The Prince of Inter Milan starts with Brother Xiaosa

Chapter 316 Retention and warm-up match

"Will you definitely have a starting position at Liverpool? As far as I know, there has been no such promise, right?

So why do you go from a team that competes for the Champions League to a team that has trouble competing for the top four in the league?

And compared to the unfamiliar Premier League, you are much more familiar with Serie A.

What is this picture of? "

Coutinho was recruited by Inter Milan when he was sixteen years old. Now four seasons have passed, but he has never been able to get a main position.

It is normal for the arrogant Brazilians to be dissatisfied with this current situation.

If there was a better choice, Leo would naturally not come out to hinder his future.

But the question is, before going to Liverpool, did Coutinho really think that going to the Premier League would be a better choice than staying at Inter Milan?

"Liverpool's new manager Rodgers called me and he did not guarantee me a starting position.

He only told me that he was optimistic about my development in the Premier League..."

With that said, Coutinho seemed to have convinced himself.

"I understand, I will discuss it with my agent."

The next day, when faced with reporters' inquiries about transfer rumors, Coutinho gave a positive response.

"I'm very happy with these offers from other teams because it means recognition of my work.

But I believe that Inter Milan also has confidence in me. I hope to prove my worth here and I can feel the expectations of the coach and the club. "

Coutinho's matter can be easily resolved. As for subsequent salary increases and contract renewals, the club has discussed it with Coutinho's agent.

Once one is done, Modric will naturally be next.

Leo invited Modric to his home as a guest.

Modric and his wife Vanya came to Leo's villa.

Leo and his girlfriend Miriam prepared sumptuous food and wine to entertain the guests.

Of course, Leo cooked all the dishes, and Miriam couldn't get involved.

"Leo, thank you very much for the invitation. I also know what you mean."

With that said, the Croat glanced at his wife.

Vanya nodded, as if giving Modric the courage to continue.

“We are very happy living in Milan, I have to admit.

But last season, head coach Carlo Ancelotti always positioned me as a rotation substitute.

Before I came to Inter Milan, I wanted to make a contribution here, but the fact is that many times I can only sit on the bench. "

Leo did not reply immediately, but invited them to sit down and prepare to eat.

"Let's not talk about this for now. Sit down and have some wine or drinks? There is one last dish, which will be ready soon."

Modric glanced at Vanya again, and his wife shook her head in dissatisfaction.

At the age of nineteen, Modric met the woman who was destined to spend his life with him.

Vanya is five years older than The Magic Flute, but the two fell in love for six years and got married, and now they have a lovely child.

Not long ago, Vanya became pregnant again, so Modric was completely obedient to her during this period.

Vanja, who once held administrative jobs at the sports agency where Modric signed, is now essentially Magic Flute's personal assistant.

Although Raiola later signed Modric, many specific matters were taken care of by Vania.

Including this transfer to Real Madrid, Vania also learned about the situation and contacted Vania privately before Raiola.

This time made Lapang very dissatisfied.

But there is nothing that can be done. Modric and Vanya have a very good relationship. After getting married, the two are still as loving as when they were passionately in love.

This is also the reason why Leo invited the two of them here today.

Because just communicating with Modric is useless, Vanya must be persuaded.

During the meal, Leo never mentioned the rumors about Modric's transfer. They didn't have an in-depth chat until they were full.

"Luka, I believe that with your ability, you can gain a foothold in any team in the world.

You said before that you were dissatisfied with playing time, which I can understand. You hope to become the absolute main force of the team.

But in fact you played a lot of playing time last season and performed well.

Otherwise Real Madrid wouldn’t have contacted you, right?

Based on my understanding of Mourinho, it is absolutely impossible for him to guarantee you the main team or playing time.

When you get there, you still have to face fierce competition, such as Khedira, Alonso, Ergo, etc.

Are you really sure that when you arrive at Real Madrid, you will be able to play the main role immediately and prove yourself by performing well without adapting to the new environment? "

Without giving Modric a chance to answer, Leo continued:

"Stay at Inter Milan, you will basically get used to it after one season.

Your wife is pregnant now and is not suitable for running around. You can play here with peace of mind.

Wouldn't it be nice to wait until your second child is born and give him a championship as a gift? "

"But that's Real Madrid!"

Before Modric could say anything, Vanya couldn't wait to speak.

She was afraid that her husband would be persuaded by Leo in just a few words and decided to ignore Real Madrid's invitation and stay at Inter Milan.

"Vania, I know you are thinking about Luca, and you think going to Real Madrid will allow him to develop better.

You are a top student, and you are the only one of the four people here who has graduated from a serious university.

If you talk about other things, maybe you are better at it, but when it comes to football, I think I still have a certain degree of professionalism. "

With that said, Leo turned his head and looked directly at Modric. He saw the hesitation and entanglement in the other person's eyes.

"Real Madrid has a great name, but what about the reality?

Last season they were eliminated from the Champions League by us, and last season they were eliminated by Tottenham.

Oh, you should know all this. Is this why they like you? "

Leo made a joke, but the other three people in the room didn't get it.

“We, Inter Milan, are the treble winners, the defending champions of the Champions League, and the team that currently ranks first in European competition points.

Do you think you can beat us and achieve a breakthrough after going to Real Madrid?

I think it's quite difficult. It only took Mourinho two seasons to create history at Inter Milan and win the Triple Crown. But it has been two seasons since he went to Real Madrid, and he has only won one Copa del Rey and one La Liga title.

Moreover, the situation of cliques and intrigues within Real Madrid is very serious. Mourinho often complains to me that the team atmosphere there is far less good than that of Inter Milan.

Luca, I understand your character very well. Can you really adapt to Real Madrid? "

Leo's series of questions silenced both Modric and Vanya.

"So apart from making big promises and making empty promises, did Real Madrid promise a higher salary?"

Warnia shook her head blankly, she felt like she was a little convinced by Leo.

It was obviously agreed before coming here that they would not listen no matter what Leo said.

"Ah? Is it sincerity to refuse to pay a high salary? No matter how high the transfer fee is, it is all empty. This is a big deal and we still need to think clearly."

When Leo sent the two to the door, Modric and Vanya's expressions were completely different from when they arrived.

"I didn't expect you to have this ability besides playing football."

Miriam seemed to have seen another side of Leo for the first time, her beautiful eyes sparkling.

"Of course, it doesn't matter who the husband is! I want to be the captain of Inter Milan now!"

“I’ll go to heaven if I praise you twice!”

"Then how should I go to heaven? Why don't you teach me!"

"Oops, it smells like oily smoke. Go take a shower first!"

……

This year, Inter Milan's pre-season training camp did not run around and went to North America, Australia or China like in the past few years.

They are training and preparing honestly at the Pinetina training base in Milan.

Polish striker Lewandowski, who scored 22 goals in the Bundesliga last season, switched from Borussia Dortmund to Inter Milan for a transfer fee of 42 million euros.

This is also the Nerazzurri's biggest deal since the transfer window opened.

Although Lewandowski's transfer fee is not paid in one lump sum, it seems that Inter Milan has invested over 100 million in the transfer market this summer?

It’s good to have a “funder father” behind you.

In fact, Inter Milan's number one target at the beginning was Naples' Uruguayan forward Cavani.

Compared with Lewandowski, who scored 22 goals in the Bundesliga last season, Cavani, who scored 23 goals in Serie A, is obviously more mature and does not need time to adapt to the Serie A environment.

However, Naples seemed to regard the wealthy Qatari consortium as their main culprit, and they dared to offer 70 million, otherwise there would be no negotiation.

Although Cavani's strength has been recognized by Inter Milan's top brass, whether it is worth so much money is a matter that needs to be discussed.

Inter Milan sincerely wants to buy, but Napoli does not really want to sell.

Naples chairman De Laurentiis, known as the German guy, refused to let go even though the asking price was 70 million.

In the end, Inter Milan could only give up.

Lewandowski's transfer was much smoother in comparison, although Dortmund also claims that he is not for sale to the team and is unwilling to talk more.

But after Inter Milan released news of its intention to introduce the Poles, Lewandowski's agent took the initiative to contact Inter Milan.

In the end, it was also with the active cooperation of the players that Inter Milan and Dortmund quickly reached an agreement.

On July 7, on the shores of Lake Como, a friendly match between Inter Milan and Serie C team Como started.

If the TIM Cup is only counted as one game, this is the fourth warm-up match of Inter Milan's summer training.

After many veterans bid farewell to the team, most of the new players are relatively young.

One year later, instead of rising, the average age of the Nerazzurri has dropped further.

Today Ancelotti boldly deployed a dynamic youth army to play.

Although the European international players who have finished the European Cup have returned to the team, they are still sitting on the bench for the time being.

Bale, Neymar and Lewandowski form a three-pointer.

Coutinho, Casemiro and Verratti sit in the midfield. Biraghi and Azpilicueta lined up as left and right backs, Mbaye and Marquinhos partnered as central defenders and goalkeeper Belek.

Mbaye and Belek, like Biraghi and Verratti, all came up from the echelon.

Although this starting lineup of 433 is composed of young players in the team and several new players, their strength cannot be underestimated at all.

Against the Serie C team Como, Inter Milan quickly took control of the initiative from the beginning of the game.

Casemiro intercepted the ball in the middle and passed it straight. Coutinho's kick from the outside of the penalty area hit the dead center of the goal!

The Nerazzurri took the lead in scoring just two minutes into the game.

Soon after, Azpilicueta broke through and crossed from the wing, and Neymar cut into the penalty area and scored with a low shot with his left foot!

Two to zero!

"These new players are performing well!"

"That Casemiro's skills are good, his body is quite strong, and his defense is surprisingly good. He is different from ordinary Brazilian players."

"The Spanish full-back is also pretty good, and his offense and defense are impressive."

Leo and his teammates sat on the sidelines and leisurely commented on the performance of their teammates on the court, just grabbing a handful of melon seeds and cracking them.

Of course, the reason why they are so relaxed and not worried that these young players on the field will affect their main position.

Another reason is that today's opponents are too weak and have little reference value.

Bell's long shot was blocked by the Como goalkeeper, and then he took a corner kick on the right.

In the middle of the penalty area, Lewandowski jumped high and headed the ball under the interference of the defensive players. Marquinhos scored with a header from the back!

Three to zero!

This is completely overwhelming.

Inter Milan, which continued to attack, unexpectedly conceded a goal in the 41st minute.

Como team Tremeralda tried a long shot from outside the penalty area. The ball changed direction after hitting teammate Schiavino, and young goalkeeper Belek was unable to save it.

Three to one!

Como makes a comeback!

However, Schiavino seemed to be suspected of being offside.

But it didn't matter anymore. The first half ended soon, and Inter Milan temporarily led the opponent three to one.

After the second half of the game started, Leo and the others did not continue to sit on the bench and watch the game.

Leo, Balotelli, Lucas Moura, De Rossi, Thiago Silva, Srna and other players were substituted one after another.

Srna made a precise curved pass from the right wing, and Balotelli jumped into the net with a header!

Four to one!

Two minutes later, Leo made a continuous pass from the center and Bell shot a low shot with his left foot into the far corner of the goal.

Five to one!

After that, Inter Milan slowed down the pace of the game and stopped attacking aggressively.

In stoppage time, Como's Mazzoca recovered a goal.

In the end, the Nerazzurri won 5-2.

Everything is going well, Inter Milan's transfer work seems to have come to an end for the time being, and the current lineup is quite substantial.

After Coutinho decided to stay at Inter Milan, Modric also surprisingly rejected Real Madrid's olive branch and settled down.

These are all good things. The team's training basically continues the same content as last season except for physical reserves.

It seems that Ancelotti does not plan to make major changes to Inter Milan's tactics in the short term.

It is nothing more than allowing the new players to integrate into the team's original tactical system as soon as possible.

In the afternoon of July 7, an international friendly match was about to begin at Celtic Park Stadium in Glasgow.

Inter Milan traveled to Scotland to challenge the Scottish Premier League giants Celtic away from home.

This is the last warm-up match between the two teams before the start of the new season, so it should be taken more seriously than previous friendly matches.

Before the game, a short documentary of the 1973 Champions League semi-final clash between the two teams was played in the stadium.

Some Celtics stars who participated in that game were also invited to watch the game.

A minute's silence was observed before kick-off in memory of former Celtic forward Joe McBride, who died this month.

The game was played in the rain, and both teams sent out their strongest lineups.

Leo dribbled the ball forward in the middle, and Celtic midfielder Wanyama flew to tackle!

Such a vicious foul didn't look like a friendly match at all. Fortunately, Leo reacted quickly and turned around to avoid Wanyama's flying tackle.

The intensity of this game is obviously not on the same level as the game against Como a few days ago.

Of course, it seems inappropriate to compare Celtic with Serie C teams.

As the Scottish Premiership champions last season, Celtic can play in the Champions League.

Leo passed the ball straight into the penalty area. Balotelli sideways and vigorously shot the goal in the middle, but Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Foster bravely saved it!

Inter Milan's corner kick was taken, and Thiago Silva jumped high from the front point to beat the opponent's defender and his header went over the crossbar.

After a period of time, the Celtics, playing at home, actively counterattacked and also made several threatening attacks.

Former Manchester City forwards Samaras and Wanyama successively tried long-range shots from outside the penalty area, but were blocked by Handanovic.

In the 25th minute, Ledley cut in from the right and volleyed from a small angle into the penalty area!

Thiago Silva, who returned to defense, scooped the ball out of the baseline in time.

But after the Nerazzurri's efforts, the initiative on the field returned to Inter Milan.

It's just that Bale and Neymar have been unable to find shooting boots, wasting the excellent pass that Leo sent them.

In the 41st minute, Celtic midfielder Commons stopped the ball on his chest near the lower right corner of the penalty area, and then fired a left-footed volley in a weird arc!

Inter goalkeeper Handanovic flew to save the ball but was out of reach, and the ball went into the upper left corner of the goal!

The Celtics take the lead!

After playing for a long time, the opponent scored first, and the Inter Milan players looked a little ugly.

Although the friendly matches are only used to hone the lineup and practice tactics, players with a strong desire to win are not willing to admit defeat easily.

In the stoppage time of the first half, Neymar cooperated with Srna from the right and then cut inside.

After passing the Celtic left back, Neymar passed directly into the penalty area. Balotelli kicked off a powerful volley from the sideline of the small penalty area!

The home team's goalkeeper Foster saved the ball and David Thornton made a precise pass from the left. Bell followed up and succeeded in grabbing the ball.

One to one!

Bell's left-footed low shot in the penalty area went straight into the near corner of the goal. Inter Milan equalized the score before the end of the first half!

“The home team has a Champions League qualifier to play in three days and they will definitely hold back a little bit in the second half.

This is our opportunity. If we strengthen the pressing and physical confrontation, the Celtics will definitely take the initiative to avoid it. "

After the start of the second half, Inter Milan launched an attack across the board.

As Ancelotti speculated, the Celtics made substitutions one after another.

After the substitution, the home team's defense was not as solid as before, and the offense was also weaker.

Leo stole the ball in the backcourt, and then dribbled the ball continuously to break through three defensive players and hit a curved ball outside the opponent's penalty area into the upper right corner of the goal!

Two to one!

Inter Milan finally overtook the score.

In the 60th minute, Leo was replaced.

In the end, the Nerazzurri defeated the Celtics 2-1 away from home, ending the last pre-season warm-up match.

"Will this year's Super Cup be held in China again?"

The 2012 Italian Super Cup was held at the Bird's Nest Stadium in China, so before that, the entire Inter Milan team set off and arrived in Yanjing early.

Inter Milan's lineup for the new season has also been initially determined.

In terms of goalkeepers, Handanovic continues to be the main goalkeeper. With the decline of Castellaci, youth team player Belek was recruited into the first team.

There are four central defenders, Thiago Silva, Bonucci, Ranocchia and Marquinhos.

There are also four full-backs, Kolarov, David Thornton, Srna and Azpilicueta.

Leo leads the midfield position. In addition to him, there are Pirlo, Modric, Thiago Motta, De Rossi, Casemiro and Verratti.

Wingers Bale, Neymar, Coutinho, Lucas Moura.

There are only two real forwards, Balotelli and Lewandowski.

Of course, there are also wingers who can serve as forwards or attacking midfielders. Let’s not talk about it for now. Chivu will also continue to stay in the team.

The Romanian's playing opportunities were few and far between last season, and that won't change this season.

More often than not, Chivu can only serve as a substitute player for defenders and defensive midfielders as a supplement to the lineup.

In short, the current Inter Milan has sufficient lineup depth in various positions, and even the substitutes are very strong.

"My dear, do you want to go to China with me?"

"I'm very interested, but it's a pity that I have just joined the team. I'm afraid you will return to Milan after the filming of this scene is completed."

"Oh? Did you pass the audition?"

"Well, the audition went very well. The director and producer both said that this role was born for me!"

"That's great, this is a rare opportunity, then come on!"

"I will, this is my first time starring in a movie, and I am the heroine!"

"But I'm still a little regretful. If I have a chance next time, I'll take you to China to have a good time."

"Then it's settled!"

Miriam's reputation skyrocketed after she and Leo got together, and the number of fans online more than doubled.

Naturally, with fame comes an endless stream of film appointments.

In the past, it was considered good to play a supporting role in an Italian TV series, and she finally got her first "electric shock" opportunity.

Italian director Giuseppe Tornadore, who has directed famous films such as The Pianist and La Sicilia, is having trouble filming his new film.

The original heroine unexpectedly withdrew from the crew, but even if a well-known director's new film needs to find an actress temporarily, there are countless European actresses competing for it.

It happened that news about Leo and Miriam was flying all over the place some time ago, which made Tornatore notice this girl with extraordinary appearance.

Everything went so smoothly. The great director's new film was in urgent need of a "vase" to save it. Miriam also cherished this opportunity to be on the big screen.

Miriam, who had just finished filming a TV series, entered the film and television industry in one step.

So it's a pity that she can't accompany Leo to China this time.

Career is the most important thing, and Leo also expressed his understanding of this.

In early August 2012, all members of the Inter Milan first team arrived at the Capital International Airport in China safely.

(End of this chapter)