CHAPTER 1421: CHAPTER 409: BUFFON FINALLY GOT HIS WISH

Mourinho is really troubled by these Manchester United-related coaches.

Unfortunately, he started coaching quite late, born at that time, there’s nothing he can do.

Oh.

Otherwise, with his relationship with the disciples, after these players retire and become coaches, they could also help him snipe at championship rivals.

"Both players have started warming up, and today the camera frequently focuses on Modric. Tottenham is very upset about Modric’s transfer. In the last FA Cup match, Modric performed quite well."

"Hehe, Mourinho has had his eye on Modric for a long time; he was pursuing Modric during the summer. I guess the players saw Chelsea bagging seven titles and couldn’t resist. Pursuing championships in a mid-to-upper-tier team like Tottenham is quite challenging, so a winter transfer to Chelsea should see him winning a title by season’s end."

"Yes, but today’s match won’t be easy. Currently, Chelsea is ranked second, trailing Manchester United by 6 points. Sunderland’s coach is former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce, and he definitely intends to help his mentor snipe Chelsea."

"Indeed, Mourinho must have thought of this... Let’s take a look at the starting lineups."

Chelsea 433 with a single defensive midfielder:

Goalkeeper: Cech,

Defenders: Ashley Cole, Carvalho, Terry, Ramos,

Midfielders: Modric, Belletti, Ballack,

Forwards: Huang Kaiwen, Huntelaar, Bale.

Sunderland 442 with dual defensive midfielders:

Goalkeeper: Marton Fulop,

Defenders: McCartney, Paul Da Silva, Locke Cana, Phil Bardsley,

Midfielders: Joe Murphy, David Mellor, Jordan Henderson, Malbranque,

Forwards: Kenwyne Jones, Darren Bent.

"Sunderland’s lineup is quite fast; they like to play rapid counter-attacks, which is similar to Chelsea."

"Yes, and several players have performed quite well. Ferguson previously expressed his admiration for Henderson, but the competition would be fierce if he were to go to Manchester United, as they have plenty of midfielders on site."

"Mourinho has given us quite a surprise today, arranging Belletti to play as a defensive midfielder; not to mention, Belletti has played as a defensive midfielder before. He directly places the full-back Bale in the position of right winger - making Bale play as an inverted winger. From full-back to winger, let’s see if the young player can adapt."

At three in the afternoon, the referee Chris Foy blew the whistle to start the match.

Terry lost the coin toss.

Chelsea will have to play facing the sun.

Huang Kaiwen received the ball and immediately felt a bit dazzled; just as he raised his hand, Malbranque stepped in to poke the ball behind Huang Kaiwen.

Modric quickly went to the sideline to retrieve the ball.

He saw Huang Kaiwen making a forward run and hesitated about whether to pass.

Bale had advised him too much about playing with Huang Kaiwen.

Playing today for the first time with Huang Kaiwen made him somewhat hesitant.

An eye at Malbranque closely pursuing Huang Kaiwen, Modric decided to wait a bit longer.

Bent quickly charged towards Modric.

Modric quickly spun and with a deft move, flicked the ball onward to the advancing Ramos.

Ramos just got the ball on the right; Murphy didn’t react yet, as he swung his right foot to strike the ball on the lower side.

Bam—

With a massive sound, the ball rocketed towards the left front field.

While running, Huang Kaiwen slightly turned, letting the ball fly past to stabilize it with his chest, neatly dropping it to his feet.

Seeing all those defenders around Huang Kaiwen, with a whole defensive line ahead.

Modric couldn’t help but shake his head after sprinting to the front field.

Such a crude attack strategy, only English Championship teams still use it.

He knew Huang Kaiwen was talented.

But that’s a whole defensive line.

Jordan Henderson rushed to Huang Kaiwen as he stopped the ball.

How to tackle so many defenders?

Modric could only speed up to move forward and try to assist.

But Huang Kaiwen didn’t turn around as Modric anticipated. Instead, he dribbled forward towards Sunderland’s penalty area with his right foot.

Henderson stood ahead of Huang Kaiwen, spreading his legs and lowering his center of gravity.

Even with four defenders behind him, he felt no sense of security.

Seeing Huang Kaiwen approaching with tiny steps, Henderson was ready.

He knew a one-on-one would be hard, so he decided to intercept.

Before Henderson could act, Huang Kaiwen raised his left foot.

A warning bell went off in Henderson’s mind immediately.

The coach instructed pre-game not to let Huang Kaiwen take a shot near the penalty area.

But thinking of Huang Kaiwen’s shot speed exceeding 200 km/h, Henderson instinctively allowed some space, preparing to only extend his foot to intercept Huang Kaiwen’s shot.

It didn’t go as Henderson thought.

Huang Kaiwen’s left foot lifted high yet lightly dropped and pushed the ball through Henderson’s gate.

A dummy shot!

Damn, he got fooled!

As Huang Kaiwen entered the box, he swung his left foot; Locke Cana dove to tackle but was a step behind, as the ball flew from his side straight towards the goal.

Marton Fulop clearly misjudged it; he chose to dive sideways while the ball aimed for the near corner, bounced in front of him, and easily slipped into the net.