Green Field Eunuch

Chapter 259 The Group of Death in the Champions League
Shan Yongzhuo scored a free kick, extending the score to 4-0, which was also the final score.

In the end, Manchester City defeated Swansea 4-0 at home in the first round of the Premier League, securing their first win of the new season.

The cheers from the fans in the stands continued for a long time. Even though the game had ended several minutes ago, the fans were still reluctant to leave. They just couldn't get enough of such a resounding victory.

"Shan Yongzhuo performed perfectly."

"Hat-trick, Shan Yongzhuo unlocks the scoring code for the new season."

"Aguero performed brilliantly."

"Manchester City's new attacking duo has demonstrated perfect fighting power."

"..."

After the match, the media naturally showered Manchester City with praise, especially for the highly anticipated high-risk duo of Shan Yongzhuo and Aguero.

Shan Yongzhuo scored a hat-trick and Aguero scored his first Premier League goal; such performances certainly deserve praise.

After the match, every Manchester City player was relaxed; winning a game is always a happy thing.

In particular, Shan Yongzhuo's hat trick received unanimous praise from his teammates, but that was all they could say, because the veteran players were already used to Shan Yongzhuo's hat tricks.

Aguero offered his congratulations to Shan Yongzhuo with a hint of envy, "You're amazing, a hat trick!"

"Thank you, but if you take the free kick, we'll both score twice."

Shan Yongzhuo naturally reciprocated Aguero's friendliness.

In fact, during matches, it was definitely more comfortable to play alongside Aguero than Balotelli.

Because Balotelli is actually quite lazy and doesn't like to run much, and neither of the two forwards likes to run much, their defensive stretching is somewhat limited.

Aguero is a very active player with unpredictable positioning and a strong desire to cooperate with his teammates. He stretches the defense more than Balotelli.

Partnering with Aguero, Shan Yongzhuo felt that he was more relaxed than usual in this match.

Aguero grinned. "You'll be the center of attention tomorrow."

Shan Yongzhuo just smiled indifferently, not caring at all.

He didn't give any interviews. He just went back to the locker room with the others, took a shower, and prepared to leave. All he wanted to do was rest.

A group of animals did arrange to meet at a nightclub.

Several newcomers have quickly integrated into the team's activities, with Mexes being particularly enthusiastic about them.

Shan Yongzhuo did not go with them; for him, there was no point in going anyway.

After getting home, I ate some dinner and then went to bed.

The next day was a crucial time.

The Champions League group stage draw has officially begun.

Head coach Mancini and a club manager went to the draw site, while Shan Yongzhuo and his teammates watched the draw ceremony at the club.

Manchester City are participating in the Champions League for the first time, and their UEFA coefficient is pitifully low, making it almost certain that they will be placed in the group of death.

The final result of the draw was not particularly surprising.

It is undoubtedly a group of death.
Manchester City has been placed in Group A, alongside Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Serie A newcomers Napoli, and La Liga powerhouse Villarreal.

Media reports have also focused on Group A, as no group is more competitive than Group A, given Manchester City's presence; this is inevitable.

The Champions League divides 32 teams into four pots of eight, with each group consisting of four teams from each pot. Manchester City, despite winning the Europa League last season, had a meager number of UEFA coefficient points and a relatively small number of league points, thus being placed in Pot 8.

Therefore, no matter which group Manchester City is in, there will always be a Pot 1 team and a Pot 2 team above them.

Manchester City's group has Bayern Munich in the top tier and Villarreal, a strong team from La Liga, in the second tier. Relatively speaking, the second tier teams are not particularly strong, but similarly, the fourth tier team has drawn the relatively strongest team, Napoli.

Manchester City is not actually considered a super team. At least in the subconscious perception of the outside world, their squad is still somewhat inferior to that of a powerhouse like Bayern Munich.

However, as the reigning Premier League champions, coupled with last season's treble winners and the presence of Shan Yongzhuo, they are undoubtedly a third-tier team that no one wants to face.

With the addition of Napoli, a spoiler, all four teams in Group A are strong teams, and two of them must be eliminated.

This is really quite cruel.

Another important reason why Manchester City is not favored is their lack of Champions League experience.

Manchester City doesn't have many players with Champions League experience. Their star striker, Shan Yongzhuo, has dominated the Europa League but has never participated in the Champions League.

His performance in the Champions League will, in the eyes of many, determine how high Manchester City can go.

……

Manchester City also held a press conference that day, and Shan Yongzhuo made a rare appearance at the conference.

Head coach Mancini remained low-key when facing the media, saying, "No matter which group we're in, it will be a group of death. We've already analyzed that, and the result is quite normal."

"We are a new team in the Champions League with very little experience. All we need to do is play well in every game."

“Competition experience is also very important to us.”

In contrast, Shan Yongzhuo was much less low-key, and his interviews were relatively high-profile.

"I think the group of death is still very interesting."

“Our opponents are all very strong. I played against Napoli in Serie A and was very impressed with them.”

"This group will be a tough match, but I believe we will eventually advance."

"Our goal is of course the Champions League title. I made a promise to the Manchester City fans that I would win every title we can this season."

"Therefore, I will do my best."

"..."

The reporters' eyes lit up. Shan Yongzhuo had always been known as a low-key and humble player, and he would never express his desire for the championship so directly.

Reporters who sensed something was amiss immediately began various analyses and reports, and for a time, news about Shan Yongzhuo was everywhere in Europe.

The media discussion has also put Manchester City's Champions League opponents on high alert.

Bayern Munich and Villarreal are alright, as neither team has a history of playing against Shan Yongzhuo. Although they know that Shan Yongzhuo is very good, they have never had the chance to experience him firsthand, so they naturally don't have a deep impression of him.

Naples is different.

Napoli's players have all faced Shan Yongzhuo in Serie A, such as star striker Cavani and midfield maestro Hamsik, and have all witnessed Shan Yongzhuo's prowess firsthand.

Others may remain skeptical of Shan Yongzhuo's bold statement, but everyone in Naples sensed a very dangerous atmosphere.

Napoli could only complain about the group draw.

"Damn it, how did I end up in the same group as this guy..."

(End of this chapter)