Godfather of national football

Chapter 198
Because of the strike in Durban's public transport, Li Guo arrived at the press conference later than expected.

This press conference is different from the past, because of the problem of the Durban Stadium, the officials of the organizing committee are explaining the situation of the stadium before the press conference.

Li Guo knew that in his previous life, the preparations for the two World Cups in South Africa and Brazil were procrastinated, and the stadiums were not delivered until before the opening of the World Cup, so there were many problems.

In the group stage, the turf of the Durban Stadium was too soft, and it turned over as soon as it was stepped on. Therefore, before the quarter-finals, the outside world is most concerned about the turf problem.

"There is nothing wrong with the turf. FIFA experts have checked it. The media can focus on the game. The South African people have paid a lot for the World Cup. I hope reporters will not say that South Africa cannot hold the World Cup because of a little flaw."

After a brief explanation of the situation on the field, the time has come for today's two protagonists, the head coaches of the Chinese team and the Dutch team.

The head coach of the Dutch team, Van Marwijk, was the first to accept questions.

In fact, you can guess without listening. Regarding the Dutch team, there are two problems that cannot be escaped. The first is the embarrassing history of the uncrowned king of the World Cup, and the second is the alternative Dutch team under Van Marwijk.

The attitude of Van Marwijk on the second question is very clear, that is, he refuses to answer and let the final results speak for themselves.

Regarding the first question, this is a bit interesting. There are two teams in the football world, England and the Netherlands. Whether it is the European Cup or the World Cup, they are the favorites to win the championship every time, but they always perform poorly. This has become an unsolved mystery. No one can explain why?
"The Uncrowned King?"

Van Marwijk smiled, "Dutch football is the pioneer of Total Football. Don't look at Barcelona and Spanish football, but don't forget that it was Cruyff, a Dutchman, who brought everything to Spain."

"The Hercules Cup is of course better, but I think the greatness of Dutch football does not need a Hercules Cup to prove it."

When Van Marwijk finished speaking, the audience was silent, and there was only one person applauding, and that was Li Guo.

As a Chinese, Li Guo was like thousands of other Chinese in his previous life. He lived in studies and exams from childhood to adulthood. Scores are everything to prove himself. Therefore, Li Guo especially agrees with Van Marwijk’s words. Many things do not need others to prove.

Van Marwijk looked at Li Guo with a smile, and Li Guo returned a smile.

"Roben was injured in the warm-up match? He didn't play in the first two games of the group stage, and only started the third game. What I want to ask is, will he play in tomorrow's game?"

"I can only tell you that anyone can play in tomorrow's game, and the starting list will be determined before the game."

"It has been rumored that Van Bommel is too old. He was selected for the national team because he is your son-in-law."

As soon as this remark came out, there was a burst of laughter from the audience, and the two people on the stage also laughed. Van Marwijk said: "Aguero is Maradona's son-in-law, why no one questioned this. I think if I am nepotism, then the Dutch Football Association will not let me go."

The time for questions was given to Li Guo, and the first question was explosive, "I heard that your girlfriend is here."

Li Guo shrugged, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Then the reporter opened a newspaper, and Li Guo realized that he and Celine were photographed. Li Guo smiled, "A friend from far away, and I didn't invite her here, but the French Football Association. You can check it."

"According to reliable sources, many players from the Chinese team will not be able to play tomorrow."

Li Guo got annoyed when he heard "according to reliable information", and immediately asked, "Who gave you reliable information?"

"I can't say that."

"I can only tell you that except for Fang Suo, who has been suspended for accumulative yellow cards, all 22 players of the Chinese team can play."

The next one was a Dutch reporter, "Have you figured out a way to deal with the Dutch team?"

Li Guo shook his head, "No, I hope the Dutch team can fight among themselves, but unfortunately, the Dutch team is very united."

The reporters at the scene were once again amused by Li Guo.

"It is reported that many European teams have taken a fancy to the players of the Chinese team. What do you think of this?"

"If my players can join European teams, that would be great, and it can also improve the strength of the Chinese team."

"Will they ask for your opinion? I heard that you are like a father in the Chinese team."

"Not yet, I think after the World Cup I would be happy to give my opinion, but now everyone should focus on the national team and if I knew who was thinking about where to play next season, I might kick him out of the national team."

According to the usual practice, the last chance to ask questions will be reserved for Chinese reporters. The Chinese reporter asked: "Director Li, how do you keep the Chinese team so united?"

Li Guo chuckled, "Respect."

"respect?"

"Yes, respect everyone in the team and every player. Of course, I don't mean respect in soft words. In fact, I often swear on the training ground. Respect means to make every player feel his own value."

This time it was Van Marwijk's turn to applaud Li Guo, and Lao Fan kept giving thumbs up. This is the sympathy between the two excellent coaches.

"The assumption, of course, is the assumption, if something like the French team happened to the Chinese team, how would you deal with it?"

"I'm not going to deal with it, I'm going to resign immediately because if something like that happens, you've failed completely as a manager and the only thing you can do is leave."

I have to say that when Li Guo answered the questions, Van Marwijk felt that Li Guo was a very intelligent person, and every answer was very appropriate. It must be very interesting and difficult to fight against such a person.

"Okay, I have no problem. I wish the Chinese team a good result in tomorrow's match."

*****
This press conference was broadcast live in China, and there was a lot of discussion on the Internet. Some people wondered how humble Li Guo was, and some thought that Li Guo spoke properly, but more people were still concerned about the first question, which was Li Guo’s Tai Chi practice—whether anyone in the Chinese team was injured.

Everyone hoped that the omnipotent media could find out some clues, but in the end there was no news. This is also because the whole world knows that the depth of the Chinese team's bench is too poor.

Li Guo updated a microblog - everything is fine for the Chinese team, let's watch the game on time tomorrow.

(End of this chapter)