opening a balotelli

Chapter 268 Big News

Li Mo finally understood the feeling of asking for trouble. Ever since he impulsively announced the news that he was out of the order in the group chat, the information bombing has not stopped.

When he finished filming the commercial and returned to the hotel where his teammates were staying at night, he was surrounded by a group of animals in the room to find out the truth.

Facing gossip and questioning from teammates and even coaches, in the end he had no choice but to vaguely reveal that he was dating an Asian girl.

He promised to bring his girlfriend to a party among his teammates when he had the chance, and he invited the whole team to have a big meal in the hotel, and then the group of animals calmed down.

Of course, the game is coming up tomorrow, and it is said to be a big treat, but in fact, it is to add some delicious meals that are not too greasy on the basis of the pre-match meal.

The Sheffield United players quarreled, and they were very restrained. One of them ate a little, and finally celebrated Li Mo's success with juice, and then dispersed in twos and threes.

If you really want to be happy, you can do whatever you want when you return to Sheffield after the match against Schalke 04. There is no rush.

But Speed ​​was very moved. Li Mo was only 14 years old when he arrived at Sheffield United. When he went to see the youth team match with his teammates for the first time, Li Mo had just celebrated his 15th birthday.

He also watched Li Mo grow from a little boy to a football superstar with his own eyes.

In the past, Speed ​​was always the most reassuring about Li Mo, knowing that he would not mess with gossip, but in a blink of an eye, the boy who used to joke that he didn't need a girlfriend is now talking about a relationship.

Without saying anything, Speed ​​just made a joke, asking Li Mo to think about his words before the reporters found out about his relationship.

A young man who is almost 20 years old and full of energy, it is normal to have a relationship, as long as he is not disturbed by reporters.

Compared with the indulgent private lives of other young English players, Speed ​​still prefers to see his players have a more stable relationship.

He believed that Li Mo would not just want to play casually, but with Li Mo's example in the future, if the players of Sheffield United did not make any lace outside the field, it would only be good for the team.

It was night, and Li Mo slept very comfortably. When he woke up the next day and turned on his phone, there was a text message from Krystal on the screen.

The text messages with all kinds of emoticons fully revealed the girl's happy mood. Li Mo looked at the time. It was not yet eight o'clock in the morning. It should be around three or four o'clock in the afternoon in South Korea. The little girl might be busy.

After briefly replying to his mood, Li Mo got up and began to wash.

Because the league opponents to challenge today are very weak, the Sheffield United players are very relaxed.

However, the members of the coaching staff are still as rigorous as ever, holding tactical meetings, team meetings, and then making the final mobilization.

There is no underestimation of the opponent because Queens Park Rangers are currently ranked bottom in the Premier League.

Under the urging of the coaches, some players who inevitably had a little carelessness in their hearts also gradually restrained their contempt.

This is actually quite normal. No matter which team is currently in the Premier League, seeing that after nine rounds of the league, the Rangers with three draws and six losses will not take them to heart.

Sheffield United is now the leader of the Premier League. It is good that only a small number of players in the team have developed contempt.

However, Speed ​​is still very strict in this regard.

Before every game, he has to hold a meeting to let the players "take care of themselves".

When facing a strong team, the players may consciously attach importance to their opponents, but they are afraid that when facing a weak team, these young guys will underestimate the enemy.

A real champion team, in addition to its own strength, must also be cautious in mentality construction.

At least Speed ​​thinks so, and he has been making great efforts in this regard.

Not only must you dare to face powerful opponents, and you must not give up the desire to win at any time, but you must also pay attention to every seemingly weak opponent, and you must not lose that heart of respect.

Facing the powerful, respecting the weak, and constantly surpassing ourselves, this is the current team building culture of Sheffield United.

Sometimes it is difficult for you to say how much change and help such a cultural core can bring to a team.

But Li Mo has always stood firmly with Speed ​​on this point.

Many players and teams today may not appreciate the importance of this trait that only team culture can foster.

However, Li Mo understood very well, because he had witnessed the miraculous performance of the two teams.

One Real Madrid, one Milan.

In the 2021-2022 season, one of these two teams is not the biggest favorite in the Champions League that year, and neither is the biggest favorite in Serie A that year.

But they fought to the end with unity, mutual trust, and the most important tenacity, and they were reborn with blood.

The cultural characteristics of this kind of team are the most rare. If the results make a team have the possibility of becoming a football giant, then this cultural characteristic is the key to the transformation of the team.

With such cultural characteristics, even if it declines in the future, it only takes a little chance, and such a team can be reborn as a phoenix.

This is probably what fans often say about the rich background.

It is still too early for Sheffield United to talk about giants, but Speed ​​insists on shaping the cultural characteristics of the team, which is an extremely correct thing.

Li Mo also believed that, apart from him and Maguire in the team to guard the new players who came later, as long as Speed ​​did not leave Sheffield United, they would definitely be able to do this.

Even if it takes more than ten years, creating a football giant by yourself is much better than joining a giant and becoming a part of someone else's history.

After finishing the final preparations, the Sheffield United team took the bus to the Loftus Road Stadium of Queens Park Rangers in the afternoon.

Speaking of which, the Rangers have made a lot of reinforcements this season, presumably because they were frightened by the thrill of relegation at the last moment of last season.

But unexpectedly, after signing Park Ji-sung and introducing Ched Evans from Sheffield United, their performance in the new season is not as good as last season.

At the beginning of the season, Liverpool was with them in the relegation zone, but in the recent period, after a bit of running-in, Liverpool still played poorly, but they also directly left the relegation zone.

The Rangers seem to have forgotten how to win the game, and they are always in a vicious circle of draws and losses. After nine league rounds, they can't win a game.

Park Ji-sung scored one goal and sent two assists in nine league rounds. He has a sense of presence on both ends of the offense and defense, and he can only say that he did his best.

Ched Evans also showed his current characteristics. It is no problem to play the ball for his teammates, and he also contributed two goals and one assist.

But helplessly, among the frontcourt players of Queens Park Rangers, there is only one Tarabut who can barely cooperate with Ched Evans.

The rest of the forwards and midfielders are really mediocre, their scoring ability is almost zero, and their defense is active, but now what the Rangers want is goals and victory, and defense alone cannot bring three points.

Playing against Sheffield United today, the atmosphere inside Queens Park Rangers became even more depressed, because it was another foreseeable defeat. In their current state, it is very difficult to grab a point from Sheffield United.

However, during the warm-up before the game, Li Mo and Vardy chatted with Brother Chade. Brother Chade seems to be in good spirits now, and it seems that he has not been affected by the team's defeat.

"The first few games have shown my worth. If I can't help the team avoid relegation this season, I should still be able to stay in the Premier League next season. There are many ways to go. If it doesn't work, I will return to Sheffield United to play as the fourth striker. If the team still wants me, it doesn’t matter if the salary is low.”

Ched Evans was very open-minded, and he was in the mood to make a joke with Li Mo and the others.

But one thing to say, he is indeed not worried about work now.

Willing to do dirty work, have good physical fitness, and score seven or eight goals in a season with full attendance. Most Premier League teams are willing to introduce such a center forward.

And in the last two seasons at Sheffield United, Ched Evans can be regarded as understanding what is fundamental for him to settle down on the professional path in his life.

I stopped drinking, protected my body, reduced the number of nightclubs I went to, and talked about my girlfriend seriously.

Although it is still a bit sloppy, it is much better than when he was in Manchester City and just arrived at Sheffield United.

Li Mo looked at Brother Chade who had matured a lot now, and felt very relieved in his heart.

Anyway, Ched Evans is his first striker partner in his career. Although his ability is a bit weak, but the cooperation experience at the beginning was quite pleasant. Li Mo also naturally wants to see Chede have a good one career.

At this time, Park Ji-sung also came over to hug and chat with Li Movardy, complained about the current team record, and they made an appointment to have dinner together in London after the game, and then they separated.

Before the start of the game, there was no conflict of interest between the players on both sides, and there was no smell of gunpowder.

Rangers fans are also very quiet, or have no hope for this game.

The Loftus Road Stadium, which can seat about 2 people, is very small, and in a big city circle like London, even if the current team record is poor, it will still fill up quickly.

Of course, the Sheffield United fans who traveled with the team contributed a lot of tickets. Today, in the stadium with more than 9000 people, more than 4000 are visiting team fans wearing Sheffield United jerseys.

This ratio is still very good.

When Li Mo and his teammates came out of the player tunnel again and saw that almost the entire stand was full of Sheffield United fans, he felt uncomfortable for a while.

No way, the Queen's Park Rangers' home court is too small, and it is difficult for you to see such a scene in other stadiums.

However, small courts also have the benefits of small courts.

At least in the game here, the visiting team is difficult to be disturbed by the home fans, and the two teams have basically played 100% of their strength.

From the perspective of fairness, Queens Park Rangers still did a great job. Even at home, they didn't enjoy much advantage at home, and they didn't take advantage of other teams~
It is rare to play the game at 01:30 in the afternoon, and the sun is just right today. Although I don’t feel much warmth, it is much better than playing in rainy weather.

Li Mo today and Berbatov starting partner striker.

The midfield is composed of Bell, Dembele, Medel and De Bruyne.

There are more rotations on the defense line. Cresswell, Stones, Chris Morgan and Trippier started the game.

The goalkeeper was replaced by Ji Wen today.

Speed ​​probably wanted the old goalkeeper to find the feeling of the game, so as to avoid the cold hands when playing Schalke 04 two days later.

Today, the Queens Park Rangers formed a stable formation of [-], with both Ched Evans and Park Ji-sung in the starting lineup.

Tarabut, who left a deep impression on Li Mo in the British Championship that year, continued to serve as the attacking midfielder.

Li Mo also felt very sorry for Tarabut.

This guy has the strength. It stands to reason that he couldn't even get 5+5 data in the Premier League last season.

But now I can only say that it is a pity, because of the troubled by injuries, and because of the impact of changing the head coach midway, Tara Bute finally disappeared in the arena of the Premier League. The demeanor of the attacking British crown king.

However, this is football, whether it is going smoothly or being ruined by injuries, this is part of football.

Tarabut also ushered in the start of the game with mixed emotions.

It's been a long time since I saw Sheffield United and Rangers. They are no longer on the same road. He and Li Mo are destined to be no longer rivals.
The progress of the game was not too turbulent, even if it was to attack the ball first, the Queens Park Rangers seemed very cautious.

Tarabut didn't retreat to get the ball immediately, but watched his two midfielders pass in the backcourt for a while.

Although his skills are still online, his body is not comparable to that of two years ago.

The serious injury last season made it difficult for him to perform against tough defenses. He has also become "smooth", obeying the coach's arrangement and accepting another style of playing.

Occasionally there are brilliant performances, but after all, he is no longer the offensive genius who dares to be confident when he gets the ball, and confidently blows up all defenses.

Facing the cautiousness of the Rangers, Sheffield United was much more daring. Soon after the opening, they launched a high-position press in the Rangers' half.

They just want to make a quick decision, and they will go to Germany to play against Schalke 04 in two days, and the time is too tight.

Li Mo and Bell only had halftime to play today. Whether they scored or not, they would almost always be replaced by Speed ​​after halftime.

If there are no twists and turns in the second half of the game, Trippier should also be replaced by Speed ​​in advance to rest.

After all, in the game against Schalke 04 two days later, Trippier will still start the game. He can handle half of the game today, but if he plays the whole game, it will be difficult for the next game.

However, the other rotation players have no physical concerns. Today, several players managed to get the chance to start again in the league, and they were very active.

After only three or four minutes of pressure, the midfielder of the Queens Park Rangers became a little flustered, and was eventually snatched by De Bruyne and Medel.

Today's De Bruyne is also required by the coaching staff to adapt as soon as possible whether he plays on the left or right, or even sends him to play in the middle in the future.

Because he has this potential, Speed ​​also has great expectations for him.

In Speed's vision, the future De Bruyne is Sheffield United's midfield engine.

Drinkwater dealt cards in the midfield, while De Bruyne held the right to speed up the team's offense.

In order to make it difficult for opponents to target, De Bruyne must have the ability to play his own rhythm in any position in the midfield.

Fortunately, De Bruyne's ambitions are also great, and he readily accepted the almost strict requirements of the coaching staff without even thinking about it.

He has balanced left and right feet, comprehensive skills, and clear thinking on the court. He doesn't feel that he can't meet the requirements of the coach.

De Bruyne never thinks that position is a problem. He can send threatening passes no matter where he is in the midfield. The main thing is to see if the players running in front can think of going with him.

And Sheffield United's strikers are all online, and Li Mo is a big killer. De Bruyne feels that he is comfortable passing the ball wherever he is. He is also willing to kick the midfielder.

Of course, Speed ​​is naturally reluctant to let Ding Ding play as a midfielder. Today he also gave De Bruyne a lot of tactical weight.

Dembele replaced Drinkwater to delay the organization, and the starting point of the offensive in the frontcourt was placed on De Bruyne, which can be said to be underestimated.

But De Bruyne was not dazzled by the trust from the head coach.

After grabbing the ball, he was not in a hurry to send a long pass to the running Li Mo. Instead, he calmly controlled the ball and observed the positioning habits of the Rangers defenders, and then distributed the ball to the runner. Dembele coming up.

Sheffield United's offensive slowdown made the Rangers' defensive players feel relieved, and after several transmissions, it seems that the rhythm of the game has also entered the link of Sheffield United's test attack.

But just after No. 12 minutes in the first half, De Bruyne switched to the left position at some point.

Bell tacitly went up, it looked as if he was playing a left winger, and also helped De Bruyne take away several defensive players, leaving a lot of ball-holding positions.

Medel transferred the ball over, this time De Bruyne did not hesitate, looked up after stopping the ball, and then made a decisive cross from the wing!
His crossing is very different from others. He doesn't need to be too close to the sideline, and he doesn't need to be close to the edge of the penalty area. He can play the ball confidently in the rib space.

At this time, Li Mo also pressed forward suddenly, and instantly threw out a position of the defensive player beside him, which seemed to be offside.

Rangers defender Ferdinand quickly raised his hand to signal the linesman, complaining that Li Mo was offside, but the linesman was unmoved.

The other central defender didn't care about whether he was offside or not, he just wanted to catch up with Li Mo and interfere with his shot, but his burst was a bit weaker than Li Mo's, and he couldn't catch up at all.

The center backs of the Rangers were not unified and did not catch Li Mo's forward drive. The ball passed by De Bruyne was exaggerated and fast. Cesar, the old goalkeeper who just transferred from Inter Milan this season, did not dare To attack, you can only passively prepare to save.

But in the face of Li Mo's close-range and powerful header, Cesar did nothing. He only made a save gesture, and the football has been ruthlessly pushed into the net by Li Mo, which looks like an attack. The training is generally, it is too easy!
The linesman did not respond, and the referee finally signaled that the goal was valid.

And through the playback on the big screen soon, the fans also saw the whole process of the goal clearly.

At the moment when De Bruyne passed the ball, Li Mo did move horizontally against the Rangers' back line, and it was this crucial step that kept him from offside.

The reason why Rangers' central defender Ferdinand Jr. raised his hand to signal him offside was because his outburst was too terrifying, and the speed quickly added up, making it look like he was offside.

Fortunately, today's line referee saw it very clearly and did not misjudge the goal, otherwise the Sheffield United fans might have condemned it after the game.

After scoring the goal, Li Mo also called Bell with a smile, and then imitated the opponent's movements and made a "love" gesture for the camera.

The reporters who were a little bored at the scene became interested in an instant.

This is, big news!

(End of this chapter)