SWR: Chapter 766/767

Chapter 766: Leeds United is in Trouble

While Manchester City was thrashing newly promoted Swansea 6–0 at home, another match was underway just 60 kilometers away in Leeds.

In the second round of the Championship, Leeds United hosted Middlesbrough at Elland Road.

Middlesbrough is a traditionally strong English side, but since their relegation from the Premier League, they've struggled to secure promotion.

As the first home match of the new season, more than 38,200 fans poured into Elland Road, nearly filling every corner of the stadium.

This was largely thanks to the efforts of the new management.

For example, a ticket refund policy offering up to 50 percent back enabled Leeds United to sell 30,000 season tickets.

This figure is remarkable even by Premier League standards, let alone the Championship.

Clubs like Chelsea and Tottenham could only look on with envy.

With 30,000 season tickets already sold, the remaining individual match tickets sold out immediately after accounting for away fans' allocations—just over 8,000 tickets disappeared in no time.

This created a rare spectacle at Elland Road.

To enhance the matchday experience, Fernando Lucas arranged a series of unique events and performances for attending fans, ensuring everyone felt their ticket was worth the price.

This significantly improved the home atmosphere at Elland Road.

Even more notably, the Mayor of Leeds and other local government officials were invited to attend Leeds United's first home match of the season. They were hosted by Su Qing and Fernando Lucas—a strategic move by Su Qing.

After all, with her background in government, she knew exactly how to manage officials.

Interestingly, the match commentator was Eddie Gray, the club's advisory chairman.

The Leeds United legend was highly impressed by the vibrant home atmosphere created by the new management. He believed it would spark a positive cycle:

A lively atmosphere brings in more fans, which increases matchday revenue. That in turn gives the club more financial power to attract stronger players, which boosts competitiveness and draws even more supporters.

Even though Leeds United's ticket prices are not high, a significant portion of matchday revenue still comes from in-stadium spending.

Previously, Gao Shen invested nearly one million pounds to upgrade the major retail and concession areas inside the stadium.

But ultimately, it all comes down to performance on the pitch.

…

After beating Southampton away last week, Leeds United returned home with high hopes for this round.

Eddie Gray mentioned he hoped to see the team correct the issues exposed in the previous match.

In their first home game, Leeds United played with noticeably more composure.

Sarri's passing and possession-based style was evident from the start. The players' interchanging movement and slick passing clearly showed this was a completely different White Rose side.

In the 15th minute, right-back Klein made a rapid overlap and linked up with Bolasie on the right.

After the Congolese winger dribbled into the right side of the box, he suddenly cut the ball back. Klein controlled it and delivered a low pass to the near post.

Bolasie met it with a header right in front of goal!

At 1.85 meters tall, with a strong frame and excellent explosiveness and leaping ability, Bolasie is a real threat in front of goal. The defenders simply couldn't stop him.

Surprisingly, just 14 minutes later, Leeds United created another opportunity.

Adam Lallana sent in a cross from the left. Benteke overpowered Middlesbrough's two center-backs and headed the ball to the back post.

Bolasie, making a run at full speed, controlled it and smashed it into the net unmarked. Another goal. A brace for Bolasie!

Within 30 minutes, Leeds United were two goals ahead!

In the second half, in the 60th minute, Benteke received the ball in the attacking third. He shielded the defender and laid it off to Paulinho, who arrived from deep. The Brazilian burst into the penalty area, didn't take a touch, and struck the return pass first-time, smashing the ball into the net.

Three–nil!

Elland Road erupted!

After that, both sides made several substitutions. Sarri also brought on Icardi, Kondogbia, and others. But neither team found the net again.

Leeds United defeated Middlesbrough 3–0 at home, making it two wins from two.

…

…

A week later, in the second round of the Premier League, Manchester City traveled to face Bolton.

After winning their opener against a newly promoted side, Bolton seemed to be overconfident.

Head coach Owen Coyle surprisingly set up a 4-4-2 formation at home, looking to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City.

The match started with intensity. Bolton were no pushovers.

Manchester City dominated possession and maintained consistent pressure.

Gao Shen made some tactical adjustments for this game.

With Robben injured, he deployed Suarez on the right wing.

As a result, Van Persie and Suarez both started, with their roles fluid and interchangeable.

In the 18th minute, Van Persie popped up on the right, received the ball, and made a precise pass to Suarez, who was unmarked.

The Uruguayan striker took a low shot from just inside the six-yard box, beating Bolton keeper Jääskeläinen.

Just eight minutes later, Zabaleta made an overlapping run down the right, stormed into the penalty area, and cut the ball back to David Silva, who struck a one-touch shot that deflected in at the near post.

Two–nil!

In the 31st minute, Van Persie dropped deep to collect the ball, then played a through ball. Gareth Bale charged down the left and whipped a low cross into the box. Suarez calmly tapped it in, scoring his second of the match to make it 3–0!

Manchester City continued their onslaught.

In the 37th minute, Bale won a corner. Silva sent the ball to the edge of the box. Yaya Touré unleashed a powerful long-range strike. Though the keeper got a hand to it, the shot was too fierce and still found the back of the net.

Four–nil!

The match was already decided.

In the second half, just 38 seconds in, Suarez played a clever backheel pass that caught everyone off guard and found Van Persie.

The Dutch striker dribbled past the keeper and slotted the ball into the empty net.

Five–nil!

…

Insane!

Everyone felt that Manchester City had gone absolutely mad since the season began!

After crushing Swansea 6–0 and now dismantling Bolton 5–0 away, Manchester City was playing like Ancelotti's Chelsea last season—utterly dominant and ruthless.

Gao Shen's side was not only scoring freely but also attacking with flair, winning admirers all over.

However, some pundits warned Gao Shen and Manchester City to stay grounded and avoid repeating Chelsea's fate last season.

Ancelotti's team also had a red-hot start, but collapsed midway through the campaign.

Gao Shen expressed his appreciation for the reminder but stated that Manchester City would not become the next Chelsea.

Still, internally, Gao Shen took the warning seriously.

He repeatedly reminded both coaching staff and players: Swansea and Bolton were not strong opponents.

…

Upon returning to Manchester from the away game, Gao Shen received news from Leeds United.

In the third round of the Championship, Leeds United were again at home, this time facing Hull City, who finished 11th last season.

A week later, Elland Road was once again filled with over 38,000 fans.

This time, even Hull City's away allocation was withdrawn. The entire stadium was packed with Leeds United supporters.

With the crowd behind them, Leeds United kicked off with an attacking mindset from the very first minute.

In just the 17th minute, Bolasie delivered a cross into the box, where Benteke headed it home, opening the scoring for Leeds United!

Afterward, the match entered a period of balance, but in the 40th minute, Woodgate, wearing the captain's armband, scored with a header from a corner.

This goal reignited the passion at Elland Road, earning him a standing ovation from all the White Rose fans.

Today also marked Woodgate's first appearance at Elland Road wearing Leeds colors in seven years.

The home crowd erupted in celebration for his goal!

Just two minutes into the second half, Bolasie capitalized on a counterattack, slicing through Hull City's defense at blistering pace and finishing calmly with a single shot.

The assist came from Paulinho.

It was evident that Leeds United's attacking play was becoming increasingly fluid.

Especially with Paulinho hitting top form over the past two matches, the entire midfield now operated with greater energy and cohesion.

Kurzawa continued to shine on the left, Klein remained active on the right, and Paulinho pulled the strings in midfield. The only remaining question mark was new signing Paul Pogba.

But everyone believed that the highly anticipated midfielder, whom Gao Shen had such high hopes for, would soon have his breakout moment.

In the 68th minute, Lallana crossed from the left, Benteke headed it down, and Paulinho surged forward to smash home Leeds' fourth goal of the match.

Final score: Leeds United 4–0 Hull City!

…

Three days later, the Championship entered a midweek round, and Leeds United faced their first major test of the new season.

An away match against West Ham United, recently relegated from the Premier League.

Thanks to the parachute payment system, the Hammers retained much of their strength and were considered the strongest side in the Championship. Facing them was always going to be a challenge.

Although Leeds had won three straight games, those wins came against a newly promoted side and two mid-table teams. They hadn't yet faced a true test. West Ham was a completely different proposition and the top favorite for promotion this season.

With such a formidable opponent ahead, everyone at Leeds United felt the pressure.

At Upton Park, Leeds United tried to take the initiative and attacked from the start. But West Ham struck first.

Off a free kick that came from a quick counterattack, Kevin Nolan provided the assist. Former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole rose above the defense and headed the ball into the net, giving West Ham the lead.

Leeds United was in trouble!

(To be continued.)

Chapter 767: True Core

Many times, fans tend to misunderstand players.

For example, they might think a certain star is overrated and lacks real ability.

They might also believe a player's goal was just down to luck or a fluke.

Some even delude themselves into thinking that anyone—even if they put a crown on a dog—could do the same job.

Building on this, fans often like to debate who is stronger or more important.

Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Messi or Guardiola? Messi or Xhaka? Ronaldo or the so-called ceremonial midfielder? Toni Kroos or Modric in that same midfield?

There's always something to compare.

Of course, most of it is just harmless entertainment and casual discussion.

Gao Shen used to be the same when he was younger. But not anymore.

Just like he had grown numb to Marvel's endless superhero movies.

Especially after working in a large corporation, he came to truly realize that in today's world, there are no more lone heroes.

Everything is a matter of systems and collaboration.

Even a company as powerful as Apple only had Jobs as its face, the most dazzling jewel in the crown.

But a jewel still needs a crown to sit on.

From large corporations to small businesses, from leagues to clubs, from teams to coaches to players—even down to the staff at the grassroots level.

Everyone is part of a system of division of labor and cooperation.

Some may be small cogs, others major components, but all success ultimately comes from the system.

Still, we must admit that some individuals are different.

There's always that one friend who's addicted to socializing, that one workaholic who thrives on overtime, that one "perfect" child others are always comparing you to…

The same applies on the football pitch.

Everyone depends on the system. But some can shine as the brightest stars within that system.

Just like Jobs stood at the top of Apple, dazzling and brilliant.

Just like Messi stood out in Barcelona's Dream Team III.

Just like Ronaldo dominated at Real Madrid.

They are simply different.

They are the ones who step up in the moments that matter and turn the tide.

That's not luck.

That's a kind of strength!

People always empathize with tragedy.

Baggio missing a penalty in the World Cup final. Robben missing a one-on-one in the final…

Had Baggio scored, he would've been hailed as a hero who rescued Italy at a critical moment. Had Robben finished that chance, he would've been the one to bring the Netherlands the World Cup, maybe even winning the Ballon d'Or.

But they didn't.

It's tragic, but it also proves that in that critical moment, they weren't strong enough to do it.

Those who can step up and make the difference are the ones hailed as heroes.

…

Due to the European Super Cup, Manchester City's third-round Premier League away match against Tottenham was moved to midweek, one day after Leeds United's match.

Since both matches were in London, Gao Shen, Carlo, and others, after organizing their team's affairs, quietly appeared in the stands at Upton Park to watch this high-profile Championship clash.

They witnessed Leeds United's struggles firsthand.

As a recently relegated Premier League side, West Ham were receiving parachute payments.

The so-called parachute policy is a financial subsidy granted by the Premier League to relegated teams. Its purpose is to bridge the massive revenue gap between the Premier League and the Championship and to prevent financial collapse after relegation.

The amount of the subsidy isn't fixed.

Previously, the payment was over £23 million across two years, based on an earlier broadcast deal.

In 2010, after the new contract was activated, the total subsidy reached over £48 million for four years, roughly £12 million annually.

The Premier League also subsidizes lower-tier leagues each year.

For example, the annual payment for Championship teams not covered by the parachute policy has increased from £800,000 to £2.2 million.

League One clubs receive around £325,000, and League Two clubs get even less—just £250,000.

But that extra £10 million per year for relegated Premier League clubs makes a massive difference in the Championship.

According to the Daily Mail, the probability of a relegated team earning promotion back to the Premier League is three times higher than for other Championship sides, simply because of the financial advantage that £10 million provides.

Take West Ham United, for example.

Although some players left after relegation, most of them weren't starters. The only significant departure was Scott Parker, who joined Tottenham for £5 million.

But West Ham responded quickly, signing Kevin Nolan from Newcastle for £3 million, Sam Baldock from League One's MK Dons for £2.5 million, Matthew Taylor from Bolton, and Nicky Maynard from Bristol City for £1.8 million.

They also brought in Bentley from Tottenham, John Carew from Aston Villa, Faye from Stoke, and Almunia from Arsenal—all known Premier League players.

This made West Ham a dominant force in the Championship.

The man orchestrating all this was none other than the seasoned Premier League manager, Sam Allardyce.

So, in some ways, it wasn't surprising that a rookie coach like Sarri was being schooled by a veteran like Allardyce.

But what Gao Shen cared about wasn't the result of the match.

He was watching to see how the team would handle pressure in a difficult situation.

That was what mattered most to him.

…

After conceding the opening goal, Leeds United were disorganized for more than 20 minutes.

The match became very one-sided.

West Ham's tactics were precise. Allardyce used a 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation, with five midfielders completely shutting down Leeds' midfield, which brought the entire system to a halt.

If the team panicked, they could have conceded multiple goals and suffered a heavy defeat.

That would have undone all the momentum they had built with their good start to the season.

But if they managed to hold on, even a loss would still be a valuable learning experience for Leeds United.

This kind of test is something you can't simulate in a friendly.

Fortunately, in the key moments, Leeds United's defense began to settle down.

Koulibaly and Maguire started at center back tonight. Under the pressure from striker Carlton Cole, the two defenders gradually composed themselves and managed to contain him.

The midfield trio of Schneiderlin, Pogba, and Paulinho also worked hard on defense, shielding the backline and helping the team stabilize.

Even Lallana, Bolasie, and Benteke up front tracked back and joined in pressing and counter-pressing.

By the 30th minute, Leeds United had largely regained control.

In the stands, Gao Shen, Carlo, and Buenaventura all let out a sigh of relief.

"After two months, Sarri finally showed something real," Carlo said with a smile.

Sarri, after all, is a professional Italian coach. He had studied under Gao Shen for three years and had real ability.

"Yes, real quality only shows in critical moments," Gao Shen nodded in agreement.

"We should look to stabilize the match until halftime, then adjust and push for a comeback in the second half," Carlo analyzed.

Gao Shen nodded. It was the safe approach.

But sometimes football doesn't follow logic.

A match isn't a static formula. It's a dynamic, constantly evolving process.

Once Leeds United settled, the situation could shift dramatically.

"If we want to win, we have to take risks in the first half," Gao Shen said.

Carlo looked at him in surprise. "Isn't that a bit risky?"

"Going into halftime trailing isn't good for morale. If we can pull one back before then, the entire momentum shifts. But it requires a lot from the team and the players."

Gao Shen himself wasn't entirely confident.

After all, this wasn't his team.

"The one who can step up now is the true core of this team."

First, Leeds United needed to stabilize. Then, it was up to the players.

Was there anyone who could rise to the occasion?

No one knew. No one could be sure.

Even the players themselves might not know.

But right now, that's exactly what Leeds United needed—and West Ham was also waiting for that moment.

If the Hammers scored again, it would be game over for Leeds.

But if Leeds equalized, the tide could turn completely.

That's the power of morale.

The first strike is strong, the second weaker, and the third is exhausted.

Morale matters.

"Honestly, I think you're asking too much of these players. Paulinho just arrived and hasn't fully settled. Pogba is only 18. Schneiderlin's a pure holding midfielder. Benteke doesn't seem like the guy to step up—his strengths are tactical and physical," Buenaventura joked.

"We all know Lallana. He's capable, resilient, but he's still not someone who breaks games open. As for Bolasie, to be honest, he probably regrets not meeting you sooner. If he'd had you two years ago, his career might've reached another level. But now…"

West Ham doesn't really have that kind of player either and neither does Leeds.

These kinds of players are what we call the core.

Kevin Nolan, who was made captain right after joining, is quite good. He delivered that key assist to Carlton Cole and has clearly played his role well.

But even his ceiling is limited.

As for Leeds United, Paulinho probably has the best chance, but he's still adapting to English football.

Gao Shen didn't say a word. His eyes remained fixed on Paul Pogba.

He wanted to see what the French midfielder would do in this kind of adversity.

"Who knows? Maybe it's really him," Gao Shen muttered, as if talking to himself—or praying.

(To be continued.)