"Ibrahimovic's shot from the edge of the penalty area! But unfortunately, Van der Sar made a save and pushed it out for a corner! With the end of Leeds United's attack, the referee blew the final whistle, and Manchester United ultimately drew 0-0 with Leeds United at home, with both sides taking one point and shaking hands in a draw."
After finishing his commentary, Lineker quickly grabbed the water glass on the table and took a big gulp to moisten his parched throat.
Although no goals were scored in today's match, the pace of the game was much faster than the match the day before yesterday.
Setting down his water glass and watching the camera panning back and forth between the two managers on TV, Lineker continued, "We can see that Ferguson and Lee Shi-shi don't look too good. It seems that neither manager is very satisfied with the draw. However, they probably don't know that Chelsea finished their match 10 minutes ago, surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw by the visiting Reading!"
"In that case, the top three in the standings remain unchanged. Manchester United still leads the table with 48 points, while Leeds United and Chelsea are tied for second and third place with 43 points each!"
Lineker was right. Li Shiguang only learned from Simeone that Chelsea had been held to a draw by Reading after returning to the locker room, which eased his slightly serious expression.
Fortunately, the results of the previous battle were not wasted.
Since the Leeds United vs. Watford match, originally scheduled for the 30th of the 21st round of the league, was postponed to February of next year, this game can be considered Leeds United's final match of 2006.
At the post-match press conference, many reporters asked Li Shiguang about his outlook for next year and whether Leeds United had any transfer plans during the winter break.
"Mr. Li, I've noticed that Maicon has been relegated to the reserve team for almost a month now, and I've learned from other sources that Leeds United's previous decision to listen to offers from all clubs in the winter has fallen through. I heard that Leeds United has now closed the bidding channel for Maicon. So when do you plan to bring him back to the first team?"
Li Shiguang tilted his head and glanced at the reporter who asked the question, only to find that it was Charles from the Manchester Evening News.
Damn it! That cunning old bastard is trying to stir up trouble again!
To be honest, the English Footballers' Association is indeed a tough nut to crack. After the previous wave of events surrounding Maicon was reversed, his agent Antonio even went to the Footballers' Association to complain about Li Shiguang, on the grounds that the club's act of demoting a healthy player in good competitive condition to the reserve team without any reason was illegal.
The players' union did send people to find out the details, but after learning that Leeds United was already negotiating with several clubs, they didn't say anything more.
As early as Monday, Calderón had already sent representatives to Leeds United to sign a contract, and the €40 million transfer fee had been deposited into Leeds United's account. However, at the request of Real Madrid, Leeds United did not disclose any information about Maicon's transfer, and his agent was even less likely to spread rumors.
Li Shiguang retorted without hesitation, "I remember you. You're the reporter who made a bet with me last time, right? What business is it of yours when Maicon returns to the first team? This is an internal matter for Leeds United, and I don't need to disclose it to you!"
Charles's face fell immediately after being rebuked by Li Shiguang, but he couldn't find a reason to refute it. So, with a quick thought, Charles brought the issue back to today's match.
"Then let me ask you another question, Mr. Li. After today's match, have Leeds United's goals for this season changed?"
After Charles finished asking his question, the reporters below immediately sat up straight, their microphones unconsciously thrusting forward slightly. This was their favorite part; last time, when Li Shiguang said Leeds United's goal this season was either the league title or the Champions League title, it had already given the media plenty of fodder, resulting in significantly higher newspaper sales the following day...
"Leeds United lost today?"
No, that's not the case.
"So today is the last round of the league this season?"
No, not exactly.
After asking two rhetorical questions, Li Shiguang spread his hands, looked at the reporters below, and sneered: "I know what you want to hear. Since this reporter, whom I don't particularly like, has asked again today, I will reiterate once more: Leeds United's goals for this season will not change in any way. Winning at least one of the league or the Champions League titles has always been our goal!"
Seeing that Charles was about to speak after he finished speaking, Li Shiguang immediately added another sentence.
"And this reporter I really dislike, I remember saying last time that I didn't want to be interviewed by you again! So if I'm unlucky enough to be at the same press conference as you again, I hope you can be considerate, sit quietly in your chair and not say a word, okay?"
The reporters were quite surprised by the extremely aggressive attitude that Li Shiguang displayed.
Charles, who was called out by Li Shiguang, was already feeling a bit embarrassed. He wanted to ask more questions, but Li Shiguang cut him off without any mercy.
Later, a Guardian reporter who was with him saved him: "Mr. Lee, I would like to ask, with the Premier League winter transfer window opening in a few days, does Leeds United have any plans to strengthen their squad during this window?"
Finally, a normal question was being asked. Li Shiguang smiled slightly and said, "Of course there is. Everyone will know in a few days..."
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Upon returning to Leeds, Li Shiguang first held a brief debriefing meeting for all club staff at Thorpe Arch. Then, with a wave of his hand, he instructed Allen to distribute over €5 million in bonuses to the players and staff. With the Real Madrid money in hand, Leeds United's accounts now held nearly €200 million; this amount was merely a drop in the ocean for Li Shiguang at this point.
He didn't forget the young players in the youth team who hadn't signed formal contracts yet. With New Year's Day approaching, Li Shiguang had Allen give each of these young players a red envelope containing two thousand euros, ostensibly as New Year's money from the club.
After a two-day holiday, on Tuesday morning, the Leeds United players returned to training, and Li Shiguang also arrived at his office early.
After getting ready, he was about to head to the training field with his tactical splint when his phone rang. He took it out and saw it was a call from Raiola.
Li Shiguang thought he was calling to express his feelings and wish him a happy New Year, but as soon as he pressed the answer button, he heard Raiola's excited voice on the other end of the line.
"Mr. Li! I heard some news the other day, and I bet you'll be interested in it!"
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