Chapter 48 The Opponent is Xiao Ri The plane broke through the clouds and landed at the Huaguo airport. Enrique led the team out of the airport entrance. As far as the eye can see, there are huge crowds of people. The entire Roma club was stunned when they looked at the fans who had been waiting for a long time. Countless posters were held high, like a forest of fiery red maple leaves. All people. A magnificent sea of ​​people. Kjaer's voice trembled slightly: "This kind of welcome is the treatment that only Maradona, Beckham, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Manchester United and Real Madrid can have!" Enrique waved his hands excitedly, his cheeks flushed, and he was overwhelmed with emotions: "I never thought that my football philosophy would be so popular in an Eastern country." "The enthusiasm of Chinese football fans delights me, just like flowers enchant the heart."

"Could it be that I left a deep impression on Chinese fans during the 1994 World Cup?" What responded to him was an overwhelming shout: "Gao Qi!!!" Gao Qi finally walked out of the airport entrance and was a little shocked when he saw this scene. I have only played in Serie A for half a season, why am I so welcomed? Amidst the shouts like a landslide and tsunami. He shook hands and signed autographs for the fans earnestly. The security personnel looked around at the stable scene and did not forget to take out their mobile phones to take photos together. Gao Qi's arms were filled with flowers and small cards of blessing. After a while. Someone in the crowd shouted into a loud speaker, "Let Xiao Gao rest. He needs to get over the jet lag! He needs to get over the jet lag!" “Jet lag!” The fanatical fans gradually calmed down, and they made way for the cordon and urged the Roma club staff to rest. The bus slowly drove out of the airport. There were also many fans wearing the red and yellow No. 23 Roma jersey gathered on both sides of the road. The entire Roma team opened their car windows and waved hello. It took a long time for me to recover from the shock. Ivan stood up, clenched his fist, and said seriously: "We can't let down the enthusiasm of the Chinese fans. We have to play well, okay?" "Know!" Keyar glanced at Gao Qi and whispered, "Gao, you are so happy!"

Gao Qi smiled. He suddenly saw Totti rummaging around in his jersey and asked curiously, "Captain, what are you doing?" Totti held the needle and thread in one hand and the jersey in the other, smiling like an old mother: "I will sew the captain's armband on your clothes. You will be the captain in the next three games in China." clap clap clap! De Rossi led the applause, then poked Lamela and said fiercely: "No high penalty kicks, understand?" The Argentine genius remained silent. He had already been stunned by the view outside the window. So does Pjanic. Heavy traffic. Modern high-rise buildings. The dazzling skyline, the lights of thousands of houses dotted with stars, and the breathtaking CBD buildings The colorful lights, like a stroke of a paintbrush, outline the gorgeous night scene. It is completely different from what they learned on Western websites. Arrive at your hotel. The coaching staff urged the players to take advantage of the time to rest and adjust to the jet lag. Enrique and Ivan, under the guidance of staff and translators, went to the reception dinner. As we walked, we reviewed the etiquette of the drinking table. "Do you think my toasting posture is correct?" "Lower, lower." It didn't take long. They arrived at the banquet venue. The spotlights kept flashing. The host shouted excitedly: "Let's welcome the famous Serie A coach - Mr. Enrique!" clap clap clap! There was thunderous applause. Enrique's body suddenly shook, he straightened his chest, and acted like a famous coach. Ivan observed his behavior and touched his bald head in confusion. The media reporters asked questions enthusiastically. The Roma coach responded fluently. "We will attach great importance to every game held in China!" "My tactics will not be conservative and will allow all Chinese fans to enjoy the joy and passion that football brings." "Will there be a chance to coach the Chinese national football team in the future?" "Of course I have the opportunity. It's my honor!"

During the banquet. Push the cup to change the cup. Suddenly, someone asked why Gao Qi didn't come over for a drink. Enrique looked at the table full of dishes and said seriously, "When a certain club came to China, you provided a state banquet-level catering service, with cordyceps and matsutake mushrooms. I heard that each of their players was also given the title of honorary citizen and a golden key?" "I heard that they sold you a few million for one day's broadcast of their free training?" "No, no, no, Rome is not making demands." "That's right. You have more exaggerated reception standards for players from other countries, so don't make too many meaningless reception requests for Gao Qi from your own country. I know, I know Maradona also wanted to toast when he came here last year, but Gao Qi needs to rest well now, adjust his condition and prepare for the game." "When he comes back this time, his priority is to contribute wonderful performances on the pitch. This is the best way to give back to the fans." Ivan almost wanted to cover the coach's mouth, and suddenly realized that what this guy said made sense. The translator looked embarrassed throughout and tried to convey the message to everyone using gentle words. This Enrique is like a stone in a toilet, smelly and hard, and he doesn't understand the ways of the world. Five o'clock in the morning. Gao Qi woke up. He got out of bed, picked up a bottle of mineral water and took a few sips. Then he stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the skyline that was shimmering with soft golden light, and couldn't help but be lost in thought. The Roma team's itinerary is simple. Most of the interactions with fans were scheduled after the first game. The opponent in the game is the Japanese team. During this historical period, exchange matches between clubs and national teams were common. The intensity of the confrontation is unambiguous. Some tackled, some fought, it was a friendly match without any friendship. the other side. Japan team leader Masaaki Ono accepted the media interview on behalf of the head coach: "Roma's offense is strong but their defense is weak." "The Japanese team has many excellent players who play in overseas leagues. Our lineup on paper will not lose to Roma." "Chelsea's Champions League winning spirit is inspiring us!" "The Japanese team is eager to challenge the strong! Arigato!" Roma's training is not completely closed.

Besides training, Gao Qi and his teammates would sign autographs and take photos with fans outside the barbed wire. Kjaer's enthusiasm ranked second, and he even dared to bring the little fans into the training ground to play football together. Ivan was so scared that he quickly took the little fan back to his parents. In just two or three days. Everyone adjusted their biological clocks and returned to their competitive form. The two veterans, De Rossi and Totti, don’t really care about the Japanese team in front of them. They are more concerned about their opponent in the second game - the South Korean team! 2002 World Cup. In the quarter-finals, Italy faced South Korea, and the most shameless match in football history was born. in a blink. Match day is here. Tianhe Sports Center. The stands on all four sides were filled with more than 60,000 fans. The scorching heat could not drive away their enthusiasm. The singing is loud and clear. The flags are flying. Everyone is looking forward to the start of the game. (End of this chapter)