Chapter 102: Cologne? Another Rhine Derby!

After returning to Lewokusen,

Li Kang did not watch the match footage; instead, he seized the time to train.

How are we supposed to play against Arsenal?

Premier League managers have given the answer; just copy the homework later.

Especially Southampton, their coaching staff's tactical analysis is the most professional, and they don't have overly high demands on player ability.

If we can't copy the homework,

Then that shows that Arsenal at this time... is unbeatable.

Wenger's tactical framework hasn't changed much in recent years, but the players' traits are very distinct; Sanchez and Cazorla both have the ability to change the game.

Especially Sanchez, his body is super strong, and his center of gravity is much lower than mine.

There is still some time until the round of 16.

Lewokusen still has to face the test of the league.

Four days later.

Bundesliga match day arrives.

Lewokusen is about to face a series of away games.

The opponent in the ninth round is Bei lai yin's arch-rival—Cologne!

In recent years, friction between the two teams has been unusually frequent, escalating further.

In the 2009 World Cup qualifiers, the 'Cologne Prince' Podolski slapped Ballack in the face! It made the German team lose face before the world.

Back then, Ballack was still the soul of Lewokusen.

In the 2010 Rhine Derby, after the match, Cologne players returned to the locker room and found their belongings looted, suspecting Lewokusen fans as the thieves!

In 2012, a Lewokusen player, while experiencing the local customs in Cologne's city center, was brutally beaten by Cologne fans.

There have been far too many off-field incidents.

This makes every reunion of the two clubs see especially intense clashes on the pitch!

On the training field.

Dino had just finished reading the starting lineup.

He then pulled Tuopu Laotou aside and whispered:

"Boss! After discussion, the coaching staff unanimously believes: we should protect Li Kang well! Let Calhanoglu start!"

"Hmm, what you say makes sense."

Dino hesitated a moment, then continued asking: "Boss, Cologne's attack is very strong this season; they've signed a highly efficient forward, Modeste! If the situation turns bad..."

Tuopu Laotou waved his hand: "No matter, I will send Li Kang onto the field."

Three o'clock in the afternoon sharp.

Li Kang and his teammates took the club bus to Cologne city.

The distance between the two clubs is about twenty kilometers.

The drive is very short.

Most of the teammates were resting with their eyes closed.

Calhanoglu kept grabbing the coaching staff members to discuss tactical details nonstop.

Although he has many shortcomings, when taking on the role of midfield core, his pre-match preparations are still very proactive.

"Cologne's defensive details are much stronger than Dortmund's; they realized their weakness of slow-turning defenders, so they set up a deeper defensive line!"

"The distance between the midfield line and the defensive line is very short; we cannot penetrate through the middle!"

"But don't worry, everyone, I will defeat them!"

Dino listening felt a bit dazed; he felt the other side said a lot, yet also seemed to say nothing.

Calhanoglu returned to his seat.

Gazing out at the incredibly magnificent Cologne Twin Towers Cathedral.

He unconsciously clenched his fists tightly.

I will be reborn like a phoenix on the west bank of Bei lai yin!

The bus reached the city area, and its speed gradually slowed.

Li Kang curiously looked at the ragged people by the street, there were elders and children.

The teammates also couldn't imagine such a wealthy city having such a distressed scene.

Kramer said: "They are not residents here; in September this year, Bei lai yin saw an influx of several tens of thousands..."

Havertz frowned, interrupting: "Not several tens of thousands, but hundreds of thousands... Anyway, my family said recently not to run around recklessly and to pay more attention to safety."

Brandt patted his chest: "The safest place is still the dormitory, which altogether has several tens of electric baton guards!"

Everyone burst out laughing.

"Bayer Group and Lewokusen are the safest places in Bei lai yin!"

The club bus slowly drove into the RheinEnergieStadion.

This stadium was rebuilt according to Premier League standards.

Its style is very close to that of Old Trafford Stadium.

"Damn it, what smells so foul?"

"Boss! It's sheep dung; I used to herd sheep when I was young!"

As everyone just got off the bus, they saw Cologne staff leading a ram wearing a red vest walking by.

Cologne's mascot is not a cartoon doll, but a live goat named Hennes VIII, nine years old, living more comfortably than a person; the club bought several female goats to keep him company.

Lewokusen's mascot is Lion Brien; in the 1950s, a senior club official proposed buying a live lion, but due to interference from Bayer Group, the proposal was not approved.

Pre-match press conference.

A reporter asked: "Mr. Tuop, I'm a reporter from Ruhr News. You haven't let Li Kang start in the last two matches! Is it because of the winter transfer..."

Tuopu Laotou's face darkened; he hates such provocative questions.

I haven't heard any news about his winter transfer; it's a rumor! Li is only 17 this year; the club should focus on protecting him—even Messi suffered a serious injury when he debuted for Barça's first team at 17!

What do you mean? I didn't compare Li to Messi, you bunch of nonsense-spouting reporters!

In the next match, Li will return to the starting lineup; the coaching staff will have everything arranged—no need for you tabloid reporters to worry!

Elsewhere.

Cologne head coach Stogel is praising his own super striker.

Modest has the ability to compete for the Bundesliga Golden Boot!

He's the most complete forward killer I've ever seen!

Lewokusen will witness his terror!

Laiyin Energy Stadium.

The stands on all sides buzzed with a restless, fervent atmosphere.

Countless scarlet extremist slogans were held high!

Fireworks flared up from time to time, accompanied by various curses and insults, showing the Cologne fans' welcome for their mortal enemies!

"Hennes VIII" walked a lap around the stadium, like a king inspecting his territory.

Inside the player tunnel.

The Cologne players were all fierce and menacing.

Calhanoglu felt a bit creeped out being stared at.

Last season, he once led Lewokusen to a 5:1 home victory over Cologne, a bloody wash.

But now the opposing team's lineup has undergone a major overhaul!

Why do they still hate themselves so much?

Bellalabi clenched his mouth shut; his trash talk also needs to pick the right target.

Either he's like Alves, a fame‑seeking star who cares about his image!

Or he's like Lingard and Weigl, those weak youngsters!

These Cologne thugs... better forget about it.

"CTV5! CTV5! Good evening, viewers!"

"Welcome to watch the 2015/16 Bundesliga ninth round!"

"Cologne hosts Lewokusen!"

"This is a fiery Bei lai yin derby!"

"I am the commentator for this match, Duan Xuan!"

"Next, I'll introduce the starting lineups for both teams!"

"Cologne in white jerseys lines up in a 4-4-2 formation!"

"Goalkeeper: Horn!"

"Left back: Riese!"

"Center backs: Heinz, Maro!"

"Right back: Hector!"

"Defensive midfielders: Vogt, Nagawa Kazu!"

"Central midfielders: Bittencourt, Yuya Osako!"

"Forwards: Modeste, Hosseini!"