Chapter 292 The most correct choice

Porto, this name is not very well-known in the European football world where many big clubs gather.

But as Porto won the UEFA Champions League in the 2003/2004 season under the leadership of Jose Mourinho, its name became widely known.

But in fact, Porto is definitely a super team in Portugal. It was the champion of the first two Portuguese A Leagues, but after the rise of Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, it only won four league titles in 45 years. It was not until the late 1980s that it began to rise and swept many league titles. Currently, Porto is the second team to have won the most Portuguese league titles, second only to Benfica.

If we look back at history, Porto is undoubtedly much more glorious than Chelsea. When talking about Chelsea, many people would think that it is a nouveau riche team, but Porto is definitely a wealthy team. It has won 24 Portuguese top league titles, 2 European Champions League titles, 17 cup titles, etc. Its honors are truly countless.

In the minds of the media and fans, the most important difference between the giants and the upstarts is the number of championships they have won throughout history.

However, the glory of last season was gone, and Porto soon returned to earth. Mourinho took away Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira, while Maniche, Costinha and Deco, the core players who won the championship last season, also left the team after winning the honor in Porto.

As a result, what is left for the new coach Fernandez is just a mixed team.

The only transfer worth mentioning this summer was the signing of Luiz Fabiano, a future star from Sao Paulo who scored an astonishing 55 goals in 48 games for Sao Paulo last season, becoming the top scorer in the Brazilian league last season.

Even so, Fabiano is only a symbolic consolation for the fans, and it is just a drop in the bucket for the loss of Porto's overall strength. Everyone knows that this season's Champions League will definitely not have as much luck as last season, and their goal is almost certainly not to defend the title.

Regarding the upcoming Group H match, the Dero newspaper Kicker said: "God seems to have retained his childishness when deciding the draw results. After drawing Barcelona and Celtic into the same group, he played a joke on Jose Mourinho - Chelsea and Porto were also drawn together. Mourinho, who left Porto with a reputation as a traitor, is back."

"And now, this game between Mourinho and his old club is really exciting. How he will deal with Porto is worth looking forward to."

The reporter from Kicker also interviewed the football emperor Beckenbauer. From Beckenbauer's words, it can be heard that he is still very optimistic about Chelsea's performance.

"Chelsea's performance is beyond doubt. They have won 11 games in a row in the Premier League. This result is really chilling. Perhaps all the top teams should pay attention to them, of course, Bayern Munich as well. This season, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has once again invested 110 million euros, and I have also watched their game against Paris Saint-Germain. The team has about a dozen high-level players who are worth mentioning."

Undoubtedly, Beckenbauer's words were very influential. Even the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport made a detailed analysis of the reasons for Chelsea's success in order to make the two giant teams in Milan pay more attention to this Champions League rival: "... despite the huge investment, Chelsea has kept a clear head."

"This season, their best investment was to invite Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho. The strength of this new coach is unquestionable. In addition, Mourinho also brought two of his disciples, Porto's best defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira. If we add the English superstar Alan Wang who has a very high goal efficiency, I am afraid that this team will not be comparable to Porto in terms of both the forward line and the defense. We are looking forward to the result of this game."

Although almost all media in Europe were focused on this alternative showdown between head coaches, both sides did not avoid the sensitive topic of the two teams' summer transactions. Porto coach Fernandez only talked about some of the team's status issues and said that Porto would do its best to win this game so that they would be more confident of qualifying for the group.

When facing the interview of reporters, Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho just said: "Chelsea will definitely work hard to win. We will never be defeated by our opponents at Stamford Bridge."

Now, in the Portuguese man's mind, Porto is just an opponent. As for his feelings for the team, that was last season. In any case, Mourinho will not bring personal feelings into work with his character.

The head coach's silence does not mean that the players will be so honest. Wang Li, who was recently depressed by the news that Angela was going to the United States, struck again. Facing the expectant eyes of many media, he said calmly: "Annie is going to the United States recently. I think before that, I should give her some memorable gifts. Porto came at the right time."

Hearing this topic, the media reporters immediately became excited. A reporter from The Times asked: "So, what gift are you going to prepare for the little princess during the competition?"

Wang Li turned his head and glanced at the young reporter, saying disdainfully, "I think your ability to understand is very problematic. Since this is a football match, as a striker for Chelsea, of course I have to score a goal to qualify as a gift."

The reporter who was ridiculed by Wang Li was not angry, but continued to ask with a smile: "Then can you tell me how many goals will be scored in this game? A brace, or a hat trick?"

"Of course the more the better, I will try to score as many goals as possible."

After interviewing Wang Li, the reporters interviewed other players. It seemed that they were infected by Wang Li and Mourinho. Lampard, Makelele and other players were very confident about this game. Even Bridge shouted that they must win. He said: "I still have to prove my strength with performance. Although Porto achieved very good results last season, that is only in the past. Now Chelsea has far surpassed it. At Stamford Bridge, they will inevitably face a game. This is almost a fait accompli."

Even his Chelsea teammates were surprised by Bridge's answer. After he was interviewed, his teammates who were familiar with him looked at him with strange eyes. In this environment, Bridge, who always claimed to be a love expert, also said shyly: "Fertado will come to watch the game."

This explosive news directly triggered a wave of gossip in the entire locker room. It seems that after the Wang Li fighting incident, Chelsea has ushered in a new topic.

Compared to Chelsea's winning rhetoric, Porto was much more low-key in the interview. Luis Fabiano, who just landed in the European League this season, talked about his situation in the club and said: "I haven't established a regular starting position in the club yet, but I will prove it to the coach with my performance."

When talking about his competitors, Fabiano frankly admitted that his biggest competitor is the team's top scorer CA. Carlos Alberto. It is understandable that Fabiano, who has just joined the club, feels a little helpless about this Brazilian striker who is called the Bolt of football by the media.

Regarding this game, Fabiano said: "If Mr. Fernandez can play for me, I will try my best to play and try to help the team.

Obviously, Porto is much more "modest" than Chelsea. Their players did not make any predictions about the results of the game, nor did they express their outlook on the results. They just declared that they would work harder and harder. From this aspect, there is still a certain gap in the mentality of the players of the two teams.

It is worth mentioning that before the game, according to the Financial Times, due to Chelsea's crazy performance this season, many European bookmakers have adjusted their odds on winning the Champions League.

In the odds published by bookmakers in September, the newly reorganized Real Madrid and Arsenal, which had an unbeaten record in the Premier League last season, were the most favored, both ranking first among all teams with odds of 6 to 1. Chelsea was offered odds of 7 to 1, ranking above AC Milan and Manchester United. Obviously, bookmakers were more optimistic about this green upstart from Stamford Bridge at the beginning of the season.

But now, due to Chelsea's crazy performance, the newly released data from the bookmakers show that Chelsea's odds have been lowered to 5 to 1, directly surpassing Arsenal and Real Madrid, standing out among many teams and taking the first place.

As for the honor of the Champions League top scorer, many bookmakers have rejected related bets in this regard. In two games, Wang Li has scored 5 goals, while last season's Champions League top scorer Morientes of Monaco has only scored 9 goals. Many media even predicted that after the group stage, the European League will give this honor to the new generation of England's top striker in advance.

Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport said sourly: "This time, the top scorer will probably be won by an Englishman in advance. Shevchenko may not get this honor at AC Milan. Perhaps his football life at Dynamo Kyiv will become his best memory in the Champions League." (Shevchenko scored 11 goals in the 98/99 Champions League)

The Sun, which has always been a fan of Allen, said happily: "Allen is likely to win all the honors as a scorer except the Golden Boot this season. Even after the season, the 18-year-old Allen is likely to be nominated for the European Footballer of the Year and the Ballon d'Or. If Allen wins one of these two honors, it will break the world record in football. He is really too young."

………

………

"Joe, Damien, you must always pay attention to Wang Li's position and his gestures." At Chelsea's first-team training ground, Clark was loudly reminding the two attacking players on the wing.

In order to make Wang Li a core player in offense, Mourinho always lets him act as the team's offensive commander during tactical training, and Wang Li is gradually adapting to this role.

"Come closer, and be sure to pay attention to Frank when passing and running. You should also follow up a little. At this time, pay attention to the two flanks to prevent the opponent from counterattacking." Clark kept shouting, reminding the players of the issues they should pay attention to during the offense.

At this time, Wang Li was dribbling the ball and passed it straight to Gudjansen. The latter was stunned for a moment and failed to catch the ball. Seeing this, Wang Li couldn't help but yelled: "When running, you must keep your eyes on the ball under my feet and pay attention at all times!"

Now, Wang Li acts like the boss of the team on the court and makes everyone listen to him. It must be said that this kind of command feels really good, and makes Wang Li feel very satisfied with the head coach's adjustment of his position.

On the field, Lampard kicked the ball to Wang Li, who used his heel to knock the ball behind him without stopping. However, William Gallas, who came in from behind, was a step slower and failed to catch up. The ball was intercepted by temporary substitute defender Bridge, who even laughed at Wang Li after he stole the ball.

This made Wang Li feel very depressed. He turned around and said to Gallas in a serious tone: "Always pay attention to the opponent's pressing in the game. It will be more intense than it is now. If you move slower, you will lose your chance."

Now, Wang Li has gained absolute say in Chelsea with his performance. Although he is not the captain, his authority is comparable to that of Lampard and Terry. Although he is always laughing outside the court, few people question his words on the court.

Although as a football veteran William Gallas was a little embarrassed.

The team's head coach, Jose Mourinho, and several members of the coaching staff stood by and watched. Mourinho nodded with satisfaction and said happily, "His performance on the court is getting better and better. Maybe in the next game, I will give him a more important position."

Pelita Nian sighed: "His football talent is amazing. When I was 18 years old, I was still playing in the youth team."

Another coach chimed in, jokingly saying, “If you had this kind of talent, you wouldn’t be standing here right now.”

Nian ignored the teasing of the people around him and just sighed and said, "I don't know how far he can grow. He is so enviable."

Mourinho, who was standing next to him, crossed his arms, grinned and said, "There's nothing to envy. We are coaches and he is a player. Our positions are different."

Hearing the team coach's words, the other coaches immediately fell silent, but in their hearts they slightly retorted, "Of course you don't have to be envious, because you have never been on the court, but we are all coaches who were players."

However, they are also full of admiration for this Portuguese man. Among many famous coaches in Europe, most of them are players who become full-time coaches after retirement. There are very few people like Mourinho who directly switch to coaching from other fields, and it is difficult for them to succeed.

There is no doubt that the 42-year-old Portuguese is already very successful, which is something we cannot envy.

………

………

Soon, time passed slowly and the game was approaching. On the afternoon of November 3, Porto's plane arrived in London. After putting their luggage at the hotel, they went directly to the stadium to train to adapt to the venue.

The next day at noon, Stamford Bridge was once again bustling with activity, with many Chelsea fans queuing up to watch this European focus battle.

The head coaches of both teams also attended the pre-match press conference.

Mr. Fernandez, the head coach of Porto, who arrived first, was surrounded by a large number of reporters' microphones as soon as he sat down. Before Fernandez could say anything official, a reporter from The Times seized the opportunity and immediately asked: "Chelsea's offensive ability is very strong. They scored 45 goals in the first 11 rounds of the league. How will Porto defend against this?"

"Our defense is very solid. In view of this, the team conducted special defensive training before the game. Porto will work hard to play well and strive to take away three points at Stamford Bridge." Fernandes was obviously speaking the official language again.

The reporters around were obviously dissatisfied. A Fulham local media immediately asked sarcastically: "What do you think of Chelsea's young player Alan Wong? Is Porto capable of defending this highly efficient player?"

When Fernandes heard this question, he glanced at the reporter and said, "Alan Wang? He is a very capable player. I have seen his games. He has strong personal abilities, but Porto's defense is not so easy to break through."

…

After a few more questions, all the media reporters in the audience gave up hope of getting any news from this old fox, and at this time, Jose Mourinho also came to the press conference.

In a flash, all the reporters handed the microphone to the Portuguese, while Fernandes's place became empty, and the treatment of the two coaches was in sharp contrast.

Sure enough, Mourinho still did not disappoint the reporters. He opened his mouth and said: "Chelsea will win at Stamford Bridge, there is no doubt about that." After that, he picked up a bottle of mineral water from the table and took a sip, and then continued: "Although I coached Porto last season, the game and personal feelings cannot be mixed. The current Chelsea is stronger than last year's Porto, and victory is almost inevitable."

At this time, hearing Mourinho's tone, many Portuguese media in the audience had already labeled him a traitor in their hearts. No matter what, Portugal is Mourinho's homeland, and he coached Porto last season. Only half a year later, this middle-aged man with half gray hair has become a real Chelsea man, which makes them sincerely angry.

One of the Portuguese reporters couldn't help but ask angrily: "Mr. Mourinho, since Chelsea is so confident, can you announce Chelsea's starting lineup before the game?"

This question is a bit tricky. You should know that it is absolutely a taboo for the head coach to announce the starting lineup before the game. This will allow the opponent to adopt targeted response strategies and put the team at a disadvantage.

Just when many English reporters were unable to bear it, Mourinho smiled and said, "Even if Porto knew Chelsea's starting lineup, so what? Chelsea will still be the winner in tomorrow's game."

After that, he picked up a pen and wrote down Chelsea's starting lineup and even the formation on paper, which shocked many media reporters. Even Porto coach Fernandez next to him couldn't believe it. He even thought it was a smokescreen created by Mourinho. However, Mourinho's words before leaving also made him feel a little relieved, and also let the media reporters present know the reason why Mourinho did this---

"I want to achieve an absolute victory at Stamford Bridge to prove that coming here is the right decision for me"