CHAPTER 1420: CHAPTER 409: BUFFON FINALLY GOT HIS WISH

The first batch was ready in no time.

The Chelsea players helped themselves without hesitation, piling their plates high.

The meat on the grill quickly disappeared.

Terry looked at Modric, who continued to place meat on the grill, and said, "Don’t just grill the meat, you’ll end up eating nothing yourself. You should eat some while grilling."

"Got it, captain."

Modric nodded in response.

"Just call me John, no need for captain outside of the field. Those bastards don’t even treat me like one." Terry said jokingly while holding the tongs.

"That’s because you’re not suitable. If I could choose, I’d pick Kevin!"

From near the TV, Cech looked up and said.

"I also pick Kevin. If Kevin were the captain, he’d give us gifts!"

Ashley Cole quickly chimed in.

"See? These bastards." Terry laughed and said.

Cech finally adjusted the screen.

Everyone gathered around the TV.

"Juventus actually dropped to third place and will play in the Europa League. That’s surprising."

Drogba said.

"They’ve changed the name, it’s now called the Europa League." Ashley Cole said, "Bordeaux did really well, topping Bayern and Juventus."

"Idiot, that’s Bordeaux, a French team!"

Cech retorted.

He had played in Ligue 1 with Rennes and knew the French teams well.

"There’s not much difference between Bordeaux and Porto, right?"

Ashley Cole mumbled.

"Shut up, the draw is starting!"

Terry scolded.

This year, Bayern and Inter Milan both finished second in their groups.

Drawing such teams would be a life-and-death battle.

"I heard this year’s Champions League is at the Bernabeu. Any special thoughts?"

Ashley Cole asked.

"Not much, just a different place to win the title." Huang Kaiwen said.

Milan’s opponent was drawn first; they got Lyon.

Soon after, Fiorentina drew Bayern.

Arsenal got Porto.

Barca drew Stuttgart.

Finally, it was Chelsea’s turn.

Four second-place teams remained: CSKA Moscow, Olympiacos, Marseille, and Inter Milan.

Of them, Inter Milan was the strongest, and Central Army’s away game was hard to play.

In February and March, it’s still below minus ten degrees in Russia.

The other two teams were acceptable.

The players stared intently at the TV screen, hoping to draw the Greek team or Marseille.

The draw guest pulled out a ball, printed with the black "inter."

"No way!"

"Did they do something shady?"

"Damn, another knockout match against a Serie A team."

"Inter Milan isn’t easy to deal with either."

"Why does Arsenal get to play Porto?"

"Fuck, they just don’t want us to defend our title."

The Chelsea players complained.

This year Inter Milan was strong, Deschamps’ team played very well.

If not for being in the same group as the overly strong Barcelona, they would definitely have advanced as the group leader.

Facing two championship-level games in the round of 16, the Chelsea players naturally had grievances.

"Alright, alright, it’s something we’ll have to face sooner or later."

Terry clapped and said.

"Exactly, facing them early isn’t so bad. Maybe the next opponent will be easier. Anyway, our goal is the championship; we’ll definitely encounter strong teams."

Huang Kaiwen added.

"That’s all we can do."

Cech nodded and said.

What surprised Huang Kaiwen more than drawing Inter was Juventus’s performance.

Juventus’s performance seemed unstable these past few years.

They hadn’t recovered since being relegated due to the Calciopoli scandal.

Although they’ve acquired many players, most haven’t met expectations.

He thought about calling Buffon and Pirlo to comfort them.

And maybe ask if they’ve heard the saying, "unlucky on the pitch, lucky in the casino."

...

January 16th.

Outside Stamford Bridge’s home dressing room.

Before entering the dressing room, Huang Kaiwen was stopped by Mourinho.

"Is there something, coach?"

Huang Kaiwen asked.

"Sunderland’s coach isn’t Keane anymore; they switched to another Manchester United captain."

Mourinho rubbed his temples and said.

"Steve Bruce?" Huang Kaiwen asked.

"Yes, Bruce!"

Mourinho nodded and said, "Those Manchester United guys will surely try to sabotage us. Even if they can’t win, they’ll try to cause us trouble."

"What do you need me to do, coach?"

Huang Kaiwen asked.

"I want you to start today. Try to secure the victory by halftime, so we can make some rotations."

Mourinho said.

"Okay, no problem."

Huang Kaiwen nodded and said.

"Where will you play?"

Huang Kaiwen directly chose to draw a card.

[Ding, received a 1999-2000 La Liga season, Round 17, La Coruña vs. Sevilla, Dejair Ferreira de Freitas ’Maya’ 24-hour experience card, acquired Wang Kaihua (Steadfast Will)]

Dejair!

He’s another Brazilian genius.

But his temperament affected his career.

Used!

[Ding, successfully used Dejamir experience card, gained Steadfast Will (Wang Kaihua)]

Trait: Steadfast Will — With this trait, your stamina and willpower are greatly enhanced. You’ll never feel confused on the field.

Huang Kaiwen said, "I’ll play as a winger then."

"Alright, go change clothes."

Mourinho patted Huang Kaiwen’s shoulder and said.

Chelsea is now 6 points behind Manchester United.

They really can’t afford to lose a single match.

Sunderland’s performance is average, but they have some good players. If they pull off a surprise against Chelsea...

Even if they don’t beat Chelsea, as long as they can force a draw, Manchester United’s chances of winning the title will increase greatly.