Football Feast, Starting From the Acquisition of European Clubs

   Chapter 304 Never be cannon fodder

   "Chen, there was a notice from G14 saying that all members are to be called for a meeting."

   Just when the news of Crystal Palace joining G14 was hyped, Stephen brought Chen Ran the latest news.

   "A meeting at this time? Did they talk about the topic of the meeting?"

   Hearing the news brought by Stephen, Chen Ran subconsciously frowned.

   First invited Crystal Palace to join, so that G14, which had been silent for a long time, returned to the public eye, and then all members were called for a meeting.

   To say that this was not carefully planned, Chen Ran absolutely did not believe it.

   "Said, there are two things in total. One is to welcome our Crystal Palace to join G14; the other is to discuss and ask UEFA and FIFA to pay certain compensation for injuries caused by recruiting club players to participate in national team games."

   After talking about the content of this meeting, Stephen followed up with another question.

   "Chen, are you going to this meeting?"

   Before Stephen finished speaking, Chen Ran immediately understood in his heart that the second thing was actually the highlight of this meeting.

   It seems that G14 is planning to confront UEFA and FIFA this time.

   And the most powerful team in the past two years, Crystal Palace, which is full of international players from various countries, was the last preparation they made before they shot.

   At this moment, Chen Ran knew that his Crystal Palace had become a bargaining chip for G14 to increase its weight before going to the negotiating table.

  Although it was a little uncomfortable, Chen Ran did not object to G14 doing this.

  Because, G14 is a conspiracy, and their appeal is the same as that of Crystal Palace.

   Just like the Crystal Palace players who were worried about physical fatigue before Chen Ran, were injured while participating in the national team game.

  In the event of a real injury, if you can get compensation from UEFA and FIFA, then at least a part of the club’s losses can be reduced.

   However, although everyone's demands are the same, Chen Ran, who found that he was being used, didn't intend to be at the mercy of others.

   "Stephen, you will represent Crystal Palace in this meeting. As the CEO of Crystal Palace, you will be the plenipotentiary representative of Crystal Palace Club in G14 from now on."

   "What? Chen, are you not going to this meeting?"

   Hearing Chen Ran's arrangement, Stephen was stunned for a moment.

  Although his CEO as the representative of Crystal Palace Club is enough in terms of identity, but after all, this is the first meeting of Crystal Palace after joining G14, it is more suitable for the owner of the club Chen Ran to attend in person.

   "I won't go."

  Chen Ran waved his hand, and seeing that Stephen still wanted to continue to persuade, he simply clarified the matter.

   "Stephen, those people in G14 want to use our Crystal Palace as a pawn, or even a target to attract firepower. We can't just go up and die."

   "G14 will have a showdown with UEFA and FIFA this time, and there will definitely be a fierce contest between the two sides."

   "Our Crystal Palace's foundation is still shallow. At this time, it's better to hide behind honestly. It's okay to wave the flag and shout, but you must not take the lead in charging, lest you accidentally become cannon fodder. Understand?"

   "Chen, are you worried that someone in G14 wants to frame us in Crystal Palace?"

   After listening to Chen Ran's analysis, Stephen's expression changed, and his relaxed expression immediately became serious.

   "I'm not sure if there is such a person. However, there is no harm in being careful."

   "When you go to a meeting, listen more, read more and talk less, and don't make a statement easily. If you really can't escape, you have to come back and discuss with me before making a decision."

   "Knowing that things are so complicated, we might as well refuse to participate in G14 before."

   After Chen Ran's analysis, Stephen, who was originally happy to be able to join G14, now regrets it a little.

   "Stephen, it is still necessary to participate in G14. After all, the rise of Crystal Palace is still short, and now we need to pack the halo of G14. Although it is a bit troublesome, as long as we are careful, the overall advantages outweigh the disadvantages."

   "Got it. Chen, I'll be careful."

   Afraid of what will happen, Chen Ran has always been worried that Crystal Palace players were injured when they went to the national team to participate in the game, and as a result, someone was really injured.

   There are three who can recover from minor injuries for a week or two, namely Vieira, Vidic and Kaka.

  The worst thing is Tony, who will be out for at least a month with a groin strain.

   And since Ibrahimovic was released this season, Jan Kohler is almost 35 years old, Cavani and Dzeko have not yet been able to provoke the role, and Crystal Palace basically relies on Tony alone in the center position.

   Now, as soon as Tony is injured, Crystal Palace immediately lacks a strong arrow figure in the frontcourt.

   Coupled with the absence of Kaka, Vieira and Vidic, Crystal Palace almost had to replace the entire central axis from striker, midfielder, midfielder to central defender, which can already be said to be hurt.

  Crystal Palace has been lucky in previous seasons. Even if there is an injury, it is only an individual player, and most of them can play the whole season.

   Now, Chen Ran has an ominous premonition that Crystal Palace may not be able to escape the unfortunate event of widespread injuries this season.

   And as soon as the national team match day is over, the new devil's schedule will start again.

  On October 21st, the tenth round of the Premier League, Crystal Palace will go to an away game against Fulham;

  On October 25th, in the third group match of the Champions League, Crystal Palace played at home against the Bundesliga strong team Schalke 04;

  On October 27th, in the eleventh round of the Premier League, Crystal Palace will face Everton at home;

  On November 1st, in the fourth round of the English League Cup, Crystal Palace will go away to challenge Tottenham Hotspur again;

  On November 3rd, in the twelfth round of the Premier League, Crystal Palace will go away to Aston Villa this time;

  On November 7th, in the fourth game of the Champions League group stage, Crystal Palace will go to Germany to challenge Schalke 04;

  On November 10th, in the thirteenth round of the Premier League, Crystal Palace played at home against West Ham United.

  We have to play seven games in 20 days, with an average of less than one game in three days, including two tough matches in the Champions League.

   Coupled with the absence of as many as four main players in the team, even Chen Ran couldn't help tingling his scalp when he saw it.

   When visiting the four wounded, Chen Ran called out the "Level 1 Rehabilitation Card" from the system for the four to use.

  Although it can only reduce injury recovery time by 10%, mosquito legs are also meat.

   In the face of such a grim situation, Chen Ran once again brought together Guardiola, Southgate and Simeone.

   "You have all seen the schedule for the next stage. Now there are large-scale injuries in the team. What should we do next? Let's talk about our opinions."

   Chen Ran's voice just fell, Southgate and Simeone immediately looked at Guardiola in unison. Dead Daoist friends do not die poor Daoists, they are very familiar with this trick.

   Guardiola pouted silently, but did not shirk.

   "Boss, we are only one point ahead of Manchester United and three points for Chelsea. It stands to reason that we can't relax in a Premier League."

"But considering the importance of the Champions League and the objective conditions of the absence of the four main players. Except for the League Cup game against Tottenham Hotspur, which can be abandoned, we may only be able to send substitutes in some league matches. The lineup is out."

   Having said that, Guardiola reluctantly spread his hands.

  It is difficult for a clever woman to cook without rice, and he can't think of any good way.

   After listening to Guardiola's analysis, Chen Ran took another look at Southgate and Simeone. These two guys immediately said that they thought the same as Guardiola.

   Chen Ran was not in the mood to clean up the two of them at this time, but directly assigned them a task.

   "Josep has analyzed the situation very thoroughly just now. Due to injuries, we may encounter unprecedented difficulties this season, so you all have to be mentally prepared for difficulties."

   "Next, you should pay close attention to the physical condition of the players during training. Anyone who is feeling unwell should report it immediately. We can't afford any more injuries now. Do you understand?"

   "Got it, boss."

   On October 21st, in the tenth round of the Premier League, Chen Ran took Crystal Palace to an away game against Fulham.

  Although there are four main players absent, fortunately, Chen Ran's wealth for Crystal Palace is strong enough. The players who were replaced are also powerful players, and there is no problem in winning a Fulham.

  In the end, with the goals of Jan Kohler and Ronaldo, Crystal Palace defeated Fulham 2:1 away.

  At the same time that he got three points, Chen Ran also got a "Level 1 Rehabilitation Card" from the system.

   Since all the remaining stocks were used up this time, Chen Ran felt for the first time that the "Level 1 Rehabilitation Card" was so precious.

   In other matches in the Premier League this round, Manchester United beat Aston Villa 4:1 away, and Chelsea also defeated Middlesbrough 2:0 away.

   Arsenal beat Bolton 2:0 at home, and Liverpool reversed their old rival Everton 2:1 in the derby.

   After several strong teams have all won, Manchester United and Chelsea are still holding on to Crystal Palace tightly, and the pressure is huge.

After a three-day break, Crystal Palace ushered in the third game of the Champions League group stage.

   Schalke 04 adheres to the tradition of most Bundesliga teams and does not have any big signings.

  The most striking is that they spent 3 million euros to introduce Croatian midfielder Rakitic from Basel, Switzerland, and bought German defender Westermann from Bielefeld for 2.8 million euros.

   But as long as they see the starting lineup sent by the head coach Mirko Slomka, no one dares to take it lightly.

   striker Altintop, striker Kuranyi

   Left MF Pander, MF Kobyashvili, MF Ernst, MF Asamoah

   Left-back Westerman, center-back Korstakic, center-back Bolden, right-back Rafinha

   Goalkeeper Neuer

  Especially when Chen Ran saw Neuer's name, he almost wanted to dig someone.

   However, considering that Crystal Palace already had Cech, it would be difficult to arrange even if Neuer came, Chen Ran finally gave up the idea.

   After all, Neuer is not like a veteran like Van der Sar who is willing to be a substitute, and he does not want to lay a hidden danger for his team.

   On the Crystal Palace side, Chen Ran also racked his brains to come up with the strongest lineup he currently has.

  Center Jan Kohler

   Left midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo, midfielder Modric, right midfielder Ribery

   Fabregas, midfielder, Yaya Toure

  Left-back Chiellini, center-back Thiago Silva, center-back Pepe, right-back Maicon

   Goalkeeper Cech

   When the referee blew the whistle for the start of the game, Schalke 04, who were playing away from home, was not conservative, and directly fought against Crystal Palace, which was at home.

   In particular, Schalke 04's right-sided attack, under the alternating impact of right midfielder Asamoah and right back Rafinha, caused Crystal Palace's left back Chiellini to be in a hurry.

  Asamoah and Rafinha are both speed players, and Chiellini, who is 186cm tall, obviously can't keep up with their speed. Fortunately, Cesc Fabregas, who has a midfielder position, came to help from time to time, otherwise Crystal Palace's left flank might have been blown up.

"Boss, Schalke 04's right attack is too sharp, Chiellini can't keep up with the speed of Asamoah and Rafinha, should we try to replace Chiellini with Evra? "

   Guardiola quickly discovered the team's problem and immediately went to Chen Ran and proposed.

  Chen Ran also saw the situation on the field.

  But after Vidic was injured, Chiellini, who could play as a cameo central defender, was an important **** for him.

  Chen Ran is not at ease with the current center back Pepe. Although Pepe has made great progress in the past two years, his previous great achievements are really impressive.

   In case Pepe makes another mistake, Chiellini is Chen Ran's back-up man who can immediately replace Pepe and Thiago Silva as the center back.

  So, after hearing Guardiola's suggestion, Chen Ran shook his head decisively.

   "Josep, Chiellini can't move. If something goes wrong with Pepe, I still need Chiellini to replace Pepe. Understand?"

   "Pepe?"

   Hearing Chen Ran suddenly mention this name, Guardiola immediately understood Chen Ran's intention.

  Like Chen Ran, Guardiola has lingering fears about Pepe's previous mistakes.

   "Boss, what should we do now? If we don't find a solution quickly, our left defense will have problems sooner or later."

   After understanding Chen Ran's concerns, Guardiola stopped talking about replacing Chiellini.

   But problems always have to be solved, and Guardiola himself couldn't think of any good solution for a while, so he had to pin his hopes on the always resourceful boss.

   "Josep, you go and inform Ronaldo and let him target Schalke 04's right-back Rafinha. If Rafinha goes up for an assist, he must be responsible for watching to the end."

   "In this way, there is only one Asamoah left. With the help of Cesc Fabregas, I believe there should be no problem with Chiellini."

   "Okay, this is a good idea, I'll inform them right away."

   Seeing that Chen Ran quickly came up with a solution, Guardiola turned around and ran to the sidelines while applauding.

   (end of this chapter)