long live football

A head coach cannot succeed without good assistants.

Behind every coach who has become a world-renowned coach, there is a group of men who give silently.

Assistant coaches, goalkeeper coaches, physical coaches, team doctors, and scouts are the basic equipment of the coaching staff. Collectors, tactical analysts, etc., form a team of dozens of assistants.

Originally, the coaching staff of the national team should be assigned by the FA, but in order to show favor to Carl, the FA deliberately handed over all the autonomy of the England coaching staff to Carl, allowing him to choose whoever he wants, even if his favorites are all It doesn't matter to foreigners, as long as there is a place left to be selected as an assistant borrowed from England.

Reciprocity, the FA gave Karl a favor, and Karl also gave the other side a lot of face. Most of the coaching team members he chose were borrowed from England.

Carl's idea is very simple and practical. English people are most familiar with English football. If they can find a suitable assistant at home, why go abroad to find it?

For the position of the first assistant coach, Karl took a fancy to the 36-year-old Brendan Rogers, who had served as the youth team coach in Reading and Chelsea.

Rogers was not famous when he was a player, because he retired early due to injury at the age of 20. People can't know how talented Rogers is in playing football, but after he has been the coach of the Reading youth team for nearly ten years, and five years After being the head coach of Chelsea's youth team and reserve team, at least people can see that he has a lot of talent as a coach.

Karl found some game videos of the Reading youth team and Chelsea reserve team when Rodgers was in charge, and found that under the guidance of the other party, the playing style of those youth team players was very similar to that of Beckenbauer when he was young, full of control And aggressiveness, there is always forward, always attacking momentum, this style is exactly what the current England national team lacks, and it is what Karl wants to give to the Three Lions.

When consulting Mourinho on this matter, the "madman" who has become the coach of Inter Milan was full of praise when he mentioned Rogers: "When I first met Rogers, he was still the head coach of the Reading youth team. Ding had a warm-up match with Chelsea, and he left a deep impression on me in that game. After inviting him to join my coaching team in 04, Rodgers also did a good job at Chelsea. The players he brought out not only have discipline sex, and creativity…”

Speaking of the latter, Mourinho still smacked his lips in a pity: "Rodgers is a rare good assistant. I invited him when I came to Inter Milan last year. If he hadn't said that he prefers to stay in England to work , I will leave him to you."

Carl choked back: "Rodgers doesn't follow you to Milan, it only shows that he doesn't really love you."

Mourinho shot back: "It's as if Rodgers already belongs to you-let's talk about inviting him first. Last year I heard that he didn't want to be an assistant anymore, but wanted to start working alone."

Without further ado, Carl quickly found Rogers' private cell phone number and called him that afternoon.

After receiving Carl's call, Rogers was obviously surprised: "Yes, Watford, the British Championship team, has sent me an invitation, hoping that I can be the head coach of the club. I haven't agreed yet... But this matter How did you find out?"

Carl was glad that he called early enough: "I asked a mutual friend of ours, Mourinho, about you." He didn't talk nonsense, but directly stated his purpose: "Mr. Rogers, have you Are you interested in coming to the national team and becoming my first assistant coach?"

There was silence on the other end of the phone, but the heavy and rapid breathing from the microphone could make Carl feel that his invitation caused waves in Rogers' heart.

I am most afraid that there will be no response. Since there is a heartbeat, then the next thing will be much easier.

"I have read some of your coaching materials at Reading and Chelsea. The same team of players is handed over to different coaches. Some coaches may only train them to play football well, and some coaches may only teach them how to enjoy it. There are coaches who do both and in my mind you are such a good coach Mr Rodgers, I appreciate the impactful technical football you get your youth players to play, and I want to transplant this style of football to the national team."

Rogers' breathing became heavier, but he still hesitated a little.

Karl made his voice very sincere: "I know you want to coach a team by yourself as soon as possible, but don't you think it is very good to add some experience working in the national team for yourself? After a year and a half In the World Cup in South Africa, I have very big ambitions, and this ambition cannot be realized without the help of excellent assistants. I sincerely hope that you can come to the national team and teach the England players with me, so that They're getting better, and when we get some results—we're definitely going to be able to get amazing results. If you want to leave by then, I won't stop you, and then you probably won't get a share Not from a Championship club, but directly from a Premier League team."

After a ten-minute call, Rogers took a deep breath: "I think we need to meet, just tonight, you show me your ambition, and I need a pen to sign the contract."

Carl smiled contentedly.

……

As the coach of the Three Lions, Carl's every move has attracted much attention. He just invited Rogers successfully the night before yesterday. The next morning, more than a dozen English reporters stood outside Rogers' house.

Rogers accepted an exclusive interview from The Times: "When I decided to become a coach, my first goal was to make a difference. Although I haven't coached a team independently yet, I can receive I feel that I have been greatly encouraged by the invitation from Alston and the FA to become the assistant coach of the national team, and this job is the greatest affirmation of my ability."

"Oston is a head coach I admire very much. He is younger than me, but he has achieved what most coaches have been hardworking for decades. I think there must be something I can learn from him. From now on, I will learn the successful methods and experience from Auston like a sponge thirsty for knowledge."

Rogers' interview made the British media feel deeply: Auston's attractiveness cannot be underestimated if he can persuade a coach who has decided to go it alone to give up his mind and turn the other party into his assistant.

After the first assistant coach was settled, Karl quickly invited the second assistant coach: Stuart Pierce, the head coach of the England Olympic team and the U21 youth team.

Pierce is regarded as a famous football player in England. He played for Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, West Ham United and Manchester City as a player. At the age of 38, he even won the "Premier League Player of the Month" award because of his outstanding performance. A young player, after retiring from Manchester City, Pierce stayed in Blue Moon as a coach. He was the coach of Manchester City for 2 years and also won the "Best Coach of the Month". No.1 for Player of the Month and Head Coach of the Month.

Karl will invite Pierce because he values ​​the other party's status as the England U21 head coach.

Because Karl wants to promote young players with talent and strength.

And Pierce will agree to Karl, it is precisely because of this reason: Pierce also wants to send more young blood to the national team.

The two hit it off.

The remaining members of the coaching team, scouts, fitness coach, goalkeeper coach and team doctor, Carr all chose candidates recommended by the FA.

In fact, Karl once thought about replacing England's team doctor.

Just like the German team has "Wonderful Doctor" Wolfart, Italy has "Crucis Ligament Angel" Nani, Finland has "Maradona in the Achilles tendon" Orava, France has saved aliens Ronaldo and Shu Like Celant in Maher's professional life, Karl has been thinking that it would be great if England also had a "miracle doctor" in the field of sports medicine.

It's a pity that there are no famous doctors with miraculous skills in the UK, and the team doctors of the Premier League teams are simply scumbags.

In other words, Arsenal's team doctor Levy is not bad.

But what Carl wanted was a full-time team doctor, and it would be best if he could be by the side all the time during training or games of the England team, but Wenger refused to let him go, and Levi could only work part-time in the national team at most, so Carl chose another Ian Beasley, a full-time doctor, and keeps in touch with several famous doctors in Europe, so that if something serious happens to the England team in the future, and the team doctor is not useful, he can quickly send the players to other places for treatment .

……

As early as the beginning of December last year, "French Football" awarded the trophy of the 12 European Footballer of the Year, which was selected by the sports media, that is, the Golden Globe trophy. The winner was Javier, who has now put on the Real Madrid jersey Portillo.

In the annual awards ceremony held by FIFA in mid-January this year, Portillo defeated the European Cup Golden Boot winner and C Ronaldo, and Messi with 1 points, won the "835 World Footballer of the Year" trophy.

Portillo, like Kaka last year, won the grand slam in individual player awards.

Karl flew to Paris to attend the European Golden Globe Awards Ceremony, because at the same time he won the title of "Best Coach of the Year" awarded by UEFA because of the "Five Crowns".

As for FIFA's celebration at the Zurich Opera House, Carl and Ronaldo participated in the ceremony.

Karl wants to see his disciples who have left him hold the cup (the FIFA awards ceremony does not have the best coach award), and Ronaldo was selected for the FIFA best team of the year.

Although he was double-killed by Portillo in terms of personal honor, Ronaldo did not see much frustration on his expression when he received the World Footballer of the Year award and stood for the best team.

Because the electric blue satin suit he wore tonight not only attracted the attention of the audience, but also attracted the attention of the whole world.

When walking on the red carpet and on stage, more than half of the hundreds of cameras in the audience followed his pace to shoot. Even Carl, because he was dressed in a decent way tonight, did not get as many flashes as the other party.

Against the backdrop of all the men in the Zurich Opera House wearing black suits, Ronaldo's electric blue suit with glorious satin and extremely close-fitting tailoring can be called "blinding everyone's eyes". His light and mature masculinity not only made all the ladies look sideways at him frequently, but even many men couldn't help but sneak glances from time to time, and then thought in their hearts: "Should I also dress like this next year?" '

Presumably, the key reports of media from all over the world tomorrow will include Ronaldo's distinctive attire in addition to Portillo's trophy.

As for the origin of Ronaldo's suit——

a week ago.

Carl was holding the suit that he carefully matched and that he found a tailor he knew in London to hurry up with. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly and asked Ronaldo: "Are you sure you want to wear this at the FIFA awards ceremony?"

Ronaldo nodded solemnly: "I want to wear the most handsome invincible. Even if the World Footballer's trophy is not mine, the eyes of people all over the world must be mine."

Carl: "...good idea."

Ronaldo was a little proud: "I learned this trick from you, don't you guys often do this? I was indeed infected by you."

Carl rubbed his chin: "In Chinese, it's called near vermilion Zhechi."

"What do you mean?"

Karl explained it to the other party.

Ronaldo absorbed new knowledge: "Does this sentence mean that whoever gets close will be influenced by whom?"

Carl nodded: "Almost."

"Then we can have dinner with Rooney more in the future."

Carl: "?"

"Stay with us more, he will become more and more handsome, and his hair will grow more and more!" Ronaldo smiled badly.

"..."

The memory ends.

After the awards ceremony, Portillo immediately squeezed away the reporters who wanted to interview him, and came to take a photo with Carl holding the trophy.

Karl first congratulated Portillo, and then asked him how he was doing in Madrid.

Carl thinks that Portillo should have a good life in Madrid: Portillo, who returned to Real Madrid, has become the main force of the team since his first game. Getting along well, he is currently the striker with the most goals in La Liga, and his name can often be heard in the stands of the Bernabeu. Portillo is currently the new darling of Real Madrid fans.

It's a pity that Real Madrid is tightly suppressed by Barcelona in the standings this season. After half a season, the points are nearly [-] points behind Barcelona. If there is no team honor bonus, unless Portillo can score a football record Otherwise, it will be difficult to win so many individual trophies next year like this year-fortunately, Portillo completed the Grand Slam this year, and Karl is so grateful.

Portillo held the trophy between the two and let the media take dozens of photos before replying: "When I return to the Bernabeu, my life is better than I imagined." But he was not as pure and happy as he was in Munich , He didn't say this sentence: "Where's the boss?"

"It's very relaxed, and the new job is also very challenging." Carl smiled and patted the other party's shoulder: "Also, I no longer coach you, why did you meet me like Lambert and the others?" The boss is long and the boss is short?"

Portillo asked very seriously: "If you don't call me the boss, what should you call it?" Portillo actually discussed this issue with Bender and the others, let's just call them by name, they are worried that the boss will not allow it (like Baker Ham will never call Ferguson Alex, and Ferguson will not allow any of his disciples to call him that), call him Orston or Mr. Auston, it seems too unfamiliar, they think their relationship with the boss Still special, unwilling to fall into the same treatment as thousands of strangers.

Carl was overwhelmed by the question.

"A boss for a day, a boss for a lifetime." Portillo said solemnly again.

"Okay." Carl reluctantly and sweetly compromised.

……

In the early hours of the morning, Carl and Ronaldo, who lived in the same hotel, did not go back to the room, but went to a bar together.

The location of this bar is very hidden. It took a long time to take a taxi from the Opera House. After getting off the bus, I found it after turning several winding alleys. There is no shiny and luxurious signboard, but the interior decoration is very good. The atmosphere is also good, and the wine provided is even better - Ronaldo wondered how Carl found such a place, and he didn't hear that he lived in Zurich often?

Ronaldo downed a full glass of beer in one breath, only to feel the depression in his heart dissipate a little.

Although he was the focus of the venue tonight and the star who killed the most film in seconds, the fact that he missed the best honor still made him a little unhappy.

But it doesn't matter, this year he can start all over again-this season Manchester United is also strong and strong, but Real Madrid is relatively not as indomitable as winning the championship in Munich 1860 last year. What's the use of Portillo scoring more goals in La Liga?As long as Manchester United can win the league championship and the Champions League, Ronaldo can still win a set of personal honor grand slams.

Ronaldo wanted to drink, but Karl accompanied him in silence.

Fortunately, the rules of the Manchester United team are strict, and Ferguson is very good at managing the private lives of players. Ronaldo deeply understands that he can drink during the season, but he must not get drunk, so he only drank a glass of beer and stopped using alcohol to vent his anger. Instead, I ordered a cocktail with a very low alcohol content, and sat on the bar sofa with dim lights surrounded by soothing dance music to observe the surroundings.

Looking at the surrounding environment, Ronaldo wanted to roll his eyes at Carl: "You have a bad eye for choosing bars. Look at the group of women sitting over there, each one is uglier than the other."

In an open box not far from Carl and Ronaldo, there are three or four "girls" sitting in it. "They" have different hair colors and makeup, but they have the same characteristics: their faces are too heavy with makeup, tall and tall. The combination of the skeleton and the facial features that are too tough for ordinary girls makes these "girls" look a little weird.

Carl glanced at where Ronaldo indicated: "You will think it's normal to be ugly, because they are not women in the first place."

"What?" Ronaldo felt like he didn't hear clearly.

Carl said calmly: "Those are not women, they are transvestites." After a pause, he added: "This is a GAY bar, and the patrons are basically men, even if some look like A woman, and not a woman."

Ronaldo's eyes widened in an instant. If Carl hadn't deliberately covered his mouth after speaking, he might have been surprised.

Stretching out his hands to pull Carl's hand off his face, Ronaldo asked the other party in a low voice: "What are you bringing me to the GAY bar for?!"

Carl stretched out his hand and raised one finger after another: "You said you wanted to drink, and as long as I was with you, not with other people."

Ronaldo nodded reluctantly.

"The bar should be far away from the hotel, in a hidden location, and journalists should not be able to enter, because you don't want to be photographed by the media."

Ronaldo nodded.

"It would be better if the environment is more beautiful, the wine should be good, and the regular customers can't be impolite guys, because you don't want to be harassed, you just want to drink away your worries."

Ronaldo continued to nod.

"You also know that I'm not very familiar with Zurich." Carl shrugged: "You put up so many conditions, and I racked my brains to think that this is the only one I know that is suitable—could it be because you are gay? Just two words, do you feel uncomfortable here?"

Ronaldo felt it carefully: "That's not true." Delicious beer and cocktails, waiters on call, although there are many guests, most of them are very polite, no one stares at them unscrupulously, DJ's The taste is also very good... Before knowing that this is a gay bar, Ronaldo also said that this bar can be ranked among the top three nightclubs he has patronized.

Carl raised his glass and gestured to him: "It's good to change the consumption environment once in a while and try new flavors."

Ronaldo thinks about it too. Although he is a straight man (?), he must also be a tolerant straight man. He cannot be like those narrow-minded people who will become homophobic when they meet GAY.

Leaning on the sofa and listening to nursery rhymes for a while, Ronaldo stood up and said, "I'm going to the toilet."

After Ronaldo left, a waiter brought over a tray with four or five glasses of cocktails on it: "This is for you, sir."

There is also a small note pressed under each colorful cocktail.

Carl looked at the notes first, and there were many things written on them, most of which were phone numbers. There was a note with a unique style, and a sentence below the number: "Many people said that I looked like a wild animal when I was doing it."

"..." Carl looked up and asked the waiter, "Is there any paper and pen?"

The waiter nodded, took out a pen and paper from his pocket and handed it to Carl.

Carl wrote "Sorry, got company" and placed the note on the tray: "Return the wine and show them the note."

"Okay, sir." The waiter agreed, and brought the tray back.

Ronaldo came back just at this time: "The GAY bar is not what I imagined."

"What do you imagine?"

"Like the most chaotic ordinary bar, there are exhibitionists who are flirting with each other everywhere, and the dance floor is crowded with flesh-and-blood men, and when they see each other, they go to the toilet... Cough, I walked all the way just now, here The people here are unexpectedly civilized and polite, and the toilet is also very tidy and clean, without any strange noises."

'That's because the regulars of this bar like to play with the clothes and beasts. On the surface, they are gentle and polite, and their discordant words like to be expressed by writing notes...and the toilet here is not the base of the cannons. The back door of the bar is next to the This is the alley you are following. '

Thinking of this in his heart, Carl showed a very shallow smile: "There are a few places like this in London that are hidden, safe, and have a good atmosphere. Let me take you there some other day?"

"Ah."