Football: Starting from being abandoned by Barcelona

Facing his friend's complaints, Li Lei couldn't help but sigh. As the world's most commercially valuable football league, the Premier League's schedule arrangement has its own unique features.

When other European leagues are in the winter break, the Premier League is still in full swing.

This allows British people and fans from other European countries to enjoy exciting games during the holidays and satisfy their desire for football.

But this arrangement undoubtedly brings great pressure and challenges to the Premier League players.

The intensive schedule, almost no breathing space, coupled with the cold weather in England in winter, is a test for the players' physical and mental fitness.

Li Lei pulled De Bruyne's sleeve, and the two slowly walked towards the locker room.

"Kevin, I know the situation is difficult now, but we have to persevere."

"Manchester City still has the championship to fight for, we can't give up at this critical moment."

De Bruyne nodded, with a firm look on his face: "You are right, Li, we must cheer up."

"For Manchester City, for the fans, we must continue to fight."

"This winter is destined not to be too peaceful."

Soon the figures of the two stars gradually disappeared behind the door of the locker room.

Under the night sky of Liverpool, a black car was driving on the road.

In the car, Everton coach Roberto Martinez quietly listened to the news about Manchester City on the radio.

"Manchester City's lead in the standings is gradually shrinking..."

Martinez's mind emerged from the scenes of the last two games against Manchester City.

Everton performed well in these two games, winning the first leg and drawing with the Premier League giants in the last round, which made Martinez smell the taste of opportunity.

As an ambitious head coach, Martinez has a strong desire to win the championship.

And the League Cup is a great opportunity.

If Everton can eliminate this strong enemy at Manchester City's home ground, then Everton will have the opportunity to challenge for the championship.

On January 27, the stage for the League Cup semi-finals at the Etihad Stadium has been set up.

Manchester City fans ignited the entire stadium with their enthusiasm, the blue moon flag fluttered in the stands, and the fans sang Manchester City's team song to cheer for the host team.

In the stands, a blue ocean seemed to drown the opponent.

"City! City! City!" The fans' uniform shouts resounded throughout the stadium, and they showed their love and loyalty to Manchester City in their own way.

Martinez stood in the coaching seat, looking at the Everton players who were warming up on the court.

Their faces were full of fighting spirit and confidence, and everyone was eager to prove themselves in this game.

"This is our chance, boys," Martinez said to himself, "We have to create a miracle here, beat Manchester City, and make an impact on the championship!"

He swept his eyes over the players and finally landed on Everton's top star.

This young and talented striker is Martinez's secret weapon.

Martinez has high hopes for him and believes that he can play a key role in this game and help the team win.

"Welcome to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, where a League Cup semi-final will be staged tonight." In the Sky Sports live broadcast room, host Keane said.

"Manchester City will host Everton at home. The two teams have played against each other in recent games and both sides know each other well."

"Let's take a look at the starting lineup tonight. For Manchester City, Guardiola has arranged a 4-3-3 formation."

"Caballero guards the goal, and Sagna, Otamendi, Demichelis and Clichy form the back line."

"The midfield is composed of Fernandinho, David Silva and De Bruyne."

"And on the front line, Guardiola uses the combination of Navas, Aguero and Li Lei."

"It is worth mentioning that Chinese superstar Li Lei got the chance to start again. His outstanding performance in the league recently won the trust of the coach."

"Yes, Keane, Li Lei is undoubtedly a very interesting existence in Manchester City." Commentator Jones continued.

"As a player from Asia, it is not easy to gain a foothold in a giant like Manchester City."

"Li Lei has grown rapidly in the past few years in the Premier League and has become a superstar who plays an important role in European football."

"His speed and skills have brought many variables to Manchester City's offense. We will wait and see how he performs tonight."

"On the Everton side, Martinez arranged a 4-4-2 formation."

"Roberts guarded the goal, Stones and Jagielka partnered as central defenders, on both sides are Baines and Oviedo. "

"In the midfield, Barry and McCarthy are responsible for controlling the rhythm, while Cleverley and Deulofeu are in two directions. "

"On the front line, Lukaku and Barkley will bring great challenges to Manchester City's defense. "

"Especially Lukaku, his speed and strength are top-notch, and Manchester City's defenders need to be extra careful to deal with his impact. "

"Yes, Lukaku is definitely the target that Manchester City needs to focus on. "The host Keane said affirmatively.

"Whether Everton can upset away depends largely on Lukaku's performance. "

"At the same time, we cannot ignore the role of Barkley. The young English midfielder is in good form recently. His creativity and breakthrough ability can cause a lot of trouble to Manchester City's defense. "

"In general, both teams have their own advantages and opportunities. "

"Manchester City has the advantage of home court, and their personal ability is slightly better. "

"But Everton has been in good form recently. They have done a very solid job on the defensive end and their offense is also very organized. "

"The outcome of this game may be determined by one or two details. Let's wait and see how exciting this game will be!"

In the locker room before the game, Guardiola called the players for a brief tactical meeting.

"I know that our performance against Everton recently was not satisfactory. The result of one loss and one draw is unacceptable. "

"But today, we must show the temperament of a championship team, win the game at home, and launch an impact on the League Cup championship!" Guardiola glanced at every player present, his eyes full of determination and confidence.

"Tactically, we must control the rhythm of the game, pass more, run more, and create opportunities. "

"De Bruyne and David, you are the core of our midfield, you must organize more attacks and send threatening passes to the frontcourt. "

"Fernandinho, you need to intercept more in the defensive midfielder position, break the opponent's attack, and also provide support at the organizational level. "

Guardiola then turned his attention to the forwards: "Navas and Li Lei, your speed is our weapon, use your advantage to create trouble for Everton's defenders. "

"Aguero, you are our terminator, seize the opportunity, I believe you can break through Everton's gate!"

"On the back line, Otamendi and Demichelis, you must pay special attention to Lukaku's movements, he is Everton's biggest threat. "

"Sagna and Clichy, you must not only defend well, but also provide support on the offensive end and provide more options for the front court. "

Guardiola looked around to make sure everyone understood their tasks.

"Remember, we are Manchester City, we have the ability to beat any opponent! Tonight, let us fight for victory together and prove our strength to the world! Come on, City!"

"Come on, City!" In the locker room, the players shouted in unison.