ball magic

There is a 4 hour time difference between Argentina and the UK.

Robson Sr. stayed up all night watching Raphael's game, so he got up a little later the next day.

After he saw his wife put the Sun on the top of the dining table, the old gentleman found that he and the uneasy man who was nicknamed the "walking news maker" and "headline specialist" The disciples made headlines together.

The former broke the news that his name has entered the Queen's birthday coronation list this year, which means that he may be knighted.

What about the latter?

Obviously, I was too happy to set off fireworks with my sweetheart, completely ignoring the possible media around me, so that not only the local media took photos, but even local fans uploaded a bunch of them on the network.

The old Robson couldn't help but sighed to his wife after watching it: "Young people nowadays are really getting more and more confused."

One second, they were still talking about love under the fireworks, and the next second they were competing to reach the base first?

Is it because I don't understand young people's love, or is it that Raphael is so different when it comes to love?

"That's such a good boy," Mrs. Elsie was full of praise for Raphael, "He actually spent so much money demolishing and rebuilding dilapidated houses, but why did he let those people live in the slums?"

This is what Mrs. Elsie doesn't understand.

The old gentleman had a lot of knowledge and knowledge, and explained to his wife: "They left the slums, how will they live? It is the largest slum in South America, and there are hospitals and cheap restaurants in it. Many people can only afford the slums here. The cost of living. And Rafael is not the Argentine government, he has done enough, he can't completely change the lives of these people."

Mrs. Elsie nodded thoughtfully.

When the old Robson turned to the newspaper again, he couldn't help sighing. John Toshack had already dismissed get out of class because he failed to qualify for the Champions League for the team.

Rafael's favorite coach, left Deportivo.

Old Robson was depressed, and his joy of being awarded an honor also faded away.

After he finished his breakfast, he was about to review the video recorded yesterday, when he received a call from his old friend Alex Ferguson.

In fact, it is not very objective to say that he and Ferguson are old friends, because when he was the coach of the England national team, he and Ferguson did not get along very well. This guy always complained that he recruited his people , who needs a break, is annoying.

But there is no way, this is the difference between the coach of the national team and the coach of the club. Everyone has to guarantee their own interests, so after he left that position, the two immediately became real friends.

"Good morning, Fergie"

"Don't talk about it, I want to discuss yesterday's game in Argentina with you, does it have anything to do with you?"

The old Robson was stunned for a moment before realizing that he was referring to Bielsa's tactics, which made him immediately get up and say: "I also want to discuss yesterday's game with you, it is definitely a genius idea, and it is only a lunatic A formation, but I think he will succeed, he gave Rafael freedom..."

It's not that the old man is playing his disciples, although he is indeed competing with Toshack for the number one blow.

The old Robson, who believes in "there is no best formation, only the most comfortable formation for the players", saw in yesterday's game that this formation was almost tailor-made for Raphael!

"It really is something that only Argentines can come up with..." Ferguson also muttered.

He is a coach who is good at learning. Manchester United ended the season full of regret for the fans with the double crown, but Ferguson has come out of the regret of missing the triple crown and devoted himself to his work seriously.

He wants to gain something in the America's Cup, maybe a talented player, or maybe a way to limit Rafael.

As a result, he only saw a hearty, extremely crazy offensive football, and Mexico became the first dead soul under the knife of such a crazy Argentine.

"This formation requires too much personal ability and physical fitness of the players, and the ability requirements of the two wingers are also very high. The more important thing is of course the position of 1, your beloved disciple. The entire midfield is in his Take control."

When Ferguson commented here, he couldn't help saying deeply: "Once Rafael is injured, who will Argentina choose as his replacement? You must know that anyone can replace him, but his position is irreplaceable."

"I think it might be Veron." The old Robson, who knows Italy better, said here, and he made fun of the Argentine in a less gentlemanly way.

"But the Argentines obviously don't think it's possible to have both. He wasn't drafted at all this time. When the sun rises in the east, the moon will inevitably set in the west. This is Argentina."

Ferguson didn't comment on his old friend. He was a Scot, so he didn't bother to care about the grievances and entanglements between England and the Argentines. More importantly, he knew that Rafael's choice of Argentina made the old Robson feel painful.

He was still very considerate to his old friend, and continued: "I think the biggest problem with this lineup is the two flanks. If they can't balance offense and defense well, with only one defensive midfielder, the defense line will definitely be blown up. .”

He was expressing his opinions so seriously, but who knew that old Robson actually laughed when he heard his words, and he sounded very happy!

"Then I look forward to them meeting Brazil in the Copa America. If the results are good, I can just follow suit next season!"

Ferguson: "..."

After all, you are also a champion coach who has just won the Triple Crown, and you are considered successful in the entire European coaching circle. Now you can't wait to let Brazil help you "check the goods", and then you can't wait to play a copycat?

"If Rafael, Zanetti, and Simeone were your players, wouldn't you do this?" Old Robson asked confidently.

Ferguson was silent.

The old Robson is a loyal fan of offensive football. The dogma Ferguson believes in is a solid defense and a devastating attack, so Manchester United's football is often very passionate.

But Argentina's 42-year-old marshal brought them a new concept of offensive football last night, which also gave them a refreshing feeling.

In the end, Ferguson replied meaningfully to his old friend: "The ultimate thing is often the most beautiful, but it is also the most fragile."

The old Robson smiled, and he agreed with Ferguson.

From the perspective of the British, he does not want Bielsa's attempt to be successful, because this "success" means sweeping the world, and Argentina will win the third World Cup trophy.

But from the perspective of football, from the perspective of a loyal fan of pure offensive football, he is looking forward to this change that may bring great changes to football.

John Toshack's dismissal did not have much impact on football.

In this era, the most watched league is definitely Serie A, while the Premier League has a huge audience in Commonwealth countries, and La Liga is often not taken seriously.

Even though Depor has won two La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey titles in the past few seasons, in the eyes of the world, La Liga will always be a duet between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

It is normal for such a "dark horse" to change coaches, and maybe Deportivo will be beaten back to its original shape next season.

But this incident affected Raphael's mood.

After he was told about this by Aimar, he called Toshack immediately, but his mentor didn't wait for him to comfort him, and grabbed him with a little excitement to discuss Bielsa's "3313". Listen to the views of Rafael, a core player.

"This lineup gives me unprecedented freedom, but if I have Simeone behind me, you know, I can't devote myself to the attack. If it is Abidal or Redondo, it may be a different experience. .”

This is the voice of Raphael.

Even though he knew that Bielsa used such an extreme formation to sweep the South American invincibles, but overturned in the World Cup group stage and got the worst World Cup record in team history, but he still firmly believes that Bielsa is a genius.

"You like Bielsa," Toshack said sharply.

"I like his tactics," Raphael corrected slightly. "My favorite Argentine coach, I think Mr. Pekerman. I also like the feeling of playing under him, it is a unique feeling." , and a natural feeling."

Toshack couldn't help laughing after hearing his words, he was very happy, because he felt the little thoughtfulness of his disciple, but he would not be jealous.

"I watched the World Youth Championship, and I have to say that it was a game played by a group of creative Argentines."

Toshack gave Pekerman a high evaluation. He did not underestimate the coach who has led Argentina to win two World Youth Championships. "That Riquelme, he is also very creative. But That means you have to play other roles."

Although he said admiring words, Toshack is not optimistic about Riquelme's future in Argentina, because he is half a year older than Rafa.

And Argentina can only have one core, the ball can only be given to one person, and the ball can only be played around one person.

But his disciples told him

"I think I don't need to think so far now, I want to win the America's Cup first." Μ.三彡ㄚQxS.CǒM

Raphael only focuses on the present!

If they can't even win the America's Cup, what else can they talk about?

Toshack clearly agrees with his disciples: "Of course you will win the America's Cup, because you are a natural winner and you will win all championships!"

Raphael chuckled before he couldn't help but say, "I didn't call you to hear you praise me."

"Then do you want to comfort me? Boy, look down on me, Real Madrid invited me to be a coach! Of course I have other invitations! I don't have to worry about work!"

Toshack said this with high spirits!

Like the old Robson, he can be regarded as a strange flower among British coaches. Unlike the old Robson who went around in the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, he jumped around in La Liga.

Now that Laco's job is gone, he doesn't have to worry about a new job.

Raphael: "..."

Real Madrid?

Oh, he remembered, Lao Tuo was not only included in Real Madrid's philatelic roster, he also entered the palace twice!

Toshack found out that his news stunned his disciples, and couldn't help but say, "Rafa? What's wrong with you? Don't you want me to go to Real Madrid?"

Rafael...you don't really hate Real Madrid, do you?

"I'm just thinking about your ex-ex-ex-ex-ex-ex-ex, who won the Champions League but did not win the league championship and was dismissed. Your previous three ex-executors, one was because of being out of the Champions League, one was always bullied because of his temper, and the other was absolutely innocent. There is no coaching ability at all. Four coaches have been changed in two seasons, which shows that Real Madrid Chairman Sanz has a repeated personality and is impatient. Are you ready?"

This is actually too rare. Toshack hasn't heard him say such a long word in one breath for a long time, and it's just for "voicing". It's all love for himself.

Lao Tuo smiled slyly: "Rafa, good boy, I know what you think, but Real Madrid pays a high salary, and the termination fee is also high."

Rafael: "...You are right, from a practical point of view, you can earn more."

Toshack's slightly smug laugh answered him.

Raphael hung up the phone and watched the whole process. Aimar, who had been patient for a long time, was almost rolling with laughter.

This guy has a low laugh!

But Raphael couldn't help but smile, this is Lao Tuo, the Lao Tuo he likes.

Real Madrid and Deportivo are not at the same level at all. The former is one of the most successful clubs in the world. The top giants naturally have top traffic.

Toshack's re-employment will obviously create a wave of employment for the Spanish media, but the media also have to accept the fact that this summer, the only international competition is the America's Cup.

Although the current America's Cup has not yet incarnated the "Weekly Cup" of later generations, compared with the European Cup, the gold content is a bit worse, and the degree of intensity and excitement is also affected by the number of participating countries, resulting in insufficient attention. Not as good as the European Cup.

But this summer, the European media, who have always looked down on the America's Cup with their nostrils upturned, started hyping the America's Cup early.

Whoever wins the cup between Rafael and Ronaldo will win this year's Golden Globe.And Argentina and Brazil are a pair of rivals.

In the football circle, because Mexico was swept by Argentina 6-0, they paid attention to Bielsa's tactics, which also added some topics to this summer.

When the time came to June 6, Argentina came to Paraguay, the host country of this Copa America.

Because there are a total of 10 countries in South America, including Mexico and Japan, which were invited to participate, there are only 12 teams participating in the competition.

In the group stage, only 4 teams will be eliminated, and the remaining 8 teams will enter the quarterfinals.

With such competitiveness and intensity, the America's Cup can outperform the many participating countries, and the European Cup, which has frequent upsets, is a ghost. But there are only 10 countries, so what can they do?

Argentina was assigned to Group C, the same group of opponents have their old enemies Uruguay, Ecuador and Colombia.

As soon as this group came out, basically everyone believed that the two teams with blue and white flags and five-color suns would qualify together, and the two teams with red, blue and yellow flags would give away heads.

What about Brazil?

Their luck is slightly better, because their opponents are Venezuela, Mexico and Chile.

Before the start of the war between Argentina and Mexico, everyone was optimistic that Brazil and Mexico would qualify together.And with the "Double Sa", the Chilean team, which also participated in the World Cup last year, is also very likely to win a qualifying place.

Argentina's first game starts on June 6, with the first leg against Ecuador.

Before the game started, the Argentine team knew the starting lineup.

"We need to use battles to train. The group stage is the best time for us to train. Before we meet Brazil, we will try to find a feeling for the Uruguayans."

This is Bielsa's pre-match declaration.

It can be clearly said that the young marshal completely ignored Ecuador.But he is not too arrogant, at least his roster still reflects the importance he attaches to the first game of the Copa America.

The goalkeeper is still Boggs, which is currently the best option for Argentina in the goalkeeper position.

The three backs are also unchanged, still Samuel, Ayala and Vivas.

The two wingbacks are still Sorin and Zanetti, and the front trident is Keeley, Crespo and Aimar.

The only surprise is the position of the midfielder.

Redondo starts!

Rafael can finally play with Redondo!

But for others, the greater significance of the game may be that for the first time the Argentine national team captain's armband will appear on Rafael's left arm.

Of course, considering that the relationship between Raphael and Simeone is very good, Bielsa feared that they would have conflicts, and communicated with Simeone in advance.

His purpose is very simple, there are not so many circles around, he just wants to know who is the best partner for Raphael.

He will also give Abidal a chance later.

By the time of the 02 World Cup, whether Batty, Redondo, or Simeone and Abidal will be old, these few years will also be their peak to the end of their careers, and he has to have more choices.

This is why Bielsa made a public start in the team in advance.

Simeone took the matter lightly.

If it was to give his captain's armband to Sorin, he would definitely be upset, but if it was to the little ball bully...

He is 30 years old, and his goal now is to win the World Cup in 02, and then retire from the national team with great glory.

Rather than worrying about the captain's armband, he might as well think about how to keep his main position and not be squeezed out by Abidal and Redondo. After all, the current lineup is too heavy on offense and light on defense...

More importantly, the little ball bully will be the captain of his club next season, so why not give him the captain's armband of the national team?

Simeone himself was very open and agreed with Bielsa's decision, but Argentina's locker room has always been a sieve!

Less than half a day after Bielsa announced the starting lineup, the Argentine media has begun to hype the news that Bielsa will change the captain.

Bielsa was extremely annoyed by this. His team must be fine, that is, some of the players broke the news to the outside world, but he couldn't catch the insider wantonly, so he could only endure the anger.

The day before the game, Bielsa took Rafael and Simeone to the pre-match conference together.

As soon as the three of them appeared, the eyes of the reporters in the entire news hall immediately lit up, and they frantically pressed the shutter.

Bielsa did not have the idea of ​​being interviewed by reporters. He sat down and said to everyone: "I saw that everyone had some speculation, and then I brought two parties. I want to tell everyone that I have no idea of ​​​​changing the captain for the time being. If so, I will take the initiative to hold a press conference to tell everyone the news.”

After complaining about the media, Bielsa went on to say: "Diego Simeone has been doing well during his time as captain, and he is also one of the players in the national team who has played the most times on behalf of Argentina.

It is my luck and Argentina's luck to have such a captain. "

After Bielsa finished speaking, a reporter asked a question, but he ignored the reporter and signaled that everyone could interview the two parties.

The media went to Simeone first!

"Diego, Rafael will be the captain of Inter Milan next season. Do you think he can be a good captain in the future?"

Simeone laughed when he heard this question. He glanced at Rafael and said jokingly: "You also said that he will be my captain in the club next season. If I say he is not good, What if he retaliates against me? Of course, I can retaliate in the national team."

This answer immediately made the live media laugh.

Simeone didn't let the reporter ask any more angles or tricky questions, or questions that were so shallow that he was upset, and then boasted: "Raphael is a genius. This is an undoubted fact. But many people ignore one point. Tian has a poker face, but we know very well that he is the youngest player in the national team.

We want to take care of him, protect him, even want to spoil him.

So please don't misunderstand our relationship, I like this kid as much as everyone else. "

Speaking of this, he took a look at Raphael, and he saw that Raphael's expression was a bit weird. He followed Raphael's gaze, and saw several of his teammates in the passageway of the news hall. Covering his mouth and laughing strangely.

Simeone: "..."

Second Olympic!

Why did I say these sweet words!

Telling the media and telling teammates, can this be the same thing?

Simeone was heartbroken, and the media sitting in the front row also couldn't help laughing when they saw the Argentine players watching the fun in the channel.

However, Simeone had already pushed the microphone away, with a look of "I'm done talking", and the media didn't bother to pay attention to him anymore, and they immediately pointed their finger at Raphael.

Soon a reporter asked: "Rafa, what do you think of you and Simeone being the captains of each other?"

Unexpectedly, Raphael did not answer this question immediately, but looked at him with blue-gray eyes for two seconds, and when the reporter felt a little embarrassed, he corrected him: "I haven't become his captain yet, this question Too early to ask, next."

"Pfft!" Batty couldn't help laughing out!

Simeone's face couldn't hold back anymore.

The players who watched the excitement were still like this, and the media on the scene laughed at this colleague, but the press conference was still going on, and a reporter was pointed out.

"Rafa, how do you feel about wearing the Argentina captain's armband?"

The reporter actually revised his question, which did not include the word "soon" in his original question.

But even so, Raphael still said: "I haven't worn it yet, and I can't talk about how I feel."

reporter:"……"

If I knew it earlier, I would just change the question!

But Rafael did not end this topic, but continued: "It is the glory of every Argentine player to be able to wear the Argentine jersey, let alone wearing the captain's armband? I can only say that in order not to dishonor the glory of Argentina, I will Do your best in tomorrow's game."

It was indeed his voice.

Bielsa has given him tactical freedom and given him such a surprise that he will give everything in return.