228 Chapter 228
'Pogba was suspended in the last game, but this one can be back. Jose has recently started to put Pogba on the left, which has greatly increased the number of United attacks. Also, Marcus Rashford and Antoine Griezmann ......"
Little by little, Tim's words entered Lu Ling's ears.
Jose Mourinho hasn't been in a good mood lately, although not as bad as the 2015-2016 season (the season when Mourinho was sacked at Chelsea), but he has been in fourth and fifth place for more than half a season with the title of defending champion. After losing to Southampton in the last round, Liverpool and Arsenal have been squeezed into sixth place, although the difference with the previous team is still not big. Lu Ling bet that in Sunday's game, whether he wins or loses, he will not be interested in having a drink with her like he did at the beginning of the season.
"Boss. β
The German-accented English interrupted Lu Ling's thoughts and Tim's words. The assistant threw an inquiring look at the head coach, who looked at his watch and said, "I need a few minutes." Maybe you can go get a cup of coffee, and if you do, please drop by and get me a soy milk latte......"
"No added sugar. Tim continued.
Lu Ling smiled and nodded.
When Tim went out, he asked Hans, "Are you all right?"
"Yes, coach. Thank you. Hans replied.
After that, only the team's first goalkeeper and Lu Ling remained in the head coach's office.
"You weren't there that day, so I called you over to talk to you. β
Her voice rang out. Hans looked at her, her dark circles were more pronounced than usual, and her short jet-black hair looked soft and capable. The voice, as always, is a little hoarse, but powerful.
He tapped his chin twice and swept back the hair that hung slightly down to his forehead.
Lu Ling glanced at him and continued, "I just have a question to ask, and I hope you can be honest with me. Do you have a problem with me personally?"
The German's dark green eyes widened a little for a moment. She asked him this question as if she were asking him what he had for breakfast. He felt his gaze wander a little, but the nervousness quickly faded when he realized what she meant by asking him if he was unhappy with Patrick's departure.
"No, boss. He replied briefly.
Lu Ling looked at his expression carefully and nodded, "Very good." I've talked to the team doctor and we both think you're fine. You'll start against Manchester United on Sunday. She turned, turning her back to him and facing the tactics board, which was densely covered in her and Tim's handwriting and drawings.
After a few seconds, Lu Ling turned his head, "Is there anything else, Hans?"
The German boy shook his head.
"You can go. The manager said.
His brows furrowed, and he hesitated to speak, "Boss......"
"What?" Lu Ling half-turned his head in response.
"You ...... with Patrick"
Hearing Patrick's name, Lu Ling turned his head completely and looked at the goalkeeper with a penetrating gaze.
Hans's throat moved, he lifted his chin and asked the full question, "Is he still your boyfriend?"
She stared at him, for a moment, and then she gave an affirmative answer, "Yes, he is." Even though it has nothing to do with you. β
"Of course. Hans said in a deep voice. He took two steps back and left her office.
After Hans left, Lu Ling paced to the desk and picked up his mobile phone to look at it. In the past few days, all kinds of news and pictures about Pate in Barcelona are still overwhelming. For example, he talked and laughed with Messi and Neymar in training sessions, the MAN pair is about to make their debut at Camp Nou this weekend, which Enrique just confirmed with the Spanish media today, he rented a mansion in Barcelona and is very close to several Barcelona team-mates, and he has started learning Spanish β which she heard from Ian and LeΓ³n after the training session.
It seems that he has spoken to Ian on the phone since he went to Barcelona. She hasn't called him back yet.
Maybe after playing Manchester United, Lu Ling thought.
"So fast?" Tim's voice came.
The kid didn't say anything. Lu Ling put down his phone, took the coffee handed over by the teaching assistant, and said thank you.
Tim took a sip of the coffee in his hand and licked his lips, "Oh, that kid. The tone was a bit teasing.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. It's just that...... That child loves you. β
"Is it obvious?"
"In my eyes. Patrick knows, right? Is he worried about him?"
"Does Monica know you're gossipy?"
"She said I was as observant and curious as a feline. β
That's right. Lu Ling smiled, then she took her coffee and walked back to the tactical board again.
'When it comes to observation, there is a lack of such a player in the Manchester United squad. β
"That's why they want Ian. β
****
Sunday, January 14, Round 22 of the Premier League.
The new Queen's Park Stadium has close to 80 boxes, and the location and facilities are so good that it will cost at least Β£30,000 to charter for the next season. Of course, this is nothing in the first place for people who can afford the price.
Standing in the largest and most luxurious box at the New Queen's Park Stadium, Steve suddenly remembered the conversation with Christine about where to watch the game on the pitch, and that was the year before last. Later, Christine's father had an accident, and he learned more about many things.
Nathan Neal suddenly turned around and spoke to him: "Weren't you still in Barcelona yesterday?" said the club owner with champagne in his hand.
Through the glass window, Steve was still looking into the stadium, the players had warmed up and gone back, and the game would soon begin.
"Yes, came back this morning. β
"Patrick had a good last night. The American glanced up at the TV in the box, where Sky Sports was putting the finishing touches on the pre-match show for the upcoming match.
"Jose Mourinho's formation seems to be conservative, and with Lu facing the first league game without Patrick Amber, the QPR will certainly not be as attacking as before. What is this game going to look like?" is Henry talking on TV.
"Not bad?" Steve glanced at the TV, "Dazzling, I guess." β
Nathan Neal immediately quipped: "I simply suspect that his poor form in our team was faked. β
Last night, in the 19th round of La Liga Barcelona vs. Las Palmas, Patrick Amber came on as a substitute in the 55th minute of the second half. The score was still 0-0 when he came on the pitch, and when the game was over, Barcelona swept Las Palmas 4-0. The English prodigy scored a goal and an assist on his La Liga debut. And the first goal to break the deadlock was scored by him. After receiving Messi's pass, Patrick easily slipped past a defender in front of the penalty area and then fired a low shot into the corner. Then, after a high-speed break down the wing, he crossed a cross and assisted Neymar to score easily.
Today's whole day of news is all about Patrick. And the end page of the British newspaper, without exception, gave him the most space, and yesterday's Premier League game became an incident.
Steve chuckled dryly, "Maybe it's the other two geniuses who gave him new inspiration." β
"Oh, so his former goddess of inspiration was abandoned. Nathan Neal's tone was still weird, "I thought he would have a few more lows before he regained his form...... Last night was beyond my expectations. He paused, "It may have been more than Christine had expected." β
"I couldn't be happier. β
"It can be imagined. Why didn't you stay in Barcelona for a few more days?"
"Well, I have other customers after all. Steve pouted helplessly at Nathan Neal, "She's been questioned lately. β
"What can you do?"
"Talk to you. β
"What are you talking about?" said Nathan Neal.
"For example, if she loses this game again, I hope you don't put too much pressure on her, and preferably, you can also tweet your trust and support for her. β
"I really hate it when someone assumes we lose before we play. β
"I also don't like to assume that my client loses, but it's a possibility. Yesterday, Everton won 1-0 against West Bromwich Albion, and they are already four points above the QPR. So, would you consider my suggestion?"
"We'll talk about it after the game. Nathan Neal said perfunctorily.
****
Night falls in West London. The stadium was brightly lit, but the cold wind didn't stop.
It was already the 70th minute of the second half, and the score was still 0-0.
Sky Sports' Martin Taylor said: "The QPR have suffered two consecutive 0-0 league games and have won just one of their last four league games, combined with back-to-back defeats in the FA Cup and League Cup, the team does look to be in a slump, and that can't be said to be unrelated to Amber's recent departure. β
'And they look more physically exerted than Manchester United, who played in the Carabao Cup in midweek. Pogba had bad luck with two shots on goal today, otherwise the problem with QPR would have been even worse. They still looked lacking in energy today, but Hans Bachmeier was in good form. Guest Gary Neville added.
On the field, the QPR players were indeed out of breath.
Manchester United used a very practical style of play β tough away games, as Mourinho always does. Lu Ling's several offensive plans were ruthlessly blocked by the Portuguese's destructive play. And United's counter-attack is quite a threat.
Manchester United's players have already received five yellow cards, but Mourinho is still demanding a frenzied strangulation of his players, blocking the space at the back with muscular players.
In this game, Fellaini tackled Jacob Harding, while Nathan Raymond limped after being kicked by Fabinho and was substituted after holding on for a while.
With Patrick leaving, Lu Ling tried to form a new attacking group with Campbell, Vargas and Yu Zixiang on the left side, but at present, it seems that the space is too narrow, and it is difficult to break the opponent without Patrick's inspiration.
Lu Ling brought on Artem Dzyuba in the 81st minute, and the tall Russian had the advantage in the air, but the QPR tried a cross to no avail.
At the last moment, Lu Ling began to let the defenders take turns to step forward. It's risky, but she really wants those three points.
Glenn Mitchell sprinted into the box at high speed, John O'Connor sent a high ball -
Glenn shook his head and the ball hit the post.
Lu Ling hugged his head on the sidelines, then turned around and kicked the turf hard.
But, it's not over yet. Manchester United's big foot was driven to Pogba. Mario Fernandez came up quickly but was denied and the Frenchman immediately sent in a long ball close to the ground.
Griezmann plugged in at high speed and formed a double ghost slam with Rashford!
In front of the two Manchester United strikers, there was only Hans Bachmeier.
Hans took the initiative to approach Griezmann with the ball, perhaps the German's aura was too strong, Griezmann did not choose to shoot, and wanted to cross more securely to Rashford to hit the empty goal.
Marcus Rashford is in place.
Hans appeared to have seen Griezmann's move in advance, sprinting at high speed between the two United strikers the moment of Griezmann's pass, and scooping the ball away before it reached Rashford's feet.
Hans's judgment was very good, and his luck was indeed good, but it really scared the QPR coach on the sidelines into a cold sweat in an instant.
Referee Dean's whistle sounded, and the game ended.
The QPR suffered a third consecutive 0-0 in the league. But at least, there was no loss.
The difference behind Everton is three points.
As soon as the final whistle blew, the QPR manager made a somewhat unexpected move, rushing to the away team's dugout.
Jose Mourinho was talking to his assistant coach with a dark face, and when he turned his head, he also felt a little strange to see her rushing towards him. It's not like the one who came to shake hands.
Sure enough, before she could get to him, she yelled at him, "Jose, are you trying to get our players hurt? β
Mourinho took a few steps forward, came face to face with her and shot back: "This is football, you can choose how you want to play. And...... Sweetheart, it's not like I let Amber go. β
This "sweetheart" angered Lu Ling even more, and she wanted to rush up again, but was separated by the fourth official. At this time, the substitute players on both sides and the coaching staff all came over, and there was a chaotic situation.
The chaos lasted for about half a minute as the QPR head coach left the dugout surrounded by members of the coaching staff and players.
Boos rang out at the New Queen's Park.
Lu Ling knew that it was for Jose Mourinho, but perhaps, perhaps, maybe there was a bit of dissatisfaction with her in this boo. However, there were still sporadic "Christine's Blue and White" singing in the corner, and she didn't listen carefully and was pushed down the tunnel by Tim. 166 Reading Network