The road to godhood starting from Ligue 1

Chapter 285 French football needs a leader

This article from L'Équipe has been published on their official website, and Bastia fans are currently celebrating excitedly.

Page views are currently low.

However, Zidane and Deschamps had already made preparations. When they woke up tomorrow, other channels belonging to the same group behind L'Équipe, Philippe Amaury, would all quote it simultaneously.

Tomorrow will be the day with the most attention.

The group commonly known as EPA is probably best known for its newspaper, L'Équipe. Here are two lesser-known facts:
The first is the Tour de France, which was originally founded in 1903 by L'Équipe to boost sales. The original organizers were L'Équipe, but the rights were later transferred to other organizations.
The second is the UEFA Champions League, which is now well-known. It was established in 1955 with the help of L'Équipe.

UEFA was initially reluctant, but football heavyweights such as Bernabéu, then president of Real Madrid, stepped in to support it. At the same time, the 1954 World Cup was a huge success in television broadcasting, and UEFA saw huge potential profits, so it decided to organize it itself, which has continued to this day.

As the impact of this article continued to grow.

The impact of the Inter Milan vs. Bastia match itself is growing.

at the post-match press conference.

Unlike Hagi Begic, who felt "the team is under immense pressure, we need to be cautious and can't be careless. We're walking a tightrope, any mistake could ruin the whole season's efforts."

Stramaccioni, in his speech, did not admit to his tactical mistakes, but instead emphasized that the team wasted opportunities and that Inter Milan's current injury problems were hindering the team's strength.

"First of all, we have to accept the result. 1-3, at the San Siro, against a very energetic team, this score is undoubtedly very disappointing. But at the same time, the course of the game clearly showed two things: we created and wasted chances, while the opponents seized their chances, especially Gaio."

“We had a good start, controlling part of the game and creating threats. We had several excellent chances in the first half, and if we had converted just one of them, the course of the game could have been completely different. But in the highest level of European competition, efficiency is everything. We failed to convert our advantage into goals, while Bastia, they have Gaio.”

He then focused on Gaio's goal and the team's defensive issues.

"Regarding the three goals conceded: the first was a world-class free-kick goal. To be honest, it was beyond our preparation; the pre-match report didn't indicate he had that ability. Handanovic made an incredible save, but the angle of the ball was too tricky. This showcased Gaio's individual ability."

The second goal conceded. The third goal conceded.
Gay displayed not only talent, but also top-notch ball control and decisiveness under immense pressure. We deployed enough players to defend him, but he seized and punished any opening he made in an instant.

Gaião completed his hat-trick tonight in three different ways, which speaks volumes about his all-around threat and current hot streak.

Speaking about Inter Milan, Stramaccioni said, "Javier's goal was important; it kept hope alive. It's too early to talk about the second leg, but the task is very clear and very difficult. Down 1-3, we need to put on an extraordinary performance at Bastia's home ground."

"We were indeed affected by some injuries and form, that's not an excuse, it's a fact. Many players weren't at 100%. Nevertheless, we should have done better tonight, especially in front of goal, where our efficiency was very poor."

Throughout the press conference, Stramaccioni talked about two things: first, Bastia's players are very strong, especially Gaio; and second, Inter Milan has a serious injury problem and low efficiency in front of goal.

No mention was made of tactical aspects.

Stramaccioni's post-match comments made some Inter Milan fans uncomfortable; they felt he was shifting blame no matter how they looked at it.

How long has it been since the Triple Crown?

So why would fans tolerate Stramaccioni? Besides, the Italian media were mostly sarcastic and cynical after the match.

How could a treble-winning team fall so quickly after conceding a hat-trick from an 18-year-old at home?
These things are irrelevant to the Bastia players on their journey.

While waiting at the airport, Gaio took a moment to make a phone call.

After being diagnosed with the virus in Meazza, the team headed to the airport to prepare to return to France.

Besides many congratulatory text messages, Gaio's phone also contained a serious message from Zidane, who informed Gaio that an article about him had been published in L'Équipe.

Gaio checked out L'Équipe's website on his phone; it had a very prestigious website.

This was something Zidane had mentioned to him during a previous conversation.

The purpose is simple: to create momentum.

Gaiola agrees with this approach, arguing that in the soon-to-be-fully-established information age, a player's influence extends far beyond the court.

Gaio was well aware of this.

In the airport lounge, Gaio called Zidane, who was still in Paris at the time.

Zidane started by congratulating Gaio, saying, "A truly amazing hat-trick. I believe that after tonight, the top European clubs will be even more interested in you."

Gaio smiled. "I haven't thought about those things yet. I'm focused on Bastia and enjoying tonight's victory."

Zidane changed the subject, "Have you read the report?"

"After reading it, to be honest, it was written in a way that surprised me."

On the other end of the phone, Zidane laughed heartily.

He then added, "Yes, this is the result of my discussion with Didier. We feel it's time for the world to see a more complete Jan Gaio."

I told you before that it would be at the right time, and I'm doing this ahead of schedule because I believe in you, in your present and future, and even more so in the power of this story itself. The time has come.

Gaio wasn't really concerned about how long the reports would go on, because these off-court matters were unlikely to affect him.

He is now more focused on steadily improving himself.

He hummed in agreement.

Zidane continued, "Yang, your talent and achievements have already put you in the spotlight, and any shadow can be magnified infinitely."

I'm very confident in you now, after all, few people in the football world are more disciplined than you.

But instead of letting others piece together and interpret your past from a sensational or even malicious perspective, we should take the initiative and tell your story in the most authentic and powerful way, using fragmented and potentially misinterpreted information.

This article is not about defining your 'stain', but about declaring to the world: Look! How this once lost child used football and willpower to achieve the greatest self-redemption!
It turns your 'weakness' into your most indestructible medal.

Zidane was clearly engrossed in his speech and didn't give Gaio a chance to reply, continuing on his way.

“Yang, you know, French football needs a leader right now, especially after experiencing a slump and controversy. We need an icon who can represent the French spirit and inspire a generation.”

Your story transcends football itself.

Didier and I both believe that you are the one who can live up to this expectation.

This article is the first cornerstone that will help you become the undisputed core and leader of the national team.

It tells everyone: Jan Gaião is not only a genius on the court, but also the embodiment of the French spirit.

"Believe me, Yang. In the world of football, especially at the national team level, image, story, and mental strength are just as important as, and sometimes even more important than, technical skills."

Maradona, Ronaldo, and myself have all experienced being in the spotlight, interpreted, and even shaped by the media and the public. The key is how to control it and make it work for you.

do you understand? "

Gaio listened carefully to Zidane's words. The fact that such a legendary figure would tell him so much about everything showed that he was extremely important to him.

He replied, "I know, I'm trying my best to be a role model for young French players."

Zidane laughed again, "Of course, I know how much effort you've put in, so Didier and I both chose you. Keep it up, the future is yours." Gaio said a few more words and then hung up the phone with Zidane.

He's about to board the plane.

When he returned to the team, his teammates excitedly shouted, "Gaio, you're going to be a sensation again!"

This article in L'Équipe is being mentioned more and more often.

On social media, many people marveled at Gaio's strength after this match, saying that Gaio has great talent.

Then someone countered that Gaio was a genius, but definitely not just because of his talent.

They also posted an article from L'Équipe.

then,

Gaio's past is once again being circulated among fans.

L'Équipe not only publishes a French version, but also an English version and other versions.

Gaio's experience and fame gradually spread throughout Europe, accompanying his victories in the Europa League.

During flight.

Gaio was still thinking about Zidane's words by the window, words that basically meant he was likely to become the next captain of the French national team.

Becoming the captain of the national team is a heavy responsibility.

He needs to achieve the same success as he did in Bastia.

But he was very confident.

The problem with the French team has never been a lack of talent, but rather a lack of a core player.

This kind of team needs a leader who can keep the locker room in check so that the others can fight wholeheartedly for victory.

otherwise.

Just like a few years ago, they all went into infighting.

and,

Benzema is a cancer to the French national team and should never be called up. As I said before, the Benzema of the national team and the Benzema of Real Madrid are completely different people.

Real Madrid fans feel that Benzema is willing to play a supporting role, works diligently, and keeps a low profile.

However, in the national team, Benzema is capable of extorting money from his teammates.

and so.

"We still need to play brotherly football."

Gaio sighed, his mind still preoccupied with how to build a good relationship with his future "brothers" on the French team.

Currently, it seems that Kante, Giroud, and Mbappe are all in good condition.

Griezmann is alright, but we still need Pogba, who is also a phenomenal player.

When I'm happy, I'm invincible; when I'm unhappy, I curse others.

When the plane landed in Bastia, most of the players were already very tired.

Tonight's match was far from as easy as the result suggested.

On the defensive end, it was another game that ended in a burnout.

The physical exertion was great, and coupled with the high spirits after winning the game, the mind also became tired.

They greeted each other and then went home.

This time, the players returned quietly, without announcing their itinerary to the public.

So there were no fans waiting to greet them at the airport.

Back to my single room.

After washing up, Gaio checked the current situation of the Europa League.

With the Round of 32 concluded, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Atlético Madrid have been eliminated, leaving even fewer traditional powerhouses in the current Round of 16.

The overall match was fairly even, with most goals scored within two goals.

To his surprise, Chelsea lost.

They lost 0-1 to Steaua Bucharest away from home.

He glanced at the game; there were no goals from open play, only Steaua Bucharest being awarded a penalty.

Steaua Bucharest – most people probably don’t know this team.

But in reality, this is a team that has won the Champions League. In the 1985/86 season, they fought a grueling 120-minute battle with Barcelona, ​​led by Schuster, in the final, and the penalty shootout ended with Barcelona being completely outmatched by Steaua Bucharest's goalkeeper, Dukadam!
Four penalty kicks, all saved!
This is also the first team from Eastern Europe to win the Champions League, making them a true Romanian powerhouse.

Hagi, the midfield maestro, made his name in Bucharest before joining La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Of course, this was also a glorious past.

The current Steaua Bucharest team is certainly no match for Premier League powerhouses like Chelsea.

Gaio glanced at the post-match news and realized that the penalty was clearly controversial.

Of course, from the slow-motion replay, it was possible to award a penalty or not.

However, Chelsea manager Rafael Benítez has never tolerated such behavior and speaks passionately.

Benitez believes that Russian referee Sergei Karashev's penalty decision was somewhat questionable.

After the match, Benitez said, "I think the penalty was a bit hard to give. In this situation, especially with so many referees watching, the penalty was hard to give. You can't change the situation, but the penalty was very hard to give. If you gave a penalty, why didn't you give a red card? That's strange."

In fact, Chelsea didn't have many chances themselves, as Steaua Bucharest defended very tightly, leaving very little space.

Another point is that Chelsea did not go all out in today's game, largely because they still have the FA Cup away game against Manchester United on Sunday.

Gai looked at Chelsea and thought of what De Bruyne had said.

He didn't know whether he wanted Chelsea to be eliminated or to advance.

If we advance, we can't be so unlucky as to be drawn against them in the quarterfinals, can we?
(End of this chapter)