770 Red War (1/2)

The post-match press conference took place after the crazy events of injury time. Both sides were still talking about the two goals in stoppage time. Twain was happy to level the scores at the last minute, so he did not mention that he had been hoping to win the game before the match had kicked off.

”What is there not to be satisfied with this performance? This result is a great demonstration of Nottingham Forest's style, and I am very happy. ”

The draw and the fact that they had been able to score in the last minute were important for Forest as it further boosted the team's morale and confidence, setting the groundwork for the upcoming match against Liverpool and the devil's calendar over the Christmas period.

Ferguson was a little annoyed, but he was still fairly upbeat. ”There is nothing I can do but accept the result. That's football. I really didn't think they'd be able to level the score at the last minute...”

To say that Ferguson's face was ashen when Ibišević shot the ball into Foster's goal was an exaggeration, but he had certainly looked angry. Ferguson's expression remained the same until he shook hands with Twain. He was not in the mood to trash talk with Twain; he quickly shook hands with the opposing manager and left.

The last-minute equalizer and the leveling the score in the last minute were all part of the ups-and-downs of the game that really challenged one's heart. The only good news was that this game was just a league game, not a Champions League or an FA Cup knockout match.

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Ibišević, who scored the last-minute equalizer for Nottingham Forest, had only played for a short time but was named the man of the match, receiving a bottle of champagne. He was happy that he had been able to score the last goal, but he did not take all of the credit, instead modestly expressing that it was a team effort. Without Captain Wood's long pass, he would not have had the chance to score.

He also mentioned another hero who had helped to level the scores. ”When I was still adjusting to the Premier League, the captain talked to me alone. He told me that Nottingham Forest were unwilling to lose me and would not give up on me under any circumstances. I'm happy I lived up to his faith in me.”

The Manchester United players interviewed were a little upset. ”I really didn't think they'd be able to exert that much pressure on us at the very end of the match. We were a little flustered...” Anton Ferdinand explained the loss of possession by the central defender.

Vidic, who had lost the ball, rushed into the dressing room with his head down and did not give an interview to any of the reporters. It was certain that Ferguson would not let him off once he returned to the changing room. At the very least, he was in for a telling-off.

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Twain was all smiles throughout the press conference, and he did not hide his happiness at the result. Ferguson, on the other hand, looked so somber that everyone knew he was upset and unhappy.

At the end of the press conference, Twain headed back to the dressing room to find the players still talking about the two goals they had scored in injury time. They were obviously still very excited about it. Twain clapped and motioned for the players to be quiet, as he had something to say.

”The last-minute equalizer was exciting, wasn't it? ”

Many of them laughed. It really was an exhilarating feeling.

”I'm proud of your performance in the last three minutes and that's what I want to see in Nottingham Forest. But...” His tone changed and his face calmed down. ”I still want you guys to know, if we could have scored earlier and taken the situation into our own hands a little earlier, then none of us would need to experience this excitement.”

Twain touched his heart. ”I have a problem here, and I do not wish to experience anymore ups-and-downs like this. This match is a lesson for you to never entrust your fate to something that you can't see. We were able to level the scores because Vidic made a low-level mistake at the last minute. You can't always expect your opponents to make such an error. Your own destiny should in your hands, and that way we keep everything steady.” He clenched his fist as if he had his fate in his hands.

Having said that, the smile returned to his face, ”But the last ball was great! Everyone did great! Now you guys should all celebrate!”

Playing both the good cop and the bad cop prevented the players from being too complacent and also did not make them think that the coach was too strict. With their morale as high as it was now, Twain was not worried about their next home game against Liverpool.

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When Ferguson invited Twain to have a drink with him after the game, it seemed as though his mood had returned to normal. On the surface, he did not seem angry. Actually, he looked a little helpless.

After the match, the media was unanimous in their praise for Ibišević and the important goal he had scored for Forest. However, Ferguson disagreed.

”They said Wood's kick was just to clear the ball forward, but I don't see it that way. I think he intended it to be a long pass.”

Twain laughed slyly, neither denying nor confirming Ferguson's theory. Wood always had a touch of genius which allowed him to pull off stunts he technically should not be able to with his skill level.

”Have you really not considered coming to Manchester United to coach?” After this match, Ferguson thought Twain was the best manager for Manchester United.

”No, Sir.” Twain shook his head while swirling the drink in his glass.

Since his heart attack, he had basically stopped drinking. However, he had to have a drink with the opponent after the game, out of courtesy. He should be fine if it was just one drink, so Shania and the doctors did not stop it as he also knew his only condition only allowed him to drink one glass. His early days of abstinence had been hell, but he had no reaction to drinking now.

”It's a shame...” muttered Ferguson.

Twain had again turned down Ferguson's invitation. Ferguson knew Twain's personality well enough to understand that he would not consider the offer again. So would the Premier League champions continue to shine once Ferguson had retired? He knew that there must be a trough after a peak because that was a law of nature, but he did not know if his emotions could accept it happening to his own team. He wanted someone to continue his glory at Manchester United, but the most talented man had turned him down twice.

Twain read the old man's mind. ”I think you're in good health,” he advised, ”so why not keep coaching?” ”

”You don't seem to want me to retire, and I think that's a bit strange. Aren't we rivals, Tony?” Ferguson looked at Twain.