May 15th, Ligue 1 2009-10 season final round of league.
Auxerre challenges Sochaux away from home.
This game has no impact on the standings - Auxerre has already won the championship in advance, Sochaux is ranked eleventh, no worries about relegation, and no hope of European war.
The game was held at the Ogu Ste Bonnar Stadium, Sochaux's home stadium, with less than 10,000 spectators present.
Zhang Kuang is sitting on the bench, wearing a bench vest with a calm expression.
He didn't start.
In the first half, Auxerre played disorganized.
Without the restraint of Zhang Kuang in the frontcourt, Auxerre's offensive line seemed to have lost its soul. Hengbart organized desperately in the midfield, but the ball was interrupted when it reached the frontcourt.
Sochaux played very relaxedly and posed a threat on several counterattacks, but the final kick was a bit off.
Halftime ended, 0:0.
At the beginning of the second half, Zhang Kuang was still sitting on the bench.
Fernandez stood on the sidelines with his hands in his pockets and a calm expression.
In the 60th minute, Zhang Kuang started to warm up. Some Auxerre fans in the stands saw it and started shouting his name.
"Zhang! Zhang! Zhang!"
But Fernandez did not replace him.
In the 70th minute, Zhang Kuang sat back on the bench.
In the 80th minute, Fernandez used up three substitutions - none of them was him.
Zhang Kuang sat there for ninety minutes.
The final whistle sounded, 0:0.
This is an extremely boring game. Both sides have no fighting spirit, are afraid of injury, and are just doing errands.
After the game, Zhang Kuang walked into the stadium and hugged his teammates one by one.
Hengbart hugged him the tightest.
"Zhang." His voice was choked, "I will miss you."
"I will miss you too." Zhang Kuang patted his back.
Pedretti came over and hugged Zhang Kuang.
"Captain, thank you." Zhang Kuang said.
"No, Zhang." Pedretti said, "It's us who should thank you."
Other teammates also gathered around and hugged him one by one. Some people's eyes were red.
Zhang Kuang didn't cry like a child, but his eyes were a little moist.
This half season, although short, is indeed wonderful.
As he walked out of the stadium, a reporter stopped him.
"Zhang, you didn't play in the last game, was it because you were leaving the team?"
Zhang Kuang glanced at him.
"You should ask coach Fernandez about this question."
He pushed aside reporters and walked into the players' tunnel.
At the press conference after the game, Fernandez was surrounded by reporters.
"Mr. Fernandez, why didn't Zhang Kuang play?"
"This is a tactical arrangement." Fernandez's tone was very calm.
"But he sat on the bench for the entire ninety minutes and didn't play a single minute. Is it because he was leaving the team and we didn't want to give him another chance to play?"
"I said, this is a tactical arrangement." Fernandez's tone became more serious, "The result of the season has been determined. He doesn't need to score goals to compete for the golden boot. He has been tired for half a season and just takes a rest in the last game."
"But this explanation is far-fetched."
"Far-fetched?" Fernandez glanced at the reporter, "If you say it's far-fetched, it's far-fetched. I'm the head coach, and my job is to arrange tactics and lineup. I don't need to explain my decision to anyone."
"Are you satisfied with the result of today's game? There was no goal, no threatening ball, the players were walking on the field, and there was no spiritual leader..."
"I'm very satisfied with being able to score a point in the last round. I'm quite satisfied with the players. Without them, we wouldn't have won the double championship. Well, that's all."
After saying that, he stood up and left the release meeting.
The reporters looked at each other.
On the same night, France 1, Sky Sport Italia, and RMC Sport simultaneously released a joint interview video with Zhang Kuang.
In the video, Zhang Kuang is sitting on the sofa, talking to four beautiful reporters.
"France National Team team will be eliminated?"
"Italy National Team team can't get out?"
"Brazil has the top eight at most, and it will be difficult for him to win the championship in at least the next four sessions?"
"England Top 16?"
"In the final between Spain and Netherlands, Spain won the championship?"
"The top four are Spain, Netherlands, Germany, and Uruguay?"
"..."
These words are like bombs, exploding in the Europe football world.
Early the next morning, the entire Europe sports media was reporting on Zhang Kuang's "World Cup prophecy".
The title of "L'Équipe" is. "Zhang Kuang: France National Team group is eliminated--China striker's crazy prediction".
The title of "Milan Sports Newspaper" is. "Zhang Kuang looks down on Italy: The defending champion group is eliminated".
The title of "Bild" is relatively restrained. "Zhang Kuang's World Cup prediction: top four Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Uruguay".
The title of "The Sun" is as horrifying as ever. "Chinese Zhang rants: England Europe China National Team, the top 16 go home!".
The title of "Marca" is sarcastic. "China kid teaches Brazil to play football: Your tactics are behind, you can reach the top eight at most".
Brazil's "Globo Esporte" had the most intense reaction. Their title was. "China people, learn to play football first and then comment on Brazil".
Argentina's "Olé" even directly responded, "Maradona: Zhang Kuang is too young. He pretends to understand tactical analysis without even knowing how to play football."
The report quoted the original words of Maradona - "Zhang Kuang is a promising young man, but his understanding of football is still too superficial. Argentina owns Messi, Higuaín, Agüero, Tevez, this is the sharpest offensive line in the world. No one can stop us. We will win the championship!!!"
When Zhang Kuang saw this report, he was having breakfast with three of the nine team members introduced by Matidal in the apartment of Paris.
He smiled and put down his phone.
"Maradona said I don't understand football." He said to the three women.
The three women looked at each other and smiled.
"Do you understand?" one of them asked.
Zhang Kuang picked up a piece of bread and took a bite.
"Of course I... don't understand. I know a ball. But I know a lot about this ball. Come on, come on, finish your meal quickly and regain some strength. Let's continue."
"It's enough to understand this ball. We just need you to understand this ball!"
"Can you please take a rest? My legs can't stand still."
"Then you should be last..."
--
Zhang Kuang's "World Cup prophecy" caused a storm in global football that was more violent than he expected.
France's "L'Équipe" published a second review article titled: "Zhang Kuang's "prophecy" is an insult to France Football."
The article read, "What qualifications does a China player who has played for half a season in Ligue 1 have to point fingers at France National Team? France National Team has Ribéry, Henry, Anelka, Malouda, Evra, Gallas -- this is a world-class lineup. Group elimination? Ridiculous."
Italy's "Milan Sports Newspaper" invited many celebrities to comment on Zhang Kuang's remarks.
Former Italy international player Giancarlo Antonio ini said, "Italy is indeed old, but old age has its benefits. We have experience, tactical literacy, and championship background. Exiting the group? No way."
As for Brazil, the reaction was the most intense.
Football champion Pelé was stopped by a reporter and asked what he thought of Zhang Kuang's statement that "Brazil has the most top eight".
Pelé smiled, "Young people always like to say some amazing things."
"Then how far do you think Brazil can go?"
"Brazil is always the favorite to win the championship." Pelé said, "We will enter the finals."
The reporter asked, "What about the champion?"
Pelé's smile became even bigger, "The champion is also Brazil."
When Zhang Kuang saw this interview with Pelé, I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
He knows the "crow's mouth" law of Pelé.
Pelé Whoever takes a fancy to will be ruined.
Now Brazil fans can prepare to buy air tickets home in advance.
Argentina's "Olé" continued to add fuel to the fire. They invited a Argentina football commentator, who scolded Zhang Kuang for a full ten minutes on the show.
"An eighteen-year-old kid, after playing Ligue 1 for half a year, dares to point fingers at Argentina? Does he know Argentina's football history? Does he know who Maradona is?
Does he know how strong Messi is? He knows nothing! He is just an arrogant clown!"
The host asked him, "How far can Argentina go?"
"At least the top four! With Messi here, we are the favorites to win the championship!"
Zhang Kuang was in a meeting with Jonathan when he saw this video.
"Zhang, you have gone too far this time." Jonathan said, "Look at the reaction of these media, they want to eat you up."
"Let them scream." Zhang Kuang said, "They will know when World Cup starts."
"Are you so confident in your prediction?"
"It's not confidence." Zhang Kuang said, "It's because I've read the script."
Jonathan thought he was joking and laughed twice.
"Where is the script? Show it to me? Who gave you the script?"
"..."
"Okay, let's get down to business. The contract over there at Manchester United has almost been negotiated. Manchester United has agreed to all the conditions you mentioned."
"What about the salary variable clause?"
"They agreed. There will be a clause in the contract - your salary will always remain second in the Manchester United team. If the salary of other players exceeds your contract amount, Manchester United will automatically increase your salary.
There are also terms about private life, which Manchester United also agreed to. As long as you don't drink too much on match days and don't affect training and competition, the club will not interfere with your private life."
"Okay."
"They won't give in anymore on the image rights."
"Is it okay?"
"Then sign it."
"Okay." Jonathan said, "Then sign an advance agreement first and wait until July 1st before officially signing the contract."
"Where is Auxerre? Where is my labor certificate?"
"Don't worry, they will take care of it together."
"Okay."
"By the way, what do you do with your predictions in the media? Do you really care?"
"Don't worry, let them scold you if you want. Don't worry, they will all call me God when the time comes."
After taking care of these bad things, forget about anything else and enjoy this rare vacation first.
No, I can't enjoy this holiday, I have to work hard to earn Qi and Blood Points!
On the same day, Zidane was stopped by reporters at Madrid.
"Zizou, what do you think of Zhang Kuang's prediction?"
Zidane raised his eyebrows, cleverly pretending not to know.
"What prediction?"
"He said the France National Team team will be eliminated."
Zidane was silent for two seconds.
"Zhang is a very talented young man." He said, "I watched his game at Ligue 1, and his scoring ability is very good."
"Then do you think his prediction is reasonable?"
Zidane:"Football is round." He said, "Everything is possible."
The reporter asked, "How far do you think France National Team can go?"
Zidane shook his head.
"I don't make predictions." He said, "I just hope that France National Team can play at the best level."
After saying that, he turned and left.
This answer was interpreted by France media as "Zidane has no confidence in France National Team."
Italy's Cannavaro was also stopped by reporters.
"Zhang Kuang said that Italy team will be eliminated. What do you think?"
Cannavaro smiled.
"Zhang is a promising young man and I like the way he plays: direct, efficient and impactful."
"Then do you think his prediction is correct?"
Cannavaro shook his head.
"I don't agree. We are the defending champions and we are confident of defending our title. Although the group stage is difficult, we will definitely qualify."
"How far can you go?"
"I hope to be the champion."
The reporter asked, "What do you think is the biggest problem with Italy?"
Cannavaro paused.
"Age? I don't think age is a problem. Experience is wealth."
He smiled, turned around and got in the car.
England Over there, Rooney was stopped by reporters.
"Zhang Kuang said that England is the 'China National Team of Europe', up to the top 16, what do you think?"
Rooney's expression is very complicated, including dissatisfaction, helplessness, and something unclear.
"Zhang Kuang is a very interesting young man." He said, "When he comes Manchester United, I will let him see the strength of England players."
"You mean Manchester United has decided to sign Zhang Kuang? Can World Cup England go further?"
"Of course." Rooney said, "We have the best league in the world and the best players in the world. We can reach the semi-finals."
"Do you think Zhang Kuang's prediction is provoking England?"
Rooney shook his head.
"No, I don't think so." He said, "He's just... too young. There are some things you shouldn't say. Don't say them."
The reporter wanted to ask more questions, but Rooney had already pushed away the microphone and left.
BBC: "Rooney: Wait until Zhang Kuang comes to Manchester United! Reporter: Manchester United is sure to sign Zhang Kuang? Rooney: Of course!"
Ferguson was also stopped by reporters.
"Sir, your new Player Zhang Kuang says that England is the top 16 at most. What do you think?"
Ferguson stroked his forehead.
"Everyone has the right to express their own opinions." He said, "Opinions are opinions and facts are facts. When World Cup is over, everyone will know."
"Do you think Zhang Kuang's prediction will affect his locker room relationships at Manchester United?"
Ferguson shook his head.
"No." He said, "In Manchester United's locker room, we only look at performance, not predictions. If he can score goals, he is a good player. If he can't score goals, anything he says is useless."
The reporter wanted to ask more questions, but Ferguson waved his hand.
"Okay, let's talk about World Cup after World Cup starts."
"The Sun": "Ferguson: Zhang Kuang's prediction will not affect his relationship in the Manchester United locker room!"
Later, Manchester United's senior management and Ferguson took a look: Damn it, these reporters were fooled and they took away the transfer information.