After all, the circle of professional football in Europe is just that big.
You often end up running into old acquaintances.
"Robert, I really am not content! I thought we could have taken three points here, but didn’t expect you guys to snatch victory."
Facing forr teammates and coaches, Stankovic wore a faint smile on his face, but his tone couldn’t hide the deep bitterness.
"Honestly, even I didn’t expect this result. The ability the players unleashed on the field was completely beyond my imagination," Mancini said.
Stankovic nodded.
"That player nad Tang, his final shot was just a replication of mine in 2011 against Schalke 04. That year, we faced Schalke 04 in the Champions League, and I also scored from midfield."
Mancini laughed.
"I rember that, at that ti I was coaching Manchester City. The next day, the entire front page was about your world-class shot, and Neuer’s bewildered expression."
"But I also rember, Inter lost 2:5 in the end, haha! Your brilliant goal was thus overshadowed sowhat."
Stankovic sighed, "That year I was already over 30, a mature old player. In the mont Neuer headed the ball out, I had already thought of the next step. But Tang is only 18, so young, yet has such decisiveness and creativity. His future is limitless! I really envy you, Robert!"
Mancini looked at Stankovic’s temples, even beginning to spot so strands of gray hair, and suddenly felt a touch of empathy.
"Since you like Tang so much, co to Inter next season as my assistant coach."
"Herrera is about to retire. Why should a ritorious player like you run out? Rember, Inter Milan is always your ho!"
Stankovic burst into loud laughter.
He slapped Mancini’s shoulder forcefully.
"I heard that position will eventually be Chiwo’s, I won’t compete with him!"
"Besides, I hope to beco the team head coach, not an assistant. I will lead a Serie A team soday, and face you on the field again, I won’t hold back then!"
Post-match press conference.
Mancini attended together with Tang Long.
As soon as they entered, over 50 reporters at the press conference stood up, greeted by a round of applause!
Mancini and Tang Long smiled and nodded, then took their seats.
Holding a press conference in such an atmosphere was a pleasant experience for coaches, players, and reporters alike.
Mancini briefly reviewed the match, praised the players for reversing the ga despite exhaustion, showing indomitable spirit, and expressed genuine admiration for Tang Long’s final lofted shot.
A gray-haired reporter raised his hand for the microphone.
"Mr. Mancini, hello, I am Casaggi, a senior reporter from Milan Sports Journal."
"I’d like to ask you about a tactical question. At 1:2, Inter was extrely passive, completely suppressed by Udinese. Not just , but many of my peers watching the ga live thought turning the match around for Inter was impossible."
"But you made an adjustnt, pushing Kovacic from defensive midfield to the attacking midfield position!"
Casaggi said, this adjustnt instantly changed the situation on the field, and Inter’s offensive surged once again.
He was eager to know the reason for Mancini’s adjustnt.
As he said this, other reporters focused their attention on Mancini.
This senior journalist from Milan Sports Journal voiced the thoughts everyone had!
At 1:2, Inter went from leading, then being equalized, to trailing by one goal.
Following this trend, the scales of victory gradually tilted toward Udinese.
But then, Kovacic’s sudden advance played a crucial role, pulling the balance of the match back to even!
His turn and long-range shot were blocked, followed by Icard’s rebound equalizing the score.
This paved the way for Tang Long’s later decisive goal.
"Haha, this question..."
Mancini extended his left hand to touch his eyebrow.
On the surface, he scratched an itch, but in essence, he was masking his inner embarrassnt.
On the field, from fans to players to dia reporters.
Only Mancini and Tang Long knew, the tactical change of moving Kovacic from defensive to attacking midfield wasn’t Mancini’s intentional request, but Tang Long’s idea!
But the dia reporters on-site certainly wouldn’t think so.
They would naturally presu the tactical changes ca from the head coach directing the match.
Mancini thought: Should tell the dia it was Tang Long’s idea, not my active adjustnt?
No! I certainly won’t say that, that would be too face-losing.
How could I, the Inter Milan head coach, possibly follow an 18-year-old’s tactical arrangents in the field? Absolutely not!
"Kovacic is an excellent player, he can not only play defensive midfield, but also exploit his speed and impact as an attacking midfielder. Putting him forward was to expand our attacking depth!"
"I am pleased Kovacic fulfilled my requirents and showcased his talent."
As Mancini finished, a round of admiration echoed below the stage!
Many seasoned dia reporters discussed it intensely.
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