Li Yufei, far away in England, had no idea that one of his compatriots from his previous life had developed a degree of split personality because of him.
At that moment, he was at home on the phone with Wenger.
Naturally, they were talking about the defense in front of goal.
"Boss, don't you think Manuel (Almunia) really isn't good enough to be Arsenal's starting goalkeeper?"
"Although I hadn't joined Arsenal yet, I heard that we missed out on the first Champions League trophy in the club's history in the 2006 final because of him."
Li Yufei had always been so direct when talking to Wenger.
No beating around the bush. He got straight to the point.
And since Wenger had opened up to Li Yufei about the transfer business last time, Li Yufei saw no reason to hold back either. He bluntly said that Almunia wasn't good enough.
He showed no regard at all for a goalkeeper who had spent many years at Arsenal.
Wenger wasn't quite used to hearing Li Yufei put it that way. Ever since he'd become a manager, no player had ever dared speak so frankly to his face.
But given Li Yufei's special status, and how closely Arsenal's future plans were tied to him, Wenger didn't dwell on it.
After a moment's thought, Wenger said slowly, "Li Yufei, I understand what you mean."
"Manuel has always worked very hard. Lehmann was sent off too early in the final, and Manuel was thrown into the breach to help us defend our goal."
"Although he conceded two goals in the end and we lost the match, I don't blame him."
"At the time, he was only Lehmann's backup. It was already impressive that a backup goalkeeper stepped in at the last minute to play in a