Chapter 395
After Manchester City's away game against Sunderland, the players set off on their journey back to Manchester overnight.
Although they had just finished a difficult game, they knew that the second half of the league schedule was still going on and there was not much time to rest.
Two days later, on February 6, the 25th round of the league was about to start.
Manchester City will face the challenge of Leicester City at their home stadium, Etihad Stadium. This is the second time the two teams have met this season.
Last season, Leicester City created a miracle in the football world and won the Premier League championship as a dark horse.
However, this season they seem to have lost the pride and fighting spirit when they won the championship.
After the reorganization at the beginning of the season, Leicester City's performance was not ideal.
The league has been played for 24 rounds, but Leicester City's record is only 5 wins, 6 draws and 13 losses, with 21 points barely on the edge of the relegation zone.
Their struggle in the league is in sharp contrast to the glory of last season.
However, it is worth mentioning that Leicester City performed unexpectedly well in the Champions League.
This was their first time to participate in the Champions League, but they were able to enter the round of 16. This achievement is a good one among the few highlights of their season.
Li Lei thought about this silently on the return bus.
As the core of Manchester City's midfield, he knows the importance of every game. Facing the sluggish Leicester City, he can't and dare not let it go.
The Premier League has always been known for its fierceness and unpredictability. Any team may burst out with amazing fighting power at any time.
Outside the window, the night sky of Manchester is quiet and deep.
The bus traveled through the night, but Li Lei's thoughts had already flown to the game two days later.
He simulated various tactics and cooperation in his mind, thinking about how to play his strengths and lead the team to victory.
The bus slowly drove into the Carrington training base, and the wheels rolled over the quiet road at night, making a slight sound.
Time has quietly entered the early morning, and the entire training base is shrouded in silence.
Mourinho stood in front of the bus door, watching the players get off the bus one after another.
Their faces were full of fatigue, dragging heavy steps, as if every step would exhaust all their strength.
The intensity of the game can be seen from their physical condition.
"Have a good rest, we have more difficult tasks waiting for us." Although Mourinho's words were brief, they were full of encouragement and trust.
He watched the players leave with a gratified smile on his face.
Mourinho did not speak too much, now is not the time for a long speech.
What the players need is rest and recovery to face the next challenge.
He simply gave a few instructions and waved to disband the team.
Li Lei dragged his tired body and slowly walked towards his car.
Every step felt like a thousand pounds, muscles ached, and joints protested slightly.
The intensity of the game left a deep mark on his body.
When he finally got home, he was exhausted.
When he opened the door with his last bit of strength, he slumped down in the entrance hall.
"Kada!" With a slight sound, the lights in the living room automatically lit up, illuminating his tired face.
Li Lei took a deep breath and felt the warmth and comfort of home.
This is his harbor, the only place where he can completely relax after a tiring game.
Looking around, his eyes fell on the family photo hanging on the wall.
In the photo, he and his family's smiles are so bright and warm.
At this moment, all the fatigue and pressure seemed to disappear.
Li Lei felt a warm current surging in his heart, which was the endless strength and support given to him by his family.
The reason why he can fight bravely on the green field, in addition to his own efforts, is also inseparable from the understanding and support of his family.
It is them who gave him the most solid backing, allowing him to devote himself to his football career.
Tomorrow is another new day.
Li Lei slowly stood up and walked towards the bedroom. The night sky of Manchester outside the window was still quiet.
The next day, when Li Lei woke up from a deep sleep, the fatigue of last night had been swept away.
He felt full of energy and became lively again.
After a night of rest and recovery, his body and mind were completely relaxed and recharged.
Li Lei couldn't wait to come to the Carrington training base to start a new day of training and preparation.
However, the training base seemed a little quiet today.
It is not difficult to see from Mourinho's arrangement that the focus of today's training is still on restoring physical strength.
But thisIt does not mean that Li Lei and his teammates can completely relax and rest.
In the multi-purpose hall, head coach Mourinho has made full preparations. He is waiting for the players to arrive and analyze the next opponent Leicester City's game video with them.
Li Lei and his friend De Bruyne, as well as other teammates walked into the multi-purpose hall one after another.
At this time, they were like a group of focused primary school students, full of desire for knowledge, ready to listen to Mourinho's explanation on the podium.
Mourinho stood on the podium and swept his eyes over everyone present.
These players are precious treasures in his hands and are the key to Manchester City's success in the league.
He cleared his throat and began his explanation.
"The game we are watching today is Leicester City's most recent game, and the opponent is our old friend Manchester United next door."
"Although the score is 0:3, there are still many details that we need to pay attention to." Mourinho said while opening the video of that game.
"From the video, we can see that Leicester City's defense is very tight. Their players are closely guarding us, which creates great difficulties for Manchester United's offense."
"Especially their central defenders, Maguire and Morgan, their physical fitness is very good, and they always maintain a high degree of concentration and agility in defense."
While analyzing, Mourinho used a laser pen to point out the key points of Leicester City's defense on the screen.
Li Lei and De Bruyne both carefully observed the screen, nodded from time to time, and wrote down the key points in their notebooks.
"However, Leicester City is not a team that only knows how to defend."
"Their offense also has a unique style and threat. Vardy's speed and Mahrez's skills are all objects that we need to focus on and guard against." Mourinho continued his analysis.
Li Lei listened attentively. In order to win the next game, they must fully understand their opponents and find out their weaknesses, and at the same time, they must also play their own advantages and characteristics.
Mourinho's explanation lasted for more than an hour.
During the period, the players raised questions from time to time and discussed and communicated with the head coach.
The whole multi-purpose hall was filled with an atmosphere of seeking knowledge and progress.
The sunlight shone through the windows of the training base and sprinkled on Li Lei, which gave him a more sacred glow.
