That night, after Gu Ran returned home, he continued to practice ball control in his backyard.

After training for an hour and a half, Gu Ran finally went into the bathroom contentedly for the ice and fire therapy.

It does feel a bit lonely without a woman at home.

Of course it’s not my fault to think this way; it’s all because of my excellent and young body.

Right now, I really just want to play football, and even if a woman appears, I will never be flirted with.

——Just as I finished thinking this, Evelin called.

Gu Ran raised his eyebrows and answered the call immediately.

Without waiting for Evelin to start flirting, Gu Ran automatically entered flirting mode: “Hey, baby, do you miss me?”

Evelin on the other end of the phone smiled coquettishly, “Dear! I miss you so much! How is your injury now? What are you busy with now? Are you resting well?”

Gu Ran was half lying on the sofa. "Me, I just took a shower."

Evelin said coquettishly, “Oh, don’t tease me! You know I can’t stand it! You don’t let me go to your house, how can I sleep tonight if you do this?”

Gu Ran laughed and said, "If you come, you will be even more unable to sleep."

Evelin said, "Hate it~ Let's get down to business! How is your injury?"

Gu Ran smiled and said, "It's all right now. The head coach has approved that I can be a substitute in tomorrow's game, but it's hard to say whether I can play or not."

“What?!” Evelin said in astonishment, “You can be a substitute tomorrow? Honey, this, this is not just to make me happy, right? Is your injury really okay?”

Gu Ran smiled and said, "I've told you a long time ago that I'm gifted! Anyway, believe me, you'll definitely see me at St. Mary's Stadium tomorrow."

Evelin said excitedly, “That’s great! God bless you! It’s worth my prayers for you every day! Gu, do you know how tormented I have been during this period? I think you must be tormented as much as I am, right?”

Well……

Gu Ran said with a very real feeling: "Oh, don't mention it..."

“Okay, okay! Let’s not talk about it anymore!” Evelin said happily, “I’m glad you’re okay! I really hope to see you right away! I really hope you can come to Hayden Manor earlier... to ride a horse!”

Evelyn, when you say horse riding, you mean serious horse riding, right?

Gu Ran cleared his throat, "I also want to go to Hayden Manor... to ride a horse."

Evelin immediately said, “Then wait until the game is over tomorrow, and come to Hayden Manor in the evening!”

Gu Ran said without hesitation: "Okay! It's an appointment!"

"Hehe~ Then I'll wait for you!"

After hanging up the phone, Gu Ran couldn't help but frown.

Holy shit…

What did I do just now? I said I would just focus on playing football, I said I would refuse flirting, why, why did I take the initiative?

What is my bottom line? Is jungle really that fun? Well, it is.

Ahem...but this is definitely the last time!

After this, I will definitely put all my energy into my main job of playing football! I promise!

Gu Ran took a deep breath, returned to the master bedroom with a serious expression and lay down. He then sent Elizabeth a text message saying, "The floor-to-ceiling windows are covered with traces of longing."

It's over, I'm hopeless...

The next morning.

Gu Ran drove to St. Mary's Stadium early for adaptive training.

The stadium staff were all shocked when they saw Gu Ran! A few days ago, they were discussing how sad it was that this rising star Gu Ran died young, but today they saw Gu Ran full of energy at the home stadium!

Rumors about Gu Ran's return also spread among media reporters.

"What? Gu Ran arrived at St. Mary's Stadium?"

"He should be sitting in the audience watching the game, right?"

"No? He's a substitute today?"

"This is impossible? He was injured so badly! How could he recover so quickly?"

"This sounds fake and is probably a ploy by Southampton to sell Gu Ran as soon as possible."

"Anyway... we still have to go and take a look at the scene."

The news media reporters who had been silent for a long time took action upon hearing the news.

Southampton's morning training content is still defensive counterattack and high pressure.

Gu Ran's competitive state has recovered to a large extent, and his physical strength is also very abundant. He has repeatedly created wonderful scenes in training.

Coach Adkins was also quite satisfied with Gu Ran's performance.

Teammates also high-fived Gu Ran and bumped chests with him.

Gu Ran’s exclusive team members were all dancing with joy - their Gu was really back!

After lunch, Coach Adkins called all the players back to the home team locker room for a tactical analysis class.

"... Northampton's head coach is Ian Samples. He was born and raised in Northampton and has experience in both the youth and first team at Northampton."

"It can be said that he is an absolute die-hard fan of Northampton. Naturally, he also regards us, Southampton, as his absolute rival."

"It's not accurate to say that there is a city derby between our two teams. Southampton and Northampton are two different cities, each with its own culture."

"But Southampton and Northampton share the name of Hampton after all. To be precise, we should have a derby with the same name, so whenever our two clubs meet, we will definitely fight to the death to prove who is the real Hampton with victory."

"According to our pre-match intelligence, Ian Samples' usual formation is 442, the passing method is short passes, the pressure method is mixed, the game mentality is very cautious, the ball possession rate is required, and the marking method is man-to-man."

"And the way we responded today was 442, compact, defensive counterattack, high pressure, zone defense, forcing them to go to the wing, thus forming a stranglehold."

“Northampton doesn’t have any big-name players, but we have to be careful because their short passes are very fast, so we have to make up for the position in time and move accurately…”

While explaining, Coach Adkins drew a running diagram on the tactical board.

Gu Ran and Lallana listened very carefully.

Lambert was taking notes, as always.

Chamberlain also nodded in a serious manner and wrote a series of "umm" in the notebook.

After explaining the basic tactics, Coach Adkins announced the starting lineup for the game.

Sure enough, Gu Ran was not on the starting list.

Chamberlain got the starting spot thanks to his good performance in the previous game.

No wonder Chamberlain pretended to take notes.

As for the left back position, Ryan Dixon, a player recruited from the reserve team, started.

Ryan Dixon is 23 years old and plays as a midfielder. He is not a genuine left-back candidate.

However, his dominant foot is his left foot, and his defensive ability is considered good among other substitutes.

So, Ryan Dixon was temporarily converted to left back.

This is also a helpless move for Coach Adkins.

This game is a derby, and Coach Adkins is under a lot of pressure.

Although Northampton is a League Two team, it is also considered a strong team in the League Two.

Moreover, Northampton has no motivation to play other teams, but they are excited to play against Pittsburgh and Southampton.

So Coach Adkins did not dare to be careless in this game.

After the tactical class, the players went into rest.

Physical therapist Gregory also carefully gave Gu Ran a leg massage.

At 2 pm, fans from both teams began to enter the stadium.

The attendance for today's game is about 70%.

Although it is not high, it is much higher than the attendance of Rangers in the previous match against Wellcome.

MaxxRT and others also bought tickets and came to the stadium.

They came to watch the game because they received a text message from Gu Ran yesterday.

"Alas, I don't know how Ran's injury is."

"Yeah, without Brother Ran, there's no point in us coming to watch this game!"

"Do you think that Brother Ran has recovered and is about to make his debut?"

"Are you dreaming? How is this possible..."

MaxxRT and others couldn't believe that such a good thing could happen, and each of them had a heavy expression on their face.

Gu Ran’s injury was definitely a double blow to them. First, they could not watch their idol play football anymore. Second, if Gu Ran was no longer there, there would be basically no need to continue the Ran Live business that they had worked so hard to create.

"If Ran Ge can recover from his injury and come back, I would rather never be able to pick up girls again."

"Me too. If Ran Ge can recover from his injury and come back, I'd rather you never get a girl again."

"Eh? Why don't you follow the words..."

The pre-match press conference began at 2:15 pm.

The coaches of both teams each brought an important player to attend.

Coach Adkins brought Lallana, while Northampton head coach Ian Samples brought Northampton's captain and left-back Marcus Hall.

After the two head coaches met, neither of them showed any intention of shaking hands, and their eyes were full of tension.

As a reporter for the Advance Saints, Evelyn naturally came to the scene.

Today, Evelin has swept away the absent-minded dejection of the previous two games, and her whole body is radiant.

At the beginning of the press conference, a reporter stood up and asked Coach Adkins: "Coach Adkins! There is a rumor that Southampton's rising star Gu Ran has recovered from his injury. Can you tell us more about Gu Ran's situation? Can Gu Ran really play in this game?"

This issue is also the most concerning issue for many media reporters.

Coach Adkins held the microphone and said calmly, "Of course we hope that Gu Ran can recover from his injury, and of course we hope that Gu Ran can play, but please wait and see how things will develop."

——The highest state of water. Although a lot of words have been said, it is the same as not saying anything.

"Does this mean that Gu Ran has really recovered from his injuries?"

"I didn't say that."

“Coach Adkins, without Gu Ran, you’ve already lost one and tied one. Are you worried that you’ll lose this game to Northampton?”

"This is just a warm-up match. Our goal is to try and make mistakes before the start of the new season so as to get the whole team in shape."

Coach Adkins' answer was still flawless.

At this time, Evelyn from the Advance Saints stood up and asked, "Coach Adkins, what do you think of your opponent, Coach Samples? Northampton FC has already announced their goal early, which is to be promoted to League One. Do you think Coach Samples will succeed? In addition, what is Southampton FC's goal this season?"

Coach Adkins smiled coldly, "No, I don't think he will be promoted to League One. I don't think Northampton will be able to advance to League One. They won't succeed. Our goal for Southampton this season is to win the League One championship, the English Championship, and defend the Pioneer Cup."

This is the interesting thing about low-level professional leagues. There is no need for both sides to be restrained and polite before the game. They can just confront each other right away.

Sure enough, without waiting for the reporters to ask questions, coach Samps couldn't help but say: "You Southampton want to win both the English League One and the English Championship? Dream on! You have to beat us first!"

Evelyn took the opportunity to ask, "Coach Sampson, don't forget that Southampton has a promising star, Gu Ran, and it is possible that Gu Ran will come on as a substitute today. Do you have any plans for this? What do you think of Gu Ran?"

Coach Sampson laughed scornfully, "Gu Ran? I don't know where he came from. I've met many Chinese players. The Chinese players before 2005 were hardworking and had good ideas. After that, all the Chinese players wanted to gild themselves and make money! Those who have no fighting spirit and poor confrontation are basically amateurs. They fall down at the first touch and are not active on the court at all! This is my impression of Chinese players!"

"What's more, Gu Ran is not even a player of the Chinese national team, nor is he an apprentice in the youth training camp of a professional club!"

"Also, I heard that Gu Ran made his debut via helicopter last time, and he was seriously injured after playing for only half the game. This is clearly a way to attract attention and deliberately increase traffic! I think Gu Ran has no ability to survive in such high-intensity leagues as League One and League Two. If he comes to Northampton for a trial, I will kick him out!"

"It would be great if Gu Ran could play in this game! My players will let him know what real professional football is! I guarantee he will continue to be injured! I even dare to say that if he can play and score a goal, I can kiss the donkey's ass in public during the post-match press conference, just like Barkley did to Yao Ming!"

As soon as these words came out, the scene exploded!

Coach Samples is really bold!

Barkley kissing a donkey's ass is a famous scene that is talked about in the sports world! In 2002, when Yao Ming had just joined the Rockets, he had not found the feeling of strong confrontation. Barkley proudly said in the live broadcast room that if Yao Ming could score 19 points in any game in the NBA, he would kiss his commentary partner Kenny's ass.

As a result, Yao Ming exploded in the game against the Lakers. He played for 23 minutes, got 6 rebounds, made 9 of 9 shots, 2 of 2 free throws, and scored 20 points to help the Rockets defeat the Lakers and slap the flying pig in the face.

However, Barkley's partner Kenny refused to take off his pants for Barkley to kiss, so he found a donkey and asked Barkley to kiss its butt.

Now, also a Chinese player, coach Samps arrogantly said that if Gu Ran could score a goal in this game, he would kiss the donkey's butt!

This is simply... the ecstasy of the media reporters! The match between derby rivals is indeed the best way to create topics!

Isn't today's headline here? Reporters are writing articles on the spot.

Every reporter, including those from Northampton, was secretly hoping that Gu Ran would be able to play today and score a goal.

For no other reason than to witness the birth of a big news! Coach Sampson was very proud of himself, not worrying at all that what he said might backfire.

He was also certain that Gu Ran would not be able to play.

To take a step back, even if Gu Ran could really play, it would be impossible for him to score a goal due to his serious injury.

In short, we need to make some tough talk before the game! The more we can hurt the mentality of the Southampton team, the better!

Coach Adkins raised his lip slightly. "Well, now that we've come to this point... let's end the pre-match press conference here. Sorry, everyone, we have to go get a donkey for Coach Samples in advance."

As Coach Adkins stood up and left, reporters followed up with questions:

"Coach Adkins, are you really going to send Gu Ran out to compete with Coach Samples?"

"Coach Adkins, will Gu Ran be completely ruined because of this?"

"Coach Adkins, will Gu Ran agree to you sending him on the field even though he knows he's injured?"

"Coach Adkins, are you going to give Gu Ran a closed injection?"

"Coach Adkins, are you guys really going to go look for the donkey?"

"Coach Adkins..."

Coach Adkins did not respond at all and walked out of the media hall.

2:30 pm!

Players from both teams took to the field for warm-up exercises! The first team to enter was Northampton, wearing green away jerseys.

Northampton's home jersey is dark red and white, which is too similar to Southampton's red and white jersey, so they can only wear green jerseys this time.

When Northampton players came on the field, Northampton fans waved flags and cheered wildly, while Southampton fans at the scene booed them.

There was also tension between the fans of the two teams.

Soon, the Southampton players came out to warm up.

The starting players and substitutes walked out of the player tunnel and onto the green field to receive cheers from Southampton fans.

Gu Ran originally wanted to follow Lallana out on the field, but when he was about to reach the door, he was stopped by head coach Adkins.

“Gu…”

"What is it, Coach?"

Coach Adkins said in a deep voice: "There is one thing... When you go on the court to warm up, try not to make too big movements. It's best to pretend that you have just recovered."

Gu Ran smiled helplessly, "Sorry, coach, I really can't act."

Even though I have slept with so many female stars, I really can’t act!

Coach Adkins said, "I am also trying to confuse the opponent tactically. If you can act, I will send you into the game in the second half."

Gu Ran immediately said, "Coach, I really can't act, really, but I can try!"

Nothing else, just to get on the court!

I’ve slept with so many female stars, how is it possible that I can’t even act a cripple?

Moreover, I have been holding it in for so long. As long as I can get on the stage, let alone play a cripple, even if I play Wu Laoer next door, it will be no problem!

Coach Adkins said with satisfaction: "Go ahead! I'm counting on you! By the way... do you know where there's a donkey?"

"Ah?" Gu Ran looked puzzled.

Coach, do you want to eat donkey meat hotpot?

Gu Ran said seriously: "Hebei..."

Adkins nodded thoughtfully, "...I know, go ahead."

“Good coach!”

Hahaha! I can play in the game today!

Gu Ran was ecstatic in his heart, but he stretched his legs and limped out of the player tunnel.

At this time, realistic acting skills +1 will come in handy.

The moment Gu Ran walked out of the player tunnel, the Southampton fans at the scene were stunned instantly!

Most Southampton fans thought they were dazzled!

Almost all the fans stood up unconsciously and watched Gu Ran "limping" into the green field! "Oh my God..."

"Is that really Gu Ran?"

"That's right! Number 8! Gu Ran! It's really our Gu Ran!"

"Ahhh! Gu! Gu!"

"Dad! Dad is coming! Chinese Dad is coming!!!"

The fans who were originally suffocating suddenly cheered wildly, and the entire St. Mary's Stadium was on fire!

This is a huge, huge, huge surprise!

However, amidst the surprise, fans are also worried!

Gu Ran's condition doesn't look good! "Gu is really trying too hard!"

"Gu Ran is so great!"

"Yes, yes. He suffered such a serious injury and only rested for two weeks before he appeared on the pitch."

"I have been moved to tears by Gu Ran's spirit!"

"Alas, I really hope to see Gu Ran, but with his current condition, he definitely can't play. If he plays with an injury, his future will be ruined!"

"I don't want Gu Ran to be destroyed! But I hope to see Gu Ran appear on the stage!"

“I’m so confused!”

In the media area of ​​the main stand, media reporters were also shaking their heads.

"It's over, it's over. Seeing Gu Ran limping like this, he definitely can't play today."

"Yeah, I really don't know why Southampton wanted Gu Ran to appear! Gu Ran obviously couldn't play, but Southampton still put him on the bench."

"Humph, of course, this is for the sake of getting other interested clubs to make offers so that Southampton can get rid of this burden, Gu Ran."

"Alas, this kind of thing is too common among professional players."

"It's such a pity for Gu Ran..."

"At this time, no club would dare to buy him."

"Yes, yes. I heard that Liverpool and Manchester City, who had previously made offers to Gu Ran, have withdrawn their offers."

"Wait... I remember that Gu Ran's left ankle was injured, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Then why did I see Gu Ran dragging his entire left leg? I don't remember his thigh being injured, too?"

"...I know! Gu Ran must have transferred it to his thigh!"

Evelin, who was sitting in the media area, opened her mouth in confusion at this moment.

When she spoke to Gu Ran last night, Gu Ran clearly told her that her injury was fine. How come... her whole leg was lame? Evelin had a complicated expression, and she was almost about to say, "Old man, this is a good leg."

At the same time, on the west stands, MaxxRT and others happily high-fived and hugged each other!

"Great! Brother Ran finally showed up!"

“Wuwuwu…”

"Why are you still crying so sadly? Is it because of Xinliran's injury?"

"That's not the case... Ran Ge showed up, and my wish came true. I will never be able to pick up girls again..."

"It's okay, it's okay. We are still here!"

"I'm so touched. Thank you guys for your company!"

"No, what we mean is that we will pick up girls for you."

"Fuck! Let's break up..."

According to the requirements of the club and the head coach, Gu Ran did not exert too much effort during the warm-up. He just did simple upper body stretching. He did not participate in activities such as sprinting, ball control around obstacles, and circle grabbing games.

But even so, the Southampton fans at the scene were still excited and applauded and cheered for Gu Ran.

Some female fans cried for Gu Ran so hard that they were hoarse, and several of them fainted from crying.

After the adaptive warm-up of both sides, the starting players returned to the locker room to make final preparations.

Gu Ran and other substitute players sat on the home team's bench to watch the game.

At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the referee blew the whistle to start the game.

…

(End of this chapter)