The road to godhood starting from Ligue 1

Chapter 350 Gaio signifies something beyond genius, something outside the system!
It's Montbaye.

Because of Gaio's interference, Griezmann, the coach of the French U21 national team, did not leave the Clairefontaine training ground with M'Vila, Ben Yedder, and others to go to a nightclub in Paris.

So Montbaye did not resign, but was only fined.

Montbaye is also the U21 coach.

His call had a clear purpose: to congratulate Gaio on his Premier League debut.

The French U21 national team coach's voice was brimming with excitement: "Yang! I just watched the replay again, and God, it was a performance! Congratulations, you've stunned all of England!"

“Thank you, Coach,” Gaio replied with a smile, sensing the sincerity in Montbaye’s tone.

After exchanging pleasantries, Montbaye revealed his main purpose: "Yang, you know, the U21 is the only national youth team you've ever played for, and I'm still the coach of that team. So, I have a favor to ask."

When the Clairefontaine national team holds its next training camp, I hope you can take some time to come to the U21 team, not for training, but to give a short speech to the current group of young men.

Your journey, from the miracle of Clairefontaine to Bastia, and tonight at Anfield.

For these young people, this is the best textbook; it's more effective than a hundred words from us old folks.

Upon hearing that he was returning to Clairefontaine, Gaio hardly hesitated.

"Of course, Coach, no problem, I'd love to."

He has a deep affection for that famous training base and sincerely hopes that more top stars can emerge from there.

If my experience can help some players, that would be the best outcome.

Gaio mentally reviewed the next training camp, which was in early September, about two weeks later.

The European qualifiers for the World Cup will continue.

Although France defeated Spain, they must ensure they do not suffer upsets in other matches.

This summer, France has arranged three friendly matches.

I played two matches in South America, against Uruguay and Brazil.

Because Gaio needed to do extra training, and besides, there were relatively few French fans there, Gaio did not travel with the team.

however,
This trip to South America turned into a nightmare for the "Gallic Rooster".

In Montevideo, France struggled to create any attacking opportunities and were defeated 1-0 by their opponents from a set piece.

Moving on to Recife, Brazil, and facing the technically gifted Samba Army at their peak, the French team, lacking a focal point in attack, crumbled completely, overwhelmed by Neymar's offensive line, and suffered a crushing 0-3 defeat.

Returning to Europe with two defeats and a goalless record, the French team still failed to find their scoring touch in a friendly against formidable rivals, the Netherlands.

Despite dominating the game, they failed to score and ultimately drew 0-0 with their opponents.

Three games, not a single goal scored!
This embarrassing data instantly ignited a sense of unease among the French media.

L'Équipe featured a somewhat somber photo of the French team's match on its front page, accompanied by an unusually sharp headline: "The Vanishing Fangs: Without Gaio, the Attack Line Falls Asleep!"

The article points out: "After enjoying the goal feast brought by Gaio, we have to face a harsh reality: the current French team is seriously dependent on him in attack."

Against Uruguay and Brazil, our midfield failed to provide threatening through balls, our flanks lacked effective breakthroughs, and our forwards, such as Giroud and Lacazette, seemed to be sleepwalking.

Without Gaio, the strongest explosive force and finisher, the entire offensive system became sluggish, predictable, and inefficient.

We seem to see a tiger without its fangs, roaring but unable to deliver a fatal blow.

France Football's commentary was even more direct: "These three friendly matches fully exposed the gap between our attackers, apart from Gaião, and the world's top level."

When the sharpest weapons are absent, we seem to have no qualified alternatives.

Deschamps must seriously consider how to avoid the team falling into a 'Gaio dependency syndrome,' otherwise it will be a ticking time bomb during the long World Cup cycle.

The media's concerns are not unfounded.

French fans are keenly aware that their World Cup dreams are, to a large extent, inextricably linked to the performance of this 18-year-old.

Gaio withdrew his thoughts.

The deal seemed to be settled, but just as Montbael was about to hang up, he seemed to remember something and added casually, "Oh, there's one more thing. Antoine asked me to ask you if he can publish articles on that 'first-person' website you created? He thinks it's awesome."

Gaio laughed upon hearing this.

His initial intention in creating the first-person perspective website was to provide players with a platform to voice their opinions directly.

Griezmann doesn't need to tell himself to register, get certified, or publish.

Speaking of which, I haven't paid attention to Griezmann for quite some time.

Without the national team ban, it's unclear how his situation is at Real Sociedad at this stage.

"Of course, Coach. Please tell Antoine that anyone can post content on it for free as long as they pass the player verification. We welcome all sincere voices."

It is indeed free.

Currently, because the user base is not large enough, only invited players can generate revenue by posting articles.

However, Gaio is also considering introducing a broad advertising incentive program.

He knew full well that the advertising revenue from the platform might be just the cost of a dinner for a player like himself with a top-tier league contract, but for the vast number of players struggling in lower leagues, it could mean a month of guaranteed training without worrying about making a living.

This touches upon the cruelest, yet least known, truth in the world of professional football.

What fans see through television broadcasts is the glamorous image, sky-high contracts, and luxurious lifestyles of the stars on the field in the Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League.

This creates the illusion that "every professional player is a millionaire".

But the reality is that the income structure of professional football is no longer a "pyramid" shape, but a more extreme "thumbtack" shape—the tall, shiny tip of the peg is occupied by a very small number of superstars who stand at the top of the industry.

But the vast, pressure-bearing surface of the nails below is where the silent majority of professional players are.

In France, a professional player playing in the French third division or even lower leagues may only earn between 2000 and 5000 euros per month.

This might sound better than the average wage earner, given that the average income in France is around 2000 euros. However, considering their short professional careers of less than 10 years on average, and the potential for injuries and re-employment difficulties after retirement, this income is far from a guarantee of a comfortable life.

To make a living, during the off-season and even outside of training, they may need to work as fitness instructors, delivery drivers, or rely on family subsidies.

Their dreams are just as real, and they put in even more sweat, yet they live forever in the enormous shadow cast by the top league.

If the first-person perspective proves successful, Gaio hopes it will benefit the "nail sides" of these thumbtacks in the future.

To enable everyone who earnestly pursues their football dream to earn an extra income by sharing their stories and insights.

This, perhaps, is the small contribution that he, who is already standing on the "nail's edge," can make to the vast foundation beneath his feet.

The next day.

Melwood Training Base.

The sunshine dispelled the usual gloom in Merseyside, and along with the joy of yesterday's resounding victory, it shone on the training field.

The atmosphere was relaxed and lively.

"Good morning, Yang!" Jordan Henderson greeted Gaio with a big smile as he walked into the locker room, drawing friendly responses from his teammates.

Gerald nodded to him, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration.

Gaio also greeted each of his teammates.

The atmosphere here is completely different from the feeling of unfamiliarity I had when I first arrived.

The training sessions focused on recovery and tactical drills.

In the group matches, a positive sign became increasingly apparent: whenever Gaio received the ball on the right wing, Gerrard, Coutinho, or Henderson making forward runs would make more proactive and decisive runs, and the entire attacking system seemed to be unfolding naturally and smoothly around him.

Even after a brilliant one-two pass, Gerrard, who was directing the defense, couldn't help but shout in praise: "Beautiful pass, Young! Play like that!"

Brendan Rogers, who stood quietly on the sidelines with his arms crossed, took in all of this.

His expression remained focused as always, but his inner world was far from calm.

His long-standing football philosophy is to build a precise and self-consistent tactical system, emphasizing the movement, passing and control of all players and tactical discipline. In his ideal blueprint, players are more like key "cogs" in the system, driving the team by perfectly executing tactical instructions.

however,
Gaio's emergence, especially his debut with four goals and one assist, was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating huge ripples in his established coaching philosophy.

When he saw the French teenager on the field, the team's offensive ceiling was raised to a level he had never imagined before.

That was not simply the result of tactical execution.

That is the explosive power and creativity that comes from personal talent.

"Could it be that I was really wrong?" A tiny voice echoed in Rogers' mind. "Perhaps, the real top superstars are the system itself? They can not only integrate perfectly, but also elevate the entire system to another dimension on their own."

He watched Gaio perform with effortless ease during training.

For the first time, he realized with such clarity that he held not just a high-quality component, but a super engine capable of redefining the rules of the game.

Although Rodgers is very stubborn about his football philosophy, he is also a young manager who is open to learning and keeping up with the times.

He felt that he should probably say something to Gaio.

soon.

After the morning training session, the hungry players flocked to the restaurant.

Gaio carried his tray, his eyes searching behind the food pick-up window.

He saw an unfamiliar Eastern face, wearing a clean white apron, busy at work.

Gaio immediately thought of the new chef David Dunn had mentioned, Ashin.

He smiled and tentatively asked in English, "Hi, are you Ashin? The new Chinese chef?"

Ashin looked up and saw it was Gaio. A slightly reserved but very warm smile immediately appeared on his face: "Yes, sir! I'm Ashin, just started working today. What would you like to order?"

He spoke with a distinct accent.

“That’s great,” Gaio said with a smile, then naturally brought up the topic, “Mr. David Dunn mentioned you to me the other day, saying that your sweet and sour pork is superb, the best he’s ever had.”

Upon hearing this, Ah Xin's eyes lit up, his nervousness lessened considerably, and he unconsciously straightened his back, his tone filled with pride: "Mr. Dunn is too kind. He still remembers the sweet and sour pork I made when I was tasting the dishes! To be honest, this dish is a family recipe passed down through generations. My grandfather's generation has been researching it, and my dad's tea restaurant in Hong Kong now features this dish as its signature dish!"

As he spoke, he served Gaio a standard portion of main course, which, of course, consisted of chicken breast that met the nutritionist's requirements.

Then he extended a warm invitation: "Sir, if you ever have the chance to come to Hong Kong in the future, be sure to tell me! I'll invite you to my family's tea restaurant, where my dad will personally cook for you the most authentic version. I guarantee you'll be satisfied with the taste!"

“Just call me Yang,” Gaio nodded earnestly, infected by his straightforwardness and pride. “It’s a deal, Ashin. I’ll definitely try it when I have the chance.”

At this moment, Sturridge, who was in the back of the line, leaned over and jokingly shouted, "Hey, Ashin, we can't just invite Yang alone, the whole team is going to Hong Kong to see your dad!"

A burst of cheerful laughter immediately filled the restaurant.

Shortly after lunch, as Gaio was preparing to rest, a staff member approached him and whispered, "Yan, Brendan wants you to go to his office."

Gaio nodded, not surprised.

He walked down the corridor and knocked on the door of that familiar office once again.

"Please come in."

Rogers was standing in front of the tactical board, but the contents on the board were different from last time.

He turned around, his expression much gentler than when they first met, and gestured to the sofa: "Sit down, Yang."

Gaio sat down and waited for the other party to speak.

The atmosphere in the office was completely different from the tense, business-like feeling of the first time.

Rogers didn't beat around the bush. He sat opposite Gaio, his hands clasped on the table, and said sincerely, "I called you here mainly to talk. I must once again express my delight at your debut performance. It was a phenomenal show. You completely exceeded everyone's expectations, including mine."

He paused briefly, seemingly choosing his words, before continuing, "Do you remember our first conversation here? I said that you're not my first choice, the team needs you, but I need to see you integrate into the system."

Gaio nodded slightly, indicating that he remembered.

Rogers leaned forward, looking directly at Gaio, his voice steady and powerful: "What I want to tell you today is that after that game, my views need to be updated."

I still firmly believe in the importance of the tactical system, which is the foundation of the team.

But I must also admit that some players, with their talent and influence, can raise or even redefine the ceiling of a system.

You, Yang, are that kind of player.

You are not only a member of the team, but also a crucial part of my tactics.

I saw how naturally Steven, Jordan, Felipe, and Daniel played around you on the court; it was a chemistry that a coach couldn't completely design.

I hope we can establish absolute trust.

At this point, Rogers gave a self-deprecating smile: "To be honest, some of my previous ideas may have been too stubborn."

I've said before that the Premier League is not Ligue 1.

But now it seems that for some truly top players, the differences between leagues may not be as significant as imagined.

You've proven that.

He concluded: "So, relax and play, and continue training and playing like this."

Your abilities have earned you the respect of everyone, including me.

We will build more aggressive tactics with you at the core.

What we need between us is open communication and absolute trust.

Gaio could sense the sincerity in these words; it was no longer a show of force, but a genuine endorsement and invitation to cooperate.

He calmly replied, "I understand, Coach. My goal is always to help the team win. I will do my best and trust your and the team's arrangements."

“Very good.” Rogers nodded in satisfaction. “Keep it up. Go on, and don’t be late for the afternoon recovery training.”

Gaio got up and left.

After closing the door, Rogers let out a long sigh of relief.

This conversation was less about "making amends" and more about a necessary "correction."

He realized that what it might take to manage a true genius is not to cram him into a fixed framework, but to create a stage tailored to him that allows him to fully express himself.

His four goals and one assist in his debut were so impressive that they completely shook his belief that "the system is above all else".

right now,

What he needs to consider is how to fully unleash the performance of this super engine in the more intense arena of the Premier League.

If he can't do it.

Then the team will find a coach who can do that.

the other side.

After Gaio stepped outside, his thoughts began to wander.

He was not surprised by Rogers' change of heart.

Rogers's conversation was less of a reassurance and more of an inevitable choice based on practical interests.

Any clear-headed head coach, upon seeing their new signing, who boasts a record transfer fee and top salary, score four goals and contribute to five in his debut, would know what to do, unless they are insane or stupid.

As for whether Rogers had truly and completely abandoned his previous ideas, Gaio didn't care.

He just needs to make sure the coach gives him enough trust and tactical freedom in practice.

With this in mind, Gaio's steps became lighter.

He temporarily put Rogers' approval out of his mind.

For him, the real battlefield is the training ground and that green grass; everything else is just a byproduct of winning.

What he needs to do now is prepare for the next match and continue his conquest.

Time flies.

Starting with Liverpool's recovery training session in the afternoon, the remaining matches of the first round of the Premier League began one after another.

It all ended in the evening.

Besides Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing of Stoke City, there was also an important match at the airport—

Manchester City's new manager Pellegrini led his team to a 4-0 victory over Newcastle.

In Moyes' debut for Manchester United, they thrashed Swansea 4-1.

Chelsea beat Hull City 2-0 after Mourinho's return.

Tottenham's new signing Soldado scored a penalty to defeat newly promoted Crystal Palace 1-0.

All the top teams won.

Have you noticed someone is missing?

Yes.

arsenal!
Arsène Wenger's team, playing at home in the Emirates Stadium, suffered a 1-3 defeat to Aston Villa after Koscielny received two yellow cards and was sent off. Giroud scored an early goal, but the team ultimately lost.

There's no other way. There's simply no one left.

This summer, Arsenal released 17 players and signed one on a free transfer.

With £7000 million in hand, Wenger has been linked with several hot transfer targets, but so far, he hasn't spent a single penny.

In the first round of matches, Arsenal not only suffered a comeback defeat against Aston Villa, but also had several players injured.

As a result, Wenger only has 12 first-team players available in the current squad.

What is this concept?
In other words, apart from the starting 11, they only have one substitute player.

Without signing new players, Arsenal may struggle to even secure their position as a top-four contender this season, amidst an arms race between powerhouses like Manchester City and Chelsea.

Gaio also expressed sympathy for Wenger's situation.

But while I sympathize with him, this is also a major reason why he didn't choose to join Arsenal.

The ongoing power struggle between Arsenal's two shareholders is severely impacting the club's competitiveness.

Arsenal are responsible for their own profits and losses and also have to repay stadium loans.

Only Wenger could lead such an Arsenal team to compete for the Champions League title.

If another manager were in charge, Arsenal might be plummeting into the relegation zone.

However, even a legendary coach like Wenger...

In the match against Aston Villa, Arsenal fans responded to the team's inaction with boos as usual.

What Arsenal fans want to see most is for the team to actually buy players, rather than just making a lot of noise about potential signings but ending up with nothing.

Not only the fans, but even Giroud couldn't stand it anymore.

In a post-match interview, Giroud said, "In my opinion, the team needs to bring in a striker. Actually, I've been thinking about this for a long time, because the current situation may change someday, provided the team can sign a high-level player. There's no point in sighing now. I know what I should do and what I'm capable of."

Actually, when Giroud said those words, he was thinking about the national team's matches.

If only Gaio were here.
Unfortunately, this is just wishful thinking.

After the first round of matches concluded, Liverpool topped the table with a goal difference of +5.

Then came Manchester City with four goals, and Manchester United with three goals.

This situation has led the English media to praise it as "the era of many strong teams rising in the Premier League has arrived."

The Daily Mail commented: "Liverpool's brutal start and Manchester City's solid performance together herald a restructuring of the Premier League's power landscape. This is no longer the familiar two-horse race, but a true three-way battle. Even more exciting is the general improvement in the competitiveness of mid-table teams, and the Premier League is entering its most suspenseful era."

The Guardian focused on the title race: "With Liverpool displaying such terrifying dominance, the Manchester clubs must realize that they are facing the most brutal title race in Premier League history. An era of fierce competition has arrived, and this is just the beginning."

Unlike other teams that compete on multiple fronts, especially with Champions League commitments.

Liverpool only has domestic competitions this season.

This is also one of their advantages!
This August.

Liverpool have two more matches to play: an away game against Aston Villa in the second round of the Premier League and a home game against Notts County in the second round of the EFL Cup.

Notts County is a League One team.

It's not even in the Championship.

Time passed slowly during training, and Gaio and his teammates became more and more in sync.

On the training ground, when the suspended Suarez appeared in the scrimmage, the team's attack took on a completely different style.

Despite being unable to play in official matches, Suarez has not relaxed his dedication and competitive form in training.

His movement remains uncanny, and his ability to tear apart defenses is top-notch.

Soon, the Uruguayan striker clearly felt that the team's right flank had undergone a qualitative change compared to last season.

During an attacking drill, Suarez habitually used a reverse run in the middle to shake off Skrtel, who was marking him closely.

The moment he started moving, the ball, as if calculated, was passed from the right wing into the space in front of him.

The ball speed, power, and lead time are all just right, allowing him to directly connect to the next move without having to adjust his footwork.

This pass came from Gaio.

After taking the shot, Suarez glanced back at the French boy and gave him a complicated smile.

He jogged over and said to Gaio in heavily accented Spanish, "Yang, that was a perfect pass!"

He gestured excitedly, "You see that gap? Yes, right there! Pass it to me, all I have to do is run, that's awesome!"

Gaio smiled at Suarez and said, "Then you can run with confidence, I'll pass it to you."

This feeling is invaluable for a striker of Suarez's caliber.

He no longer needs to frequently drop back to midfield or even the wings to receive passes and create his own opportunities. Instead, he can focus more on roaming near the penalty area, waiting for the perfect moment to deliver the decisive blow.

This tacit understanding became even more apparent in the subsequent training sessions.

Suarez found that playing with Gaio in the middle was much more comfortable.

This French teenager not only possesses explosive power, but his passing choices, timing, and technique, especially his quick low crosses or triangular back passes that are most difficult for defenders to handle, can always accurately find gaps in the defense and feed the ball to the striker's most comfortable position.

During a training break, Suarez put his arm around Gaio's shoulder and said to Gerrard and his other teammates, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Just wait, guys, when I come back, Young and I will make Christmas early for all the Premier League defenders!"

His eyes were full of anticipation for the future.

Gaio smiled and nodded in response, but a complex feeling stirred within him.

He knew better than anyone that, in the original historical trajectory, this talented and ambitious Uruguayan beside him would soon be determined to leave Liverpool and eventually head to Camp Nou.

Together with Messi and Neymar, they formed the world-famous MSN trio.

"But what about now?" Gaio walked to the sidelines to drink water while subtly observing Suarez.

After Liverpool has undergone tremendous changes, will Suarez still be so convinced that Barcelona is his only and necessary choice?
Gaio didn't know, but he didn't care.

With me around, Liverpool will never be lonely again!

8 month 23 number.

The day before the second round of Premier League matches.

A light drizzle was falling in Liverpool's city center in the afternoon. Gaio, wearing a hoodie, was walking briskly along Albert Dock, enjoying a little personal time before the match.

"Hey! Wait! Are you Yang? Gaio?!"

The first excited voice came from behind him, from a father wearing an old Liverpool jersey, with his wife and son.

Gaio stopped, and as he pulled down his hood to reveal a smile, the precise call was like a pebble thrown into calm water.

"It really is Gaio!"

Not far away, a man who was smoking outside the coffee shop heard the noise and looked over, immediately putting out his cigarette.

"Where? Where is Gaio?"

Another woman's voice came from the shop next door.

Soon, the previously sparse crowd seemed to receive some silent signal and quickly gathered towards this focal point.

Tourists, locals, and office workers just off work—people of all backgrounds wore the same expression of excitement and disbelief.

"Yang, please sign your name!"

"God, can we take a picture together?"

"Saturday's game was fantastic!"

Requests and praise poured in from all directions.

Gaio was surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd, and the rain seemed unable to dampen their enthusiasm.

He tried his best to meet everyone's requests, taking the pens handed to him and signing his name on jerseys, hats, and even phone cases, patiently cooperating with each group photo.

The little boy who was first discovered was lifted high by his father, so that he could put his arm around Gaio's shoulder and show his brightest smile to the phone camera.

"Beat Villa in the next match!"

"Stay healthy, Yang! We need you!"

"Play like that, and show all of England how good you are!"

He was surrounded by waves of encouragement and expectations.

While signing autographs, Gaio would occasionally look up and nod to the fans, responding with simple "thank you" and "I will do my best."

The scene lasted for nearly ten minutes until a patrol officer noticed the crowd and kindly helped to disperse it, allowing Gaio to escape.

He put his wet hood back on and hurried away.

The excited chatter of the fans could still be heard behind me.

The coolness brought by the rain was completely dispelled by the overwhelming enthusiasm. Gaio turned his head to look at the crowd and smiled.

This is no longer just cheers in the stadium, but a living, tangible hope for the entire city.

Every autograph, every handshake, every word of encouragement to "keep it up" is a genuine expression of a fan's hopes for him.

Gaio knew that he was gradually becoming a true part of the city.

at the same time.

Rodgers spoke candidly at the press conference, saying, "The result and the course of the first game were satisfactory, but it's in the past. Villa Park has always been a tough away game. Paul Lambert's team is well-organized and defends very tenaciously. We must remain absolutely focused and respect every opponent."
Yang adapted very well.

But the challenge of the Premier League is that you face different, targeted defenses every week. For him, it's important to stay calm, continue to trust his teammates, and make the right choices for the team. Our victories always rely on the team as a whole, not on any one individual.
Luiz's absence is a fact, but we also saw the excellent form and goal-scoring ability of players like Daniel, Felipe, and Jordan. Our attacking system is built on the collective effort, and everyone has a responsibility.
Yes, our goal is very clear: to leave here with three points. We respect Villa, but we also come with a clear plan and strong confidence. The team is ready.”

Following the press conference in Liverpool.

The whole team is heading to Birmingham!
While Gaio was in the air, he was still wondering if the fog over Birmingham was really caused by the Razorbacks smoking.

Is the Shelby family really made of whiskey?

Birmingham
This industrial heart, known as "England's second city," has never been a gentle place.

As the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, its lifeblood flows with steel, steam, and sweat.

The people here are known for their pragmatic, resilient, and even slightly rugged "Brummie" accent.

When discussing the local pop culture, many people immediately think of the "Peakies" from the movie "Peaky Blinders," who wore baseball caps with razor blades sewn into the brim and controlled everything in the gloomy alleyways.

This deep-seated toughness and untamed spirit is part of the city's character.

Birmingham has a long football tradition, and Aston Villa is undoubtedly the most illustrious aristocrat on the city's football map.

They are among the founders of English football and former champions of the European Cup. Despite ups and downs, their historical pride has never faded.

Villa Park Stadium is the football mecca of this industrial city.

The sky was overcast in Birmingham at the end of August.

The gray tones characteristic of industrial cities enveloped everything, with a hint of coolness and a faint smell of coal smoke in the air.

But Villa Park, this ancient stadium, has long since awakened, like a steel giant from the Victorian era about to engage in battle.

On the main road, Villa fans wearing traditional burgundy striped shirts poured in from all directions.

The bars outside the stadium were already bustling with activity.

Aston Villa fans, beer in hand, discussed tactics, and the conversation inevitably focused on one person—

"That French kid Gaio who spent 80 million..."

"We need to teach him a lesson and let him know that Birmingham is not Stoke City!"

"We need to keep a close eye on him and prevent him from running wild!"

These voices rose and fell among the crowd.

Liverpool's strong start, especially Gaião's emergence, added a sense of tension to this otherwise ordinary league match, making it feel like a battle to defend the city's honor.

At the entrance to the away fans' stand, a small patch of bright red stood out conspicuously, yet it also resembled a "lone army" that had infiltrated enemy territory.

Liverpool fans who had traveled from afar gathered here, singing "You'll Never Walk Alone".

Having enjoyed a resounding victory in the first round, they are eager to see the team continue their offensive firepower on the road.

As both team buses arrived at the stadium.

The atmosphere at the scene reached its peak!
The melodious and heartfelt Aston Villa anthem, "Hi Ho Aston Villa," was sung by more home fans. Unlike the poignant "You'll Never Walk Alone" at Anfield, the song was filled with pride and a strong sense of belonging.

Liverpool's team bus slowly drove toward Villa Park, with crowds of people in deep blue and burgundy hues visible outside the windows.

Gaio leaned against the window, watching the Villa fans with their faces painted and singing the team's anthem at the top of their lungs.

Upon seeing the Liverpool team bus, many fans immediately turned angry, made provocative gestures, and their boos and shouts could even be faintly heard through the soundproof glass.

"Welcome to the Premier League away game, Young."

Jordan Henderson, sitting next to him, noticed his gaze and said with a knowing smile.

Gaio nodded.

This is the football culture of England.

Compared to Ligue 1, the hostility here is more direct, and the atmosphere is more primal and frenetic.

The bus struggled to move through the lane cleared by the police and finally stopped at the players' entrance.

The car door opened, revealing an even denser cacophony of noise and flashing lights outside.

The players quickly got off the bus, heads down, and walked towards the locker room tunnel under the protection of staff and security personnel.

Gerrard naturally slowed his pace and walked alongside Gaio.

He gently patted Gaio on the back, his voice steady, "How are you feeling?"

“Very special.”

Gaio answered truthfully that the atmosphere here was completely different from that at Anfield.

“Get used to it,” Gerrard said gently, his tone full of experience. “Every away game is the same. They reserve the best ‘welcome’ for us. Don’t let that affect you. Keep your focus on the pitch and just treat all their voices as encouragement.”

Gaio nodded.

Entering the away team's locker room, the atmosphere quieted down slightly.

Rodgers stood in the center of the locker room. After all the players were seated, he looked around with a calm and confident expression.

"Alright, guys, let me say a few more words in one last moment."

Remember, they are not our opponents. Our only opponent is ourselves.

Play what we've been training, maintain our intensity and passing rhythm, and they can't keep up with us.

Pay attention to two details: first, focus when defending set pieces; second, quick ball distribution when transitioning from defense to attack. If you do these things well and play normally, the result will naturally follow.

quickly,

The warm-up ended amidst the cheers of Aston Villa fans at the home stadium.

After getting ready in the locker room, the players headed toward the players' tunnel.

The space inside the passage is narrow.

Gaio could clearly feel the undisguised scrutinizing gazes coming from all directions.

however,
Gaio's gaze remained calm.

He was already used to it.

Ever since his rise to fame in Bastia, he has been a primary target of his opponents' "attacks." This feeling of being seen as a thorn in their side is inescapable.

He was all too familiar.

But what is a superstar?

That is, under the spotlight and with the opponent's tight defense, you can still calmly and confidently accomplish what you want to do.

Whether it's boos or stares, it doesn't matter.

They're all just background noise.

The real dialogue will only take place between the football and the net.

He knew that ninety minutes later, only one thing could turn those hostile gazes into awe—a goal, and victory.

And he was ready.

(End of this chapter)