Daring to Lead the World!

November 10, at Manchester's Etihad Stadium.

The twelfth round of the Premier League: the Manchester Derby, with Man City hosting Manchester United.

This was a match neither side could afford to lose.

Man City, playing at home, currently led the Premier League table. For the first time in decades, Man City had climbed to the top of the league after more than ten rounds. That held extraordinary significance for the club.

But a four-point lead was far from secure, especially for Man City.

Mark Hughes had once been criticized for being content with minor success and lacking the makings of a top manager. He had therefore been dismissed soon afterward.

Why?

Any team with its sights set on the title had to possess the determination and courage to dare to lead the world!

On the road of life, not competing was the grace of a gentleman. But on the professional competitive stage, refusing to compete made one worthless.

Man City had finally clawed its way to the top of the league and naturally did not want to be dragged down by its rivals. In particular, it could not afford to lose to its local archrival, Manchester United—the most direct competitor in the league.

Before the match, Guardiola announced in the dressing room, in front of the players, that Su Dong would not start. But he also declared that regardless of whether Su Dong was there, Man City had only one goal tonight: victory!

Su Dong also encouraged his teammates before the match, saying that he believed in them.

Even without Su Dong, Man City was still Man City. He believed they could defeat Manchester United at home, secure their position at the top of the league, and contribute their own strength to Man City's campaign for the Premier League title.