Taking the scouting report from Simeone and looking at the honest and kind smiling face in the photo, Li Shiguang couldn't help but chuckle.
Isn't this Harry Kane, the former British star, the perennial runner-up, who comes with his own buff?
Ron really has a good eye!
While most Premier League teams are still playing the long ball and cross-from-the-bye style, center forwards like Crouch or Kane (according to scouting reports) who have a certain amount of aerial dominance in the penalty area, are equally adept with both feet, have excellent physical strength, and can also support their teammates' attacks are still in high demand!
"Wow, what did this kid eat to grow so tall? He's only 14 and already 1.8 meters tall!" Li Shiguang laughed as he placed the scouting report on the coffee table and looked at Simeone. "Diego, what do you think of this kid?"
Simeone nodded: "Hmm, he looks alright. Ron also summarized at the bottom, saying that his fundamentals are solid and his ball control is great. The only drawback is that he's not very fast. But he's only 14 years old, and he still has room to grow. I think we can get him to let Thomas train with him first!"
"Okay, then I'll have Allen go and talk to Daniel."
····
After taking a short rest at noon, Li Shiguang did not appear on the training field in the afternoon. After handing over the training work to Simeone, he sat in front of the computer and watched the video recordings of Barcelona's recent matches.
If we only look at their recent form, Leeds United, who just won two consecutive games, are actually better than Barcelona, who lost away last night.
However, Li Shiguang immediately lost interest in watching the game after watching the video of last night's match. He noticed that Rijkaard had placed several key players, including Xavi, Deco, and Ronaldinho, on the bench.
The Dutch are clearly preparing for the Champions League match in a few days!
La Liga has now completed 23 rounds, and Barcelona, like Leeds United, is at the top of the standings with a superior goal difference, ahead of Sevilla, who are tied on points.
"call···"
After taking a sip of water, Li Shiguang stood up and stretched.
The sun was about to set outside the window, and the return to calm on the training ground meant that the players had finished training and gone home. Before he knew it, Li Shiguang had watched nearly three hours of video.
Li Shiguang walked to the sofa, sat down, lit a cigarette, closed his eyes, leaned back on the sofa, and gently rubbed his temples.
In the short period of time, he watched almost all of Barcelona's Champions League group stage matches. Although Barcelona only qualified as the second-place team in their group, the strength shown by the defending champions should not be underestimated.
The 4-3-3 formation is Rijkaard's favorite formation this year.
Like Li Shih-shih, Rijkaard also reaped the benefits of the "Calciopoli" scandal last summer.
The acquisition of veterans Zambrotta and Thuram from Juventus has greatly enhanced the stability of Barcelona's defense. It's worth noting that Barcelona has only conceded 20 goals so far in La Liga, ranking second in the league! The first place is naturally Real Madrid under Capello, but they have only conceded one less goal than Barcelona.
Thinking about Barcelona's luxurious midfield and forward line, Li Shiguang exhaled a puff of smoke and felt a real headache coming on.
There's absolutely no flaw in this!
"Bang bang bang..."
The knocking interrupted Li Shiguang's thoughts. Normally, at this hour, the only person who would come to his office was Allen. Could it be that there was some new development at Bayern Munich?!
Li Shiguang looked up at the doorway with suspicion in his eyes and said, "Allen? Come in!"
However, it wasn't Allen who pushed open the door, but Rivaldo, who smiled and winked at him, revealing a bright white smile.
Rivaldo?
Upon seeing the person who arrived, Li Shiguang's mind was filled with questions.
This old guy always disappears as soon as training is over, what's wrong with him today? He's actually interested in working overtime?
He pointed to the sofa, gesturing for Rivaldo to come over.
After he sat down, Li Shiguang joked, "Ferreira, you're a rare guest here. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Yes, it's a small matter." Rivaldo, after sitting down, put away his smile and looked serious, as if he had made a big decision. He replied to Li Shiguang, "Boss, I have decided to retire after the season."
"Oh? Why did you suddenly think of this?" Li Shiguang looked puzzled, fearing that Rivaldo had made the decision on a whim.
The two had actually discussed this matter once before on the training field, but that time it was half-joking.
During a break from training, Rivaldo chatted with Simeone about his post-retirement plans, and then mentioned that he also wanted to join Li Shiguang's coaching staff after retiring. Simeone then told Li Shiguang about Rivaldo's idea, and Li Shiguang naturally made the promise to him.
However, Li Shiguang didn't think that much about it at the time.
In his mind, Rivaldo was in such good form that he could play for another year or two, but he didn't expect him to want to retire after this season!
Seemingly sensing Li Shiguang's doubts, Rivaldo continued, "Boss, this is a decision I made after careful consideration. In the last few matches, although I feel that I am in good condition, my physical functions are indeed not as good as before. Now I am almost playing based on experience! So I thought about it, and experience is actually useful off the field, right?"
“That’s absolutely right.” Li Shiguang nodded in agreement with Rivaldo’s statement, but he still wanted to offer the veteran some further advice, “But since you feel you’re still in good form, then…”
Rivaldo, unusually, interrupted Li Shiguang: "Boss! You don't need to persuade me anymore. I've made up my mind to retire after this season. We have so many excellent young midfielders. Even if I retire, I'll still have room to contribute my remaining energy."
Indeed, Rivaldo is right.
Since Sneijder returned to Leeds United, Rivaldo's playing time has been much lower, and he has mostly been used as a replacement player.
After thinking it through, Li Shiguang nodded: "Alright, since that's the case, I won't say any more. So what are your plans after retirement? Are you going back to your hometown or staying at Leeds United to continue contributing? My promise from last time is still valid!"
Seeing that Li Shiguang agreed, Rivaldo's smile returned: "Of course it's Leeds United! Boss, can't you afford to pay my salary, hahahahaha!"
"Go to hell, do you think I can't afford your meager salary?" Li Shiguang laughed and cursed.
However, as soon as he finished speaking, Rivaldo's expression turned serious again.
He stared at Li Shiguang and said, word by word, "Boss, but before that, there's a regret in my career that I need you to help me fulfill!"
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