Dumbfounded!
The spectators on the sidelines, whether fans or reporters, had forgotten to cheer.
It was too fast!
From Crystal Palace gaining possession to the goal, did it even take ten seconds?
“This…
the one who just scored, is that the Portuguese Ronaldo the Chinese man bought for 10 million euros?” “That’s right, that’s the kid.” “So fast, and his dribbling is amazing.
That 10 million was well spent.” “He is quite impressive.
But don’t forget, QPR is just a third-tier team; their players’ abilities are limited.” “That’s true.
But Crystal Palace’s counter-attack was way too fast.
Did it even take ten seconds from getting the ball to scoring?” “Probably around there.
This counter-attack is too sharp.
Could this be the tactical system designed by that Chinese man?” “No way?
Maybe it was just a fluke?” “Mhm, possible.
Let’s observe a bit more.
If Crystal Palace can execute a counter like that again, it’ll prove it’s a tactic designed by Mr.
Chen.”
QPR was also a bit stunned; they were scored on before they even realized what was happening?
Was it an illusion?
The match restarted.
However, to everyone’s absolute shock, Crystal Palace didn’t press their advantage but shrank back into their own half once again.
What was this?
Taking defense to the absolute limit?
Against a third-tier team, was this really necessary?
Since Crystal Palace voluntarily retreated, QPR naturally didn’t hold back.
Already a goal down, they definitely had to keep attacking.
However, the QPR manager held something back this time.
He had acutely noticed Toni’s pivot role.
This time, while attacking in force, he made sure to leave two defenders back specifically to mark Toni.
Soon, possession fell into Crystal Palace’s hands again.
This time, the ball was at Simeone’s feet.
The QPR players had learned their lesson; the moment Simeone got the ball, someone immediately pressed him.
Simeone’s technique wasn’t as refined as Guardiola’s, so he didn’t tangle with the opponent and passed it straight to Guardiola.
Guardiola took a touch past the pressing QPR player.
But when he looked up, he saw Toni was already sandwiched by two opposing defenders.
Meanwhile, C.
Ronaldo, sprinting down the left wing, had an opposing wide player tracking him closely.
Chen Ran had anticipated this situation long ago.
Under his guidance, Simeone had patched many of the loopholes in his designed tactic.
What to do if pressed tightly?
What if the passing target is marked?
What if the opponent specifically counters the tactic?
Chen Ran had pointed out all these difficulties one by one.
Then, he sat with Guardiola, Simeone, and Southgate, doing sandbox simulations, brainstorming solutions for various scenarios.
Finally, these solutions were drilled into the players during training.
Therefore, upon seeing a scenario they had covered in the sandbox simulations, Guardiola didn’t hesitate.
Following the tactical arrangement, he sent a long pass to the right wing toward the sprinting Ribéry.
Ribéry didn’t possess C.
Ronaldo’s sharp dribbling ability, so he didn’t cut straight into the penalty area like him.
Instead, he used his speed to shake off the defender and dashed wildly down the right touchline.
At this moment, seeing the ball had gone to the right wing, the QPR defenders double-teaming Toni abandoned him and hurriedly tracked back.
Freed from his markers, Toni also began charging toward the penalty area.
Simultaneously, C.
Ronaldo on the left wing was also sprinting top-speed toward the box.
Ribéry looked up while dribbling.
Seeing Toni and C.
Ronaldo had entered the box, he didn’t hesitate and crossed the ball.
Perhaps he used too much force, the arc was a bit high, and Toni, leaping in the middle, couldn’t reach it.
Thump!
A solid sound of contact rang out.
A figure burst out from the left, stepping in front of the opposing defender and smashing a header into the net.
It was C.
Ronaldo again!
Crystal Palace 2:0 Queens Park Rangers.
If some people thought the first counter-attack was a fluke, this time, absolutely no one thought so anymore.
Though the process differed slightly, the tactical design was identical.
Wings flying, converging in the middle, a fatal strike.
Anyone who understood football could see this was absolutely a meticulously designed tactical system.
Efficient, sharp, and replicable.
“Hiss…
so this really is the tactic designed by that Chinese man.” “Definitely.
They’ve pulled it off twice, almost identically.” “It seems Mr.
Chen really isn’t just a big talker.
We’ve all underestimated him.” “Indeed.
And this Portuguese Ronaldo he bought for big money is very well-rounded—fast, highly technical, and can head the ball.
Tsk tsk, isn’t this another future superstar?” “Haha, now I really want to know what expressions Ferguson, Wenger, and Houllier will make when they see this Ronaldo’s performance.
It must be brilliant.” “Mhm, good idea.
That’s a great selling point.
How about we hype this up together?” “Sure.
This Chinese man already has high popularity.
If we drag Ferguson, Wenger, and Houllier into it, and this topic blows up, we’ll have enough to eat off for a while.” “Let’s do it.”
The rest of the match had no suspense.
Although Crystal Palace retreated to defend again after scoring, it didn’t stop them from continuing to counter-attack and score.
After Toni scored a third goal, the QPR manager learned his lesson.
You Crystal Palace want to play counter-attack?
Fine, I just won’t attack!
That Chinese man from Crystal Palace is too wicked, setting up traps just waiting for yours truly to jump in.
It was already 3:0.
One more and it would be a rout.
With so many reporters present, he couldn’t afford to lose any more face.
He wasn’t playing anymore.
So, with neither side actively attacking, the match completely entered garbage time.
Seeing there was no more developmental value, Chen Ran substituted in the backups and sounded the retreat.
The next day, many media outlets covering the match published reports with highly sensational headlines.
“Crystal Palace’s Ronaldo Performs Miraculously, Scores Brace, Helps Team Thrash QPR 3-0.
Sir Alex Ferguson, Do You Regret It?” “Peerless Genius Shows Divine Might, Scores Two on Debut.
Crystal Palace Crushes QPR.
Coach Wenger, Does Your Heart Ache?” “Coach Houllier, Please Only Read News About Cristiano Ronaldo When Your Health Permits.” “Mr.
Chen Ran’s Precise Eye: The Ronaldo Snatched from Man Utd, Arsenal, and Liverpool Helps Him Secure His First Managerial Victory.”
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends.