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Chapter 154 High EQ and Low EQ

"Fuck! You spoke to me in that tone! FUCK! FUCK!!"

Jonathan Hall flew into a rage in his office, using profanity to vent his anger.

He had just received a call from Wang Lie's agent, Fernando Clemente.

On the phone, Clement clearly told Wang Lie that he would not consider returning to Sofo United. For him, the chapter of Sofo United had been turned over, and he now only wanted to lead Tyne forward.

There was nothing wrong with the content of these words, except that they were a little too direct and frank. If they were other more diplomatic players, they might have thanked Jonathan Hall for the invitation, talked about their relationship with Sofia United, and finally declined tactfully, saying that they had a contract with Tyne and had no intention of leaving before the contract expired.

Wang Lie's agent rejected Hall so directly.

But this was no reason to make Hall so angry.

What made him unhappy was that Clement's tone when he said this was full of frivolity and a little mockery.

It feels like I’m just short of saying, “It turns out that Wang has to score six goals against you before you lower your heads and talk to us.”

Obviously, his approach of "letting bygones be bygones" and lowering his posture to fully demonstrate his goodwill was not understood and respected.

Instead, he made himself a joke.

Hall had already begun to think about whether he should reveal this matter at an appropriate time to make it another proof of Wang Lie's "ingratitude".

It was actually Hall's sudden idea to contact Wang Lie's agent.

It can be regarded as a "remedial measure" for him to avoid the fire being diverted to himself after Helden was fired.

If he could really convince Wang Lie to return to Sofu League, then no one would mention the "bad thing" that caused him to drive Wang Lie away.

Although he failed, at least it proved that he had tried his best, and he could also give himself extra points by showing it off to others.

The reason why it was a sudden decision was that inviting Wang Lie back was not actually an urgent need for the team.

What is more urgent is the selection of the head coach.

Because the decision to fire Helden was sudden, the club was not prepared for it and there was too much work to do.

Helden has been fired, but it's not just him who has been fired, but also his own coaching team.

In order to prevent the team's daily training from being paralyzed, he first needs to find a temporary head coach, and secondly he needs to find a formal successor.

After venting his emotions, Hall called Danilo Lindsay, the second assistant coach on the team's original coaching staff.

※※※

Lindsay finally received a call from the club's general manager.

He had actually been waiting for this call since Helden was announced to be fired.

So he wasn't surprised to get the call from Hall.

He even felt that Hall's call was a little late - Heldon had already resigned, but the team's training had to continue. He came to the club's training base today to lead the team's training based entirely on his professional ethics and accomplishments.

With Helden and his coaching staff all leaving, someone has to take charge.

He started working by assuming that he was the candidate.

But if the club doesn't give him an explanation in time, then he will be in a state of turmoil and this will not last long.

He originally planned to wait until he finished work today. If the club still didn't come to find him, he would take the initiative to find the club. He had to get tomorrow's work done, right?
"The club is well aware of your contribution and affection to the team, Danilo," Hall said on the phone.

Lindsay actually didn't want to hear this nonsense, so she just wanted to get straight to the point.

But he still had to pretend to be very touched and said: "Thank you club..."

After some meaningless socializing, Hall finally revealed his real purpose for looking for Lindsay:

"Herden and his coaching team have left, but you don't belong to them. Strictly speaking, you are one of us. When you joined Helden's coaching team, the club hoped to maintain the genes of our Sofia United in his coaching team...so the decision to fire Helden's coaching team does not include you. Not only that, I also want to tell you that the club has decided to let you serve as the interim head coach during the transition period. We will continue to look for a successor, but we will also keep a close eye on your work. If you do a good job in the remaining time, the club will also consider making you a permanent head coach directly..."

That’s what Danilo Lindsay wanted to hear.

Just as McNeill said, his chance has come!

It is difficult to expect Sofia United to overtake Tyne in the league, but if he can lead the team to achieve good results in the Europa League or win the FA Cup, then perhaps he can conquer the club management with practical actions?
Become the head coach of Sofia United next season!
Thinking of this, he said to Hall excitedly: "Don't worry, Mr. Hall. I have the Soflian gene in me, and I will do my best for this team."

Hall thanked Lindsay again for his work and ended the call.

Danilo Lindsay put down his phone and waved his fist.

He finally waited for this opportunity.

Although he knew that he was just a fire-fighting coach during the transition period.

But didn’t Hall say that?

As long as you do a good job, you will have the opportunity to become a regular employee.

This is his goal.

McNeill's achievements at Tyne were also an encouragement to him.

Although he was an assistant coach of the team before, he has always been working hard to improve himself with the goal of becoming the head coach.

Now is the time to test the results of your hard work over the years.

※※※

After hanging up the phone, Hall found Sam McNeill's name in the address book and dialed the number.

After the phone rang several times and was still not answered, Hall frowned slightly.

Just when he was about to hang up and call again, the call was finally connected.

※※※

McNeill stared at the name displayed on his mobile phone screen for a long time.

He really didn't expect Jonathan Hall to call him.

Because the two have not been in contact since he left Sofia United.

When he first saw Hall's name, he couldn't understand why the general manager of Sofia United would call him.

Then he suddenly figured it out, but was shocked by the result of his own guess:
No way?
Isn't it?

Is Jonathan Hall here to find a new head coach for Sofia United?
With this in mind, McNeill still answered the phone - he was really curious now and wanted to verify his thoughts through Jonathan Hall's call.

"Mr. Hall?"

※※※

Jonathan Hall was delighted when he heard McNeill on the other end of the phone call call out his name.

This means McNeill still has his contact information!

That means you have a chance!

If calling Wang Lie's agent seemed like a sudden idea, then contacting McNeill was definitely not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

In fact, he had even gone to get information about McNeill before this, fearing that this person might have some conflicts with the club...

At the beginning, the club really wanted to train him as the future head coach. However, he did not follow the club's arrangements and develop step by step, but left the club.

Hall wanted to find out if there was any hidden reason behind McNeill's departure from the club.

Is he dissatisfied with the club's training plan for him? Does he want to become the head coach of the Sofia United first team directly?

After investigation, no conflict was found between the club and McNeill.

When McNeil left, he had no complaints about the club. Of course, these are the conclusions drawn by Hall based on some public information and investigations with club staff - in fact, direct questions.

There is no guarantee that McNeill really has no grudges against the club.

Hearing McNeill calling out his name right away, Hall heaved a sigh of relief and felt better. A smile naturally appeared in his tone: "I'm glad you still have my contact information, Sam. We haven't been in touch since you left the club... I'm very happy to see that you have succeeded in Tyne. No matter where you are, the club will regard you as a part of Sofia United..."

"Thank you for your compliment, Mr. Hall. I am also always proud of the Soflian imprint on me."

Although Hall didn't get to the point, after listening to his flattery, McNeill was basically certain of the other party's intentions.

If he didn't need anything from me, would he have nothing better to do than to call me and praise me?

But he was not in a hurry and just chatted with the other party about this and that - he was different from Wang Lie, so there was no need to make enemies everywhere, and there was no need to ruin his relationship with Hall.

After all, he really wants to return to Sofia to coach in the future. Who knows if Jonathan Hall will still be the general manager of Sofia by then?

If you offend someone now, how embarrassing it will be in the future?
McNeill was dealing with Hall in the spirit of not offending anyone, but Hall heard the hidden meaning from him - he was proud of his Soflian imprint! Sure enough, this was the reaction of a normal person, not like Wang who was ungrateful and heartless!
He was happy, Mr. Hall was happy.

So the smile on his face became even more intense, and he felt that what he was about to say became more convincing:
"I'm really happy to hear you say that. So as the general manager of Sofo United, I extend a formal and sincere invitation to you, Sam. I hope you can return to Sofo United at the end of this season."

Sure enough, here it comes.

Hearing this, McNeill said in his heart.

But he still pretended to be surprised and asked, "Return to Sofu Union?"

"Yes, return to Sofia United and become the head coach of your former team. As far as I know, the contract you signed with Tyne has an additional condition. Whether you can continue to coach Tyne next season depends on your performance this season... Yes, I know that you have achieved very good results, and I think Tyne will be very happy to fulfill the contract with you for the next year. But in fact, whether to continue coaching Tyne is in your hands. You can choose to accept Tyne's contract or not."

When Sam McNeill signed with Tyne, he was also a fire-fighting coach. Before that, he had never coached a Premier League team, so it was naturally impossible for the Tyne club to give him a long-term contract.

So the two parties signed a "+1" contract - first McNeill will lead the team until the end of this season. If he can successfully lead the team to relegation, then he will be eligible to activate the additional clause and coach the entire next season.

This is a contract for one year and seven months.

This type of contract is not uncommon in football and is quite normal.

"Of course I can understand that Tyneside might be able to participate in the Champions League next season, which is attractive enough. But Sofia United may not be without a chance - if we win the Europa League final, it will be the same. And even if there is no Champions League, I believe Sofia United is a more suitable platform for you to show your talents, because Sofia United is one of the top clubs in England! And we all know that it has always been your wish to coach Sofia United. Now, Sam, this wish will come true! You can be the helmsman of this team, and you will become a legend of the club forever at the Red Stone Stadium!"

To be honest, Jonathan Hall's words were passionate and quite contagious.

As he spoke, McNeill remained smiling, silent, and did not interrupt.

This is politeness and respect, or it is his style of doing things, maintaining his demeanor and not offending others easily.

However, when he heard the last sentence "You will become an eternal legend of the club at Red Rock Stadium", he couldn't help laughing out loud.

Because he remembered that the last club legend who had his name carved on the wall of the Red Stone Stadium was now in his team...

So when he heard this, he found it so ironic.

It gave him a sense of humor - for Mr. Hall, becoming a legend of the Soflian was not necessarily a good thing!

Fortunately, his laughter did not arouse Hall's suspicion. Perhaps the general manager of Sofia United Club thought that McNeill's laughter expressed joy and happiness.

He then waited expectantly for McNeill's answer.

McNeill also felt that there was no need to continue wasting time. The other party had stated his purpose, and he should give him a clear answer.

Not offending anyone is one thing, but it does not mean you have to be ambiguous and try to lure the other party.

He doesn't want to be remembered by Jonathan Hall all the time...

So he stopped laughing, coughed lightly and said:

"I really appreciate your attention and affirmation to me, Mr. Hall. Indeed, being able to become the head coach of the Sofia United first team is my goal as a head coach. I have also been working hard for this goal, both when I went to Scotland and when I came to Newcastle..."

Hearing this, Jonathan Hall was not only not happy, but his mood gradually cooled down, because usually when the negotiating partner first praises him, he will say "but" next...

really.

"But I don't think I'm ready yet. I've only coached the team in the Premier League for half a season, and I don't have a convincing enough resume. And to coach a top team, a solid resume is absolutely crucial..."

Hall interrupted McNeill quickly: "Oh no, no, Sam. It's not like that. If it were someone else, coaching Sofia, a good resume would be very important. But it's different for you. You came from Sofia. You have Sofia's red blood flowing in your body, and you have Sofia's genes in your body. You are one of us. As long as you are in the locker room, you are enough to intimidate everyone, and no one can hurt your authority!"

McNeill did not respond to Hall's words, but continued to explain the reasons for his refusal:
"One more thing, I'm doing pretty well in Tyne. I've brought a relegation team to where it is now, and this is just the beginning. I can't bear to give up my career in Tyne. I'm ready with the Tyne club to make a big splash next season. So I won't leave Tyne after this season. Thank you very much for your respect for me, Mr. Hall, but I'm sorry that I can't promise you. Coaching at Sofia United is my goal, but it's not my current plan."

The words were very clear and Hall understood them clearly.

He didn't expect that although McNeill's tone was tactful, his refusal was so straightforward.

But he still wanted to struggle: "Actually, you can think about it again, Sam. I don't necessarily need your answer now. At least until the end of this season, Lindsay will temporarily lead the team..."

McNeill said: "In fact, Danilo is very suitable for the current head coach of Sofia United. Why can't the club give him more trust and make him the regular coach?"

Jonathan Hall prevaricated, "Of course, the club will also consider Lindsay. However, I prefer you, Sam. You and I will definitely cooperate happily and lead the old giant Sofia United to become great again!"

McNeill doesn't buy into Hall's "poisonous chicken soup" at all:
"what!"

Then he said directly: "I'm sorry, Mr. Hall. I have something else to do here, so you see..."

Hall knew that the other party was ordering him to leave, so he said, "I still hope that you can think about it carefully, Sam. I am waiting for your reply at any time."

"Actually, that's not necessary, Mr. Hall. I don't want to waste your time. After all, finding a new head coach is a very energy-consuming and time-consuming task. If you spend too much time on the wrong candidate, you may miss the right one."

After finally hanging up the phone, Sam McNeill breathed a sigh of relief - dealing with Hall really took up a lot of energy. It was not easy to not offend him and to make a clear refusal at the same time.

He really envied Wang Lie for being able to completely disregard other people's feelings and insist on doing his own thing...

If it was Wang Lie, the call would probably have ended in ten seconds:

"Not interested. Goodbye."

In a gregarious society, it is truly remarkable that Wang Lie has been able to live so frankly and directly for decades...

※※※

Jonathan Hall looked at his phone which had gone off. His grim face was reflected on the black screen.

His brows were furrowed, his lower lip was bitten, and his eyes were fierce.

This makes the general manager of the Sofa League club completely different from his image in the outside world.

He looked like a trapped beast that was running into obstacles everywhere.

Being humiliated by Wang Lie's agent and rejected by the new head coach candidate he liked...

He endured it again and again, but finally did not become the "desktop cleaning master". Instead, he leaned back in his chair, sighed, and closed his eyes in pain.

※※※

PS, Happy New Year to everyone!

In addition, our double monthly ticket event has also begun, and the prizes are illustrations and photos.

The specific event details are as follows:

From January 1st to the end of the double monthly votes at midnight on January 1th, the top three friends who voted in the monthly vote list during this period will directly receive a signed illustration photo.

The remaining seven illustrations are drawn from the monthly ticket numbers - if the results are the same as the top three, then the duplicate draw will be excluded.

Then I will issue a single chapter to publicize the winning monthly ticket numbers.

(The monthly ticket number can be found in the "Monthly Ticket Album" in the upper right corner of the monthly ticket voting interface)
After I announce the monthly ticket number in a single chapter, please contact the administrator in the full subscription group 5 days after the announcement, that is, before the update at 13:8 on the 00th, and register your mailing address. I will then send the photos to you.

Thank you for your support and participation!

(End of this chapter)