novelhk Chapter 351
Chapter 351
Leeds United's draw with Portsmouth in this round was a small upset.
Later, the other three direct competitors also finished their games.
After Manchester United won Aston Villa 4-1 away and took all three points, they and Leeds United had 20 points, and regained the second place in the standings with the advantage of goal difference.
Chelsea also played away in this round, but they also easily defeated Middlesbrough 2-0, quietly chasing the points to 18 points, behind Manchester United and Leeds United.
Arsenal, ranked first, still played steadily. After winning Bolton 2-0 at home, their points have reached 26 points, far behind Leeds United and Manchester United.
After the Leeds United game, a few media and fans expressed dissatisfaction with their performance in the first half, believing that Li Shiguang underestimated the opponent. Facing Portsmouth, which has been in good form so far this season and has been strengthened in the summer, he only sent out substitutes to fight.
But most of the fans of Leeds United still targeted Cannavaro, who directly caused Leeds United to lose two goals and had one less player.
At the post-match press conference, many reporters approached Li Shiguang and asked him to comment on Cannavaro's performance on the field today.
Faced with these questions, Li Shiguang, who has always been protective of his shortcomings, directly ignored them one by one.
But the next day.
On the plane to Ukraine, Li Shiguang still changed seats with Kompany and took the initiative to sit next to Cannavaro, wanting to talk to him.
Because Li Shiguang felt that Cannavaro had actually wanted to talk to him since he was sent off yesterday.
After the game yesterday, Cannavaro was in a very low mood.
In fact, since the beginning of this season, he can feel that his physical function has been getting worse and worse.
When facing some technical forwards in defense, Cannavaro can still complete the task with his rich game experience. But when facing a speed striker, he really can't outrun others.
Take Utaka who ate him alive yesterday.
This Nigerian striker is not a top striker, nor is he the type of player known for his speed. In terms of fame, he can't even touch his tail. But until now, the scene of Utaka eating him alive on the court can still be clearly replayed in Cannavaro's mind!
To be honest.
It's not that I don't want to defend, it's really impossible to defend!
Seeing the 25-year-old Utaka running in front after passing him, Cannavaro really felt old at that moment...
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When he sat down, Cannavaro was dozing with his eyes closed.
Li Shiguang gently touched his arm: "Fabio, are you asleep?"
Feeling someone calling him, Cannavaro opened his eyes and found that Kompany sitting next to him had been replaced by Li Shiguang.
He obviously thought of Li Shiguang's purpose of sitting here, and quickly sat up straighter from his half-paralyzed body, and took the initiative to say: "Boss, it's all my fault... Hey... We could have gotten these three points."
"It doesn't matter." Li Shiguang smiled, "The league has only played ten rounds... You know, compared to these three points, I am more concerned about your... uh... current mental state?"
"Hey--" Hearing Li Shiguang's words, Cannavaro sighed first, feeling touched and helpless, "Boss, I'm actually fine. Winning and losing are commonplace for me. I'm just... just... a little dissatisfied with myself now."
"Why?" Li Shiguang was a little curious.
"I turned 34 last month, boss." Cannavaro pointed at himself, "Since this season, I have clearly felt that my physical function has declined a lot. To be honest, if you hadn't always trusted me and let me start, I would have been a substitute in other teams."
"Hey, this is not what the only player who won the World Footballer of the Year as a central defender should say." Li Shiguang patted his shoulder, feeling that Cannavaro's words seemed a bit too discouraging, so he quickly comforted him, "In fact, in my opinion, it is normal for professional players to decline in physical function as they age! But you have to know, Fabio, you! Even Serra, your experience on the field is one of the most valuable things for Leeds United!"
"Thank you for your encouragement, boss." Cannavaro smiled indifferently, "I know what you are worried about, don't worry, I haven't retired yet's idea, my contract won't expire until next year! Don't you want to pay me the remaining year's salary! "
"Hahahaha, that's good." Seeing Cannavaro say this, Li Shiguang also breathed a sigh of relief, "I'm worried about the problem. You have to understand that our goal this year is the Champions League, and you are a very important part of my plan!"
"Yeah!" Cannavaro nodded heavily, but looking at the expression on his face, he seemed to be a little hesitant.
"Anything else you want to say?" Li Shiguang noticed this.
"I do have a suggestion." As if he had made some important decision, after a deep breath, Cannavaro stared at Li Shiguang very seriously, "Boss, in the next game, if it is not necessary, I suggest you consider letting Thiago and Mats start, and I can be their substitute! "
Hearing this, Li Shiguang suddenly felt a little strange. There are players who don't want to start!?
Just about to ask.
Cannavaro continued: "I am really powerless when facing some speed forwards now. At most, I can try my best to block their positions with experience, but as long as the ball is still at the opponent's feet, it will be a threat to us!"
"So I thought about it seriously after I went home last night. If we want to achieve better results this season than last season, I must give in. Although Mats and Thiago are a little rough occasionally, they should not have too many problems under the leadership of Vincent! I will also help them more in training and let them grow up as soon as possible!"
Seeing that Cannavaro was so serious, Li Shiguang did not object.
After thinking for a while, Li Shiguang nodded seriously: "Fabio, I will think about your proposal carefully. But I still say that you are a very important part of Leeds United's plan this season. I don't want you to affect the whole season because of a bad performance in one game, OK? "
"No problem, boss!" Cannavaro smiled, "Just let me practice as a coach in advance. I remember you promised me that after I retire, I will join your coaching team!"