Chapter 224: Guardiola's Visit (a skippable, everyday transition chapter)

The next evening.

Madrid, Zazuela Royal Palace.

The Spanish King Felipe VI shook hands with each player.

What does football mean to this nation?

It is stability, it is unity.

From the Franco era to the present, no sport can release emotions and bring pleasure better than football.

Moreover, for this country teetering on the edge of the European debt crisis, a European Championship title is undoubtedly a shot of adrenaline for the people of Yin Biliya.

"Vincent, do you know? During the two nights of the semifinals and finals, several extremist groups in the Basque Region successively announced ceasefires!"

"You are Spain's heroes!"

"I am proud of you."

Felipe VI gazed at the faces, his expression excited.

In his heart he silently recited: Castilians, Catalans, Basques, Brazilians...

When his gaze lingered on Spain's number six, he couldn't help but marvel: "You are a gift from God to Yin Biliya!"

The impoverished royal family had nothing to offer.

The mascot king had nothing left but praise.

In the eyes of players who do not subscribe to Madridism, these compliments are no better than sending gold and silver treasures.

The royal family simply could not spare much money for bonuses.

The Spanish Football Federation, however, was quite generous: it awarded the European Championship Golden Boot winner 200,000 euros.

Li Kang glanced at the royal medal in his hand and realized it differed from the ones his teammates wore around their necks.

Yin Si Ke leaned in and whispered softly: "This is the Grand Cross medal!"

Li Kang nodded seriously.

Next season, no matter which club he transfers to, if he goes to the Premier League it will be hellish difficulty, so he should prepare more similar charging devices.

Just how dire has the Premier League's overall environment been over the past two or three years?

Except for Mourinho's second stint at Chelsea.

Among the remaining Big Five, any matchup is a fifty-fifty proposition.

When facing strong sides like Southampton, West Ham United, Everton, and others, it's hard not to slip up.

When encountering mid-to-lower table teams like Crystal Palace and Watford, they almost always get beaten badly.

This is also one of the reasons for the team's frequent injuries overall.

Let alone the season's championship fairy tale: "Leicester City".

Girls of marriageable age secretly glanced at Yin Biliya's hero, but restrained by court etiquette they dared not whisper.

Humanity's most primal instinct: the subconscious will worship the powerful opposite sex.

This is a natural law that is hard to resist.

Yin Si Ke felt those strange gazes, his brow slightly furrowed; he couldn't help but shift his chair closer to Li Kang to block the girls' view.

"Li's career is still long; how could he have a romantic affair with the impoverished royal family?"

After the banquet.

The mascot king then spouted a lot of nonsense before finally announcing the end of the audience.

Princess Leonore was a little disappointed: this time she still had no chance to approach the dazzling European superstar.

Including Bosque, it seems the entire national team members, intentionally or unintentionally, were not letting any outsider get close to Li...

As if he himself were a demon.

"Of course he's a demon."

"You should marry an ordinary Castilian girl... well, I mean someone of humble origin."

"Castilian girls are very responsible, calm and peaceful, and never extravagant."

"Whether it's the climate or the cultural atmosphere of Castile, it will leave a mark on her life."

The national team bus.

Bosque patted Li Kang on the shoulder and whispered.

Miniano was bewildered: "Boss, last night during the interview you were still saying that all the ethnic groups of the Yin Biliya peninsula are united, without distinction..."

"An interview is an interview."

"Li is a child raised by Castilians; his best destination is Real Madrid."

The old man added, his words weighty.

The Spanish coach is a notorious regional chauvinist; the "Castilian spirit" flowing in his blood is extremely strong.

Li Kang did not refute the obstinate notion of this 66-year-old elder.

He looked out the window.

Madrid under the night sky, dotted with joy and lights, became a dreamscape.

The national team bus slowly arrived at Harvest Goddess Plaza!

Tens of thousands of fans gathered here.

They shouted the national team's slogan excitedly.

On one side they threw team flags, scarves, and gloves toward the bus.

Countless posters of Spain's number six were held high.

Li Kang's name, like a red flood, gradually drowned out other sounds.

"Lee!"

"!

Diego Costa jumped off the bus, snatched the photographer's camera, and began recording the wonderful moment.

Ramos failed to hold it steady, but De Gea, quick-eyed and quick-handed, steadily scooped up the De Laune Cup that was about to fall from the car.

"Damn it, not even this entire European Cup has had such a thrilling moment!"

Everyone burst out laughing.

Morata quickly took the trophy and placed it in Li Kang's hand.

The next moment.

The trophy was raised high again.

The entire Yin Biliya peninsula seemed to tremble slightly.

Las Rosas Training Base.

Guardiola has arrived.

At this time, as a veteran Spanish international, his relationship with the national team coaching staff was very good.

He went straight to the players' single rooms without any hindrance.

Seeing Li Kang and Morata playing games, as well as Saul, Koke, and Yin Si Ke sitting cross-legged on the floor eating snacks...

Manchester City's manager covered his bald head in surprise.

As if he had witnessed an unbelievable scene.

"Who did you learn this from?"

"Koke, look at how fat you've become!"

"Li, let's have a talk."

Moments later.

Guardiola and Li Kang, accompanied by staff, came to a meeting room.

The two tidied up the messy chairs and tactical board.

"Lewokusen has raised you well; you're much stronger than you were a few years ago at La Masia."

"You can play football games."

"Indulging in those adventure games will affect your vision and distract your focus on the pitch!"

"And snacks... I know you don't eat them, but don't let them affect you."

"Alright, we don't have time for small talk."

"Let's begin our assumption."

Smack!

Manchester City's manager moved the small magnetic flag.

"I need you."

"Strictly speaking, Manchester City needs a defensive-minded number four."

He did not pay attention to Li Kang's reaction.

The small magnetic flag on the tactical board was constantly moved.

"Defense!"

"Still defense!"

"Manchester City doesn't need you to mobilize any direct attacking resources—that's De Bruyne and David Silva's job, and our attacking resources are abundantly plentiful."

"Looking back at your past performances, you're nothing more than a smarter Yaya Touré!"

"I don't need Yaya Touré."

The tactical board showed a 4-1-4-1 formation.

Guardiola's fingers spun on the flanks.

"Aside from defensive duties, you are the third-ranking organizational core."

"Responsible for the operation and coordination between the midfield and defensive lines."

"All teammates must combine dynamic runs with tactical flexibility, and your area of activity..."

His finger rubbed the tactical board, drawing a horizontal line.

"Manchester City currently does not have Barcelona's peak-era back line."

"Compared to Bayern, it's still far behind."

"You hardly ever get a chance to join the attack forward like Busquets does!"

"Playing the ball out? That's the job of the defenders—Stones and the goalkeeper—Bravo..."

"No!"

"I have a new idea again!"

"Wait a moment."

"No, Stones is still young and has many shortcomings."

Guardiola clasped his bald head with both hands, pondering hard.

Li Kang stared blankly.

He hasn't yet agreed to join Manchester City.