Berbatov's goal completely crushed Bolton.
In the subsequent match, no matter how loud Allardyce shouted from the sidelines, or even brought on another striker to strengthen the attack, Bolton's attacks could never threaten Leeds United's goal at close range due to Leeds United's solid defense. The few long-range shots they managed were easily saved by Schmeichel. On the contrary, Leeds United's counter-attacks made Bolton's goal vulnerable.
After 70 minutes, Li Shiguang saw that the situation had become clear, so he substituted several key players, especially Alonso, who had conquered Elland Road Stadium in his debut today, and was once again cheered by the whole stadium when he left the field!
Ultimately, the 3-0 score remained until the 90th minute, and Leeds United advanced smoothly to the next round.
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After the match, Xabi Alonso, as the best player of the game, attended the press conference with Li Shiguang.
Unlike previous press conferences, this time the reporters didn't focus their questions on Li Shiguang alone. After offering a few simple congratulations, they turned their attention to Alonso, who was standing next to him.
“Xavi, I noticed that you were more active in today’s game than you were at Liverpool, or rather, more involved in the team’s attack, and you delivered a perfect performance of 1 goal and 1 assist in your debut. I would like to ask if this means that Lee’s tactical system is more suitable for you than Benitez’s tactical system?”
Although the question was directed at Alonso, anyone with a normal IQ could tell that it wasn't a friendly question for either of the team's coaches. But when they saw the reporter holding the microphone with the logo of The Sun, the people around them understood. These guys are the ones who love to create conflict.
But Alonso is no novice. Faced with this question, he simply smiled and said, "It's not about which team's tactical system suits me better. When I was at Liverpool, Rafael's tactical system also made me very comfortable. But the reason I was more proactive in pushing forward and participating in the attack today was simply because Lee asked me to do so! Of course, this tactical arrangement also made me very comfortable!"
Seeing that Alonso's answer was watertight, the Sun reporter reluctantly put away his microphone.
Then, an old acquaintance, Lind, stood up and asked his question: "Hello, Harvey, I'm a reporter from the Yorkshire Post. First of all, congratulations on winning over Leeds United fans, including myself, in your first game after arriving at Elland Road. I'd like to know, after arriving at Leeds United, what are your expectations or goals for yourself or the team's performance this season?"
After hearing the question, Alonso didn't hesitate and said seriously, "As a professional player, from the moment I step onto the field, my only goal is victory! I will do my best to complete the tasks assigned to me by the coach! As for what goals and expectations I have for the team's performance, I think you should ask my head coach that question. After all, as his players, wherever he points, we will fight! Hahahaha..."
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After defeating Bolton, Leeds United are one step closer to the League Cup title, and their next opponent will be the winner between Doncaster and Arsenal later in the round.
Shortly after Li Shiguang finished his press conference, news broke that Arsenal had advanced to the next round, which was not much different from what Li Shiguang had expected. After all, Doncaster was just a player from League One, and his strength was still far behind that of Arsenal.
But after hearing about the details of the match, Li Shiguang realized that Arsenal's victory was not easy!
Because Wenger basically had a lukewarm attitude towards the League Cup, he fielded a completely reserve lineup for this match, including several Arsenal U19 players, clearly intending to give them experience. Doncaster did his job, dragging Arsenal into a penalty shootout after 120 minutes, where they ultimately lost to Wenger's youth team.
What a coincidence! I thought I'd have to wait a while longer for another showdown with Wenger, but I didn't expect to run into him again so soon!
Without a moment's rest, on Saturday, the entire Leeds United team boarded the bus again and headed to Birmingham for the last game of this grueling schedule. Only after playing the away game against Birmingham could they have a week to rest.
While in the car, Li Shiguang received a call from Allen.
Alan said on the phone that the transfers of Rivaldo and Camoranesi had been completed. He had contacted the two players earlier, and Rivaldo and Camoranesi would arrive at the club next week. After discussing it, they decided to announce the two signings after the players' medical examinations were completed next week.
Since the winter transfer window opened, all teams have been looking to fill gaps in their squads, but only Leeds United and Liverpool have announced the signings of new players. After the initial excitement died down, newspapers and television have been filled with rumors about player transfers in the past few days.
Just as everyone was speculating, Manchester United fired the second shot in the Premier League winter transfer window!
Shortly after Leeds United arrived in Birmingham, Li Shiguang saw in the newspaper that Manchester United had announced the signing of two players that morning.
After a humiliating group stage exit in the Champions League, Ferguson finally lost his patience with Manchester United's defense and made a big move, bringing in Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra from Spartak Moscow and Monaco respectively for €9.5 million and €6.5 million.
Although some voices in the media are not optimistic about Ferguson's two transfers, Li Shiguang knows that the addition of these two players has greatly strengthened Manchester United's defense. In the next few years, both of them will be Manchester United's mainstays!
The following day, Leeds United faced Birmingham City away at St Andrews Stadium. Facing a team that would be acquired by Chinese tycoon Mr. Yang next season, Li Shiguang did not hold back and started Modric and Alonso as the midfield core.
Although Birmingham scored a goal shortly after the start of the game, Leeds United's overall attacking organization did not panic under the orchestration of the two players. Instead, Bale, who started the game, scored twice in the 37th and 40th minutes to turn the score around.
In the second half, Leeds United, still full of fighting spirit, launched wave after wave of attacks, at one point preventing Birmingham from even crossing their own half. Before the final whistle, Falcao received a through ball from Modric, successfully beat the offside trap, and scored again, marking his 12th league goal and helping Leeds United secure the victory!
After this match, Leeds United, who had dropped to 5th place after losing to Chelsea away in the previous round, have once again returned to the top 4 in the standings!
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