As Long as Su Dong Stands, Man City Will Never Lose!

"Smack, smack, smack!"

The only sound left in the silent dressing room was the masseuse's hands slapping against muscle.

Being down a man was simply too difficult for Man City. Every player carried an immense burden of pressure.

Modern football tactics were interconnected. Having one fewer player was not something that could be made up for by everyone working a little harder. It created a far more drastic gap—one that was almost impossible to bridge.

Su Dong sat in his seat with his back against the locker, head tilted back and eyes closed. His breathing gradually steadied.

His private physiotherapist, Grant Downing, was bent over, massaging the muscles in Su Dong's legs.

Su Dong's personal coaching team was the only group of non-Man City employees Guardiola allowed into the dressing room.

They even understood Su Dong's physical condition better than Man City's own medical staff. Many times, the club doctors needed to consult and discuss matters with them before making a decision. Guardiola allowed that as well.

When the masseuse stopped, the enormous dressing room fell into a terrifying silence. Only the players' heavy breathing could be heard.

The first half ended 2–2.

Fàbregas had finally converted the penalty.

Man City had taken the lead twice and been pegged back twice. They were understandably furious.

But after receiving a red card, the whole situation felt unbearably tragic.

Whether it was the crushing pressure brought on by the silence or simply a hurdle he could not get past in his own heart, Kompany finally took a deep breath, stood up, and walked to the middle of the dressing room.

"I'm sorry!" Kompany apologized to the players. "I really only wanted to stop him. I mistimed my challenge, and I ended up missing by just that little bit." After saying this,