Capítulo 1439: Chapter 413: War of the Glass Men

Seeing the players’ grim expressions, Wenger nodded slightly.

He was worried the players might not care.

If the players feel upset seeing photos of Chelsea lifting the cup, it means there’s still hope for this match.

“As you’ve seen, these are our London neighbors, Chelsea, the seven-time champions,” Wenger said, pointing to the screen with a pointer. “Unfortunately, we’re playing Chelsea in our next match. They’re a formidable opponent, a team with very few weaknesses.”

“Boss, what do you want us to do?”

Fabregas asked.

Wenger didn’t rush to answer and switched to the second slide.

It displayed the main activity areas of Chelsea players.

Wenger said, “Chelsea’s attack heavily relies on the left side. They’ll do everything they can to get the ball to the left. If we can stop them on the left, it’s as good as a victory. Do you have confidence?”

Wenger surveyed the defensive players.

Predictably, all the players lowered their heads.

“So defense alone won’t work. We won’t give up on defense, but don’t concentrate all your defensive efforts on the left.”

Wenger switched the slide again.

A photo of Huang Kaiwen appeared on the screen.

“Chelsea’s number ten, Kevin, you should all be familiar with him.”

Wenger pointed at Huang Kaiwen’s photo and said to himself, “Ambidextrous, making it hard to tell his favored foot, with excellent technical skills and superior physical ability. He even has multiple ways to take free kicks. In every match, he changes his playing style as if he were a different player each time.”

“Yes, he’s tough to deal with!”

Vermaelen said instinctively.

Having encountered Huang Kaiwen only once, he already sensed the threat Huang Kaiwen posed.

“So even if our next match focuses on attacking, we can’t relax on defending against Kevin.”

Wenger looked at Alex Song and said, “Diaby will mark Kevin. I want you to assist on the left as much as possible. Don’t let Ramos and the other Chelsea players provide too much support for Kevin on the right, got it?”

Alex Song breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, saying, “I got it, boss.”

Glad he didn’t have to mark Huang Kaiwen himself.

He’s always wanted to transfer to a big club, and if he has to mark Huang Kaiwen several times, getting a good deal wouldn’t be easy.

“Cesc, you need to push forward more. Don’t let the Chelsea midfielders have the energy to support Kevin. We need to play fast, efficient attacks.”

“Got it, boss.”

Fabregas nodded.

“One last point, if Kevin is within 40 meters of the box, don’t wait. Press him immediately to prevent him from taking long shots.”

Wenger said.

The defensive players exchanged wry smiles.

Within 40 meters of the box is just barely over the halfway line.

Pressing directly is an easy way to get bypassed.

But they also knew Huang Kaiwen had the skill to do just that.

Boro Primorac chided them, “Don’t lose confidence before the match has even started. No matter how strong Chelsea is, they still only have eleven players.”

“That’s all, dismiss.”

Wenger said.

After the players left, Boro Primorac said disapprovingly, “You’re too soft on them. Back in our day, we didn’t have such good conditions. They earn tens of thousands in British Pounds a week. After playing for a year, they can buy a car or a house, so why wouldn’t they give it their all?”

“Times have changed, Boro.”

Wenger said with a smile, “These kids didn’t have it as tough when they were young as we did. Comparing their mindset to when you were young isn’t fair to them.”

“I just can’t stand them being cowardly.”

Primorac huffed.

“Buddy, Arsene’s right, times have changed.”

Pat Rice said, “When they were young, they had TVs and could learn all sorts of things. Football isn’t their only entertainment. Youngsters love video games, so we can’t treat them as you suggest.”

“You guys figure it out, I’m fine with whatever.”

Primorac stormed out of the tactical room indignant.

He thought Wenger was too patient with the players. Back when he was young, locker room culture was prevalent, and no matter how talented you were, you’d polish the senior players’ boots for years before moving up.

With young players like Fabregas lacking leadership, he’d never be captain in his lifetime.

“Don’t blame him, that’s just his temper.”

Pat Rice said.

“Of course I won’t.”

Wenger shook his head and said, “Everyone wants the best for the team.”

“Yes, but Chelsea is really strong.”

Rice sighed, “Back when we toppled Ferguson’s Manchester United together, it felt amazing, but Chelsea’s strength is suffocating.”

“Ah, I once had the chance to sign Kevin, everything would have been different if I had signed him.”

Wenger sighed.

Rice didn’t expose Wenger’s lie.

Arsenal’s biggest problem in recent years has been a lack of funds. Hoping to sign Huang Kaiwen was a daydream.

“Arsene, do you think we should try something else?”

Pat Rice asked.

“What else?” Wenger looked at Rice curiously.

“Like maybe hiring some external aid.”

Rice said, “You know, Manchester United once hired a wizard. You’ve seen those Viking photos, right? Maybe we should consider something like that, it might just work.”

“Maybe it’ll work.”

Wenger said with a self-mocking laugh, “As a head coach, I’m thinking of having a wizard help us win matches.”