Chapter 381
The morning sun shines on the green field of the Carrington training base, and a fierce training match is in progress.
On the field, Manchester City players are sweating hard, showing their skills and enthusiasm.
On the sidelines, head coach Guardiola and his assistant coaches are carefully observing the performance of the players.
In their notebooks, they record the data and performance of each player.
These data will become an important basis for them to formulate tactics and adjust the lineup.
Among all the players, Li Lei undoubtedly attracted the most attention.
This young Chinese player is conquering everyone's heart with his performance.
Li Lei kept running back and forth on the field, and there seemed to be a flame under his feet, lighting the field.
Whether in the frontcourt or midfield, he can find the best position to create opportunities for the team.
His pass is accurate and sharp, and he can find the best offensive route every time.
His shot is full of power and skill, so that the opponent's goalkeeper has to give a thumbs up.
But what is really amazing is Li Lei's off-ball running and retreat.
He seems to always be able to predict the direction of the game and always appear where the team needs him most.
Especially when retreating, he can directly connect the midfield and the frontcourt, creating more possibilities for the team's offense.
"Li Lei is really a very comprehensive player, and I can have a different feeling every time." An assistant coach couldn't help but sigh to Guardiola.
Guardiola nodded and said in agreement: "Well! In the last game against Leicester City, putting him in the center position achieved good results, especially his retreat, which can directly connect the midfield players."
"Boni is still too young, he doesn't have this effect!" Another assistant coach added.
The training continued, and Li Lei's performance was still eye-catching.
He is like a treasure, and every observation will have new discoveries and new surprises.
Guardiola looked at Li Lei with a gratified smile on his face.
The training match reached a white-hot stage, and the passion of the players seemed to be ignited.
Li Lei came to the right side at this time, and the ball was firmly under his feet.
Facing him was the main defender Otamendi.
The experienced Otamendi knew the terribleness of Li Lei. Li Lei's explosive power was amazing. If he was not careful, he would be eaten alive by him.
Therefore, Otamendi always kept a distance from Li Lei and did not dare to kick easily.
When Li Lei moved, Otamendi followed; when Li Lei stopped, Otamendi also stopped.
His tactics were very clear - as long as he followed Li Lei closely and did not give him the opportunity to kick, he could limit his performance.
But Li Lei was not in a hurry.
As a mature player, he knew that football was a team sport.
He needed the cooperation of his teammates and the follow-up of the players in the middle.
At this moment, Li Lei saw Aguero running into the penalty area, and he had a plan in his mind.
Li Lei suddenly accelerated and pretended to rush into the penalty area.
Otamendi followed closely and tried to intercept.
But at this moment, Li Lei suddenly stopped the ball and opened up space.
Otamendi was unable to adjust for a while, and Li Lei had already passed the ball.
The ball accurately found Aguero who came into the penalty area.
Aguero lived up to expectations and made a diving header, and the ball hit the net with a swish!
"Beautiful! Li Lei and Aguero's cooperation is so tacit!" The assistant coaches on the sidelines exclaimed.
Guardiola also showed a satisfied smile.
Li Lei and Aguero celebrated by high-fiving on the court, and their faces were filled with joyful smiles.
This cooperation was not only a successful attack, but also a proof of their tacit understanding.
Although Otamendi was passed, he was not discouraged.
The game continued, but the scene just now was deeply imprinted in everyone's mind.
The cooperation between Li Lei and Aguero was like a perfect movement, and every note was just right.
New Year's Day 2016 has just passed, and the New Year's atmosphere has not completely dissipated, but Manchester City's players are about to start to engage in intense competition.
On January 3, in the 20th round of the Premier League, Li Lei and his teammates will go to Vicarage Road Stadium to challenge Watford away.
Since Guardiola shouted the slogan of winning the championship, Manchester City has felt unprecedented pressure.
To achieve this goal, you must put in twelve points of effort in every game.
Every minute, every second, may determine the ownership of the championship.
Li Lei and his teammates know this very well, so on the bus to Watford, their faces are full of seriousness and concentration.
They areI told myself silently that today's game must be won!
At Vicarage Road Stadium, Watford players also felt tremendous pressure.
Facing this powerful Manchester City, their only chance was to fight to keep a draw.
At the beginning of the game, Watford players showed their determination.
They rushed frantically and stopped Manchester City's attack at all costs.
Even if it meant committing a foul or receiving a yellow card, they would not hesitate.
In the 33rd minute, the intensity of the game reached its peak.
Li Lei took the ball on the right and tried to break through Watford's defense.
His opponent, Watford defender Nyom, was closely guarding him.
Li Lei suddenly accelerated and tried to break through Nyom's side.
But Nyom was not a vegetarian. He quickly adjusted his position and stood shoulder to shoulder with Li Lei.
At this moment, Nyom suddenly stretched out his leg and tried to tackle Li Lei's ball.
But his action was a bit too big and he directly shoveled Li Lei's ankle.
Li Lei fell to the ground in pain, and the whole stadium fell silent.
The referee immediately took out a yellow card and warned Nyom.
Nyom did not argue, he knew that his action was indeed problematic.
He walked towards Li Lei and stretched out his hand to pull him up, but Li Lei ignored him.
Manchester City's medical team quickly entered the field to check Li Lei's injuries.
Fortunately, Li Lei was not seriously injured and he stood up again soon.
But this scene made Manchester City's players feel the fierceness of Watford.
However, Watford's performance did not make Manchester City's players retreat.
On the contrary, they strengthened their determination to win.
Facing such an opponent, only by showing a stronger fighting spirit can victory be achieved.
Li Lei returned to the field, his eyes were more determined.
He kept shuttling around the field, looking for a breakthrough. He shouldered the team's expectations and he had to lead the team to score goals.
Aguero and Sterling were also constantly trying to shoot.
They attacked Watford's goal again and again, but Watford's defense was too tenacious.
But Watford players were like a wall, firmly blocking Manchester City's attack.