Green Field Eunuch

Chapter 380 Does Milan Have Money?
Lallana's goal sent shockwaves through Al-Ittihad.

Manchester City fans watched the game with frustration, while some even booed in dissatisfaction.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Southampton manager Nigel Adkins was excitedly waving his arms and legs.

He was genuinely excited, never expecting his team to take the lead against Manchester City away from home.

As the manager who helped the team achieve promotion to the Premier League, Adkins actually had a certain understanding of Southampton's strength.

During the summer, Southampton did not lose any key players; on the contrary, they strengthened their squad with the addition of Bologna midfielder Gaston Ramirez and VVV-Venlo defender Maya Yoshida, among others. These are players that Adkins highly regards.

The main lineup has been largely retained. In Adkins' view, Lallana, Romeu, Schneiderlin, Ward-Prowse and others are all players who can establish themselves in the Premier League.

With this group of players as the core, Southampton's strength is not just enough to avoid relegation, but they could even stay in the mid-table of the Premier League.

However, the first game is very important for this group of players.

Adkins doesn't dare to dream of beating Manchester City, but a draw or a narrow victory away from home would be a significant boost to the Southampton players' confidence, which would greatly help the team's performance in the Premier League this season.

What excites Adkins now is that his team is actually leading Manchester City, which is almost unbelievable.

This goal also made Adkins think about some things he had never dared to imagine before.

"If we could beat Manchester City..."

"Southampton will make a name for themselves in the Premier League, and no one will dare to underestimate us!"

"The team members will also gain very important confidence!"

Adkins grew increasingly excited, and couldn't help but dream of pulling off an upset away from home.

But Adkins' illusions were quickly shattered.

In the 40th minute, Manchester City launched an attack. Although Southampton defended very well and Manchester City was unable to get the ball into the penalty area, Yaya Toure took a long-range shot from outside the box. The ball hit Southampton defender Hoywell's foot, deflected, and went into the goal.

1 is better than 1!

Southampton's lead lasted only 7 minutes.

Adkins shook his head with a wry smile. It seems that beating Manchester City, even without Shan Yongzhuo, is not an easy task.

Next, Adkins directed his players to defend desperately, trying to hold onto the draw in the first half.

Yaya Toure's goal brought some satisfaction to the home fans.

Guardiola breathed a sigh of relief on the sidelines.

He was under a lot of pressure. Although he defeated Manchester United in the Community Shield, it was still thanks to Shan Yongzhuo's performance, not his tactics.

He didn't actually feel much pressure when he arrived in Manchester.

Club president Mubarak gave him full trust and support, did not emphasize results to him, and supported him in transforming the team according to his own tactical ideas.

What Guardiola didn't know was that Mubarak actually had his own ideas.

When summer negotiations with Shan Yongzhuo failed, Mubarak realized that Shan Yongzhuo probably wouldn't stay at Manchester City for long.

Therefore, Mubarak's first thought was to change coaches.

Mancini's reliance on Shan Yongzhuo was not originally a problem, but Mubarak knew that this could not last long.

Finally, he set his sights on Guardiola, who had terminated his contract with Barcelona.

According to Mubarak, if Shan Yongzhuo can only stay for a maximum of two seasons, then finding a truly world-class coach and using that coach's ability to improve Manchester City's team level after losing Shan Yongzhuo is the most important thing.

Therefore, Mubarak gave Guardiola his full trust and support.

However, club support is one thing, fan support is another.

Guardiola also understands that if he fails to deliver results, the fans will absolutely not support him.

"But, do we really have to rely on Shan Yongzhuo?" Guardiola had doubts when they were behind, but Yaya Toure's goal dispelled his concerns.

"No, I want the fans and players to see that we can achieve the victory we want without relying on Shan Yongzhuo!"

Looking at the field, Guardiola became even more certain of his decision.

……

Yaya Toure's goal came in the 40th minute of the first half. Southampton then solidified their defense, and Manchester City launched attacks around the Saints, but failed to score again.

1:1.

The two teams drew after 45 minutes of the first half.

Back to the locker room.

Guardiola summarized the team's problems in the first half and made various demands for the second half.

Dan Yongzhuo was a little frustrated, but there was nothing he could do. He could only sit in the corner and whisper to Balotelli, who was also a substitute.

"Single, I might be leaving in a few days. That guy Raiola has basically settled things for me."

Balotelli whispered happily in Shan Yongzhuo's ear.

Dan Yongzhuo was somewhat surprised, but after thinking about it, it made sense. Whether it was the Mancini era or now that Guardiola has arrived, Balotelli has always been a substitute.

Leaving seems reasonable.

"So where are you going?"

"Milan, AC Milan!"

"Huh?" Shan Yongzhuo was somewhat surprised: "Aren't you from Inter Milan? Aren't you afraid of going to AC Milan...?"

"What's there to be afraid of! AC Milan can give me a starting position, and I, Super Mario, will definitely shine at the San Siro!"

Balotelli muttered nonchalantly.

Shan Yongzhuo was speechless. Was this guy's brain filled with mush?

However, this is ultimately someone else's business, and although I'm quite familiar with Balotelli, it's not appropriate for me to say much.

"Then I wish you success. Philipp has also gone to Milan, so you two are teammates again."

“Yeah.” Balotelli was clearly unaware of the impact this transfer would have on him. “I think you should leave too. I really can’t understand why that guy put you on the bench!”

Seeing Balotelli's somewhat indignant expression, Shan Yongzhuo could only shake his head with a wry smile, "Let's see."

How about coming to Milan?

"Milan?" Shan Yongzhuo sneered. "Does Milan have money?"

Actually, Shan Yongzhuo doesn't dislike Milan. If Granada weren't an option, Milan would be a good choice.

My good friend Mexes is there, De Jong went there in the summer, and Balotelli is going now; they're all acquaintances.

Moreover, Pato, the chuunibyou (delusional) teenager who frequently sends him private messages on Twitter asking for tips on practicing Chinese kung fu, is also there, although he's not doing so well right now.

However, it seems that going to Milan is actually not bad for me.

The key problem is that Milan has no money.

"Forehead……"

Balotelli fell silent; clearly, Milan had no money.

(End of this chapter)