"Why did he call?" asked Patrick as he walked in.

"Oh, just talk to me about Benitez. Lu Ling smiled at him. Her mind had gone back to the office, back to the tactics board, back to chatting with Patrick.

"So you're friends again?"

His words were sarcastic, and Lu Ling would not fail to hear them. She's a colleague with Nick, then a lover, and now ...... It can only be regarded as a general acquaintance.

"Nope. We were never friends. It won't be in the future. Lu Ling shook his head.

He should have been happy to hear this, but Patrick's first reaction was discomfort. It was hard for him to say why. I don't want to think about it. He threw away the discomfort, smiled slightly, and asked him the question he was more concerned about, "Tina, have you thought about it?"

'Come on, we're in the FA Cup semi-final this week! I'm all thinking about Benitez, how can I have time to think about that. ”

"HMMM: It turns out that it wasn't Flores that I had to worry about, it was another Spaniard. Patrick frowned and said something serious.

"It's funny!" Lu Ling also sarcastically. But she glanced at his beautiful face and couldn't help but laugh, his expression was so cute, and it was really just a twenty-year-old boy. However, she didn't have time to continue chatting with him, "Pat, I'm going to have a meeting with the coaching staff in a moment. If you don't have anything else......"

"I was getting ready to go. Patrick shrugged, "There's an ad and an interview in a moment." ”

"You've been doing a lot of these things lately. Lu Ling thought, hoping that this would not affect his competitive state.

"Really?" Patrick grabbed his long hair, "Don't worry, boss." I'll take care of it and it won't affect training and games. ”

"I hope so. Lu Ling nodded, his expression was extremely serious, and even a little stern.

Patrick walked up to her, "You're so strict. He said.

"These 30 days are the most crucial moments of the season. Lu Ling looked up at him, still with a straight face.

"I know. What you want, I want too. He bent down and kissed her on the top of the head, "See you in the evening?"

"See you tomorrow. She looked up, her eyes curled.

He looked at her with a gentle and warm gaze. She just hoped he wouldn't do anything else. He should be restrained. She thought.

"See you in the evening. ”

"See you tomorrow. ”

"See you in the evening. Patrick emphasized, and then playfully continued, "You know, I don't mind arguing with you about this until the evening, and I can push off the ads and interviews anyway, but then you don't have to have a coaching staff meeting." ”

“…… See you in the evening. "Lu Ling can't help him.

"This is my girl. See you in the evening. He kissed the top of her head again and left satisfied.

He was different from Nick, who always told her how she should be in a commanding tone, and the more she did, the more she resisted. Pate's approach, though childish, makes it easier for her to compromise.

Lu Ling shook her head, oh, it, she has to think about Benitez.

****

Saturday, April 22, 2017, West London.

Sunny, breezy and Wembley Stadium.

The last time QPR fans came here to watch a home team play was in the Championship promotion play-offs three years ago. Then-manager Harry Redknapp led his side to a win over Derby County to get them promoted back to the Premier League, only to be relegated back to the Championship the following season.

Then came the era of Nick Flores, Kristen Lu, and Patrick Amber. Ramsey and Bielsa, on the other hand, are rarely mentioned.

In the history of the Queens Park Rangers Club, there have been very few times to have been able to enter Wembley. They had only one trophy in their honour room, the League Cup at the old Wembley Stadium in 1967.

If Christine's blue and white side can beat Rafael Benitez's Magpies today, it will be their second ever FA Cup final – the only one before that was in 1982.

Old man Ron was already drunk with two pints of Budweiser, but the history was fresh in his mind – he was taken by his father to Wembley at the age of twelve, to watch the Carabao Cup final of the proud Rangers, who had no tickets and climbed over the wall into Wembley and then into the stands.

Oh, what a wonderful time when there was no security, no commercial stars. Ron thought to himself.

In the 1982 FA Cup final against Tottenham, Ron was still a young man working as a packer in the factory. He didn't make it to his first final (when the final was tied and had to be replayed) and managed to get a ticket to the final, only to witness the damned Glenn Hoddle score a penalty in the sixth minute at Wembley Sr.

Tomorrow at this stadium, Tottenham and Manchester United will be battling it out for another place in the final. If Tottenham advances...... Perhaps the opportunity for revenge after thirty-five years has come.

Of course, Christine has to get past Newcastle first.

Ron recalls the girl's press conference.

The last time QPR reached the FA Cup final, I was about the same age as her, and time flies so fast.

Commenting on Benitez, Christine said: "I'm sure it's going to be a good matchup. I've played against a number of great managers this season and Rafa is a coach I admire a lot and it's an honour to meet him in such an important game. Of course, I don't want Newcastle to have a Wembley miracle tomorrow or something. ”

She did not forget to make fun of Benitez's masterpiece in 2005 when he led Liverpool to create a zào in Istanbul. Of course, it was the Champions League final.

Ron whimsically wondered if it would be possible for him to see his beloved team reach the Champions League final in his lifetime.

I had a overdose, and Ron drunkenly glanced at his phone, it was time to get in.

As he walked from the passage in front of Wembley to the entrance, he yelled, "'Army!'"

Christine's Blue and White Army!

Soon there was a song of response, which converged under the rainbow bridge of Wembley.

Still, Ron could hear the laughter of Newcastle fans.

"I don't know what to be proud of as a young girl, is it because she's sexy...... Hahahaha......"

Oh, of course proud. She's going to kick you in the ass, and you'll know in a moment. Ron thought.

****

Benitez is wearing Newcastle's official suit, half of his head is bare, his eyes are bright, and he is a very confident and self-contained guy. But the steps and expressions on his face as he walked through would have made people feel a little clumsy, like he did when he faced the fucked media in England. He's not an honest man, but he's just too straightforward and stubborn at times.

As Lu Ling walked over to him, she thought, what would he think of me? The last time she met most head coaches, she was a little assistant coach who was nothing. What would they think of her?

Actually, she didn't really care, she was just a little curious, and maybe next time she would find a guy who was pleasing to the eye and asked.

As she shook hands with Benitez, she had a couple of words. As she turned around, it occurred to her that fans and the media would find them unbelievable if they knew what they were chatting.

"Oh, Christine, I have to say, the Championship is a goddamn league. ”

'It's true that promotion to the Premier League is harder than relegation in the Premier League, it's too unpredictable. But, Rafa, aren't you basically locked in the promotion spot?"

"That being said, I haven't had a good night's sleep since last summer. ”

"Haha, hopefully we'll all have a good night's sleep at the end of the season. ”

"I hope so. Well, we'll talk about that later. ”

"Okay. ”

After Lu Ling sat down, Tim asked them what they were talking about, she really didn't know how to repeat the boring conversation just now, so she just smiled bitterly at him.

In front of her, the flashing lights continued.

She looked so calm, so confident.

The whistle blows and the game begins.

QPR got into trouble as soon as it started.

Lu Ling has imagined all kinds of situations, but the execution of Benitez's team is still a bit beyond her imagination.

The first fifteen minutes of the QPR were difficult to pass half-time. Newcastle executed very precise high pressing up front, and specifically put Nedham to get the ball, and the QPR captain kept giving the ball to the Magpies.

And against Patrick, there was always a Newcastle player in front of him who was able to cut off his receiving route, and the number 7 had to return to his own half of the court often to get the ball.

In this way, Patrick's threat is greatly reduced, and while he can dribble the ball up front on his own, he can't make long-distance runs every time.

At the same time, Benitez used the French international Moussa Sissoko, who has a strong breakthrough ability, to constantly attack Yu Zixiang's back, and the guide zhì Zixiang did not dare to press too forward, which was similar to the trick used by Nick before, and the left corridor of the guide zhìqpr was broken.

Although it is a Championship team, Newcastle have already secured a place in the Premier League and have already rested a large number of main players in the previous league rotation, so they are very physical enough to carry out such high-intensity tactics.

In the 35th minute of the first half, Moussa Sissoko directly cut off Zixiang's ball, and directly carried Zixiang away with his strong body, broke through to the penalty area, and after a cross, striker Mitrovic grabbed the point to score the ball.

The Magpies open the scoring at Wembley.

It wasn't until stoppage time that QPR got their first shot on target in the first half. It was Patrick who returned to his own half and forced his way through the two midfielders, Kolbak and Anita, and then fired a long-range shot from the edge of the area, which was saved by Krull.

The half-time whistle blows. Lu Ling walked back to the locker room with a gloomy face.

At half-time, Tim used a double striker to add a high post so that the ball could hit as far up front as possible. But Lu Ling is not comfortable using high school striker Sebastian Porter.

What's worse is that Zixiang's exhaustion in the first half continued, his hamstrings were tight, and he could be injured.

Lu Ling felt that it couldn't be worse, Zixiang had almost no rotation for a season, even if he was a superman, there were times when he was tired.

The game is falling into Benitez's plans, and it must not be like this.

At the moment the players are in a bit of a trance, including Pat.

From the high morale before the start of the game to the current state that is a little indescribable, Lu Ling can understand it very well. There will always be times when you feel strong and willing to fight, but when you do do throw a fucking punch, there is no threat.

She slapped the board vigorously.

All eyes were on her.

'Newcastle are a Championship side at least so far. We are the team that is going to enter the European zone. Who's going to tell me which team should dominate the game?"

"We. "There were intermittent responses from players, the volume and tone, uneven.

"Good. Lu Ling's gaze became extremely firm.

"Remember, we're making history! If we win against Newcastle here today, decades from now, half of the fans out there will be proud when they remember the game and they will talk about you. Then you will be the heroes of their mouths, every single one of you. Do you want to be heroes?"

"Of course. ”

“hellyeah！”

……

Patrick looked at his Tina, smiling proudly. She's magical, she's always got the players motivated in just a few sentences. She always said he was a genius, but she wasn't. She happened to look over, and he gestured with her with one hand.

Lu Ling's gaze flickered silently over Patrick. This guy is getting bolder.

To be on the safe side, Lu Ling replaced Zixiang, but with centre-back Glenn Mitchell, so she put Mensah on the left and used the Dutchman's physicality to fight Sissoko.

The second half began.

The situation in the QPR has changed somewhat.

After consulting with Tim, Lu Ling moved Patrik to the left touchline to get the ball. Then let Glenn or Ian play with his long ball ability and go straight to Patrick.

Patrick then broke through along the touchline to force Sissoko back into defence, which would also take the pressure off the defence.

It's getting dark.

The atmosphere at Wembley was becoming more and more restless, at least on the blue-and-white side.

And in the black and white magpie camp, the singing of one after another has not stopped.

From the 60th minute onwards, Newcastle began to gradually recycle and, as Nick said, became a three-centre-back, which is actually a back five.

This makes it more difficult for the QPR to break through the Magpies' positions.

Tim covered his mouth and continued to build: "Now there are two plans, the first is to change it to 442, and go to the high school forward to play golf to try to create chaos. The second is somewhat risky. ”

Lu Ling didn't speak, and held his chin with his hand in contemplation.

Her eyes are jet black, and the camera always likes to give close-ups of her eyes. The narrators would say that there was a glittering light, young but full of wisdom, and so on.

Lu Ling knew what Tim's second plan was. Removing a centre-back and replacing it with a striker also became a back three to strengthen the attack, but at the risk of being penetrated at any time at the back.

No. Lu Ling thought to himself.

"There's a third option. ”

She stood up, walked to the touchline and took advantage of the Newcastle player injury on the pitch to call Patrick over.

"You go and play center. She said.

****

Tim had to admire Christine's determination.

Now Newcastle have been recycled in order to block the space and block the QPR's positional attack. Even Patrick will find it difficult to break through with Benitez's strict system.

Lu Ling doesn't trust the style of play of the high school forward, at least with the current high school forward Sebastian Poulter in the QPR team, she is betting on luck, and she doesn't want to give up the safety of the defensive line, because that is also betting on luck.

She had Patrick at the front to pinn down the Magpies' defense - creating opportunities for others like Leon and Ian at the back, and John on the right.

Patrick didn't play as a true centre-forward, only playing as a false number 9 in the home game against Manchester United.

But he has now begun to fulfill his duties as a centre-forward.

He carried the opponent's tall central defender with his back to the goal, and played the ball to Leon and others again and again, and the QPR attack began to improve.

It's just that this is a bit too much for the pretty boys.

He was very tired in this game because of the continuous retreat in the first half, and now he has increased a lot of responsibilities with the defenders in hand-to-hand combat, and he has suffered dark losses again and again, Newcastle's defenders' actions are not clean, but they can't reach the scale of blowing fouls.

Tim could feel that Patrick's physical strength was reaching its limit, little by little. His movements are starting to get a little out of shape, but he's still trying to perform his role as a temporary centre-forward and support his teammates.

The QPR assistant glanced at the back of the head coach, who was two years younger than him, standing near the touchline.

She must have struggled inside.

But there is no other way.

In the 82nd minute, Patrick carried Newcastle's defender with his back and sent a back-heel pass between the two to break down the opponent's entire defence.

The long-haired Uruguayan boy thrust forward like lightning and stabbed with a flying stab.

The ball went past Newcastle goalkeeper Krul.

1:1！

Leon ran to the corner flag to kneel in celebration, but was too excited to make a full move, instead sitting on the grass and being crushed by his teammates.

The fans of the QPR jumped all up. None of them knew what was coming out of their mouths. I just know that the excitement and joy of this moment is so real.

The QPR coach's bench is also crazy. Lu Ling and Tim jumped and hugged each other.

Half of Wembley fell into such jubilation.

The game lasted more than 80 minutes, which was indeed too long for QPR, who had swept the Premier League since November last year.

It was a crucial goal.

The goal gave them hope that the door to the FA Cup final had not yet been closed to them.

Benitez was a little anxious, he kept jumping on the sideline, pointing his hands one way and the other, and then back in his pocket. He glanced at the young girl.

He wasn't stupid and wouldn't look down on her because of her gender, age, or experience. The coaches who have done so this season have already suffered a loss. With so many lessons from his predecessors, he won't make the same mistake again.

He carefully prepared the tactics for this match. Limiting their left flank, limiting Patrick, who could be the best footballer on the planet in the future, has done a good job. But she still seized the opportunity.

He once talked to Nick about Christine. On the phone. At that time, they hadn't broken up yet. When Nick talks about her, he is very proud and highly rated, even using the word "genius". At that time, he had already watched a few games in which she was coaching, and although he recognized her ability, he was somewhat skeptical about the credibility of Nick's words because of her relationship with Nick.

But today, when he fought directly, he suddenly felt that Nick's words of praise were not exaggerated at all.

Benitez doesn't want to lose, though. He didn't think he was going to lose.

****

The score was 1-1 until the last minute of 90 minutes of stoppage time.

Go to overtime.

In the 23rd minute of extra time, Patrick almost single-handedly beat the entire Newcastle defence, but his shot went out of control in an instant and hit the stands from close range.

He was so tired. Lu Ling was thinking about it when he saw him suddenly sit on the grass.

Is it cramps?

She waved her arms vigorously and told the team doctor to hurry in.

She took a few more steps, stood up and looked over there, her whole heart hanging.

Charley horse.

It's good that it's just cramps.

Patrick got back to his feet and waved at her side, telling her not to worry.

Lu Ling wanted to smile at him, but she couldn't squeeze out a smile anyway.

Now, it's not time to laugh.

At the end of extra-time, Newcastle were more physically fit and became the side that besieged.

Fortunately, all the QPR players were highly focused, and several dangerous balls were cleared.

Ian is in command, and the Scottish boys are becoming more and more responsible. Mensah reacted very quickly and handled the ball well. Although Nedham can make mistakes, when he applauds and encourages his teammates, Lu Ling feels very down-to-earth. John always gets the first point from outside the box......

And Pat, Lu Ling looked at the running figure, he did everything he could......

This team is maturing. Lu Ling looked at his watch and was about to kick a penalty.

The whistle sounds.

This was the first penalty shootout of Lu Ling's coaching career. She felt a little strange in her mood, as if she had a little hope, but more of a worry. She was still looking at the field. But there is no focus.

It was raining lightly.

In April, the average temperature is less than 10 degrees, and Lu Ling is still wearing a down jacket. A gust of wind blew, but there was still a chill.

At eight o'clock in the evening, Wembley was brightly lit.

Tim walked over and said to her, "List." ”

Lu Ling nodded. The list of penalties was discussed in advance. With the cup now played, it's impossible not to prepare for these things in advance. But she discussed the order of play with Tim and the players. The list was finalized. Now, she thought, I really need a little luck.

QPR All the players and coaches formed a circle.

Lu Ling stood in the innermost, she only had one sentence to say.

"Remember! We're making history! Don't feel pressured, just kick, boys, believe me, we're the one who qualified, don't ask me why, I just believe it!

The captains of both teams guess the coin.

Newcastle take the penalty first.

The first penalty was Sissoko.

In the lower left corner, I entered. Very light yì.

The first penalty on the QPR side was Ian.

Lu Ling looked at the back of the Scottish boy who had just been engaged, and he began to get nervous.

She muttered, "Tim, my palms are sweaty. ”

Tim was about to shake her hand when she suddenly turned away, her back to the court. It's a purely physical reaction. The brain didn't even think about it, she had already done it. It was not her own surprise.

"It looks like I'm going to be another manager who doesn't dare to take penalties. ”

"Hey, Christine, it's okay, Ian will definitely score. Tim tapped her on the shoulder.

"I don't know, Tim, I don't. Please don't talk to me. Lu Ling closed his eyes and just wanted to wait for the result.

Patrick glanced over there, and she turned her back. She didn't dare to look at the penalty. Not like her. But it seemed like she was exactly what she would do. He turned his gaze back, Ian was going to have no problem with this guy.

Ian run-up.

It's also the lower left corner, and it's in, just as easy.

He was stunned for a moment before shaking his arms at the stands, boosting his morale.

"In. Tim's voice rang out at about the same time as the cheers of the fans.

Lu Ling opened his eyes, turned to look at Ian, and clenched his fists.

This is followed by the second round.

Newcastle, Gale scores. On the QPR side, Raymond scored.

Round 3.

Newcastle, Mitrovic, lost!

However, on the QPR side, John, also lost ......

Lu Ling bit his lip. She was a little scared. It's a fucking feeling. She thought. In the future, try to resolve the battle within 90 minutes.

Fourth round.

Newcastle, Janmatt, goalposts!

And on the QPR side, Leon entered!

Lu Ling took a deep breath. Are you going to make it to the finals?

In the last round, it was Pat. He won't have a problem.

However, he missed a penalty......

She didn't know what she was thinking.

Fifth round.

Newcastle, Kolback, the pressure on him is huge, as long as he loses, the fifth round of the QPR will directly advance to the FA Cup final without a penalty.

However, Kolbak scored.

Patrick walked over with the ball in his arms.

Place the ball.

Keep your eyes on the goal.

Run up.

Strength, angle, no problem, straight to the dead end.

He jumped up. Clenched fists.

When Lu Ling turned around, he saw the back of No. 7 Amber jumping high.

It's good that they reached the FA Cup final.

Lu Ling found that everyone around him was celebrating, running, jumping, cheering, all kinds of gestures and hugs.

Tim hugged her before she came to her senses. She says thank you to Tim, and Tim says thank you. Both of them were a little excited and incoherent at this moment. They are all very young, very young coaches. And now, they are in the FA Cup final.

Lu Ling let go of Tim and let go of Tim with a long sigh of relief.

The moment the palms of his hands jumped up to Pat, he stopped sweating.

The rain was still falling, and the grass looked even greener under the lights.

She walked over to Patrick and hugged every player who walked up to her, and he walked over to her, hugging every teammate or coach who passed by.

Finally he walked up to her.

They hugged each other.

Half the pitch is blissful. It's full of people. And so many cameras.

Lu Ling covered his mouth and whispered on his shoulder in a tone full of ridicule: "Oh, Patrick Amber, assisted the equalizer goal, and scored the last penalty in the penalty shoot-out, sending Queens Park Rangers to the FA Cup final, and becoming the team's hero again......"

He interrupted her and whispered in her ear, "I just want to be your hero, Tina. Start early, beyond your imagination. He felt the body in his arms tremble, and he quickly patted her on the back, "Are you crying?"

"Nope. She let him go.

Her eyes were crooked, and there were indeed no tears, not even tears, and she said, "It's not time yet." ”

And her ears rang with the song that shook the sky, every England fan, no matter which team you support, will sing and are eager to sing-

queserasera,

verillbe,illbe,

e-berly,

queserasera