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Strength and conditioning coach Julian Baumann is not a very typical German, this is not Benjamin's opinion, but Julian himself. Julian said he was a Bavarian with a Latin heart and possibly African ancestry. Benjamin was drinking an energy drink, and he looked up at the middle-aged, bald German man who might indeed be below the average height of a German man, but who looked no more Germanic, and thought to himself that he was probably crazy.

"We are all from Africa. Benjamin swallowed the sweet liquid in his mouth and said with a smile. It's just that Julian wouldn't know that what comes out of Benjamin Hamilton's mouth is rarely exactly what he really thinks in his heart. Then, Benjamin put down the energy drink, wiped his sweat, and continued training. In fact, Benjamin didn't really see Julian as a freak. The more ordinary people are, the more they want to make themselves special in some way, and people need others to perceive their existence, and it is understandable.

Julian's English is more American, with a subtle German accent, and Benjamin listens casually, his attention highly focused on the core strength training that is taking place. Fortunately, Julian, no matter how boring or weird, is a very good strength and conditioning coach. Benjamin had read some books on his own, but he was well aware that Julian's training program and advice had improved his fitness significantly over the years. Otherwise, he probably won't be able to hold out for 60 minutes in a game of Everton's intensity.

Objectively speaking, it's not that Benjamin's fitness is really bad. There are two main reasons. First, he grew up training at a below-average professional level, and the way he played, of course, had to do with his technical characteristics, which was very calculating – a bit opportunistic, and second, he had been out of training for a year and had never played in the first division.

Julian looked at his watch and said, "Ben, I'm done with this set, and that's the end of today." We have done a good job of planning for the second phase. Don't be too anxious, your efforts, everyone is watching. ”

Benjamin finished the final set, took a breath, and thanked his strength and conditioning coach.

Julian was very kind, shook hands with the talented player, and unconsciously talked a little more about his children.

Of all the chatter in the world, this topic is the most boring for Benjamin.

Julian reacted quickly and stopped. He certainly knew that almost no twenty-year-old boy would want to hear about a child's education or something like that, and as far as the first team was concerned, it could be other than ...... Phil Warren. Phil came to ask him about Surrey's kindergarten one day, and considering that Phil's daughter was less than a year old, even Julian was too anxious.

The strength and conditioning coach patted Benjamin, who was soaking wet, and said God.

Benjamin smiled again, "See you tomorrow, Coach." With that, he turned and walked towards the shower, and the smile on his face disappeared immediately.

****

Lu Ling was thinking about Gonzalo Chica's situation. Is the new left-back a good player? Of course, otherwise she wouldn't have gone to his games and wouldn't have bought him. But now there are some problems. On the left flank, his poor connection with Genk and his physicality as a full-back have also worried her a bit.

With the current situation of the first team, Lu Ling can put out two sets of lineups, which is also necessary for the fourth-line battle. She also has two sets of main plays. Three-backs and four-backs, depending on the opponent. Thinking of this, she smiled. Bielsa was right, at least for that, she was pragmatic.

Gonzalo can play as an incisive playmaker at full-back or as a wing-back. His midfield attributes surpass those of a wing-back, which is completely different from Zixiang's, so the Spanish boys can offer more tactical variation on the left side, but Zixiang's impact and direct lethality are clearly stronger.

Currently, the player is still suspended from the league. He could be back in the Champions League group stage next week. The red card in the game against Manchester City, that time was impatient and did not grasp the scale. But in fact, Gonzalo's defensive skills are very good, better than Zixiang. Accurate footing and nimble stride. Of course, Zixiang's body is better.

"Boss. ”

This was Benjamin's voice, and Lu Ling looked over. Benjamin took just two days off this international break, while the team gave four days off to players who didn't make it to the national team. He's really working hard to improve himself and fight for the main position. Look at the way he looks, just finished showering. Previously, Julian had sent a report to Lu Ling about Benjamin's recent physical condition. She is satisfied, but it must be said that there will be a process.

"What's the matter, Ben?" Lu Ling asked.

Benjamin brushed his hair, and he blew it dry after taking a shower, even applying hairspray. He didn't really have anything to do, he just came over to say hello before going home. And he told the truth.

"Okay. Lu Ling said, she added, "You don't have to do it, the club doesn't have a rule that players have to say hello to the manager before leaving. I'm afraid you'll even need my approval to go to the toilet next, Harrington is not a prison, and I'm definitely not a prison warden. Also, I'm busy. ”

Benjamin smiled awkwardly, a rare expression on his face. He could naturally hear that although she was joking, she was also very serious. Even defense.

"By the way, I read the report Julian sent me, and you did a good job. Lu Ling said again as he reopened the email sent by Julian.

Benjamin saw a little smile on the manager's face. He nodded modestly, "Thank you, I promised I would do my best." He said, his gaze falling to a potted plant on her desk. It was a small laurel tree. The last time he came, the greenery was still thick, but now it's a little withered. He guessed she didn't have much time to take care of. It may not have been her choice at all, but her assistant had chosen it for her to make her office look more vibrant. Benjamin then gestured to the pot of withered laurel trees and said, "Hey, boss, maybe I can bring a potted flower tomorrow, like a daffodil......

"No thanks. Tomorrow is a very intense training session and in the afternoon all the players will be back in the squad and have a good rest. Lu Ling interrupted him, and then gestured out of the door with his gaze, and said with a fake smile, "See you tomorrow, Ben." ”

Benjamin was silent for a moment, nodded, said I'll see you tomorrow, and withdrew. He ran into Patrick outside the door.

****

Patrick only heard the last few words, and he swore he didn't want to eavesdrop, but he did hear it in the hallway, and, not just him, but the assistant coach. Tim is watching a silent ball game with his legs on his desk. The doors of both his and the manager's offices were open. Patrick paused and made eye contact with Tim, presumably both of them feeling a little ...... Awkward, as well, eccentric.

However, Patrick later thought back to Tim's gaze and thought it was a lot like saying-

Oh man, you know, she's always going to have a lot of suitors.

Patrick certainly knew that. The question is, is Benjamin a suitor? Is it necessary for Benjamin to be a suitor?

Benjamin's surprise and crampedness are very inconspicuous. He looked at Patrick and smiled, "Wow, superstar, you're back." Didn't you just disband?" he showered and saw a message Jacob had sent him. The Newcastle boy said he was tired and had just arrived home. That's why Benjamin knew that the England national team had just been disbanded.

Patrick nodded twice, guessing that it was either Jacob or Glenn who had told him, and it was certainly not Phil. He casually looked at Benjamin's gray-green eyes and said with the same smile, "I have something left in the locker room." Patrick felt a little angry — though he wasn't happy to admit that he was the jealous type, and he wasn't, but it was interesting to find out if Benjamin was worried about whether he had heard his conversation with the manager. And he suddenly understood Phil's anger at him over the number. He may indeed be an arrogant bastard, and in any field, he doesn't think much of the competition.

"Locker room, you're probably going in the wrong direction, man. Benjamin kindly reminded.

"Oh, I'll ask the boss a few tactical questions. Patrick said.

"Do you need a while?"

"I'm not sure, what's wrong?"

"There's a vintage car show in South Kensington tonight, are you interested?"

Patrick thought for a moment and said, "Yes, I'll call you later?"

"No problem. You should come, I'm sure you won't regret it. ”

"Okay, see you later. Patrick patted Benjamin on the shoulder.

Benjamin patted Patrick on the shoulder. Patrick then headed to the manager's office. And Benjamin went to say hello to the teaching assistant before leaving. He noticed that the assistant looked at him a little more probingly, he didn't care, he didn't really do anything wrong.

****

"Tactical questions?" Lu Ling asked amusedly.

Patrick remained silent, just staring at the face behind his desk. After a while, he stood up and said, "Tina, I'm going to that antique car show." ”

Lu Ling nodded.

But Patrick stood up and didn't move, and he looked like he wanted to speak several times.

Lu Ling was impatient. "What?"

Patrick wants to say you don't look good. The face is not very good, and the mood is not very good. Did he want to ask what was happening in Nyon? He knew that the Real Madrid manager was also present at this year's summit. You've met, what have you talked about?But what do you say, how do you ask?Patrick's gaze fell on the laurel tree, and soon, he looked up. "Do you want me to bring you a pot of daffodils?"

Lu Ling shook his head. The last thing she wanted to mention or think about now was flowers or daffodils. "What did you leave behind in the locker room?" she changed the subject. Then she turned her gaze to the computer screen and began to reply to Julian's emails, not wanting to waste any more time.

"I didn't have anything left in the dressing room. Patrick said.

Lu Ling's fingers on the keyboard paused, and after a short pause, she continued to tap on the keyboard as she said, "Okay." By the way, Zoe is good, I went to your house this morning to see, you can give your dog walking boy a raise. ”

Patrick didn't answer. He walked around to her, on top of her, and whispered, "Miss me?"

Lu Ling was shocked. A long time ago, in the same office, another person asked her this question. They are completely different accents and voices, as well as completely different tones. Pat's swept like a feather, with caution and expectation, and a little hoarse. Her fingers stopped in the air again. She slowly raised her head and looked into those eyes, knowing she wasn't going to lie. She smiled at him and blinked slowly. He smiled too, and seemed a little overwhelmed. "Me too. He whispered quickly, "Leave the difficulty you have always had." ”

Is it really difficult?,Lu Ling thought. She wouldn't ask. She looked back at the computer screen, shifted her ass, and urged him to leave, "Ben is still waiting for you." ”

Patrick remembered this, and he frowned and hesitated, "Do you think he ...... too?"

Lu Ling interrupted Patrick, "I'm not going to talk to you about other players, Pat. Moreover, this thing may not be what you think. Anyway, I know what he's doing, and I know what I'm doing. I'm glad you're on good terms with Phil, though. ”

Patrick said helplessly, "Did that idiot message you or called?"

"It's all done, I didn't reply to his message, he called. Lu Ling also showed a helpless smile as he spoke, "Oh, actually, he mentioned that you might come over." ”

"He must not have mentioned what we talked about on the way. Patrick took a deep breath and told himself not to worry about children. He winked narrowly at her left eye, "Forget it, you don't want to know." And I won't talk to you about my teammates. ”

"The right choice. Lu Lingchong sent Trik down after laughing, urging him to leave again, "You know where the door is. See you later, Pat. ”

Patrick was still a little confused about Benjamin, but he wasn't prepared to ask. He believed in her. Most importantly, the purpose of his visit to Harrington had been achieved. "See you later, my beautiful boss. 166 Reading Network