After celebrating their victory in the locker room, Li Shiguang still brought captain Kompany to the post-match press conference.
"I'm delighted that we made it to the semi-finals. It's an exciting moment for Leeds United, isn't it? Our opponents were very strong, and they played very well today. But fortunately, every player at Leeds United gave their all, and the fans in the stands gave us tremendous support. I believe we won't let them down in the upcoming matches!" Facing the barrage of questions from reporters, Li Shiguang spoke confidently and eloquently.
"Mr. Li, before Leeds United, Chelsea also defeated their opponent at Stamford Bridge and qualified for the semi-finals. Do you have anything special to say to this familiar opponent?"
"Anything I particularly want to say? Well... We're already old acquaintances with Chelsea. In fact, we're going to Stamford Bridge to play them away in five days, so I don't really have anything particularly to say about Chelsea."
"So what are your thoughts on the performances of Bale and Ibrahimovic in this match?"
“Perfect!” Li Shiguang’s face beamed with smiles when the topic came up. “Both Gareth and Zlatan completed the tasks I assigned them perfectly!”
"Actually, before this match even started, there were rumors in the media that some clubs were pursuing these two players. Mr. Li, do you have any response to these rumors?"
Upon hearing this question, Li Shiguang frowned slightly.
What does that mean?
Is Florentino already boasting before even officially taking office?
With these questions in mind, Li Shiguang looked at the reporter who had asked the question.
He wasn't surprised when he noticed the reporter was wearing a vest with the Sun logo.
Only paparazzi like The Sun, who are present in every industry, in all of England would ask such an inappropriate question in this setting!
He gave the reporter a cold look.
Li Shiguang snorted: "Sir, I have never heard of what you are talking about. Please watch your words! Leeds United is still in the midst of a busy season, and it is far from the time to discuss these issues! If your remarks cause turmoil within our team, believe me, I will make you regret it!"
Seeing Li Shiguang's sharp words.
Even the reporter from The Sun, who was long known for his persistent and unhelpful behavior, could only sit down dejectedly, not daring to say another word...
What is Li Shiguang's style?
Most of the reporters present were well aware of this.
Look at Charles Walters from the Manchester Evening News, who insisted on arguing with Li Shiguang last season.
Not only was his face swollen from being slapped by Li Shiguang, but he also had to issue a public apology in the Manchester Evening News for a month. After the apology, he was fired by the Manchester Evening News and has yet to find a new job.
The Sun reporter had just sat down.
Another reporter sitting next to him stood up.
"Mr. Li, I have another question! We all know that Leeds United are on a roll right now, having reached the FA Cup final and currently leading the league. After winning today's match, could you talk about Leeds United's goals for this season?"
What are the goals for this season?
Since the competition has already progressed this far, there's no need to hide my ambitions anymore.
Li Shiguang moved the microphone closer to himself, looked at the group of reporters sitting below the stage, and said, word by word, "The championship, I've said it many times, Leeds United's goal is always the championship!"
"I know, what I want to ask is, which championship do you value more?"
"Every single one!"
"Now that we've come this far, why don't we give it a try? Every championship we can strive for is a goal I set for the players at the beginning of the season. At least for now, it seems we're on the right track and are making a full-scale sprint toward that goal!"
"Each one?" The reporter who asked the question was clearly incredulous as he tried to think in the direction Li Shiguang was referring to, his face showing some surprise.
The other reporters, however, keenly grasped the meaning behind Li Shiguang's words and leaned forward, raising their microphones even higher.
“Yes, every single one.” Li Shiguang stood up from his seat, smiling as he spread his hands towards the reporters. “Simply put, Leeds United’s goal this season is the treble!”
····
the next day.
The entire English media was abuzz with news about Li Shiguang.
Li Shiguang was given the front page headline of every newspaper's sports section.
Besides Leeds United's historic victory over Arsenal and their advancement to the Champions League semi-finals attracting much attention, Lee Shih-shih's outrageous remarks after the match also sent the media into a frenzy.
The Mirror: [...In yesterday's second leg of the 2007-2008 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, Chelsea defeated Fenerbahce 2-0 at home, while Leeds United won their Premier League derby against Arsenal, both advancing to the semi-finals! In a post-match interview, Leeds United manager Lee stated that Leeds United's goal this season is to win all the trophies they can currently contend for, achieving a treble!]
The Sun: [Leeds' outrageous statement: Leeds United will win every title they can!]
Manchester Evening News: [Leeds United's strength is undeniable, but that doesn't guarantee them the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League titles! Aside from their FA Cup final opponent Portsmouth being slightly weaker, their league opponent Manchester United, their Champions League opponent Chelsea, and even the winner of tonight's two matches—aren't they all formidable? We believe Lee's comments are a bit of an exaggeration!]
The Times: [Confident Lee and the Tragic Reality! Last season, Manchester United and Leeds United had the same chance, both aiming for a treble. Ferguson had a strong possibility of leading Manchester United to another treble, just like in the 1998-1999 season! But in reality, they were defeated by Chelsea, Leeds United, and AC Milan respectively, their treble dream shattered. Even Ferguson couldn't achieve this, so Lee's comments... frankly, are hard to believe!]
According to most media outlets.
Li Shiguang was a bit too confident.
In the league.
With six games remaining, Leeds United will face tough battles against Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa. Even if they win all of them, they will still have to fight a fierce battle against their direct rivals Manchester United in the final round. There are too many variables involved!
Most importantly, the lessons learned from Manchester United are still fresh in our minds, and Leeds United's resurgence has only lasted for less than two years.
A team that had absolutely no experience in the Champions League semi-finals and finals before.
Once these young players actually step onto that field and face these seasoned Champions League veterans, who can guarantee that Leeds United's players won't have a change in mentality?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
