361 The War Between Two Men 2 Part 2 (1/2)

Kerslake clearly saw the fire in the players' eyes. It had been a while since Tony had spurred the players that way in the locker room. Against most teams, there was no need to boost their morale; Forest's capabilities no longer needed to depend on such psychological victories to win matches.

However, against Chelsea, against Mourinho, Tang En whipped out his trump card. A match like this was worthy of such an opening speech.

Even though Tony would often claim that the media only spun stories and exaggerated them without any understanding, they were right about this: Tony was unwilling to lose to Mourinho. He valued the victory of this match even more than the one in the following Champions League Group Stage match.

”In three days, Chelsea has a group stage match in the Champions League. Yet, Mourinho still sent out his strongest line-up. What does this mean? It means that they are afraid of us; they dare not conserve any strength even before such an important match!” Tang En said.

In truth, he had also sent out all his forces before another crucial match, but he would never say that he was afraid of Chelsea. The players themselves also did not care if Chelsea truly feared them, but they would gladly believe all that their manager said. In other words, right here and now, they believed their manager; they believed that Chelsea was well and truly frightened of them.

And it was extremely effective. Everyone's spirits were greatly uplifted and energized.

”Oh, right.” As if Tang En had suddenly remembered something, his tone took on a change. ”We have a special guest in the luxury box for today's match: Freddy Eastwood.”

Although it had been a long while since they heard the name, it was endearing to the team.

”Ah!”

”Boss, he came to watch the match? Didn't the doctor bar him from watching Forest's matches?”

Tang En nodded and said conspiratorially, ”That's right, the doctor didn't allow it. That's why I secretly let him come…” He pointed upwards. ”By now, he should be sitting in the luxury box above us. So, you guys better perform well. Don't give him the chance to laugh at you - 'Look, just because I'm not there, they can't beat Chelsea! They've still got to depend on me!'”

Tang En imitated Eastwood's shrill voice, mumbling quickly just like he would, prompting loud bursts of laughter from his audience.

The moment was just right. Tang En put out his right hand, showing everyone his five fingers, saying, ”I only have one request.” His fingers snapped together. ”Defeat them!”

※※※

Eastwood was panting. He had gotten to the top of the stairs. Smiling at the man beside him, he said, ”Look. That was easy, wasn't it?”

The man looked at the thin beads of sweat lined up on Eastwood's forehead and nodded. ”Yes, Mr. Eastwood.”

He was only a normal doctor from the hospital. Accommodating to the Forest Club's request, he had accompanied Eastwood to the stadium just so there would be a professional doctor around in the case of an accident.

The image and reputation of Romanis in the eyes of the English had never been good. Many treated the group of wanderers with contempt and animosity. There were even old sayings about how ”Romanis were not to be trusted.” However, Eastwood's earlier performance filled the doctor with respect for the Romani.

Up on the platform, after a short corridor, was the luxury box.

”Let's go. I think the match should be starting soon.”

The cheering from outside suddenly intensified. Eastwood started walking towards the luxury box.

The doctor continued following beside him, but he was no longer watching Eastwood as if looking over a poor patient who might slip and fall at any time.

He was healthier than everyone else.