24 The Manager Seated On The Viewing Platform Part 2 (1/2)
Chapter 24: The Manager Seated On The Viewing Platform Part 2
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The remainder of the match went rather smoothly for Nottingham Forest. Coventry City's offense was rendered useless before the defense led by Dawson. McAllister could only give his best performance for himself, but was unable to make adjustment to the team's tactics on the whole. This was the most critical weakness of having a player assume the role of a manager at the same time: the team was unable to assess the situation of the field as a whole, did not have time to calmly think about countermeasures, and was unable to make adjustments on the spot. However, the field was ever-changing. A slight delay could cause the moment to be seized by the enemy.
When Tang En first saw McAllister's role, he already thought of how he could make use of this during the match. Now that his own team was leading by one ball, he wanted like to see what kinds of tricks McAllister had hidden up his sleeves.
The two managers were watching from different places, in different situations, which therefore resulted in different perspectives. This, in turn, caused their way of thinking to differ, as well, which could ultimately decide the outcome of the match.
The first half had just ended, and Nottingham Forest, the away team, was temporarily leading Coventry City by one goal. The fans on the viewing platform gradually dispersed, as they had to make full use of this 15 minutes to replenish their energy, as well as make a trip to the bathroom, in preparation for the second half's battle.
Tang En also decided to return to the changing room to arrange the second half's tactics. After observing the first half, he more or less had some idea of what he wanted to do. However, before he left, he had to find some stuff for the two people beside him to do, as he could not just let them follow him back to the changing room.
”Erm, you two gentlemen. Don't you think that our environment for the first half was very terrible?”
The two of the looked at each other, unsure of what Tang En was driving at.
Seeing that they did not understand his words, Tang En illustrated it for them. ”These fans are loud and boisterous, perhaps from consuming quite a lot of alcohol before the match. Each one of them is energetic and loud. They only support their own team, but unfortunately, their team is currently losing by one ball. In that case, their temper is not going to be good. Emphasized by the effects of alcohol... I think that during these 15 minutes, they will have drank a few more cans of beer, right? And should their team continue to be unable to catch up, their blood will most likely start boiling and rush to their head. If they were to discover that there were three spectators who were not fans of the home team... what do you think they will do?”
The two of them frantically tried to defend themselves. ”I'm not a Nottingham Forest fan. Actually the one that I support is Man City...”
”I am a fan of Oxford United, but that is a Division Three team...”
Tang En shook his head. ”It's useless, even if you used the stadium's broadcast system to tell. You have to know that a raging fan is irrational. You don't believe? How about we put it to the test?”
One of them frantically stopped Tang En. ”There's no need for that. I also feel that it's not a good thing for us to be seated among a group of hot-blooded, home team fans.”
”I think the two of you should raise your objections to the Coventry staff. At least change us to an area where it is more neutral—somewhere closer to the Nottingham Forest's area.”
Hearing Tang En say this, the two of them suddenly put up their guard. Tang En had no choice but to explain, ”You two may relax. Don't tell me you really think that I will direct the match using the fans? That is too ridiculous.”
The two of them glanced at each other, before nodding their heads. ”Alright, we will approach the Coventry staff.”
”Much thanks. You both have made the right decision.” Tang En turned around and walked toward the passageway. Before he walked away, he asked, ”By the way, just asking, does the Football Association allow me to enter my team's changing room during halftime?”
”There are no specific instructions given for this, so go ahead.”
”Thank you very much. You may find me at the changing room door in 15 minutes. Goodbye.” Tang En waved his hand as he walked into the passageway.
There was a very huge lounge inside the stadium, which sold various drinks and food. Fans could rest there for a short while, drink a few cans of beer, eat some grilled sausages, or chat with their friends. However, one had to be careful not to get into any form of conflict with those who were obviously drunk, because those kind of people were very dangerous, especially when the team they supported was in a terrible situation.
Tang En lowered his head and quickly passed through. He did not want anyone to identify him, since his team was currently in the lead, and Coventry City's fans were in an irritated state.
After crossing the crowded lounge, he found a small, rarely used hallway, which was another way to get to the changing room. However, on his way, Tang En noticed a security guard stationed there, as well as a sign that read: No passing through this area.
”What's going on?” Tang En asked the security guard who was standing in front of him.
The security guard pointed to the sign, as if telling Tang En, ”Don't you know how to read?” His attitude was evidently not very friendly.
”Very well.” Tang En nodded his head before kicking the sign down. Then, he stepped over the sign and tried to pass.
The security guard became anxious. He tried to pull Tang En back, but was gently subdued by Tang En. ”Bro, I have a few years training.” When Tang En was very young, he used to study martial arts from the street performers in his home town. At that time, the movie Shaolin Temple was extremely popular throughout the country. Tang En dreamed of becoming a martial arts star like Jet Lee, who made a lot of money and was respected by tens of thousands of people. Later, he discovered he was not cut out for it and gave up. Although he did not become the second Jet Lee, his skills were more than sufficient to deal with this kind of paper tiger, who was all bark and no bite.
Ignoring the security guard, who was sprawled on the floor, Tang En walked toward his team's changing room, after which he pushed open the door and entered.
It was obvious that the players were all waiting for him. Seeing Tang En enter, everyone raised their heads, their eyes were filled with anticipation.
Those eyes... Tang En knew what kind of burden he was shouldering at the moment.
”You guys played magnificently in the first half. But be careful of their counterattack in the second half. Let's analyze it in detail.”
The two people from the Football Association Disciplinary Committee found Coventry's chairman. Upon stating their identities, the problem of the seats was resolved very quickly. The chairman promised to let them sit with Nottingham Forest's fans, and also promised their individual safety.
The two people who had already completed their task saw that it was still early, so they decided to wait at the entrance of the changing room. They were still slightly worried that the shady manager would play some tricks. Tony Twain made them feel a strong sense of uneasiness, as if he was not a football manager, but an MI6 special agent in disguise.