Stand by the last line of defense

Chapter 93 Not For Sale

In this game, Sierragoza unexpectedly lost to the mid-range team Numancia.

Real Betis defeated Alaves 2-1 away.

Just staying at the top of the list for less than 6 days, Zaragoza was pulled down by Real Betis.

Now Zaragoza is 2 points away from the top Real Betis, ranking third in the standings.Sporting Gijon has the same points as Zaragoza, but it ranks second by virtue of its goal advantage.

In Zaragoza's general manager's office, Popovich feels a lot of pressure now.

At the beginning of the season, no one would have thought that Zheng Long, the Chinese goalkeeper, would be the team's most reliable and reassuring goalkeeper!

With him there, it was as if a wall had been blocked in front of Zaragoza, and no one could break through it.

Although it can't win, there is absolutely no team that can beat it.

But now that Zheng Long is replaced, this immediately caused problems for the team's defense.

Alkelia and Okas couldn't replace Zheng Long at all.

This game is proof of that.

Popovich looked at Valdano, "You have to give me a letter, how long does it take to hide Zheng Long! Without Zheng Long, the team has encountered many difficulties now!"

When Valdano heard that it was just a loss, Popovich was yelling about the pressure and, most importantly, that there was no good solution.

He just wanted to pick up the cup on the table and smash Popovich.

In the end you are the head coach or I am the head coach.

No way, you won't think of a way!

Otherwise, why would the club hire you as the head coach?
Complaining like this in his heart, but Valdano said on his mouth: "Lanco, I know you have been under a lot of pressure during this time, but I also hope you can understand. Once we compromise now, the club will be more passive by then. .I think Okas's performance in the second half is still okay. You can adjust your defensive strategy. Maybe you can find a solution!"

When Popovich heard it, he complained in his heart.

Don't you just want to re-sign Zheng Long and sign a 5-year long contract.Zheng Long procrastinated and refused to sign the contract.

You just want to use this method to coerce him into submission.

Ha ha……

If Zheng Long is willing to sign a long-term contract, I am naturally happy.

This is conducive to the stability of the team after the team is promoted to La Liga.

But if the other party refuses to sign.Sorry, I won't play with you.

Anyway, I just signed a three-year contract, as long as I can bring Zaragoza to La Liga, and the results in the second year will not be too bad.

There must be a large group of La Liga and Second Division clubs who want to sign me.

The most important thing for me right now is to get promoted to La Liga.

As for whether Zheng Long will stay in Zaragoza next year.

Still secondary.

I don't need to accompany you on an adventure.

Trying to figure that out, Popovich yelled. "Up to three games, if not. I will let Zheng Long return to the starting lineup!"

Hearing Popovich's words, Valdano's face was very ugly.

He said darkly: "I understand. But I hope you can come up with a good plan as soon as possible. The team cannot rely on one person alone!"

"I get it, I have a work ethic!"

On the second day of Zaragoza's defeat, Zheng Long arrived at the gate of the club's training ground in a car.

There was a large group of reporters waiting.

As soon as they saw Zheng Long, they rushed over and pointed their microphones at Zheng Long.

"Long, may I ask if you are really injured?"

"Did you have a conflict with the club?"

"I heard that you fell out with the club because of the national team?"

……

It's not that all the reporters are agents, they are [-].You can find out things so clearly in one night.

These messages were released intentionally by Jorge Mendes.

Journalists have been in this industry for so many years, and they are all good people.

It's not clear that Zheng Long really has conflicts with the club.Otherwise, his agent would not have released the news at this time.

Of course, this kind of contradiction and falling out is the favorite of these reporters.

Especially Zheng Long, Huaxia, is still the most popular figure in the Spanish league during this period, and these reporters will naturally not miss it.

Jorge Mendes also reminded Zheng Long about this matter early.

Zheng Long saw the microphone stretched out by the reporter and spoke.

"No! I don't have any problems with the club. I've had a great time here!"

"Injured? No, no, no, I'm not injured. Do you think I look injured now?"

"Why didn't you start? This...you may have to ask the head coach. Maybe he has his own considerations!"

"Sorry, I'm going to practice now. Please borrow it!"

Jung-ryong walks past the reporters and walks into the club as if nothing happened.

Do what the coach tells you to do, absolutely no bargaining, and of course you won't do one more thing.

Anyway, there is a gym at home, at worst, go back and practice more!

Now teammates also know that Zheng Long has conflicts with the club.

But they also know that they have no position to say anything about this matter, and they basically pretend that they don't know anything.

Except Alkelia and Okas.

Alkelia knew that after the last fiasco, his time in Zaragoza was over.

But he doesn't think it's his fault.

It's all because of this damn Huaxia man, if he hadn't taken away his main position, he would never have been scored three goals in a row by his opponent because he hadn't played for a long time and had no touch at all.

It's all this damn Zheng Long's fault!

It's different from Alkelia's hatred for Zheng Long.Okas secretly glanced at Alkelia, and then at Zheng Long.

Now it is obvious that Zheng Long has a conflict with the club, and Alkelia was given up by the head coach again.

This is your chance!
This is a precious opportunity, and I must seize it.

Definitely not to be missed.

Alkelia also knew that he had no chance, and he didn't pay attention to training at all.

This made Popovich, who was watching from the sidelines, even more disgusted with each other.

Seeing that Okas was serious in training, he couldn't help but nodded.

I hope this teenager will surprise the team very much.

Thinking of this, Popovich couldn't help but look sideways at Zheng Long who was training long passes.

It would be great if Zheng Long didn't go to the national team.Where are there so many things.

It is even possible to go directly to the top of the league with a record undefeated record in the season.

Pity!
Zheng Long received the pass from the caddy, and when he looked up, he caught Popovich's eyes.

Zheng Long paused, smiled at the other party, and then continued to do his own business.

Popovich just nodded when he saw it, then retracted his eyes and continued to tell his players.

If Zheng Long can't go, 343 is definitely not allowed.

442 did not perform well in the last game.

Is it more appropriate to want 451 or 4321 for the next game?
Kind of hard to do!
Just when Popovich had a headache, on December 12, Zaragoza played away against Bonferedina.

Before the game, the audience was basically staring at Zaragoza's players.

Seeing that Zheng Long did not appear in the starting lineup, it was Okas who replaced him!

The Zaragoza fans at the scene and the fans in front of the TV all sighed.

"Oh no……"

Nearly 2 fans at the scene immediately shouted at Popovich in the coaching area.

"Popovich, you stupid pig, you will abolish Zaragoza!"

"Why not put Zheng Long on the field. Put Zheng Long on the field, we need interceptors!"

"Put the interceptors on, we need the win!"

……

shouted Moreau, the radio announcer. "Listening to the booing of the Zaragoza fans at the team's coach, I believe everyone may have thought of something?"

"That's right! In this game, the Interceptor didn't start the game, and he was still sitting on the bench in his training uniform!"

"According to reliable information, the interceptor Zheng Long and the club had conflicts because of the national team. Zheng Long was selected by the China Olympic team. Zheng Long wanted to return to China in March to participate in the U23 Asian Cup. But the club did consider March. , it is a critical moment in the league, because they don't want to let Zheng Long go back to China. In order to punish Zheng Long, they decided to freeze Zheng Long!"

"Although I can understand the club's considerations, isn't it a matter of course for players to play for the country? I don't think Zheng Long has done anything wrong! But who can tell me, what is the U23 Asian Cup? Is it important?"

……

Just when the commentator was teasing Zaragoza and the U23 Asian Cup.

The game has officially started!

Zheng Long continued to truce in this field, and Popovich made Okas the starting goalkeeper.

In order to be stable, he sent a 451 formation in this game.William Jose went off, No. 8 Lolo came on, and Garareta formed a double midfielder.

Popovich wants to see the effect of this formation, and then make adjustments according to the situation in the second half.

Feredina is not a weak team, ranking eighth last season.They are sixth this season.Still retains the hope of winning the play-offs and qualifying for La Liga.

Ferredina missed a good chance to score in the opening 16 minutes, and Doka failed to deliver a pass from the wing to Pedro.

Forward No. 9 De Paula easily steals the ball and breaks into the penalty area single-handedly, wading past goalkeeper Okas, and does not knock back to Davis, who is responding in the middle. Unfortunately, the opponent shoots high from a small angle with his left foot, and Zaragoza escapes.

As the saying goes, you can hide from the first day of the junior high school but not the fifteenth day.

In the 70th minute of the second half, Feredina, who missed several chances, finally took the lead!

Davis took a free kick from the left and crossed the penalty area obliquely. De Paula rushed into the upper left corner 9 meters in front of the goal, 1-0.

After a goal was scored by the opponent, Popovich quickly replaced Lolo with Hagic, and replaced Rico with No. 20 striker Tato, fighting desperately.

But coach Ferredina replaced striker Vega with No. 5 defender Jarno; replaced midfielder with defender Garcia
Ruiz played the 631 bus tactic.

Relying on tenacious defense, Ferredina kept the victory until the end.

After losing this round, Zaragoza fell directly from No.2 to No.5.

Knowing from the phone that Zaragoza had lost again, Jorge Mendes knew the time had come.

He called out to his assistant.Give me a ticket to the Aragon autonomous region of Spain at the fastest time, be quick! "

……

A large group of fans held cards at the gate of the Zaragoza club, blocking the gate and shouting loudly.

"We want Interceptors!"

"Let the interceptor play!"

"We're going to La Liga next year and we need interceptors!"

"Screw Valdano and leave the Interceptor behind!"

……

Looking at the fans blocking the door, Jorge Mendes smiled.

Looking at the situation, I'm afraid today will be easier than I imagined.

The car drove into the basement through the side door, and Jorge Mendes, led by Valdano's assistant, walked into his office.

Upon seeing Valdano, Mendes immediately extended his enthusiastic hands. "My friend! How are you?"

When Valdano saw Mendez, he cursed in his heart, but responded enthusiastically on his face.

"My friend, it's been a hard journey. Today is good news for me. Have you agreed to extend the contract? In fact, we have always attached great importance to Zheng Long. Extending it for 2 years, he can get better training here!"

Mendez sat on the couch, laughing. "No, no, Mr. Valdano misunderstood. I am here today because of the transfer of my client Zheng Long!"

"Transfer?" Valdano exclaimed in surprise. "What transfer?"

Mendes said slowly. "Since the team doesn't need my clients, Real Betis, Sporting Gijon, Mallorca, Tenerife and other teams in the second division have all conveyed to me their intention to sign Zheng Long!"

Before Valdano could react, Mendes said again.

"By the way. Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League also want to sign Zheng Long! Of course the transfer fee is negotiable!"

Teams that have played against Zaragoza are more intuitively aware of Zheng Long's horror.

In one month, the winter transfer will start.

Now there are only less than one-third of the field, if you sign at this time, you can sign the interceptor.

Not to mention relegation, even rushing to the armor is no longer a dream.

Zheng Long was hidden in the snow, and more than half of the West Second Division clubs were like sharks smelling blood, and they contacted Zheng Long's agent Mendes immediately.

Discuss the intention and possibility of introducing Zheng Long.

In order to win Zheng Long, even many clubs expressly stated that as long as Zheng Long can be successfully signed, the benefits of Mendes will definitely not be less!

It is precisely because so many clubs are vying to sign Zheng Long that Mendes can sit here so calmly.

It doesn't matter that you Zaragoza don't appreciate my clients, there are a lot of clubs who want to sign my clients.

Main position, salary doubled...

Valdano knew clearly when he heard Mendes mention the clubs in the Second Division.

How many opponents are staring at Zheng Long now, waiting for Zheng Long and the club to completely fall out, so as to snatch Zheng Long away.

damn it!
How could I watch Zheng Long being poached by his opponent.

Otherwise, with Zaragoza's current staffing, it's nothing to talk about.

Seeing that they are at the top of the list, Chong Jia is basically a sure thing.

Because of his own reasons, he hid Zheng Long in the snow, causing Zaragoza's ranking to drop all the way, and finally lost the hope of reaching the top.

Valdano can even imagine the result of meeting himself in the end!

There is no other way but to roll up the quilt and leave!
Valdano said seriously: "We have no idea of ​​selling Zheng Long, not at all. He is not for sale of the team!"

Mendez seemed to be very puzzled. "Really? But what I don't understand is that my customer is obviously not injured, but why he can't play. Especially when the team's substitute goalkeeper can't help the team, he is still sitting on the bench. It makes him very uncomfortable. It’s anxiety and doubt. If the team doesn’t need him, he can apply to leave. Chelsea is willing to pay 1200 million euros to bring Zheng Long to Stamford Bridge!”

Valdano seemed to have grasped Mendez's handle and said. "Chelsea has Courtois and Petr Cech. I don't think they will want Zheng Long. It is impossible to let Zheng Long be the third substitute! I don't think this is a good thing for your customers!"

Mendes still said with confidence. "Chelsea has already negotiated with Arsenal. Cech will transfer to Arsenal next summer. Considering Cech's contribution to Chelsea, Chelsea promises not to set up obstacles. Tuva competes for the position of the main goalkeeper! Chelsea can participate in the Champions League, I believe Zheng Long will not be afraid of competition!"

"This……"

Heard that even Chell was added.And the opening is 1 million!

This made Valdano's heart flutter instantly.

How much did Zheng Long sign up for?
One euro!

If Zheng Long is sold to Chelsea, Zaragoza can get 600 million euros.

It's a million times profit difference!
Antonio Adan, who played for Real Madrid and served as the main goalkeeper, transferred to Real Betis for a mere 90 euros.

And if Zheng Long is sold, he can buy a very good goalkeeper from La Liga for 100 million euros.

At that time, use 500 million to buy a good right back to replace Rico, and you can build a solid defensive line.

If they perform well, they can be sold again at that time.Buy young players and train them.

As for items not for sale, there are no items not for sale in a small club like Zaragoza.

Only by making money can Zaragoza survive in a healthy way!

Valdano really wanted to sell Zheng Long for a while.

His psychological price is 1 million euros.

As long as a club is willing to give 1 million euros, Valdano will immediately agree.

David de Gea, who performed well in La Liga that year, transferred to Manchester United for only 1780 million euros.

Now that Zheng Long can sell for 1 million, Valdano thinks it's totally worth it!

Just as he was thinking about how to discuss with Mendes about increasing the transfer fee, a voice sounded at the door.

"Zheng Long is not for sale of the team, no one can sell him away!"

Hearing this undeniable voice, both Valdano and Mendes turned their heads in unison.

Seeing the people coming, Valdano and Mendes also stood up. "Mr. Solance!"

Chairman Zaragoza, with white hair, a big belly, and Solans in a suit and leather shoes walked in.

He stared at Mendez and said. "I know that Zaragoza is destined to be unable to keep Zheng Long. But we must not sell Zheng Long at this time. We will sell Zheng Long, and we must wait until next year. No matter how much the club pays now! "

　A chapter of five thousand words, one chapter is used as two chapters!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)