Football giants

Chapter 936
The post-match press conference at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, next door to the press center.

Therefore, as soon as the awards ceremony was over and the players walked back to the locker room, media from all over the world poured into the press center. After finishing their work, they all gathered at the press conference venue.

The head coaches of both sides were also very punctual, showing up on time without too much delay.

At this time, it was almost early morning, so the organizing committee did not have too many arrangements, and went directly to the topic.

"Hello, Marcelo, we'd love to know, what do you think of this match?"

Reporters were quick to throw their first question at title-winning Marcelo Bielsa.

Argentinian maniac sitting on stage and smiling.

"It was a very great game. We performed very well. Bayern Munich is a top team. It caused us a lot of trouble, but we also created a lot of chances. Therefore, the team that performed better in the end won the championship!"

"There is no doubt that we have made history not just in Southampton, in English football, but in European football, and we all have reason to be proud and proud of that."

The reporters immediately looked at Guardiola who was sitting aside, "Pep?"

Guardiola should have been prepared for a long time. After hearing the question, he smiled at Bielsa and nodded: "Yes, Southampton completed a great game. Their execution during the game was very good. The opportunity was quite good. The whole game put a lot of pressure on us, and they should win."

"I would say, unfortunately, we didn't have the last laugh, but me and my players were in the game and we really believed we had a chance to win the title and worked hard for it, but Southampton was better."

"It's been a phenomenal season for us as well, we came so close to the Treble, just so close, it's going to be a pity to everyone who supported us, but that's football."

"The Saints' players are very strong, especially their offensive players. They are very good. They are the strongest team on the planet. It is always very difficult to face such an opponent, but I think we did a good job. Although we lost the game in the end, we have tried our best."

The reporters immediately asked again, "Marcelo, we all know that you have a very good relationship with Pep, do you have anything to say?"

Bielsa nodded and thought for a while, "I think Pep is a great head coach. He did a great job at Bayern Munich. In this game, he also achieved the limit that a head coach can do. He and his team should be respected."

"Pep? What about you?" The reporter asked again.

"Marcelo is a great manager!"

As soon as Guardiola said this, the audience burst into laughter.

Unexpectedly, Guardiola, who doesn't talk much on weekdays, has no sense of humor at all.

"Southampton's tactics are very thought-provoking and worthy of our study and deep thinking. This team has subverted many of our past perceptions of football, and this game is bound to change European football!"

Many people present began to discuss.

Obviously, many people feel that the two of you are bragging, and I'm flattering you.

But in fact, only those who really understand football can understand the meaning of these two famous European coaches.

If we simply look at the coaching performance of the two, it may be difficult to say who will win and who will lose.

In the past few years, Bielsa's success in Southampton has made him a top coach in the world.

But in the end is the saint created Bielsa?
Or did Bielsa make the saints?
Many neutrals would surely say that the two go hand in hand.

But in fact, in Bielsa's success, the factors of saints are undoubtedly crucial, especially the trust and support of Bielsa from the management headed by Yang Huan, as well as the generous investment every year.

In terms of team lineup, the Saints are slightly better than Bayern Munich, which is also recognized by everyone before the game.

So in this game, Bayern Munich lost [-] to [-], which seems to be a complete defeat, but if you look closely at the game process, Guardiola has already tried his best to restore Bayern Munich's defeat.

But helplessly, the Saints are too strong.

Therefore, Guardiola lost, but not because of his inferior skills, but because of Bayern Munich's lack of strength.

As for Bielsa, although his success has factors of his own strength, it is also inseparable from the platform of the Saints.

Therefore, after asking a few more questions, the topic quickly focused on the future of the two famous coaches.

"Marcelo, before you publicly stated that this season will be your last season coaching the Saints. Now that the Saints have won two consecutive championships, I wonder if you can redeem your intention to leave?"

Journalists are very concerned about Bielsa's future.

The Argentine madman smiled slightly, "Frankly speaking, I never thought that we could defend the Champions League, but I will not change the decision I made after careful consideration. I will not continue to coach the Saints."

"It is reported that both Manchester United and Real Madrid are considering inviting you to coach." The reporter asked again.

Bielsa shook his head, "No, I haven't received any invitations. For the time being, I'm considering adjusting my role. I hope to have more time to rest so that I can think about something I'm interested in."

It can be seen that the Argentine has decided to go, which is also expected by the reporters on the scene.

"Marcelo, we respect your decision very much, but, from your point of view, who do you most want to see succeed you as the head coach of the Saints?"

After Bielsa heard it, he felt a little embarrassed, "I am not very good at answering this question. There are too many issues to consider when hiring a head coach. I believe the club management should be prepared."

"The Sun once conducted a survey on this point. Among all the famous coaches who will succeed you, Guardiola sitting next to you is the most popular candidate and the one most expected by Saints fans. What do you think?"

When Bielsa heard this, he immediately looked at Guardiola, and the two immediately understood each other.

After talking about it, going around and going around, it still returned to the two of them.

"I still say that the selection of the head coach should be decided by the management." But here, Bielsa changed the subject, "But if you ask for my opinion, then I will say that Pep will be the most ideal head coach for the Saints. He will bring the Saints to a new and greater height. I have no doubts about this."

Everyone was a little surprised, and didn't expect Bielsa to have such a high evaluation of Guardiola.

"Pep, what about you? Have you considered accepting Southampton's offer?"

Guardiola smiled slightly, nodded and said: "I believe that in this world, I am afraid that no one can refuse the invitation of the Saints, including me." But at this point, Guardiola also changed the subject, "However, I still have a contract with Bayern Munich."

"There is only one year left, Pep, you should know that if you want, the Saints can help you negotiate with Bayern Munich, and even pay liquidated damages."

But Guardiola shook his head, "This is not my style, I respect my contract with Bayern Munich."

Is this a disguised rejection of Southampton?

The reporters below were beating their hearts.

This is the end of the topic about the two great marshals.

Soon, the problem shifted to the players.

Regarding the fact that many players in the Saints team have encountered different degrees of poaching, Bielsa believes that Southampton should not let go of their players easily, but should consolidate their achievements in the past few years.

"Neither Pogba nor Kovacic will leave the team. They have always been in the team's plan. So is Ravel Morrison. He has a lot of affection for the team. And don't forget, he is only 22 years old. He should stay with the Saints and continue to grow."

"Yes, Kaka will leave the team at the end of the season and go to the United States to play in the major leagues. If I were to evaluate his career with the Saints, I would consider it a success, because he has brought us great help, many of which are still beyond the reach of the outside world."

Kaka brought Bielsa on as a substitute in the last few minutes of the game, making Kaka a three-time Champions League winner and four-time Champions League finalist.

Although Kaka's status in Southampton has gradually declined this season, no one will forget the help he brought to Southampton last season, and he also set a positive example for young teammates in his usual training.

This is exactly what Bielsa wants to say.

From the perspective of the club, after Kaka joined the Saints, the commercial value has been improved, which has driven the growth of the club's interests and commercial income, especially the influence of the Saints in South America and Asia.

Therefore, from the point of view of the transfer, the operation of Kaka is a success.

As for the competitive level, Kaka has contributed a lot to the two Premier League champions and the two Champions League champions, especially last season's Premier League champions and Champions League champions, so he is basically satisfied.

This season, with Pogba, Kovacic and Oscar gradually provoking the mainstay of the midfield, coupled with the rise of the teenager Prouse, the Saints' midfield lineup is extremely luxurious. It is difficult for Kaka to get a chance, let alone perform.

This is what no one thought of when Kaka joined.

Therefore, when Kaka decided to leave, the Saints management did not give too much obstruction.

In recent years, the Saints team has seen a blowout of talents and accelerated metabolism. Not to mention Kaka, even Matic is under pressure from competition.

This season, because Toni Kroos is not injured or sick, and his condition is good, Matic is still focusing more on the Premier League, but with the rise of Kovacic, his position has also been affected.

In many games, Bielsa even replaced Matic with Kovacic.

In some dispensable cup games, the team is also focusing on cultivating Youri Tielemans, which has affected Matic's number of appearances, and has also fallen into transfer rumors this summer.

Even the Saints management is considering, should Matic be let go?
Don't look at Matic's rotation role in the Saints, but based on his performance in the Premier League, the valuation given by the authority is 3000 million pounds, but it is simply impossible to win Matic at this price.

Because now almost all of Europe is scrambling for this type of midfielder.

But in Southampton's tactical system, Matic is gradually exposing his weaknesses and shortcomings.

If it is said that Matic's biggest weapon based on Southampton is his defensive ability, then with the Saints' powerful attack power, the importance of his defense has been gradually weakened.

Even in this Champions League final against Bayern Munich, the role of Toni Kroos in Southampton's midfielder position is more reflected in the ball possession organization and overall situation scheduling, but on the defensive level, his role is not obvious.

It can even be said that it is not necessary.

This is why Bielsa sometimes replaces Matic with Kovacic.

Times have changed, and European football is changing rapidly. It is normal for the main player of last season to be reduced to a substitute or even sidelined this season.

I believe that all professional players have already realized this!
(End of this chapter)