Chapter 237 Open the Gap

As the backbone of European football, especially Dutch football, as small as the domestic football league champion that has not been professionalized in 1929, to the top of European football in 1988 - the European Champions Cup, PSV Eindhoven in these nine For more than ten years, it has created countless honors for the small town of Eindhoven and the country of windmills (another name for the Netherlands).

For almost a century, the Philips Stadium has seen all the ups and downs of the Eindhoven club.

After the vicissitudes of life, this majestic stadium, which still stands in the northwest side of the center of Eindhoven, has accompanied PSV Eindhoven through more than 90 years of ups and downs.

With the introduction of the "Bosman" Act, all the small league teams have been greatly affected, and Eindhoven is also one of them. Now they can only be regarded as the giants of Dutch football. Compared with the giants of the five major leagues, such as For Barcelona and AC Milan, it's nothing. Even so, it must be mentioned that PSV has trained many world superstars, and the closest is Van Nistelrooy, who first played for Real Madrid. , On the day of Van Niere's 22nd birthday, he joined PSV Eindhoven for 4.2 million pounds, breaking the then-Dutch domestic transfer fee record.

In the first season of PSV Eindhoven, Van Nierg has scored 31 goals and became the top scorer in the current Dutch League. He lost to England striker Kevin Phillips by 2 points in the European Golden Boot Award, but he was the runner-up. Become the Dutch Footballer of the Year.

Another superstar worth mentioning is the Brazilian star 'Lone Wolf', Romario, who was named one of the 125 best football players in football history by FIFA in March 2004.

Romario played for PSV Eindhoven from 1988 to 1992, and won the Dutch League Championship for the team in the 1989, 1991 and 1992 seasons.

The reason why Van Nistelrooy and Romario are mentioned is not to show that Eindhoven is good at cultivating and producing stadiums, but that Eindhoven's results in the league during the time they played for Eindhoven were also included in the competition. Champions League results are pretty good. It's a pity that the old yellow calendar was gone.

Wansheng didn't care much about PSV, he said bluntly, "They were really unlucky to actually draw us."

In the face of a large group of interviews with media from various countries, Wansheng seemed very relaxed. "It's my first time leading a team to the Champions League. I'm not familiar with the knockout stages, but I dare say we're off to a good start!"

"You mean that Eindhoven is weak?" a Dutch reporter said dissatisfied.

Wansheng shrugged, completely unconcerned, "I'm just telling the truth. I have a lot of confidence in my team. PSV's strength is good, but among the opponents we may draw, they are pretty good. If we meet PSV, we will all be afraid. Then I think we can only stop in the round of 16."

The English media are well aware of Wan Sheng's temper, and it is not surprising for him to say this.

Media reporters from other countries were quite surprised. Some of them were interviewing Wan Sheng for the first time. Although they heard that this young Chinese was difficult to get along with, they did not say so when they arrived first.

Then why is it also Eindhoven, the wealthy aristocrats in Europe!

Even if you have confidence in the team, at least say it implicitly, let alone. They didn't see the advantage between Manchester City and PSV.

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the next day. After the lottery ceremony, what Wan Sheng said in an interview with the media appeared in many reports, and the Dutch "Telegraph" published Wan Sheng's words verbatim.

The Dutch "Telegraaf" (De-Telegraaf) is the largest morning newspaper in the Netherlands. It was founded on January 1, 1893, with a daily circulation of about 700,000. It is headquartered in Amsterdam.

The Telegraph of the Netherlands is affiliated to the Telecom Media Group and ranked 71st in the 2006 global newspaper circulation published by the World Press Association. It has considerable influence in the Netherlands and Europe.

When Wan Sheng's speech in an interview with the media was reported by them in a high-profile manner, the eyes of both the Netherlands and Europe noticed Wan Sheng.

This is the result of the media fueling the flames, and because Wansheng is already very influential.

The just-concluded Manchester derby shook the whole of England and even Europe. Wan Sheng would not be able to attract attention. No matter what he said, the media would report it verbatim, not to mention that Wan Sheng said this against his opponent. words.

Eindhoven coach Ronald Koeman quickly responded, and he was very dissatisfied with Wansheng's remarks, "If Manchester City thinks it is a good sign to meet Eindhoven, it will not be a problem to enter the quarter-finals. That would be great, I like to deal with a proud opponent the most!"

This is just the beginning, Koeman continued to talk about PSV’s advantages, “Maybe he thought that Manchester City’s results in the Premier League and the Champions League group stage were very good, but I have to tell him that the Champions League knockout stage is different, here is the blood In the shimmering cruel battlefield, there will only be one winner in the end, and I will tell him this with practical actions."

Ronald Koeman was a big star in his playing days. He played for Barcelona and helped the Netherlands win the European Championship.

Koeman doesn't have much experience as a head coach, but he has already achieved something worth mentioning.

In January 2000, two years after his retirement, Koeman became the head coach of the Eredivisie Vitesse. By December of the following year, Koeman officially became the coach of the Eredivisie giants Ajax, and led his team to the 2002. 2004 Eredivisie Champion and 2002 Dutch Cup Champion.

After losing to Auxerre in the UEFA Cup in 2005, Koeman left Ajax and succeeded Trapattoni as the coach of Benfica in the Portuguese Super Cup, leading his team to win the Portuguese Super Cup.

In coaching Benfica, Koeman's most famous 'battle' was to eliminate the defending champion Liverpool in the Champions League. At that time, Koeman led Benfica to play two classic battles. With a sharp counterattack scoring twice, and finally eliminated the defending champion Liverpool.

Last season, as Benfica only ranked third in the Portuguese Super League, Koeman submitted his resignation to Benfica. Then he took over the Eindhoven coach and successfully led the team to the Champions League round of 16. At the same time, their results in the league were also quite good. , is currently topping the Eredivisie table with Ajax.

It is because of the experience of knocking out Liverpool in Benfica, and now encountering Manchester City. Koeman felt confident, "I have experience in beating Premier League teams in the knockout rounds of the Champions League, and now my team is stronger than Benfica, so I have more confidence. I don't know where that young Chinese's confidence came from, but I Confidence is real!"

When Koeman said so. The Dutch media are delighted.

in their eyes. Koeman is a former Dutch star and one of the outstanding coaches now, and that young man is leading the team to play in the Champions League for the first time. In front of the 'experienced' Koeman, what qualification does he have to be so crazy ?

Still 'good sign'?

It is a good sign to draw Manchester City to PSV Eindhoven!

But, obviously. Koeman knows too little about Wansheng. The Dutch media didn't know much about Wansheng. When the Dutch media reporter put Koeman's words and his 'experience' in front of Wansheng, Wansheng just smiled and said, "Don't you know, I When he was coaching Derby County, he led the team to beat PSV in the UEFA Cup," he said. He patted his forehead and said suddenly. "Oh, yes, I really wanted to win the UEFA Cup that time, thanks to PSV, otherwise we might not have made it to the final!"

The Dutch media who heard these words turned black.

How did they never expect such a result, this young Chinese led the team to beat Eindhoven? In the UEFA Cup? Won the UEFA Cup that year?

Really?

Soon, some media reporters remembered that this was indeed the case. Eindhoven and Derby County were also in the same group. There was a lot of spat between the two teams. Derby County did win the UEFA Cup that year.

This is also Wansheng's European experience.

So put the experience of the two together, Koeman led Benfica to eliminate the Premier League team Liverpool, and Wansheng led Derby County to directly defeat PSV Eindhoven; now Koeman coaches PSV Eindhoven, Wansheng coaches Manchester City... ...whose 'experience' of the two is more telling?

It's obvious.

So the Dutch media all stopped talking.

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The eighteenth round of the Premier League is Manchester City's first league match after taking the top spot.

Manchester City are playing at home, but their opponent is not easy to deal with, that is, Tottenham Hotspur from north London.

Tottenham Hotspur was the focus of the transfer of English teams in the summer. They "riveted" with the Red Devils Manchester United. First, they grabbed two prey that Manchester United were eyeing - Berbatov and Djokola, Then he slammed the opponent's heart that he had to buy a midfielder and sold it to Manchester United for nearly seven times the price he bought for Carrick two years ago (£18.6 million).

Between buying two and selling one, Tottenham Hotspur not only made one extra person, but also broke even.

However, with the addition of Hector, Delvette and Packhart, the transfer fee has not been announced. Coupled with Chimbonda on the right, Tottenham will definitely invest more than it earns.

This has to do with the goals of Tottenham Hotspur, a team that is going to hit the Champions League is bound to make a big move.

Among the introduced players, the three-time Bulgarian Mr. Berbatov is the most eye-catching. Last season, he contributed 21 goals in 34 appearances for Leverkusen. The interest of the two giants and Arsenal is enough to demonstrate Berbatov's strength.

Djokola has also been concerned by the giants Chelsea and Manchester United. After the baptism of Ligue 1 and the World Cup, he is unanimously optimistic that he can take over Carrick's class.

Hector, Delvette and Parker Hart can complement the team's roster.

Tottenham Hotspur's transfer strategy is to supplement and strengthen the weakened position. Berbatov replaces Mido, Zokola replaces Carrick, and the arrival of Chimbonda complements the right wing, but the overall skeleton. No major changes have been made, with the strength of Tottenham Hotspur, plus some additions, many media believe that it is enough to compete for the league title.

Tottenham's results also proved a lot.

The Premier League has gone on for 17 rounds so far. Tottenham Hotspur ranks at the forefront of the league's 'Second Legion' with 9 wins and 5 draws. Arsenal drew Chelsea in the last round, and Tottenham Hotspur also took the opportunity. One point ahead of Arsenal and now fourth in the league behind Chelsea.

The league first, and the league fourth game, is still very eye-catching.

Tottenham Hotspur coach Joel believes that they have the strength to challenge Manchester City away. "This is not impossible for us. So far, no team has been able to beat Manchester City. I believe we can do it."

But Wan Sheng responded with only a smile, "Then let the game explain the problem."

No one dares to say that a football match can definitely be won, but Wansheng is still very confident against Tottenham Hotspur. Playing offensive football, then Manchester City can take advantage of their stronger pressing ability to control the game scene, and if they gain an advantage in the situation, they will have a greater chance of scoring natural goals and winning.

Against Tottenham Hotspur, there was no pressure on the Manchester City team.

Just after beating Manchester United in the derby, the entire Manchester City team was full of fighting spirit and played very well in the game. As a result, at the Manchester Stadium, Manchester City handed over the answer sheet with a 3:0.

"Our performance is very good, this is the perfect answer!" Wan Sheng said after the game.

In this regard, Tottenham Hotspur coach Joel can only smile bitterly.

Joel originally thought that the team had a chance to beat Manchester City, but as soon as he got to the game and saw the situation being controlled by Manchester City, he knew that the chance was much smaller.

It can only be said that the tactics that his team is good at are too restrained by Manchester City's tactics!

With the victory of this game, Manchester City continue to sit at the top of the league.

At the same time, they also received good news. Perhaps it was affected by the loss of Derby. Manchester United lost to West Ham United by one goal and lost a very valuable three points.

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In history, Manchester United lost the Premier League championship twice at Upton Park, but Manchester United are not afraid of it. They have been to the Red Devils for 7 wins and 4 draws in the past 11 times. Their new coach Kubishley is also Ferguson's favorite opponent. The two fought for 16 years, and Ferguson did not lose once.

But the final result of this game was West Ham's "negative and positive", Rayo Koke scored the only goal of the game, Manchester United suffered their third league defeat this season and their first away defeat.

After the final whistle blew, West Ham's new coach Kubishley shook his fist to celebrate, the boss Magnussen was elated, and Ferguson walked into the interview area with an expression of helplessness and regret, he frankly pointed out that Manchester United existed at the door. question.

"We played very well and created a lot of scoring opportunities, but we should be able to do better in the final shot." Manchester United shot 24 times, 14 more than their opponents, but all became "empty bullets" "We shouldn't be the losers, but now that it has become a fact, the next thing Manchester United has to do is to regain confidence and start again, we have to show mental strength. This is the real mark of a championship team, and Manchester United have proved in the past. That quality."

Seven days ago, Manchester United still had a 2-point advantage over Manchester City, but after losing the Manchester derby and being defeated by West Ham United, the points situation of the two teams was completely reversed. Manchester City has 4 points advantage over Manchester United. Manchester United They were also overtaken by Chelsea and ranked third in the Premier League. Until now, Manchester United has not visited Manchester Stadium or Stamford Bridge. They are already third in the league, which makes many people less optimistic about Manchester United.

After the game, Manchester United coach Ferguson warned Manchester City 'don't be too happy', "Today (the result) is very, very crucial for Manchester City, but not for Manchester United. But December is not the time to decide the championship. Next A lot of important games."

"The competition in the league is very fierce now. If they are not careful, they are likely to lose the top spot." (To be continued ~^~)