Simeone was already used to Li Shiguang's shady tactics, so it wasn't surprising to hear that he wanted to sell Ibrahimovic and Alonso.
However, Rivaldo frowned slightly upon hearing this.
Li Shiguang keenly noticed this. He looked at Rivaldo and asked softly, "Ferreira, do you have any objections to what I just said?"
Seeing that Li Shiguang was asking questions.
Rivaldo didn't mince words, voicing his concerns: "I have no problem selling Zlatan; our attacking line is strong enough. But selling Xavi... I think his playmaking ability is still very important for our midfield!"
“Yes, I’ve considered that too.” Li Shiguang understood Rivaldo’s meaning and explained with a smile, “But have you been paying attention to that fellow countryman of yours we’ve been putting to level up at Real Sociedad lately?”
Rivaldo lowered his head and thought for a moment. Suddenly, a round, seemingly simple-minded face appeared in his mind. He quickly looked up and asked, "Boss, you mean that guy who kicks the defensive midfielder? What's his name again?"
Li Shiguang smiled and reminded him, "Casemiro!"
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Rivaldo exclaimed in realization, then seemed to realize something was amiss. "But this kid plays as a defensive midfielder! I've watched a few of his games; his sweeping ability is indeed good, but his footwork is a bit rough, and as for orchestrating the team's attacking rhythm... that's simply not something he can do..."
"Hahaha, you haven't seen enough! Your compatriot's footwork is definitely not as bad as you think; he just needs more time to develop!" Li Shiguang grinned, knowing Rivaldo had fallen into a misconception. "Ferreira, in my plan, after we recall him to Leeds United next season, I'll have him, Luca, and Toni form our midfield. Luca's ability to break down pressing, Toni's playmaking ability, and this kid's interception ability—the combination will definitely create a chemical reaction!"
After Li Shiguang finished speaking, Rivaldo's tightly furrowed brows immediately relaxed, clearly indicating that he had also thought of this.
However, the Brazilians had not yet had a chance to respond to Li Shiguang.
Simeone, standing nearby, patted Rivaldo on the shoulder with a smile: "Ferreira, I'm telling you, why think so much! You know what kind of person our boss is! If he dared to sell, it means he already had a plan in mind, so why should we worry about it? Come on, let's go back to shower and sleep, we have a match tomorrow!"
Rivaldo rolled his eyes at Simone and ignored him.
Li Shiguang also stood up with a smile, raised his leg as if to kick Simeone, and said with a laugh, "You still criticize Ferreira! Is it a bad thing for him to use his brain? With your attitude, I doubt any club will hire you as a head coach in the future!"
Simeone gracefully dodged Li Shiguang's attack, running towards the door while turning back with a grin to Li Shiguang: "Hehe... then I'll stay at Leeds United for life. The salary is high and the work is easy. Why would I want to do a job like head coach that makes me lose my hair!?"
····
the next day.
Leeds United will face Fulham in their 18th league match at Craven Cottage.
Fulham played very tenaciously in this match.
The first half ended in a goalless draw.
After the break in the second half, Leeds United broke the deadlock first.
Sixty-nine minutes.
Alves made a long run down the right flank, dribbled to the byline, and then delivered a cutback pass.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic cleverly let the ball pass at the near post, and Kaká, lurking outside the penalty area, followed up with a powerful shot that flew straight into the top right corner of Fulham's goal. Although goalkeeper Niemi reacted immediately, he could only watch helplessly as the ball grazed his fingers and slipped into the net behind him in the face of such a powerful shot!
Given that a 1-0 scoreline is not secure.
Therefore, Li Shiguang did not have his players retreat to defend after taking the lead. Leeds United continued to adopt a high-pressing tactic, pressing Fulham hard in front of their penalty area.
However, the competition did not proceed as Li Shiguang had expected.
Seventy-eighth minute.
Konchesky successfully intercepted De Bruyne and then passed the ball to Simon Davies, who seized the opportunity and played a precise through ball into Leeds United's backfield.
Due to the previous offensive, Leeds United's overall line was pushed quite far forward, with Kompany and Silva both reaching near the midfield line.
Fulham's American striker, Dempsey, keenly spotted this opportunity!
As Davis delivered the pass, Dempsey also started his run, weaving between Kompany and Silva to create a one-on-one opportunity!
Seeing his defense breached, Neuer decisively abandoned the goal and lunged out from the goal line to try and stop Dempsey.
But the Americans didn't give Neuer that chance. They took the ball to the edge of the penalty area and shot. Neuer was helpless against the low shot. Although he made a save, he didn't touch the ball.
The ball went past Neuer and rolled into the Leeds United goal.
1:1
As the match drew to a close, the tenacious Fulham equalized!
Although Li Shiguang reacted immediately.
They brought on Adriano, who had just recovered from injury, and Bale, who was supposed to rest today.
But it wasn't until the referee blew the final whistle that the match ended.
The score remained unchanged.
final.
Leeds United only managed to take one point from Fulham, who are third from bottom in the standings.
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