green star

Chapter 195

On behalf of Li Rui, Rodriguez tactfully rejected Chelsea CEO Peter Kenyon. He told the other party that Li Rui is very happy at Leeds United and is very satisfied with the current situation. He will not consider transferring for the time being. Of course, Rodriguez It is necessary to express this meaning in a more tactful way. After all, he still has to be in this circle. Maybe Rodriguez has a player in his hands who may go to Chelsea in the future?
Be polite and leave some room, it will be a good result for both parties.

"That's a pity. Li is a player with potential. I respect his decision." Peter Kenyon said politely. In fact, he didn't show much enthusiasm for the Chinese player, but the team The current head coach Mourinho seems to appreciate Leeds United's No. 11 player, so Chelsea will make a tentative inquiry. More importantly, Li Rui performed well in the game between Stamford Bridge and Chelsea. Abramovich can see clearly.

However, now that the player himself refused, Peter Kenyon happened to have an excuse to report back. In his opinion, it is not a sensible approach to spend at least tens of millions of pounds on such a player who is less than 20 years old.

Although Peter Kenyon is also one of the behind-the-scenes figures of Chelsea's big operations, the former Manchester United CEO seems to prefer players who have proven themselves in the national team's international competitions and European competitions. The introduction of young players is still relatively cautious...

…………

Although it is Christmas, for Li Rui, this Christmas is deserted. On Christmas Eve, Jessica Alba flew back to her home in Texas, and Li Rui had no time to come I was sad because of Jessica Alba's departure. In fact, the two of them just had a meal together and watched the snow scene of Leeds Castle...

More importantly, the one-week double match during the Christmas period has arrived.

…………

On December 2004, 12, Leeds United ushered in another London team, Tottenham Hotspur, at their home court. Nam Tottenham's player allocation every year is considered by the media as a strong candidate for the top four in the league. However, every time, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.

This game is also very important for Leeds United. Now, Leeds United ranks eighth in the league, and Tottenham Hotspur ranks seventh. It can be said that if Leeds United still wants to If he wants to continue his dream of a trip to Europe, this home game against Tottenham Hotspur belongs to the kind of 'must win' game!

The fans of Leeds United came to Elland Road Stadium early on this day. Although it is the Christmas holiday, it is obvious that in the hearts of Leeds United fans, football is higher than Christmas. In their hearts, Leeds United have been away from Europe for too long, and they can't wait to see the white roses bloom on the Europa stage.

Leeds United should have their own stage!

Obviously, this stage is in Europe!

The tickets for the 2004th round of the 2005-19 league season were sold out long ago, and the club's booking center was almost buzzing. However, the tickets obviously couldn't satisfy the fans of Leeds United. In response to the demand, these fans who did not buy tickets chose to come outside the stadium. They can enjoy the feeling of Christmas while cheering for the team outside the stadium.

…………

This game is of special significance to Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur. In the Tottenham Hotspur team, there are goalkeeper Robinson and Irish striker Robbie Keane on the front line Two players from the glory days of Leeds United.

However, this game belongs to Leeds United, which is playing at home.

"goooooooaaaaal!! Gary...Kelly! This is the veteran's first game since his return from injury, beautiful header! 1:0! Leeds United are on a good track!"

In the 31st minute of the game, Li Rui's pass hit Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Carrick and rolled out of the baseline, and Leeds United got a corner kick.

Albertini's corner kick was taken. In the penalty area, Alan Smith headed the ball. After the football was thrown by Robinson, Li Rui turned his back to the goal and shot a beautiful barb. The football hit Tottenham. Spikes defender Edelman's legs bounced up and Gary Kelly from behind took his chance with a header lob from the far corner.

…………

In the 63rd minute of the second half, Li Rui dribbled the ball into the penalty area and was thrown into the penalty area by Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Robinson. Robinson is shown the red card.

Robinson, who was extremely frustrated, walked towards the sidelines. The hero of Leeds United's relegation last year was transferred this summer. The current Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper and the Leeds United fans at Elland Road also gave applause. , It's just that at this time, Robinson must be in a bad mood.

Tottenham Hotspur had to replace the Nigerian striker Kanoute with a substitute goalkeeper. When the score fell behind, they could only replace the offensive player. Everyone could see that in this game, London People are going to leave with failure.

Albertini personally took the penalty kick and hit it, 2:0!

…………

In the 81st minute of the game, Li Rui was replaced. Although Li Rui did not score in this game, the corner kick created by Li Rui and the final shot created opportunities for Gary Kelly's goal, and created A penalty kick caused the opponent's goalkeeper to be sent off. It can be said that he completed his task excellently. When he was replaced by Bamby, there was also a warm cheer in the sky above Elland Road Stadium. applause.

The final score of the game was 3:1. At the last moment, Alan Smith and Robbie Keane each scored a goal. The goals of Leeds United's offensive partners last season locked the score.

Leeds United achieved an important victory. After this game, Leeds United's league ranking rose to seventh place, and the team also saw the hope of directly entering the European arena next season.

…………

Two days later, Leeds United came to the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough. Middlesbrough failed to stop Leeds United from marching into Europe.

1: 0!

Li Rui's long-range shot in less than 5 minutes of the game helped Leeds United establish an early lead and expanded his league goals to 13. However, in this round of the game, Arsenal's away game Henry scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 thrashing of Newcastle at St. James' Park, once again leading Li Rui by one goal in the scoring charts.

Li Rui's goal was also the only goal of the game. In the 69th minute of the game, Middlesbrough midfielder Downing had a shot, which hit the forward Nemeth's goal in the penalty area. He rolled into the net, but the referee Ball believed that the moment Downing shot, Nemeth was offside and the goal was invalid.

This penalty caused dissatisfaction among the Middlesbrough players. Tang Ning, who already had a yellow card, was sent off with a red card for applauding and booing at the golden whistle.

The decision angered the Middlesbrough fans at the Riverside Stadium, booing everywhere, but the slow motion showed that Nemeth was indeed half a length behind the last Leeds United defender at the moment Downing shot. For Dubury, there is no doubt about the penalty.

After this round of competition, Leeds United, which brought back 3 points from the Riverside Stadium, also climbed to sixth place in the standings, and officially entered the area of ​​​​entering the European arena...

This also made Leeds fans and the media ecstatic. At this time, no one doubted what the Leeds United coach said when he clamored to enter the European arena.

…………

However, at this time, the team encountered great difficulties.

In an intra-team match, after Albertini cleared the football, he swung his right leg on the spot and lay on the turf in pain. The injury of the captain also worried the entire Leeds United team. The results came out quickly.

"Well... sprained ankle. In addition, Demi's knee has serious water accumulation, which is caused by excessive fatigue. I am afraid that we will lose the captain of the team for a while." The team doctor Bird read The film was shot and said to the worried head coach Eddie Gray.

"How long will it take?" Eddie Gray asked with a frown. Now, it's time for the devil's schedule to start, and the team's recent results are also very good. At this time, Albertini's injury made the original player reserve Leeds United, which is so good, is even more stretched.

"It will take at least 20 days..." Bird said affirmatively, and he explained, "It didn't take such a long time. It's just that Demi is too tired, and he needs to rest for a while."

"20 days?" Eddie Gray felt better. Fortunately, it was only 20 days. However, he began to worry again. Now that the devil's schedule, the team really has no player who can replace Albertini, Stephen McPhail can serve as a defensive midfielder, but after all, he cannot play the role of an excellent captain.

…………

However, it wasn't just these things that made Eddie Gray depressed.

After the training, Milner suddenly pestered Li Rui and others to train for a while, which made Li Rui very surprised that this guy would take the initiative to train more.

However, it turned out that Li Rui had overestimated Milner. This guy was just playing for fun. He wanted to experience what it was like to be a goalkeeper. Not to mention, Milner's saves in the goalkeeper uniform were really impressive. Looks good.

Li Rui kicked a few times, but was thrown out. At this time, Alan Lennon also yelled that he wanted to come up and teach Milner a lesson.

Alan Lennon also came up with playfulness. He kicked a curve ball with an extremely tricky angle. He only saw Milner make a beautiful diving leap and saved the football. However, after landing, everyone I heard Milner's yell, followed by a painful expression.

"James, what's the matter?" Li Rui ran over and asked with concern.

"Finger, my finger..." said poor Milner, sweating profusely.

"It's over, I overplayed it..." Alan Lennon also realized that something had happened. At this time, the team doctor also rushed over after hearing the news. After learning what happened here, the head coach Eddie Gray also ran away angrily. coming.

…………

"I'm afraid it's a broken bone?" Bird frowned. He heard that Milner was a guest goalkeeper, and he dared to dive into the ball without wearing gloves. He knew that the problem was serious.

The unlucky Milner went to shoot a film, and Eddie Gray naturally wouldn't let Alan Lennon and Li Rui go, and he scolded them head and face. Now, at this time, he has already done it because of Albertini. Now, the team's main right winger has broken his finger because of his guest goalkeeper, which really makes him angry.

The two guys were also at fault in their hearts, so naturally they didn't dare to say anything, so they had to lower their eyebrows to be scolded. Now they just want to pray that Milner's injury will not be too serious. This has nothing to do with being scolded. At this time, the importance of Milner to the team.

…………

Eddie Gray stood on the sidelines, looking at the report on James Milner's injury submitted by the club doctor Bird, with a serious expression on his face.

"Uh, Eddie, I think you should be mentally prepared, and the result is almost out." The expression on Bird's face is also very bad. In fact, anyone who is involved in such a thing will be in a bad mood, " It's a broken middle finger."

"How long will it take?" Eddie Gray's expression on his face was uglier than that of a dead mother. This was already the second time he asked the team doctor this question within a day, and he was so annoyed to death.

"At least one and a half months..." Byrd gave a conservative estimate.

…………

Hearing this time, the head coach of Leeds United looked even more ugly. In one day, two main players of Leeds United were injured consecutively. This has to make people wonder whether Leeds United has been cursed. Di Gray really wanted to find a psychic to show Leeds United.

"Damn it! If anyone plays as a goalkeeper for fun in the future, he will never be able to play in the game!" Eddie Gray's roar could be heard throughout the training ground, and the Leeds United players lined up in two rows. Among them, Alan Lennon and Li Rui buried their heads low. They didn't want to look up and see the boss's almost cannibalistic eyes...

…………

For Leeds United, the accidental injuries of Albertini and Milner are definitely bad news that couldn't be worse.

Now, the morale of the team is strong. In the Devil's schedule during the Christmas season, they have achieved 2 wins and 1 tie. It can be said to be a very good result. , and then achieve good results, it is definitely not a dream for Leeds United to enter Europe. However, now, Leeds United has encountered a big crisis.

Two days later, in the 2004st round of the Premier League in the 2005-21 season, Leeds United played away with Portsmouth. After 90 minutes, the score was still 0:0.

In this game, Leeds United without Albertini and Milner is like a car with one wheel missing. They can't find the rhythm of attack on the court, lack Albertini's long pass scheduling, and Milner's pull on the wing, Li Rui also performed mediocre in this game. In addition, Portsmouth defenders Griffey and Primus also stared at Li Rui very closely, and used Foul tactics, so, in front of the TV, seeing her son being knocked down again and again by the opponent as if cutting a log, Zhang Huifen felt very distressed.

…………

After the game, the players of Leeds United returned to Leeds overnight. This was already the third game of Leeds United within a week. Everyone was extremely tired, and it was the first time that Li Rui had nothing to do. Without additional practice, he greeted Delphi and Jonathan and returned to his residence.

After taking a hot bath, Li Rui lay on the bed, feeling exhausted all over his body. Li Rui touched his ankle, which still felt a little painful. A mean guy with a penchant for some downright bad little tricks.

At this time, the phone rang, and Li Rui saw that it was from home, so he quickly pressed the answer button.

My mother, Zhang Huifen, first asked about Li Rui's body with concern. When watching the game, every time Li Rui was brought down, Zhang Huifen's heart skipped a beat.

Li Rui told his mother not to worry, saying that he was as strong as a calf, and he didn't want his mother to worry about him across the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel.

"Happy New Year, Xiao Rui." At this time, his father Li Haisheng grabbed the phone and said.

'Happy New Year? Li Rui was stunned for a moment before realizing that today is January 1st, isn't it the New Year?

"Happy New Year, Dad, Mom, you have worked hard." Li Rui's mouth has always been very sweet, but this is also the truth. I am playing abroad, and I can't take good care of my parents, and it makes the elderly worry. , It's really unfilial.

After receiving a call from home, Li Rui felt a little depressed. He felt much better, but he was too tired. He turned off his mobile phone, lay on the bed, and fell asleep after a while.

…………

Two days later, in the 2004nd round of the Premier League in the 2005-22 season, Leeds United ushered in Liverpool at their home court.

1: 2!

This was the final score of the game. Leeds United lost home and away to Liverpool this season, which made Eddie Gray extremely annoyed.

This game ended Leeds United's 5-round unbeaten round. At the same time, after a draw with Portsmouth in the previous round, they lost to Liverpool 1:2 at home in this round. Leeds United's points have gone from The seventh place in the standings has slipped to the ninth place. The European arena, which once seemed so close, seems to be drifting away...

…………

After the game, the local Leeds media, which has always seldom spoke ill of Leeds United, also criticized the team's recent performance. The columnist football commentator Jamie Kelly of the "Yorkshire Post" even expressed disappointment. "Continuing in this state, it is simply an impossible empty talk for Leeds United to enter the European arena..."

In this game, at the Elland Road Stadium, amidst the cheers of the Leeds United fans, the Leeds United team performed quite poorly. Leeds United, which lacked captain Albertini, appeared abnormally blind in offense. The defense is also full of loopholes.

Stephen McPhail, who replaced the injured Albertini, seemed to be sleepwalking most of the time. It seemed that he didn't suddenly wake up until he tackled Gerrard behind his back and was sent off with a red card.

…………

Milner, who replaced Milner with a broken finger, and Pennant, who temporarily played as a right winger, did not perform well, basically not causing any decent trouble for Liverpool on offense.

The commentators of Sky TV, Taibi and Lineker, were also guessing in the broadcast room the reason for Leeds United's poor performance throughout the game. In this game, Leeds United and the away game at Anfield Stadium lost 2:3. Compared with the game, it is almost two grades. The reason seems to be obvious. The camera is constantly aimed at the two wounded Leeds United captain Albertini and Milner in the stands. The two people in the camera look serious, very Obviously also worried about the current situation of the team.

…………

Objectively speaking, Li Rui's performance in this game is still good. In the 52nd minute of the game, he hit the post with a shot and rolled out. However, Liverpool defender Hyypia, who returned to defend, It was a clear kick directly, and the football accidentally kicked Alonso's butt, bounced back, and rolled into the net. Liverpool goalkeeper Dudek was really helpless for such a conceded goal.

With this unexpected goal, Leeds United equalized the score 1:1!

However, after 5 minutes, Stephen McPhail tackled Gerrard behind the back in the penalty area, was sent off by a red card, and was awarded a penalty kick. Leeds United 1:2 Liverpool, the score fell behind, and one less man fought, Moreover, the state of the team is really bad, and there is no way to recover.

…………

Throughout the game, Leeds United coach Eddie Gray has been off the field, roaring like an angry lion. He doesn't want to see his team being beaten by that Spanish guy named Benitez. Double play at home and away in one season is really unacceptable, and it's uncomfortable to think about it.

When the referee blew the whistle for the end of the game, on the electronic scoreboard at Elland Road Stadium, Leeds United 1:2 Liverpool score could no longer be changed. Eddie Gray finally calmed down. He even Without shaking hands with the opponent's coach Benitez, he turned and left the field. The smug smile on the Spaniard's face made the 'rogue coach' feel insulted.

Benitez's outstretched right hand stopped there awkwardly. He looked at Eddie Gray's sturdy and fat back, gritted his teeth, and the camera was aimed at the head coach of Liverpool. The Spaniard's face could be seen how angry...

…………

At the press conference after the game, Benitez criticized the rude behavior of the Leeds United coach and claimed that he would not forgive the Leeds United coach for his behavior.

At this time, Liverpool coach Benitez is undoubtedly the winner, and the winner should be respected. However, Eddie Gray's butt twist only left Benitez with an unfriendly back, making him A winning Liverpool manager is worse than swallowing a fly.

…………

The next day, newspapers throughout England, except the local media in Leeds, condemned the impolite behavior of the Leeds United coach. The Manchester Guardian even bluntly stated that Eddie Gray's behavior had shamed the whole of England. , the image of a well-mannered English gentleman in the eyes of the world has been completely ruined.

The media in England, like Eddie Gray, it seems that there are really few, almost most of them, they reported the loss of Leeds United and the impoliteness of Leeds United coach Eddie Gray with a gloating mentality the behavior of.

In the words of the head coach of Leeds United, at this time, the whole of England is against him, but when he said this, the 'rogue coach' seemed to be proud.

…………

Li Rui was paralyzed on the sofa, not wanting to move. On the one hand, he was too tired. In less than two weeks, Leeds United had played four games, and he was really exhausted physically. Almost everyone felt quite exhausted. Tired.

Of course, more importantly, losing the game against Liverpool left Li Rui without any spirit. He longed for victory and hated failure. No one would like to lose, and no one would like it. Opponent, beat twice in a row!

Li Rui watched the TV, which was all about the review of the focus match between Liverpool and Leeds United. Seeing the Liverpool players celebrating unscrupulously at Elland Road, Li Rui was so angry that he changed a few times in a row. This channel is all about this game, it is really depressing enough!

After turning off the TV, Li Rui lay on the bed, looking at the ceiling, counting sheep boringly, trying to fall asleep, but unfortunately, he couldn't fall asleep no matter what.

…………

On the weekend, it was time for the FA Cup match to start to ignite the flames. Leeds United's opponent was a team in the lower league of England called Idin.

The biggest highlight of this game is whether Idin, a tadpole team in the English regional league, can continue to create brilliance. The FA Cup match between Leeds United and Idin is the most important match in the history of the FA Cup. , so far, the confrontation between the two sides at the league level with the largest gap.

Nevin Saloa, the captain and defensive core of the Eden team, was considered by the legendary star Vinnie Jones in the glorious period of the Wimbledon team with the title of "Crazy Gang" to be his successor. The driver...is considered to be the key to whether this tadpole team can create the biggest miracle in the history of the FA Cup!
Blood of the Young Guards VS Crazy Gang...

A game not to watch.

****************
(Not an update, just a modification.)
PS: Let me call for the support of the recommendation ticket. Now, it has been squeezed out of the weekly category recommendation list. I hope that everyone who has a ticket can get a few, otherwise, it will be too miserable...

Thanks!

(End of this chapter)