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.
※※※
“The players for both teams have entered the field! Albertini, who just recovered from an injury, is not a starter for this match. Tony has arranged for him to sit on the substitutes’ bench. George Wood continues wearing the Captain’s Armband, walking right in front. Look at how proud he is. He’s a completely different person from when he first represented the team as captain! The boy is improving incredibly fast!”
Motson did not try to conceal his bias towards Wood at all. On the BBC web column, he had, in his numerous writings, appealed for Sven-Göran Eriksson to recruit the youth into England’s National Team. However, Eriksson was more fond of the big, established stars. He had no intention of recruiting young rookies for a midfield that was already saturated with stars.
But there was good news. Eriksson had come to City Ground for this match. He was observing both the performances of Chelsea’s players as well as those of the English footballers on Forest. George Wood was, naturally, included in that observation. As long as his performance was outstanding and eye-catching enough, even if Eriksson stuck to his guns, England’s media would be advocating for Wood to join the national team.
The English had good reason to be anxious. Rumour had it that the other nation Wood belonged to, Jamaica, was also considering inviting him to join their National Team.
※※※
Only after all players had entered the stadium did Tony Twain lead his managerial team to walk to the technical area from the locker room.
As the host, he had well and truly put on airs, making Mourinho wait for him for several minutes after Mourinho first entered.
On the field, both teams got in line and shook hands as part of the necessary procedure.
After Forest’s managerial team and other members had settled down on the sidelines, Tang En walked to the away technical area and shook hands with the members of Chelsea’s managerial team. Of course, this included Mourinho. It was also a necessary part of the procedure.
While shaking hands with him, Tang En smiled genially.
“Mr. Mourinho, shouldn’t you consider the Champions League Group Stage match in three days?”
Mourinho smiled as he answered.
“That is my question for you, Mr. Twain. Shouldn’t you consider your group stage match in four days?”
“Oh. In my opinion, beating Chelsea would allow me to bring the team to Portugal in a good mood and a great condition; it would be very helpful to the Champions League matches.”
“Change ‘Chelsea’ into ‘Nottingham Forest,’ and that’s my answer, Mr. Twain.”
“Ha! Let’s hope this will be a good match…”
“I hope so too.”
The two let go of each other’s hands. Tang En turned and went back to his own technical area. Neither of them had gotten an edge in the verbal battle, but they had not been hoping to crush their opponents in that aspect anyway. Regardless of what their mouths said, they still needed to look at the match results.
The television broadcast captured the scene of both managers shaking hands and sent it before the tens and thousands of families watching. Motson said, “Look at the brilliant smiles on Tony and Mourinho’s faces. They look like old friends who have known each other for years.”
Lineker chimed in, saying, “Do you really think so, John?”
Following that, the two commenters began laughing uproariously.