After reading the stack of faxes Allen pulled out, Li Shiguang was speechless.
Nine of the Leeds United players called up this time are injured!
Although, as Allen said, they were all minor injuries that would be fine after two or three weeks of rest, the sheer number of injuries still intensified Li Shiguang's resentment towards this international friendly match.
"Damn it, none of these national team coaches are any easy to deal with. Look at this one, a muscle strain caused by cramps, it's just outrageous!" Li Shiguang handed Modric's injury report to Allen, cursing incessantly. "Luca never cramped up in the Champions League, and he cramped up in a friendly match for the national team? Who's the Croatian coach? Is he out of his mind? Making the players treat a friendly match like a World Cup final?"
"Am I cursed by September? Last year at this time, six players got injured during the international break, and this year it's nine! With such a great situation, almost half of my starting lineup is injured. How am I supposed to play?!"
Seeing Li Shiguang lose his temper, Allen didn't dare to breathe.
He could only silently put away the fax that Li Shiguang had thrown on the table and comfort him, "Calm down, boss. It's true that injuries are more likely to occur during international match days at the beginning of the season. Fortunately, at least we didn't have a serious injury like Sun's last year."
No wonder Li Shiguang was so angry.
The train that was already speeding along in the new season was brought to a halt in the last round of the league, and Li Shiguang was preparing to make up for it in this weekend's game.
But now it seems...
This weekend's match is expected to be another tough battle.
····
Over the weekend, Li Shiguang led a Leeds United team riddled with injuries to host Fulham at Elland Road.
The match hasn't started yet.
The two commentators sitting in the studio couldn't help but start commenting after seeing the starting lineups of both sides.
“Jon, if I remember correctly, Leeds United also went downhill after the September international break last year, and it wasn’t until the end of October that they gradually caught up in points, right?” Lineker asked worriedly.
Jon, who was standing next to him, had already pulled up the data for Leeds United at this time last year.
After asking the question, Lineker immediately analyzed, "That's true. Leeds United also encountered a wave of injuries at this time last year. However, at that time, Leeds United's squad was still a bit weak, and the bench depth couldn't support three competitions. But this year is different. Several young players in Leeds United's squad have performed very well in the first few games. Maybe they can help Leeds United get through this difficult period."
"I can only say I hope so." Jon's words did not lessen Lineker's worries. "Judging from Leeds United's starting lineup today, Lee is still worried about the impact of the frequent schedule on the players. He didn't even field Adriano, who wasn't injured, today."
“Of course!” Jon nodded. “Long-haul flights have a significant impact on players, you know? Besides, the Champions League group stage kicks off in four days, so Li should be focusing on that match in four days.”
····
Jon's analysis is correct.
Leeds United are currently two points ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal in the league, and their opponent Fulham are not in good form as they have not won in the first three rounds.
After the main team returned, and following an assessment by the team doctor, Li Shiguang decided to give the uninjured key players a full rest before next week's Champions League group stage match, in order to avoid any mishaps in the Champions League.
Therefore, apart from Neuer in the goalkeeper position, Li Shiguang fielded mostly substitute players in other positions for this match.
Hummels and Silva partnered at center-back, with Mills on the left and Sun Jihai on the right.
The two defensive midfielders are Mascherano and Kroos, with James Rodriguez and De Bruyne in front of them.
The two forwards are Reus and Torres.
A standard 4-4-2 formation.
····
Amidst the light drizzle, the match began with the referee's whistle!
Despite fielding a reserve squad, Leeds United's young players showed no fear at home. They came out strong and launched wave after wave of attacks amidst the cheers of over 50,000 spectators at Elland Road.
Thirteenth minute.
Mascherano intercepted the ball in midfield, and Leeds United launched a quick counter-attack. After a few passes, the ball reached Rodriguez on the right half, who then crossed the ball towards the far post of Fulham's penalty area!
Rodriguez's ball was originally intended for Reus, who was making a rapid run at the far post.
Fulham center-back Bramble leaped high and headed the ball as it was descending, but to the delight of the Leeds United fans in the stands, Bramble's hasty jump caused him to misjudge the ball, and instead of flying to the byline as he expected, the ball flew towards his own goalkeeper Kirkland!
This sudden change left Kirkland, whose attention was entirely focused on Royce, with absolutely no time to react.
He could only watch as the football flew past him and into the goal behind him!
"Gooooooooool! 1-0! Leeds United have taken the lead! Rodriguez's precise assist found Bramble, helping him complete this brilliant own goal..." Upon seeing Leeds United take the lead, Lineker immediately jumped up and cheered.
Leeds United did not immediately retreat after taking the lead.
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