251 Wood’s Struggle Part 2 (1/2)
Chapter 251: Wood’s Struggle Part 2
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
”Think about it from the moment you stood in front of my home and told me, 'I think you should sign on the best player in all of England' to now. You have become Forest team's main player and played in all the matches of the season. What changes have occurred in you? You've become stronger – countless times – stronger than the silly lad you were then. It's been two years. Time passes quickly, but your improvement is even quicker. If you can't accept losing like this to Riquelme, being completely at his mercy, don't just sit here and stew. You need to work even harder. If you want to attain victory over your opponents, you need to work hundreds of times harder, even more than usual! Do you understand me?”
Wood nodded and said, ”I understand.”
Tang En laughed. ”That's right. The match is already lost, so just let it go. Don't keep looking so upset, as if someone died. It'll drag everyone else into a lousy mood. If you can't accept it, then vent your grievances on the training ground. Demi is a greatly experienced Defensive Midfielder. You can learn many things from him that will last you throughout your career.”
”I know. He… is really great.” Wood, who was a little arrogant, would rarely have admiration for someone else; but he would willingly complement the Italian man whose face was constantly adorned with a smile.
Hearing Wood speak two sentences in a breath, Tang En knew his mood had gotten better. He rubbed his hands together and indicated with two fingers, saying, ”Just before I came to speak to you, I had two options in mind for the next match. A, to let you rest for a round—tell the media that your body is exhausted, and rotation is needed—or B, to let you continue as a starting player without making any comment to the media.”
”My body is fine.” Wood said, making the decision for Tang En.
”I thought so, George.” Tang En nodded. ”Even if I said you needed to rest because of an injury or exhaustion, I wouldn't believe it myself. So, there's only option B left. But, there isn't much time left for you. You won't have the chance to work harder, a hundred times harder, on the training field to improve yourself. Three days after, we will be heading to Old Trafford to go against Manchester United. Are you ready to deal with the people who will question you first thing in the morning and shut them up?”
The two looked at each other, and Wood took his time to respond. After a while, he asked, ”Is Manchester United strong?”
This was not Wood acting stupid. He did not have such humor yet.
Before being promoted to the English Premier League, George Wood had never been concerned about the situation there. Furthermore, he was the same way before playing soccer, and Manchester had started on the low in the current season. It was normal for Wood not to know about the might of Red Devils.
Tang En started laughing. ”Don't you ever read the news or watch television? Villarreal CF had only one Riquelme, but Manchester United has several players like him.”
On hearing that, Wood's eyes brightened.
※※※
Tang En was right on the money. They awoke from their sleep to much commentary and remarks about Forest's match that day. Most of it had to do with Wood, and of those, 99 percent were criticising his performance.
Comments about his youth and lack of experience could not even be considered criticisms any longer. England's media had always been harsh and critical with no heed to ”being discreet”. Some of the commentaries even slammed George Wood for being as stupid as a pig before the Argentine.