[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-emperor-of-football-julien-de-rocca":3,"chapter-emperor-of-football-julien-de-rocca-emperor-of-football-julien-de-rocca-chapter-309":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Emperor of Football: Julien De Rocca",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1556246,2020,"Chapter 309: Chapter-309 Versus PSG","emperor-of-football-julien-de-rocca-chapter-309",309,"\u003Cp>After warming up and returning to the locker room to re-prepare, players from both sides lined up awaiting entry in the tunnel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julien saw many familiar faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ibrahimović, Beckham, Thiago Silva, and national team teammate Matuidi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Matuidi had briefly exchanged words with Julien. They were teammates on the national team, but at the club level, each served their own side and naturally gave their all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julien could tell Ancelotti was taking this match very seriously, this was PSG's strongest lineup available.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bastia was the same. Though they'd battled Tottenham in the previous match, this game only required minor tactical adjustments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, replacing Clauss and Rothen. Clauss was simply too weak defensively against Tottenham.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rothen's body couldn't recover in time. He was needed against Tottenham, but this match would use Palmieri, who combined both defense and speed, in his position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Julien's thoughts wandered, several gazes focused on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To say Julien was currently the hottest French football player—absolutely no one would disagree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PSG players saw Julien's name in the news every day. They definitely wouldn't underestimate Julien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last defeat at Stade Armand Cesari had already shown them how formidable Julien was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's time. Enter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The referee kept checking his watch, then waved them onto the field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment they walked onto the pitch, Julien felt like he'd broken through a water surface, hearing countless chaotic sounds rushing toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouts from Paris fans lined both sides of the tunnel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everywhere he looked was Paris blue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like seawater surrounding the entire stadium. No—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this ocean, Julien spotted an island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a corner of Parc des Princes. Surrounded by the \"Parisian sea,\" it was just a small corner, easily overlooked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they weren't so conspicuous, even Julien standing at the pitch's center wouldn't have noticed them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, they were utterly eye-catching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the broadcast cameras instinctively focused on them. In this sea of blue, in this corner, only three hundred away fans from Bastia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had used jerseys to piece together a miniature TIFO.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, they had assembled a TIFO at Paris's home ground with just three hundred people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bastia's away jersey was pure white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Modoso had slightly modified the jerseys, and all three hundred wore these custom jerseys into the stadium. They'd evaded Paris's strict security checks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They'd successfully infiltrated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the players entered and Paris fans sang their anthem, they removed their jerseys. Each person held up their jersey, piecing them together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no complex pattern. Overall, it was a white background with a black Moor's head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Moor's head was the symbol of Bastia and Corsica!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an element in their crest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below the image was Bastia's most common chant: \"FORZA BASTIA!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Modoso and the others didn't shout. They just quietly held up the jerseys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the stretch of blue, this patch of white was so jarring, yet so captivating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julien lowered his head slightly, composing himself. Other Bastia teammates showed various expressions, but all ultimately became resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would show all of France what Bastia was about at this away ground!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Show everyone what the Bastia spirit meant!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As captain, Julien went for the coin toss. Paris captain Ibrahimović wore a haughty expression. He didn't exchange words with Julien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only at the end, during the customary handshake, he applied slight pressure, eyes burning with competitive fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julien remained unfazed, calmly facing Ibrahimović's so-called \"dominance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The TF1 commentator watched both teams' players move to the center circle for kickoff and briefly introduced the lineups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Paris in a 4-4-2 formation. Forwards: Ibrahimović, Lavezzi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midfield: Lucas Moura, Beckham, Matuidi, Pastore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Backline: Jallet, Alex, Thiago Silva, and Maxwell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goalkeeper: Sirigu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For Bastia, compared to their lineup against Tottenham, there are slight adjustments, but still three center-backs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forwards: Lukaku, Julien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midfield: Palmieri, De Bruyne, Kanté.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Backline: Sidibé, Choplin, Van Dijk, Cahuzac, Angoula.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tweet!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the referee's whistle, the match officially began, and Paris's momentum reached its peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wave after wave of cheers continuously washed over everyone on the pitch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, this included the Parc des Princes traditional program.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ultras section lit cold flares and threw smoke bombs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fanatical fans, some shirtless, climbed onto the protective netting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The net's purpose was fully demonstrated at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They kept shouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the Sideline, Hadzibegic looked grave, standing rigidly, almost perfectly mirroring Ancelotti's posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both men stood like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only difference was Ancelotti constantly chewing gum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hadzibegic pressed his lips together, frowning, watching the situation on the pitch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Paris's strength, Hadzibegic had contingency plans, so Bastia's tactics were the same as against Tottenham—defensive counterattack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even this three-center-back system, rarely used in the first half of the season, he was using to continue refining, preparing to deploy against Tottenham.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whoa!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the match intensified, Paris fans' exclamations came wave after wave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paris's offensive was quite fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Up front, Ibrahimović and Lavezzi constantly stretched Bastia's defensive line, while their flanks sought opportunities through the half-spaces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Bastia was prepared. Kanté and Palmieri specifically targeted Beckham and Matuidi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were Paris's distribution points. Especially Kanté—he kept marking Beckham. Whenever he got the ball, Kanté would immediately close in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just a few minutes, Beckham already felt Kanté's defensive ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After one pass, Kanté didn't quite pull back his force and slightly pushed Beckham.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beckham was initially annoyed, but turned to see Kanté's apologetic smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beckham shook his head slightly, saying, \"If I were a few years younger, you couldn't stop me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kanté just kept smiling. He didn't understand English.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beckham misinterpreted Kanté's smile, thinking he disagreed with his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a flash, Paris's attack reached the box. Moura crossed from the wing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ibrahimović and Van Dijk battled continuously. Ibrahimović had a slight advantage and barely got a head to the ball. But it posed no threat to Martinez.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After both landed, Van Dijk's hands still blocked Ibrahimović. Annoyed at not directing the ball properly, Ibrahimović angrily swatted Van Dijk's hands away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Van Dijk waved his hands back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ibrahimović just felt irritated. These few minutes had been very uncomfortable. Van Dijk ignored everyone else and just marked him dead. The key was this kid had real strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many times, when Ibrahimović tried to push him away, he simply couldn't.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One attack unsuccessful, Paris continued reorganizing from outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Bastia willingly ceding possession, they completely controlled the attacking rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, what made Ancelotti uncomfortable was that both flanks weren't creating threats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was Moura or Pastore, facing Bastia's wing defense, they couldn't break through!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They couldn't beat their man one-on-one!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was what frustrated Ancelotti most. If they had no one-on-one advantage, opponents could easily stack defenders against Ibrahimović and others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of winger can't dribble past defenders?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene made him involuntarily look toward Julien, who'd been strolling for these few minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When PSG made clear their determination to sign Julien at any cost, Ancelotti completely supported that transfer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Julien's individual wing ability—Ancelotti could hardly imagine what enormous benefits he'd bring to the tactical system once integrated into the team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, Julien eventually released a statement that after leaving Bastia, he wouldn't join any other Ligue 1 club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a pity. How great would it be if Paris had a Julien now...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he thought this, a sudden realization flashed through his mind. Paris didn't have one, but Bastia did!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancelotti quickly looked toward his flanks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Left-back Maxwell was listening to his instructions, not pushing up but consistently guarding against Julien's counterattacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Thiago Silva's defense also shifted toward Julien's moving direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This put Ancelotti slightly at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commentator's passion, fans' expectations and tension—all emotions kept accumulating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a volcano, building pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Needing a goal to completely release them!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paris fans continuously sang their support songs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smoke gradually cleared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paris's attacks showed no signs of stopping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wave after wave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The good news for Bastia was that Paris's truly threatening attacks were few.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beckham and Matuidi kept moving, occasionally getting decent passing opportunities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the time they were marked to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Beckham.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mood, like Ibrahimović's, grew irritated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The TF1 commentator laughed, \"The English star should experience Kanté's defensive intensity now. This isn't Major League Soccer!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Beckham tried to forcefully dribble past Kanté on the left, Kanté predicted it and swept the ball away with a sliding tackle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beckham was knocked down in the process. He immediately got up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Angoula recovered the ball.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He played a direct through ball, sending it to Julien who'd dropped deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After getting up, Beckham rushed toward Julien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Julien make no immediate move, he felt relieved the opponent wasn't sprinting forward with his head down—otherwise, with his current speed, he definitely couldn't catch up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, when Beckham rushed over, just as he was about to apply pressure on Julien, Julien suddenly pushed the ball forward and accelerated explosively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost instantly, he completely shook off Beckham.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beckham was stunned. If you have that kind of speed, why didn't you sprint earlier?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxwell and Thiago Silva's positions had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just moments ago, they were quite compact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Julien received the ball, Maxwell instinctively rushed up to block Julien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creating a gap between him and Thiago Silva.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julien wasn't waiting for Beckham. He was waiting for this gap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After bursting forward, Julien exploited this opening, charging ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Maxwell and Thiago Silva were a step away from him. At high-speed sprint, this step was very difficult to close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the opportunity Julien saw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paris fans were stunned by Julien's speed. That fast?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silva's experience was very seasoned. He knew the danger of letting Julien through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding the right moment, he went for a sliding tackle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Julien suddenly stopped sharply, pulling the ball horizontally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lukaku!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"Beast\" nickname wasn't given lightly. When he charged, he was ferocious!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Julien attracted everyone's attention, he kept charging forward. Alex was giving his all to track back but remained slightly behind Lukaku.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julien's horizontal pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lukaku smoothly knocked it forward—this was his favorite attacking style!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charging bull!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lukaku thundered forward with the ball. On the other side, Julien didn't stop after passing—he continued sprinting forward, pulling defenders away from Lukaku.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also distracting goalkeeper Sirigu's attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After getting up, Thiago Silva sprinted toward Lukaku's position. Maxwell kept chasing Julien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>De Bruyne, Palmieri, and others' forward runs also drew Paris players back in defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the 11th minute—Bastia's first attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But more threatening than any Paris attack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Commentators broadcasting the match already had excitement in their voices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bastia fans had already stopped all other thoughts, fully focused on the screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their blood seemed to be heating up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every cell was screaming: Goal, goal, goal!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex and Silva desperately closed in from both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirigu had already come out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Romelu!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julien from the right shouted loudly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lukaku understood. He knew he was trapped in a three-man press. He wanted to shoot, but before the match he'd been repeatedly reminded that opportunities would be scarce—he couldn't be selfish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Give it to the player with the best chance. His role was more as wingman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lukaku played a diagonal pass, sending the ball to Julien's forward run on the right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, Alex hadn't expected the sudden pass. Unable to slow down in time, he collided directly with Lukaku.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both fell to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he landed, his gaze remained fixed ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From ground-level perspective, Julien charged up at extreme speed, completely shaking off Maxwell. Facing a near-empty goal, he slotted it home!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ball hit the net!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Lukaku crashed heavily to the ground. But in his mind, he thought, 'Coach, I've completed my mission!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>________________________________________________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Check out my patreon where you can read more chapters:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>patreon.com\u002FLorianFiction\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks for your support!\u003C\u002Fp>",1954,"2026-06-06T07:35:06.180Z",1,"novelbin.me","aff4a041d764a1b50e4684623564a978f622a4847415d291e908056c781ec1bd","emperor-of-football-julien-de-rocca-chapter-310","emperor-of-football-julien-de-rocca-chapter-308",628,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Femperor-of-football-julien-de-rocca-cover.jpg"]