Football: With Cheats Like These, Why Even Train?
Chapter 320

The opening round of the 2012-13 Premier League season officially kicks off!

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Zhang Kuang: "This sentence means that some people hate and guard against their own family members more than their enemies. They would rather give benefits to so-called 'friendly countries' than to give benefits to their own family members, relatives or servants."

Carrick: "Wow, Zhang, your words really express the essence of Levy. Manchester United paid a high price to buy Modrić but he didn't sell it. He would rather give it to Real Madrid at a low price."

Rooney:"Damn Grandet..."

Zhang Kuang: "There is no need to reprimand him too much. He is a businessman after all, and everything is based on his own interests."

"..."

Alba Fourteen million went to Barcelona, Alexander·Song 19 million also followed.

When Zhang Kuang saw the news that Song went to Barcelona in the locker room, Evra happened to be nearby. France took one look and said, "Arsenal This is a supermarket."

Zhang Kuang said, "When you came from Monaco, Monaco said the same thing."

Evra thought for a while and nodded, "That makes sense."

Over there Arsenal, Wenger's face probably doesn't look good.

Van Persie came to Manchester United, Song went to Barcelona.

Sure enough, Wenger was blocked by reporters the next day, asking about the transfer of Alba and Alexander Song.

Wenger said unhappily, "Some clubs have too strong financial resources."

It was interpreted by the United Kingdom media as "Wenger is scolding Manchester City and Chelsea".

Ferguson was eating breakfast when he saw this news. After reading it, he folded the newspaper and handed it to Phelan: "Wenger is right."

Phelan asked, "Which sentence?"

Ferguson: "You have strong financial resources. But it has nothing to do with us. The money we bought Van Persie was saved by selling it."

Phelan didn't answer. He knew the old man was being harsh.

Of course, transfers are still in full swing, and each team is exchanging blood and strengthening their teams.

On August 19, the Manchester United team boarded the bus, departed from Manchester, headed west along M62 Motorway, and entered the Liverpool territory an hour later.

On the bus, Rooney was sitting in the front row playing cards with Carrick, Shinji Kagawa was wearing headphones and watching the Japanese dubbed "Friends", and Zhang Kuang was sitting in the last row by the window, with an old song playing in the headphones, looking at the gray sky in the direction of River Mersey outside the window.

Ferdinand was sitting two rows in front of him. He looked back and said to Evra next to him, "Zhang didn't talk much today."

Evra shrugged. "I guess last night was so intense that my saliva dried up."

Ferdinand:"Pfft, haha..."

Zhang Kuang couldn't help but laugh in anger. Although he was wearing headphones, his hearing was very sensitive and he could hear clearly.

Forget it, let them gossip. Are you kidding? He still needs to dry up his saliva? He looks down on people, so mortals don't know the methods of gods.

After driving for another half an hour, the vehicle arrived at the hotel, where many reporters and fans were waiting. The entire team did not accept questions from reporters and only signed autographs and took photos with some fans.

After checking into the hotel, Ferguson let the players rest for an hour, and then went to Goodison Park for training to adapt to the field.

The turf condition of the venue is average, a bit worse than Villa Park. Liverpool The weather in August was cloudy and sunny. There was a light rain during the afternoon training, and the turf was a little slippery.

Zhang Kuang tried several emergency stops and changes of direction on the left wing, and his shoe spikes slipped twice on the grass. He looked down at the soles of his shoes and said something to assistant coach Phelan. Phelan nodded and made a note in the small book on the sidelines.

At seven o'clock in the evening, Ferguson took team leader Vidić to Goodison Park's news release hall.

Moyes and Everton, captain Jagielka, are speaking, while Ferguson and Vidić are sitting in the background, resting and waiting.

Moyes sat in front of the microphone with a calm expression, even a little too calm.

The reporter asked him what he thought of the Manchester United line of defense crisis.

Moyes said, "We only care about ourselves. We have not won in the first round in the past four seasons, and I want to change this this year. Manchester United is a strong team, but we are not afraid of anyone at home."

A reporter mentioned the game last season where Everton tied Manchester United 4-4 at home.

Moyes The corners of his mouth moved slightly. "That game showed that we can score goals. Do we need to score four more tomorrow? I don't know. But we will strive to score goals."

Reporter: "I heard that you will take over Manchester United next season, is it true?"

Moyes: "These are all rumors. Besides, this season has just started. Let's leave the problems of next season to next season."

Reporter: "Jagielka, how does the team defend against Zhang Kuang? As the captain, do you have an internal plan?"

Jagielka:"..."

After a while, Everton's release session ended. When they came off the stage, Moyes went out of his way to greet Ferguson warmly. The two chatted for a few words and then separated.

When Ferguson walked into the press room, reporters were already waiting.

The old man sat down with a bottle of water in front of him, but he didn't touch it. The first question was about Ferdinand's injury.

Ferguson's expression did not change. "Rio had a leg problem during the weekend training, so he was not allowed to go in for safety reasons. Phil·Jones, Evans, and Smalling are all injured, and we are really short of central defenders. But Carrick can play this position. He has played before, no problem."

A reporter asked if the right back would use Valencia as a guest star. Ferguson waved his hand impatiently. "I haven't decided yet. If you are so good at arranging lineups, you can sit in my position tomorrow."

Regarding Van Persie, Ferguson's tone was softer. "He hasn't practiced with the team much yet. We will evaluate and talk to him."

Adrenaline will help him, but if I start him, I think it's important that he shows me something in training first. He had a session this morning and it was OK, we'll see tomorrow."

Reporter: "Sire Sir Alex, what are your requirements for tomorrow's game? Can you win?"

Ferguson: "The first round of the new season is very important to us, and we will definitely try our best to win."

Reporter: "Captain Vidić, I heard that the members of Manchester United love prostitution. Will you also participate? Or will you take the lead?"

Vidić: "This is nonsense. Be careful if I sue you for defamation. Ask some questions about the game."

Reporter: "Is Shinji Kagawa really well integrated with the team? How does he compare to Scholes?"

Vidić: "Shinji Kagawa just came to Manchester United and only played a few warm-up matches and one Community Shield. It's a bit early to compare him with Scholes, but I believe he will reach the heights of Scholes sooner or later."

Reporter: "..."

--

August 20th, the first round match day of the 2012-13 season Premier League.

Goodison Park Stadium is located next to Stanley Park of Liverpool, surrounded by dusty Victorian terraced houses and narrow lanes.

At two o'clock in the afternoon, the streets outside the stadium were already filled with people.

Everton fans came from all directions in the city, and blue jerseys occupied most of the street.

Manchester United fans were isolated in the visiting team area. Their red scarves looked like clusters of flames in the blue crowd, and were gathered up by local security personnel from time to time.

Sky Sports's broadcast truck is parked on the west side of the stadium, and the commentary seats are located on the middle level of the stands.

Martin·Tyler and Neville sat down forty minutes in advance. In front of them were the starting list, information on the two sides' nearly ten matches, and a small handwritten note. On it were several "highlights" that Martin·Tyler had memorized.

Martin hasn't put on the headphones yet, and is confirming the sequence of screen switching with the producer.

Martin spoke first, "Gary, have you seen today's first release?"

Neville picked up the list and glanced at it. "Looking at Manchester United's defense, to be honest, I'm a little worried.

Rafael, Vidić, Carrick, Evra, two of the four are not serious defenders. Everton Over there Fellaini and Jelavić are both good golfers. Carrick has to face the impact of Fellaini at the center back position. When I think about this scene, I feel..."

Martin smiled, "What do you think?"

Neville: "I think Carrick needs to apply ice to his neck when he goes home tonight."

Martin turned the page of the information sheet. "Historically, Manchester United's record in the first round of Premier League was very scary. In the last eight seasons, he has not lost in the first round.

The last time they lost in the first round was in 2004, they lost 0-1 to Chelsea. Everton, they lost all in the first round in the past four seasons. Gary, do you think this trend will continue today?"

Neville shook his head. "The trend is a trend, but today Manchester United's central defender combination is a temporary combination. Everton will definitely make a fuss about set pieces and high balls.

Moyes is not stupid, he knows where Manchester United's weaknesses are. If Everton can score first, the game will become difficult to play."

Martin: "What about Manchester United's offensive end? Zhang Kuang, Rooney, Hernández, plus Van Persie on the bench.

Everton's defense line Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, this combination is average to Premier League, but facing Zhang Kuang..."

Neville: "Baines is very good offensively. On the defensive end, facing Zhang Kuang, he needs the help of Hibbert and Pienaar. Question Pienaar is an offensive player, how willing is he to return to defense? If Baines is pulled out by Zhang Kuang, Everton's left wing will leak out a lot of space.

And today Fletcher and Anderson are in the midfield, Fletcher is responsible for protection, Anderson is responsible for pushing, and Kagawa is in series in the middle. This midfield configuration is more control-oriented than Community Shield, and Zhang Kuang will have the ball."

Martin also laughed, "Okay, let's see what the colleagues over there China CCTV-5 have to say. Recently, everyone likes to read the analysis directed by Zhang Lu. His analysis is often very sharp."

When CCTV Sports Channel's signal was switched back to the studio from Goodison Park, He Wei had a cup of cold tea in front of him, and Zhang Lu held a pen in his hand and drew two lines on the tactical board.

He Wei nodded to the camera. "Good evening, audience friends. Welcome to the first round of the 2012-13 season England Football Premier League, Everton vs. Manchester United at home.

My name is He Wei, and the commentator with me today is Director Zhang Lu. Director Zhang, we just finished talking about the Community Shield hat trick, Zhang Kuang France, Manchester United four to three Manchester City. In the first round of the league today, Ferguson's team plays Everton away from home. Please tell everyone about this starting lineup."

Zhang Lu put down the pen and said hey twice, "This game is interesting. As soon as Manchester United's starting lineup came out, my first reaction was to look at the back line.

Ferdinand is injured, Jones, Evans, and Smalling are all lying down. Ferguson only has Vidić as a genuine central defender, and the other position is given to Carrick.

Carrick plays central defender. This is not the first time for Premier League, but today he is going to play against Fellaini, which makes people feel interesting."

He Wei: "Fellaini, 1.94 meters tall, Belgium, scored many key goals in Everton last season."

Zhang Lu: "Yes, about Fellaini, Everton's tactics are very clear, which is to find him with the high ball. Carrick is 1.88 meters tall, not too different in height, but Fellaini's jumping and physical confrontation are top-notch compared to Premier League.

Moyes must have arranged it before the game. Baines and Hibbert kicked off the ball, and Fellaini grabbed the points. Carrick needs someone to protect him, and Fletcher has a heavy task today."

He Wei: "What about the offensive end? Zhang Kuang is on the left, and the defensive player he faces is Baines."

Zhang Lu: "Baines is one of Premier League's best offensive left backs, but his defense, hey, facing a player of Zhang Kuang's level, Baines needs help.

Is Everton's right midfielder Osman or Pienaar? Looking at the list, Pienaar is on the left, Osman is on the right, etc., Everton is arranged in the midfield, and Pienaar is on the left, so what he has to face when returning to defense is...Rafael's repeated attacks? This is not right, let me take another look."

He Wei: "The Everton midfielders on the list are Osman, Gibson, Phil·Neville, Pienaar, and Fellaini is behind Jelavić. Director Zhang, is this midfielder strong enough?"

Zhang Lu: "Gibson and Phil·Neville are both tough, but their mobility may be difficult for Shinji Kagawa and Anderson.

Kagawa Community Shield had an assist in the last game, and his movement was the worst among Manchester United's midfielders. Everton If Fellaini were to mark Carrick, then in the middle of the midfield are Gibson and Phil·Neville versus Kagawa and Anderson. In this matchup, Manchester United has the advantage."

He Wei: "Do you think Zhang Kuang can continue the status of Community Shield today?"

Zhang Lu: "Hey, Zhang Kuang, I have been observing this player for two seasons, and his consistency of form is very good. And Everton, the defense line, Distin is older.,Jagielka is good but speed is not his strong point, Hibbert is also a veteran, and Zhang Kuang likes this kind of experienced but slow defense the most. He doesn't need a lot of space, just give him half a step."

He Wei: "Okay, the players from both sides are about to enter the field. Let us focus on the scene and take a look at the first round matchup of the new season Premier League."

--

In the player tunnel, the player tunnel for Goodison Park is narrower than the player tunnel for Old Trafford. The walls are painted in Everton's iconic blue and the lights are dim.

Players from the two teams stood side by side. Jagielka from Everton stood at the front, followed by Fellaini and Baines. Vidic from Manchester United took the lead, standing arrogantly in the middle of the team, with his head lowered and a match ball unconsciously spinning in his right hand.

Chief referee Andre Marriner walked at the front of the referee team. He is in his early forties and Premier League is a veteran.

He glanced down at his watch, then raised his head, made eye contact with the fourth official, and nodded.

Vidić and Jagielka were called to guess coins in the middle circle.

Vidić won, Manchester United kicked off first.

When the players dispersed, Zhang Kuang walked to the left and stood in front of Hibbert.

Hibbert is thirty-five years old and has played for Everton for thirteen seasons. Premier League is rich in experience, but speed has never been his advantage.

Zhang Kuang glanced at him, and Hibbert also glanced at him, but neither of them spoke.

Zhang Kuang looked back behind him, and Evra gave him a thumbs up from the left back position.

Further back, Carrick stood next to Vidić with a serious expression.

De Gea clapped his gloves in front of the door and shouted something in Spain, but no one understood.

Marriner put the whistle in his mouth, glanced at the positions of the players on both sides, and then--

"Beep--!"

The voice of He Wei sounded simultaneously, "China Central Television, China Central Television, dear viewers, what you are watching now is the first round of the 2012-13 season England Football Premier League, Everton versus Manchester United, the game has begun!"

Martin·Tyler spoke almost at the same second, "Zhang Kuang looked for Hibbert when he first touched the ball. This is a clear sign. No. 33 of Manchester United is not going to be polite to Everton today..."

Game starts:

In the 1st minute, Hernández kicked the ball back from the center circle and knocked back Rooney. Rooney split the ball to the left. Zhang Kuang took a step forward when he touched the ball with his first foot. Hibbert came up to him. Zhang Kuang pushed the ball to the sideline with the outside of his right foot, turned around and blocked Hibbert with his body.

Hibbert stretched out his hand and pulled. Zhang Kuang shook but did not fall over. The ball went out of the sideline.

Marriner didn't blow.

Neville: "It's normal for Hibbert not to perform well in Premier League, but Zhang Kuang didn't fall down, which shows that his physical condition is fine today. In Community Shield, he said he was 'weak', and he seems to have recovered well."

Martin laughed, "Gary, do you believe what he said that day?"

Neville:"I believe he scored a goal."

In the 3rd minute, Rooney cut in from the right and took a long shot. Howard fell to the ground and confiscated the ball.

This is Manchester United's first shot, and it's also Rooney's first league goal this season.

He Wei said over there, "Rooney played resolutely, and Howard also made a steady save. Today, Rooney has a large range of movement on the right, forming a two-wing echo with Zhang Kuang."

Zhang Lu added, "Rooney is actually more threatening on the right than in the middle, because he has the ability to cross and cut inside to shoot.

Ferguson puts him on the right wing, which actually gives him freedom. He can move to the center at any time and switch positions with Kagawa."

In the 9th minute, Baines passed a free kick from the left into the penalty area. Fellaini jumped in front of Carrick, headed the ball to the back point, and Jelavić poked it in from close range.

De Gea stretched out his left leg almost instinctively, and the ball hit the goalkeeper Spain's calf and bounced off the baseline.

Martin shouted, "De Gea! Crucial save! Jelavić was only three yards away from the goal, De Gea blocked it with his legs!"

Neville's voice followed closely. "This is what I said before the game, Carrick had a hard time defending Fellaini's high ball. Fellaini didn't even jump high, he was just a few centimeters higher than Carrick. With just these few centimeters, he got the point.

Jelavić's shot was close enough, and De Gea's reaction was top-notch. But Manchester United can't count on De Gea for every ball."

He Wei: "Fellaini, Manchester United is really difficult to deal with today. Carrick is already very tight, but Fellaini's bounce and body are there. Director Zhang, does this ball give Manchester United a wake-up call?"

Zhang Lu: "This is a big wake-up call. When Fellaini was fighting for points, Carrick's hand was holding his jersey, but he couldn't hold it.

The referee didn't call it because Carrick's action was not obvious enough. Manchester United needs to interfere with Fellaini before he takes off, so that he can't hit the ball comfortably. Fletcher has to come back to help."

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