evening.
A group of people gathered at Li Shiguang's villa.
Shakira, Simone's wife Carolina, and Rivaldo's wife Rosa were playing with their children on the lawn outside.
Three men were leaning back on the sofa, watching TV and chatting.
Today is a day off for the entire Leeds United team.
Gathering at Li Shiguang's house for a Chinese meal on weekend evenings has almost become a must for Simone and Rivaldo.
The television is showing a documentary about the four teams that will be playing tonight, documenting their advancement.
Simone popped a grape into his mouth and looked at Li Shiguang with interest: "Boss, who do you think will advance tonight?"
"Manchester United and Barcelona." Li Guangshi, who was looking down at his phone, answered without even looking up.
“I think it’s them too.” Rivaldo nodded in agreement. “Manchester United has been Roma’s nemesis for the past two years. Their defense can’t withstand the impact of Ronaldo and Rooney, not to mention that today’s game is at Old Trafford.”
"As for Barcelona, although the team has been inconsistent on the pitch this season due to locker room conflicts, Schalke 04's overall strength is still far behind. As long as Asamoah is contained, the Germans won't be able to cause much trouble at Camp Nou!"
"Ferreira, you seem to know a lot about Barcelona," Simeone teased Rivaldo, then asked Li Shiguang, "By the way, boss, what did Rijkaard say? How did your talk with Allen go?"
"We've talked enough... but why are you so concerned about Rijkaard's matter?" Li Shiguang asked, somewhat puzzled.
"Hehe..." Simeone chuckled sheepishly, "Didn't you say last time you'd let me go as head coach? What if Rijkaard gets fired by Barcelona...?"
"Stop!" Li Shiguang waved his hand, interrupting Simeone's spellcasting. "What the hell are you thinking? As one of only two powerhouse clubs in Spain, do you think they'd let you be their head coach? What's wrong, did Laporta contact you?"
"Uh... no, not at all."
"So what did you dream about last night? Did you think you could become the head coach of Barcelona!?"
"There aren't many well-known coaches left on the market... I think I can give it a try."
Li Shiguang was both amused and exasperated by Simeone's words. He stopped looking at his phone and looked up at Simeone: "Diego, you've been with me for so long. Let me ask you, which do you prefer, possession-based football or counter-attacking football?"
"Counter-attack," Simeone replied without hesitation.
"Then it's settled!" Li Shiguang spread his hands. "Barcelona has maintained its football culture and possession-based style of play for so long. Do you think they would hire you?"
Simone still wanted to argue.
Li Shiguang quickly tapped on his phone and then handed it to Simone.
"Just watch, when Rijkaard is sacked, he'll be the one to take over Barcelona's first team. I remember you and him are old rivals, right?"
Guardiola!?
Simone stared wide-eyed, his face filled with disbelief.
Josep Guardiola.
He is currently the head coach of Atlético Barcelona, also known as Barcelona B.
During Simeone's three years at Atletico Madrid, he did indeed face Guardiola quite a few times.
He also knew that Guardiola was a native of Barcelona, but hadn't Guardiola just returned to Barcelona and only been coaching the B team for a year?
He was promoted to head coach of the first team so quickly?
Simone handed the phone back to Li Shiguang and asked in surprise, "Boss, where did you get this information?! I've never heard of it before!"
Li Shiguang has not yet answered.
Rivaldo, standing nearby, smiled and spoke first: "If it were Josep, it could very well be."
Rivaldo opened his mouth.
Li Shiguang then remembered that there was someone sitting next to him who knew Guardiola best in this room.
“Yes, Diego, you can ask Ferreira. Guardiola was Ferreira’s old captain. He’s definitely the one in this room who knows Guardiola best.”
“Diego, if what the boss said is true, then you’re definitely out of luck.” Rivaldo also popped a grape into his mouth. “Josep is pure Barcelona blood; possession-based football is in his blood. Apart from Rijkaard, no one in the world understands Barcelona better than Josep. Only Josep can solve the problems in their locker room.”
Li Shiguang put his phone back in his pocket and patted Simone on the shoulder.
"Stop thinking nonsense, Diego. You'd be better off studying Barcelona's style of play."
"Let me tell you, I have a feeling that once Rijkaard is gone, this revamped Barcelona will be our strongest opponent in next year's Champions League, without a doubt!"
····
After dinner.
The women took their children home to sleep, while Shakira went upstairs alone to work on her art.
Only three men remained in the living room, chatting idly.
8:45.
On two televisions, two matches were playing simultaneously.
Rivaldo's prediction was accurate.
From the very beginning of the match, both home teams took control of the game.
At Old Trafford, Manchester United's relentless attacks left Roma struggling to breathe.
Roma occasionally had counter-attacking opportunities, but the absence of Totti due to injury disrupted the team's attacking flow, preventing them from truly threatening Schmeichel's goal.
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