Chapter 83 Iron Warrior!

After defeating Sunderland 3-0 at home, Leeds United's morale has been greatly improved. The team originally fell into some difficulties due to rumors of this and that, but as time goes by, the situation has improved a lot.

A press conference of Ken Bates, a stingy old man, failed to eliminate the fans' wariness, but the "Beast" Tevez has also issued a statement: "I am very happy to stay in Leeds. The fans here are very enthusiastic. The teammates are also kind to us. The most important thing is that Mr. Simon Grayson's work ability is great. I think I can now exert all my combat power. I really re-experience the joy of playing football here, so I will not leave! At least I will not go anywhere before the end of this season! As for the future, I will talk about it later!"

Tevez did not close the transfer door for himself, but his guarantee was still credible. The fans had never seen any player playing well in a team. They suddenly left and ran to another club. The players were unwilling to be interrupted in their good condition. They would try every means to continue this good condition. The "Beast"'s current condition is obviously extremely good.

The team's situation stabilized again, and Simon Grayson was also happy, and only then did he have time to discuss the team's next work priorities with his colleagues.

Leeds United is not a big team. This season they have to play in the league, the UEFA Cup, and the League Cup and the FA Cup. If you have to take into account these four events, Leeds United does not have the ability. There must be key points and choices in this.

The league is the foundation of a team. After winning seven consecutive victories, Leeds United has now ranked first in the standings with the advantage of one more game and two more points. The goal of relegation is indeed time to change. Although this is not said publicly, everyone can clearly see that the strength of the "Young Guards" is definitely not the level of the relegation team. The qualification for the top six of the league should be a realistic goal. Maybe you can think about the qualification for the top four of the league in the Champions League!

The UEFA Cup is an event that can greatly increase the team's revenue, so this cannot be missed. The result after measurement is that Simon Grayson decided to use the League Cup and the FA Cup as opportunities for team training, giving young players and substitutes some opportunities to perform, and can also be regarded as a test field for the main players to find their state after being injured.

So the next fourth round of the League Cup became a chance for the substitute players and young players of the "Young Guards" to show off. This time, their opponent in the fourth round was the "Red Devils" Manchester United. Simon Grayson really didn't have any confidence in winning, so he simply let the players play casually.

But after revealing that he wanted to give young players a chance, when the team's core "Shaq" came to him personally, everything was different.

"Boss, I want to play in the League Cup!"

"Ah? What did you say?" Simon Grayson was stunned.

Zach Thompson laughed and said, "Boss, I want to play games, and I want to play in the League Cup, and I need more games to improve myself!"

Of course, Zach Thompson wants to mention the game. He can get a skill point for every game he plays. Before adding all his attributes to full value, if possible, he wants to play every game and never let go of any game.

"Shak, League Cup... Actually, our coaching staff doesn't want to put in any energy. We decided to give substitutes and young players some opportunities to exercise, even the FA Cup. We don't need these anymore. The most important thing is that I don't want to see anyone get injured because of League Cup and FA Cup games. So... Shak, have a good rest. We will play against Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea next, not to mention that we have UEFA Cup games to play."

"Boss, I want to play games, every game!"

Zach Thompson put away his smile and said seriously: "Boss, I think I have too little experience in the game. I want to play as many games as possible. I believe that every game can improve me! And don't you know my physical condition yet? Injured? How is it possible! And my physical condition is good!"

Well!

After hearing Zach Thompson's words, Simon Grayson couldn't help but smile bitterly. This was Zach Thompson in front of him. The core of the team he relied most heavily on and loved, "Shake", even if the captain Jonny Hausen talked to him like this, he would definitely scold him directly. But this 19-year-old boy in front of him... Simon Grayson really has no choice.

"That... Well, Shaq, can you guarantee you will not be hurt?"

"Yes, I promise!"

"Can you guarantee that your form will not be affected against Arsenal?"

"Of course! Boss, when I think about playing games, the cells in my body are cheering! Don't worry, my condition is absolutely fine!"

"This...ah!"

Simon Grayson really has nothing to say. He can't dispel a player's enthusiasm. Moreover, the boy in front of him is indeed as strong as a monster as he said. He runs more than 12,000 meters in each game and doesn't know how tired he is. For such a player... what else can he say?

"Well, Shaq, I'll put you on the roster of the League Cup! You kid should be satisfied now, right?"

"Of course! Hehe... Thank you boss!"

"Okay, you kid, get out of here! I have to change the team's tactics, you kid will cause trouble for me! Get out of here!"

After receiving a positive answer, Zach Thompson smiled and nodded and bowed, saying goodbye to the head coach. All the goals were achieved, so naturally he had to give Simon Grayson face.

When leading the team to Manchester, Simon Grayson gave his team's first team players a day off, and he only brought substitutes such as Zach Thompson, Snold Grass, and Bechio, as well as a group of young players led by Swedish shooter Philip Pivkowski.

Originally, Simon Grayson felt that he had done too much. This was simply dealing with the League Cup. To put it bluntly, it was disrespectful to the FA. However, he didn't expect that "Sir" Ferguson did more thoroughly. The "Red Devils" who appeared at Old Trafford Stadium was simply unfamiliar. Except for Fletcher and Valencia's two first-team players, all of them were young boys.

Ferguson also had the same idea as Simon Grayson, who wanted to keep the team's combat effectiveness where it should be used. Manchester United started the season with a bad start and lost to Leeds United in the league. Although he chased afterwards, he also lost to Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 away. Now the team ranks in Leeds, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Manchester City ranks fifth later. This is unforgivable for Ferguson, who is determined to win another championship before retirement. In addition, there is a UEFA Champions League to play, so it is normal for Ferguson to give up such a bottom-sized event in the League Cup, and it is quite completely giving up.

No matter how powerful the FA is, they can't punish a coach like Ferguson. "The Old Lord" has long been more than just a football coach in English football. From the moment he was named Jazz, he has become the most representative figure in English football.

On October 31, Zach Thompson became the only protagonist of the game. He led his team to a high level in the game. While completing 73 passes, 13 steals, 5 headers, and 3 interceptions, he also received a pass from young player Philip Pivkowski at the 41st minute of the game, and used a signature long shot to score the first record for Leeds United.

At the end of the ninety minutes, the score on the field was 0:2. Snodgrass took advantage of the opportunity to kick a curve ball under the cover of Zach Thompson when the game was 62 minutes old.

After the game, Zach Thompson, who was elected as the best in the game, was asked about Philip Pifkowski. Zach Thompson, a boy who was only one year older than the Swedish shooter, said something old: "Phillip is a very talented striker. His shooting skills are excellent, but at the same time he has a broad vision and excellent passing skills. The cross pass he gave me is amazing. He will have a broad future."

The Swedish young player was also interviewed by reporters after the game. This League Cup game was very precious as his first professional game. When he was in Blackburn, he only trained in the youth team and had never participated in official games. Especially in this game, he performed well, passed the ball many times and received an assist.

"Yes, I think this is also a very successful debut. Thanks to the head coach Mr. Simon for giving me this opportunity... Well, Shaq?... He is my idol! He is a green warrior with steel will. His diligence impressed me the most. It is hard for me to imagine that he is just one year older than me, but his achievements have made me look up to you! I will try my best to chase after him and strive to be able to stand by him as soon as possible to fight with him!"

Philip Pifkowski praised Zach Thompson during the interview, but he really didn't exaggerate at all. What he said was actually the thoughts of many Leeds United players.
Chapter completed!