Then, Chiwo changed his tone and directly criticized two players.
"Onana," Chiwo’s gaze fell on the goalkeeper Onana, "your recent performance has been less than ideal, mainly because your distribution has been too self-centered with too many ideas."
Onana stood there, still with a playful smile, seemingly not taking Chiwo’s words to heart?
"Although your footwork is excellent, there’s no doubt about that," Chiwo continued, "but Stones, our ball-playing center-back, has a clear range of duties. Sotis, your excessive control not only disrupts the team’s overall rhythm but also potentially puts you in danger."
Onana scratched his head, his face still carrying that ambiguous smile, making it difficult to tell whether he truly absorbed Chiwo’s criticism.
Seeing his carefree deanor, Chiwo sighed inwardly.
He knew well that Onana has all the talent and conditions to beco a world-class goalkeeper: outstanding physical qualities, sharp reflexes, and exceptional foot techniques, all hallmarks of a top-tier keeper.
However, Onana’s lack of discipline remains a hidden ti bomb, causing constant worry.
Silently, Chiwo prayed that Mr. Guardiola’s keen eye wouldn’t be deceived and that he could successfully unlock Onana’s full potential while helping him overco his disciplinary shortcomings.
When it ca to Gundogan, Chiwo’s tone beca even sharper.
Compared to the 20-sothing, slightly naive Onana, Gundogan, born in 1990, was already 27, a seasoned, technically mature player in his pri.
In theory, he should play a more stable and reliable central role within the team.
However, not only Chiwo and Guardiola, but Manchester City’s entire coaching staff has keenly noticed that while Gundogan performs with extre focus in the FA Cup and Champions League, once back in the league, he seems to beco a different person, appearing sowhat distracted with fluctuating form.
"Gundogan," Chiwo’s gaze was piercing as he locked eyes with Gundogan, "do you know who our opponents are in the next three league rounds?"
Hearing his na, Gundogan was slightly startled, his expression suddenly turning sowhat awkward, opening his mouth but unable to find the words.
In fact, Gundogan’s mind was already elsewhere, away from the league.
He hadn’t paid attention to the schedule; each league match felt to him like rely going through the motions.
In his subconscious, the League Champion title for Manchester City this season was already as good as guaranteed, like a ripe duck placed in front of him, even if God himself descended, there would be no chance of it escaping or flying away.
Chiwo saw Gundogan unable to answer and slightly furrowed his brow, his tone tinged with disappointnt, saying, "It’s Burnley, Watford, and Manchester United."
"I know you may have little regard for Burnley and Watford," Chiwo’s voice gradually increased in volu, his eyes showing a warning, "but you must rember firmly that these two teams are currently ranked 17th and 18th in the league respectively. They’re desperately fighting to stay up!"
"For these mid-to-lower table teams, staying in the Premier League, both ntally and materially, is as inspiring as us winning the Champions League."
Chiwo’s words were entirely true, and Tang Long, standing by, nodded frequently.
Years ago, when he was just erging at Inter Milan, Berni once deeply discussed with him the trendous fighting spirit of teams battling relegation during an away match against Cagliari.
Tang Long still vividly rembers the stern expression of that older teammate, who told him that if the team were unfortunate enough to be relegated, many players’ contracts would trigger salary reduction clauses, at least by 50%!
If they couldn’t promptly find new clubs, their salary would drastically decrease, leading to a steep drop in living standards.
This would absolutely be a devastating blow!
Therefore, every relegation-battling team at the season’s climax fights with maximum effort, releasing astonishing energy in the matches.
"As for Manchester United," Chiwo’s tone softened slightly, but his gaze remained alert, "I need not elaborate further right? They’ve always been our arch-rival. Although they’ve lost hope for the championship this season, they’re currently striving whole-heartedly to secure a Champions League spot."
"Moreover, a local derby is never simply about which team has more points; it’s a pure contest for dignity and honor, fighting for pride, you understand, Gundogan?"
At this point, Gundogan’s face turned alternately red and green.
He knew well that his recent league performances indeed haven’t lived up to expectations, failing to repay the trust of coaches and teammates.
Now, he felt full of guilt and self-reproach, so he pounded his chest suddenly, resolutely promising, "I will give my all and help the team secure the championship early with three consecutive wins!"
Guardiola and Chiwo’s coordinated encouragent worked like magic, instantly boosting the team’s cohesion to a new height.
Playing for a prestigious club like Manchester City, whether it’s the internal self-demand or the tidal-wave of external high expectations, feels like an invisible mountain weighing on every player’s heart.
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