At the same time.
At Thorpe Arch training ground.
Li Shiguang and his assistant coach were watching Dr. Clint give Kaka, who had just finished training, physical therapy in the physiotherapy room. Kaka, lying on the bed, looked relaxed and no longer seemed to be in pain from the day he was injured.
"Boss, I should be able to play in the finals. The doctor said the inflammation has completely subsided."
Li Shiguang could sense the confidence in Kaka's tone, but he did not respond immediately. Instead, he walked to the bedside and turned his gaze to Dr. Clint.
“It should be possible, boss,” Dr. Clint replied immediately, sensing Li Shiguang’s gaze.
Li Shiguang raised an eyebrow and smiled with satisfaction: "That's good... Ferreira, inform Allen that in the next few days, whenever the media asks about Kaka's condition, say that his injury has not yet healed and that he is confirmed to be unable to play in the final."
“Okay.” Rivaldo nodded, but then asked doubtfully, “Boss, I don’t think Ferguson will believe it, after all, he’s already suffered quite a few losses at your hands.”
“I didn’t expect him to believe it either.” Li Shiguang said with a beaming smile, like a child who had just pulled off a prank. “But you have to understand, just as we’ve been racking our brains these past few days about how to stop Cristiano, Alex will definitely be racking his brains about how to deal with Kaka.”
"Whether he believes it or not, this news can at least disrupt his plans, can't it?"
····
The calm before the storm.
Both Li Shiguang and Ferguson chose not to give any media interviews, focusing all their attention on preparing for the most crucial game of the entire season.
The leaders of both teams remained silent.
The other staff members, including the players from both teams, also quieted down.
Aside from the news that Kaká was unable to play due to injury, there has been no official news from Leeds United or Manchester United in the media these past few days.
Official channels remain silent.
But among the fans, there was absolutely no calm.
Whether on the internet in England, or in other countries, or even on other continents, wherever there are fans, the flame wars are going on every minute of every second.
Manchester United goes without saying.
Although they haven't won many honors in recent seasons, as a long-established Premier League powerhouse, Manchester United has already accumulated a large number of fans around the world.
The team's two consecutive Champions League final appearances have given Manchester United fans hope for a revival, and these Red Devils fans will absolutely not allow Leeds United to become a stumbling block to Manchester United's revival!
certainly.
There are also quite a few people online who support Leeds United.
Perhaps in England or Europe, Leeds United doesn't have as many fans as Manchester United.
However, the Champions League is not only watched by European fans.
Leeds United has quite a few fans worldwide!
This is all thanks to Li Shiguang.
Some of these fans from other countries are individual fans of Leeds United players.
For example, last year Li Shiguang insisted on signing Kaka no matter how much money it cost.
The handsome Brazilian, with his attractive playing style, upright character, and good looks, has brought many fans to Leeds United. Without exception, these fans all hope that Leeds United can defeat Manchester United in the final and make Kaká the first player to win consecutive Champions League titles since the competition's rebranding!
As for the other part...
They are fans of Li Shiguang himself.
After Leeds United's rapid rise, more and more fans have been digging into the story behind the team's success.
You wouldn't believe it until you dug!
After careful investigation, fans realized that Leeds United's revival was entirely a brilliant drama orchestrated by Lee Shih-shih!
Starting with the sale of "butterfingers" Dwight Howard for a whopping €15 million, Li Shiguang has unearthed a number of young talents with his extremely accurate eye. These talents, who have proven their worth through their performances in each game, have brought Leeds United substantial profits, quickly turning the club from a loss to a profit!
These actions have earned Li Shiguang, who is both the owner and head coach, a large number of fans.
A player's personal fanbase may change due to a player transfer.
But these fans won't!
If Leeds United lift the Champions League trophy in the final on the 20th and reach the pinnacle of success...
These fans will definitely become the most loyal fans of Leeds United, just like the group sitting in the South Stand at Elland Road!
····
May 19th afternoon.
The entire Leeds United team departed from England on a direct flight and, after a four-hour flight, landed at Pushkin International Airport in Moscow in the evening.
Before checking into the hotel.
Li Shiguang was forcibly stopped by reporters gathered in front of the hotel and gave his first interview during this period.
"...Kaka? Kaka came to Moscow with the team. His injury is an old problem, and we are doing our best to treat it for him!"
"...Of course I want him to play, Kaka is indispensable to Leeds United! But I'm not one of those national team officials who only care about results and ignore player injuries. At Leeds United, a player's physical condition is the first criterion for deciding whether he can play. I won't take the risk for Kaka's career!"
"...Cristiano? I do admire him. You can ask any other head coach, who wouldn't admire a player who has delivered forty-four goals and seventeen assists all season? But now is not the time to talk about that, friends. The season isn't over yet. Right now, I'm only thinking about how to beat Alex and win that Champions League trophy!"
"...Alex and I are friends, of course, and we get along quite well in private! But I haven't lost to him in a long time. I have my own special tricks for dealing with this stubborn old man, hahahaha!"
····
On their second day in Moscow, Leeds United and Manchester United held short acclimatization training sessions at different times, arranged by UEFA staff.
Then Li Shiguang took the players back to the hotel. After they had eaten and drunk their fill, he told them to rest well and recharge their energy before returning to his room and falling asleep early.
1 p.m. on May 21.
The young men from Leeds United, carrying their backpacks and with earphones in their ears, arrived in the hotel lobby on time.
After everyone arrived.
Li Shiguang waved his hand.
The group then marched in a grand procession toward the hotel entrance.
When they appeared, a huge cheer erupted outside; these were Leeds United fans who had come to Moscow to watch the game today.
Perhaps in the hearts of these fans.
They want to accompany this resurrected white rose from the very first second their favorite team embarks on its journey.
Until they were led by Li Shiguang.
Reach the pinnacle!
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