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Chapter 268 Which is more important?
Not only are Tyne's fans indifferent to who they play against in the League Cup, but most of Tyne's players feel the same way.

So even though it was Tyne's League Cup draw tonight, not a single player was watching the live draw on TV, a stark contrast to the Champions League group stage draw.

When the draw results came out, Vitini and Anderson Nova were playing mobile games on the sofa in their living room, teaming up to play against online opponents.

They fought fiercely, constantly shouting and yelling.

After finishing a game, during a short break, Novache exited the game to check his social media, and suddenly swore.

Vitini was still joking with him: "What's wrong, Anderson? Getting worked up? Learn from me, keep a good attitude..."

Before he could finish speaking, Nova exclaimed, "We're playing Sofia United in the next round of the League Cup!"

This time it was Vitini's turn to swear.

He also searched for this news.

But actually, there's no need to search for it specifically; he only needs to open the homepage of a social media platform to see this message going viral:
"The League Cup Round of 16 matchups are in: Sofia United will host Tyne!"

Vitini looked at the message and then burst out laughing.

His laughter made Nova, who was standing next to him, think he had gone mad.

After laughing, Vitini started tweeting.

He shared the news about the match result and added the following text:
"are you ready?"

※※※

Unlike the players, Sam McNeil, as the team's head coach, still needs to know who their next opponent is.

So he watched the live draw on TV.

When he saw that his team was drawn against Sofia United, he could hardly believe his eyes, thinking there must have been a mistake.

Then he suddenly laughed.

He knew he would have to lead his team back to Redstone Stadium, for example, in the 34th round of the league when Tyne would face Sofia United away.

But being told that he would be leading his team back to his former team's home stadium in a month still felt somewhat sudden...

However, his smile wasn't for himself, but for Wang Lie—he suddenly really wanted to see the expression on that guy's face right now!

※※※

Wang Lie didn't watch the League Cup draw; he was watching an old movie on the projector, so he didn't know the results immediately.

However, he didn't have to wait long to find out the result.

His phone "exploded" as soon as the lottery results came out.

A barrage of messages kept his phone ringing.

When the first message arrived, Wang Lie didn't check it immediately; he was engrossed in the audiovisual experience of the space elevator's rapid ascent.

Then more and more new message notification sounds started to play, sometimes even before the previous notification sound had finished playing before being overwritten by a new one.

They were densely packed, like countless drones appearing on a radar screen.

He had to pause the movie and reach for the phone that was playing and dancing.

Before he could even unlock the screen, he could already see some of the new messages on the lock screen.

Fernando Clemente: "Don't tweet about it..."

Feng Qiyuan: "Brother Wang, have you seen the League Cup draw?"

Qin An: "Hahahaha..."

The ellipsis is because the lock screen's information stream has limited display content, so it automatically replaces the following content with dots.

Chi Zhen: "Brother Wang, you're going back to Redstone Stadium!"

Miguel Ribeiro: "VS Sofia United!"

Upon seeing the familiar name, Wang Lie's eyes narrowed.

He finally understood why his phone had been boiling over, and why his agent had told him not to post on social media...

※※※

When Jonathan Hall saw the name "Tyne," he didn't break down as many people expected.

Instead, a strange smile appeared on his face.

He felt that the FA had arranged it that way on purpose.

This is such a great way to generate buzz!

He could even imagine what the internet was like right now—a veritable carnival for the Sofia haters.

They were waiting to see Sofia United make a fool of themselves, thinking they would be afraid of Wang Lie returning to Redstone Stadium.

But Hall didn't think so. He felt that the club had already kicked Heldon out, which showed Wang Lie the club's attitude and was also a gesture of goodwill towards Wang Lie.

Of course, he knew that Wang Lie had called out both Heldon and himself by name after that game last season, but Hall understood that it was just an emotional statement made in that situation and shouldn't be taken seriously.

After calming down, Wang Lie should realize that what he said was meaningless. After all, a team's head coach can be replaced at will, but who has ever heard of a club's general manager being replaced so easily?
Changing the head coach only affects the team, but changing the general manager affects the entire club, which has a much bigger impact.

For a top English club like Sofia United, changing a general manager is a very serious matter, as it means changing the person in charge. This is especially true since Sofia United is a publicly listed club, and changing a general manager requires explanation to the shareholders.

Therefore, Hall felt that Wang Lie did not understand how a listed club like Sofia United operates, which is why he said those things.

Once he understands, he will realize how outrageous his words were.

Haven't you noticed he doesn't mention it anymore?

Recently, when Vitini and Ribeiro mocked Sofia United, Wang Lie didn't say anything.

You should know that these two people are his die-hard fans.

He didn't come out to express his support, neither forwarding the video nor liking Ribeiro's "Factos".

Doesn't this explain the problem?
Therefore, Hall believed that he had gained Wang Lie's forgiveness by sacrificing Heldon.

The problem is not big.

※※※

Matt Perkins sighed after seeing the latest League Cup match results.

Then he said to his wife, "I want to go to the club tomorrow."

His wife asked him, "What are you going to do?"

Perkins said, "Go talk to Hall."

"Because of the king?"

Perkins nodded: "I want the club to issue an official statement or statement, to compensate or appease Wang..."

His wife pouted and said, "You're really getting senile."

Hearing his wife say this, Perkins was furious: "Why do you say that? I know it's all just for show, but I know Wang. He cares a lot about these formalities; he needs these seemingly ceremonial things to feel respected by the club! That's why when he joined Sofia, I organized a grand welcoming ceremony for him, which immediately won him over. So I think if Hall can get the club to express respect and apology to Wang..."

His wife couldn't help but interrupt his rambling: "That's why I say you're really getting senile, and it even makes me doubt whether you really understand Wang. What you're saying worked before the club brutally kicked Wang out of the team. But now it's too late. The club has already deeply hurt Wang, and you expect to win back his love with some superficial gestures? Do you really understand Wang, my general manager?"

In the end, the wife couldn't help but sneer.

Her husband, however, did not refute his wife's sarcasm; instead, he stood there with his mouth slightly open, stunned.

Yes, that's right.

How could I forget? How could I forget what kind of person the King was?
I even exploited his hatred and desire for revenge against Atlético Barcelona to help the team win the most important jewel in the crown of an unprecedented seven-title haul...

Having been thoroughly enraged by Sofia, how could he, with his personality, easily accept the olive branch extended by Sofia?

Seeing her husband lost in thought, the wife continued, "If you really want Wang and the club to reconcile, then you need to get Mr. Barker to fire Jonathan Hall. But can you convince Mr. Barker?"

Matt Perkins did not answer his wife; he slowly sat down.

He already knew the answer.

He couldn't convince the club's owner, John Barker.

Although he was a legendary general manager in the history of Sofia United, he did not receive any special treatment from the new owner, Barker.

The only "special treatment" is that after retirement, he can receive an additional two million pounds per year as the "club's global brand ambassador".

That's it.

He had absolutely no say in the club's operations.

He's only brought up when the club needs his endorsement. Otherwise, he'd better remain silent and play his role as a global mascot.

Clearly, the club owners do not need to consult with Jonathan Hall, a former executive, on whether to fire the current general manager.

Therefore, Matt Perkins knew that the current relationship between Wang Lie and Soforth was a deadlock.

Barker is unlikely to fire the professional manager he specifically recruited from the United States just because a player has become his enemy.

Besides, the only positive feedback that could be gained by firing Hall would be Wang Lie's understanding, but it doesn't guarantee that things will get better for Sofia United; it might even get worse.

After all, changing a general manager is not as simple as changing the oil in an engine.

Seeing her husband slumped on the sofa, the wife advised him, "I suggest you don't go to Redstone Stadium to watch Sofia's games for a while."

Perkins knew why his wife said that.

It's not just because of Wang Lie, but also because the team's performance is currently fluctuating. Watching Sofia United's games is like riding a roller coaster.

For example, in last Sunday's league match, Sofia United were completely dominated by Sadham at home, with all technical statistics showing a significant disadvantage. They didn't look like a top team at all.

Although they won in the end, it can only be described as luck, and it does not prove that Sofia United is better than Sadham United.

During the live broadcast of the game, the TV cameras repeatedly focused on Perkins. At first, his expression was relatively relaxed, but each time he was seen again, he became more serious, and his face gradually turned red.

During the commentary, the commentator also expressed concern about Perkins' physical condition...

How could an octogenarian possibly endure such a competition?
But Perkins refused his wife's suggestion: "No, I can't not go. The team is in a difficult situation right now, and if I don't show up in the stands, it will cause a lot of controversy. It will all become a distraction for the team. So as long as I can still walk, I have to be in the stands."

This answer was exactly what the wife expected. She knew her husband was very stubborn in this regard and didn't expect to be persuaded by her words.

So all she could do was sigh.

At the same time, she prayed in her heart that Wang Lie could increase his efforts and try to send Jonathan Hall back to the United States in the League Cup match at the beginning of next month.

Only in this way can she alleviate her husband's pain—what could be more painful than watching the great cause she built with her own hands crumble little by little?

What collapsed was not only his great achievements, but also his heart.

Matt Perkins sat on the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling, saying nothing and no longer mentioning going to the club to find Jonathan Hall.

※※※

The next day, before Wang Lie's car even reached the entrance of Northumberland Soccer City, probably more than a hundred meters from the gate, it was already surrounded by reporters.

Everyone wanted him to give his opinion on the League Cup match results.

Wang Lie rolled down the car window and said, "I'm very happy to be back at Redstone Stadium so soon. But I don't want to talk about this match right now because we're going to play Milan City at home next. It's the first time Lize Park has ever hosted a Champions League match, and I think that's the most important thing. I also hope that everyone won't bother the team with a match that's a month away."

That's a statement that's absolutely flawless.

Because it does make sense.

You're asking about the League Cup now? What about the Champions League?
Which is more important, the Champions League or the League Cup? These are all professional football journalists present; how could they not tell the difference?
If Tyne hadn't drawn Sofia United in the League Cup, why would these reporters be here blocking Wang Lie's way? It's just that the feud between Wang Lie and Sofia United is more sensational.

With Tyne's first home Champions League match just around the corner, they're using the League Cup a month later to create buzz. No one would want to talk to them about the League Cup at length.

Therefore, it is understandable that Wang Lie was unwilling to cooperate with the reporters.

But Wang Lie has his own stance, and the reporters have theirs.

So even if people understand Wang Lie, they are still somewhat disappointed by such an official response.

However, they all knew Wang Lie's temper. If they really pushed him too far, none of them would be able to interview him again; they would all be blacklisted by him...

So even though they were somewhat disappointed, they didn't press Wang Lie to answer the questions and simply made way for him.

Logically speaking, given Wang Lie's temperament, he should have closed the car windows and driven away at this point.

But before leaving, facing the visibly disappointed reporters, Wang Lie turned to them and said:
"Don't worry, everyone. Before that League Cup match, I will definitely accept all your interview requests and say whatever comes to mind. I promise you won't have come for nothing."

After saying that, he rolled up the car window and slowly drove away.

A group of reporters were left wondering if they had misheard:

Wait, when did this demon king become so easy to talk to?
Seeing that we hadn't received any news materials, they even thoughtfully made an appointment in advance...

Everyone looked at each other.

Compared to their foreign counterparts, Chinese journalists like Guo Xuequan and Liu Zhong reacted relatively normally.

As Chinese journalists, they were all aware of Wang Lie's changes in the national team, so they knew that Wang Lie was indeed changing.

Moreover, everyone believes that it was that time when Wang Lie was "kicked out" by Sofia United—although it was a contract termination between the two parties, almost everyone knew that Wang Lie was forced to leave, so it can be considered as being kicked out—that led to such a big change in Wang Lie.

It makes sense, doesn't it? Anyone who treats their team like their own home and dedicates themselves to it wholeheartedly would probably have their personality drastically changed if they were humiliated and kicked out by the team they love.
However, most Chinese journalists, after understanding the reasons behind this, couldn't help but sigh – if Wang Lie's personality had changed earlier, would his journey down the mountain last year have been smoother?
Or... will Wang Lie be able to stay in Sofia and complete his phoenix rebirth?
Wouldn't that kind of story be more perfect?
※※※

As Vitini drove Anderson Nova toward Northumberland Soccer City, he saw a lot of reporters on the roadside.

They exchanged a glance and immediately guessed why these reporters were there.

It must be related to Wang Lie.

“A phrase suddenly came to mind…” Vitini remarked, “These reporters are like sharks stalking slave ships, with an incredibly keen sense of smell; they can detect the stench of blood from a great distance. And sure enough, they’ve all gathered here…”

Anderson Nova clapped his hands: "So pull yourself together, Vitini. Now it's your turn to face the sharks!"

Vitini's expression was serious: "Don't worry, I'm ready!"

After seeing the draw results last night, he immediately posted a tweet. Given the controversy surrounding his previous liking of that fan's video online, Vitini knew the reporters wouldn't let him off the hook.

Therefore, he had made ample preparations for facing reporters today, including how to handle those tricky questions...

Just as Vitini slowed down and slowly drove toward the gate...

None of the media reporters on both sides of the road stepped forward or made any move to ask questions.

Until he drove into the training base gate, this group of people really just watched him, watching his car drive into the training base...

"what?"

Looking at the group of suddenly polite "sharks" through the rearview mirror, Vitini let out a puzzled sigh.

Nova was also confused: "What's going on? Didn't they see us?"

Soon they knew the answer.

They had arrived so early because they were planning to train with Wang Lie.

When they saw Wang Lie in the locker room, he showed no intention of going out to train—because he hadn't changed his clothes at all.

Upon seeing the two of them, Wang Lie asked, "Did you see those reporters at the entrance?"

The two nodded: "We see, there are quite a few people..."

Wang Lie then asked, "Did they interview you?"

Vitini and Nova shook their heads simultaneously, answering in unison, "No."

Then Nova added, "We were wondering why they were just watching from the side of the road, like ordinary fans... no, not even ordinary fans. Ordinary fans at least know to come up and ask for autographs or something..."

Wang Lie nodded upon hearing this: "Very good."

But he didn't explain anything.

Vitini and Nova exchanged a glance, neither of them daring to ask.

Then the other teammates came to the locker room one after another, and Wang Lie asked them the same questions he had asked Vitini and Nova.

Everyone gave the same answer: the reporters really didn't interview them.

When the last few arrived, the reporters barely even met.

Obviously, the reporters had all left.

After the last teammate entered the locker room, Wang Lie addressed the entire team:
"I know yesterday's draw results have attracted a lot of attention, but I still want to remind everyone to focus. We're going to play in the Champions League, not the League Cup. Please think about it: which is more important, the Champions League or the League Cup?"

Vitini finally understood why the reporters hadn't come to interview him...

They interviewed Wang Lie, who then told them not to disturb the team because the Champions League was next.

So he shouted, "Of course the Champions League is more important!"

Wang Lie was very satisfied with Vitini's performance as the straight man, and he smiled, nodded, and pointed at him.

The latter immediately puffed out his chest with pride, as if he were the person in the locker room who understood Wang Lie the most.

Wang Lie said, "So, guys, let's play our first Champions League match since the Lize Park stadium was built! Since we beat Atlético Lille away in our first Champions League match, why should we let Milan City off the hook when we're back at home? Why shouldn't we win?"

(End of this chapter)