR didn't put a lot of personnel into the attack at the start and played more directly, allowing United to get the ball as much as possible.

After all, Manchester United are aiming for the three points, and they are starting to be a little restless, and there is some disunity in their thinking.

Some players want to start attacking.

Pogba, who came back, took two steps after getting the ball and immediately beckoned his teammates forward. The incredibly fast Portuguese winger Alphonso Pinto has followed from the left flank.

Jose Mourinho shouted loudly from the sidelines to watch his position.

On the other side, Tim remained silent and gestured to the field.

Northern Ireland's right-back John O'Connor accurately anticipated Pogba's pass to Pinto and dribbled past Pogba as soon as he broke it.

There was a gap in United's midfield.

QPR's playmaker Thorin Mitulescu moved quickly down the middle, received a pass from John, and then slotted it through.

It was León Ferreira again, who has been in great form lately, with his feet lifted and this one was no exception – the Uruguayan volleyed the ball through De Gea's goal.

The new Queen's Park stadium erupted in loud cheers in the 13th minute.

It was León's 13th goal of the season and 11th in the Premier League, equalling Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus in the scorers' charts.

The camera once again gave Mourinho's face, worse than agitation, and he couldn't stop shaking his head expressionlessly.

In the box, after Nathan Neil saw it, he couldn't help but say: "I didn't expect Jose to face the fate of leaving class again." The last time was three years ago?

Lu Ling didn't speak. She herself is in her third season at the helm of QPR and is starting to develop a deep understanding of something, but it is difficult to explain it to Nate in precise language in a short period of time.

In the early days of a manager's tenure, a smart manager will motivate his players to play a new mind, from top to bottom, and face every game with the same hatred.

At that time, the team was a virtuous circle.

But as time went on, some of the passions faded and complacency grew or discontent grew. On the one hand, it requires the coach to make timely squad changes, and on the other hand, it needs to make continuous adjustments in tactics.

For Lu Ling, despite all her thoughts, and fortunately the players are young and motivated, she is still afraid of the devastating ripple effects of Patter's departure.

Last season aside, as far as this season is concerned, when the team was not in good form in the first six rounds, when he lost to West Brom in 100 games, Lu Lingdu had such a fear - fortunately, now the team has come out, not only won six consecutive league wins, but also defeated Everton of the Nix, and successfully qualified for the Champions League group stage.

In fact, three years is a hurdle that all managers find difficult to cross. The same goes for other big names like Pep Guardiola. Lu Ling hopes that he can not repeat this so-called periodic law.

Lu Ling respects Jose very much. In the past, she and Nick would always talk about Jose. She thinks she's objective, and Nick must think he's objective, but are they really objective? Maybe their objectivity is also subjective.

So, at the moment, José Mourinho, does he have fear in his heart?

She walked for a moment and looked up again into the pitch, where QPR completed a quick attack and Mixi Batshuayi once again sent the ball into the net behind De Gea.

Lu Ling applauded, looked at Nathan Neal, and teased, "If this is a big victory, Jose's mood after the game must be terrible, but fortunately, I don't need to shake hands with him this time." ”

Nathan Neal handed Lu Ling a glass of champagne, and then said to Tony proudly: "Look, what did I say, in September you were worried about whether you would fall to relegation this season, but now we are not at the top of the table? (Arsenal's match with Everton on Sunday, if the current points are QPR already at the top of the Premier League table)"

Lu Ling thought about it, it was. She was also in a happy mood, took a sip of champagne, and looked at Tony, "Tony, did you secretly discuss with Nate in September about firing me?"

The Malaysian looked a little embarrassed, "No, I didn't think about changing the coach." I'm just worried. ”

Lu Ling smiled and rolled his eyes away and continued to look at the court. This game was easier than she imagined.

At 70 minutes into the second half, Thiem brought on Phil as planned, replacing Mitsy Batshuayi. They did think about starting Phil before, but ultimately used the Belgian who had recovered from injury. Moreover, Phil can play a better role as a substitute for his energy.

After Phil came on, he continued to mess up Manchester United's exhausted defense, and at the beginning of the game in injury time, Manchester United, who had no intention of fighting, conceded another goal, which was QPR's central defender Mensah, who is also Manchester United's veteran, and scored with a header. Mensah, who usually doesn't score much, is facing his old boss for the second time, and he still doesn't celebrate, but it doesn't prevent his teammates from coming over and slapping him on the head.

The scoreboard at the new Queen's Park Stadium was finally settled at 3-0.

A complete victory.

On the sidelines, Tim and Jose were shaking hands, and they hugged and said several words, and in the box, Sky Sports cameras were also playing this all the time.

"Guess what they said?" said Nathan Neal, curious.

Lu Ling shrugged, "I'll ask Tim in a moment." She said as she prepared to leave the box and go back to the locker room.

"By the way, I have something for you. Nathan Neal stopped her.

Lu Ling turned his head.

"You probably know, though. The American added.

"Please, Nate, my players are still waiting for me, hurry up. ”

Nathan Neal put down his champagne glass and raised his brow, "As far as I know, Ed (Woodward, Manchester United's executive vice-chairman) approached Nick a while ago. I guess the Portuguese could leave Manchester United as soon as tonight, not until Christmas at the latest. ”

Lu Ling's astonishment was only in a blink of an eye, she nodded, "I saw the news, and I thought it was just a rumor." But, how do you know?"

"I have my source. So, if one day a big club comes to you, don't think I'll be the last one to know. Nathan Neill said and winked mysteriously at Tony.

Malaysians look innocent.

"her. (Lu Ling teased Nathan Neal's watchman)" Lu Ling shook his head and left the box with a smile. In addition to rushing back to the dressing room to encourage the players and wrap up the game, she also needs to meet someone.

After signing the name of the owner of the Dark Horse Cross Tavern, Lu Ling continued to chat with the handsome British Indian QPR fan. During the conversation, she couldn't help but think of the Eastern European girl when she mentioned his name. Does Natalie know that her cheeks are crimson when she talks about him? liking someone, sometimes it's so obvious.

"Don't thank me, Ivan, thank you for your lovely bartender. ”

"You're right, I'm really grateful to Natalie. It's a pity that she has to go to work today, but I'm going to invite her to the next home game. Hopefully she will be interested. ”

"Oh, I think she'll have, maybe we'll have one more supporter for that. Lu Ling said that he saw the Manchester United manager who had just finished a TV interview, "Thank you that night, and thank you for keeping it a secret for us." I still have some things, let's talk about it. ”

"Don't worry. Ivan blinked again as he spoke, and whispered, "I'm glad to see you get back together." ”

It seems that Ivan misunderstood. Lu Ling wanted to explain, but she didn't have time at this time, she wanted to go and say hello to Jose. So she just smiled and nodded politely, and turned around. In Ivan's eyes, this is probably like a tacit acquiescence.

Jose Mourinho also saw Kristen Lu, with his hands in his pockets and pouting, it wasn't aimed at anyone, he wasn't in a good mood. He called her name, "Christine." ”

****

Lu Ling watched the forsale sign flash in front of him, and suddenly remembered something. She had to give Pat a call.

She got out of the car and made a phone call as she walked home, and when she entered, the phone went through. It was noisy, she thought, and she was in the locker room shortly after the game.

"Hey Tina, I was about to call you. His voice was heard, with excitement.

When Lu Ling left Harrington, he glanced at the ongoing match between Barcelona and Vigo Celta, which was about 75 minutes into the game, and the score was Barcelona 1:1 Celta. Now, hearing Pyte's voice, she is almost certain that Barcelona later scored again and won the game.

"Let me guess, you decided the game at the last minute?"

'On 87 minutes I scored a direct free-kick and oh, it felt fantastic. And I know you won Manchester United and are now first in the Premier League table, so I'm very happy for you. ”

"Thank you. However, tomorrow this time Arsenal or Everton will take us down. Lu Ling took off his coat and kept changing hands to hold his mobile phone during the period, "Actually, I called to ask...... Are you going back to London for Christmas?"

Patrick didn't answer right away, and Lu Ling could only hear bits and pieces of noisy Spanish and Portuguese from the earpiece. She didn't say anything, just went upstairs.

"I haven't decided yet, actually, yesterday, my mom asked me too. His voice was not as excited as it had just been, and it was much calmer. He paused, then asked, "Does that matter to you?"

"kinda." replied Lu Ling absentmindedly. She hadn't really heard what Patrick was asking, she was looking for something, which she remembered all the time in the drawer.

"Why? Why does it matter?"

"Oh, I found it. Lu Ling picked up the key, breathed a sigh of relief, remembered something, and hurriedly asked into the phone, "Is it important what you just said?"

Patrick on the other side smiled, "Nothing. What did you find?"

"The key to your house. Aren't you selling that house? If you go back to London for Christmas, come to my house and get it? Of course, I can give it to Anna or Emily. By the way, there is another house key......"

He called her name, "Tina." Tina. ”

"What's wrong?"

"There's no rush. I mean...... I didn't move anything. ”

"Yes, but I've got to give it to you anyway. You reminded me that I also have some things in your house and I have your things here......"

"I'll talk about that when I get back to London. ”

"Good. ”

“…… Amber wants to see you. ”

“ohh... Did you tell her about us?"

"No, it's not, she just wants to get to know you, it sounds like your supporter or something, I don't know, she's not a football fan at all. ”

Lu Ling sat on the bed, "You know I'm always busy......"

That's what I told her. ”

"No, I mean really, I'm really busy. So, if you're spending Christmas together in London......"

"Please, Tina, it's Christmas. ”

"What's wrong?"

"I'm not going to spend Christmas with Amber, we've only had a few dates and she's not even my girlfriend. Forget it, I'll tell her directly, you don't like socializing, you don't like meeting new people. ”

When Lu Ling heard the last sentence, she burst out laughing, "Will she believe it?"

"I don't know. ”

"Pat, you make me sound like a freak!"

"So you mean you want to see her?"

"I don't care. As long as I have time. Lu Ling played with the key in his hand, "Have you showered?"

"Not yet. ”

"Then you should go to the shower. You're definitely the smelliest one in the locker room right now, and soon someone might have to complain......"

Patrick laughed and said, "I remember one time we ......"

Lu Linggang wanted to interrupt him, but he didn't continue to speak, but took the initiative to divert the topic.

"Phil has been playing well lately......"

They chatted about something else and ended the call. Lu Ling put the key back in its place and looked at her watch, she should also take a bath. But the phone she had just put down vibrated again, and it was Nick who invited her, and she immediately accepted the invitation.

Nicholas looked at the smiling girl who appeared on the screen of his phone and felt weird. Sure enough, her nice voice sounded:

"Wow, Nick Flores, the future manager of Manchester United, what's the point?"

Probably as her voice fell, two people received a news push on their phones at the same time.

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